Personal Note: This reviewer was obtained from different sources.

Tips came from me and some stellar

friends. I have modified this for myself. This had been significantly helpful when I was taking CETs for
different universities. For math and science, kindly refer to the other files included. Please do not reproduce
without my permission. If you happen to know anyone who needs this reviewer, please kindly send a
request to my email: rccaguliodo@[Link]. Good luck!

GENERAL TIPS
BEFORE THE EXAM
1. Take note of application dates and deadlines for each university you’re planning to apply
for. Regularly check the university’s website or follow their social media page for application
updates.
2. Once the application is open, download the forms and fill it out carefully and honestly.
- Make a checklist of all requirements.
- Some requirements are to be requested in your school (Form 138-A, Form 137-A, Certificate
of Good Moral, Certification of Candidacy for Graduation, etc.) and may take days or week
before you can claim so it’s advisable to process them as early as possible.
- Some universities require documents that will show the family’s financial status (ITR, BIR
Certificate of Exemption from Filing, Certificate of Indigency, etc.) so better process this ahead
of time.
- Some universities like ADMU require recommendation letters from teachers. Choose the
teacher that has known you for a couple of years and would gladly recommend you. Give them
enough time to finish it and be polite in asking.
- Print a LOT of your own ID pictures in different sizes (1x1, 2x2, passport size)
3. Check the coverage of the College Entrance Test you’re planning to take. CETs are generally a
summary of the basics you’ve learned in high school. Outline possible topics.
4. Review centers are not necessary but they can help. It can help you head start your review
especially when you don’t know where to start. Before enrolling in a review center, consider your
financial capability and check the review center’s reputation. There are a lot of them so if you’re
going to invest, make sure to pick the best. Review centers will work best when paired with self-
review. Review centers won’t give everything to you in a matter of days, weeks or months so you
have to help yourself.
5. Know your basics very well because there is no easy way. Everything that will come out in the test
is something you have already discussed in high school.
6. There are a lot of reviewers available online. Download them for self-review.
7. Do not study a night before the test. Just rest your brain and pray.
DURING THE EXAM
1. Manage your time effectively. Some examinees don’t finish the test on time commonly because
of focusing on one question. Skip hard questions and get back to them when you have answered
everything.
2. Don’t panic. Stay calm to avoid mental block.
AFTER THE EXAM
1. PRAY!

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UPCAT Facts, Figures and Information
What is the UPCAT?
Being the premier State University, the University of the Philippines offers a wide range of degree
programs. Most of the programs require qualification through the UP College Admission Test, or more
popularly known as the UPCAT. To maintain its high standard of education and to maximize its limited
resources, UP has had to limit slots for freshman admission to each campus and to its various degree
programs thus a screening process is necessary for UP to distribute these slots.
If you decide to take the UPCAT, you will be among the tens of thousands students who will be
vying for the more or less 13,000 slots for UP. Last year, the number of examinees was more than 80,000
(there were only over 70,000 examinees in the previous years). As you might have noticed, the competition
in the UPCAT is very tough.
Coverage of the UPCAT
The UPCAT consists of 4 subtests: Language Proficiency, Science, Mathematics, and Reading
Comprehension. Each subject covers most of the topics that you have taken during your high school years.
Here are the subtopics that are included in the test:

Language Proficiency and Reading Comprehension

• Vocabulary • Grammar • Reading Comprehension • Filipino
 Word Meanings  Parts of Speech  Essays  Wastong Gamit
 Spelling  Correct Usage  Getting the Main Idea  Bahagi ng Pananalita
 Synonyms  Punctuation  Giving Titles  Sawikain o Idioma
 Antonyms  Capitalization  Sequence of Events  Tayutay
 Subject-verb Agreement  Poetry  Paksa ng Talata
 Sentence Construction  Short stories
 Sentence Correction  Speeches
 Voice (active and  Comic Strips (Note: The Filipino part is
passive)  Figures of Speech integrated with the Language
 Point of Views Proficiency and Reading
 Meaning Through Comprehension subtests)
Context Clues
 Drawing Conclusions
 Inference
 Facts and Opinion
Mathematics Science
• Arithmetic and Number • Geometry • Earth Science and • Chemistry
Series  Reasoning Astronomy  Precision and Accuracy
• Algebra  Definitions, Postulates  Rocks and Minerals  Conversion of Units
 Signed Numbers and Theorems  The Layers of the Earth  Matter
 Algebraic Expressions  Angles and its Composition  Solutions
 Equations and  Parallel and  Land Formations and  States of Matter
Inequalities Perpendicular Lines Bodies of Water  The Periodic Table
 Quadratic Equations  Triangles and Triangle  Layers of the  Electronic Configuration
 Systems of Equation Postulates and Atmosphere and Quantum Numbers
 Polynomials Theorems (ASA, SSS,  Climate, Weather  Nuclear Reactions
 Functions and Relations etc.)  Fossils  Chemical Reactions
 Fractions  Quadrilaterals and Other  Plate Tectonics  Stoichiometry
 Cartesian Coordinate Polygons  Earthquakes  Gas Laws
System (Graphing)  Area and Volume  Volcanoes  Redox Reactions
 Word Problems  Circles • Biology  Basic Organic Chemistry
 Laws of Exponents and • Trigonometry  Ecosystems • Physics
Logarithms  Basic Trigonometry  Taxonomy  Scalar and Vector
 Radicals  Basic Identities  Biogeochemical Cycles Quantities
 Sets and Set Notation • Statistics  Plants and  Laws of Motion
 Complex Numbers  Measures of Central Photosynthesis  Forces
 Sequences and Series Tendency (Mean,  Animal Biology  Work, Power and Energy
Median, Mode)  Cell Biology  Fluid Mechanics
 Fundamental Counting  Genetics and Heredity  Light, Sound and Waves
Principle  Human Anatomy  Electricity and
 Permutations and Magnetism
Combinations  Thermodynamics
 Probability

UPG Computation
The University Predicted Grade (UPG) is the basis used by UP in ranking all of the applicants. UP

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combines several factors such as UPCAT test scores, high school grades, geographical location with
respect to campus applied for, nature of high school attended, etc. A rating of 1.000 (highest) to 5.000
(lowest) is then given to a student.
But the UPG, simply put, is just comprised of the following:
• UPCAT test scores which amounts to about 60% of the UPG
• Grade 9-11 high school grades, which is roughly about 40% of the UPG.
To obtain the final UPG, other factors are integrated by either adding or subtracting a fraction of a point
from the initially computed UPG.
Qualifying for a Campus
When you fill up your application form, you need to choose two campuses from among ten other
campuses (Diliman, Manila, Los Baños, Cebu, Baguio, Iloilo, Mindanao, Pampanga, Tacloban and Open
University). You will then be ranked based on your UPGs and then be screened based on your choice of
campus. The cut-off for different campuses changes every year.
In 2019, the campus with the highest UPG cut-off is UP Manila, followed by Diliman and Los Baños.
It is harder to get into campuses with higher UPG cut-offs than campuses with lower UPG cut-offs. You
should be wise on what you put on your campus choices in your application as this plays a major factor in
your probability of passing the UPCAT.
Qualifying for a Degree Program
Aside from having to choose two campuses, you are also to choose four degree programs per
campus as part of the application. After qualifying for a campus, you are then screened for acceptance into
one of the degree programs you chose. Each degree program uses a different grade predictor which uses
the UPCAT subtest scores, depending on the focus subject of the program. Campus qualifiers are ranked
according to the degree program predictor. Top-ranking qualifiers are accepted according to the number of
slots available for a program. Thus the number of applicants for the degree program and the program quota
matters.
As an illustration, admission to Engineering programs would require a high math and science
subtest score. In contrast, Mass Communications degree will require a high subtest score in Language and
Reading Comprehension.
If you make it to the quota for your first choice program, you will no longer be screened for your
second choice. If you don’t make it to your first choice of degree program, you will undergo the same
screening process for your second choice and so on. If you still do not make it, you will remain qualified for
that campus but must then find a degree program that can accommodate you.
Truths & Myths About Non-Quota Course
Myth: Choosing a Non-Quota course will make it easier for you to enter UP.
Truth: You have to qualify first for a CAMPUS before you are screened for the degree program.
Your UPG should first make the cut-off for a particular UP campus that you applied for before you
are considered for a degree program. If your UPG doesn’t make it to the campus cut-off, then there’s no
point to screen you for the program. Thus, CHOOSE YOUR CAMPUS WISELY first; the course is
secondary.
As previously discussed in qualifying for a degree program, if you made it to a campus but did not make it
to the program cut-off, you will get a result of “Degree Program with Available Slot (DPWAS or DPAS). The
campus you qualified into will find a program that can accommodate you.
Under Represented Areas
In its efforts to provide slots for underrepresented areas, UP implemented the Excellence-Equity
Admissions System (EEAS). One of the ways UP did this is to allot only 70% of the slots to those who
qualified based entirely on their UPG ranking. The remaining 30% is then allotted to underrepresented
areas in the country.
Here’s an example: If the cut-off for UP Diliman is 2.2, the campus allots 70% of the slots to those
who have above that UPG. UP Diliman then uses a deep selection parameter of 0.1. The absolute cut-off
will then be 2.3 and this will be the cut-off used for students from underprivileged high schools and
underrepresented areas.
Pabigat & Palugit
The UP admissions system includes several bonuses and penalties on the UPG:
Palugit: A bonus of 0.05 is given to the UPG of applicants coming from public barangay, public vocational
and public general high schools, excluding those administered by state universities and colleges and

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science high schools. A palugit of the same amount is also given to applicants who are legitimate members
of cultural minorities.
Pabigat: A penalty of 0.05 is given to the UPG of applicants who apply for regional campuses not within
their geographical area as his second choice campus. One example is a student from Luzon choosing UP
Cebu as his second choice campus. If that student chose UP Cebu as his first choice, although coming
from Luzon, he will not have a pabigat.
Is the Test Right Minus Wrong?
The UPCAT differs from the other entrance test because it deducts 0.25 or ¼ of a point if you
answered an item incorrectly. In a way, you are slightly penalized for a wrong answer. Note however that
you do not get a deduction if you leave an item blank. The question now is should you guess or should
you leave an item blank if you don’t know the answer? It would be better if you can eliminate a wrong
answer before guessing so that your chance of getting the correct answer is increased because any item
left blank is scored zero (0).

UPCAT TIPS 2020

The University of the Philippines College Admission Test (UPCAT) is among the array of the most
comprehensive and most difficult college entrance test in the Philippines. It is composed of four subtests
namely: Language Proficiency, Science, Math, and Reading Comprehension.
Before the Exam:
1. Condition your mind that you have to review for college because you only have two options: to
make it or break it.
2. Know your goals and stick to it.
a. Do you want to be accepted to the program of your choice? Then review well and according
to the skills required to enter your dream program. Applying for a BS program? Then do
well especially in Math and Science.
3. Take a mock test to discover which field is your strength or weakness. A lot of it is available online.
You may follow @UPCATQuestion @UpcatFairy on twitter for additional reviewers and to answer
more of your queries about the UPCAT or go to [Link]
4. After taking a mock test, you have two options: to do well and get a perfect score in the field of your
strength or to be versatile at all fields by conquering your weakness.
5. Schedule your reviews. Make your personal calendar to keep you guided. Spend at least 30mins
of super study session each day or if you want to review all day, spend a maximum of 15-min break
after 2 hours. Do anything that does not use much of your brain. The brain cannot take much of an
information if it’s overloaded. You can sing or dance, draw, just anything to relax your mind.
Consistency is key.
SUN MON TUE WED THR FRI SAT
Rest Subject-Verb Parts of Speech Correct Usage Spelling Vocabulary Test Rest
Agreement
Rest Locating the Finding the Error Figures of Classification of Ecosystems Rest
Main Idea Speech Living Things
Rest Basic Concepts Laws of Motion The Mole Forces Work and Energy Rest
of Matter Concept
6. Have a good sleep each day and review based on your routine. Knowing the time at which you are
very much comfortable to take in information does a lot of work. As for me, the best time to study
is at 4am to 6am.
Time Brain Function
4am – 6am 100%
6am – 7:30pm 50%
Night Time 20%
Brain Oxygen Level
Breakfast 60-80%
Lunch 10-20%
Dinner 30-40%
Brain Boosting Exercise
1. Do a breathing exercise in the morning and evening for 20 minutes
2. Drink 8-10 glasses of water daily
3. Do regular prayers and meditation
4. Have a balanced diet
Nutritions for the Brain
Protein, Calcium, Omega 3, B Complex, Lecithin, Honey, Bee Pollen, Ginko Biloba
Source: [Link]/jingcastanedaABSCBN
7. Take mock tests after studying. Answer swiftly but carefully. Have your own timer because the
UPCAT is a time pressure test.
8. Listen well to your lessons in class and scan your notes regularly.
9. In reviewing, do not memorize. Familiarize the concept behind and make sure you’re learning.

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 PRO Tip 1: For mathematical formulae, use flashcards for better memory retention.
PRO Tip 2: Strategize. Make your own mnemonics or use different styles in reviewing that
will use all your senses: you can record what you’re reading and listen to it at any time of the day,
you can read it out loud or just anything that can help you familiarize the concept better.
PRO Tip 3: After reading your review material, write down notes and write the concept
using your own words to check your understanding of the topic. Include examples to associate your
new knowledge to the existing ones. The real goal of taking the CET is not just to pass and enter
college but to review your basics in preparation for the courses.
PRO Tip 4: Connection is key. Ask for CET reviewers from your seniors or share review
materials from your classmates or friends who enrolled in a review center. You may also review
with them through a group discussion.
10. After reading about all topics under one subtest, begin answering practice questions. There will be
items in which you have no idea so search the answer to the unfamiliar question right away.
11. Review your notes one week before the test and make sure you have covered everything 2 days
before the test.
12. It will be hard to review during school days because you might be bombarded with requirements.
Just manage your time efficiently and scan your reviewers during free time. It can be after taking
lunch or if the professor is not around. You can also listen to your audio records while going to
school.
13. KEEP YOURSELF MOTIVATED AND STAY HYDRATED.
On the Day of the Exam:
1. Eat a healthy breakfast. Cut down on sugar because it can make you sleepy.
2. Wear clothes for hot and cold. Decent shirt and pants will be fine. Make sure you’re comfortable
with what you’re wearing. Bring an extra jacket in case the temperature inside your test center goes
down below zero.
3. Bring a wristwatch. This will help you be aware of the time left for you to answer the test. Although
wearing a watch isn’t allowed during the UPCAT, you can use this tip in taking other CETs.
4. Prepare all the requirements the night before the exam.
5. Come really early to avoid traffic and to have time to find your testing room. When I took the UPCAT,
my schedule was at 6am but I arrived on the testing center at 4:30am.
During the Exam:
1. Confidence is key. BELIEVE that you’re ready.
2. Turn off your phone.
3. Listen carefully to the instructor.
4. Have a short personal prayer minutes before the start of the test.
5. Relax. Take a deep breath. Do not panic. You’ve prepared for it for months. Do your best.
TEST-TAKING TIPS
1. Don’t leave any question unanswered. The UPCAT pointing system is 1 right-0.25 wrong. Any item
left blank is considered wrong.
2. Use the process of elimination.
3. Make an educated guess if you don’t know the answer.
4. In reading comprehension, look at the question first and just scan or skim the text in looking for the
answer. Some texts in UPCAT appear really interesting, you can be distracted but DON’T read
everything.
5. Keep track of the time at all times. Skip hard questions, put a mark before the number on the
answer sheet and go back to them if you have the luxury of time (which is rare in taking the UPCAT).
6. If you feel burdened or pressure, rest for a really short moment, take deep breaths and continue
answering.
7. Do not TALK.
After the Exam:
1. Take a deep breath. Stretch your arms. Relax.
2. Smile because you finished answering the deadliest college entrance test a Filipino college student
has ever take.
3. You have reviewed for the exam and you made it ‘til the last. Don’t stress it out because you did
your best.
4. Stop any discussion about the contents of the test. It will just give you a headache.
5. Treat yourself. Eat your comfort food and have fun!
6. Considering the number of UPCAT takers, the test-takers are divided into four batches. Day 1 AM
& PM, Day 2 AM & PM. Do yourself a favor by not leaking the content of the test. Remember,
UPCAT is still a competitive exam. Your co-takers are literally your enemy. The best scorer earns
an advantage.

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 7. Fret not! Whether you pass or fail, God has better plans for you!

LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY
IDENTIFYING SENTENCE ERROR
1. Read the sentence all the way through.
2. Check each underlined word/phrase.
3. Confirm why the word/phrase you picked is wrong.
VOCABULARY TEST TIPS
1. Beware of the “obvious” answer.
2. Don’t forget your “root words”.
3. Remember the affixes.
TIPS TO IMPROVE READING COMPREHENSION
1. Look at the question first
a. Giving titles
b. Getting the main idea
c. Identifying the details
d. Drawing conclusions
e. Making predictions
f. Sequencing events
SEQUENCING TECHNIQUES
1. Check the choices first

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PARTS OF SPEECH
A. NOUN - is the name of a person, place, thing, quality, activity, concepts and etc. used as a subject
Common: the label for non-specific member of man, novelist, country, city, religion
a category Note: Common noun is never capitalized
Proper: the label for a specific member of a Cary Grant, Ernest Hemingway, Mongolia,
category Horseheads, Roman Catholicism
Abstract: the name of a non-tangible thing, an violence, empathy, catastrophe
idea
Concrete: the name of something one can prune, aroma, fire, violin
sense
Collective: the name of a group, written as a committee, jury, army, club, team, class, murder
common noun and in the singular. Collective of crows, pride of lions, exaltation of larks, pod of
nouns may be consistently singular (referring to a whales
unit) or consistently plural (referring to
individuals)
Nouns can be SINGULAR or PLURAL.
PLURAL Nouns indicate more than one, and most form the plural by adding –s.
• Nouns ending in s, sh, ch, or x form the plural by adding –es.
Ex. bus → buses
bush → bushes
church → churches
box → boxes
• Most nouns ending in f drop the f and add –ves.
Ex. loaf → loaves
wharf → wharves
• Nouns ending in a consonant + y drop the y and add –ies.
Ex. baby → babies
sky → skies
• Nouns ending in an o preceded by a vowel add –s.
Ex. video → videos
stereo → stereos
• Nouns ending in an o preceded by a consonant add –es.
Ex. hero → heroes
potato → potatoes
• HYPHENATED COMPOUNDS add –s to the main word.
Ex. brother-in-law → brothers-in-law
maid-of-honor → maids-of-honor
Several nouns have irregular plural forms. Some nouns keep their Latin or Greek form in the plural.
man = men foot = feet psychosis = bacterium = bacteria graffito = graffiti
woman = women tooth = teeth psychoses medium = media soprano = soprani
goose = geese criterion = criteria chateau = chateaux alumnus = alumni concerto = concerti
ox = oxen crisis = crises beau = beaux alumna = alumnae cherub = cherubim
child = children tableau = tableaux stratus = strata seraph = seraphim
datum = data
APPOSITIVES are noun phrases that can come before or after other nouns or pronouns to explain or
describe them.
Ex. A miniature black poodle, Kaycee’s dog is very cuddly.
Klent, my friend, is on the varsity basketball team.
NOUN CASES
A. Nominative (Subjective) Case
Used for the subject of a verb (The lamp burned out.)
Used for direct address (John, come here.)
Used for an appositive of a subject (My friend, Bill, died.)
Used for predicate nominative (The last caller was Mary.)

B. Objective Case
Used for the direct object of a verb (I need a new lamp.)
Used for the indirect object of a verb (Give them the money.)

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Used for the object of a preposition (Give the money to them.)
Used for the subject of an infinitive (I need her to help the girls.)
Used for an objective complement (They elected him chairman.)
Note: The nominative and objective cases use the noun’s same form.

C. Possessive (Genetive) Case:

Used to show ownership. In the noun, the possessive case is the only case with a distinct ending added
to the noun.
Usually, add ‘s to a If the singular noun ends in For plural nouns for plural nouns
singular noun to form “s,” one may form the ending in “s,” ending in a consonant
the possessive case: possessive either with add just the other than “s,” add ‘s
‘s or just the apostrophe: apostrophe for to form the
the possessive possessive case:
Bill = Bill’s Marks = Marks’s or Marks’ case;
poet = poet’s Gauss = Gauss’s or Gauss’ boys = boys’ men = men’s
goddess = goddess’s Klaus = Klaus’s or Klaus’ classes = classes’ women = women’s

B. PRONOUN - is a word substituting for a noun or another pronoun.

ANTECEDENT - The noun for which the pronoun is a substitute is. The antecedent must always be a
single word, either stated or implied. Sometimes, the antecedent can follow the pronoun.
Ex. Mark said that he would be late. The pronoun “he” substitutes for the noun “Mark.”
After he built the fire, Chuck died. The pronoun “he” comes before its antecedent, “Chuck.”
Demonstrative: point to something this, these; that, those
Interrogative: ask questions who? which? what? whose? whom?
Reciprocal: express mutual action or each other; one another
relationship
Indefinite: may also be a subjective pronoun, Anyone can participate in the discussion.
makes a general rather than a specific reference. Everybody is invited to the party.
Nobody will fail the test.
Someone will meet you at lunch.
Reflexive: repeat or intensify the antecedent I, myself, is a critic of the government.
You, yourself, don’t know where to start.
We, ourselves, must learn to use Filipino.
Relative: begins a modifying clause The library that Cheska designed is featured in an
architectural magazine.
(who, whom, whose, which, what that) Missy, who also designed other public buildings, is
gaining popularity in her field.
The museum, which house many historical
collections, attracts many visitors.
The museum staff, whose credentials are
impeccable, conducts regular tours.

PRONOUN CASES:

Nominative - can function as Possessive - demonstrates Objective - can function as a

the subject of the sentence ownership of things direct object, an indirect object
the object of proposition or the
subject of an infinitive
I, you, he, she, it, we, they, who my, mine, your, yours, her, hers, me, you, him, her, it, us, them,
its, our, ours, their, theirs, whose whom
She fed the dog. My printer is not functioning well. Mr. Santos called him at night.
It got extremely large. I will borrow her printer. Yssa gave him the message.
They went swimming. The printer is hers. Gab gave copies of the message
He got fired. May I use your printer? to them.
The group expects him to
respond.

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Note: The possessive case of personal pronouns does not use the apostrophe.

ANTECEDENT AGREEMENT
• A pronoun and its antecedent must have the same number and gender.
• Replace a singular, masculine noun (boy) with a singular, masculine pronoun (he):
Ex. The boy said he was sick.
• Replace a singular, feminine noun (daughter) with a singular, feminine pronoun (she):
Ex. My daughter said she was prepared.
PROBLEM WITH PRONOUN AGREEMENT AND REFERENCE
Finding the antecedent can be a problem because of:
a) Unclear, Distant, or Ambiguous Pronoun Reference:
Ex. John told Bill he was unprepared. (Who was unprepared?)
The coach, along with the team members, staff, and volunteers, brought his lunch. (The pronoun
“his” refers to “coach.”)
b) A Collective Noun Antecedent:
Ex. The committee is preparing its work. (“Committee” is seen as a Single body; thus, the pronoun
referring to “committee” is singular (“its”), as is the verb “is.”)
The committee are divided on their views. (“Committee” here is Seen as individuals; thus, the
pronoun referring to “committee” and the verb “are” are plural.)
c) Several Possible Antecedents:
Ex. Neither Mary nor her sisters offered their help.
Neither her sisters nor Mary offered her help. (Pronouns “either” and “neither” are singular; the
antecedent is one or the other term, but not both. Thus, choose the closer
antecedent to determine the number of the pronoun.)
d) Indefinite Singular Pronoun Antecedents:
Ex. Everybody had better shut his book, or he will be punished. (The pronouns “everyone,”
“everybody,” anyone,” “anybody,” “none,” “nobody,” “someone,” and “somebody” are singular, though
sometimes some seem plural; thus, they take a singular pronoun to replace them in a sentence.)
e) An Antecedent Comes After the Pronoun:
Ex. When they finished, Jack and his brother went home. (The writer must be alert to the
antecedents.)
f) Inconsistent Person:
Ex. In this class, a student must work hard or you will fail. (Note the shift of person from third “student”
to second “you.”)
Be consistent in the person of the noun and pronoun: In this class, a student must work hard or he
will fail.

C. ADJECTIVES – word that describes or modifies a noun by telling type, quantity, or specificity.
• To identify the adjective, take a noun or pronoun and ask, “What kind?” and the answer, be it a
word, phrase, or clause, is an adjective.
• The articles (a, an, the) are always adjectives.
COMPARISON OF ADJECTIVES
A. Positive: an adjective describes one thing and offers no comparison: sweet, fine, intelligent,
B. Comparative: an adjective compares two things only: sweeter, finer, more intelligent, less
beautiful. NOTE: Use “more” or “less” in the comparative degree if the adjective has more than
two syllables; sometimes, either form is acceptable: costlier, more costly.
C. Superlative: an adjective compares more than two things: sweetest, finest, most intelligent,
least beautiful. NOTE: Use “most” or “least” in the superlative degree if the adjective has more
than two syllables.
Irregular Comparatives: Absolute Adjectives: These adjectives never
good, better, best compare because they identify characteristics a
well, better, best person or thing either has or does not have; there are
bad, worse, worst no degrees: dead, alive, pregnant, full, empty,
little, less, least unique, perfect, complete, fatal

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 NOTE: Never use more than one form of the comparative or superlative degree in a sentence.
Wrong: I am more happier than you. Right: I am happier than you.
Wrong: This is the most sweetest fruit I ever Right: This is the sweetest fruit I ever tasted.
TYPES tasted
OF
ADJECTIVES
1. Proper – formed from a proper noun e.g. Filipino, Democratic, Italian
2. Demonstrative – answers the question, which one? e.g. this, that, these, those
3. Descriptive – answers the questions, what kind? e.g. big, red, old, small
4. Quantitative – answers the question, how many? e.g. few, several, four
5. Qualitative – answers the question, how much? e.g. considerable, little, much
6. Predicate – follows any linking or state-of-being verb e.g. The men were sick from COVID.
ORDER OF ADJECTIVES – Determiner, Number (Quantity), Opinion (Quality), Size, Age, Shape, Color,
Origin, Material, Purpose. NOTE: Use the mnemonic DNOSASCOMP.
Determiner – the, a, an, this, that, these, those Color – black, yellow, reddish
Number – one, two, three Origin – Asian, Filipino, Greek
Opinion – cute, pretty, lovely Material – wooden, metal, leather
Size – little, huge, big, enormous Purpose – cooking, writing, washing
Age – ancient, new, old, young Noun – car, table, house
Shape – square, circular, flat

D. ADVERB - is a word, phrase, or clause describing a verb, adjective, or adverb.

Modification of a Verb: ask of the verb how, when, where, why, how much, to what extent, under what
condition or circumstances?
Modification of an Adjective:
Modification of an Adverb: the adverb intensifies or specifies the other adverb.
Modification of a ask of the verb how, when, Jim swam rapidly. (swam how?)
Verb: where, why, how much, to what Jim swam yesterday. (swam when?)
extent, under what condition or Jim swam in the river. (swam where?)
circumstances? Jim swam for exercise. (swam why?)
Jim swam briefly. (swam how much, to what
extent?)
Jim swam despite the chilly weather. (swam
under what condition?)

Modification of an the adverb intensifies or Waldo was positively certain that he fed the
Adjective: specifies the adjective. sapsuckers. (the adverb “positively” intensifies
the adjective “certain.”)
Mildred’s eyes are intensely blue. (the adverb
“intensely” intensifies the adjective “blue.”)
Modification of an the adverb intensifies or Ophelia’s cake baked moderately slowly.
Adverb: specifies the other adverb. (the adverb “moderately” specifies the adverb
“slowly.” How slowly? Moderately slowly.)

POSITIONING ADJECTIVES AND ADVERBS

In English, to avoid confusion and to maintain clarity, place the adjective and adverb word, phrase,
or clause next to or near the word the adjective or adverb describes, modifies.

a. Misplaced Modifiers are adjectives or adverbs placed incorrectly in the sentence

and thus describing the wrong word or idea:
Wrong: Lola almost fed all the dogs. (She almost fed them?)
Right: Lola fed almost all the dogs. (She fed five of six dogs.)

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 b. Squinting Modifiers are adjectives or adverbs placed between two possible words,
either of which the adjective or adverb could describe.
Wrong: Children who need extra help normally are given it. (Do they need help normally or are
given it normally?)
Right: Children who normally need extra help are given it. (Now, “normally” clearly
modifies one concept.)
c. Dangling Modifiers are adjectives or adverbs that modify nothing in the sentence.
Wrong: While dancing the hokey-pokey, the floor gave way. (Oh, really? The floor was
dancing? Who was dancing?)
Right: As we danced the hokey-pokey, the floor gave way. (Now we know who danced.)

E. INTERJECTION - a word or phrase thrown into a sentence to express surprise, anger, glee, or other
emotion, often strong. It is autonomous, bearing no grammatical relationship to other words in a sentence.
The interjection, if strong, is usually followed by an exclamation point and is not normally included in formal
style. A quiet or mild interjection in formal prose is followed by a comma.
Examples:
Ouch! That slap hurt!
Wow! I thought that you died!
Indeed, the proposal was in good order.
Well, the situation never improved.

F. PREPOSITION - a word “pre-posed” or placed before a noun or pronoun to relate that noun or pronoun
to another word in the sentence. Many, but not all, prepositions show a relationship of space or time.
Example: The girl in the lobby is a student. (“in” shows the relationship between “girl” and “lobby.”)
Common Prepositions: in, around, within, with, before, about, up, below, of, through, among, without,
beyond, across, down, except, between, like, according to, after, behind, during, instead of, because,
beside, near, above, against, into, toward, upon, since, over, by, off, past, under, at, form on.
Object of the Preposition: The noun or pronoun that the preposition relates to another word in the
sentence is called the object of the preposition and is in the objective case.
Example: The pussycat on the sofa swallowed the goldfish. (“sofa” is the object of the preposition “on.”)
Prepositional Phrase: The prepositional phrase = the preposition + its object + whatever modifies the
object.
Example: over the river, through the woods, to grandmother’s house, without doubt
Uses of Prepositional Phrase:
As an adjective: The book on the shelf is old. (The prepositional phrase describes the noun “book.”)
As an adverb: The book fell off the shelf. (The prepositional phrase describes where the book fell.)

G. CONJUNCTION - link words, or phrases, or clauses, or sentences.

a. Coordinating Conjunctions: connect words, phrases, clauses, or sentences of equal
grammatical rank, of equal importance. There are only seven coordinating conjumctions: for, and, not, but,
or, yet, so (FANBOYS).
Example:
Sally bought a new hat but she dropped it in the mud when she left the shop. (“Sally bought
a new hat” and “she dropped it in the mud when she left the shop” are independent clauses; they
are equally important; the “but” therefore links equal ideas.)
b. Subordinating Conjunctions: connect clauses that are of unequal
grammatical rank, of unequal importance. They make a clause subordinate, dependent, less grammatically
significant.
Examples: although, since, if, when, where, how, why, while, whereas, whether, until, because,
after, before, as, unless, than
Sample Sentence: Molly smiled when her front tooth fell out. (The important idea here in “Molly
smiled.” “When” makes the clause “her front tooth fell out” less important.)

H. VERB - expresses action or state of being.

Types of Verbs:
a) Action Verbs: express a physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual action.
Peter bent the rod. We hope for better weather. We wish you a Merry Christmas!

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b) Copulative Verbs (Linking or State of Being Verbs) connect a subject to a noun or adjective or pronoun
and show the state of the subject’s existence:
Wanda was a flowerpot in the kindergarten play. The guppy seemed angry. Coca-Cola tastes
better in six-ounce glass bottles.
Common Linking Verbs: be, seem, prove, appear, look, taste, sound, feel, become (when these
verbs show no action).

c) Modal Auxiliary Verbs (Helping Verbs): are used with action or copulative verbs to form some tenses,
voices, or moods.
You may submit your essay tomorrow. I should have met you at the station. Elaine may, but
Natalie would kiss the goat.

Common Modal Auxiliaries: be, do, have, can, may, will, shall, must, ought, might, could, should,
would.

Verb Tenses
SIMPLE TENSE PERFECT TENSE
the action occurs now or (have or has + past participle); identifies an
approximately now. action that started in the past but was just
completed in the present.
Simple Present I walk. He walks.
Emphatic
PRESENT Present I do walk. He does 1. John has helped me every Saturday for a
(stressing the walk. month. (The action began in the past but was
action) just completed; however, it may continue,).
Progressive 2. I have just finished my review. (The action
Present (action I am walking. He is began a week ago and ended just this minute.)
occurs over walking.
time)
the action occurred before the (had + past participle); identifies an action that
present. started in the past and finished before another
action in the past.
Simple Past I walked. He walked. 1. John had finished cutting the lawn before Bill
I did walk. He did visited. (John’s action of cutting lawn ended
PAST Emphatic Past
walk. before a second past action—Bill’s visiting—
took place.) 2. I had had haddock before I
Progressive I was walking. He had a headache. (First came the fish dinner,
Past (imperfect) was walking. the haddock, and after that dinner ended, the
headache occurred, also in the past.)
the action occurs after the present. (will or shall have + past participle); identifies
an action that will finish in the future before
another future action occurs.
I will walk. He will 1. John will have worked twenty years fixing
Simple Future
walk. flats before he will retire. (John’s work ends in
Emphatic I shall walk. He shall the future before another action occurs in the
Future walk. future.) Note: In such a construction, the
usual practice is to replace the simple future
FUTURE (“will retire”) with the present (“retires”).
2. John will have worked twenty years fixing
flats before he retires I shall have visited my
Progressive I will be walking. He father’s native country before I die. (Both
Future will be walking. actions take place in the future. The one that
finishes first—the visit—is in the future perfect
tense; the one that comes next is in the
simple future (“I shall die”) or simple present
tense (“I die”).
Voice of a Verb
• Voice is the property of verbs (ONLY ACTION VERBS) identifying whether or not the subject acts.

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a) Active Voice: the subject acts, acted, will act.
Loiuse ate the kohrabis. (The subject, “Louise,” acted.)
Monica plays the tuba at funerals. (The subject, “Monica,” acts.)
b) Passive Voice: the subject is, was, will be acted upon; the subjects receive the action. The passive
voice consists of the verb “to be” in various forms + the past participle, and is followed by “by + the object.
The kohlrabis were eaten by Louise.
The tuba is played at funerals by Monica.
NOTE: The active voice is direct and simple and stresses the actor. The passive voice is wordy, hides
the actor, and stresses the receiver of an action.
The Mood of the Verb
• Mood (mode) refers to the manner in which speaker means a verb. English has three moods:
a) Indicative Mood: the most prevalent mood; the speaker states a real or apparent fact or asks a
questioning amounting to whether something is a fact.
She is a fine musician. Lola sat on the piano and sang a sad song. Do you fix typewriters?
b) Imperative Mood: the speaker commands gently or forcefully.
Forms: use the infinitive (“to help”), but omit the “to” (“Help”).
Be good. Come here. Buy my Studebaker and my Victrola, please.
c) Subjective Mood: the speaker states something hypothetical, unlikely, unreal, wished for, requested,
demanded, prayer for, or impossible, or makes a parliamentary motion.
If she were twenty years younger, I would marry her. I demand that the speaker be censored.
God save the Queen! God bless you. Thy kingdom come.
VERBAL - a verb that can function as a noun, an adjective, or an adverb.
1. Participle – a verbal that is always an adjective. In a present participle, the verb ends with the
suffix –ing. In a past participle, the verb ends in –ed or –t.
Ex. The woman talking on the phone is Ela. (The present participle talking modifies the noun Ela.)
The memo signed by Blanco is ready. (The past participle signed modifies the noun memo.)
2. Infinitive – another kind of verbal that can function as an adjective; to + base form of the verb
Ex. He had money to spend. (The infinitive to spend modifies the noun money.)
3. Gerund – a verbal that is always a noun that ends in –ing (like the present participle)
Ex. Skiing can be dangerous. (The gerund skiing is the subject.)

PUNCTUATIONS - a system of pauses to give clarity to what was said and to convey meaning,
emphasis, and tone.
Note how punctuation changes meaning:
A woman without her man is nothing. A woman: without her, man is nothing.
Note how punctuation changes tone:
I love you. (a factual statement; no emotion) I love you? (a doubtful; statement)
Note how punctuation changes clarity:
Let’s eat, Momma. (a clear request) Let’s eat Momma. (a gruesome prospect)

A) End Punctuation - completes a sentence.

i. Period: a serious, calm, unemotional statement of fact.
Vendettas are common among vengeful men.
ii. Question Mark: asks a question in a doubtful situation.
Are you sure that the year 2000 began a new millennium?
iii. Exclamation Point: shows a strong emotion or strong command.
Close the door now! How disgusting is that!

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B) Comma - (,) is a very brief pause. It is not a substitution for any other punctuation mark.

Uses of Comma
1. To separate independent clauses in a compound sentence when the clauses are connected by
a coordinate conjunction (and, yet, but, or, nor, for)
Wordsworth is a famous poet, but he is also a great critic.
Comma Splice: omission of the coordinate conjunction. An error.
The book was opened, the page was ripped.
Run-on Sentence (Fused Sentence): omission of the coordinate conjunction and the comma. An error.
The book was opened the page was ripped.
2. To separate items in a series of more than two (the serial comma)
NOTE; Never insert a comma when there are only two items in the series: The desk contained ink
and papers.
Do retain the comma between the last two items in the series even when they are linked
by a coordinate conjunction: At the picnic, we played games, ate lunch, and told stories.
The desk contained ink, papers, a lamp, and a map.

3. To separate nonrestrictive modifiers from the rest of the sentence

A nonrestrictive modifier is a word, phrase, or clause not essential in the sentence.
My only brother, who lives in Brooklyn, fell into the canal and drowned. (The clause, “who lives
in Brooklyn,” is not needed to identify the brother, since the writer has only one brother.)

My brother who lives in Brooklyn fell into the canal and drowned. (the clause, “who lives in
Brooklyn,” is a restrictive clause, one needed to identify the brother, since the writer has three brothers
living in different places. Thus, the clause is not surrounded by commas.)
NOTE: If I do need the clause, I don’t need the commas; if I don’t need the clause, I do need the
commas.
4. To separate appositives from the rest of the sentence
An appositive is an alternate identification.
Edgar Allan Poe, author of “The Pit and the Pendulum,” once lived in the Bronx.
5. To separate parenthetical elements and transitions from the rest of the sentence
A parenthetical element is a comment that interrupts the sentence. A transition is a word or
phrase moving a thought from a previous sentence or paragraph (however, therefore, thus, nevertheless,
etc.).
Your work, I am sure, will be challenging.
William said, however, that he would be available for work.
6. To separate introductory words, phrases, or clauses
In the summer, children play badminton. (A phrase introduces the main clause.)
Since you lied to me, I no longer trust you. (A minor clause introduces the main clause.)
7. To separate a city from a state or country
General Santos City, Philippines, is my home town.
NOTE: Commas go before and after the state or country.
8. To separate a day from a year
January 31, 2016, is my brother’s date of birth.
NOTE: Commas go before and after the year.
9. To separate direct address from the rest of the sentence
Direct address means that the speaker is naming the person to whom he is speaking.
I asked you, Miss Gomez, to bury the dead cat.
And now, ladies and gentlemen, here is tonight’s speaker!
10. To introduce a short quotation or to separate an interruption in a quotation
Paul asked, “Where is my eggplant?”
“If I survive this semester,” Monica said, “I will need a vacation.”
11. To prevent misreading
Confusing: Inside the house was brightly decorated.
Clear: Inside, the house was brightly decorated.

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C. Semicolon - (;) is a pause longer than a comma but shorter than a period. It is not interchangeable
with a comma.
i. Use a semicolon to separate independent clauses in a compound sentence.
Frank chose a hot dog; Mary chose a hamburger.
Carson City is the capital of Nevada; Salt Lake City is the capital of Utah.
ii. Use a semicolon to separate items in a series of more than two items when the items
contain a comma.
Mr. Warner, my teacher, Mrs. Costa, my aunt, Miss Rudolph, my colleague, and Mr. Wilder came
with me.
Problem: How many came with me: four, five, six, or seven?
Is Mr. Warner my teacher? Is Mrs. Costa my aunt? Is Miss Rudolph my colleague? If they are
my teacher, aunt, and colleague, then I need to use a semicolon to separate clearly the persons:
Mr. Warner, my teacher; Mrs. Costa, my aunt; Miss Rudolph, my colleague; and Mr. Wilder came
with me.

D. Colon (:) - introduces a list, a series, and a long quotation.

Please bring to the picnic the following things: mustard, ketchup, watermelon, bagels, salt and
pepper, and ant traps.
Note: the colon comes after the direct object.
Do not write “Please bring to the picnic: mustard… “ You need a direct object before the colon.

E. Apostrophe (‘) - indicates the omission of one or more letters. It must be used; it is not optional.

Uses of the Apostrophe:

1. Possessive Case:
Singular nouns and most pronouns form their possessive case with the apostrophe + “s.”
man = man’s dog = dog’s Richard Rodgers = Richard Rodgers’s (or Rodgers’)
NOTE: Personal pronouns (I, you, he, she, it, we, they) and the pronoun “who” do not use the
apostrophe in the possessive case (my, yours, his, hers, its, ours, theirs, whose).

Plural nouns ending in “s” form their possessive case by adding only the apostrophe:
boys = boys’ walruses = walruses’
Plural nouns ending in a consonant other than “s” form their plurals by adding an apostrophe + “s.”
women = women’s
2. Contractions - combines two words into one by omitting one or more letters; the omission is marked
by an apostrophe.
do not = don’t have not = haven’t of the clock = o’clock it is = it’s [“its” is the possessive case of “it.”]
3. Plural of Letters and Numbers
The plural of letters and numbers uses the apostrophe:
He wrote six “9’s on the blackboard. Watch your P’s and Q’s.

F. Quotation Marks

1. Double Quotation Marks (“,”) - indicate an exact reproduction of a person’s words.

NOTE: Introduce a short quotation with a comma and a long quotation with a colon, especially if the long
quotation is a complete sentence. A quotation that is part of the main statement gets no introductory
punctuation:
Walter said, “I will call you later.”
Shakespeare wrote: “The quality of mercy is not strained. It droppeth as the gentle rain from
heaven upon the place beneath. It is twice blest. It blesseth him that gives and him that takes.”
2. Single Quotation Marks (‘,’) - indicate a quotation inside a quotation:
The professor said, “Memorize Hamlet’s speech beginning ‘To be or not to be.’”
3. Alteration of Quotations
Note: Quotations are the exact words of a writer or speaker and may not be altered without advising the
reader that they have been changed.

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 a. Ellipsis (…) - indicates the omission of one or more words in a quotation.
Shakespeare wrote,” The quality of mercy…droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven…”
b. Brackets ([,]) - indicate an addition or change in a quotation, even a spelling or punctuation
change. The word sic reproduces exactly a mistake.
The speaker said, “The murder of President [John F,] Kennedy was a turning point in
modern American hestory [sic].”
G. Hyphen (-) - pulls together, joins, who or more words into a single term:
Zaza made a matter-of-fact statement.
He threw his mother-in-law down the stairs.
H. Dash (—) - indicates the separation of a parenthetical remark, an interruption, or a sharp turn of thought
in a sentence. If typed, it is two hyphens with no space before, between, or after the hyphens.
When the speech ended—it was nearly three hours long! —we collapsed in exhaustion. Some of
you—I won’t mention who—lied to me
I. Parentheses ( ) - separate extraneous comments or explanatory remarks from the rest of the sentence.
They are stronger separators than commas and dashes:
Mildred wore (we really should say sported) the most flamboyant hat at the wedding.

RULES OF SUBJECT-VERB AGREEMENT

1. Verb with –s is singular. Verb without –s is plural.
Examples:
She plays tennis. They play tennis.
2. Make the linking verb agree with the real subject.
Linking verbs such as: am singular, present tense
is singular, present tense
was singular, past tense
Examples:
Reid’s concern was his friends
Sig’s mother and father are his sole support.
3. Non-count subjects take a singular verb.
Examples:
The stuff is heavy. Unity builds a nation.
4. In most cases, collective noun subjects take singular verbs, but if the group is viewed as individual
members, use a plural verb.
Examples:
The class is going on a field trip.
The class have been debating about what to play.
a. Collective nouns take singular verbs if all members act as a single body. Noun such
as audience, class, team, band, committee, jury, her, crowd, and flock.
Examples: The committee was in full agreement with the idea.
The family is unanimous about the issue.
b. Collective nouns take plural verbs if the members act as individuals.
Examples: The volleyball team were disorganized.
The family are arguing on the issue.
5. Mass nouns (are always singular).
Examples:
Black ink is needed for this kind of paper.
His hair is black.
6. Mass nouns can only be pluralized by quantifiers. Nouns such as sugar, rice, hair, information, and
evidence.
Examples:
Two sacks of rice.
Pieces of information.

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 Strands of hair.
7. Subject nouns that are derived from adjectives and describe people take plural verbs.
Examples:
The rich are in favor of a tax cut.
The poor are opposing the proposal to revise the constitution.
8. Some proper noun subjects that end in –s such as names of courses, diseases, places as well as
book and film titles and the word news, take singular verbs (news, politics, physics, mathematics,
mumps, measles).
Examples:
Batangas is a beautiful province. Measles often has side effects.
Physics is an interesting subject. The news was very good.
9. There are some nouns that have the same singular and plural form, in this case, the subject may take
either a singular or a plural verb, depending on the intention or the meaning that you wish to express.
Nouns such as:
Slippers Eyeglasses Earrings Pants Trousers
Scissors Sunglasses Refreshments Pliers
Examples:
Refreshments are served during the seminar.
Her earrings are newly bought.
10. For items that have two parts, when you use the word “pair”, the verb is singular but without the word
“pair”, the verb is plural.
Examples:
My pair of scissors is lost. My scissors are lost.
11. Plural subject nouns such as a unit of measurement (distance, weight, time, or amount of money) that
signal one unit should take a singular verb.
Examples:
Eight hundred nautical miles is too far to travel within 10 hours.
One thousand pesos is too expensive for that reviewer.
12. Basic arithmetical operations (add, subtract, multiply, divide) take singular verbs.
Example: Five times five equals twenty-five.
13. Clausal subjects are singular even if the nouns referred to are plural.
Example: What we need is more reference books.
14. Gerund and infinitive subjects take a singular verb.
Examples: Writing is my hobby. To err is human.
15. With fractions, percentages and the quantifiers all (of), a lot of, verb agreement depends on the noun
coming after these phrases.
A singular noun, noun clause, or non-count noun takes a singular verb.
Examples:
A lot of the information is about disasters and safety procedures.
16. The indefinite pronouns in the table below are always singular:
Indefinite Pronouns
-one words -body words -thing words others
Anyone Anybody Anything Each
Everyone Everybody Everything Every
Someone Somebody Something
No one Nobody Nothing
One

17. The expression “The number” used as a subject takes a singular verb. The expression “A number”
used as a subject takes a plural verb.
Examples:
The number of students coming is decreasing.
A number of players practicing are increasing.
A number of students are taking the UPCAT.
The number of students taking the UPCAT is 100,000.
18. With none as a subject, use a singular verb.
Example: None of the supplies is here.
19. Either or neither as subject, use a singular verb.
Example: (Either/neither) was good for me.
20. With correlative subjects either…or or neither…nor, the verb agrees with the closest subject.
Examples:

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 Either Ross or his friends are going to do it.
Neither of his friends nor Ross is going to do it.
21. With their subjects, the verb is singular or plural depending on whether the noun phrase following the
verb is singular or plural. There and here are never used as subjects. When a sentence begins with
there and here, you must look thoroughly to find the real subject.

When the sentence begins with there and here, the verb agrees with the subject that comes after the
verb (for inverted order).
Examples:
Here come my students. There are no errors.
There is one book on the table. There are (three books) on the table.
22. When the subjects joined by and refer to a single unit or is considered as one, it takes a singular verb.
Examples:
Bread and butter is a common breakfast for Americans.
The prime minister and whip is here.
The mayor and benefactor lives next door.
23. Compound subjects joined by ‘and’ referring to separate entities should take a plural verb.
Examples:
The president and his adviser are here.
The prime minister and whip live next door.
24. Follow the general rule in pairing subjects and verbs regardless of prepositional phrases or clauses
that are sometimes placed in between the subject and verb.
Example: The color of his bag is blue. (The subject is color and not eyes).
25. The verb after relative pronouns, who, which, and that agrees with its antecedent.
Examples:
Children may not see a film that has an R-18 rating.
Children may not see films that have an R-18 rating.

26. Subjects followed by intervening expressions such as: in addition to, in company, together with, as
well as, etc. should take verbs that agree with real subjects.
Examples:
The proctor, together with the examinees, is thinking.
27. Titles of literary artistic works and names of firms, companies, stores, etc., should take singular verbs.
Examples:
The SM Group of Companies is one of the biggest business conglomerates in the Philippines.
Gonzales & Gonzales is an architectural firm.
28. The indefinite words “each, every, everyone, somebody, no one, either, neither” take singular verbs.
Hence, they demand singular verbs.
Examples:
Every student was asked to give his/her opinion about the COVID-19 outbreak.
Neither movie is good for you.
Each of the branches of the government was criticized.
Neither of my parents speak Italian.
29. Words such as “many” and “few” are used only with plural nouns. Words such as “much” and “little”
are used only with singular nouns.
Examples:
Many aspirants were accepted.
Such amount is needed for the project.
30. “Each other” is used when we refer to two persons or things. “One another” is used when we refer to
more than two.
Examples:
Rachel and Monica always advise each other.
His friends help one another in their project.
31. The word ‘some’ may modify a singular or pronoun noun.
Examples:
Some food looks delicious.
Some books were not sold.
32. The phrase such as “is one of the” and “among the” must be followed by a plural noun.
Examples:
Joey is one of the actors.
Luther is one of the children who live with Mr. Hargreeves.

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 Diego is among the students of the Umbrella Academy.
33. Demonstrative Pronouns
Examples:
This singular This is my phone. (near/reached)
These plural These are my phones. (near/reached)
That singular That is my book. (distant)
Those plural Those are my phones. (distant)
34. Emphatic verbs must be followed by a simple form of a verb.
Do present tense, plural + SIMPLE FORM OF THE VERB
Does present tense, singular + SIMPLE FORM OF THE VERB
Did past tense, singular/plural + SIMPLE FORM OF THE VERB
Examples:
Allison did not write the book. Ben does have a good look.
What did you do? Klaus and Pogo do play pingpong.
35. The auxiliary verbs
Has is used in singular, present tense of the verb
Have is used in plural, present tense of the verb
Had is used in singular/plural, past tense of the verb

Auxiliary verbs must be followed by a past participle form of the verbs.

Examples:
She has seen the movie.
They have agreed to stop the project.
Vanya and Leonard had eaten the cake yesterday.
36. The infinitive verbs
Its fixed pattern must be: to + the simple form of the verb
Examples:
To play, to write, to sing, to talk, etc.
Ron wants to play chess.
The professor taught us how to cast a spell.
37. Do not allow the number of the verbs to be affected by intervening expressions (standing between the
verb and its subject). Determine the real subject of the verb.
Examples:
Passion, as well as patience, us required.
Chandler, together with Janice, has arrived.
38. In the present tense, a singular subject followed by a prepositional phrase remains singular.
Examples:
A piece of advice was given to Marcel.
A pint of ice cream was delivered to my house.
39. The verb concords with the subject, not the predicate.
Examples:
My favorite gift is handwritten letters.
My worry is the many problems I have to conquer.
40. Adjectives used as nouns are considered plural.
Examples:
The rich are popular.
The needy are to be prioritized.
41. When a sentence begins with a phrase, the verb agrees with one subject that comes after the verb.
Examples:
Walking on wire is a skill.
Seated among the students is the son of the president.

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THE USE OF IN, ON, AT AS PREPOSITIONS

TIME LOCATION
IN – general
Centuries Country
Decades City
Years Town
Months Neighborhood
ON – more specific
Weeks Avenues
Weekends Streets
Days
AT – smallest detail
Hours Specific Location
Examples: I haven’t gone in England.
I want to live in General Santos.
I finished my graduate studies at UP Diliman in 2002.
Meet me at the quadrangle.
I will go to Japan on March 18, 2021.

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 1500-WORD VOCABULARY CHALLENGE
1 Abasement, humiliation; degradation 39 Allay, to lessen
2 Abate, reduce in intensity 40 Alleviate, make less severe
3 Aberration, deviation from the normal 41 Alleviated, made less severe [alleviation
4 Abeyance, state of inactivity; disuse (n); alleviate (v)]
5 42 Allure, 1. attraction (n); 2. to attract (v)
Abhor, hate
6 Abjure, renounce; swear to refrain from 43 Aloof, distant; detached; cold
something 44 Altruism, putting others first; being self-
7 Abraded, worn away; eroded [abrade (v); sacrificing
abrasion (n)] 45 Amalgamate, join; consolidate
8 Abrasion, 1. damage to skin caused by [amalgamation (n)]
scraping; 2. process of scraping or rubbing 46 Amass, accumulate
[abrade (v)] 47 Ambidextrous, able to use both left and
9 Abrasive, rough; coarse; harsh right hands equally well
10 Abrogate, cancel; deny; repeal 48 Ambiguity, uncertainty; vagueness
11 Abscission, cutting; process causing leaves 49 Ambiguous, unclear in meaning; can be
to fall off interpreted in different ways
12 Absolution, forgiveness; pardon; release 50 Ambivalence, lack of clarity; wavering;
being undecided
13 Abstain, desist; go without; withdraw
51 Ambulatory, able to walk around (used of
14 Abstemious, self-denying; refraining from hospital patients)
indulging
52 Ameliorate, make better
15 Abstruse, difficult to understand; obscure
53 Amelioration, improvement
16 Abut, to adjoin
54 Amiable, friendly
17 Abysmal, very deep; very bad
55 Amity, friendship
18 Accolade, tribute; honor; praise
56 Amorphous, lacking in shape
19 Accretion, accumulation of matter; growth
produced by adding from the outside 57 Amortize, pay off a debt in installments
20 Acolyte, disciple; follower or attendant 58 Anachronistic, occurring in the wrong time
period [anachronism (n)]
21 Acquiesce, to agree to; give in to
59 Analgesic, medicine to combat pain
22 Acrid, sharp; pungent (used of smells and
tastes) 60 Analogous, comparable
23 Acrophobia, fear of heights 61 Analogue, 1. something similar; 2. output
proportional to input (engineering)
24 Acuity, sharpness (mental or visual)
62 Anarchy, chaos; lack of government
25 Adamant, forceful; inflexible
63 Anecdote, a brief amusing story
26 Admonitory, scolding [admonition (n)]
64 Animosity, hatred; antagonism
27 Adroit, skilful / skillful
65 Annex (n), a building which is an addition to
28 Adulation, strong admiration; worship an existing building
29 Adumbrate, outline; indicate 66 Annex (v), take possession of; seize;
30 Adversity, hardship capture
31 Advocate, support 67 Anodized, electroplated; coated with thin
layer of metal
32 Aesthetic, concerning art or beauty
68 Anomaly, something which does not fit in a
33 Affable, friendly; social; easygoing pattern; irregularity
34 Agog, amazed; wide-eyed with enthusiasm 69 Antagonism, hostility; strong opposition
35 Aisle, corridor; passageway (esp. between 70 Antagonistic, opposed; hostile; aggressive
rows of seats)
71 Antediluvian, outdated; prehistoric; very
36 Alacrity, eagerness; enthusiasm; quickness old-fashioned
37 Alchemy, medieval chemistry; attempt to 72 Anthology, a book which is a collection of
change base metal into gold poems or stories
38 Alibi, an excuse that shows someone was 73 Anthropocentrism, putting man at the
not at a crime scene center of one's philosophy

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 74 Antipathy, hatred 111 Atonement, making amends for sin or crime
75 Antiquated, outdated; old fashioned [atone (v)]
76 Apathetic, indifferent; uninterested; 112 Atrophy, waste away from lack of use
lethargic 113 Attenuate, weaken
77 Apathy, lack of interest or emotion 114 Augment, increase; make bigger
78 Aphoristic, expressed tersely [aphorism (n) 115 Augury, prediction, looking for omens
= short statement; maxim] [augur (v)]
79 Apocryphal, of doubtful origin 116 Auspicious, favorable; promising to turn out
80 Apostrophe, 1. punctuation mark; 2. appeal well
to someone not present (a figure of speech) 117 Austere, severely plain
81 Appease, pacify; soothe; calm down; make 118 Avaricious, greedy for money
peace with 119 Aver, affirm
82 Apposite, fitting; suitable 120 Aversion, a dislike of
83 Apprehension, slight fear; sense of
121 Baleful, evil
something unfavorable
84 Apprehensive, worried; fearful 122 Balk, hinder and prevent; hesitate over
85 Approbation, approval [opp. 123 Balm, soothing ointment or anything
disapprobation] soothing [balmy (a)]
86 Arable, can be cultivated 124 Banal, common; dull
87 Arbitrary, random; for no definite reason 125 Banality, ordinariness; dullness
88 Arbitrator, mediator; person appointed to 126 Bane, troublesome influence
judge a dispute [arbitrate (v)] 127 Bard, poet
89 Arboreal, living in trees; concerned with 128 Barrage, extended gunfire to cover an
trees attack; dam across river; deluge or
90 Arcane, obscure; known only to a few information etc.
people 129 Bastion, fortress; stronghold
91 Archaic, ancient; outdated; old fashioned 130 Befuddle, confuse
92 Archetype, classic example of 131 Begrudge, resent
93 Archives, collections of old records; place 132 Beguile, mislead; lure
of storage of old documents
133 Belabor, explain in unnecessary detail
94 Arduous, hard
134 Beleaguer, besiege; attack
95 Armada, fleet of ships
135 Belie, contradict
96 Arresting (a), attracting attention; striking
136 Belittle, to demean
97 Arson, deliberate, criminal starting of fires
137 Bellicose, war-like; aggressive
98 Articulate, clear; lucid; eloquent
138 Belligerent, aggressive; ready to fight
99 Artifice, deception; trickery
139 Bemoan, complain about
100 Artisan, craftsman
140 Benevolent, kindly
101 Artless, without effort; without trickery;
simple 141 Benign, kindly; harmless
102 Ascetic, without luxuries; severely simple 142 Benignity, compassion; gentleness;
fondness
103 Asperity, using harsh or critical tone
143 Bent (n), inclination; aptitude
104 Assay, 1. try; 2. assess purity
144 Bequeath, leave something in one's will to
105 Assiduous, thorough; diligent be given after one's death
106 Assuage, to calm 145 Berate, scold; criticize
107 Astute, perceptive; sharp-witted 146 Beret, type of cap
108 Asylum, place of refuge or safety 147 Bestial, behaving like a beast; brutal
109 Atavism, reappearance of ancestral traits; 148 Bigot, narrow-minded, prejudiced person
regression [atavistic (a)]
149 Bilk, cheat; defraud
110 Atheist, person who does not believe in
God 150 Billowing, swelling; fluttering; waving
151 Blandishment, words used to coax or flatter
[blandish (v)]

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152 Blasphemy, speech which offends religious 193 Caret, punctuation mark signifying
sentiments omission
153 Blatant, obvious 194 Carping, constant criticism
154 Blighted, damaged; destroyed; ruined 195 Carrion, dead flesh; carcasses
155 Blithe, free-spirited; carefree 196 Cartographer, person who makes maps
156 Blowhard, boastful person 197 Castigate, scold strongly
157 Blunderbuss, 1. ancient weapon (type of 198 Cataclysmic, violently disruptive [cataclysm
gun); 2. a clumsy person (n)]
158 Bolster, support; prop up 199 Catharsis, purging of pent-up emotions
159 Bombast, arrogant, pompous language 200 Caucus, type of private political meeting
160 Boor, ill-mannered person [boorish (a)] 201 Caulk, treat with substance such as tar to
161 Boorish, ill-mannered make water-tight
162 202 Caustic, burning
Bourgeois, middle class
163 203 Cavalcade, procession of vehicles
Boycott, refuse to have dealings with
164 204 Celerity, speed
Braggart, someone who boasts
165 205 Censorious, disapproving; critical
Brawny, muscular
166 206 Censure, blame
Brevity, being brief
167 207 Centrifuge, device to separate substances
Bristle, to show irritation
by spinning them at high speed
168 Broach, start to discuss; approach 208 Centurion, roman soldier (commander of a
169 Brook, 1. small stream; 2. tolerate company of 100 soldiers)
170 Brusque, blunt; abrupt 209 Cerebral, intellectual
171 Bulwark, fortification; barricade; wall 210 Certitude, certainty
172 Bureaucracy, officialdom 211 Chantey, type of song sung by sailors
173 Burgeon, grow; flourish; put forth new 212 Charlatan, trickster who claims knowledge
shoots he doesn't have
174 Burlesque, 1. comic play; 2. lampoon 213 Chary, wary of; cautious about; reluctant to
175 Burnish, polish give
214 Chastises, punishes
176 Buttress, strengthen; support
215 Chauvinist, someone excessively patriotic
177 Byline, the line that tells you who wrote an
[chauvinism (n)]
article
216 Chicanery, trickery
178 Cacophony, discordant loud noises
217 Chimerical, changeable; unstable
179 Cadge, get by begging
218 Choleric, easily angered
180 Cajole, coax
219 Chorales, simple hymns
181 Caldron, huge cooking pot
220 Chronic, long lasting (often used for
182 Calibrate, mark an accurate scale on a
diseases in which case the opposite is
device
acute)
183 Callow, immature
221 Chronicler, person who records historical
184 Candid, frank; honest information
185 Candor, frankness; openness 222 Churlishness, rudeness; ill-mannered
186 Canonical, orthodox [canon (n) = set of behavior
accepted works] 223 Circuitous, indirect
187 Cant, insincere talk 224 Circumlocution, using too many words;
188 Cantankerous, bad-tempered; quarrelsome long-windedness
189 Capacious, spacious 225 Circumscribe, limit
190 Capitulate, surrender; give in to 226 Circumspect, cautious; considering all
sides
191 Caprices, whimsies; fancies
227 Circumvent, avoid
192 Cardinal, 1. high ranking church official; 2.
major, important
228 Clairvoyant, psychic; mystic
229 Clamor, shout; scream

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230 Clandestine, secret; covert; stealthy 269 Congruent, matching [congruency (n)]
231 Clemency, mercy 270 Conniving, cunning; scheming [connive
232 Cliché, overused expression; something (v)]
unoriginal 271 Connoisseur, person with refined taste and
233 Clientele, customers good judgment
234 Cloistered, isolated 272 Conscript, 1. person enlisted compulsorily
into the armed forces; 2. (v)to enlist
235 Cloture, closure; terminating a debate by
compulsorily
voting
236 Coalesce, come together; merge 273 Consecrate, dedicate

237 Coda, piece of music at the end of a 274 Consensus, general agreement
musical work; finale; final part of document 275 Conspicuous, easily seen; prominent
238 Coddle, pamper; fuss over; indulge 276 Consternation, worry and concern
239 Coerce, force [coercion (n); coercing (a)] 277 Consummate, complete; total; supremely
240 Coercion, force good 9
241 278 Contemporary, living or happening at the
Cogent, lucid; well argued
same time
242 Cogitate, think over something; ponder 279 Contentious, causing argument [contention
243 Cognitive, concerned with thinking or (n); contend (v)]
perceiving [cognition (n)] 280 Contiguous, adjacent; touching; abutting
244 Colander, bowl with holes used to drain [contiguity (n)]
vegetables etc. 281 Contrite, sorry
245 Collage, picture made from fragments of
282 Contrition, sorrow and repentance
other pictures
246 283 Contumacious, stubborn
Collate, arrange in order
247 Colloquial, local and informal (used of 284 Contusion, a bruise
language) 285 Conundrum, a puzzle
248 Collusion, plotting and planning 286 Conventional, usual; customary; common
249 Comeliness, beauty; prettiness [comely (a)] 287 Cornucopia, symbol (horn filled with fruit
250 Commandeer, take possession of etc.) denoting natural abundance
251 288 Corpulent, fat
Commensurate, equal in significance
252 289 Corroborate, give supporting evidence
Commingle, mix
[corroboration (n)]
253 Complacent, self-satisfied; smug 290 Corrugated, highly folded
254 Complaisance, flexibility; willingness to 291 Coterie, clique; small group with common
please [complaisant (a)] interests
255 Compliant, easy to control; submissive 292 Counterfeit, fake; false
256 Compromised, 1. damaged or put in doubt 293 Covert, hidden; undercover
(esp. of reputation); 2. reached an
agreement by giving up part of a claim 294 Cower, recoil in fear or servility; shrink
away from
257 Concatenate, link together
295 Credible, believable
258 Concatenation, linking into chains
296 Creditable, praiseworthy
259 Conciliate, to bring together; end a dispute
297 Credulous, gullible; ready to believe
260 Concise, stated in few words anything
261 Condescend, talk down to 298 Crepuscular, active at dawn and dusk
262 Condescension, talking down to someone 299 Cringe, recoil; flinch; shy away
[condescending (a)]
300 Cryptic, puzzling; enigmatic
263 Condone, tacitly support; overlook
301 Culpability, guilt [culpable = blameworthy]
264 Condoning, overlooking; disregarding;
ignoring 302 Cumbersome, bulky; difficult to carry
[encumber = to burden]
265 Conflagration, big fire
303 Curmudgeon, grumpy person
266 Confound, confuse
304 Curtail, cut short
267 Congeal, to solidify
268 Congenital, present from birth

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305 Cynical, believing that people act only out 342 Desecration, spoiling something holy
of selfish motives 343 Desist, stop; discontinue; cease
306 Daguerreotype, forerunner of the
344 Despondent, having no hope; miserable
photograph
307 Dally, waste time; flirt 345 Destitution, hardship; poverty; misery
308 Damp, (used of vibration) reduce in extent 346 Desultory, aimless; inconsistent in effort
309 Dawdler, slow person who falls behind 347 Deter, put off; prevent
others [dawdle (v)] 348 Deteriorate, worsen; decline
310 Debacle, disaster 349 Detrimental, harmful
311 Debilitating, weakening [debilitate (v)] 350 Devoured, greedily eaten/consumed
312 Debility, weakness; incapacity 351 Dexterity, skill, esp. with hands [dexterous
313 Debunking, exposing false claims or myths (a)]
314 Decathlon, an athletic competition with ten 352 Dexterous, skilful with hands
events 353 Diaphanous, transparent; thin and delicate
315 Decimated, kill or destroy a large part of 354 Diaphanous, transparent; thin and delicate
(originally one tenth) 355 Diatribe, tirade; violent denunciation;
316 Decorum, dignified, correct behavior stream of criticism
[decorous (a)] 356 Dichotomy, a division into two parts
317 Decoy, lure; trap; trick
357 Didactic, intended to teach; instructive
318 Deference, respect
358 Diffident, lacking confidence
319 Deferential, showing respect [deference
359 Digress, wander off the subject
(n); defer (v)]
320 Defoliate, cause leaves to fall off 360 Dike, dam; embankment
321 Defunct, no longer in existence 361 Dilatory, slow; falling behind with one's
322 Degradation, deprivation; poverty; work
debasement 362 Dilemma, puzzling situation
323 Deign, condescend 363 Dilettante, person who dabbles in a subject
without serious study
324 Deleterious, harmful
364 Dilettantism, dabbling esp. in the arts
325 Deliberate, 1. slow (a); 2. to think over (v);
[dilettante (n) = person who dabbles]
3. on purpose (a)
365 Diligent, hard-working
326 Deliberate, to think over deeply
366 Diorama, model of a scene
327 Delineation, demarcation; explanation;
definition; outlining 367 Dirge, mournful song
328 Demagogue, mob leader (who appeals to 368 Disabuse, make someone aware of an
base instincts) [demagogy/demagoguery error in thinking
(n)] 369 Disapprobation, disapproval
329 Demur, hesitate; refuse 370 Disarm, 1. take away weapons; 2. win over
330 Demur, object; hesitate to accept to one’s side [disarming (a)]
331 Denigrate, decry; criticize; belittle 371 Discern, to distinguish one thing from
another
332 Denounce, condemn; speak out against
372 Discernment, judgment; perceptiveness
333 Deplete, use up; lessen
373 Discord, disagreement
334 Deplore, regret
374 Discordancy, cacophony; harshness;
335 Depravity, moral corruption jarring
336 Deprecate, criticize; denounce 375 Discountenance, disallow
337 Deride, ridicule; make fun of; mock 376 Discrepancy, something which does not
338 Derision, mockery [deride (v)] match up; inconsistency
339 Derogatory, uncomplimentary
377 Discrete, separate; discontinuous (not to be
confused with discreet - prudent;
340 Descry, to see (esp. at a distance); catch
diplomatic]
sight of
378 Discriminate, to make a clear distinction;
341 Desecrate, to damage or pollute a holy
see the difference
place

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379 Discursiveness, long windedness; 420 Effigy, a model of a person
indirectness 421 Effrontery, daring; audacity (has a negative
380 Disdain, contempt; strong dislike connotation)
381 Disingenuous, crafty 422 Effusive, gushing; demonstrative
382 Disinter, dig up [opposite inter = bury] 423 Egalitarianism, belief in equality
383 Disinterested, unbiased 424 Egregious, outstandingly, obviously bad
384 Disparage, criticize; belittle 425 Egress, exit
385 Disparity, an inequality 426 Elaborate, 1. complex and detailed (a); 2. to
386 Dispassionate, neutral; objective expand on (v)
387 427 Elegy, poem concerned with death; praise
Dispatch, 1. send (v); 2. speed; celerity (n)
of a dead person
388 Dissemble, avoid the truth 428 Ellipsis, omission of essential words
389 Disseminating, circulating; broadcasting;
429 Eloquent, fluent and persuasive in speech
spreading (information)
390 Dissident, person who disagrees 430 Elucidate, make clear
[dissidence (n)] 431 Elusive, hard to pin down
391 Dissonance, discord; disagreement 432 Emaciated, very thin; withered
392 Diurnal, active in daytime 433 Emancipate, set free
393 Divert, 1. entertain; 2. distract; 3. cause a 434 Embezzle, defraud; steal
detour 435 Emboss, decorate with a raised design
394 Divest, remove; take off 436 Embroil, involve in hostility or argument
395 Docile, gentle and easily lead 437 Emerge, come out; appear
396 Doff, take off (esp. of a hat) 438 Emollient, softening (a); something which
397 Dogmatic, having stubbornly held opinions softens (n)
398 Dolt, stupid person 439 Empirical, found by experiment or practice
399 Don, put on (esp. of clothes) 440 Emulate, to imitate something admired
400 Dormancy, state of inactivity 441 Encomium, praise
401 Dotard, foolish old man 442 Endorse, give support or approval to
402 Dote, be excessively fond of [doting (a)] 443 Endow, give gift; provide with money etc.
403 Drabness, dullness 444 Endurance, staying power; patience;
404 Drawl, speak slowly with words running stamina
together 445 Enduring, lasting
405 Drivel, nonsense 446 Enervate, weaken
406 Droll, dryly amusing 447 Enfranchise, give voting rights
407 Drone, 1. monotonous noise (n); 2. to 448 Engender, cause
speak with no emotion (v); [Link] bee 449 Engendering, causing; bringing into being
408 Dross, something worthless; impurities left [engender (v)]
after refining 450 Enhance, improve; make better or clearer
409 Dubious, doubtful 451 Enigma, puzzle; mystery
410 Dupe, to fool someone 452 Enigmatic, puzzling [enigma (n)]
411 Duplicity, cunning; deception; double
453 Enlist, 1. sign up for the army; 2. obtain
dealing
412 Dynamic, lively; vibrant; energetic 454 Ensconce, establish firmly in a position
413 Ebullient, very lively; cheerful; jovial; happy 455 Enshroud, cover
414 Eccentric, unusual; quirky; odd 456 Enunciation, clear pronunciation; accent;
articulation
415 Eclectic, taking things from different
457 Envenom, to cause bitterness and bad
sources
feeling
416 Eddy, circular current 458 Epaulet, shoulder decoration
417 Edifice, building; structure; construction 459 Ephemeral, short-lived
418 Efface, wipe out; remove all trace of 460 Epicure, someone who appreciates good
419 Efficacy, effectiveness food and drink

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461 Epigram, short, witty saying 497 Exonerates, acquits; absolves; removes
462 Epistemology, theory of knowledge blame
463 498 Exorcism, getting free/rid of; eliminating
Epistle, a letter (form of communication)
(especially demons)
464 Epistolary, concerned with letters; through
499 Expatiate, speak or write at great length
correspondence
465 Epithet, phrase used as a label or to 500 Expatriate, refugee; emigrant; someone
living away from his own country
express the essential nature of
466 Epitomized, typified; characterized; 501 Expedient, convenient; practical
personified 502 Expedite, make faster
467 Equivocal, ambiguous; open to 503 Expiate, atone; make amends for
interpretation [equivocate (v), equivocation 504 Exposition, clear explanation
(n)]
505 Expostulate, offer strong objections;
468 Equivocate, speak ambiguously; avoid remonstrate
telling the truth
506 Extant, still in existence (opposite of extinct)
469 Equivocation, speaking ambiguously
[equivocate (v), equivocal (a)] 507 Extemporize, speak without preparation or
rehearsal [extemporaneous (a)]
470 Err, make a mistake
508 Extirpate, wipe out totally
471 Errant, 1. wandering; 2. wrong; 3. straying
from accepted standards 509 Extirpation, wiping out; complete
destruction [extirpate (v)]
472 Erratic, wandering; irregular
510 Extol, praise
473 Erudition, learning; scholarly knowledge
[erudite (a)] 511 Extradite, deport from one country back to
the home country
474 Eschew, shun; avoid
512 Extraneous, irrelevant
475 Esoteric, obscure and difficult to
understand 513 Extrapolate, extend; predict on the basis of
known data
476 Esoterica, obscure details
514 Extrinsic, irrelevant; on the outside
477 Espouse, promote; take up; support
515 Fabricated, made up; false; manufactured
478 Etymology, the study of word origins [fabricate (v); fabrication(n)]
479 Eulogy, praise 516 Façade, 1. front elevation of building, 2.
480 Euphemism, a polite phrase to cover false appearance or demeanor
something unpleasant 517 Facetious, not intended to be taken
481 Euphony, pleasant sounds seriously
482 Evacuate, vacate; empty; abandon 518 Faddish, whimsical; following a fashion
483 Evanescent, short-lived [evanescence (n)] 519 Fallacious, false
484 Exacerbate, make worse 520 Fallacy, wrong idea [fallacious (a)]
485 Exacerbated, made worse [exacerbate (v); 521 Fallible, capable of making mistakes
exacerbation (n)] [fallibility (n)]
486 Exact (v), to demand; extort 522 Fallow, uncultivated
487 Exasperated, frustrated; annoyed 523 Falter, hesitate; waver
488 Exceptionable, very bad (something which 524 Falters, hesitates
we should object to) 525 Fanatical, obsessive; fixated
489 Exculpate, free someone from blame; 526 Fanaticism, passion; excessive devotion
pardon; acquit
527 Fastidious, overly particular; finicky
490 Execrable, very, very bad
528 Fatuous, silly; foolish
491 Exegesis, scholarly explanation or
interpretation 529 Fawn, behave in a sycophantic way; grovel
[fawning (a)]
492 Exemplar, model type [exemplary (a)]
530 Feasible, possible and practicable
493 Exemplary, outstandingly good; setting a
fine example 531 Feckless, feeble; helpless; lacking in
initiative
494 Exemplify, to serve as a good example
532 Fecund, fertile
495 Exhaustive, complete and thorough
533 Feint, pretended attack; a move intended to
496 Exigency, urgent matter; pressing need deceive

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534 Felicitous, apt 571 Frugal, economical; not wasting anything
535 Ferrous, concerned with iron or its 572 Fulminate, 1. attack loudly in words;
compounds denounce thunderously; 2. explode noisily
536 Fervent, passionate 573 Furrow, groove
537 Fervid, passionate 574 Furtive, hidden and secret
538 Fervor, passion; enthusiasm 575 Fusillade, long burst of gunfire
539 Fickle, unpredictable; whimsical; easily 576 Futile, useless; hopeless
swayed 577 Gaffe, blunder; social mistake
540 Figurehead, symbol of power; nominal
578 Gainsay, contradict
leader
541 Filibuster, delaying tactics 579 Gall, 1. bitterness (bad feeling); 2.
confidence; 3. abnormal growth on a plant
542 Finesse, skill 580 Galleon, ancient type of sailing ship
543 Fitful, not continuous; stopping and starting 581 Gambit, opening move; transaction
544 Flag (v), 1. to lose energy; 2. to signal 582 Gambol, frolic; leap; bound
545 Flagrant, clearly wrong 583 Garble, distort; confuse; muddle
546 Flail, 1. tool used to thresh grain; 2. to
584 Garish, gaudy
thresh (separate grain from chaff); 3. to
wave arms about wildly 585 Garner, gather; collect
547 Flamboyant, showy; ornate 586 Garrulous, talkative
548 Flaunt, show off; display in a showy manner 587 Gaucherie, awkwardness [gauche (a)]
549 Fledge, 1. grow feathers; 2. leave nest 588 Gaunt, emaciated; bony and angular
[fledgling (n) = an inexperienced person or 589 Gavel, judge’s hammer
a baby bird] 590 Genre, a category; type
550 Flippant, making jokes about serious
591 Germane, relevant
matters
551 Flout, defy; reject 592 Germinal, just growing; not developed;
immature
552 Flustered, worked-up; not calm
593 Gerontocracy, government by the aged
553 Fly-by-night, unreliable; disreputable
594 Gibbering, making meaningless noises
554 Foible, quirk; minor weakness
595 Gist, essence; main point
555 Foment, 1. stir up; 2. bathe with hot liquids
596 Glacial, hostile; unfriendly; cold; icy
(medical)
556 Foolhardy, reckless [foolhardiness (n)] 597 Glib, slick; superficial esp. in speech
557 Foppish, behaving or dressing like a dandy; 598 Goad, prod; urge
excessively concerned with fashion 599 Gossamer, delicate; filmy; like gauze
558 Forage, search for food 600 Gouge, cut or dig out
559 Forbearing, tolerant [forbear (v); 601 Grate (v), 1. to annoy; aggravate; vex; 2.
forbearance (n)] shred
560 Forensic, concerned with argument or 602 Gratis, free of charge; without payment
debate (esp. for legal evidence) 603 Gratuitous, unwarranted
561 Foreshadowed, indicated a future event
[foreshadow (v)] 604 Gravity, seriousness
562 Fortitude, bravery 605 Gregarious, extroverted; sociable; outgoing
563 Fortuitous, happening by chance 606 Gregariousness, sociability; liking for
crowds [gregarious (a)]
564 Fracas, fight; disturbance
607 Gritty, coarse; granular
565 Fractious, irritable; difficult to control
608 Guffaw, sudden loud laughter
566 Fraudulent, fake; false
609 Guile, cunning; craftiness
567 Frieze, decorative border
610 Guileless, frank; straightforward; honest
568 Fringe, 1. decorative border with tassels
(n); 2. to form an edge (v) 611 Gullibility, unwariness; trustfulness; being
easily fooled
569 Frivolous, not serious
612 Gullible, easily fooled
570 Froward, stubborn; wayward; disobedient

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613 Gustatory, concerned with the sense of 652 Ignominy, shame [ignominious (a) =
taste shameful]
614 Hack, 1. chop roughly; 2. person who writes 653 Illuminate, to light up or make clear
to earn money, 3. hired horse 654 Illusory, deceptive; false; misleading
615 Hackneyed, common and overused 655 Immoderate, excessive; extreme
616 Halcyon, peaceful and happy; calm (esp. of
656 Immutable, unchanging; permanent
summer weather)
617 Hallow, respect; worship 657 Impartial, unbiased; neutral
618 Hallowed, worshipped; consecrated 658 Impecunious, having no money
619 Hamper, hinder; obstruct 659 Impeding, hindering [impede (v);
impediment (n)]
620 Hangar, storage area (like garage) for a 660 Imperative, must be obeyed
plane
621 Hapless, unlucky 661 Imperturbability, quality of being calm and
not easily disturbed [imperturbable (a)]
622 Harangue, noisy, attacking speech 662 Impious, wicked; profane
623 Harbingers, indicators; bringers of
663 Importune, beg; solicit [importunate (a)]
warnings
624 Hasten, hurry; accelerate; rush 664 Impoverished, destitute; poor
625 Haughtiness, arrogance; pride 665 Improbity, lack of honesty or integrity
626 Hawser, thick rope or cable 666 Impromptu, unrehearsed; spontaneous
627 Headstrong, stubborn; willful 667 Impropriety, inappropriate behavior
668 Impugn, challenge; question someone’s
628 Hedonism, self indulgence; pleasure-
seeking honor etc.
629 Hedonist, a pleasure seeker 669 Impugned, challenged; called into question
630 Heed, listen to 670 Inadvertent, not intentional
631 Hegemony, political domination; complete 671 Incantation, chant; invocation; prayer
authority 672 Incarceration, putting in prison
632 Heresy, against orthodox opinion 673 Incessant, without stopping
633 Heterodox, unorthodox 674 Inchoate, undeveloped; nascent
634 Hiatus, interruption; paus 675 Incipient, just beginning
635 Hidebound, rigid in opinions 676 Incise, cut into [incision (n); incisive (a)]
636 Hieroglyphics, 1. picture writing; 2. writing 677 Inclination, tendency; a leaning toward
which is difficult to read or enigmatic 678 Incoherent, not clear
637 Hinder, obstruct
679 Incongruous, not fitting in; out of place
638 Histrionic, theatrical; exaggerated
680 Inconsequential, unimportant; insignificant;
639 Hoary, old negligible
640 Homiletics, art of preaching and giving 681 Inconspicuous, not easily seen; subtle; not
sermons noticeable
641 Homogeneity, evenness; uniformity 682 Incubus, encumbrance; nightmarish thing
642 Hone, sharpen; increase; whet 683 Incumbents, occupiers of a job or position
643 Hortatory, encouraging; exhorting 684 Indecorous, unseemly; inappropriate (of
644 Hyperbole, exaggeration [hyperbolic (a)] behavior)
645 Hyperbole, grossly exaggerated speech 685 Indelible, cannot be wiped out
646 Hypochondriac, a person obsessed with 686 Indicted, accused (of crime)
health; having imaginary illnesses 687 Indifferent, 1. neutral; 2. not outstanding
647 Hypocritical, insincere 688 Indigence, poverty
648 Iconoclast, person who opposes orthodoxy 689 Indigenous, native to a particular area
649 Idiosyncrasy, a personal peculiarity; 690 Indigent, poor; needy [indigence (n)]
something unique to an individual 691 Indolence, laziness
650 Idyll, story or incident in peaceful or ideal
692 Inductee, novice; beginner
setting [idyllic (a)]
651 Ignominious, shameful 693 Indulgent, pampering; satisfying desires

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694 Inebriation, drunkenness; intoxication 735 Irascible, easily angered
695 Ineffable, cannot be expressed in words 736 Ire, anger [irate (a) = very angry]
696 Inefficacious, ineffective 737 Irksome, annoying; infuriating
697 Inept, incompetent; unskilled; useless 738 Ironclad, cannot be altered; firm
698 Inerrancy, infallibility; inability to make 739 Ironic, satiric; unexpected
mistakes [inerrant (a)] 740 Irrational, unreasonable; absurd
699 Inertia, inactivity; lethargy 741 Irreproachable, cannot be criticized; perfect
700 Inevitable, cannot be avoided 742 Irrevocable, cannot be cancelled;
701 Inexorable, relentless unchangeable
702 Inexpedient, not advisable 743 Itinerant, nomadic; wandering from place to
703 Infallible, perfect; flawless; cannot make place
mistakes 744 Jaded, tired; bored; worn out
704 Infamous, famous for something bad 745 Jamb, door post
705 Infer, deduce; conclude 746 Jargon, specialized language used by
706 Ingénue, naïve, unsophisticated person experts
707 747 Jaundiced, cynical; pessimistic
Ingrate, ungrateful person
708 748 Jaunt, short pleasure trip
Inimical, hostile
709 749 Jeopardize, put at risk; endanger
Iniquitous, evil; unjust [iniquity (n)]
710 750 Jibe, agree with; complement; match up
Innate, inherited; inborn
with (in British usagejibe means mock)
711 Innocuous, harmless; inoffensive 751 Jingoistic, extremely patriotic; nationalistic
712 Innovate, create; introduce something new 752 Jockeying, maneuvering; struggling to get
713 Inscrutability, quality of being difficult to ahead of others [jockey (v)]
comprehend [inscrutable (a)] 753 Jocular, in a joking manner
714 Inscrutable, mysterious; impenetrable 754 Jollity, gaiety; happiness
715 Insentient, unfeeling 755 Jubilant, ecstatic; delighted; rejoicing
716 Insipid, dull; bland; boring 756 Judicious, correct in judgment; wise
717 Instigate, to start; provoke 757 Jurisprudence, science or study of law
718 Instigator, troublemaker; person who
758 Juxtapose, place next to
entices others to do something
719 Insurgent, a rebel
759 Kindle, to start a fire

720 Intangible, cannot be touched; abstract 760 Knotty, complex; difficult to solve
[intangibility (n)] 761 Labile, changing rapidly; unstable
721 Intelligible, can be understood 762 Labyrinth, a maze
722 Intemperate, excessive; immoderate 763 Labyrinthine, complicated; highly
[intemperance (n)] convoluted
723 Interminable, never-ending 764 Laceration, a cut
724 Intermittent, sporadic; irregular 765 Lachrymose, tearful; sad
725 Interregnum, interval between reigns or 766 Lackluster, dull; monotonous; bland
governments 767 Laconic, using few words; brief; to the point
726 Intractability, stubbornness; resistance 768 Lacuna, gap; missing part [plural = lacunae]
[intractable (a)]
769 Lambaste, attack verbally
727 Intransigence, stubbornness
770 Lamentation, expression of regret or sorrow
728 Intransigent, stubborn; unyielding
771 Lampoon, ridicule; spoof
729 Intrepid, brave
772 Lance, spear; spike; javelin
730 Inured, hardened; habituated
773 Languid, tired; slow
731 Inveigle, coax; cajole; wheedle; entice
774 Languish, decay; fade away; get weaker
732 Inveterate, habitual
775 Larceny, theft; robbery; stealing
733 Invidious, arousing envy
776 Largess, generosity
734 Inviolable, cannot be invaded
777 Lassitude, lack of energy; weariness

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778 Latent, hidden; real but undeveloped 817 Maelstrom, whirlpool; storm in the ocean
779 Laud, praise 818 Magnanimous, generous; bighearted
780 Lavish, on a grand scale; wasteful 819 Magnate, powerful businessman
781 Lax, careless; not strict 820 Maladroit, clumsy; unskillful
782 Leaven, to make light; modify; cause bread 821 Malady, illness
to rise using yeast etc. 822 Malapropism, use of similar sounding but
783 Legend, 1. key to map; 2. myth or story incorrect word
784 Legion, in large numbers 823 Malediction, a curse
785 Lethargic, tired; without energy 824 Malefactor, a wrong-doer
786 Levee, 1. raised bank of a river; 2. morning 825 Malevolent, having evil intentions
reception held by a monarch [malevolence(n)]
787 Levity, flippancy; joking about serious 826 Malign, slander
matters 827 Malinger, deliberately avoid work; shirk
788 Libertarian, someone who opposes tyranny 828 Malingerer, person who deliberately tries to
789 Libertine, dissolute person; prodigal avoid work
790 Lien, right to sell property held as a 829 Malleable, flexible; can be shaped
security; legal hold on job etc. 830 Mallet, 1. wooden hammer; 2. stick used for
791 Limerick, short amusing poem polo
792 Limpid, transparently clear 831 Manipulatable, influencable; controllable
793 Liniment, soothing lotion 832 Manipulative, scheming
794 Lint, fluff; soft material used to cover 833 Mannered, stylized; pretentious
wounds 834 Marred, damaged; spoiled
795 List (v), 1. to lean to one side; 2. to write in
835 Marshal, to gather together
order
796 Lithe, flexible; supple 836 Marsupial, pouched mammal (like a
kangaroo)
797 Liturgy, form of worship 837 Martinet, person who believes in strict
798 Livid, very angry discipline
799 Lobbyist, person who tries to persuade 838 Masochist, person who intentionally inflicts
someone to support a particular cause pain on himself
800 Lofty, snooty; arrogant; haughty 839 Matriarchy, society governed by women
801 Loll, laze around; hang out (when used of 840 Maudlin, sad; sentimental; inclined to weep
the tongue) 841 Maverick, a loner
802 Longevity, long life
842 Meager, in short supply
803 Lope, run with long strides
843 Meander, wander from side to side
804 Loquacious, talkative 844 Mellow, soft; melodious; ripe
805 Lucid, clear 845 Menagerie, collection of animals
806 Ludicrous, ridiculous; silly
846 Mendacious, given to lying
807 Lugubrious, sad; gloomy
847 Mercenary, concerned only with money
808 Lukewarm, 1. unenthusiastic; 2. neither hot
848 Mercurial, volatile; changeable
nor cold
809 Lumber, 1. walk in an ungainly way; 2. 849 Meretricious, falsely attractive; tawdry
timber (wood) 850 Merge, come together
810 Luminary, eminent person 851 Metaphorically, symbolically; figuratively
811 Lummox, clumsy person 852 Meticulous, very careful; painstaking
812 Luscious, juicy; moist; succulent 853 Mettle, courage; bravery; valor
813 Lynch, assassinate; kill; illegal hanging 854 Mettlesome, spirited [mettle (n)]
814 Macerate, soften or break up by soaking; 855 Milieu, environment
weaken 856 Milk, to squeeze; obtain by application of
815 Machinations, plots and plans pressure
816 Maculated, spotted 857 Millinery, hats and hat-making

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858 Minatory, threatening 898 Nomadic, wandering from place to place
859 Mince, 1. chop into small pieces; 2. walk 899 Nonchalance, an appearance of
with tiny steps, 3. speak in an affected indifference; calm and composed
manner 900 Nondescript, having no special features;
860 Minion, underling; servant dull and ordinary
861 Minutiae, small details 901 Nonentity, a person of no importance; not
famous
862 Mire, swamp; muddy ground
902 Nonplussed, confused
863 Misanthrope, hater of the rest of mankind
903 Nostalgia, longing for the past
864 Misconstrue, put a wrong interpretation on
something 904 Nostrum, remedy
865 Misnomer, wrong name 905 Notoriety, infamy; known for wrong doing
866 Misogynist, hater of women 906 Novel, new; unusual
867 Misrepresentation, deliberately deceiving 907 Novice, a beginner; tyro
868 Mitigate, lessen; make less severe 908 Noxious, harmful; poisonous; lethal
869 Mitigation, making less severe [mitigate (v)] 909 Nuance, something subtle; a fine shade of
meaning
870 Modest, 1. bashful; unpretentious; 2. not
excessive 910 Nugatory, of minor significance; futile
871 Modicum, small amount 911 Nullify, to counter; make unimportant
872 Momentous, very important 912 Nuzzle, cuddle; snuggle
873 Monolithic, united in purpose; forming a 913 Obdurate, stubborn
single unit 914 Obfuscate, deliberately make something
874 Monotonous, dull; unvarying difficult to understand
875 Moralistic, concerned with morals [moralize 915 Objective, unbiased; not subjective
(v)] 916 Obligate, compulsory
876 Moratorium, temporary prohibition or halt to 917 Oblique, indirect; slanting
activity
918 Obliterate, destroy; demolish; eradicate
877 Moribund, on the point of death
919 Oblivious, totally unaware
878 Morose, gloomy; bad tempered
920 Obscure, difficult to understand; partially
879 Mundane, ordinary; worldly hidden
880 Munificent, generous; charitable 921 Obscured, hidden; covered; buried
881 Muse, 1. think; meditate (v); 2. a source of 922 Obsequious, servile; submissive
inspiration (n) [in mythology, a goddess
923 Obsession, a dominating concern
who gives inspiration]
882 Mutinous, very rebellious 924 Obsolete, no longer valid
883 Myriad, in large numbers 925 Obstreperous, noisy and boisterous
884 Nadir, lowest point 926 Obtuse, mentally dull
885 Nascent, emerging; newly formed 927 Obviate, avoid; make unnecessary
886 Natty, neat; dapper; smart 928 Occluded, obscured; blocked
887 Navigable, suitable for sailing 929 Odious, hateful
888 Nebulous, vague 930 Odometer, instrument to measure distance
covered
889 Nefarious, wicked; immoral; disreputable 931 Officious, domineering; intrusive;
890 Negate, cancel; deny meddlesome
891 Negligence, carelessness 932 Ogle, stare at; observe in an obvious
892 Neologism, newly coined word manner
893 Neophyte, new convert; tyro
933 Olfactory, concerned with the sense of
smell
894 Nettle, annoy 934 Ominous, threatening
895 Nexus, connection 935 Omnipotent, all-powerful
896 Niggardly, miserly; stingy 936 Omniscient, all-knowing
897 Noisome, disgusting 937 Onerous, burdensome; hard to undertake

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938 Onus, burden 973 Parochial, narrow-minded; concerned only
939 Opaque, does not let light through with local matters
940 Opprobrious, expressing great scorn 974 Parody, a mockery; imitation for ridicule;
spoof
[opprobrium (n)]
941 Opulent, wealthy; rich; magnificent 975 Parry, ward off; avoid
942 Orate, speak in a pompous manner 976 Parsimonious, economical; frugal; thrifty
943 Ordain, 1. destine; 2. confer holy orders on 977 Parsimony, stinginess; frugality; cost-
cutting
a priest
944 Ornate, highly decorated 978 Partiality, bias
945 Orthodox, conventional 979 Partisan, biased; one-sided; committed to
one group
946 Ossified, turned to bone; become rigid 980 Pastiche, work (usually artistic) which
[ossification (n)] imitates, or is composed of parts taken from
947 Ossify, 1. turn to bone; 2. become fixed and varied sources
rigid
981 Pathos, evoking sadness or pity
948 Ostentatious, showy
982 Patron, one who give support (usually
949 Ostracism, shunning; social isolation financial)
[ostracize (v)]
983 Patronize, 1. to talk down to; condescend;
950 Oust, push out of a position 2. to be a customer of
951 Overt, obvious; not hidden 984 Patronize, condescend to; behave in an
952 Overwrought, worked up; in an emotional arrogant manner towards
state 985 Paucity, shortage
953 Paean, praise; tribute (esp. in song) 986 Peccadillo, minor weakness; trivial offence
954 Palatable, good to eat; agreeable 987 Pedagogy, science of education; teaching
955 Palisade, fence made of posts 988 Pedant, person who insists on strict
956 Palliative, a remedy that improves but adherence to rules or narrow learning
doesn't cure 989 Pedantic, over-insistent on matters of book-
957 Pallid, pale learning [pedant (n)]
958 Palpable, easily felt; easily perceived 990 Pedestrian, common; mundane; banal
959 Palpate, medical term meaning to examine 991 Peer, 1. an equal; 2. to stare at; 3.
with the hands nobleman
960 Panacea, remedy for all ills 992 Peerless, without equal
961 Panegyric, speech praising someone; 993 Pejorative, derogatory
laudatory words 994 Pellucid, transparently clear
962 Papyrus, material used for writing on before 995 Penchant, inclination; leaning; tendency;
paper was invented predilection
963 Paradigm, 1. example; 2. model; 3. way of 996 Pensive, in a thoughtful mood; thinking
looking at things deeply
964 Paradox, apparently contradictory 997 Penury, poverty
statement
998 Perceptive, observant
965 Paragon, a perfect example
999 Percipient, perceptive; insightful
966 Paramount, of supreme importance
1000 Perdition, damnation
967 Paranoia, mental state characterized by
delusions or excessive fear 1001 Peremptory, in a commanding manner
968 Parasite, 1. scrounger; 2. animal which 1002 Perennial, long-lasting
takes digested food from another 1003 Perfidy, treachery
969 Parched, dried up 1004 Perfunctory, superficial; cursory
970 Parenthesis, remarks deviating from the 1005 Peripatetic, nomadic; moving from place to
main point [parentheses are round brackets place
in punctuation] 1006 Peripheral, on the edge; not important
971 Pariah, an outcast from society 1007 Perjury, telling lies under oath
972 Parity, equality 1008 Pernicious, destructive; harmful
1009 Perpetuated, caused to continue

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1010 Perpetuity, eternity 1051 Plumage, feathers of a bird
1011 Persnickety, fastidious; fussy 1052 Plumb, measure depth of (v); exact (a.
1012 Personable, attractive slang)
1013 Personification, 1. represent something as 1053 Plummet, fall suddenly and steeply
a person; 2. a concrete example of 1054 Podium, raised platform
1014 Perspicacious, insightful; sharp; wise 1055 Poignant, deeply moving; strongly affecting
1015 Perspicacity, insight the emotions
1016 1056 Poised, calm; collected; self-possessed
Pertain, be relevant to [pertinent (a)]
1017 1057 Polemical, causing debate or argument
Pertinent, relevant
1018 1058 Ponderous, weighty; slow and heavy
Peruse, read carefully
1019 1059 Pontificate, speak pompously or
Pervasive, spreading everywhere
dogmatically
1020 Petrify, 1. terrify; 2. turn to stone 1060 Portend, foretell
1021 Petulant, sulky; peevish 1061 Portent, a warning sign; omen
1022 Phenomenology, branch of science
1062 Poseur, someone who puts on an act
concerned with things as they are
perceived; not directly derived from theory 1063 Posterity, future generations
1023 Phenomenon, an event or happening 1064 Posthumous, after death
(plural: phenomena) 1065 Postulate, hypothesize; propose
1024 Philanthropy, charity; love of mankind 1066 Posture (v), to put on an act
1025 Philistine, uncultured person 1067 Potable, suitable for drinking
1026 Phlegmatic, calm; imperturbable 1068 Potent, powerful; compelling; strong
1027 Picayune, insignificant; of little value 1069 Pragmatic, practical
1028 Pied, multicolored 1070 Pragmatist, practical person; one who is
1029 Pillage, plunder concerned with usefulness
1030 Pine, 1. type of evergreen tree; 2. Grieve 1071 Prattle, mindless talk
1031 Pinnacle, topmost point 1072 Preamble, introductory material
1032 Pious, very religious 1073 Precarious, unstable; risky
1033 Pique, 1. annoyance (n); 2. to stimulate 1074 Precedent, a previous occurrence used as
interest; to annoy (v) a guide
1034 Pith, center; soft part of stem; essence 1075 Precept, guiding principle
1035 Pivotal, of central importance 1076 Precinct, district of a city
1036 Placate, pacify; soothe; calm 1077 Precipice, steep slope
1037 Placebo, harmless medicine with no effect; 1078 Precipitate, 1. hurried (a); 2. insoluble
dummy medicine product of a reaction in chemistry(n), 3. to
1038 Placid, calm; peaceful instigate or speed up an action (v)
1039 Plagiarism, taking credit for someone else's 1079 Precipitous, done in a hurry
writing or ideas 1080 Preclude, prevent or make impossible
1040 Plaintiff, petitioner (in court of law) 1081 Precocious, developing early
1041 Plaintive, sad; mournful 1082 Predecessor, one who came before
1042 Plaque, 1. surface deposit on teeth or in 1083 Predicament, dilemma; difficult situation
artery etc.; 2. decorative plate or sign 1084 Predilection, leaning; interest; talent
1043 Platitude, unoriginal, obvious saying 1085 Preeminent, famous; outstanding
1044 Plaudit, statement giving strong praise 1086 Prerogative, right or privilege
1045 Plausibility, believability [plausible (a)] 1087 Presage, forewarn of; indicate
1046 Plausible, can be believed; reasonable
1088 Prescience, foreknowledge
1047 Plethora, an excess 1089 Prescient, having foreknowledge
1048 Pliable, flexible; not stubborn 1090 Presentiment, a feeling that something
1049 Plodding, walking slowly and heavily; might happen
uninspired 1091 Presumptuous, assuming too much;
1050 Pluck (n), courage arrogant

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1092 Pretension, assumed attitude of superiority; 1131 Psychosis, severe mental disturbance
arrogance 1132 Puerile, childish
1093 Pretentious, pompous; selfimportant 1133 Pugnacious, aggressive, ready to fight
1094 Preternatural, unnatural; abnormal [pugnacity (n)]
1095 Prevaricate, speak misleadingly and 1134 Puissance, power
evasively 1135 Punctilious, paying attention to small details
1096 Primordial, present from the beginning of
1136 Pundit, expert
time
1097 Pristine, unspoiled 1137 Purchase, 1. grip; 2. buy
1098 Probity, uprightness; honesty 1138 Purist, conservative; one who insists on
correct forms of language etc.
1099 Proclivity, tendency towards 1139 Purloin, steal
1100 Procrastinate, delay; put off 1140 Pusillanimous, cowardly
1101 Prodigal, wasteful; extravagant 1141 Pyre, ceremonial fire
1102 Prodigious, very large 1142 Pyromania, compulsion to start fires
1103 Profane, unholy 1143 Quack, charlatan; fake
1104 Profanity, swearing; cursing 1144 Quaff, drink down quickly
1105 Profound, having deep meaning 1145 Quagmire, marsh; bog
1106 Profundity, depth 1146 Quaint, picturesque
1107 Prohibitive, 1. prohibiting; 2. exorbitantly
1147 Qualm, hesitation or fear
expensive
1108 Proletarian, member of the working class
1148 Quandary, dilemma; puzzle
1109 Proliferate, grow and spread [proliferation 1149 Quarantine, isolation to prevent the spread
(n)] of disease
1110 Prolific, producing a lot 1150 Quarry, 1. something that is hunted; 2. mine
for stone
1111 Prolixity, wordiness [prolix (a)] 1151 Quell, suppress
1112 Prominent, 1. eminent; 2. protruding; 3.
1152 Querulous, always complaining
obvious
1113 Prone, 1. vulnerable to; 2. horizontal 1153 Quibble, 1. (v) to argue about minor
matters; to play on words when finding
1114 Propensity, tendency; inclination fault; 2. (n) a minor verbal point in an
1115 Propitiate, appease; try to gain favor argument
[propitiation (n)] 1154 Quintessential, most typical; the perfect
1116 Proponents, promoters; supporters example of [quintessence (n)]
1117 Prosaic, dull; boring; ordinary 1155 Quirk, oddity
1118 Proscribe, forbid 1156 Quisling, traitor
1119 Prosody, study of versification 1157 Quixotic, impractically idealistic
1120 Prostration, 1. lying face down; 2. be 1158 Quotidian, daily; routine
overcome with extreme weakness 1159 Raconteur, person who relates a story
1121 Protagonist, main character in film, book,
1160 Ramble, wander aimlessly
play etc.
1122 Protean, changeable 1161 Ramifications, branches; subdivisions of a
complex system; outcomes
1123 Protégé, person under protection of, or
1162 Rancor, resentment; animosity; bad feeling
guided by another
1124 Protocol, procedure; code of behavior 1163 Rant, use bombastic language
1125 Provincial, unsophisticated; narrow-minded 1164 Rarefy, make less dense [rarefaction (n)]
1126 Proximate, immediate; nearest 1165 Ratify, approve; consent
1127 Prudence, caution; wisdom 1166 Raucous, rough and unpleasant (of
sounds)
1128 Prudent, cautious; wise 1167 Raze, destroy; demolish; tear down
1129 Prudish, narrow-minded; excessively
1168 Ready, (used of wit) quick
concerned with morals [prudery (n), prude
(n)] 1169 Rebus, puzzle in which pictures give clues
1130 Prune, 1. to trim; 2. a dried plum 1170 Rebuttal, denial

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1171 Recant, disclaim; retract statement 1211 Reticent, restrained; holding something
1172 Recapitulate, summarize back; uncommunicative
1173 1212 Retraction, withdrawal; cancellation of a
Receptacle, container; vessel; holder
statement
1174 Recluse, someone who cuts himself off
1213 Revere, worship
from life
1175 1214 Riddled, full of (usually full of holes)
Recondite, obscure
1176 Reconnaissance, examination or survey 1215 Rife, common
conducted in advance [reconnoiter (v)] 1216 Rigor, thoroughness
1177 Recumbent, reclining; lying down 1217 Riveting, fascinating [to rivet literally means
1178 Recuperate, get better after illness to fix metal plates using metal pins]
1179 Red tape, formalities; paperwork; official 1218 Robust, strong; healthy; tough
procedure 1219 Roster, list of names
1180 Redolent, smelling of; giving off odors 1220 Rotund, round
1181 Redress, put right something that was 1221 Rue, regret [rueful (a)]
wrong 1222 Ruminate, think over something; ponder
1182 Redundant, unnecessary; superfluous 1223 Runic, mysterious; magical
1183 Referendum, public vote 1224 Ruse, trick; stratagem
1184 Refulgent, glowing; radiant 1225 Saccharin, falsely sweet
1185 Refute, disprove 1226 Sacrosanct, very holy; inviolable
1186 Regale, entertain 1227 Sagacious, wise
1187 Rekindle, relight; revive 1228 Sage, a wise person
1188 Relegate, dismiss to a lower position 1229 Salacious, lecherous; erotic
1189 Remorse, regret; sorrow; contrition 1230 Sallow, yellowish
1190 Remuneration, payment for work done 1231 Salubrious, health-giving
1191 Renege, go back on promise or retract
1232 Salutary, something which teaches you a
statement lesson; beneficial
1192 Renown, fame 1233 Sanctimonious, hypocritically holy
1193 Rent, torn (past participle of the verb to
1234 Sanction, give approval to
rend)
1194 Repine, fret; be discontented 1235 Sanguinary, bloodthirsty; bloody
1195 Replete, full 1236 Sanguine, optimistic; cheerful
1196 Reprehensible, shameful; very bad 1237 Sap, 1. liquid inside plants (n); 2. to drain;
to undermine (v); 3. a fool (n)
1197 Reprieve, a respite; postponement of a 1238 Sardonic, mocking
sentence
1198 Reproof, scolding; criticism [reprove (v)] 1239 Sate, satisfy
1199 Repudiate, shun; eschew 1240 Satiate, satisfy; fill completely [satiable (a);
satiation (n)]
1200 Rescind, retract; repeal 1241 Savant, person with knowledge
1201 Resignation, acceptance of fate 1242 Savor, enjoy
1202 Resilience, resistance; ability to spring back
1243 Saw, 1. tool for cutting; 2. wise saying
[resilience (a)]
1203 Resolution, determination 1244 Scabbard, cover for a sword
1204 Resolve, firmness (n) 1245 Scale, to climb
1205 Resonant, echoing 1246 Scapegoat, person on whom blame is
placed for faults of others
1206 Respite, a break; intermission 1247 Score (n), written form of music
1207 Resplendent, shining; glowing
1248 Scotch (v), to prevent; stop; disable
1208 Restorative, a tonic 1249 Scrupulous, careful; diligent; painstaking
1209 Resuscitation, revival from
1250 Scrutinize, examine carefully
unconsciousness [resuscitate (v)]
1210 Retention, preservation; withholding 1251 Scurvy, 1. disease due to lack of vitamin C;
2. contemptible; rascally

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1252 Scuttle, sink 1292 Sophomoric, juvenile; immature
1253 Secure (v), 1. to fix firmly; 2. to obtain 1293 Soporific, inducing sleep
1254 Sedulity, thoroughness; perseverance 1294 Sparse, spare; bare; meager
[sedulous (a)] 1295 Specious, false
1255 Sedulous, persevering; eager and thorough 1296 Speckled, spotted; freckled; dotted
1256 Seemly, appropriate (of behavior); 1297 Sporadic, not continuous; intermittent
decorous
1257 Seine, type of fishing net 1298 Spurious, false
1258 Seminal, essential; formative 1299 Squalid, dirty and demeaning
1259 Seminary, an institution in which priests are 1300 Stagnant, still; not moving
trained 1301 Staid, dull; sober; serious
1260 Sensuous, appealing to the senses 1302 Stanch, to stop
1261 Sentinel, guard; sentry 1303 Stanza, section of a poem
1262 Sequester, isolate 1304 Statute, law [statutory (a)]
1263 Sere, withered; old 1305 Staunch, loyal; faithful; dependable
1264 Serendipity, fortunate coincidence; 1306 Steep (v), to soak in water
unsought discovery 1307 Stereotype, fixed image
1265 Serene, calm; peaceful
1308 Stevedore, dockworker
1266 Serrated, jagged; saw-like
1309 Stickler, one who is strict about rules or
1267 Serration, jagged edge details
1268 Servile, overly submissive; groveling 1310 Stifle, suppress
1269 Shard, fragment of pottery 1311 Stinting, holding back; limiting the supply
1270 Shirk, avoid (esp. work) (of supplies/money etc.) [stint (v)]
1271 Sibyl, prophetess 1312 Stipple, cover with dots of paint etc.
1272 Sidereal, of or related to stars 1313 Stipulate, specify [stipulation (n)]
1273 Sinecure, job which pays salary but 1314 Stoic, known for fortitude; indifferent to
requiring little effort pleasure or pain
1274 Sinewy, vigorous; having welldeveloped 1315 Stoke, add fuel to; strengthen
muscles [a sinew is a tendon] 1316 Stolid, impassive; dull; indifferent
1275 Sinistral, left-handed (or counterclockwise) 1317 Stomach (v), to tolerate
[dextral - right handed] 1318 Stratagem, plot; plan; trick
1276 Skeptical, doubting; not gullible
1319 Strident, loud and harsh
1277 Skiff, small boat
1320 Stringent, strict or severe
1278 Skirmish, minor battle
1321 Strut, 1. supporting rod (n); 2. to walk in an
1279 Slake, quench; satisfy arrogant manner; show off (v)
1280 Slew, glut; excess 1322 Strut, swagger; show off
1281 Slight, 1. minor (a); 2. perceived insult (v) 1323 Stupefying, astonishing; shocking; stunning
and (n) into silence
1282 Sluggard, slow-moving; lethargic person 1324 Stygian, very dark
1283 Smelt, refine an ore 1325 Subliminal, below the threshold of
1284 Smorgasbord, a Swedish buffet of cold consciousness
dishes 1326 Suborn, bribe
1285 Solace, comfort for grief 1327 Subpoena, summons to court
1286 Solicit, to ask for; seek 1328 Substantiate, give supporting evidence
1287 Solicitous, kindly; expressing care and 1329 Subterfuge, a trick
concern 1330 Subtle, not obvious
1288 Soliloquy, solo speech
1331 Subversive, rebellious; revolutionary
1289 Somatic, concerned with the body
1332 Succinct, concise
1290 Somnambulist, sleepwalker
1333 Suffragist, someone who campaigns for
1291 Soothsayer, fortuneteller voting rights

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1334 Sullied, made dirty or impure [opposite 1376 Throwback, exhibiting primitive, or
unsullied; sully (v)] ancestral, traits
1335 Supercilious, proud and haughty 1377 Thwart, prevent; frustrate
1336 Superlative, extremely good; the best 1378 Timorous, cowardly; fearful
1337 Supine, lying flat on one’s back 1379 Tirade, stream of verbal abuse
1338 Supplicant, person who requests or begs 1380 Titter, giggle quietly
for something [supplicate (v)] 1381 Toady, sycophant; flatterer
1339 Surly, grumpy; rude 1382 Tome, large book
1340 Surreptitious, secret; sneaky; stealthy 1383 Torpid, inactive; lazy; stagnant
1341 Surreptitiously, secretly; furtively; stealthily 1384 Torpor, dormancy; sluggishness; inactivity
1342 Susceptible, vulnerable 1385 Torrid, hot and steamy
1343 Suspect, doubtful 1386 Tortuous, indirect; winding
1344 Sybarite, lover of luxury 1387 Totter, walk unsteadily
1345 Sycophant, bootlicker; flatterer 1388 Touting, advertising; supporting [tout (v)]
1346 Syllogism, type of logical reasoning 1389 Toy (v), to play with
1347 Symphony, type of musical composition 1390 Tractable, obedient; dutiful; polite
1348 Synapse, junction between two nerve cells 1391 Tranquil, peaceful
1349 Syncopation, type of musical rhythm with
1392 Transcendental, supernatural; going
missed beats
beyond normal experience [transcendent
1350 Table (v), put down for future discussion (a)]
1351 Taciturn, quiet; saying little 1393 Transcribe, copy
1352 Tactile, concerned with the sense of touch 1394 Transgress, go astray; disobey; commit a
1353 Talisman, lucky charm sin
1354 Talon, long pointed nail or claw 1395 Transient, short-lived; ephemeral
1355 Tamp, to plug; press loose matter down 1396 Traverse, to move across
tightly (e.g. pack explosives into a hole) 1397 Travesty, parody; ridiculous error
1356 Tangent, going off the main subject 1398 Trepidation, fear
1357 Tangible, can be touched 1399 Trilogy, set of three (literary works etc.);
1358 Tardy, slow; late; overdue; delayed tetralogy = set of four
1359 Tare, 1. weed; 2. allowance made for 1400 Trinket, something of little value; knick-
container when weighing knack
1360 Tarnished, made dull; spoil (reputation) 1401 Trite, unoriginal; dull
1361 Taunt, mock; tease 1402 Trivial, unimportant
1362 Tawdry, of little value; gaudy 1403 Truant, shirker; someone absent without
permission
1363 Tedium, boredom
1404 Truncate, cut short
1364 Teetotalism, total abstinence from alcohol
1405 Tumult, uproar; noise
1365 Temper, to moderate; soften
1406 Turpitude, depravity
1366 Temperate, moderate
1407 Tutelary, serving as a guardian [tutelage
1367 Tempers, moderates (n)]
1368 Tenacious, stubborn; resolute; holding firm 1408 Tyro, novice; beginner
to a purpose
1409 Ubiquitous, found everywhere;
1369 Tendentious, dogmatic; biased omnipresent
1370 Tender, to offer 1410 Umbrage, 1. shadow; 2. offence; sense of
1371 Tentative, not certain injury
1372 Tenuous, flimsy; not solid 1411 Unalloyed, undiluted; total
1373 Terse, concise; to the point 1412 Unctuous, oily; using excessive flattery
1374 Testiness, irritability; irascibility [testy (a)] 1413 Undercutting, offering a lower price;
undermining
1375 Therapeutic, medicinal; curative
1414 Undergird, support; strengthen

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1415 Undermine, subvert; attempt to overthrow 1456 Vertigo, dizziness
1416 Undermined, damaged; attacked 1457 Vestigial, not developed
1417 Underscore, emphasize 1458 Vicissitude, unexpected change in fortune
1418 Underwrite, give guarantee, insure or circumstances
1419 1459 Vignette, small sketch
Unequivocal, clear; obvious
1420 1460 Vilification, blackening someone's name
Unfetter, set free
1421 Unfrock, to remove a priest from his 1461 Vindicate, prove right; remove blame
position 1462 Virtuosity, skill, expertise [virtuoso (n);
1422 Unprecedented, never having happened virtuosi ([Link])]
before 1463 Virtuoso, an accomplished musician
1423 Unprepossessing, unattractive 1464 Virulent, dangerous; harmful
1424 Unscathed, unharmed; intact; without a 1465 Vital, essential; alive; important
scratch 1466 Vitiate, weaken; sap energy
1425 Untoward, unexpected 1467 Vitriolic, corrosive; strongly attacking
1426 Unwitting, not deliberate; unconscious 1468 Vituperate, attack bitterly
1427 Upbraid, scold; tell off; reprimand 1469 Vivacity, liveliness; animation
1428 Uproarious, hilarious; hysterical; very funny 1470 Vivify, enliven
1429 Upshot, outcome 1471 Vociferous, noisy; loud in speech
1430 Urbane, sophisticated; suave 1472 Volatile, dangerously unstable; evaporates
1431 Usurp, take someone's position (usually by easily
force) 1473 Volubility, excessive talkativeness [voluble
1432 Usury, lending money at high interest rates (a)]
1433 Utilitarian, useful 1474 Voluble, talkative
1434 Utopian, a believer in an ideal world 1475 Voluminous, very large; spacious
1435 Vacillate, waver; hesitate 1476 Voracious, ravenous
1436 Vacuous, empty; silly; meaningless 1477 Vulpine, like a fox [compare with bovine
1437 Vagary, something unaccountable; freak (cow-like); porcine (pig-like), etc.]
1438 Vagrant, person wandering without a home
1478 Waffle, talk nonsense

1439 Vapid, dull; uninspiring

1479 Waft, drift smoothly (v); whiff; smell (n)

1440 Variegated, multicolored; speckled

1480 Wag (n), a witty person

1441 Vehemence, violence; fervor; forcefulness

1481 Waive, surrender; give up
1442 Vehement, forceful
1482 Wane, grow less
1443 Venal, corrupt; can be bribed
1483 Wary, hesitant; cautious

1444 Veneer, surface coating

1484 Wax, to increase; to grow

1445 Venerate, revere; worship

1485 Waylay, accost; stop; approach; hinder

1446 Veneration, worship; respect [venerable 1486 Weighty, serious

(a), venerate (v)] 1487 Whelp, young dog
1447 Venial, minor; unimportant 1488 Whet, sharpen
1448 Venturing, 1. hazarding; risking; putting 1489 Whimsical, capricious; changeable
forward; 2. going somewhere [venturesome 1490 Whittle, 1. carve with knife; 2. reduce step
means courageous or willing to take risks] by step
1449 Veracious, true [veracity (n)] 1491 Willful, stubborn
1450 Veracity, truthfulness 1492 Wily, cunning
1451 Verbiage, excessive or meaningless 1493 Wispy, flimsy; frail; delicate
wordiness
1494 Wistful, melancholy; pensive; expressing a
1452 Verbose, talkative; long-winded; rambling longing for
1453 Verbosity, using too many words 1495 Wry, 1. twisted or bent to one side; 2. dryly
1454 Verisimilar, true to life; giving the humorous
appearance of reality 1496 Xenophobe, person afraid of foreigners
1455 Veritable, true; genuine [verity (n)]

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1497 Zany, crazy; wacky 1500 Zenith, summit
1498 Zeal, enthusiasm
1499 Zealot, fanatic

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