common words in context Flashcards
Abate
to reduce in amount, degree or severity;
As the hurricane’s force abated, the winds dropped and the sea became calm
Abscond
to leave secretly
The patron absconded from the restaurant by sneaking out the back door
Abstain
to choose not to do something
She abstained from choosing mouthwatering dessert
abyss
an extremely deep hole
The submarine drove into the abyss to chart the previously unseen depths
adulterate
to make impure
(by addition of foreign substance or element)
The chef made his ketchup last longer by adulterating it with water
advocate
to speak in favour of
The vegetarian advocated a diet containing no meat
aggrandize
to increase in power, influence, and reputation
The supervisor sought to aggrandize herself by claiming that the achievements of her staff were actually her own
alleviate
to make it more bearable;
taking aspirin helps to alleviate a headache
amalgamate
to combine; mix together
one company amalgamated with another
ameliorate
to make better; improve
anachronism
something out of place in time
antagonize
to annoy or provoke to anger
antipathy
extreme dislike
arbitrate
tp judge or dispute between two opposing parties
ardor
intense and passionate feelings
