English Vocabulary - Archives

For each word, you will get the meaning and the root of the word and synonyms and antonyms for the word. For each word, you will also get a simple sentence which uses the word. These sentences help you understand the usage of the words.

IDEE FIXE (noun)

Meaning
an idea that dominates the mind, an observsion
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
obsession, fixation, passion, mania, compulsion, preoccupation, enthusiasm, infatuation, addition, f
Antonyms
-
Usage
His idee fixe on the existence of supernatural forces was evident in his works.

IDIOSYNCRATIC (adj)

Meaning
individual or peculiar
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
distinctive, individual, characteristic, distinguishing, peculiar
Antonyms
-
Usage
His method of extracting work from his subordinates is idiosyncratic but successful.

IGNOMINY (noun)

Meaning
public disgrace
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
shame, humiliation, disgrace, stigma
Antonyms
honour
Usage
The ignominy of being defeated by his arch rival was difficult for him to endure.

ILK (noun)

Meaning
a type
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
sort, class, category, group, set, bracket, genre, grain, species, race strain, vintage, make, model
Antonyms
-
Usage
Politicians and their ilk were threatened by the naxalites.

ILL WILL (noun)

Meaning
bad and unkind feelings toward somebody
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
animosity, hostility, enmity, acrimony, animus, hatred, hate, loathing, detestation, antipathy; ill-
Antonyms
good will
Usage
She is such a noble person that she bears no rancour or ill-will even against those who tried to harm her.

ILL-ASSORTED (adj)

Meaning
not seeming suited to each other
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
mismatched, ill-matched, incongruous, unsuited, incompatible, inharmonious, discordant, clashing, di
Antonyms
well matched, similar
Usage
The ill-assorted couple, who could not get along with each other, decided to opt for a divorce.

ILL-FATED (adj)

Meaning
destined to fall or be unlucky
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
doomed, blighted, condemned, damned, cursed, ill-starred, ill-omened, jinxed, unfortunate, hapless
Antonyms
-
Usage
The ill-fated aircraft crashed into the fields killing all the passengers on board.

ILLEGIBLE (adj)

Meaning
unreadable
Root of the word
lect, leg, lex = read, speak
Synonyms
scribbled, scrawled, indecipherable
Antonyms
legible
Usage
Please give me a printout as your writing is absolutely illegible.

ILLITERATE (noun)

Meaning
an uneducated person
Root of the word
litera = letter
Synonyms
uninformed, ignorant, untaught, not conversant, uneducated
Antonyms
literate
Usage
The growing number of illiterates is a serious cause for concern.

IMMACULATELY (adv)

Meaning
free from flaws or mistakes
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
perfectly, pristinely, flawlessly, faultlessly, specklessly
Antonyms
bad, damaged
Usage
The children of the school were immaculately dressed in pristine white uniforms.

IMMANENT (adj)

Meaning
present within or throughout
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
inherent, intrinsic, innate, latent, essential, fundamental, basic, ingrained, natural
Antonyms
transcendent
Usage
Theists believe that God is immanent in very object of creation.

IMMURE (verb)

Meaning
hold captive, put under lock and key
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
confine, intern, incarcerate, imprison, detain
Antonyms
release, free
Usage
The kidnapped children were immured in a dilapidated house, away from the city.

IMPASSE (noun)

Meaning
a situation in which no progress is possible; a deadlock
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
deadlock, dead end, stalemate, checkmate, standstill, halt, stop
Antonyms
-
Usage
Negotiations between the management and the union leaders have reached an impasse, with both the parties adopting an obstinate stance.

IMPASSIONED (adj)

Meaning
showing strong feelings about something
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
emotional, heartfelt, whole-hearted, earnest, sincere, fervent, ardent, vehement, intense, urgent, f
Antonyms
half-hearted
Usage
The leader's impassioned speech roused the patriotic spirit of the country men.

IMPECCABLE (adj)

Meaning
without faults or mistakes
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
flawless, faultless, unblemished, spotless, stainless
Antonyms
imperfect, sinful
Usage
His impeccable character was worthy of emulation.

IMPECUNIOUS (adj)

Meaning
having little or no money
Root of the word
pec = money
Synonyms
indigent, destitute, penniless, needy, poor, impoverished
Antonyms
well off, wealthy
Usage
The minister promised financial assistance to the impecunious peasant families.

IMPERIOUS (adj)

Meaning
expecting to be obeyed without question
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
arrogant, authoritarian, autocratic
Antonyms
humble
Usage
The citizens rebelled against the monarch's imperious rule.

IMPERSONATION (noun)

Meaning
pretending to be somebody in order to deceive people or to entertain them.
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
impression, imitation, parody, caricature, mockery, burlesque, travesty, lampoon, pastiche.
Antonyms
-
Usage
He received wide applause from the audience for his impersonation of the veteran actor.

IMPERTINENCE (noun)

Meaning
the quality of being disrespectful and cheeky.
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
rudeness, insolence, impoliteness, unmannerliness, discourtesy, incivility, impudence, cheek, audaci
Antonyms
politeness
Usage
I was taken aback by her impertinence.

IMPETUOUS (adj)

Meaning
acting or doing quickly and without thought
Root of the word
pet/ petit = seek, go toward
Synonyms
impulsion, motion, thrust, drive, movement
Antonyms
cautious, considered
Usage
Avoid taking impetuous decisions lest you should repent later.

IMPLACABLE (adj)

Meaning
unable to be appeased or placated
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
upappeasable, unpacifiable, unplacatable, unmollifiable, unforgiving, unsparing, inexorable, intrans
Antonyms
-
Usage
Although he is a good friend to his companions and well-wishers he can be an implacable enemy to those who try to harm him.

IMPOLITIC (adj)

Meaning
unwise
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
imprudent, unwise, injudicious, in cautious, irresponsible, ill-judged, ill-advised, misguided, ill-
Antonyms
prudent, wise
Usage
It was impolitic on your part to turn down such a lucrative offer.

IMPORT (noun)

Meaning
the implied meaning of something.
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
meaning, sense, essence, gist, drift, purport, message, thrust, substance, sum and substance, implic
Antonyms
-
Usage
As the text was pretty recondite, we could not comprehend its full import.

IMPROMPTU (adj)

Meaning
done without preparation or feeling
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
unrehearsed, unprepared, unscripted, extempore, improvised, spontaneous, unstudied, unpremeditated,
Antonyms
-
Usage
Although he delivered an impromptu speech, the audience listened to him with rapt attention.

IMPULSIVE (adj)

Meaning
acting or done without thinking ahead
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
impetuously, rash, reckless, incautious
Antonyms
cautious
Usage
He is usually very circumspect and avoids taking impulsive decisions.

IMPUTE (verb)

Meaning
believe that (something) has been done or caused by someone or something
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
attribute, ascribe, assign, credit, accredit, chalk up
Antonyms
-
Usage
The politician categorically denied the motives imputed to him by the media.

INACTIVATE (verb)

Meaning
prevent from working, make inoperative.
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
disable, deactivate, render inactive, halt, stop, immobilize.
Antonyms
activate
Usage
Alcoholic drinks tend to gradually inactivate a person's mental faculties.

INCAPACITY (noun)

Meaning
lack of ability or skill to do something
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
disability, incapability, inability, debility, impairment, indisposition, unfitness, powerlessness,
Antonyms
ability, capability
Usage
Ravi's incapacity to complete his work in time drew the displeasure of his employers.

INCENSE (verb)

Meaning
to inflame with anger, to enrage
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
enrage, infuriate, anger, madden, send into a rage, outrage, inflame, exasperate, antagonize, provok
Antonyms
placate, please
Usage
Incensed by the management's apathy, the workers resolved to intensify their strike.

INCESSANT (adj)

Meaning
never stopping
Root of the word
cede/cess = yield, to go
Synonyms
relentless, continual, never-ending, unremitting, ceaseless, constant, persistent
Antonyms
intermittent, occasional
Usage
The picnic had to be cancelled with the incessant rain playing spoilsport.

INCIPIENT (adj)

Meaning
beginning to happen or develop.
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
developing, impending, growing, emerging, inceptive
Antonyms
full-blown
Usage
The political unrest was quelled in its incipient stages before it could lead to a major agitation.

INCLINATION (noun)

Meaning
natural tendency
Root of the word
clin/cliv = slope, lean
Synonyms
disposition, tendency, bent, bias, affection, attachment, wish, desire, liking, fancy, allurement
Antonyms
unconcern, indifference, neutrality, nonchalance, apathy, insouciance, heedlessness
Usage
Unlike his brother who was a gregarious person, Robert was a loner by nature and by inclination.

INCOGNITO (adj and adv)

Meaning
in disguise
Root of the word
cogn = know
Synonyms
secretly, undercover, anonymously
Antonyms
openly
Usage
The prince roamed in his kingdom incognito to know the welfare of his subjects.

INCONSEQUENTIAL (adj)

Meaning
not important
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
insignificant, unimportant, immaterial, inessential, irrelevant, negligible, inappreciable, inconsis
Antonyms
significant, unimportant
Usage
The details are inconsequential and in no way helpful in making a breakthrough.

INCONTROVERTIBLE (noun)

Meaning
not able to be denied
Root of the word
contra = against
Synonyms
indisputable, indubitable
Antonyms
debatable, controversial
Usage
Please do not call him a 'criminal' until you have incontrovertible evidence against him.

INCRIMINATE (adj)

Meaning
indicate as involved in wrong doing
Root of the word
crim/crit = judge, accuse, separate, criminal, incriminate, discriminate, criterion, critical, critic
Synonyms
implicate, give away, convict, cause to look guilty
Antonyms
exculpate
Usage
There is incriminating evidence that the defendant had lied under oath.

INCUMBENT (adj)

Meaning
necessary for (someone) as a duty
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
binding, obligatory, mandatory, necessary, compulsory, required, essential
Antonyms
optional
Usage
It is incumbent upon every fresh medical graduate to serve in rural areas for a year.

INCURSION (noun)

Meaning
sudden attack
Root of the word
cur, cour, curs = run
Synonyms
raid, sortie into, sally against
Antonyms
retreat
Usage
The army was ready to face the likely incursion of the enemy.

INDECOROUS (adj)

Meaning
in bad taste; violating generally accepted standards of good taste or propriety.
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
improper, unseemly, unbecoming, undignified, immodest, indecent, indelicate, immoral, shameless, wan
Antonyms
civilized, becoming, decent, refined, dignified
Usage
In most conservative societies, smoking by women is considered indecorous.

INDECORUM (noun)

Meaning
lack of propriety or decency
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
impropriety, unseemliness, unbecomingness, indignity, immodesty, indecency, incorrectness, inappropr
Antonyms
decorum
Usage
Attending high society gatherings in informal clothes is considered to be an act an of indecorum.

INDEFENSIBLE (adj)

Meaning
not able to be justified or defended
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
inexcusable, unjustifiable, unjustified, unpardonable, unforgivable, inexpiable, uncalled for, unpro
Antonyms
justifiable, excusable
Usage
The students were severely reprimanded for their indefensible behaviour.

INDENTURE (noun)

Meaning
a formal agreement or contract, such as one formally binding an apprentice to work for a master
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
contract, agreement, covenant, compact, bond, pledge, promise, warrant, undertaking, commitment, set
Antonyms
-
Usage
Many Africans were sent to England and America as indentured servants to tyrannical masters.

INDIGENCE (noun)

Meaning
abject poverty
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
poverty, penury, impoverishment, impecuniousness, destitution
Antonyms
wealth, affluence, opulence
Usage
Having squandered all his wealth on gambling, he now lives a life of indigence.

INDIGENT (adj)

Meaning
very poor
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
impecunious, destitute, penniless, impoverished
Antonyms
wealthy, affluent
Usage
Despite being hardworking, a majority of people in this nation lead an indigent life

INDISPOSITION (noun)

Meaning
the state of being ill or unfit
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
illness, ailment, disorder, sickness, affliction, malady, infirmity, malaise, disease, infection, up
Antonyms
-
Usage
He had to postpone his trip due to his indisposition.

INDOCTRINATE (verb)

Meaning
make (someone) accept a set of beliefs without considering any alternatives.
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
brain-wash propagandize, proselytize, inculcate, re-educate, persuade, convince, condition disciplin
Antonyms
-
Usage
He has been totally indoctrinated and no amount of cajolery will make him see reason.

INDOMITABLE (adj)

Meaning
unconquerable
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
invincible, unbeatable, unassailable, impregnable, invulnerable, unsurpassable, unshakeable, indefat
Antonyms
submissive, weak
Usage
Being a woman of indomitable will, she was not cowed down by the impediments which came her way and eventually achieved her goal.

INDUBITABLE (adj)

Meaning
impossible to doubt
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
unquestionable, undoubtable, undeniable, irrefutable, sure, certain
Antonyms
doubtful
Usage
It is an indubitable fact that no nation in the world can afford to extol terrorism.

INEBRIATION (noun)

Meaning
drunkenness
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
intoxication, insobriety, tipsiness
Antonyms
sobriety, temperance
Usage
He revealed the truth while in a state of inebriation.

INEPTITUDE (noun)

Meaning
the quality or the state of being incompetent
Root of the word
apt/ept/appro = correct, fit, skill, ability
Synonyms
unskilled, clumsy, all thumbs
Antonyms
skilful, talented
Usage
Arrogance and ineptitude led to the team's miserable performance.

INFALLIBLE (adj)

Meaning
incapable of making mistakes or being wrong
Root of the word
fal/fals = deceive
Synonyms
foolproof, watertight, reliable, surefire, flawless, dependable, fail-safe
Antonyms
fallible, erring, imperfect
Usage
All humans are prone to err, no man is infallible.

INFINITESIMAL (adj)

Meaning
extremely small
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
minute, tiny, minuscule, extremely small, microscopic, indiscernible, imperceptible, inappreciable
Antonyms
huge
Usage
Even infinitesimal organisms like bacteria and viruses are necessary for maintaining the ecological balance.

INFIRM (adj)

Meaning
sick and weak, especially over a long period or because of old age.
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
frail, weak, feeble, enfeebled, weakly, debilitated, decrepit, disabled, bedridden, ill, unwell, sic
Antonyms
strong, healthy
Usage
One must be considerate towards the elderly and the infirm.

INFLUX (noun)

Meaning
the arrival or entry of large number of people or things
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
inundation, inrush, stream, flood, incursion
Antonyms
-
Usage
Many hill resorts witness an influx of tourists during the summer months.

INFRINGE (verb)

Meaning
break (a law, agreement etc)
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
contravene, violate, transgress, break, breach, disobey, defy, flout, overstep, exceed
Antonyms
obey, comply with
Usage
He was convicted by the court when he was found guilty of infringing the law.

INFUSION (noun)

Meaning
pouring
Root of the word
fus = pour
Synonyms
introduction, instillation, implantation
Antonyms
removal, abrogation
Usage
Infusion of new talent is the need of the hour.

INGENIOUS (adj)

Meaning
very suitable for a particular purpose and resulting from clever new ideas
Root of the word
gen = birth, class, kin
Synonyms
inventive, creative, imaginative, original, clever, innovative, resourceful, gifted, enterprising
Antonyms
unimaginative
Usage
Children are ingenious when it comes to getting their own ways.

INGENUOUSNESS (noun)

Meaning
innocent and unsuspecting
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
naiveté, innocence, simplicity, sincerity, trustfulness
Antonyms
disingenuous, artful
Usage
She endeared herself to everyone with her ingenuousness and childlike simplicity.

INGRATE (noun and adj)

Meaning
an ungrateful person. Gratis: free
Root of the word
grat = please, favour
Synonyms
ungrateful, unthankful, unappreciative
Antonyms
grateful, obliged
Usage
The ingrate son sneered at the idea of looking after his ailing parents.

INGRATIATE (verb)

Meaning
to make acceptable by conscious effort
Root of the word
grat = please, favour
Synonyms
charm, win, captivate
Antonyms
repel, disgust, repulse
Usage
He is trying hard to ingratiate himself to his boss.

INHIBIT (verb)

Meaning
slow down, stop
Root of the word
habit/hibit = have, hold
Synonyms
restrain, reduce, stall, hinder, hamper
Antonyms
encourage
Usage
Jane is rather inhibited after her injury.

INIMICAL (adj)

Meaning
tending to obstruct or harm
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
harmful, injurious, detrimental, deleterious, pernicious, damaging, hurtful, dangerous, destructive
Antonyms
helpful, advantageous
Usage
Students protested against the government's latest reservation policy because they felt that it was inimical to the interests of people belonging to certain sections of the society.

INJUNCTION (noun)

Meaning
an official order given by a court of law which demands that something must or must not be done
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
order, ruling, direction, directive, command, instruction, demand, decree, edict, dictum
Antonyms
-
Usage
The injunction issued by the Supreme Court prevents government-doctors from setting up private practice.

INNATE (adj)

Meaning
inborn, natural
Root of the word
nat/nas/nate = born
Synonyms
natural, native, instinctive, intrinsic, inherent
Antonyms
acquired
Usage
Innate abilities vary from person to person

INNOCUOUS (adj)

Meaning
not harmful or offensive
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
inoffensive, unobjectionable, unexceptionable, unoffending, harmless, mild, peaceful, gentle, tame
Antonyms
obnoxious
Usage
Although it was a seemingly innocuous remark, I could discern the insinuation implied in it.

INNUENDO (noun)

Meaning
a remark which makes an indirect reference to something
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
insinuation, implication, hint, suggestion, intimation, overtone
Antonyms
-
Usage
Since she could not tolerate his innuendos any longer, she refused to marry him.

INQUEST (noun)

Meaning
an official inquiry to gather the facts relating to an incident, an official investigation to find out the cause of somebody's death especially when it has not happened naturally
Root of the word
quer/ques/quis/ quire = question
Synonyms
investigation, probe, review, study, survey, analysis, exploration, scrutinization, inquiry, examina
Antonyms
-
Usage
The Chief Minister ordered an inquest into the failure of law and order in the state. An inquest was held to discover the cause of the official's mysterious death.

INQUISITIVE (adj)

Meaning
eagerly seeking knowledge, prying
Root of the word
quer/ques/quis/quire = question
Synonyms
questioning, inquiring, interested, nosy, probing, intrusive
Antonyms
uninterested
Usage
Children usually have an inquisitive bent of mind.

INSATIABLE (adj)

Meaning
related to an appetite or desire impossible to satisfy
Root of the word
sat/satis = enough, satiate, saturate
Synonyms
unquenchable, avid, ravenous, greedy, unappeasable
Antonyms
quenchable
Usage
His insatiable appetite for money has made him rather ruthless.

INSCRUTABLE (adj)

Meaning
impossible to understand or interpret
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
enigmatic. mysterious, inexpressive
Antonyms
expressive
Usage
The ways of destiny are inscrutable to man.

INSENTIENT (adj)

Meaning
not having perception, incapable of sensation
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
inanimate, lifeless, inorganic, inert, insensate, unconscious, comatose, anaesthetized, desensitised
Antonyms
-
Usage
It is a misconception that plants are insentient.

INSIDIOUS (adj)

Meaning
sinister, proceeding in a gradual and harmful way
Root of the word
in = towards; near; sed / sid / sess = sit, settle
Synonyms
menacing, subtle, dangerous, stealthy, surreptitious, sneaking, crafty
Antonyms
straightforward; honest, open, sincere
Usage
The insidious effects of terrorism can be felt in every corner of the globe now. The insidious effects of smoking eventually prove detrimental to one's health.

INSINGNIA (noun)

Meaning
a badge or symbol showing a person's rank, position or membership of an organization.
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
badge, crest, emblem, symbol, sign, device, mark, seal, colours, decoration, medal, medallion, pin,
Antonyms
-
Usage
The insignia on his uniform indicated that he was a colonel in the army.

INSINUATE (verb)

Meaning
imply
Root of the word
sin = curve
Synonyms
suggest, hint, indicate, intimate
Antonyms
-
Usage
He insinuated that she tends to be very snobbish.

INSOLENT (adj)

Meaning
rude and disrespectful
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
impertinent, impudent, impolite, uncivil
Antonyms
polite
Usage
Infuriated by the students' insolent behaviour, the principal warned them to mend their ways.

INSOMNIA (noun)

Meaning
the condition of being unable to sleep
Root of the word
somn/sop = sleep
Synonyms
wakefulness, restlessness
Antonyms
-
Usage
Stress is one of the principal causes of insomnia.

INSOUCIANT (adj)

Meaning
lacking concern
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
untroubled, blasé, heedless, nonchalant
Antonyms
anxious, concerned
Usage
The aged parents were hurt by their son's insouciant attitude towards their problems.

INSTANTANEOUS (adj)

Meaning
happening immediately.
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
immediate, instant, on-the spot, prompt, direct, swift, speedy, rapid, quick, expeditious, express,
Antonyms
delayed, long-term
Usage
She agreed to the proposal instantaneously without any deliberation.

INSURGENT (adj and noun)

Meaning
rebellious, rebel
Root of the word
surg/surrect = rise
Synonyms
uprising, dissatisfied, insurrectionary
Antonyms
loyal
Usage
The armed insurgents attacked the police station.

INSURMOUNTABLE (adj)

Meaning
insuperable
Root of the word
super/sur = above
Synonyms
insoluble, impossible, intractable, undefeatable, overwhelming
Antonyms
easy
Usage
Most of the problems we consider insurmountable can be solved with a bit of determination.

INSURRECTION (noun)

Meaning
a violent uprising against authority
Root of the word
surg/surrect = rise
Synonyms
uprising, rebellion
Antonyms
-
Usage
The insurrection was quelled before it took a serious turn.

INTERCESSION (noun)

Meaning
intervening on behalf of another
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
mediation, intermediation, negotiation, arbitration, conciliation, intervention
Antonyms
-
Usage
As the intercession attempt turned out to be a failure, the two groups continued to be at logger heads.

INTERIM (adj and noun)

Meaning
temporary
Root of the word
inter, it, iter = between, among
Synonyms
provisional, intervening, pro tem, acting
Antonyms
permanent
Usage
An interim committee was appointed to conduct a probe into the scam.

INTERIM (adj)

Meaning
temporary
Root of the word
inter, it, iter = between, among
Synonyms
provisional, intervening, pro tem, acting
Antonyms
permanent
Usage
Interim relief, in the form of festival advance, was sanctioned for all central government employees.

INTERJECT (verb)

Meaning
butt in
Root of the word
inter, it, iter = between, among
Synonyms
throw in, exclaim, interpolate, speak, interpose, cut in
Antonyms
-
Usage
He thought of interjecting before the problem took a serious turn.

INTERLOPER (noun)

Meaning
a person who interferes in another's affairs.
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
intruder, encroacher, trespasser, invader, infiltrator, unwanted person, uninvited guest, immigrant,
Antonyms
-
Usage
The old gentleman was considered an interloper by the younger members of his family.

INTERMENT (noun)

Meaning
the burial of a dead body.
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
burial, burying, committal, entombment, inhumation.
Antonyms
exhumation
Usage
The body of the slain leader was taken for interment after a post-mortem.

INTERMINABLE (adj)

Meaning
endless
Root of the word
term = end
Synonyms
ceaseless, everlasting, incessant, perpetual, never-ending
Antonyms
finite
Usage
These days we have to endure many seemingly interminable commercials to watch a movie on T.V.

INTERMITTENT (adj)

Meaning
irregular
Root of the word
inter, it, iter = between, among
Synonyms
discontinuous, blinking, flashing, sporadic, broken, alternating
Antonyms
constant
Usage
The intermittent rain hindered relief operations.

INTERN (verb)

Meaning
imprison
Root of the word
inter, it, iter = between, among
Synonyms
detain, hold, confine
Antonyms
release
Usage
The dictator got the rebels interned without any trial.

INTERPOLATE (verb)

Meaning
to add something to a piece of writing
Root of the word
inter = between, among
Synonyms
insert, interpose, introduce, implant, add, incorporate
Antonyms
-
Usage
We do not know whether the lines are original or interpolated at a later date.

INTERREGNUM (noun)

Meaning
a period when normal government is suspended
Root of the word
reg/rec = related to a king, rule
Synonyms
-
Antonyms
-
Usage
During the interregnum when the old king died and the crown prince was coronated, the Prime Minister took charge of the affairs of the state.

INTERSTICE (noun)

Meaning
a small crack or space in something.
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
space, gap, interval, aperture, opening, hole, cranny, crevice, chink, slot, crack, breach, vent
Antonyms
-
Usage
Water seeped into the room through a tiny interstice in the wall.

INTERVENED (verb)

Meaning
interfere, occur
Root of the word
ven/vent/veni = come
Synonyms
mediate, arbitrate, intercede, get involved, intrude, happen
Antonyms
keep away
Usage
The situation would have been worse if the elders had not intervened.

INTIMIDATE (verb)

Meaning
threaten
Root of the word
tim = fear
Synonyms
bully, frighten, coerce, terrorize, overawe, daunt
Antonyms
encourage
Usage
The local bully tried to intimidate the small town residents.

INTONATION (noun)

Meaning
the rise and fall of the voice in speaking
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
accent, delivery, inflection, modulation, sound, pronunciation, speech-pattern, pattern, tone
Antonyms
-
Usage
The Italian intonation in her voice was quite easy to discern.

INTRACTABLE (adj)

Meaning
stubborn, difficult
Root of the word
tract = draw, pull
Synonyms
inflexible, obdurate, obstinate, pig-headed, wilful
Antonyms
amenable
Usage
The intractable child refused to say sorry even after being caught red handed while cheating in the examinations.

INTRANSIGENT (adj)

Meaning
refusing to change one's views or behaviour
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
inflexible, unbending, uncompromising, unshakable, resolute, stubborn, obdurate
Antonyms
complaint, flexible
Usage
He could not get along with any of his team mates because of his intransigent attitude.

INTREPID (adj)

Meaning
extremely brave
Root of the word
trep/trem = shake, fear
Synonyms
heroic, bold, brave, courageous, daring, gallant, valiant
Antonyms
timorous, timid
Usage
The intrepid traveller went ahead with his journey despite the many obstacles which he had to encounter.

INTRIGUE (verb)

Meaning
arouse the curiosity or interest of
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
interest, fascinate, attract, draw, lure, tempt, tantalize, tempt, rivet, absorb, engross
Antonyms
-
Usage
We were greatly intrigued by the lives of the royalty.

INUNDATE (verb)

Meaning
flood
Root of the word
unda = wave
Synonyms
swamp, overwhelm, deluge, engulf, submerge
Antonyms
dessicate, parch, scorch
Usage
The flooded river inundated several villages.

INURE (verb)

Meaning
to make someone or something get used to something unpleasant so that they are no longer strongly affected by it.
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
harden, toughen, seasoned, habituate, familiarize
Antonyms
sensitize
Usage
He became inured to his wife's persistent nagging.

INVECTIVE (noun)

Meaning
strongly abusive or use critical language
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
abuse, insult, vituperation, expletive, swearing, curse, denunciation, censure, revilement, vilifica
Antonyms
praise
Usage
Infuriated by their abominable behaviour, he let out a stream of invectives.

INVEIGLE (verb)

Meaning
persuade by trickery or flattery
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
cajole, wheedle, wax, persuade, convince, talk, tempt
Antonyms
-
Usage
The salesman tried to inveigle the customers into accepting his proposal.

INVESTITURE (noun)

Meaning
installation
Root of the word
vest = clothing
Synonyms
inauguration
Antonyms
divestiture
Usage
I attended the President's investiture ceremony.

INVIGORATING (adj)

Meaning
making somebody feel healthy and full of energy
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
revitalizing, energizing, refreshing, reviving, verifying, bracing, rejuvenating, enlivening, restor
Antonyms
tiring
Usage
The invigorating breeze soothed her tired nerves and distraught soul.

INVINCIBLE (adj)

Meaning
unbeatable
Root of the word
vict/vinc/vano = conquer
Synonyms
unshakable, unassailable, unconquerable, indomitable, insuperable, impregnable, indestructible
Antonyms
vulnerable, conquerable
Usage
The Juventus Club seems to be invincible.

INVOKE (verb)

Meaning
appeal to, evoke, bring into play
Root of the word
voc/voca/vok/vow = call, word
Synonyms
call up, pray to, raise, cite
Antonyms
-
Usage
He tried to invoke the blessings of God before his exams.

INVOLUNTARY (adj)

Meaning
done without conscious control
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
reflex, reflexive, automatic, knee-jerk, mechanical, unconditioned, spontaneous, instinctive, instin
Antonyms
-
Usage
The excruciating pain in my shoulder caused me to let out an involuntary cry of pain.

IOTA (noun)

Meaning
an extremely small amount
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
bit, mite, speck, scrap, shred, ounce, scintilla, atom, jot, title, whit, little bit, particle, frac
Antonyms
-
Usage
He does not seem to be having an iota of concern for those in distress.

IRASCIBLE (adj)

Meaning
bad tempered
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
irritable, short-tempered, dyspeptic, cantankerous
Antonyms
-
Usage
Socrates had a shrewish wife who was known for her irascible nature.

IRIDESCENT (adj)

Meaning
showing many bright colours that seem to change in different lights
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
shimmering, glittering, sparkling, dazzling, shining, gleaming, glowing, lustrous, scintillating
Antonyms
-
Usage
Children were fascinated by the iridescent waters of the fountain.

IRKSOME (adj)

Meaning
tedious and annoying
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
irritating, annoying, vexing, vexatious, galling, exasperating, displeasing, grating, disagreeable,
Antonyms
pleasant, agreeable
Usage
The students were vexed with the irksome regulations imposed by the warden of the hostel.

IRREFUTABLE (adj)

Meaning
something that cannot be proved wrong and must therefore be accepted.
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
indisputable, undeniable, unquestionable, incontrovertible, incontestable, unassailable, impregnable
Antonyms
-
Usage
It is an irrefutable fact that education makes a man.

IRRESOLUTE (adj)

Meaning
not able to decide what to do
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
indecisive, hesitant, tentative, nervous, weak, vacillating, equivocating, dithering, wavering, teet
Antonyms
decisive
Usage
Hamlet, the prince of Denmark, was known for being irresolute.

ITERATE (adj)

Meaning
do or say repeatedly
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
repeat, recapitulate, go over again, rehearse, restate, reiterate
Antonyms
-
Usage
Young children are made to iterate nursery rhymes in order to familiarize them with language.

ITINERANT (noun and adj)

Meaning
travelling
Root of the word
it/iter = between, among
Synonyms
wandering, roving, roaming, nomadic, peripatetic
Antonyms
sedentary, settled
Usage
The itinerant nature of a sales job appeals to some but may be disliked by many.