Descriptionary

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.

insular adj. (IN sul ur) isolated or detached; narrow in opinion due to a lack of worldly experience. The insular opinions of the remote regions of the state are in stark contrast to the more liberal views of the southern, metropolitan areas.