Words Flashcards
Abate
v. to become less active, less intense, or less in amount.
As I began my speech, my feelings of nervousness quickly abated.
Adept
adj. having knowledge or skill (usu. in a particular area)
Beth loves playing the piano, but she’s especially adept at the violin.
Advent
n. the arrival or creation of something (usu. historic)
The world has never been the same since the advent of the light bulb.
Adversarial
adj. relating to hostile opposition.
An adversarial attitude will make you many enemies in life.
Advocate
n. someone who promotes or defends something.
v. to defend or promote something (usu. a belief, theory, opinion, etc.)
I am an advocate for free higher education..
Environmental protesters often advocate for cleaner energy practices.
Aesthetic
adj. relating to beauty or refined taste.
The aesthetic decorations at the wedding reception made you feel as if you were a character in a fairy tale.
Agitate
v. to promote something (usu. a cause)
They’re agitating for better health care.
Allude
v. to make a secretive mention of something.
She alluded to the problem at hand but didn’t say anything more about it.
Altercation
n. a noisy argument or confrontation.
Greg got into an altercation with a stranger at the bar.
Ambiguous
adj. unclear or vague in meaning.
Her ambiguous statement made me question whether she could be trusted.
Ambitious
adj. having a powerful desire for success or achievement
Penny is so ambitious, she wants to be president someday.
Ambivalence
n. the state of being uncertain or stuck between two or more options.
His ambivalence prevented him from immediately signing the contract.
Analogous
adj. similar but not identical.
Green onions are considered analogous to spring onions.
Annihilate
v. to destroy or cause devastating destruction.
The dictator sent orders to annihilate the group of rebels.
Antipathy
n. a strong feeling of dislike.
Her antipathy toward the professor was obvious: she rolled her eyes whenever he entered the classroom.
