-ory

Usage

• perfunctory

  A perfunctory action is done with little care or interest; consequently, it is only completed because it is expected of someone to do so.

• cursory

  A cursory examination or reading of something is very quick, incomplete, and does not pay close attention to detail.

• desultory

  Something that is desultory is done in a way that is unplanned, disorganized, and without direction.

• statutory

  Something statutory, such as the power given to a governor or president, is created, established, and controlled by rules and laws; hence, it has the full force of the law behind it and must be followed.

• refractory

  Refractory people deliberately don't obey someone in authority and so are difficult to deal with or control.

• dilatory

  Someone or something that is dilatory is slow and causes delay.

• prefatory

  Prefatory comments refer to an introduction to a book or speech.

• illusory

  Something illusory appears real or possible; in fact, it is neither.

• laudatory

  A laudatory article or speech expresses praise or admiration for someone or something.

• olfactory

  Your olfactory senses pertain to your sense of smell.

• peremptory

  A peremptory action, such as a decree or demand, is authoritative and absolute; therefore, it is not open to debate but must be carried out.

• derogatory

  A derogatory statement about another person is highly offensive, critical, uncomplimentary, and often insulting.

• predatory

  A predatory animal hunts other animals in order to eat them.

• supererogatory

  Supererogatory effort is above and beyond that which is expected or asked for.

• celebratory

  used for celebrating

• contradictory

  of words or propositions so related that both cannot be true and both cannot be false

• expository

  serving to expound or set forth

• interrogatory

  relating to the use of or having the nature of an interrogation

• introductory

  serving to open or begin

• inventory

  make or include in an itemized record or report

• migratory

  used of animals that move seasonally

• sensory

  of a nerve fiber or impulse originating outside and passing toward the central nervous system

• valedictory

  of or relating to an occasion or expression of farewell