A Flashcards
Abandon
complete lack of inhibition or restraint.
Aberrant (n. Aberration)
markedly different from an accepted norm
Hitler’s derived personality profile also suggested that he probably had schizophrenic tendencies, including excessive grandiosity and aberrant thinking.
Abet
help/encourage somebody (in doing wrong)
Abeyance
temporary cessation or suspension
*“Usually, at the conclusion of the proceedings, final disposition was held in abeyance, and the alien would remain on bond,” Ms. Galvin wrote.”
Abhor
to hate; to detest
Abide
be faithful; to endure
Abjure
promise or swear to give up
Abraded
rubbed off; worn away by friction
Abraid
to awaken or rouse
Abrasive
showing little concern for the feelings of others; harsh.
Abreast
up to date with the latest news, ideas, or information
Abridge
shorten (a piece of writing) without losing the sense.
Abrogate
repeal or annul by authority
Abscond
run away, often taking something or somebody along
Police have said they are seeking help in locating a prisoner who absconded from a healthcare facility in Belfast.
Abstemious
marked by temperance in indulgence
Garnishes were simple, abstemious yet effective players on the plate: squash risotto, puréed fennel, bacon-onion jam.
Abstraction
- a general concept formed by extracting common features from specific examples;
- the act of withdrawing or removing something;
- an abstract painting;
- a concept or idea not associated with any specific instance;
- preoccupation with something to the exclusion of all else
Abstruse
difficult to understand; obscure.
Other artists produce maddeningly abstruse drawings that relate to their better-known performances.
Absurd
inconsistent with reason or logic or common sense
Abut
border on
Abysmal
extreme bad
Abyss
a bottomless gulf or pit
Acarpous
effete; no longer fertile; worn out
Accentuate
to make (something) more prominent or noticeable
Accessible
- capable of being reached;
- easy to get along with or talk to; friendly;
- easily obtained;
- capable of being read with comprehension
Acclaim
enthusiastic approval; verb praise vociferously; clap one’s hands or shout after performances to indicate approval
Accolade
a tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction
Accord
an official agreement or treaty.
Accretion
the growing of separate things into one
Accrue
accumulate
Acephalous
no longer having a head
Acerbic
sharply or bitingly critical, sarcastic, or ironic in temper, mood, or tone
Acquiesce
agree or express agreement
American officials initially tried to resist President Karzai’s moves but eventually acquiesced.
Acquiescence
the act or condition of giving tacit assent; agreeing by way of silence
Acquisitive
excessively interested in acquiring money or material things.
Acridity (adj. Acrid)
- having an irritatingly strong and unpleasant taste or smell
- angry and bitter
Acrimony (adj. Acrimonious)
Bitterness or ill feeling.
Activism
the policy or action of using vigorous campaigning to bring about political or social change.
Acumen
Keen, quick, accurate insight or judgment
Acute
present or experienced to a severe or intense degree.
Adamant
inflexible
Adept
having or showing knowledge and skill and aptitude
Adherent (v. Adhere)
- sticking fast;
- noun: someone who believes and helps to spread the doctrine of another
Adhoc
created or done for a particular purpose as necessary.
Adipose
used for storage of fat
Adjure
urge or request solemnly and earnestly
Admonish (adj. Admonished; n. Admonitory)
warn or reprimand; take to task
Adorn (adj. Adorned)
add beauty; decorate
Adroit
clever or skillful in using the hands or mind.
Adulation (v. Adulate)
obsequious flattery; excessive admiration or praise.
Adulteration (v. Adulterate)
making unpure; poorer in quality
Adumbrate
describe roughly or give the main points or summary of
He vaguely adumbrated what it was out of which she came.
Adverse (n. Adversity)
unfavorable, hostile, harmful
Advocate
- a person who pleads for a cause or propounds an idea; a lawyer who pleads cases in court;
- verb: speak, plead, or argue in favor of; push for something
Aesthetic (n. Aesthete)
concerned with beauty or the appreciation of beauty.
Affable
friendly, good-natured, or easy to talk to.
Affect (adj. Affective)
- the conscious subjective aspect of feeling or emotion;
- verb: act physically on; have an effect upon; have an effect upon; have an emotional or cognitive impact upon;
- make believe with the intent to deceive; connect closely and often incriminatingly
Affectation
behavior, speech, or writing that is artificial and designed to impress.
Affinity
close connection; relationship
Afflatus
a divine creative impulse or inspiration
Affliction
a cause of great suffering and distress
Affluence (adj. Affluent)
abundant wealth
Aggrandize
embellish; increase the scope, power, or importance of
Beyond facial and vocal signs of disapproval, there are sometimes bizarre, exaggerated movements, like abrupt stops or aggrandized sidesteps.
Aggravate
make worse; irritate
Aghast
filled with horror or shock.
Agile
active; quick-moving
Agitate
- Upset
- Campaign
- Stir
Agog
eager/excited
Agreeable
conforming to your own liking or feelings or nature; prepared to agree or consent;
Ahistorical
unconcerned with or unrelated to history or to historical development or to tradition
Ail
to cause pain, uneasiness, or trouble to
Alacrity
brisk and cheerful readiness.
Thus far, although perhaps somewhat lacking in alacrity of persecution, no serious charges could be laid against him.
Alcove
recess/partially enclosed place
Ale
fermented alcoholic beverage similar to but heavier than beer
Aleck
one who considers himself smarter than others
Alienate
cause (someone) to feel isolated or estranged.
All-encompassing
broad in scope or content
Allay
to lessen; ease; smooth
Allegation (v. Allege)
a formal accusation against somebody
Allegiance
duty, support, loyalty; the act of binding yourself to a course of action
Allegorical
used in or characteristic of or containing allegory
Alleviate
make (pain) easier to bear
Alloy
to debase by mixing with something inferior
Ally
(to become) a friendly nation or associate
Aloof
conspicuously uninvolved and uninterested, typically through distaste.
Amalgamate (n. Amalgam)
mix; combine; unite societies
Ambidextrous
able to use the left hand or the right equally well
Ambiguity (adj. Ambiguous)
the quality of being open to more than one interpretation; inexactness.
Ambivalent (n. Ambivalence)
having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone.
Ambrosial
- extremely pleasing to taste
- worthy of the gods
Ameliorate
make (something bad or unsatisfactory) better, improve
the reform did much to ameliorate living standards
Amenable
disposed or willing to comply
Amiable (n. Amity)
having or displaying a friendly and pleasant manner.
Amortize
end (a debt) by setting aside money
Amuse
cause (someone) to find something funny; entertain.
Anachronism (adj. Anachronistic)
belonging to a period other than that being portrayed.
Analgesic (n. Analgesia)
capable of relieving pain
Analogous
corresponding in function but not in evolutionary origin; similar or equivalent in some respects though otherwise dissimilar
Anathema
a person or thing detested, loathed, consigned to damnation or destruction
Anecdote
short account of an incident (especially a biographical one)
Anguish
severe suffering
Animosity
strong dislike
Annex
- Add as an extra or subordinate part, especially to a document
- Add to one’s territory by appropriation
Opponents say Ma’s moves will make it easier for Beijing leaders to eventually annex Taiwan, which they view as province of China.
Annotate (n. Annotation)
add explanatory notes to or supply with critical comments
Annul
Declare invalid
Anodyne
soothing; something that assuages or allays pain or comforts
Anoint
administer an oil or ointment to ; often in a religious ceremony of blessing; choose by or as if by divine intervention
Anomaly (adj. Anomalous)
- (astronomy) position of a planet as defined by its angular distance from its perihelion (as observed from the sun);
- a person who is unusual; deviation from the normal or common order or form or rule
Anomie
a social condition marked by a breakdown of social norms
Antagonistic (v. Antagonize)
showing or feeling active opposition or hostility toward someone or something.
Antedate (adj. Antedated)
precede in time; come before (something) in date.
Antediluvian
of or relating to the period before the biblical flood
Antidote
medicine used against a poison or a disease
Antipathy
a feeling of intense dislike
Antiquity
the ancient past, especially the period before the middle ages.
Antiseptic
- disinfectant; sterile
- characterless
Antithesis
a contrast or opposition between two things.
Antithetical
direct opposing
Apartheid
brutal racial discrimination
Apathy (adj. Apathetic)
lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern.
Aphorism
a short pithy instructive saying
His best writing has always had an aphoristic quality, and that’s true here.
Aplomb
complete and confident composure or self-assurance
Apocryphal
being of questionable authenticity
Apogee
the highest point
Apologist
a person who offers an argument in defense of something controversial.
Apostate
one who abandons long-held religious or political convictions
Apothegm
a terse, witty saying
Apotheosis
- the highest point in the development of something; culmination or climax
- deification; glorification to godliness
Apparition
Ghost or appearance
Appease
make quiet or calm
Appellation
A name or title
Apposite
apt in the circumstances or in relation to something.
Appraise
consider in a comprehensive way
Apprehension
fearful expectation or anticipation
Apprehensive
grasping understanding fear unhappy feeling about future
Apprise
give notice to inform
Apprise
inform somebody of something
Approbation (adj. Approbatory)
approval
“Perhaps,” he said, “painting him was one way of trying to elicit more love and approbation.”
Appropriate
take (something) for one’s own use, typically without the owner’s permission.
Apropos
by the way
Apt
well-suited; quick-witted
Aptitude
inherent ability
Aqueous
similar to or containing or dissolved in water
The fact that an aqueous solution of these ashes affects the coloured parts of many plants was also noticed in early times.
Arabesque
a complex ornate design
Arable
capable of being farmed productively
Arbitrary
based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system.
Arbitrate
act between parties with a view to reconciling differences
Arboreal
of connected with trees
Arcane
understood by few; mysterious or secret.
Archaic
little evolved from or characteristic of an earlier ancestral type; so extremely old as seeming to belong to an earlier period
Ardor
enthusiasm
Arduous
involving or requiring strenuous effort; difficult and tiring.
Argot
jargon; slang
Arrant
fully; in the highest degree
Arrogance
proud; superior manner of behaviour
Artful
marked by skill in achieving a desired end especially with cunning or craft; not straightforward or candid; giving a false appearance of frankness
Articulate
(of a person or a person’s words) having or showing the ability to speak fluently and coherently.
Ascend
go or come up
Ascertain
get to know
Ascetic
- practicing great self denial; pertaining to or characteristic of an ascetic or the practice of rigorous self discipline;
- noun: someone who practices self denial as a spiritual discipline
Ascribe
consider to be the origin of or belonging to
Aseptic
surgically clean
Asinine
extremely stupid or foolish
Asperity
harshness; ill temper; irritability; roughness;
“Standin’ an’ looking at the blessed thing won’t clear away this raffle,” said the Old Man with asperity**.
Aspersion
slander
Aspiration
a cherished desire
Assertive
having or showing a confident and forceful personality.
Assess
estimate the nature, quality, ability or significance of
Asseverate
to aver, allege, or assert
Assiduous
showing great care and perseverance.
Assuage
- provide physical relief, as from pain; satisfy (thirst);
- cause to be more favorably inclined; gain the good will of
Atrophy
a decrease in size of an organ caused by disease or disuse
Astonish
surprise or impress (someone) greatly.
Astound
shock or greatly surprise.
Astringent
substance that shrinks; tending to draw together or constrict soft organic tissue
Astute
marked by practical hardheaded intelligence
Atavistic
relating to or characterized by reversion to something ancient or ancestral
Atonement (v. Atone)
repayment; death of Jesus
Regulators can begin to atone for their past laxity by helping the working group now.
Attainment
a thing achieved, especially a skill or educational achievement.
Attentive
taking heed
Attenuate
make thin; weaken; enervate
Attribute
regard something as being caused by (someone or something).
Attune
bring into harmony
Atypical
deviating from normal expectations; somewhat odd, strange, or abnormal; not representative of a group, class, or type
Audacious
bold; disposed to venture or take risks
Audacity
aggressive boldness or unmitigated effrontery; fearless daring
Augment
make (something) greater by adding to it; increase.
Augury
omen; sign
August
majestic; venerable
Auspicious
auguring favorable circumstances and good luck
Five years later, the corporate law world is again abuzz over the firm, Dewey & LeBoeuf, but for less auspicious reasons.
Austere
severely moral and strict; simple and plain
Austerity
extreme plainness and simplicity of style or appearance.
Autonomous
(of persons) free from external control and constraint in e.g. action and judgment; existing as an independent entity; (of political bodies) not controlled by outside forces
Auxiliary
helping; supporting
Avarice
reprehensible acquisitiveness; insatiable desire for wealth (personified as one of the deadly sins); extreme greed for material wealth
Aver
affirm; assert; prove; justify; declare or affirm solemnly and formally as true
Aversion (v. Averse)
a strong dislike or disinclination.
Avert
prevent or ward off (an undesirable occurrence).
Avid
- marked by active interest and enthusiasm;
- (often followed by `for’) ardently or excessively desirous
Avow
admit; declare openly
Avow
admit; declare openly
Axiomatic
evident without proof or argument; of or relating to or derived from axioms; containing aphorisms or maxims
Abase
behave in a way that belittles or degrades (someone).
Abash
make (someone) feel embarrassed, disconcerted, or ashamed.
Abate
(of something perceived as hostile, threatening, or negative) become less intense or widespread.
Abdicate
fail to fulfill or undertake (a responsibility or duty).
Abject
- (of something bad) experienced or present to the maximum degree.
- (of a person or their behavior) completely without pride or dignity; self-abasing.
Abject
- (of something bad) experienced or present to the maximum degree.
- (of a person or their behavior) completely without pride or dignity; self-abasing.
Abnegate
renounce or reject (something desired or valuable).
Abomination
a thing that causes disgust or hatred.
Aboriginal
inhabiting or existing in a land from the earliest times or from before the arrival of colonists; indigenous.
Abort
bring to a premature end because of a problem or fault.
Abound
exist in large numbers or amounts.
Aboveboard
legitimate, honest, and open.
Abscission
the natural detachment of parts of a plant, typically dead leaves and ripe fruit.
Absolute
not qualified or diminished in any way; total.
Absolve
set or declare (someone) free from blame, guilt, or responsibility.
Abstain
restrain oneself from doing or enjoying something.
Accede
- agree to a demand, request, or treaty.
- assume an office or position.
Accession
- the attainment or acquisition of a position of rank or power, typically that of monarch or president.
- a new item added to an existing collection of books, paintings, or artifacts.
Acidulous
(of a person’s remarks or tone) bitter; cutting.
Acme
the point at which someone or something is best, perfect, or most successful.
Acolyte
a person assisting the celebrant in a religious service or procession.
Adequate
satisfactory or acceptable in quality or quantity.
Adjudicate
make a formal judgment or decision about a problem or disputed matter.
Advent
the arrival of a notable person, thing, or event.
Adversary
one’s opponent in a contest, conflict, or dispute.
Aegis
the protection, backing, or support of a particular person or organization.
Aerie
a large nest of a bird of prey, especially an eagle, typically built high in a tree or on a cliff.
Affiliated
(of a subsidiary group or a person) officially attached or connected to an organization.
Afford
provide or supply (an opportunity or facility).
Affront
an action or remark that causes outrage or offense.
Agape
(of the mouth) wide open, especially with surprise or wonder.
Agglutination
the act or process of uniting by glue or other tenacious substance
Aggregate
a whole formed by combining several (typically disparate) elements.
Albeit
Although
Alchemy
a seemingly magical process of transformation, creation, or combination.
Algorithm
a process or set of rules to be followed in calculations or other problem-solving operations, especially by a computer.
Allusion (adj. Allusive)
an expression designed to call something to mind without mentioning it explicitly; an indirect or passing reference.
Altruism (adj. Altruistic)
the belief in or practice of disinterested and selfless concern for the well-being of others.
Ambience
the character and atmosphere of a place.
the relaxed ambience of the cocktail lounge is popular with guests
Amend
make minor changes in (a text) in order to make it fairer, more accurate, or more up-to-date.
the rule was amended to apply only to nonmembers
Amicable
(of relations between people) having a spirit of friendliness; without serious disagreement or rancor.
there will be an amicable settlement of the dispute
Amorous
showing, feeling, or relating to sexual desire.
she rejected his amorous advances
Amorphous
without a clearly defined shape or form
an amorphous, characterless conurbation
Ample (adv. Amply)
enough or more than enough; plentiful.
there is ample time for discussion
Amuck
to rush about wildly; lose self-control
When the nightclub caught fire the patrons ran amuck, blocking the exits.
Amulet
an ornament or small piece of jewelry thought to give protection against evil, danger, or disease.
in other communities people carry amulets with them to protect themselves from the evil eye
Analogue
- adj. relating to or using signals or information represented by a continuously variable physical quantity such as spatial position, voltage, etc.
analog signals
- noun. person or thing seen as comparable to another.
an interior analogue of the exterior world
Anarchy
a state of disorder due to absence or nonrecognition of authority or other controlling systems
Ancillary
providing necessary support to the primary activities or operation of an organization, institution, industry, or system.
the development of ancillary services to support its products
Androgynous
partly male and partly female in appearance; of indeterminate sex
a stunningly androgynous dancer
Anemic
lacking in color, spirit, or vitality.
an anemic aspidistra stood in the grate
Anesthetic
inducing or relating to insensitivity to pain.
anesthetic drugs and gases
Anile
of or like a feeble old woman
Animus
- hostility or ill feeling
the author’s animus toward her
- motivation to do something.
the reformist animus came from within the Party
Antecedent
a thing or event that existed before or logically precedes another.
some antecedents to the African novel might exist in Africa’s oral traditions
Anthology
a published collection of poems or other pieces of writing.
an anthology of European poetry
Anthropocentrism
A worldview that sees humans as the source of all value
Antic
grotesque or bizarre
Antipode
the direct opposite of something else.
the pole and its antipode
Antiquated
old-fashioned or outdated.
this antiquated central heating system
Apace
at the same speed or rate as.
firms are trying to keep apace with all of the economic upheaval
Apex
the top or highest part of something, especially one forming a point.
the living room extends right up into the apex of the roof
Apoplectic
overcome with anger; extremely indignant.
Mark was apoplectic with rage at the decision
Apostle
a person who renounces a religious or political belief or principle.
after fifty years as an apostate he returned to the faith
Appreciable
large or important enough to be noticed.
tea and coffee both contain appreciable amounts of caffeine
Appurtenant
constituting a legal accompaniment, supportive, auxiliary
Arabesque
- a posture in which the body is supported on one leg, with the other leg extended horizontally backward.
- an ornamental design consisting of intertwined flowing lines, originally found in Arabic or Moorish decoration.
