expand my vocabulary

interpolate • \in-TER-puh-layt\ • verb
transitive senses
1 a : to alter or corrupt (as a text) by inserting new or foreign matter b : to insert (words) into a text or into a conversation
2 : to insert between other things or parts : intercalate
3 : to estimate values of (data or a function) between two known values
intransitive sense
: to make insertions (as of estimated values)

Example sentence:
The biographer has interpolated many letters by the painter within the text, along with numerous sketches and paintings.

this ties in with my GRE goal—the verbal section is mostly a big vocab test.

zeitgeist • \TSYTE-ghyste\ • noun, often capitalized
: the general intellectual, moral, and cultural climate of an era

Example sentence:
Uncle Jerry reminisced about the free love and political and social activism that were all prominent in the zeitgeist of the 1960s.

oftentimes • \AW-fun-tymz\ • adverb
: often, repeatedly

Example sentence:
Because her job requires her to travel a lot, Janice will oftentimes be out of the office for two or three days in a row.

umbrage • \UM-brij\ • noun
1 : shade, shadow
2 : shady branches : foliage
3 a : an indistinct indication : vague suggestion : hint b : a reason for doubt : suspicion
*4 : a feeling of pique or resentment at some often fancied slight or insult

Example sentence:
“He’s not willing to pay for the A-list players we need to win a championship,” said one player of the team’s owner, who, not surprisingly, took umbrage at the statement

abulia • \ay-BOO-lee-uh\ • noun
: abnormal lack of ability to act or to make decisions

Example sentence:
“Since his college graduation, my son seems to be suffering from abulia—he just can’t decide what he wants to do next,” sighed Philip.

splenetic • \splih-NET-ik\ • adjective
: marked by bad temper, malevolence, or spite

Example sentence:
Phil’s review of the book was written with a harsh, splenetic tone that did little to conceal his preexisting grudge against the author.

orthography • \or-THAH-gruh-fee\ • noun
1 *a : the art of writing words with the proper letters according to standard usage b : the representation of the sounds of a language by written or printed symbols
2 : a part of language study that deals with letters and spelling

solatium • \so-LAY-shee-um\ • noun
: a compensation (as money) given as solace for suffering, loss, or injured feelings

Example sentence:
The judge awarded a substantial solatium to all of the bus passengers who were traumatized as a result of the accident.

glabrous • \GLAY-brus\ • adjective
: smooth; especially : having a surface without hairs or projections

Example sentence:
The nectarine is a glabrous variety of peach, and not, as is often thought, a hybrid of peach and plum.