originate

The quarrel originated from a misunderstanding.

overlap

One feather overlaps another on a bird's wing.

overstate

The trouble comes

when researchers downplay uncertainties in their studies

or overstate the case for causality.

parental

He has lost the parental love even since he was very young.

pastime

It is my favorite pastime.

pathetic

His tears were pathetic to witness.

patriotic

In his speech,

Professor Li spoke highly of the Chinese Democratic League's role

in supporting the Communist Party

and in uniting patriotic democratic personages.

patrol

Warships are on patrol in the territorial waters of the country

to watch for any foreign vessels.

perpetual

Do you believe in perpetual love in this secular world?

perplex

I was perplexed by so many intricate questions.

pervasive

Beyond the realm of information technology,

the accelerated pace of technological change in virtually every industry

has created entirely new businesses,

wiped out others,

and produced a pervasive demand for continuous innovation.

pollutant

We will further promote energy and resources saving

and reduction of pollutant discharge to make economic growth sustainable.

ponder

This set me pondering the obvious question:

“How can it be so hard for kids to find something to do

when there's never been such a range of stimulating entertainment available to them?”

precede

The motorcar was preceded by motorcycles.

preclude

Their move does not preclude others from investing.

predecessor

The decision was made by my predecessor.

prediction

He made a prediction

that the government would be defeated at the general election.

premise

Advice to investors was based on the premise

that interest rates would continue to fall.

preside

The manager presides over the business of the store.

prestige

He suffered a loss of prestige when the scandal was publicized.

prey

He trusts people too much.

Naturally he becomes an easy prey sometimes.

proficient

She is very proficient at operating a computer terminal.

prone

He is prone to lose his temper

when people disagree with him.

propel

His addiction to drugs propelled him towards a life of crime.

provocative

His provocative remarks about unemployed people being lazy provoked them.

quantitative

Quantitative chemical analysis shows

that water has two atoms of hydrogen to one of oxygen.

radiant

She was radiant with joy at her wedding.

random

The experiment cannot be satisfactory

because he has to use the random selection of specimens.

rebound

The official statistics on productivity growth

exclude the usual rebound in a business cycle.

recipe

What is your recipe for success?

refreshment

Refreshments can be bought on the train.

regime

The changes made under the present regime are very large in our work.

resignation

His resignation is only a gesture.

respectable

He's a bit too respectable for my taste.

respectful

He enjoyed a mutually respectful relationship with us.

retort

He retorted that it was my fault as much as his.

retrospect

In retrospect,

however,

Dr. Venter sees that all the publicity about the“race to the genome”

has brought benefits, too.

revelation

His Hamlet was a revelation to the critics.

revenge

Revenge is a dessert better served cold.

robbery

He was guilty of attempted robbery.

SARS

Scientists in Canada announced over the weekend

that they had broken the genetic code of the virus suspected of causing

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome( SARS).

scar

Will the cut leave a scar?

scenario

The old writer shaped the folktale into a film scenario.

scorn

You've no right to scorn a poor girl.

scrutiny

His actions do not bear scrutiny.

secrecy

The diplomat was sent on a mission of great  secrecy.

segregation

This pattern of human rights violations against enslaved African-Americans

continued under racial segregation for nearly another century.

seniority

Should promotion be through merit or seniority?

sensitivity

One of the side effects of the drug is increased sensitivity to sunlight.