Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases 1 Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases Project Gutenberg’s Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases, by Greenville Kleiser This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at www. gutenberg. rg Title: Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases A Practical Handbook Of Pertinent Expressions, Striking Similes, Literary, Commercial, Conversational, And Oratorical Terms, For The Embellishment Of Speech And Literature, And The Improvement Of The Vocabulary Of Those Persons Who Read, Write, And Speak English Author: Greenville Kleiser Release Date: May 10, 2006 [EBook #18362] Language: English Character set encoding: ASCII *** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FIFTEEN THOUSAND USEFUL PHRASES *** Produced by Don Kostuch [Transcriber’s Notes] Original “misspellings” such as “fulness” are unchanged.
Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases Unfamiliar (to me) words are defined on the right side of the page in square brackets. For example: abstemious diet [abstemious = Eating and drinking in moderation. ] The blandness of contemporary (2006) speech would be relieved by the injection of some of these gems: “phraseological quagmire” “Windy speech which hits all around the mark like a drunken carpenter. ” [End Transcriber’s Notes] BY GRENVILLE KLEISER HOW TO BUILD MENTAL POWER A book of thorough training for all the faculties of the mind. Octa cloth, $3. 00, net; by mail, $3. 16. 2
HOW TO SPEAK IN PUBLIC A practical self-instructor for lawyers, clergymen, teachers, businessmen, and others. Cloth, 543 pages, $1. 50. net; by mail, $1. 615. HOW TO DEVELOP SELF-CONFIDENCE IN SPEECH AND MANNER A book of practical inspiration: trains men to rise above mediocrity and fearthought to their great possibilities. Commended to ambitious men. Cloth. 320 pages, $1. 50. net; by mail, $1. 65. HOW TO DEVELOP POWER AND PERSONALITY IN SPEAKING Practical suggestions in English, word-building, imagination, memory conversation, and extemporaneous speaking. Cloth, 422 pages, $1. 50 net; by mail, $1. 5. HOW TO READ AND DECLAIM A course of instruction in reading and declamation which will develop graceful carriage, correct standing, and accurate enunciation; and will furnish abundant exercise in the use of the best examples of prose and poetry. Cloth, $1. 50, net; by mail, $1. 65. GREAT SPEECHES AND HOW TO MAKE THEM In this work Mr. Kleiser points out methods by which young men may acquire and develop the essentials of forcible public speaking. Cloth $1. 50, net; by mail, $1. 65. HOW TO ARGUE AND WIN Ninety-nine men in a hundred know how to argue to one who can argue and win.
This book tells how to acquire this power. Cloth, 320 pages, $1. 50, net; by mail, $1. 65, HUMOROUS HITS AND HOW TO HOLD AN AUDIENCE A collection of short stories, selections and sketches for all occasions. Cloth, 326 pages, $1. 25, net; by mail. $1. 37. COMPLETE GUIDE TO PUBLIC SPEAKING The only extensive, comprehensive encyclopedic work of its kind ever issued. The best advice by the world’s great authorities upon oratory, preaching, platform and pulpit delivery, voice-building, argumentation, debate, rhetoric, personal power, mental development, etc. Cloth, 655 pages, $5. 0: by mail. $5. 24. TALKS ON TALKING Practical suggestions for developing naturalness, sincerity, and effectiveness in conversation. Cloth, $1. 00, net; by mail, $1. 08. FIFTEEN THOUSAND USEFUL PHRASES A practical handbook of felicitous expressions for enriching the vocabulary. 12 mo, cloth, $1. 60, net; by mail. $1. 72. Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases INSPIRATION AND IDEALS Practical help and inspiration in right thinking and right living. 12 mo, cloth, $1. 25, net: by mail, $1. 37. THE WORLD’S GREAT SERMONS Masterpieces of Pulpit Oratory and biographical sketches of the speakers.
Cloth, 10 volumes. Write for terms. GRENVILLE KLEISER’S PERSONAL LESSONS IN PUBLIC SPEAKING and the Development of Self-Confidence, Mental Power, and Personality. Twenty-five lessons, with special handbooks, side-talks, personal letters. etc. Write for terms. GRENVILLE KLEISER’S PERSONAL LESSONS IN PRACTICAL ENGLISH Twenty lessons, with Daily Drills, special books, personal letters, etc. Write for terms. FIFTEEN THOUSAND USEFUL PHRASES A PRACTICAL HANDBOOK OF PERTINENT EXPRESSIONS, STRIKING SIMILES, LITERARY.
COMMERCIAL, CONVERSATIONAL, AND ORATORICAL TERMS, FOR THE EMBELLISHMENT OF SPEECH AND LITERATURE, AND THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE VOCABULARY OF THOSE PERSONS WHO READ, WRITE. AND SPEAK ENGLISH BY GRENVILLE KLEISER FORMERLY INSTRUCTOR IN PUBLIC SPEAKING AT YALE DIVINITY SCHOOL, YALE UNIVERSITY; AUTHOR OF “HOW TO SPEAK IN PUBLIC,” “HOW TO DEVELOP POWER AND PERSONALITY IN SPEAKING,” “HOW TO DEVELOP SELF-CONFIDENCE IN SPEECH AND MANNER,” “HOW TO ARGUE AND WIN,” “HOW TO READ AND DECLAIM,” “COMPLETE GUIDE TO PUBLIC SPEAKING,” ETC. WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY FRANK H. VIZETELLY, LITT.
D. , LL. D. FIFTH EDITION FUNK & WAGNALLS COMPANY NEW YORK AND LONDON 1919 3 COPYRIGHT, 1917, BY FUNK & WAGNALLS COMPANY (Printed in the United States of America) —-Copyright under the Articles of the Copyright Convention of the Pan-American Republics and the United States, August 11, 1910 —— Published. October, 1917 One cannot always live in the palaces and state apartments of language, but we can refuse to spend our days in searching for its vilest slums. –William Watson Words without thought are dead sounds; thoughts without words are nothing.
To think is to speak low; to speak is to think aloud. –Max Muller The first merit which attracts in the pages of a good writer, or the talk of a brilliant conversationalist, is the apt choice and contrast of the words employed. It is indeed a strange art to take these blocks rudely conceived for the purpose of the market or the bar, and by tact of application touch them to the finest meanings and distinctions. –Robert Louis Stevenson It is with words as with sunbeams, the more they are condensed, the deeper they burn. -Southey No noble or right style was ever yet founded but out of a sincere heart. –Ruskin Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases Words are things; and a small drop of ink, falling like dew upon a thought, produces that which makes thousands, perhaps millions, think. –Byron A good phrase may outweigh a poor library. –Thomas W. Higginson PLAN OF CLASSIFICATION SECTION I. USEFUL PHRASES II. SIGNIFICANT PHRASES III. FELICITOUS PHRASES IV. IMPRESSIVE PHRASES V. PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES VI. BUSINESS PHRASES VII. LITERARY EXPRESSIONS VIII. STRIKING SIMILES IX.
CONVERSATIONAL PHRASES X. PUBLIC SPEAKING PHRASES XI. MISCELLANEOUS PHRASES INTRODUCTION 4 The most powerful and the most perfect expression of thought and feeling through the medium of oral language must be traced to the mastery of words. Nothing is better suited to lead speakers and readers of English into an easy control of this language than the command of the phrase that perfectly expresses the thought. Every speaker’s aim is to be heard and understood. A clear, crisp articulation holds an audience as by the spell of some irresistible power.
The choice word, the correct phrase, are instruments that may reach the heart, and awake the soul if they fall upon the ear in melodious cadence; but if the utterance be harsh and discordant they fail to interest, fall upon deaf ears, and are as barren as seed sown on fallow ground. In language, nothing conduces so emphatically to the harmony of sounds as perfect phrasing–that is, the emphasizing of the relation of clause to clause, and of sentence to sentence by the systematic grouping of words.
The phrase consists usually of a few words which denote a single idea that forms a separate part of a sentence. In this respect it differs from the clause, which is a short sentence that forms a distinct part of a composition, paragraph, or discourse. Correct phrasing is regulated by rests, such rests as do not break the continuity of a thought or the progress of the sense. GRENVILLE KLEISER, who has devoted years of his diligent life to imparting the art of correct expression in speech and writing, has provided many aids for those who would know not merely what to say, but how to say it.
He has taught also what the great HOLMES taught, that language is a temple in which the human soul is enshrined, and that it grows out of life–out of its joys and its sorrows, its burdens and its necessities. To him, as well as to the writer, the deep strong voice of man and the low sweet voice of woman are never heard at finer advantage than in the earnest but mellow tones of familiar speech. In the present volume Mr. Kleiser furnishes an additional and an exceptional aid for those who would have a mint of phrases at their command from which to draw when in need of the golden mean for expressing thought.
Few indeed are the books fitted to-day for the purpose of imparting this knowledge, yet two centuries ago phrase-books were esteemed as supplements to the dictionaries, and have not by any manner of means lost their value. The guide to familiar quotations, the index to similes, the grammars, the readers, the machine-made letter-writer of mechanically perfect letters of congratulation or condolence–none are sententious enough to supply the need. By the compilation of this praxis, Mr. Kleiser has not only supplied it, but has furnished a means for the increase of one’s vocabulary by practical methods.
There are thousands of persons who may profit by the systematic study of such a book as this if they will familiarize themselves with the author’s purpose by a careful reading of the preliminary pages of his book. To speak in public pleasingly and readily and to read well are accomplishments acquired only after many days, weeks even, of practise. Foreigners sometimes reproach us for the asperity and discordance of our speech, and in general, this reproach is just, for there are many persons who do scanty justice to the vowel-elements of our language.
Although these elements constitute its music they are continually mistreated. We flirt with and pirouette around them constantly. If it were not so, English would be found full of beauty and harmony of sound. Familiar with the maxim, “Take care of the vowels and the consonants will take care of themselves,”–a maxim that when put into practise has frequently led to the breaking-down of vowel values–the writer feels that the common Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases custom of allowing “the consonants to take care of themselves” is pernicious.
It leads to suppression or to imperfect utterance, and thus produces indistinct articulation. 5 The English language is so complex in character that it can scarcely be learned by rule, and can best be mastered by the study of such idioms and phrases as are provided in this book; but just as care must be taken to place every accent or stress on the proper syllable in the pronouncing of every word it contains, so must the stress or emphasis be placed on the proper word in every sentence spoken.
To read or speak pleasingly one should resort to constant practise by doing so aloud in private, or preferably, in the presence of such persons as know good reading when they hear it and are masters of the melody of sounds. It was Dean Swift’s belief that the common fluency of speech in many men and most women was due to scarcity of matter and scarcity of words. He claimed that a master of language possessed a mind full of ideas, and that before speaking, such a mind paused to select the choice word–the phrase best suited to the occasion. Common speakers,” he said, “have only one set of ideas, and one set of words to clothe them in,” and these are always ready on the lips. Because he holds the Dean’s view sound to-day, the writer will venture to warn the readers of this book against a habit that, growing far too common among us, should be checked, and this is the iteration and reiteration in conversation of “the battered, stale, and trite” phrases, the like of which were credited by the worthy Dean to the women of his time. Human thought elaborates itself with the progress of intelligence.
Speech is the harvest of thought, and the relation which exists between words and the mouths that speak them must be carefully observed. Just as nothing is more beautiful than a word fitly spoken, so nothing is rarer than the use of a word in its exact meaning. There is a tendency to overwork both words and phrases that is not restricted to any particular class. The learned sin in this respect even as do the ignorant, and the practise spreads until it becomes an epidemic. The epidemic word with us yesterday was unquestionably “conscription”; several months ago it was “preparedness. Before then “efficiency” was heard on every side and succeeded in superseding “vocational teaching,” only to be displaced in turn by “life extension” activities. “Safety-first” had a long run which was brought almost to abrupt end by “strict accountability,” but these are mere reflections of our cosmopolitan life and activities. There are others that stand out as indicators of brain-weariness. These are most frequently met in the work of our novelists. English authors and journalists are abusing and overworking the word intrigue to-day.
Sir Arthur Quillercouch on page 81 of his book “On the Art of Writing” uses it: “We are intrigued by the process of manufacture instead of being wearied by a description of the ready-made article. ” Mrs. Sidgwick in “Salt and Savour,” page 232, wrote: “But what intrigued her was Little Mamma’s remark at breakfast,” From the Parliamentary news, one learns that “Mr. Harcourt intrigued the House of Commons by his sustained silence for two years” and that “London is interested in, and not a little intrigued, by the statement. This use of intrigue in the sense of “perplex, puzzle, trick, or deceive” dates from 1600. Then it fell into a state of somnolence, and after an existence of innocuous desuetude lasting till 1794 it was revived, only to hibernate again until 1894. It owes its new lease of life to a writer on The Westminster Gazette, a London journal famous for its competitions in aid of the restoring of the dead meanings of words. One is almost exasperated by the repeated use and abuse of the word “intimate” in a recently published work of fiction, by an author who aspires to the first rank in his profession.
He writes of “the intimate dimness of the room;” “a fierce intimate whispering;” “a look that was intimate;” “the noise of the city was intimate,” etc. Who has not heard, “The idea! ” “What’s the idea? ” “Is that the idea? ” “Yes, that’s the idea,” with increased inflection at each repetition. And who is without a friend who at some time or another has not sprung “meticulous” upon him? Another example is afforded by the endemic use of “of sorts” which struck London while the writer was in that city a few years ago. Whence it came no one knew, but it was heard on every side. She was a woman of sorts;” “he is a Tory of sorts;” “he had a religion of sorts;” “he was a critic of sorts. ” While it originally meant “of different or various kinds,” as hats of sorts; offices of sorts; cheeses of sorts, etc. , it is now used disparagingly, and implies something of a kind that is not satisfactory, or of a character that is rather poor. This, as Shakespeare might have said, is “Sodden business! There’s a stewed phrase indeed! ” Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases [Footnote: Troilus and Cressida, act iii, sc. 1. ] 6
The abuse of phrases and the misuse of words rife among us can be checked by diligent exercises in good English, such as this book provides. These exercises, in conjunction with others to be found in different volumes by the same author, will serve to correct careless diction and slovenly speech, and lead to the art of speaking and writing correctly; for, after all, accuracy in the use of words is more a matter of habit than of theory, and once it is acquired it becomes just as easy to speak or to write good English as bad English.
It was Chesterfield’s resolution not to speak a word in conversation which was not the fittest he could recall. All persons should avoid using words whose meanings they do not know, and with the correct application of which they are unfamiliar. The best spoken and the best written English is that which conforms to the language as used by men and women of culture–a high standard, it is true, but one not so high that it is unattainable by any earnest student of the English tongue. FRANK H. VIZETELLY. HOW TO USE THIS BOOK The study of words, phrases, and literary expressions is a highly interesting pursuit.
There is a reciprocal influence between thought and language. What we think molds the words we use, and the words we use react upon our thoughts. Hence a study of words is a study of ideas, and a stimulant to deep and original thinking. We should not, however, study “sparkling words and sonorous phrases” with the object of introducing them consciously into our speech. To do so would inevitably lead to stiltedness and superficiality. Words and phrases should be studied as symbols of ideas, and as we become thoroughly familiar with them they will play an unconscious but effective part in our daily expression.
We acquire our vocabulary largely from our reading and our personal associates. The words we use are an unmistakable indication of our thought habits, tastes, ideals, and interests in life. In like manner, the habitual language of a people is a barometer of their intellectual, civil, moral, and spiritual ideals. A great and noble people express themselves in great and noble words. Ruskin earnestly counsels us to form the habit of looking intensely at words. We should scrutinize them closely and endeavor to grasp their innermost meaning.
There is an indefinable satisfaction in knowing how to choose and use words with accuracy and precision. As Fox once said, “I am never at a loss for a word, but Pitt always has the word. ” All the great writers and orators have been diligent students of words. Demosthenes and Cicero were indefatigable in their study of language. Shakespeare, “infinite in faculty,” took infinite pains to embody his thought in words of crystal clearness. Coleridge once said of him that one might as well try to dislodge a brick from a building with one’s forefinger as to omit a single word from one of his finest passages.
Milton, master of majestic prose, under whose touch words became as living things; Flaubert, who believed there was one and one only best word with which to express a given thought; De Quincey, who exercised a weird-like power over words; Ruskin, whose rhythmic prose enchanted the ear; Keats, who brooded over phrases like a lover; Newman, of pure and melodious style; Stevenson, forever in quest of the scrupulously precise word; Tennyson, graceful and exquisite as the limpid stream; Emerson, of trenchant and epigrammatic style; Webster, whose virile words sometimes weighed a pound; and Lincoln, of simple, Saxon speech,–all these illustrious men were assiduous in their study of words. Many persons of good education unconsciously circumscribe themselves within a small vocabulary. They have a knowledge of hundreds of desirable words which they do not put into practical use in their speech or writing. Many, too, are conscious of a poverty of language, which engenders in them a sense of timidity and self-depreciation. The method used for building a large vocabulary has usually been confined to the study of single words.
This has produced good results, but it is believed that eminently better results can be obtained Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases from a careful study of words and expressions, as furnished in this book, where words can be examined in their context. It is intended and suggested that this study should be pursued in connection with, and as a supplement to, a good standard dictionary. Fifteen minutes a day devoted to this subject, in the manner outlined, will do more to improve and enlarge the vocabulary than an hour spent in desultory reading. There is no better way in which to develop the mental qualities of clearness, accuracy, and precision, and to improve and enlarge the ntellectual powers generally, than by regular and painstaking study of judiciously selected phrases and literary expressions. PLAN OF STUDY First examine the book in a general way to grasp its character, scope, and purpose. Carefully note the following plan of classification of the various kinds of phrases, and choose for initial study a section which you think will be of the most immediate value to you. I. USEFUL PHRASES II. SIGNIFICANT PHRASES III. FELICITOUS PHRASES IV. IMPRESSIVE PHRASES V. PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES VI. BUSINESS PHRASES VII. LITERARY EXPRESSIONS VIII. STRIKING SIMILES IX. CONVERSATIONAL PHRASES X. PUBLIC SPEAKING PHRASES XI.
MISCELLANEOUS PHRASES There are many advantages in keeping before you a definite purpose in your study of this book. A well-defined plan will act as an incentive to regular and systematic effort, and incidentally develop your power of concentration. It is desirable that you set apart a certain convenient time each day for this study. Regularity tends to produce maximum results. As you progress with this work your interest will be quickened and you will realize the desirability of giving more and more time to this important subject. When you have chosen a section of the book which particularly appeals to you, begin your actual study by reading the phrases aloud. Read them slowly and understandingly.
This tends to impress them more deeply upon your mind, and is in itself one of the best and most practical ways of acquiring a large and varied vocabulary. Moreover, the practise of fitting words to the mouth rapidly develops fluency and facility of speech. Few persons realize the great value of reading aloud. Many of the foremost English stylists devoted a certain period regularly to this practise. Cardinal Newman read aloud each day a chapter from Cicero as a means of developing his ear for sentence-rhythm. Rufus Choate, in order to increase his command of language, and to avoid sinking into mere empty fluency, read aloud daily, during a large part of his life, a page or more from some great English author.
As a writer has said, “The practise of storing the mind with choice passages from the best prose writers and poets, and thus flavoring it with the essence of good literatures, is one which is commended both by the best teachers and by the example of some of the most celebrated orators, who have adopted it with signal success. ” This study should be pursued with pencil in hand, so that you may readily underscore phrases which make a special appeal to you. The free use of a pencil in marking significant parts of a book is good evidence of thoroughness. This, too, will facilitate your work of subsequent review. The habit of regularly copying, in your own handwriting, one or more pages of phrases will be of immense practical value. This exercise is a great aid in developing a facile English style. The daily use of the pen has been recommended in all times as a valuable means of developing oral and literary expression. 7 Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases 8
A helpful exercise is to pronounce a phrase aloud and then fit it into a complete sentence of your own making. This practice gives added facility and resourcefulness in the use of words. As an enthusiastic student of good English, you should carefully note striking and significant phrases or literary expressions which you find in your general reading. These should be set down in a note-book reserved for this exclusive purpose. In this way you can prepare many lists of your own, and thus greatly augment the value of this study. The taste for beauty, truth, and harmony in language can be developed by careful study of well-selected phrases and literary expressions as furnished in this book.
A good literary style is formed principally by daily study of great English writers, by careful examination of words in their context, and by a discriminating use of language at all times. GRENVILLE KLEISER. New York City, July, 1917 SECTION I USEFUL PHRASES A abandoned hope abated pride abbreviated visit abhorred thraldom [thraldom = enslaved or in bondage] abiding romance abject submission abjured ambition able strategist abnormal talents abominably perverse abounding happiness abridged statement abrogated law abrupt transition absolutely irrevocable absorbed reverie Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases abstemious diet [abstemious = eating and drinking in moderation] abstract character abstruse reasoning absurdly dangerous abundant opportunity abusive epithet abysmally apologetic academic igor accelerated progress accentuated playfulness accepted littleness accessible pleasures accessory circumstances accidental lapse accommodating temper accomplished ease accredited agent accumulated burden accurate appraisement accursed enemy accusing glance accustomed lucidity aching desire acknowledged authority acoustical effects acquired timidity 9 Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases acrid controversy acrimonious warfare actively zealous actualized ideals acutely conscious adamantine rigidity [adamantine = unyielding; inflexible] adaptive wit adduced facts [adduce = cite as an example] adequate execution adhesive quality administered rebuke admirable reserve admissible evidence admittedly inferior admonitory gesture adolescent youth adorable vanity adroit flatterer adulated stranger adventitious way [adventitious = not inherent; added extrinsically] adventurous mind adverse experience affably accommodating affected indifference affectionate approval affianced lady 10
Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases affirmative attitude affluent language affrighted slave aggravated faults aggregate body aggressive selfishness agile mind agitated imagination agonizing appeal agreeable frankness aimless confusion airy splendor alarming rapidity alert acceptance algebraic brevity alien splendor alleged reluctance allegorical vein allied subjects alliterative suggestion all-pervading influence alluring idleness alternating opinion altogether dissimilar altruistic ideal amatory effusions [amatory = expressive of sexual love] 11 Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases amazing artifice ambidextrous assistant ambiguous grimace ambitious project ambling pedestrian ambrosial essence [ambrosial = fragrant or delicious; worthy of the gods; divine. ] amiable solicitude amicable arrangement amorous youth ample culture amusing artlessness analogous example analytical survey ancestral creed ancient garb angelic softness angry protestations anguished entreaty angular features animated eloquence annoying complications anomalous appearance anonymous benefactor answering response antagonistic views antecedent facts 12
Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases anticipated attention antiquated prudery anxious misgiving apathetic greeting aphoristic wit [aphoristic = Tersely phrased statement] apish agility apocalyptic vision apocryphal lodger [apocryphal = questionable authenticity] apologetic explanation apostrophic dignity appalling difficulties apparent significance appealing picture appointed function apposite illustration appreciable relief appreciative fervor apprehensive dread apprentice touch appropriate designation approving smile approximately correct aptly suggested arbitrarily imposed arch conspirator arched embrasure [embrasure = flared opening for a gun in a wall or parapet] 13
Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases archeological pursuits architectural grandeur ardent protest arduous quest arid formula aristocratic lineage aromatic fragrance arrant trifling arrested development arrogant imposition artful adaptation artificial suavity artistic elegance artless candor ascending supremacy ascetic devotion ascribed productiveness aspiring genius assembled arguments asserted activity assiduously cultivated assimilative power assumed humiliation assuredly enshrined astonishing facility astounding mistakes 14 Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases astute observer athletic prowess atmospheric vagueness atoning sacrifice atrocious expression atrophied view attending circumstances attentive deference attenuated sound attested loyalty attractive exordium [exordium = introduction of a speech or treatise] udacious mendicant [mendicant = depending on alms; beggar] audible intimations augmented force august tribunal auspicious moment austere charm authentic indications authoritative critic autobiographical pages autocratic power automatic termination autumnal skies auxiliary aids available data avaricious eyes 15 Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases avenging fate average excellence averted calamity avowed intention awakened curiosity awed devotion awful dejection awkward dilemma axiomatic truth azure sky B babbling gossip bacchanalian desires bachelor freedom bad omen baffled sagacity [sagacity = farsighted; wise] balanced capacity baldly described baleful glances balmy fragrance bandying talk baneful impression banished silence barbarous statecraft barefaced appeal barest commonplaces 16
Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases barren opportunities base intrigues baseless assumptions bashful modesty basic principles battered witticism beaming countenance bearish rudeness beatific vision beautiful modesty beckoning horizon becoming diffidence bedraggled wretch befitting honor beggarly flimsiness beguiling voice belated acknowledgment belittling fears bellicose humanity beneficent career benevolent regard benighted sense benignant pity [benignant = favorable; beneficial; kind] beseeching gesture besetting heresy besotted fanaticism 17 Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases bestial ferocity bewildering maze bewitching airs beyond peradventure [peradventure = perhaps] bibulous diversions [bibulous = consumes alcoholic drink] bigoted contempt binding obligation bitter recrimination bizarre apparel blackening west blameless indolence blanched desolation bland confidence blank misgivings blasphemous hypocrisy blatant discourse blazing audacity blazoned shield bleak loneliness blended impression blessed condolence blighted happiness blind partizan blissful consciousness blistering satire blithe disregard 18
Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases bloated equivalent bloodless creature bloodthirsty malice blundering discourtesy blunt rusticity [rusticity = rustic; awkward or tactless] blurred vision blustering assertion boastful positiveness bodily activity boisterous edification bold generalization bombastic prating [prating = idle talk] bookish precision boon companion boorish abuse bored demeanor borrowed grace bottomless abyss boundless admiration bountiful supply boyish appreciation braggart pretense bravely vanquished braying trumpet brazen importunity [importunity = insistent request] breathless eagerness 19 Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases brief tenure briefless barrister bright interlude brilliant embodiment brisk energy bristling temper brittle sarcasm broadening fame broken murmurs brooding peace brutal composure bubbling frivolities 20 bucolic cudgeling [bucolic = about shepherds or flocks; pastoral] [cudgeling = beat with a short heavy stick] budding joy bulky figure buoyant pluck burdensome business burly strength burning zeal bursting laugh busily engrossed business acumen bygone period C cabalistic phrase [cabalistic = secret or hidden meaning] cadaverous appearance
Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases calamitous course calculating admiration callous indifference calm resignation calumnious suspicions [calumnious = harmful and often untrue; discredit] cantankerous enemy canting hypocrite [canting = monotonous platitudes; hypocritically pious] capacious mind capricious allurements captivating speech cardinal merit careless parrying caressing grasp carping critic castellated towers [castellated = with turrets and battlements like a castle] casual violation cataclysmic elements causelessly frightened caustic remark cautious skepticism cavernous gloom ceaseless vigilance celebrated instance celestial joy censorious critic centralized wealth 21
Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases ceremonious courtesy cerulean blue [cerulean = azure; sky-blue] challenge admiration chance reflections changing exigencies [exigencies = pressing or urgent situation] chaotic plans characteristic audacity charitable allowance charming radiance chary instincts [chary = cautious; wary] chastened hope chatty familiarity cheap resentment cheery response chequered career cherished objects childlike ingenuousness [ingenuous = frank; candid. ] chilled cynicism chirpy familiarities chivalrous spirit choicest refinements choleric temperament [choleric = easily angered; bad-tempered] choral chant chronic frailties churlish temper [churlish = boorish; vulgar; rude] circling eddyings 22
Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases circuitous information circumscribed purpose civic consciousness civilizing influence clammy death clamorous vibration clangorous industry clarion tone class demarcations classical objurgation [objurgation = harsh rebuke] clattering accents clear insight climactic revelation clinching proof cloaked nature cloistered virtue close condensation cloudy magnificence clownishly insensible cloying sweetness [cloying = too filling, rich, or sweet] clumsy talk clustering trees coarse necessity coaxing eloquence coercive enactment cogent statement 23 Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases coherent thinking coined metaphor cold formalities collateral duties collective wisdom colloquial display colonial character colossal failure comatose state combative tone comforting eassurance comic infelicity commanding attitude commendable purpose commercial opulence commingled emotion commodiously arranged common substratum commonplace allusions compact fitness comparative scantiness compassionate love compelling force compendious abstract compensatory character competent authority 24 Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases competitive enterprise complacent platitudes complaining sea complaisant observation complete aloofness complex notions complicated maze complimentary glance component aspects composed zeal composite growth compound idea comprehensive design compressed view compromising rashness compulsory repetition compunctious visitings [compunctious = feeling guilt] concatenated pedantries [pedantries = attention to detail or rules] concealed advantage conceivable comparison concentrated vigor concerted action conciliating air concomitant events concrete realities concurrent testimony 25
Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases condemnable rashness condescending badinage [badinage = frivolous banter] conditional approval confessed ardor confidently anticipated confirmed misanthrope [misanthrope = one who dislikes people in general] conflicting influences confused mingling conjectural estimate conjugal felicity connected series connotative damage connubial love conquering intelligence conscientious objection conscious repugnance consecrated endeavor consequent retribution conservative distrust considerate hint consistent friendliness consoling consciousness conspicuous ascendency constant reiteration constitutional reserve constrained politeness 26 Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases constructive idealists consuming zeal consummate mastery contagious wit contaminating influence contemplative nature contemporary fame contemptuous disrespect contented indolence ontingent reasons continuous endeavor contorted expression contracted view contradictory theories contrary tendencies contrasted types controversial disputant contumelious epithet [contumelious = Rudeness or contempt arising from arrogance] convenient footing conventional verbiage conversational decorum convincing forcefulness convivial habits convulsive agony cool confidence copious materials 27 Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases coquettish advances cordial approval corporate selfishness corporeal constituent correct forecast corresponding variation corroborated truth corrosive effect corrupting tendency cosmical changes cosmopolitan position costly advantages counterbalancing power countless barriers courageous eagerness courteous solicitude courtly bearing covert curiosity coveted honors cowardly concession cowering agitation coy reluctance crackling laughter crafty deception craggy eminence cramped energies 28
Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases crass stolidity craven determination creative faculty credibly informed creditable performance credulous superstition creeping progress criminal negligence cringing smile crisp dialogue critical judgment crouching culprit crowning indiscretion crucial instance crucifying irony crude affectation cruel handicap crumbling precipice crunching jangle crushing sorrow cryptic saying crystalline sky crystallized conclusions culinary myrmidons [myrmidon = one who carries out orders without question] culminating fascination culpable behavior 29 Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases cultivated ferocity cultured idleness cumbrous fragments [cumbrous = cumbersome; difficult to handle or use] cumulative tendency cunningly contrived curbed profligacy curious coincidence current gossip curry favor cursed inactivity cursory cquaintance curt formality curtained embrasure cutting directness cycloramic sweep cynical disregard D damaging admission damask cheek [damask = rich patterned fabric; wavy pattern on Damascus steel] dampened ardor dancing sunshine dangerous temerity dappled shadows daring candor dark superstition dashing gallantry 30 Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases dastardly injustice dauntless courage dawning instinct dazed brain dazzling triumph deadly virulence deaf tribunal deathless structure debasing tendency debatable point debilitating features decadent poets deceiving mists decided superiority decisive manner declamatory treatment [declamatory = pretentiously rhetorical; bombastic] declared brotherhood decorously adorned deepening dusk deep-seated curiosity deep-toned lamentations defective construction defenseless innocence defensive alliance deferential regard defiant coldness 31
Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases deficient vitality definite conception deformed visage deft evasion degrading tendencies delectable speculations delegated power deliberate abnegation [abnegation = self-denial] delicate discrimination delicious vagueness delightful variation delirious ecstasies delusive charm demagogic style democratic institutions demoniacal force demonstrable conclusion demoralizing luxury demure composure denunciatory terms departed glories deplorable decay deprecatory shrug depressing concomitants depthless forest derisive voice 32 Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases derogatory denial descriptive power desecrated ideals deserted desert deserved approbation [approbation = warm approval; praise] desirable distinction desolating dread despairing austerity desperate defiance despicable vices despondent exaggeration despotic rulers destructive radicalism desultory vacillation [desultory = disconnected; haphazard; random] detailed portraiture detected hypocrisies determinate swing detestable purpose dethroned princes detrimental result devastating effect devilish sophistries deviously subtle devitalized personality devoted attachment devouring ambition 33
Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases devout thanksgiving dewy coolness dexterous impudence diabolical passion dialectic power diametrically opposite dictatorial manner dictionary significance didactic exposition [didactic = intended to be morally instructive] different distortion difficult portraiture diffident civility [diffident = lacking self-confidence; shy; timid] diffuse verbosity dignified austerity digressional adventure dilettante mind [dilettante = dabbler in a field of knowledge] diligently propagated dim comprehension diminished efficacy diminutive stature diplomatic skill dire consummation direct obligation disappointing attitude disarmed criticism disastrous termination 34
Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases discarded reminiscences discerning critic disciplined mind disclosed insincerity discomfited opponent disconcerted conjecture disconnected fancies disconsolate opinions discordant sounds discredited statement discretional opinion discriminating homage discursive staggerings disdainful comment diseased hallucinations disembodied personality disengaged air disfiguring disguise disgraceful plight disgruntled pessimist disguised contempt disgusted protest disheartening facts dishonorable submission disillusioned youth disintegrating tendency 35 Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases disinterested motive disjoined reminiscences dismal seclusion dismantled appearance disordered imagination disparaging criticism dispassionate judgment dispelling fear displeasing softness disproportionate ideas disputative philosopher disquieting thrill disreputable aspect dissenting opinion dissimilar laws dissipated illusion dissolute audacity dissolving years dissonant jargon distant adherent distasteful notion distempered feeling distinct desideratum distorted vanity distracting babble distraught air 36
Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases distressing laxity disturbed equanimity diurnal rotation divergent calculations diversified attributes diverting interests divine potentialities dizzy precipice documentary evidence dogged determination doggerel expressions [doggerel = crude, humorous verse] dogmatic assurance doleful forebodings domestic endearment dominating influence domineering insolence dormant capacities doubly odious doubtful authenticity downright nonsense downtrodden drudge drab apology dramatic liveliness drastic action dread presence dreaming adventurer 37 Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases dreamless rest dreary disrelish droll incongruity droning world drowsy tranquillity dubious success ductile language dulcet tone dull aversion dumb surprise dumbfounded amazement durable impression dusky obscurity dutiful compliance dynamic energy dynastic insolence E eager animosity early servitude earnestly espoused earthly splendor easy garrulity [garrulity = excessive talkativeness] eccentric casuists [casuistry = excessively subtle reasoning intended to mislead] ecclesiastical rule echoless silence economic absurdity 38
Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases ecstatically happy edifying exhortation educational enterprise effective embellishment effectual stimulus effeminate grace effervescent multitude effete aristocracy efficacious power efficient education efflorescent style [efflorescent = bursting into flower] effulgent daybeams [effulgent = radiating light] egoistic sentiment egregious mistake [egregious = outrageously reprehensible] ejaculatory prayer elaborate composition elastic ductility electric effluvium [effluvium = invisible emanation; an aura] elegant mediocrity elemental emotions elephantine footsteps elevated enjoyment elfish grace eloquent refutation elusive charm emancipating labors 39
Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases embarrassing variety embellished truths embittered gaze emblazoned pinnacles embryo enterprise emerald scintillations eminent nonentity emotional warmth emotive power emphatic earnestness empirical corroboration empty phraseology emulative zeal enamored troubadour enchanted garden encircling embrace endearing appellation [appellation = name, title; act of naming] endless dissertation enduring charm energetic enthusiasm enervating humility [enervating = weaken or destroy the strength] enfeebled activity enforced silence engaging affability engendered feelings engrossing purpose 40 Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases engulfing waters enhanced reputation enigmatical silence enlightened solicitude enlivened monotony ennobling personality enormously outbalanced enraptured attention enriched experience entangled subject enthralling charm enthusiastic adherents enticing odors entire domain entrancing sadness enveloping presence envenomed attacks enviable superiority environing conditions ephemeral duration [ephemeral = markedly short-lived] epicurean taste epigrammatic sallies [epigrammatic = terse and witty] equable composure equally efficacious equitably governed equivocal compliment 41
Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases erotic poem errant thoughts erratic flight erroneous assumption erudite labors [erudite = having or showing profound knowledge] eruptive violence esoteric doctrine especial pleasure essential prerequisite estimable qualities eternal hostility ethereal azure ethical wisdom euphuistic affectations [euphuistic = affected elegance of language] evanescent glances [evanescent = vanishing like vapor] evangelic doctrine evasive answer eventful circumstance eventual failure everlasting mysteries everyday reality evident authority evil necromancy [necromancy = communicating with the dead to predict the future; black magic; sorcery] eviscerating shrieks exact antithesis exacting taskmaster 42
Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases exaggerated estimate exalted imagination exasperating coolness exceedingly acceptable excellent discernment exceptional magnitude excessive zeal excitable temperament exclusive pursuit excretory secretion excruciating accents excursive fancy execrable villainy [execrable = hateful; extremely inferior; very bad] executive efficiency exemplary conduct exhaustless energy exhilarating charm exoteric scorn [exoteric = easily comprehensible; popular; outside] exotic appearance expansive benevolence expectant throng expeditionary force expeditiously secreted experimental suggestion expiatory sacrifices explicit injunction 43
Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases explosive violence expressionless visage expressive lineaments [lineaments = distinctive shape, especially of the face] exquisite tact extemporaneous effusion extended magnitude extenuating circumstance external cheerfulness extraneous ideas extraordinary vivacity extravagant caprice extremely picturesque exuberant mirth exultant condition F facetious mood facile criticism factitious propensity faded magnificence faintly sinister faithfully perpetuated fallacious hopes false illusions faltering tongue familiar sacredness famished voracity 44 Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases fanatical admiration fanciful alliance fantastic display farcical expedient far-reaching influence fascinating illusiveness fashioned symmetrically fastidious taste fatal disclosure atalistic belief fathomless powers fatiguing assertion fattening servitude fatuous pedantry [pedantry = attention to detail or rules] faultless taste favorable augury fawning flatteries fearful imprecations fearless integrity feasible mode feeble dribble feigned reluctance felicitous expression feminine capriciousness ferocious foe fertile fancy 45 Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases fervent invocation fervid enthusiasm festive illuminations fetid dampness fettered tyranny feverish bewilderment fickle fancy fictitious pretext fidgety impatience fierce resentment fiery indignation figurative eloquence filial tenderness final enthronement fine sensibilities finished artistry fireside delights fitful desire fitting opportunity fizzing flame flaccid faith flagging popularity flagitious attack [flagitious = extremely brutal or cruel crimes; vicious; infamous] flagrant boasting flamboyant brilliancy flaming zeal 46
Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases flashing wit flat denial flattering aspect flaunting insolence flawless constitution fleecy clouds fleeting intimation flickering conscience flighty obstinacy flimsy organization flippant ease floating blackness florid oratory [florid = ornate; flowery] flowery circumlocution flowing imagery fluctuating light fluent sophist fluffy indignation fluid ideas flushed embarrassment fluttering laugh focused attention foggy notion fond enthusiast foolish frenzy forbearing silence 47 Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases forbidding air forceful audacity foregone conclusion foremost opponent forensic orator forest stillness forgotten graveyard forlorn desolation formal acquiescence formidable barrier formless jottings formulated conclusions fortified selfishness fortuitous circumstance foul calumny [calumny = maliciously lying to injure a reputation] fragile form fragmentary facts fragrant reminiscence frail craft rank admiration frantic ardor fraternal pity freakish humor freeborn soul freezing disdain frenzied haste 48 Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases frequent digression fresh impetus freshening breeze fretful discontent friendly familiarity frightened sense frightful apparition frigid disdain frisky lightness frivolous expedient frolicsome extravagance frozen wonder fructifying thought [fructifying = make fruitful or productive] fruitful indignation fruitless repining fugitive thoughts full plenitude fulsome praise fumbling endeavor functional disparity fundamental principles funereal gloom furious invective [invective = abusive language] furrowed cheeks furtive glance fussy enthusiasms 49
Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases futile babble G gabbling reminiscences [gabbling = speak rapidly or incoherently; jabber] galling thought galvanic jumpings gaping chasm garbled information garish decorations garnered experience gathering gloom gaudy embellishments gaunt specter gay defiance general acclamation generative influence generic characteristics generous abundance genial tolerance genteel parlance gentle blandishments [blandishments = coax by flattery] gentlemanly personage genuine cynicism geological enigma geometrical progression germinal idea ghastly loneliness 50 Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases ghostly apparitions giant height giddy pleasure gifted intelligence gigantic sagacity [sagacity = discerning, sound in judgment; wisdom. girlish sprightliness gladdening influence gladiatorial exercise gladsome glow glaring impropriety glassy smoothness gleaming escutcheon [escutcheon = shield-shaped emblem bearing a coat of arms] gleeful spirit glibly condoned gliding measures glimmering idea glistening dewdrop glittering epigram gloomy musing glorious freedom glossed faults glowering countenance glowing anticipations gnawing thoughts godlike independence golden opportunity 51 Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases good-humored gibes gorgeous splendor gossiping opinion governing impulse graceful demeanor gracious immunity graduated sequence grandiose nomenclature graphic portrayal grasping credulity gratuitous rudeness grave reticence greedy grasp gregarious humanity grievously mistaken grim swiftness grinding despotism grinning ghosts griping fascination grizzled warrior gross exaggeration grotesque perversion groundless fear groveling servility growing tension grudging thanks 52
Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases grumbling monotone guileless zeal gullible humanity gurgling brooks gushing enthusiasm gusty clamor guttural incoherence gymnastic agility H habitual deference hackneyed statement hairbreadth difference halcyon innocence [halcyon = tranquil; prosperous; golden] hallowed stillness halting praise hampered power handsomely recompensed haphazard ostentation happy intuition harassing anxiety hardened indifference harmless mirth harmonious grace harrowing details harsh jarrings hasty generalization 53 Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases hateful malignity haughty composure haunting despair hazardous enterprise hazy recollection headlong vehemence healthful vitality heartfelt amity heartless perfidy [perfidy = breach of faith; treachery] heartrending outcry hearty contempt heated discussion heathen hordes heavenly ecstasies heavy handicap hectic tittering hectoring rant heedless love heightened charm heinous enormity helpless innocence herculean monster hereditary arrogance heretical opinions hermetically sealed heroic fortitude 54
Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases hesitating courage heterogeneous mass hidden pitfalls hideous phantom high-flying theories highly meritorious hilarious outburst hillside mist hissing murmur historic edifice hoarded vengeance hoary antiquity hollow joys homebred virtues homeless wind homely pathos homespun play homicidal mania homogeneous whole honest admiration honeyed eloquence hooligan wind hopelessly befogged horrible swiftness horrid significance hortatory moonshine 55 Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases hospitable courtesy hostile partizan hot frenzy hovering presence howling chaos huddled faculties huge aspiration human derelict humanitarian impulse humbly propitiating [propitiating = appeasing] humdrum inconsistencies humid luster humiliating discomfiture humorless variety humorous urbanity hungry satisfaction hurrying years hurtful indulgence hushed laughter husky shrillness hybrid emotions hypnotic fascination hypochondriacal terrors hypocritical pretense hysterical agitation I 56
Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases iconoclastic attitude icy smile idealistic type identical mode idiomatic propriety idiotic obstinacy idle jesting idolatrous fervor idyllic nonsense ignoble domination ignominious retreat ill-concealed impatience illiberal superstition illimitable progression illiterate denizens illogical interruption illuminating insight illusive touch illustrative anecdote illustrious era imaginative warmth imbittered controversy immaterial connection immature dissent immeasurable scorn immediate abjuration [abjuration = renounce under oath] 57 Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases immemorial bulwark immense complacency imminent perplexities immitigable contempt immoderate grief immortal creation immovably silent immutable law impaired prestige impalpable nothingness impartial justice impassable serenity impassioned impulse impatient yearning impeccable felicity impecunious exile impelling movement impending fate impenetrable calmness imperative necessity imperceptible deviation imperfect equipment imperial authority imperious mind [imperious = arrogantly domineering or overbearing] imperishable renown impersonal compliment 58
Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases impertinent drollery imperturbable gravity impetuous zeal impious defiance impish humor implacable resentment implicit faith implied concealment implored pardon imponderable air important epoch importunate questions [importunate = insistent request] imposing mien [mien = manner revealing a state of mind; appearance or aspect] impossible contingency impotent desperation impoverished age impracticable obstinacy impregnable fortress impressionistic stroke imprisoning limitations improbable conjecture impromptu utterance improvising powers imprudent indebtedness impudent knowingness impulsive gratitude 59 Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases inaccessible dignity inadequate appreciation inadmissible expression inadvertent remark inalienable right inanimate existence inapposite blandness [inapposite = inappropriate or misapplied nature] inaptly designated inarticulate lispings inaugural discourse inborn refinement inbred taste incalculable mischief incarnate hate incendiary opinions incessant volume incidental duty incipient fancy incisive critic incoherent loquacity [loquacity = very talkative] incommunicable gift incomparable excellence incompletely apprehended inconceivable absurdity incongruous contrast inconsiderable trifle 60
Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases inconsistent conduct inconsolable cares incontestable inference incontrovertible proof incorrigible merriment incorruptible constancy increasing clamor incredible swiftness indecent saturnalia [saturnalia = unrestrained revelry; an orgy] indecorously amused indefatigable diligence [indefatigable = tireless] indefeasible title [indefeasible = cannot be annulled] indefinable reluctance indefinite yearning indelible obligation indelicate impetuosity indented outline independent research indescribably lugubriou [lugubriou = exaggerated gloom] indestructible atoms indeterminable value indifferent promise indigenous growth indignant denunciation indirect interrogation indiscriminate censure 61
Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases indispensable requisites indisputable chronicler indissoluble compact indistinct association individual valor indivisible aspects indolent neglect indomitable pride indubitable signs indulgent construction indwelling delight ineffable disdain ineffaceable incongruity [ineffaceable = indelible] ineffectual blandishment ineradicable coquetry inestimable honor inevitable corollary inexcusable laughter inexhaustible abundance inexorable authority [inexorable = incapable of being persuaded] inexplicable reluctance inexpressible benignity inextricable confusion infallible judgment infamous pretense infantile simplicity 62 Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases infectious hilarity infelicitous arrangement inferential method infernal machinations infinite deference infinitesimal gradations infirm purpose inflamed curiosity inflated optimism inflexible integrity influential voice informing feature infuriated demagogues ingenious trick inglorious victory ingrained love ingratiating exterior inharmonious prelude inherent dignity inherited anxieties inimitable felicity iniquitous fortune initiatory period injudicious yielding injured conceit inky blackness 63
Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases inmost recesses innate forbearance inner restlessness innocent amenities innocuous desuetude [desuetude = state of disuse or inactivity] innovating spirit inoffensive copiousness inopportune condition inordinate ambition inquisitional rack inquisitive observer insatiable vanity inscrutable austerity insecure truce insensate barbarism insensibly flattered inseparably associated insidious tendency insignificant blot insincere profession insinuatingly pursued insipid tameness insistent babel insolent placidity insoluble riddles inspiring achievement 64 Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases inspiriting spectacle instant readiness instantaneous cessations instinctive disapproval insufferably dull insufficient appeal insular strength insulting invectives [invective = abusive language] insuperable difficulty insurmountable obstacles intangible something integral element intellectual integrity intelligent adaptation intemperate scorn intense perplexity intensive cultivation intentional garbling interior spirit interlocking directorate intermediate link interminable question intermingled gloom intermittent threats internal dissension interpolated speech 65
Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases interpretative criticism interwoven thread intimately allied intolerably tedious intoxicating hum intractable temper intrenched privilege intrepid dexterity intricate interlacings intriguing braggart intrinsic fecundity [fecundity = productive or creative power] intrusive brightness intuitive perception invaluable composition invariable kindness inveighing incessantly [inveighing = angry disapproval] inventive jealousy inveterate antipathy invidious mention [invidious = rousing ill will or resentment] invigorating discipline invincible optimism inviolable confidence involuntary yearnings involuted sentences [involuted = intricate; complex] involved pomposity invulnerable solemnity 66 Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases inward disinclination irascible doggedness irate remonstrance iridescent sheen irksome task iron resolution ironic iciness irradiating spirit irrational awe irreclaimable dead irreconcilable parting irrecoverably lost irrefragable laws [irrefragable = indisputable] irrefutable argument irregular constellations irrelevant suggestion irremediable sorrow irreparable injury irrepressible excitement irreproachable exterior irresistible will irresponsible gossip irretrievable blunder irreverent audacity irreversible facts irrevocable verdict 67
Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases irritable impatience isolated splendor J jaded sensibility jagged outline jarring discord jaundiced opinion jaunty confidence jealous animosity jesting allusion jingling alliteration jocular mirth jocund host [jocund = sprightly; lighthearted] jostling confusion jovial fancy joyful alacrity joyous stagnation jubilant antagonist judicial impartiality judicious candor just rebuke juvenile attempt K kaleidoscopic pictures keen insight kindled enthusiasm 68 Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases kindly innocence kindred sympathies kingly generosity knavish conduct knightly achievement known disingenuousness [ingenuous = frank; candid. ] L labored levity labyrinthian windings lacerated feelings lachrymose monotony lackadaisical manner laconic force lagging footsteps lamentable helplessness languid impertinence large receptivity lashing scorn latent conviction laudable zeal laughable absurdity lavish liberality lawless freedom lazy acquiescence leaden steps leaping ambition 69
Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases learned gravity leering smile legal perspicacity [perspicacity = perceptive, discerning] legendary associations legislative enactment legitimate inference leisurely composure lengthening shadows leonine powers lethargic temperament lettered coxcomb [coxcomb = conceited dandy; jester’s cap] liberal contemplations lifeless imbecility lifelong adherence lightless eyes lightly disregard lightning glare limpid twilight lingering tenderness linguistic attainments liquid eloquence lisping utterance listening reverence listless apathy literal exactness literary research 70 Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases lithe contortions little idiosyncrasies lively susceptibility livid lightning living manifestation loathsome oppression local busybody loftiest aspirations logical precision lone magnificence longing fancy looming probabilities loquacious assurances [loquacious = very talkative] lordly abhorrence loud vociferation [vociferation = cry out loudly, especially in protest] lounging gait loutish rudeness lovingly quizzical lowering aspects lowest degradation loyal adhesion lucid treatment lucrative profession ludicrous incongruity lugubrious question [lugubrious = mournful, dismal, gloomy] lukewarm repentance 71
Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases lumbering gaiety luminous interpretation lurid picturesqueness lurking suspicion lustrous surface luxuriant richness lying equivocations M maddening monotony magic fascination magisterial emphasis magnanimous concessions magnetic fascination magnificent florescence magniloquent diction [magniloquent = extravagant in speech] maidenly timidity main ramifications majestic dignity maladjusted marriages malevolent ingenuity malicious aspersions malign influence malodorous gentility manageable proportions mangled arguments manifest reluctance 72 Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases manifold functions manly reticence mantling smile [mantling = cover with a mantle; concealing] manual dexterity manufactured melancholy marked individuality marketable commodity marshaled hosts martial footsteps marvelous lucidity masculine power masked expression massive strength master achievement matchless charm material misconception maternal solicitude mathematical precision matrimonial alliance matured reflection maudlin sentimentalism [maudlin = tearfully sentimental] mawkish insipidity maximum intensity meager evidence mean trickeries meaningless confusion 73
Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases measured cadence mechanical handicraft meditatively silent meek ambition melancholy musing mellifluous eloquence [mellifluous = flowing with sweetness or honey] mellow refinement melodious platitudes melodramatic resource melting mood memorable experience menacing attitude mendacious tongue [mendacious = false; untrue] mendicant pilgrim [mendicant = beggar] mental metamorphosis mercenary view merchantable literature merciful insensibility merciless censor mercurial temperament mere generalization meretricious allurements [meretricious = plausible but false] meridian splendor merited ridicule merry jest metallic immobility 74
Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases metaphysical obscurity meteoric splendors methodical regularity metrical exactness microscopic minuteness mighty animosity mild rejoinder militant struggles military autocracy millennial reign mimic gestures minatory shadow [minatory = menacing or threatening] mincing precision mingled decorousness miniature imitations minor impulses minute consideration miraculous profusion mirroring lake mirthful glance mischievous effusion miserable musings misleading notion misshapen oddities misspent strength mistaken assumption 75 Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases mistrustful superiority misty depression mitigating circumstances mobile countenance mock seriousness modest cheerfulness modified sentiment moldy doctrines mollifying conditions [mollifying = calming; soothing] momentary discomfiture momentous pause monarchial institutions monastic austerity monotonous sameness monstrous absurdity monumental structure moody silence moonlight witchery moral obliquity [obliquity = deviation or aberration] morbid imagination mordant wit moribund mediocrities mortal affront mortified coldness motley appearance mountainous inequalities 76
Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases mournful magnificence mouthing amplitude muddled opinion muddy inefficiency muffled deto
