James Madison
Difficult Words
from Every-Day Reading

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These are words I have encountered in reading that I could not define.  I started doing this after getting my Master's degree, so hopefully the words are non-trivial.  I may adjust the words to their base form, versus using them as they appear in the text.  For example, removing "ly" to convert an adverb to its root word, or removing "ed" to convert to the present tense.  This tends to make the dictionary lookup find a better definition.  If a word appears more than once, it is because I didn't manage to assimilate it the first time around!

Word Definition Source Page
abjure Solemnly renounce a belief, cause, or claim. Expert Political Judgment 220
abstruse Difficult to understand; obscure. Uncle Tom's Cabin 86
accession Te attainment or acquisition of a position of rank or power, typically that of monarch or president. Uncle Tom's Cabin 178
accretion The process of growth or increase, typically by the gradual accumulation of additional layers or matter. God is not Great 107
acrimony Bitterness or ill feeling. Expert Political Judgment 134
adduce Cite as evidence. The End of Faith 215
adduce Cite as evidence. Uncle Tom's Cabin 509
adjudicate Make a formal judgment or decision about a problem or disputed matter. The Signal and the Noise 371
adumbrated Report or represent in outline. Indicate faintly. Foreshadow or symbolize. God is not Great 121
aegis The protection, backing, or support of a particular person or organization. Harvard Business Review, September 2016 71
alacrity Brisk and cheerful readiness. Uncle Tom's Cabin 83
alighted Descend from the air and settle. Descend from a train, bus, or other form of transportation. Uncle Tom's Cabin 468
ameliorate Make something bad or unsatisfactory better. Harvard Business Review, January 2012 81
amity A friendly relationship. Harvard Business Review, January 2012 80
animus Hostility or ill feeling. Motivation to do something. The End of Faith 101
anon Soon; shortly. Uncle Tom's Cabin 22
aphorism A pithy observation that contains a general truth, such as, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it.". Harvard Business Review, January 2018 153
aphorism A pithy observation that contains a general truth, such as, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it.". Harvard Business Review, October 2016 46
apocryphal Of doubtful authenticity, although widely circulated as being true. Blink 126
apocryphal Of doubtful authenticity, although widely circulated as being true. Freakonomics 238
apocryphal Of doubtful authenticity, although widely circulated as being true. God is not Great 110
apocryphal Of doubtful authenticity, although widely circulated as being true. Leading at the Edge 2
apotheosis The highest point in the development of something; culmination or climax. The elevation of someone to divine status; deification. Harvard Business Review, January 2012 80
approbation Approval or praise. The Ambiguities of Experience 43
arbitrage The simultaneous buying and selling of securities, currency, or commodities in different markets or in derivative forms in order to take advantage of differing prices for the same asset. Harvard Business Review, July 2011 64
arbitrage The simultaneous buying and selling of securities, currency, or commodities in different markets or in derivative forms in order to take advantage of differing prices for the same asset. The Signal and the Noise 352
ardor Enthusiasm or passion. Rebounders 75
ardor Enthusiasm or passion. The End of Faith 205
ardor Enthusiasm or passion. Uncle Tom's Cabin 180
asceticism Severe self-discipline and avoidance of all forms of indulgence, typically for religious reasons. Extreme Ownership 272
askance With an attitude or look of suspicion or disapproval. Uncle Tom's Cabin 271
atavistic Relating to or characterized by reversion to something ancient or ancestral. God is not Great 190
atavistic Relating to or characterized by reversion to something ancient or ancestral. God is not Great 28
augur Portend a good or bad outcome of an event or circumstance. God is not Great 128
austerity Extreme plainness and simplicity of style or appearance. Expert Political Judgment 220
avarice Extreme greed for wealth or material gain. God is not Great 214
avarice Extreme greed for wealth or material gain. The Signal and the Noise 23
avarice Extreme greed for wealth or material gain. Conversation n/a
avowal An open statement of affirmation; frank acknowledgment or admission. Oxford Essential Guide to Writing 206
badinage Humorous or witty conversation. Uncle Tom's Cabin 174
bagatelle A thing of little importance; a very easy task. Harvard Business Review, January 2012 54
beatific Blissfully happy. God is not Great 53
beguile Charm or enchant someone, sometimes in a deceptive way. Uncle Tom's Cabin 417
bespoke Made to order. Trillions 28
bespoke Made to order. Conversation n/a
blandishment A flattering or pleasing statement or action used to persuade someone gently to do something. Harvard Business Review, July 2012 158
bricolage Something constructed or created from a diverse range of available things. The Ambiguities of Experience 56
cadge Ask for or obtain something to which one is not strictly entitled. Harvard Business Review 130
calaboose A prision. Uncle Tom's Cabin 198
canaille The common people; the masses. Uncle Tom's Cabin 305
caprice A sudden and unaccountable change of mood or behavior. God is not Great 231
castigate Reprimand someone severely. Conversation n/a
casuistry The use of clever but unsound reasoning, especially in relation to moral questions; sophistry. God is not Great 120
casuistry The use of clever but unsound reasoning, especially in relation to moral questions; sophistry. The End of Faith 111
catharsis The process of releasing, and thereby providing relief from, strong or repressed emotions. The Power of Habit 71
cathartic Providing psychological relief through the open expression of strong emotions; causing catharsis. Trillions 131
cavil Make petty or unnecessary objections. Uncle Tom's Cabin 259
censer A container in which incense is burned, typically during a religious ceremony. Uncle Tom's Cabin 235
ceteris paribus With other conditions remaining the same. Expert Political Judgment 41
chattel A personal possession. God is not Great 99
chimera A thing that is hoped or wished for but in fact is illusory or impossible to achieve. God is not Great 252
churlish Rude in a mean-spirited and surly way. Freakonomics 129
cloy Disgust or sicken someone with an excess of sweetness, richness, or sentiment. Expert Political Judgment 108
cogent Clear, logical, and convincing argument or case. Harvard Business Review, March 2016 55
cogent Clear, logical, and convincing argument or case. Harvard Business Review, November 2017 82
colloquy A conversation. Uncle Tom's Cabin 219
compeer A person of equal rank, status, or ability. Uncle Tom's Cabin 85
comport Conduct oneself; behave. Accord with; agree with. Trillions 55
concision Concise quality; brevity; terseness. The End of Faith 123
concomitant Naturally accompanying or associated. Harvard Business Review, June 2011 135
contagion The communication of disease from one person to another by close contact. The spreading of a harmful idea or practice. Expert Political Judgment 135
convivial Friendly, lively, and enjoyable atmosphere or event. Cheerful and friendly; jovial person. Harvard Business Review, September 2011 86
coterminous Having the same boundaries or extent in space, time, or meaning. The Opposable Mind 121
crepuscular Of, resembling, or relating to twilight. Harvard Business Review, November 2008 41
cupidity Greed for money or possessions. God is not Great 214
daguerreotype A photograph taken by an early photographic process employing an iodine-sensitized silvered plate and mercury vapor. Uncle Tom's Cabin 24
de novo Starting from the beginning. Envish v. Microsoft 9
delirium An acutely disturbed state of mind that occurs in fever, intoxication, and other disorders and is characterized by restlessness, illusions, and incoherence of thought and speech. Wild excitement or ecstasy. Oxford Essential Guide to Writing 368
demur Raise doubts or objections or show reluctance. The action or process of objecting to or hesitating over something. Expert Political Judgment 17
denizen An inhabitant or occupant of a particular place. A foreigner allowed certain rights in the adopted country. Harvard Business Review, April 2012 103
denizen An inhabitant or occupant of a particular place. A foreigner allowed certain rights in the adopted country. The End of Faith 123
denizen An inhabitant or occupant of a particular place. A foreigner allowed certain rights in the adopted country. The Week, February 2, 2018
denouement The final part of a play, movie, or narrative in which the strands of the plot are drawn together and matters are explained or resolved. The climax of a chain of events, usually when something is decided or made clear. Oxford Essential Guide to Writing 370
depredation An act of attacking or plundering. Harvard Business Review, March 2016 84
deracinate Tear something up by the roots. Harvard Business Review, September 2016 42
desuetude A state of disuse. Uncle Tom's Cabin 454
desultory Lacking a plan, purpose, or enthusiasm. Outliers 267
detente The easing of hostility or strained relations, especially between countries. Harvard Business Review, January 2012 61
detente The easing of hostility or strained relations, especially between countries. The Signal and the Noise 87
diablerie Reckless mischief; charismatic wildness. Uncle Tom's Cabin 282
diaspora The dispersion of the Jews beyond Israel. Expert Political Judgment 133
diaspora The dispersion of the Jews beyond Israel. God is not Great 25
diffident Modest or shy because of a lack of self-confidence. Expert Political Judgment 61
digerati People with expertise or professional involvement in information technology. Trillions 45
dilettante A person who cultivates an area of interest, such as the arts, without real commitment or knowledge. Expert Political Judgment 43
dilettante A person who cultivates an area of interest, such as the arts, without real commitment or knowledge. Uncle Tom's Cabin 85
discrepant Differing; disagreeing; inconsistent. The Ambiguities of Experience 51
disquisition A long or elaborate essay or discussion on a particular subject. The Opposable Mind 61
doleful Expressing sorrow; mournful. Uncle Tom's Cabin 274
dour Relentlessly severe, stern, or gloomy in manner or appearance. Expert Political Judgment 103
dour Relentlessly severe, stern, or gloomy in manner or appearance. Freakonomics 33
droll Curious or unusual in a way that provokes dry amusement. A jester or entertainer; a buffoon. Uncle Tom's Cabin 85
drollery Something whimsically amusing or funny. Uncle Tom's Cabin 271
ebullition The action of bubbling or boiling. Uncle Tom's Cabin 14
efface Erase a mark from a surface. Make oneself appear insignificant or inconspicuous. God is not Great 231
elan Energy, style, and enthusiasm. The Opposable Mind 141
elision The omission of a sound or syllable when speaking. An omission of a passage in a book, speech, or film. The process of joining together or merging things, especially abstract ideas. The End of Faith 34
endemic Regularly found among particular people or in a certain area. Native or restricted to a certain country or area. The Ambiguities of Experience 3
endogenous Having an internal cause or origin. The Ambiguities of Experience 28
enervate Cause someone to feel drained of energy or vitality; weaken. Jack: Straight from the Gut 160
ennui A feeling of listlessness and dissatisfaction arising from a lack of occupation or excitement. Leading at the Edge 186
ennui A feeling of listlessness and dissatisfaction arising from a lack of occupation or excitement. Uncle Tom's Cabin 176
ensconce Establish or settle someone in a comfortable, safe, or secret place. Harvard Business Review, November 2010 89
envisage Contemplate or conceive of as a possibility or a desirable future event. Harvard Business Review, May 2016 57
ephemera Things that exist or are used or enjoyed for only a short time. Expert Political Judgment 88
epicure A person who takes particular pleasure in fine food and drink. Uncle Tom's Cabin 235
epistemic Relating to knowledge or to the degree of its validation. Expert Political Judgment 23
epistemological Relating to the theory of knowledge, especially with regard to its methods, validity, and scope, and the distinction between justified belief and opinion. Expert Political Judgment 137
equanimity Mental calmness, composure, and evenness of temper, especially in a difficult situation. Rebounders 195
equanimity Mental calmness, composure, and evenness of temper, especially in a difficult situation. The End of Faith 64
erudition The quality of having or showing great knowledge or learning; scholarship. Outliers 72
escutcheon A shield or emblem bearing a coat of arms. A flat piece of metal for protection and often ornamentation, around a keyhole, door handle, or light switch. Uncle Tom's Cabin 493
estoppel The principle that precludes a person from asserting something contrary to what is implied by a previous action or statement of that person or by a previous pertinent judicial determination. Envish v. Microsoft 25
eugenics The science of improving a human population by controlled breeding to increase the occurrence of desirable heritable characteristics. God is not Great 237
eviscerate Disembowel a person or animal. Deprive something of its essential content. Harvard Business Review, December 2012 131
ex ante Based on forecasts rather than actual results. Expert Political Judgment 30
ex post Based on actual results rather than forecasts. Expert Political Judgment 42
excoriate Censure or criticize severely. Harvard Business Review, April 2013 80
execration An angry denouncement or curse. Uncle Tom's Cabin 449
exegesis Critical explanation or interpretation of a text, especially of scripture. The End of Faith 20
extirpate Root out and destroy completely. God is not Great 247
facile Appearing neat and comprehensive only by ignoring the true complexities of an issue. Data Driven 70
fain Pleased or willing under the circumstances. Uncle Tom's Cabin 442
farrago A confused mixture. God is not Great 111
fatuity Stupidity, foolishness. God is not Great 119
fatuous Silly and pointless. God is not Great 12
fatuous Silly and pointless. God is not Great 240
fealty TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! The Signal and the Noise 173
feckless TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Harvard Business Review, April 2012 143
fecundity TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! The Week 07-Feb-2017
felicitous TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! The End of Faith 130
felicitousness TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Trillions 189
ferment TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! The Opposable Mind (used as noun) 74
fillip TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! The End of Faith 123
flambeaux TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Uncle Tom's Cabin 461
floe TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Uncle Tom's Cabin vii
furtive TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Uncle Tom's Cabin 274
fusillades TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Oxford Essential Guide to Writing 211
garrulous TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Uncle Tom's Cabin 249
haute TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! The Signal and the Noise 185
hauteur TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Oxford Essential Guide to Writing 329
hypernym TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Harvard Business Review, December 2015 87
hyponym TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Harvard Business Review, December 2015 87
ignominious TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Rebounders 179
iconoclasm TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Conversation n/a
immolation TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! God is not Great 149
implacable TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! The Tipping Point 259
imprimatur TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Rebounders 50
inchoate Just begun and so not fully formed or developed; rudimentary. Expert Political Judgment 216
inchoate Just begun and so not fully formed or developed; rudimentary. The End of Faith 201
incipient TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Know What You Don't Know 143
indigent TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! National Public Radio n/a
indolent TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Uncle Tom's Cabin 230
ineluctable Unable to be resisted or avoided; inescapable. The End of Faith 101
ineluctably TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! God is not Great 274
ingenue TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Rebounders 77
inimical TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! The Ambiguities of Experience 82
insuperable TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Expert Political Judgment 236
insuperable TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! God is not Great 3
interegnum TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Harvard Business Review, December 2016 55
inure TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! The End of Faith 176
inured TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Harvard Business Review, June 2012 26
invidious Likely to arouse or incur resentment or anger in others. Unfairly discriminating; unjust. Expert Political Judgment 212
invidious Likely to arouse or incur resentment or anger in others. Unfairly discriminating; unjust. The End of Faith 173
irruption TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! God is not Great 19
klieg TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Rebounders 166
languor TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Uncle Tom's Cabin 197
lapidary TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! God is not Great 107
laudanum TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Uncle Tom's Cabin 281
lugubrious TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Leading at the Edge 131
machinations TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Expert Political Judgment 107
maladroit TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Expert Political Judgment 131
malediction TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! God is not Great 261
maudlin TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Jack: Straight from the Gut 436
menage TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Uncle Tom's Cabin 176
mendacity TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Harvard Business Review, October 2012 98
meretricious TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! God is not Great 143
metes TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Uncle Tom's Cabin 480
miasma TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Expert Political Judgment 94
milieu TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Trillions 165
militate TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Freakonomics 18
militate TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! The Signal and the Noise 377
militate TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Trillions 124
militate TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Uncle Tom's Cabin 393
ministration TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Uncle Tom's Cabin 474
nadir TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Harvard Business Review, October 2012 98
nadir TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! The Signal and the Noise 31
natty TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Jack: Straight from the Gut 308
necromancy TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Uncle Tom's Cabin 423
nettlesome TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Harvard Business Review, May 2012 147
nodule TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Uncle Tom's Cabin 501
noetic TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Freakonomics 218
obeisance TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Harvard Business Review, September 2013 82
obloquy TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Harvard Business Review, April 2013 54
obsequious TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Uncle Tom's Cabin 122
obsequy TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! God is not Great 105
obverse TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Leading at the Edge xvii
offal TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! The End of Faith 47
ostentation TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Uncle Tom's Cabin 454
paean TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Harvard Business Review, November 2012 72
pajoritive TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Conversation n/a
pallid TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Expert Political Judgment 191
palsied TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Uncle Tom's Cabin 148
paroxysm TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! The End of Faith 153
paroxysm TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Uncle Tom's Cabin 469
parsimony TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Expert Political Judgment 20
pecuniary TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Uncle Tom's Cabin 37
pedantic TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Expert Political Judgment 102
pellucid TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Uncle Tom's Cabin 184
peroration TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Uncle Tom's Cabin 194
perquisite TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Harvard Business Review, March 2012 126
perspicacity TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! The Ambiguities of Experience 2
pertinacious TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Uncle Tom's Cabin 497
pertinacity TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Uncle Tom's Cabin 126
petulance TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Harvard Business Review, April 2012 94
petulant TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Uncle Tom's Cabin 176
phantasm TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! God is not Great 53
picayune TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Uncle Tom's Cabin 309
piffle TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! God is not Great 86
pillory TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! The Tipping Point 235
piquant TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Uncle Tom's Cabin 245
pithy TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Definition of "aphorism" n/a
plebiscite TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! The End of Faith 151
plebiscites TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Freakonomics 241
pluck TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Outliers (used as noun) 18
pneumatology TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Uncle Tom's Cabin 480
pogrom TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! God is not Great 111
pogrom TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! The End of Faith 103
polemic TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! God is not Great 173
potentate TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Rebounders 167
potentate TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Uncle Tom's Cabin 393
precipice TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Expert Political Judgment 112
predilection TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Expert Political Judgment 107
prescient TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Expert Political Judgment 107
prestidigitation Magic tricks performed as entertainment. The End of Faith 33
proffer Hold out something to someone for acceptance. More polite than an offer. Envish v. Microsoft 27
prolegomenon TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! The Ambiguities of Experience 3
promontory TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Leading at the Edge 142
propitiated TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! God is not Great 89
propitiation TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! God is not Great 200
protean TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! The Fourth Dimension 202
prurience TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! God is not Great 122
puerile TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! God is not Great 86
pullulate TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! God is not Great 64
pusillanimity TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Expert Political Judgment 90
putative TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! God is not Great 263
quotidian TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Freakonomics 140
rakish TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Uncle Tom's Cabin 83
rapacious TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Leading at the Edge xvii
ratiocinate Form judgments by a process of logic; reason. The End of Faith 178
rcidivist TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Harvard Business Review, November 2017 81
regnant TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! God is not Great 232
regnant TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! The End of Faith 179
reliquary TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! God is not Great 200
remand TBD - Working on it! Added some definitions on 2017-11-25. Will keep going! Envish v. Microsoft 2
remonstrance A forcefully reproachful protest. Uncle Tom's Cabin 15
rencontre A chance or unexpected meeting or encounter. Uncle Tom's Cabin 482
reticent not revealing one's thoughts or feelings readily. Harvard Business Review, January 2016 84
riposte A quick clever reply to an insult or criticism. Rebounders 35
risible Such as to provoke laughter. The End of Faith 130
rive Split or tear apart violently. Harvard Business Review, October 2012 98
rococo Of or characterized by an elaborately ornamental late baroque style of decoration prevalent in 18th-century Continental Europe, with asymmetrical patterns involving motifs and scrollwork. The End of Faith 14
rostrum A raised platform on which a person stands to make a public speech, receive an award or medal, play music, or conduct an orchestra. Harvard Business Review, December 2010 75
sagacious Having or showing keen mental discernment and good judgment; shrewd. God is not Great 171
sardonic Grimly mocking or cynical. Freakonomics 116
sartorial Relating to tailoring, clothes, or style of dress. Jack: Straight from the Gut 234
sclerotic Becoming rigid and unresponsive; losing the ability to adapt. Harvard Business Review, March 2010 66
semiotics The study of signs and symbols and their use or interpretation. Harvard Business Review, April 2012 98
sensate Perceiving or perceived by the senses. Rebounders 74
sententious Given to moralizing in a pompous or affected manner. Uncle Tom's Cabin 85
sine qua non An essential condition; a thing that is absolutely necessary. Trillions 165
sinecure A position requiring little or no work but giving the holder status or financial benefit. Uncle Tom's Cabin 203
skein A length of thread or yarn, loosely coiled and knotted. A tangled or complicated arrangement, state, or situation. God is not Great 103
solicitude Care or concern for someone or something. Harvard Business Review, November 2012 67
solipsism The view or theory that the self is all that can be known to exist. Expert Political Judgment 157
solipsism The view or theory that the self is all that can be known to exist. God is not Great 74
soporific Tending to induce drowsiness or sleep. God is not Great 164
specious Superficially plausible, but actually wrong. Outliers 25
staid Sedate, respectable, and unadventurous. The Opposable Mind 128
stasis A period of inactivity or equilibrium. Civil strife. Harvard Business Review, March 2016 58
stentorian Loud and powerful. Uncle Tom's Cabin 136
stultify Cause to lose enthusiasm and initiative, especially as a result of tedious routine. Cause someone to appear foolish. God is not Great 227
suasion Persuasion as opposed to force or compulsion. The End of Faith 193
suborn Bribe or otherwise induce someone to commit an unlawful act such as perjury. The Ambiguities of Experience 68
subterfuge Deceit used in order to achieve one's goal. Harvard Business Review, June 2016 88
succor Assistance and support in times of hardship and distress. To give assistance or aid to. God is not Great 52
supra Used in academic or legal texts to refer to someone or something mentioned above or earlier. Envish v. Microsoft 20
surfeit An excessive amount of something. To cause someone to desire no more of something as a result of having consumed or done it to excess. The Tipping Point 99
syncretic The amalgamation or attempted amalgamation of different religions, cultures, or schools of thought. God is not Great 98
taciturn Reserved or uncommunicative in speech; saying little. Harvard Business Review, June 2013 40
temerity Excessive confidence or boldness; audacity. Expert Political Judgment 221
trice In a moment; very quickly. Harvard Business Review, November 2012 74
truculent Eager or quick to argue or fight; aggressively defiant. Rebounders 174
turgid Swollen and distended or congested. Tediously pompous or bombastic. Harvard Business Review, January 2018 139
unalloyed Not alloyed; pure. Complete and unreserved. Harvard Business Review, July 2011 59
unctuous Excessively or ingratiatingly flattering; oily. God is not Great 60
vacuity Lack of thought or intelligence; empty-headedness. Empty space; emptiness. The End of Faith 47
valise A small traveling bag or suitcase. Uncle Tom's Cabin 34
vapid Offering nothing that is stimulating or challenging. Oxford Essential Guide to Writing 397
variegated Exhibiting different colors, especially as irregular patches or streaks. Oxford Essential Guide to Writing 334
veldt Open, uncultivated country or grassland in southern Africa. The End of Faith 195
verily Truly; certainly. Rebounders 194
verisimilitude The appearance of being true or real. The Ambiguities of Experience 112
vicissitude A change of circumstances or fortune, typically one that is unwelcome or unpleasant. Rebounders 7
vigorish An excessive rate of interest on a loan, typically one from an illegal moneylender. The percentage deducted from a gambler's winnings by the organizers of a game. Freakonomics 229
vociferous Vehement or clamorous, especially of a person or speech. Know What You Don't Know 60
voluptuary Concerned with luxury and sensual pleasure. Uncle Tom's Cabin 185
votary A person, such as a monk or nun, who has made vows of dedication to religious service. God is not Great 144
weal A red, swollen mark left on flesh by a blow or pressure. The Power of Habit 271
zeitgeist The defining spirit or mood of a particular period of history as shown by the ideas and beliefs of the time. Freakonomics 193

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