Definitions by LARSTAIT

bereft

Lacking or deprived of something.

Bereft of parental love, orphans sometimes grow up to be insecure.

bereft by LarstaiT November 10, 2003

benevolent

Wishing or doing good.

In old age, Carnegie used his wealth for benevolent purposes, donating large sums to found libraries and schools.

benevolent by LarstaiT November 10, 2003

capricious 

Unpredictable, willful, whimsical.

The pop star Madonna has changed her image so many times that each new transformation now appears capricious rather than purposeful.

capricious by LarstaiT November 10, 2003

camaraderie 

A spirit of friendship.

Spending long days and nights together on the road, the members of a traveling theater group develop a strong sense of camaraderie.

camaraderie by Larstait November 10, 2003

circumlocutions 

Speaking in a roundabout way; wordiness.

Legal documents often contain circumlocutions which make them difficult to understand.

circumlocutions by Larstait November 10, 2003

competent 

Having the skill and knowledge needed for a particular task; capable.

Any competent lawyer can draw up a will.

competent by Larstait November 10, 2003

cloying 

Overly sweet or sentimental

The deathbed scenes in the novels of Dickens are famously cloying: as Oscar Wilde said, "One would need a heart of stone to read the death of Little Nell without laughing."

cloying by Larstait November 10, 2003