impressionable adj. (im PRESH un uh bul) easily influenced or brainwashed; suggestible. Young children are highly impressionable, which is why they must be taught a strong sense of right and wrong from early on.
impudent adj. (IM pyoo dunt) disrespectful in a bold way. Any more impudent behavior will result in suspension from school.
impugn vb. (im PYOON) to criticize or attack, especially that which is questionable. Political opponents often try to impugn each other's records.
impunity n. (im PYOON uh tee) complete freedom from punishment. As the police lost control of the crowd, the rioters proceeded to break windows and loot shops with impunity.
inane adj. (in AYN) empty and pointless. If I have to sit through one more inane comedy show I'm going to scream.
inanimate adj. (in AN uh mut) lifeless; inert. Dr.
Frankenstein's challenge was to animate an inanimate body.
inaugurate vb. (in AW gyuh RAYT) to induct, initiate, or start. We will inaugurate the president with the swearing-in tomorrow at noon.
incessant adj. (in SESS unt) endless; nonstop. The infant's incessant crying kept me awake for most of the night.
incisive adj. (in SYE siv) sharp and penetrating. The muckraker's incisive report got right to the heart of the scandal.
incongruous adj. (in KON groo us) incompatible; of unmatching components. Installing a pair of skis on a bicycle would appear rather incongruous.
inconspicuous adj. (in kun SPIK yoo us) blending in and attracting little if any attention. Shoplifters try to be as inconspicuous as possible.
incorrigible adj. (in KAWR i juh bul) incapable of reform or improvement. Incorrigible youths may as adults end up behind bars.
incredulous adj. (in KREJ uh lus) unbelieving, skeptical. As I recounted my trip aboard the flying saucer, the police officer appeared incredulous.
indelible adj. (in DEL uh bul) leaving a lasting or permanent impression. Tragedies always leave indelible memories.
indict vb. (in DITE) to charge with a crime.
Although my neighbor has been indicted, the case has not yet been proven against him.
indictment n. (in DITE munt) a formal charge of a crime. The grand jury handed down an indictment against the gang members.
indifferent adj. (in DIF ur unt) apathetic; uncaring. Nature is indifferent to the suffering of animals.
indigenous adj. (in DIJ uh nus) native. The coon cat is indigenous to Maine.
indigent adj. (IN duh junt) poor. The indigent vagrant stopped people on the street to beg for money.
indignant adj. (in DIG nunt) angry and resentful, due especially to an injustice. The taxpayers are indignant; they will not pay a penny more in taxes.
indoctrinate vb. (in DOK tri nayt) to teach one's beliefs to another; to brainwash. The cult found it easy to indoctrinate and manipulate young people.
indolent adj. (IN duh lunt) lazy. If you choose to be indolent and refuse to help around here, you won't be getting any supper.
ineffectual adj. (in uh FEK choo ul) ineffective; impotent; useless. We tried to dam the flooding waters, but all our efforts were ineffectual.
inept adj. (in EPT) incompetent; bumbling. We knew the carpenter was inept when we saw his freshly built staircase collapse.
inert adj. (In URT) inactive; motionless. After stuffing themselves with turkey and pie, many of the guests became inert on the couch.
inexorable adj. (in EK sur uh bul) unchangeable; relentless. The process of evolution is inexorable and will forever mold the universe.
infamous adj. (IN fuh mus) famous for something bad; notorious; having a negative reputation. The infamous cat burglar was finally captured by police today.
infer vb. (in FUR) to deduce from established facts. With millions of planets in the universe, it would probably be safe to infer that life exists at least on a few of them.
infinitesimal adj. (in fin i TES uh mul) immeasurably tiny; microscopic. In some sensitive individuals, it takes only an infinitesimal amount of pet dander or pollen to trigger an allergic reaction.
ingratiate adj. (in GRAY she ayt) to try to win one's approval or favor. Little girls may try to ingratiate themselves with mothers who have recently baked cookies.
inherent adj. (in HAIR unt) innate; native; inborn. Michael Jordan had a tireless work ethic and practiced for long hours, but he was also blessed with an inherent athletic ability.
innate adj. (in AYT) inborn; natural; native. All
mothers have an innate drive to protect their young.
innuendo n. (in yoo EN doh) an indirect remark that implies something negative. He didn't dare insult his mother-in-law directly, but he would often imply that she was officious and meddlesome through innuendo.
inquest n. (IN quest) a legal investigation, such as that conducted by a coroner in an attempt to determine a cause of death under suspicious circumstances. An inquest revealed evidence pointing to foul play.
insidious adj. (in SID ee us) quietly and unobtrusively causing great damage. Diabetes is an insidious disease; it may cause great damage long before the victim even knows he has it.
insipid adj. (in SIP id) bland; dull; flavorless. Some critics charge that television programs are growing increasingly insipid.
insolvent adj. (in SOL vent) unable to pay off one's debts; bankrupt. The company owes too many creditors money and is on the verge of becoming insolvent.
instigate vb. (IN stig ayt) to incite or start. Police say five gang members attempted to instigate a riot.