Book of Certitude

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Comment by Kurt Hein on July 5, 2008 at 4:53pm

An informal English vocabulary list for The Book of Certitude
Note: spellings vary between British and American use

For all Persian terms:
The Kitáb-i-Íqán: Glossary and Notes
http://bahai-library.com/writings/bahaullah/iqan/iq-glos.htm


abase = to degrade, humiliate

abide = to live or reside in a place; to find somebody or something acceptable or bearable

abhor = hate, despise

abject = despicable or contemptible

abode = home, dwelling place

abolish = bring to an end, eliminate

abrogate = to end an agreement or contract formally and publicly

abstruse = complex, puzzling

absurd = ridiculous, strange

accent = a way of making emphasis in one’s speech; an emphasis based on another language

accompany = go along with

accordingly = therefore, in consequence

account = an explanation of something that has happened,
especially one given to somebody in authority

accursed = damned

acme = peak, pinnacle, summit

actuated = made

adherent = supporter

adjuration = solemn command

admitted = acknowledged truth

admonish = reprimand, scold

admonition = advice for or against doing something

adorn = decorate, beautify

adultery = a married person’s sexual relations with a person not their spouse

advent = the arrival of something important or awaited

aeon = a length of time that is too long to measure

afflict = to cause severe physical or mental distress

affright = to frighten, scare

affluence = riches

aforetime = much earlier, in times now past

agonizing = terrible, unbearable

aim = plan, intention

allay = calm, relieve

allusion = an indirect reference, suggestion

alteration = change, adjustment

ancient = earliest, very old

Ancients = authors of old times, whose works form the basis of classic writings

anemones = wild buttercups

angel = a heavenly spirit that protects and offers guidance

animosity = hostility, ill will

annoint = to rub oil or ointment on a part of somebody's body, usually the head or feet,
as part of a religious ceremony

annul = cancel, terminate

apostatize = renounce

apparel = clothing

Arabic = the main language of the Muslim people

array = a collection of fine clothes

arrogance = pride, conceit

ascend = to rise or to a higher level

ascendancy = superior rank

ascribe = attribute, credit

assay = examine, evaluate, perform a chemical analysis

assiduous = tireless, constant

assurance = confidence

astronomer = space scientist

asunder = apart

assuredly = confidently

astounding = amazing, shocking

astray = off course

athirst = longing for something

attain = reach, arrive at

attainment = achievement

attest = to state that something is true

attire = clothing

attribute = quality

attributed = credited, ascribed

aught = anything

avail = benefit, purpose

avenge = to inflict punishment because of a wrong done

aversion = dislike, hatred

awaken = become aware

awful = very great, enormous

barren = fruitless, unproductive

barrier = wall, blockade, obstacle

base-born = born at the lowest level, lowly

beauteous = beautiful to look at

befall = happen, occur

behest = an order or request

behoof, behoove = benefit, advantage, or convenience

belittle = put down, negate, deny

bemoan = lament, regret

bereavement = remembering with grief, sorrow

bereft = deprived

beseem = seem; befit

besiege = surround

besprinkle = to sprinkle small quantities of liquid over a surface

bestow = to present something, especially something valuable or undeserved

betook = went

bewail = grieve, moan

bewildered = confused

bid = to tell or ask somebody to do something

billows = waves, clouds

bitter = unpleasant, sour

blameworthy = at fault, in error

blasphemy = sacrilege, irreverence, showing disrespect for God

blast = to strike something with great force

blatant = excessively, offensively noisy

blemish = mark, stain

blessed = made scared, holy, gifted

borne = carried, held

bosom = heart; a place of protection, security, or affection

bounty = generous supply, reward, gift

breach = violation, dishonor, forceful separation

breeze = gentle wind

brevity = briefness

briar = woody plant, brush

brute = bully, beast

busied = fully occupied

bygone = past, previous, former

calamities = disasters

calculation = negative plan

caliph = Muslim leader, a title taken by Islamic rulers such as the Turkish sultans

calumny = a false statement with malicious intent

calumniate = to accuse somebody falsely, to slander somebody

camphor = chemical antiseptic

capacity = ability, sustainable amount, volume

carcass = dead body, the remains of something decayed or almost totally destroyed

carnal desires = relating to somebody's physical needs or appetites,
especially as contrasted with spiritual or intellectual qualities

carrion = something that is decaying

cast = to make something such as light appear in a place

cavil = to make objections about something on small and unimportant points

celestial = in space, the skies

censure = disapproval, condemnation

ceremonials = traditional rituals

certitude = assurance, certainty, confidence, conviction

chalice = a metal drinking cup or goblet; in the Christian church, a gold or silver cup used for serving
wine at Communion

champion = to defend, support, promote

character = nature, personality

charmer = one who delights, enchants

chastise = scold, punish, discipline

chastity = the condition or quality of being pure or chaste

chastisement = scolding, punishment

cherish = to value, to treasure

cherubim = angels

chronicle = account, history

cite = refer to, quote

clamour = to demand something noisily

cleave = to cling closely, steadfastly, or faithfully;
to separate, to make a space, to make a way through something

cloven = split

collyrium = a medicated preparation for the eyes

commandments = Divine laws

commentator = critic, reviewer

commune = feel at one with

companion = accompanying person

comparative = equivalent, similar

comprehend = understand, include

compel = to make something happen

concealed = hidden, kept out of sight

conceit = self-importance, vanity

conceived = created, imagined, thought up; became pregnant

conclusive = clear, decisive, definite, proven without a doubt

conducive = prompting, helping something to happen; tending to bring about an intended result

confer = give, bestow

confess = admit, express

confirm = verify, prove

conscience = sense of right and wrong, ethics

consequently = as a result

consolation = comfort, relief

consonance = agreement, harmony

conspicuous = evident, prominent

constancy = loyalty, fidelity, faithfulness

consternation = anxiety, concern, worry

constitute = comprise, form

consume = to eat, to use something up so that it cannot be reused or recovered

contemplate = think of, consider

contemptuous = feeling, expressing, or demonstrating a strong dislike

contend = challenge, fight

content = satisfied

contention = disagreement

contracted = made smaller, lessened; obtained, sustained

contrary = opposing

conviction = commitment, certainty

convulsion = an extreme disruption or disturbance

corrupted = falsified, altered, damaged

countenance = expression, face, appearance

covetous = to have a strong desire to possess something that belongs to somebody else

crazed = crazy, insane, demented

creed = a set of religious beliefs

criterion = decisive factor, measure

croak = a rough, usually low-pitched, vibrating sound

cruelty = an act that deliberately causes pain and distress

curse = a negative statement, an action of power that brings difficulties

custody = safekeeping, guardianship

damage = harm, spoil

damnation = condemnation to hell or eternal punishment

dare = take a chance, have the courage

dayspring = source of light

declare = announce

decree = an official order, pronouncement, ruling

defamation = insult, slander, slur

defile = to make something dirty, polluted, spoiled

degradation = dreadful condition

deliverance = rescue, release

deluded = to be persuaded to believe something that is untrue or unreal

demolish = destroy

demonstrate = show, reveal

denial = disagreement, rejection

denizen = a resident of a specific country or area, a habitual visitor to a place

denounce = condemn

dense = thick, blocking light

denunciation = negative criticism, to condemn publicly

depository = a place where something is kept for safekeeping

deprive = to deny, take away, withhold, leave without

deride, derision = ridicule, mock

descried = seen, caught sight of

descriptive = explanatory

deserve = to have earned, be worthy of, merit

designate = name, choose, select, describe

despair = hopelessness

despicable = deserving of contempt

despise = hate, scorn

despondent = hopeless, dejected

destitute = penniless, extreme poverty

detachment = separation, lack of involvement

destitute = poor, impoverished

deter = discourage

determination = resolve, will-power

devoid = completely lacking in something

devour = completely consume

dewdrop = a drop of water

diadem = crown

dictates = imposed rules

differ = disagree

digress = wander away from, go off the point

dim = weaken, reduce

dinar = a coin, a currency unit

disbelieve = doubt, question, mistrust

discern = evaluate, tell the difference

discernment = good judgment

disciple = follower, student

discipline = control, regulation

discourse = dialogue, talk

discredit = dishonor, shame

disdain = scorn, contempt

disencumber = to release from burden or from being weighed down

dismay = alarm, sadness, disappointment

Dispensation = a divinely ordained religious system

display = show, present

dispute = argue, disagree with, challenge

dissembling falsehood = a lie that conceals facts

dissension = opposition, disagreement

distinction = difference, particular feature

distinguish = differentiate, tell apart

distinguished = eminent, notable

distort = negatively alter, misrepresent

diverse = more than one, several, assorted, of various types

divest = remove, separate from

divines = a member of the clergy, especially one who is knowledgeable about theology

divulge = reveal

dominion = power, authority, overseen region

don = put on

draught = a drink

dross = something that is worthless, of a low standard or quality; the scum formed on molten metals

dweller = resident, occupant

earnest = serious

ecstatic = thrilled, overjoyed

efface = rub out, remove

effulgent = brightness or a brilliant light radiating from something

effusion = an extravagant expression of feelings in speech or writing

elevated = lofty, held high, lifted

elixir = a mystical substance believed to prolong life indefinitely

eloquent = expressive, articulate

emanate = come from, originate

emblem = symbol, sign

embodiment = the act or process by which something is made tangible or visible

emolument = payment for work done

egress = exit from a place

empyrean = the highest part of heaven, believed in ancient Greek and Roman times to contain pure fire or light and believed by some Christians to be the dwelling place of God

encompass = to surround, envelop, or encircle something

encroach = to intrude gradually or stealthily; taking away somebody's authority, rights, or property

endearment = an expression of affection

endeavour = try, attempt

endowed = gifted, given

endue = endow, bestow

endure = tolerate, undergo, carry on

enjoin = to command somebody to do something or behave in a particular way

enlightenment = the realization of spiritual or religious understanding

enmesh = entangle, trap

enmity = hostility, hatred

enshroud = to cover or obscure something

ensign = an emblem or sign that indicates authority or command

entanglement = disorder, embarrassing situation

entrust = to give someone responsibility for something

enumerate = list

envy = jealousy, greed

ephemeral = short-lived, lasting for only a short period of time and leaving no permanent trace

epistle = a divine writing, letter

ere = before

eschew = abstain from, avoid

espouse = to give in marriage

Essence of Essences and Sea of Seas = the unknowable reality of the Manifestations of God

estate = domain, assets

esteem = respect, value

ethereal = unearthly

estimate = approximation, educated guess

eulogy = tribute

everlasting = eternal, never-ending

evidence = proof

evince = reveal, show clearly, display

exalted = high in rank, position, or esteem; grand or noble in character

exaltation = the act of raising or holding something up; honoring

excel = do well, stand out, surpass

execration = to curse, detest, to declare somebody or something to be loathsome

exemplify = represent, demonstrate

exert = to have a powerful effect on

exhausted = nothing is left to be discussed; without energy; emptied

exhort = urge, encourage

exhortation = the giving of earnest advice or encouragement

expectation = anticipation, hope

expel = remove, exclude

explicit = clear, open

exponent = an advocate, promoter, supporter

expounder = one who reveals, explains

extend = spread out, cover, to further

exterminate = kill, destroy

extinguish = put out

extol = to praise somebody or something with great enthusiasm and admiration

exultation = joy, delight

fain = willing or eager to do something

fallacious = untrue, false

falsehood = dishonesty, lie

falter = weaken, hesitate

fancy = to want to do or have something

fathom = to understand something deep, profound, mystifying

favorites = preferred, most-liked

fealty = loyalty, allegiance

feature = an important element

felicity = happiness, contentment

fervor = passion, enthusiasm

fettered = chained, confined, restrained

firmament = the sky, heaven

fixed = set, held steadily

flash = rapid, blaze, burst

fleeting = passing, brief

flung = thrown

focal = main, point of attention

folly = foolishness

forego = do without

forelock = a lock of hair that grows or falls over the forehead

forgotten = not remembered, gone

foretold = predicted

forfeit = to have something taken away as punishment for a mistake or wrongdoing

forsake = abandon, renounce

fortitude = strength, courage

fourth Heaven = in the Divine realm

fragrance = aroma, perfume

froward = disobedient, contrary

fruitless = unsuccessful, with no effect

fundamental = basic, deep

furthermost = farthest, most distant

fuse = merge, combine

futile = useless, with no result

garb = clothing, apparel

garment of denial = an appearance of rejection

gather = come together to form a group

gaze = look, observance

generations = the period of time that it takes for people to grow up and produce their own offspring,
usually between 20 and 35 years

germinate = take root, sprout, develop

gird up the loins of malice, of envy, and tyranny = to prepare for conflict

glimmer = reflection

gloom = darkness, misery

goal = objective, purpose

Gospels = four books of the Bible that tell the story of the life of Jesus Christ

grace = blessing, favor, mercy

grammar = language rules

grandeur = splendor, majesty

grasp = take hold of, understand

gratify = satisfy

grievous = very bad, severe, terrible

grovel = to be lowly, to act in a servile way

habitation = location, environment, dwelling-place

hallowed = sanctified, holy or kept for religious use; regarded with great respect or reverence

handiwork = action, a creation

harbinger = announcer, herald

hardship = suffering, adversity

haughty = self-important, proud, conceited

heap = pile, stack

hearken = listen and pay attention

heedless = neglecting, unaware, without regard

heinous = terrible, wicked

heir = a person who holds the right to receive a tradition, characteristic, property, position, or title
of someone else when that owner dies

herald = proclaim, announce

hesitation = indecision

hinder = to obstruct, delay or prevent development or progress

hoist = to lift

hollow = empty, unfilled part

homicide = murder

horizon = scope, possibility, the farthest distance

humble = modest, self-effacing

hurl = to say something with great hostility, to throw powerfully

hypocrite = pretending to be what one is not, two-faced, deceitful

hypothesis = theoretical proposition, supposition

idle = motionless, pointless, useless

idly = casually, carelessly

idolator = one who worships idols or anything other than the one God

ills = troubles, problems, harms

illumine = to light up

imaginings = ideas, fantasies

Imam = (Arabic, “leader” or “exemplar”) the political head of the Muslim community
or the person who leads prayer

imitating = attempting to copy an existing method, style, or approach

immaculate = perfect, flawless

immeasurable = endless, vast

immemorial = beyond recorded history

immense = very large, enormous, huge

immortal = never dying

impart = teach, inform, convey

impassioned = ardent, heartfelt

impel = prompt, stimulate, motivate

impending = coming soon

imperishable = eternal, never-ending

implication = suggested meaning

imposed = forced upon

imposter = a phony, a fraud, a cheat

imply = indicate, mean

impute = accuse

inasmuch = to the extent that, in so far

incapable = unable, powerless

inclination = preference, liking

incompatible = unable to coexist; at variance

inconceivable = beyond belief, unimaginable

incontestable = obviously true

incorruptible = morally upright, honest

incumbent = obligatory, required; currently holding an official post

indignity = humiliation, shame, disgrace

indubitable = undoubted, certain

induce = persuade, motivate, prompt

ineffable = indescribable

inestimable = beyond measure, tremendous

inevitable = certain, unavoidable

infallible = perfect, flawless, without error

infernal abyss = deep void, relating to hell or the underworld

infidel = somebody who does not believe in a major religion, especially Christianity or Islam

infinite = never-ending

infinitude = boundlessness; a very great number, degree, or extent

inflict = impose, force upon

infuse = to fill with a strong emotion, such as enthusiasm or desire

ingratitude = thanklessness, lack of appreciation

inherently = naturally, basically

iniquity = injustice, evil behavior

initiated = those who have learned something that seems difficult or complicated

injunction = command, order

inscribe = to engrave

inscrutable = mysterious, not expressed clearly, hard to interpret

insignificant = unimportant

inspired = brilliant, spirited

instigate = to start

insuperable = overwhelming, insurmountable

intense = strong, powerful, great, forceful

intercourse = communication

interpretation = understanding, analysis, translation

intervene = get in the way of, interfere

intricacies = complexities

invariably = always, regularly, without change

invalidate = nullify, cancel

invincible = unbeatable, unconquerable

inviolable = firm, sacred

invisible = unseen

irrefutable = certain, unquestionable

irreproachable = faultless

jot or tittle = a very small amount

justified = supported, shown to be correct

Kawthar = a river of Paradise from which all the others flow

kindle = stimulate, create, fire-up

kindred = relatives

knead = to fold, press, and stretch a soft substance

lame ass = a crippled donkey, a weak fool

lament = grieve

languish = to undergo hardship, suffer, to long for something that is being denied

latter = later, latest, following

lauded = highly praised, acclaimed, glorified

least = smallest

lest = incase

liberal = abundant

liberating = to set free, releasing, energizing

liken = compare, equate

likeness = similarity

limitation = something that closes or constrains; a disadvantage or weakness

linger = remain, persist, wait around

literal = factual

lodestone = somebody or something that attracts others like a magnet

lode star = a deposit or vein of ore, an abundant supply of something

longing = desire

lofty = exalted, held high, refined

lucid = clear, logical

luminary = an eminent person, light-giving

lunatic = somebody considered wildly reckless, crazy

lust = strong desire

machination = plot

magnificence = glory, splendor, beauty

majestic = grand, royal

malevolent = mean, nasty

malice = cruelty, meanness, spite

malison = curse

manifest = evident, clear, visible

manifold = many, assorted

manna = in the Bible, food provided miraculously to feed the Israelites in the wilderness

manslaughter = murder

mantle = covering, robe; responsibility

martyrdom = to be killed as a sacrifice for a higher purpose, a symbol of a supreme sacrifice

marvelous = wonderful, impressive

meditate = contemplate, reflect

meed = compensation

melodious = musical, harmonious

meritorious = praiseworthy, commendable

methinks = it seems to me

midst = among, center

Mihdí = the prophesied redeemer of Islam

minaret = a tall slender tower attached to a mosque, from which the muezzin calls the faithful to prayer

misapprehension = misunderstanding

misbelief = a belief that is false, errant

mischief = trouble, disobedience

misconstrue = to understand or interpret something incorrectly

miscreant = troublemaker, scoundrel, criminal

misdoubt = to have doubt or suspicion about, distrust

misery = deep sorrow, despair

mislead = to cause somebody to make a mistake or form a false opinion or belief

mist = something that makes it difficult to see or understand something, a cloud

modification = change, revision, alteration

momentous = significant, meaningful, historic

mortal = earthly, having a limited lifetime

mote = a tiny speck or particle

motive = purpose

moulded = shaped, formed

mourn = grieve, lament

multitude = large number, mass

musk = a pungent secretion

myriad = so many that they cannot be counted

myrtle = an evergreen tree

Mystic Source = spiritual realm

mystic bride = metaphor for an illumined spirit in the Divine realm

naught = nothing

nay = no, used to refuse, deny, or disagree with something

negation = contradiction, reversal

nethermost = lowest, farthest down

nigh = near

nightingale = a migratory thrush, the male is known for its song

noble = honorable, dignified, fine

non-existent = missing, absent

nonfulfilment = termination as a result of the passage of time

nurture = tender care and protection

obscure = lacking clarity, difficult to understand, confusing; darken, block

obvious = clear, evident

omniscient = all-knowing; knowing or seeming to know everything

omnipotent = possessing complete, unlimited, universal power and authority

operation = function, action

oppress = negatively dominate, keep down

opprobrium = scorn, contempt, severe criticism

orb = a small sphere; an ornament of royalty usually made from a precious metal set with jewels

outpouring = expression, release

overflowings = floods

overlook = fail to notice

overshadow = be more important; put in the shade

overtake = go past

owing = due to, because of

pageantry = ceremony, display

pains = trouble, effort

palace = royal home, citadel

palpable = obvious, clear

palsy = muscular inability to move part or all of the body

paramount= supreme, dominant

parched = dried up, burnt

parchment = a creamy or yellowish material made from dried and treated animal hide,
formerly used for books and documents

pasture = grazing land, field

pauper = very poor, impoverished

peer = an equal

peerless = superior, without equal

penetrate = enter, go into, infiltrate

perceive = see, notice, understand

perchance = perhaps

perdition = the state of everlasting punishment in hell that sinners endure after death

perish = to die

perpetrate = to do something wrong

perplex = confuse

persist = continue, repeat

perturbed = troubled, bothered

peruse = examine, read carefully

pervade = exist throughout

perverse = wicked, contrary

perversion = distortion, falsification

petty-minded = mean. spiteful

pervade, pervasive = to spread through or be present throughout something

perversity = stubborn, unreasonable behavior

petty = minor, trivial

phantom = nonexistent, but claimed to exist, usually for purposes of fraud

philosopher's stone = a substance believed to convert metals into gold

piety = faithfulness, holiness

pilgrimage = a journey to a holy place, undertaken for religious reasons

pillar = column, support

pious = devout

plenteous, plenitude = full, fullness, complete, abundant

plight = trouble, dilemma, difficulty; a formal pledge

plural = more than one person or thing

pompous = arrogant, self-important

ponder = think about

portal = a large gate or entrance

potency = strength, power

poverty = being poor

praiseworthy = commendable, exemplary

preceding = coming before, previous, earlier

precept = a rule, instruction, or principle that guides somebody's actions,
especially one that guides moral behavior

precious = highly valued, much loved, of great importance

pre-eminent = most excellent, finest, superior

pre-requisite = requirement

pressing = persistently demanding

pretension = self-importance

prey = to follow to kill

priest = clergy

primal = at the beginning

Primal Point = the Word of God, which is the Cause of the entire creation

Prince of Martyrs = Imam Hussein

privily = secretly, privately

profligate = reckless, decadent

profoundly = deeply, intensely

prohibition = ban, exclusion

promulgate = transmit, spread, announce

proportion = ratio, share

propound = put forward, set forth

protest = object, complain

protestation = strong disapproval

providence = divine intervention, bestowal

provoke = aggravate, incite

proximity = nearness, closeness

pulpit = speakers platform in a church, mosque

purge = clean out, remove

purport = assertion, claim

purposed = decided, resolved

pursuance = the process of doing something or carrying it out in the way that is expected or required

pursuit = to try to achieve or obtain something

quaff = take a long, deep drink

quake = tremble, shake

quench = put out, suppress

quest = mission, search

quicken = bring to life

quintessence = the purest or most perfect example of something

radiant = glowing, bright

rapture = ecstasy, delight

ravage = to cause overwhelming damage or destruction

raven = a large, black, loud bird

readily = eagerly, with enthusiasm

realm = area, kingdom

rear = to bring up and care for

reason = logic, good sense

receptive = open, responsive

recesses = remote or secluded places

recite = read aloud, speak publicly

reckoning = determination of position

recompense = to reward somebody for doing work or for performing a service

reconcile = to bring two or more people back into a friendly relationship with each other after a dispute or estrangement

record = a written account

recounted = told

reference = mention, referral

reflect = contemplate, think about, consider

refute = contest, challenge

regenerate = bring back to life, renovate, renew

regress = to return to an earlier and less advanced state or position

reinforce = strengthen, support

reins = long narrow straps used to control horses

relentless = continuous, harsh, severe

reliance = confidence, trust, dependence

relinquish = abandon, give up, hand over

remedy = cure, healing

remit = cancel

remnant = remainder, trace

remoteness = distance, isolation

renounce = give up, abandon, reject

renown = fame, well-known, prominence

renunciation = acceptance, a denial or rejection of something or somebody,
usually for moral or religious reasons

repair = to go to a particular place

repeal = to officially end the validity of a law

repel = to make somebody feel disgust, or revulsion; to block, to keep away

repress = hold back, limit

reproach = criticism, disapproval

reprobate = troublemaker

repudiate = to reject or deny something

reputed = widely believed, although not necessarily established as fact

resignation = agreement to something, usually given reluctantly but without protest

resounding = loud, echoing, repeating

resplendent = brilliant, glorious

restore = to bring something back to an earlier and better condition

restrain = hold back, bring under control

restraint = self-control

resume = continue

retreat = a place away from normal activities, a quiet secluded place where people go for rest and privacy

retribution = revenge

reunion = coming together

revelation = statement revealing the divine will

revive = refresh, renew, return to life, stimulate

righteous = virtuous, honorable, moral

rival = competitor, of equal stature

robe of acceptance = a sign of agreement

rustling = a swishing or soft crackling sound

sabbath = a day of religious worship and rest from work

safeguard = defend, protect

sage = a wise, learned person

sanctify = make sacred, purify

sanction = approval, authority, permission

sanctuary = shelter, safe place

satanic = extremely evil or cruel

savor = taste, smell

scantily = poorly, in small number

scheme = a secret and cunning plan, especially one designed to cause damage or harm

scion = descendant

scoff = ridicule, make fun of

scorn = contempt, disrespect, ridicule

seal = an emblem, or symbol that is a mark of office;
a closure that must be broken to open something

scourge = plague, curse

seclusion = isolation

secure = possess, make safe

securely = firmly, strongly, safely

sedition = treason

seeming = appearance, but not necessarily true or real

self-sacrifice = giving up personal wants and needs

self-same = identical

self-sufficing = self-reliant, independent of aid

sentence = verdict, judgment

sepulcher = burial place

sequence = progressive order

sere = dry and withered

sever = cut apart

sheer = absolute, total

sheltering = providing protection, refuge

shore = edge of the sea, threshold

shorn = having had something cut off, removed, taken away

signalize = to indicate clearly

significance = importance, meaning

signify = mean, indicate

sixty, the year sixty = The 6th Imam made a prophecy relating to the Manifestation of the Báb:
'He will appear in the year sixty and his name will be glorified.' This means in the year 1260 [1844 AD] which is precisely the year of the manifestation of the Báb.

slay = kill

slew = killed

soar = fly, ascend, circle

sole = only, single

sophistry = literalism

sorely = deeply, painfully

smoldering = to burn slowly and gently, usually with some smoke, but without a flame;
to have or show a strong emotion that is suppressed, but liable to flare up at any time

snare = trap, a situation that is both alluring and dangerous

sojourned = stayed, rested

solitude = isolation, privacy

soothsayer = a predictor of future events

sorcerer, sorcery = wizard, somebody who is believed or claims to have magical powers,
the use of magic, witchcraft

sordid = low, dirty, disgusting

sorely = deeply, painfully

sovereignty = dominion, royal rule

sown = planted

spake = spoke

specious = false

spheres = stars, planets, moons

splendor = magnificence, impressive, brilliant

spurious = false, misleading

station = position, place

stature = form, size

steady = balanced, firm

stealthily = sneakily, secretly

steed = mount, stallion

stoning = to throw stones at somebody as a punishment, execution

straightway = immediately

strain = a trace of a particular and often unexpected quality or tone

stray = wander away

strewn = thrown around, scattered

strife = conflict, trouble

strive = try hard to achieve or get something

stupendous = amazing, awesome

subdue = lessen, contain, make something less intense

subjection = brought under control

submissive = resigned

subsequent = following, next

substance = essence, material

substantiate = confirm, prove

subtleties = modest distinctions

successor = follower, heir, next to assume rank or power

succor = help, relief

suffice = to be enough

summons = order, command to appear

sunder = separate

sundry = diverse, various

supersede = surpass, replace

superstitious = based on a false or irrational belief in, or fear of, the supernatural

surely = certainly, definitely

surpass = exceed, go beyond

surplus = additional, spare, extra

surrender = yield, submit

suspicion = doubt, distrust

sustenance = food, nourishment, nutrition

sway = affect, emotional impact; influence, control

tabernacle = sanctuary, a place of worship

tablet = a written document

taint = moral corruption; something that detracts from the purity or cleanliness of something

talisman = something believed to have magical properties, an object believed to give magical powers
to somebody who carries or wears it, e.g. a stone or jewel

tempered = hardened

temperament = character, disposition

temporal authority = earthly rule, secular power

tender = caring, loving, gentle

test = challenge, difficulty

testimony = proof, evidence, demonstration

threaten = to express a negative intention

thrust= pushed, shoved

tidings = news, information

toil = hard work

token = sign, indication

torment = pain, suffering, attack

touchstone = standard, measure

trace = a tiny amount

tranquility = calmness, ease, peacefulness

transcendent = existing outside the material universe; not limited by it

transcribe = write down

transgress = to break a law, rule, or moral code

transgressor = one who commits a crime or does wrong by disobeying a law, command, or moral code

transient, transitory = brief, passing

transmute = to change something from one form or state to another

trappings = accessories

traverse = cross, go through, journey

tread = walk

treasury = a collection of valuable things

trenchant = sharp, cutting

tribulation = misfortune, suffering, test

triumphant = victorious, conquering

trodden = walked upon

trying = challenging, difficult

tumult = turmoil

twinkling = quick blink, glimmering

tyranny = domination, oppression, dictatorship

unanimously = collectively, in unity

unchaste = sexually immoral

underlying = beneath, basic, fundamental

undermine = weaken, damage

unequivocal = plain, clear, unmistakable

unerring = certain, sure, unmistaken

unfold = clarify, reveal, open up

unfurl = open up, spread out

unmistakably = obviously, clearly

unpierced = without a hole

unquestionable = without doubt, certain

unravelled = to make the complexities of something clear and understandable

unreservedly = completely, without hesitation

unseemly = improper, inappropriate

unshepherded = lacking a leader or guide

untutored = untaught, without learning

upheaval = disturbance, difficulties

usurp = seize, take over

utter = speak

utterance = statement

utterly = completely

vain = hopeless, worthless

vainglory = excessive pride, boastfulness

vanish = disappear

vanquish = conquer, defeat, overcome

variance = disagreement, difference of opinion

variation = variety

vast = huge, enormous

vehement = done with conviction, intense feeling or force

veil of concealment = the realm of pre-existence of the prophets

vengeance = retaliation, punishment

verify = confirm

vernal = springtime

villainous = wicked, evil

vilify = to make negative and abusive statements about somebody

vindicate = prove to be right, support, justify

visible = evident, seen

voiced = spoken, expressed

voracious = very hungry

vouchsafe = promise, give, entrust

waft = to flow gently through the air

want = absence, lack

warble = sing out with varying notes

warn = to advise, tell in advance of a danger

waste = an uncultivated, desolate, or wild area

wavering = indecisive, hesitant, unsure

waxed = became, behaved

wayward = disobedient, rebellious

wearied = tired, having run out of strength, patience, endurance

weighed = evaluated

weighty = substantial, extensive, significant

weld = to form a union or a close association

well-founded = based on sound reasons, information, evidence

well-grounded in knowledge = wise, informed, learned

whim = impulse

wilds = wilderness

wither = to what place; to lose freshness, waste away

woes = troubles, sorrows

wondrous = wonderful, incredible

worldlywise = sophisticated, knowing

worthy = deserving

wrapt in the densest veils of learning = immersed in complex, obscure explanations

wrath = fury, rage

wretched = miserable, shameful, pitiful

wrought = produced, twisted

yearn = to have a strong desire for somebody or something,
especially when the desire is tinged with sadness

yield = produce something naturally

zenith = the top, the highest point


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Bahá'u'lláh, The Kitab-i-Iqan