Memorize a few of these big words and you’ll already appear smarter to those around you, even if you’ve only been in college for a week. Just try to use them correctly – oh gosh, we cannot stress this enough.

 

Abrogate

adj – repeal or do away with (a law, right, or formal agreement).

 

Abstentious

adj – self-restraining; not indulging an appetite especially for food or drink

 

 

Anachronistic

adj – belonging to a period other than that being portrayed.

 

Anagnorisis

noun – the point in a play, novel, etc., in which a principal character recognizes or discovers another character’s true identity or the true nature of their own circumstances.

 

 

Aquiver

adj – quivering, trembling

 

Assiduous

adj – showing great care and perseverance.

 

Axiomatic

Adj – self-evident or unquestionable

 

 

 

Capricous

adj given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior.

 

 

Circumlocution

noun – the use of many words where fewer would do, especially in a deliberate attempt to be vague or evasive.

 

Concupiscent

adj – filled with sexual desire; lustful.

 

Defervescence

noun – the lessening of a fever

 

 

 

 

desideratum

noun – something that is needed or wanted.

 

Elucidate

verb – to make (something) clear; explain.

 

Enervating

adj – causing one to feel drained of energy or vitality.

 

Ennui

noun – a feeling of listlessness and dissatisfaction arising from a lack of occupation or excitement. Boredom.

 

Equanimity

noun – mental calmness, composure, and evenness of temper, especially in a difficult situation.

 

Excogitate

verb – think out, plan, or devise.

 

Fastidious

adj – very attentive to and concerned about accuracy and detail.

 

Gasconade

noun – extravagant boasting.

 

 

 

Infinitesimal

adj – extremely small.

 

Nefarious

adj – wicked or criminal.

 

Nidificate

verb – to build a nest

 

Obfuscate

verb – render obscure, unclear, or unintelligible.

 

Obtuse

adjective – annoyingly sensitive or slow to understand

 

Parsimonious

adjective – unwilling to spend money or use resources; stingy or frugal.

 

Perfidious

adj – deceitful and untrustworthy.

 

Perfunctory

adj – carried out with a minimum of effort or reflection.

 

Perspicacious

adj – having a ready insight into and understanding of things.

 

 

Quid Pro Quo

noun- a favor or advantage granted or expected in return for something.

 

Remunerative

adj – financially rewarding; lucrative.

 

 

Sesquipedalian

adj – characterized by long words; long-winded.

 

Solipsism 

noun – the view or theory that the self is all that can be known to exist.

 

Sycophant

noun – a person who acts obsequiously toward someone important in order to gain advantage.

 

Ubiquitous

adj – present, appearing, or found everywhere.

 

Umbrage

noun – offense or annoyance.

 

Unparagoned

adj – having no equal, matchless, peerless

 

Vitriol

noun – cruel and bitter criticism.