adj. spasmodic; intermittent

After several fitful attempts, he decided to postpone the project until he felt more energetic. 

adj. eccentric; whimsical

Although he was reputed to be a crotchety old gentleman, I found his ideas sound and sensible. 

adj. inclined to form factions; causing dissension

Your statement is factious and will upset the harmony that now exists. 

adj. artificial, sham

Hollywood actresses often create factitious tears by using glycerine. 

n. handyman; person who does all kinds of work

Although we had hired him as a messenger, we soon began to use him as a general factotum around the office. 

n. mild expression in place of an unpleasant one

The expression " he passed away" is a euphemism for "he died." 

v. make amends for (a sin)

He tried to expiate his crimes by a full confession to the authorities. 

n territory enclosed within an alien land.

The Vatican is an independent enclave in Italy. 

v. command, order, forbid

The owners of the company asked the court to enjoin the union from picketing the plant. 

v. squander, waste, scatter

He is a fine artist, but I am afraid he may dissipate his gifts if he keeps wasting his time playing D and D. 

adj. quarrelsome

Disagreeing violently with the referee's ruling, the coach became so contentious, the ref threw him out. 

n pretense of ignorance of something wrong; assistance, permission to offend

With the connivance of his friends, he plotted to embarass the teacher. 

adj. feverish

In his febrile condition, he was subject to nightmares and hallucinations. 

n happiness, appropriateness (of a remark, choice)

She wrote to the newlyweds wishing them great felicity in their wedded life.

adj. suitably expressed, well-chosen.

He was famous for his felicitious remarks and was called upon to serve as MC at many a banquet. 

v. deputize; pass to others

It devolved upon us, the survivors to arrange peaceful terms with the enemy. 

n. means, effort

By dint of much hard work, the volunteers were able to control the raging forest fire. 

v. put to rout; defeat; disconcert

This ruse will discomfit the enemy. 

n. discomfiture

adj. discomfited 

adj. praising, eulogistic

Some critics beleive that his ecomiastic statements about Napoleon were inspired by his desire for advancement.

n. encomium, high praise, eulogy

Uneasy with the encomiums expressed by his supporters, Tolkien felt unworthy. 

v. marshal; draw up in order

His actions were bound to array public sentiment against him. 

n. disintegration; looseness in morals

The profligacy and dissolution of life in Caligula's Rome appal some historians.

adj. dissolute 

adj. appropriate, fitting

She was always able to find the apposite phrase, the correct expression for every occasion. 

adj. diligent

It took Rembrandt weeks of assiduous labor before he was satisfied with his portrait. 

effusion

effusive 

n. pouring forth.

The critics objected to her literary effusion because it was too flowery.

adj. pouring forth; gushing

Her effusive manner of greeting her friends finally began to irritate them. 

v. honor at a festival

The returning hero was feted at a community supper and dance.

also n. 

n. command

I cannot accept gov't by fiat; I feel that the wishes of the citizens must be consulted. 

n. delicate, lacelike metalwork

The pendant with gold filigree that she wore round her neck trembled with each breath she took. 

slovenly; untidy

She tried to change her dowdy image by buying a fashionable new wardrobe. 

adj. high, lofty

After her appointment to this eminent position, she seldom had time for her former friends. 

n. protest, remonstrance

Despite the teacher's scoldings and expostulations, the class remained unruly. 

adj. still in existance

Although the book is out of print, some copies are still extant.