|
peripheral
(adj.) marginal; outer
Those are peripheral problems; let's look at the central challenge.
The peripheral shrubs were used to create a fence-like blockade.
He thought he was my best friend, when in fact, he was a peripheral acquaintance.
perjury
(n.) the practice of lying
The already sensational trial of a star athlete turned all the more so
when it turned out that a police detective had committed perjury.
Lying while on the witness stand is perjury.
permeable
(adj.) porous; allowing to pass through
Because the material was permeable, the water was able to drain.
pernicious
(adj.) dangerous; harmful
Standing oil combined with a fresh rain on the asphalt can have a pernicious
impact on a driver's control of the road.
The pernicious fire engulfed four blocks of homes.
perpetual
(adj.) never ceasing; continuous
Perpetual pain keeps the woman from walking.
perquisite
(n.) extra payment; a tip
After working overtime, I had enough money to make a perquisite on my
loan.
pertinent
(adj.) related to the matter at hand
During a trial everyone should concentrate on the same subject, stating
only pertinent information.
peruse
(v.) to read carefully; to study
A vast majority of time was spent perusing the possible solution to the
dilemma.
pervade
(v.) to occupy the whole of
Her perfume was so strong that it pervaded the whole room.
pervasive
(adj.) spreading throughout
The home was filled with the pervasive aroma of baking bread.
pessimism
(n.) seeing only the gloomy side; hopelessness
After endless years of drought, pessimism grew in the hearts of even the
most dedicated farmer.
petty
(adj.) unimportant; of subordinate standing
With all of the crime in the world, stealing bubble gum is considered
petty theft.
petulant
(adj.) peevish; cranky; rude
The long illness put the boy in a petulant mood.
The tone of his voice and the things that he says become quite petulant
when he has not gotten enough sleep.
phenomenon
(n.) exceptional person; unusual occurrence
Not for nothing do they call Yankee Stadium "The House that Ruth
Built"-the Babe was a phenomenon.
The northern lights are a rare phenomenon for those not living near the
Arctic Circle.
philanthropy
(n.) charity; unselfishness
After years of donating time and money to the children's hospital, Mrs.
Elderwood was commended for her philanthropy.
phlegmatic
(adj.) without emotion or interest; sluggish and dull
The playwright had hoped his story would take theatergoers on an emotional
roller coaster, but on opening night they just sat there, stonefaced and
phlegmatic.
The phlegmatic child rarely went outside to play.
phobia
(n.) morbid fear
Fear of heights is a not uncommon phobia.
pied
(adj.) colored, blotched together
The extreme heat caused the colors to become pied.
pinioned
(adj.) bound fast
The two rafts were pinioned by steel wire.
pious
(adj.) religious; devout; dedicated
The religious couple believed that their pious method of worship would
bring them eternal life.
The statues of the saints have pious symbolism.
Many people think of this land as pious territory.
pique
(n.; v.) resentment at being slighted; to provoke
Being passed over for the promotion aroused his pique.
The more he piqued her, the redder she grew.
pithy
(adj.) terse and full of meaning
Columnist William Safire, a former presidential speech writer, has a way
with words that often yields pithy comments.
pittance
(n.) a small amount
The reward money was only a pittance compared to the money lost.
The little girl received a pittance every week for keeping her room clean.
placate
(v.) to appease or pacify
The entire family attempted to placate the stubborn child.
With a soothing voice and the promise of a juicy steak, the trainer placated
the escaped lion so that he wouldn't hurt anyone.
|