Descriptionary

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.