5000 Collegiate Words with Brief Definitions – Amass an Ivy League Vocabulary!
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abase v. To lower in position, estimation, or the like; degrade. accredit v. To give credit or authority to.
abbess n. The lady superior of a nunnery. accumulate v. To become greater in quantity or number.
abbey n. The group of buildings which collectively form the dwelling-place of a society of accuracy n. Exactness.
monks or nuns. accurate adj. Conforming exactly to truth or to a standard.
abbot n. The superior of a community of monks. accursed adj. Doomed to evil, misery, or misfortune.
abdicate v. To give up (royal power or the like). accusation n. A charge of crime, misdemeanor, or error.
abdomen n. In mammals, the visceral cavity between the diaphragm and the pelvic floor; accusatory adj. Of, pertaining to, or involving an accusation.
the belly. accuse v. To charge with wrong doing, misconduct, or error.
abdominal n. Of, pertaining to, or situated on the abdomen. accustom v. To make familiar by use.
abduction n. A carrying away of a person against his will, or illegally. acerbity n. Sourness, with bitterness and astringency.
abed adv. In bed; on a bed. acetate n. A salt of acetic acid.
aberration n. Deviation from a right, customary, or prescribed course. acetic adj. Of, pertaining to, or of the nature of vinegar.
abet v. To aid, promote, or encourage the commission of (an offense). ache v. To be in pain or distress.
abeyance n. A state of suspension or temporary inaction. Achillean adj. Invulnerable.
abhorrence n. The act of detesting extremely. achromatic adj. Colorless,
abhorrent adj. Very repugnant; hateful. acid n. A sour substance.
abidance n. An abiding. acidify v. To change into acid.
abject adj. Sunk to a low condition. acknowledge v. To recognize; to admit the genuineness or validity of.
abjure v. To recant, renounce, repudiate under oath. acknowledgment n. Recognition.
able-bodied adj. Competent for physical service. acme n. The highest point, or summit.
ablution n. A washing or cleansing, especially of the body. acoustic adj. Pertaining to the act or sense of hearing.
abnegate v. To renounce (a right or privilege). acquaint v. To make familiar or conversant.
abnormal adj. Not conformed to the ordinary rule or standard. acquiesce v. To comply; submit.
abominable adj. Very hateful. acquiescence n. Passive consent.
abominate v. To hate violently. acquire v. To get as one's own.
abomination n. A very detestable act or practice. acquisition n. Anything gained, or made one's own, usually by effort or labor.
aboriginal adj. Primitive; unsophisticated. acquit v. To free or clear, as from accusation.
aborigines n. The original of earliest known inhabitants of a country. acquittal n. A discharge from accusation by judicial action.
aboveboard adv. & adj. Without concealment, fraud, or trickery. acquittance n. Release or discharge from indebtedness, obligation, or responsibility.
abrade v. To wear away the surface or some part of by friction. acreage n. Quantity or extent of land, especially of cultivated land.
abrasion n. That which is rubbed off. acrid adj. Harshly pungent or bitter.
abridge v. To make shorter in words, keeping the essential features, leaning out minor particles. acrimonious adj. Full of bitterness.
abridgment n. A condensed form as of a book or play. acrimony n. Sharpness or bitterness of speech or temper.
abrogate v. To abolish, repeal. actionable adj. Affording cause for instituting an action, as trespass, slanderous words.
abrupt adj. Beginning, ending, or changing suddenly or with a break. actuality n. Any reality.
abscess n. A Collection of pus in a cavity formed within some tissue of the body. actuary n. An officer, as of an insurance company, who calculates and states the risks and premiums.
abscission n. The act of cutting off, as in a surgical operation. actuate v. To move or incite to action.
abscond v. To depart suddenly and secretly, as for the purpose of escaping arrest. acumen n. Quickness of intellectual insight, or discernment; keenness of discrimination.
absence n. The fact of not being present or available. acute adj. Having fine and penetrating discernment.
absent-minded adj. Lacking in attention to immediate surroundings or business. adamant n. Any substance of exceeding hardness or impenetrability.
absolution n. Forgiveness, or passing over of offenses. addendum n. Something added, or to be added.
absolve v. To free from sin or its penalties. addle v. To make inefficient or worthless; muddle.
absorb v. To drink in or suck up, as a sponge absorbs water. adduce v. To bring forward or name for consideration.
absorption n. The act or process of absorbing. adhere v. To stick fast or together.
abstain v. To keep oneself back (from doing or using something). adherence n. Attachment.
abstemious adj. Characterized by self denial or abstinence, as in the use of drink, food. adherent adj. Clinging or sticking fast.
abstinence n. Self denial. adhesion n. The state of being attached or joined.
abstruse adj. Dealing with matters difficult to be understood. adieu inter. Good-by; farewell.
absurd adj. Inconsistent with reason or common sense. adjacency n. The state of being adjacent.
abundant adj. Plentiful. adjacent n. That which is near or bordering upon.
abusive adj. Employing harsh words or ill treatment. adjudge v. To award or bestow by formal decision.
abut v. To touch at the end or boundary line. adjunct n. Something joined to or connected with another thing, but holding a subordinate place.
abyss n. Bottomless gulf. adjuration n. A vehement appeal.
academic adj. Of or pertaining to an academy, college, or university. adjutant adj. Auxiliary.
academician n. A member of an academy of literature, art, or science. administrator n. One who manages affairs of any kind.
academy n. Any institution where the higher branches of learning are taught. admissible adj. Having the right or privilege of entry.
accede v. To agree. admittance n. Entrance, or the right or permission to enter.
accelerate v. To move faster. admonish v. To warn of a fault.
accept v. To take when offered. admonition n. Gentle reproof.
access n. A way of approach or entrance; passage. ado n. unnecessary activity or ceremony.
accessible adj. Approachable. adoration n. Profound devotion.
accession n. Induction or elevation, as to dignity, office, or government. adroit adj. Having skill in the use of the bodily or mental powers.
accessory n. A person or thing that aids the principal agent. adulterant n. An adulterating substance.
acclaim v. To utter with a shout. adulterate v. To make impure by the admixture of other or baser ingredients.
accommodate v. To furnish something as a kindness or favor. adumbrate v. To represent beforehand in outline or by emblem.
accompaniment n. A subordinate part or parts, enriching or supporting the leading part. advent n. The coming or arrival, as of any important change, event, state, or personage.
accompanist n. One who or that which accompanies. adverse adj. Opposing or opposed.
accompany v. To go with, or be associated with, as a companion. adversity n. Misfortune.
accomplice n. An associate in wrong-doing. advert v. To refer incidentally.
accomplish v. To bring to pass. advertiser n. One who advertises, especially in newspapers.
accordion n. A portable free-reed musical instrument. advisory adj. Not mandatory.
accost v. To speak to. advocacy n. The act of pleading a cause.
account n. A record or statement of receipts and expenditures, or of business transactions. advocate n. One who pleads the cause of another, as in a legal or ecclesiastical court.
accouter v. To dress. aerial adj. Of, pertaining to, or like the air.
, 5000 Collegiate Words with Brief Definitions – Amass an Ivy League Vocabulary!
7-CD Edition: All you have to do is listen 15 minutes a day for 4 weeks to absorb 5000 words. SAT math and more free at www.FreeVocabulary.com
aeronaut n. One who navigates the air, a balloonist. altercate v. To contend angrily or zealously in words.
aeronautics n. the art or practice of flying aircraft alternate n. One chosen to act in place of another, in case of the absence or incapacity of that other.
aerostat n. A balloon or other apparatus floating in or sustained by the air. alternative n. Something that may or must exist, be taken or chosen, or done instead of
aerostatics n. The branch of pneumatics that treats of the equilibrium, pressure, and something else.
mechanical properties. altitude n. Vertical distance or elevation above any point or base-level, as the sea.
affable adj. Easy to approach. alto n. The lowest or deepest female voice or part.
affect v. To act upon altruism n. Benevolence to others on subordination to self-interest.
affectation n. A studied or ostentatious pretense or attempt. altruist n. One who advocates or practices altruism.
affiliate n. Some auxiliary person or thing. amalgam n. An alloy or union of mercury with another metal.
affirmative adj. Answering yes; to a question at issue. amalgamate v. To mix or blend together in a homogeneous body.
affix v. To fasten. amateur adj. Practicing an art or occupation for the love of it, but not as a profession.
affluence n. A profuse or abundant supply of riches. amatory adj. Designed to excite love.
affront n. An open insult or indignity. ambidextrous adj. Having the ability of using both hands with equal skill or ease.
afire adv. & adj. On fire, literally or figuratively. ambiguous adj. Having a double meaning.
afoot adv. In progress. ambitious adj. Eagerly desirous and aspiring.
aforesaid adj. Said in a preceding part or before. ambrosial adj. Divinely sweet, fragrant, or delicious.
afresh adv. Once more, after rest or interval. ambulance n. A vehicle fitted for conveying the sick and wounded.
afterthought n. A thought that comes later than its appropriate or expected time. ambulate v. To walk about
agglomerate v. To pile or heap together. ambush n. The act or state of lying concealed for the purpose of surprising or attacking the
aggrandize v. To cause to appear greatly. enemy.
aggravate v. To make heavier, worse, or more burdensome. ameliorate v. To relieve, as from pain or hardship
aggravation n. The fact of being made heavier or more heinous, as a crime , offense, misfortune, etc. amenable adj. Willing and ready to submit.
aggregate n. The entire number, sum, mass, or quantity of something. Americanism n. A peculiar sense in which an English word or phrase is used in the United
aggress v. To make the first attack. States.
aggression n. An unprovoked attack. amicable adj. Done in a friendly spirit.
aggrieve v. To give grief or sorrow to. amity n. Friendship.
aghast adj. Struck with terror and amazement. amorous adj. Having a propensity for falling in love.
agile adj. Able to move or act quickly, physically, or mentally. amorphous adj. Without determinate shape.
agitate v. To move or excite (the feelings or thoughts). amour n. A love-affair, especially one of an illicit nature.
agrarian adj. Pertaining to land, especially agricultural land. ampere n. The practical unit of electric-current strength.
aide-de-camp n. An officer who receives and transmits the orders of the general. ampersand n. The character &; and.
ailment n. Slight sickness. amphibious adj. Living both on land and in water.
airy adj. Delicate, ethereal. amphitheater n. An edifice of elliptical shape, constructed about a central open space or arena.
akin adj. Of similar nature or qualities. amplitude n. Largeness.
alabaster n. A white or delicately tinted fine-grained gypsum. amply adv. Sufficiently.
alacrity n. Cheerful willingness. amputate v. To remove by cutting, as a limb or some portion of the body.
albeit conj. Even though. amusement n. Diversion.
albino n. A person with milky white skin and hair, and eyes with bright red pupil and usually pink iris. anachronism n. Anything occurring or existing out of its proper time.
album n. A book whose leaves are so made to form paper frames for holding photographs or the like. anagram n. The letters of a word or phrase so transposed as to make a different word or
alchemy n. Chemistry of the middle ages, characterized by the pursuit of changing base phrase.
metals to gold. analogous adj. Corresponding (to some other) in certain respects, as in form, proportion,
alcohol n. A volatile, inflammable, colorless liquid of a penetrating odor and burning taste. relations.
alcoholism n. A condition resulting from the inordinate or persistent use of alcoholic beverages. analogy n. Reasoning in which from certain and known relations or resemblance others
alcove n. A covered recess connected with or at the side of a larger room. are formed.
alder n. Any shrub or small tree of the genus Alumnus, of the oak family. analyst n. One who analyzes or makes use of the analytical method.
alderman n. A member of a municipal legislative body, who usually exercises also certain analyze v. To examine minutely or critically.
judicial functions. anarchy n. Absence or utter disregard of government.
aldermanship n. The dignity, condition, office, or term of office of an alderman. anathema n. Anything forbidden, as by social usage.
alias n. An assumed name. anatomy n. That branch of morphology which treats of the structure of organisms.
alien n. One who owes allegiance to a foreign government. ancestry n. One's ancestors collectively.
alienable adj. Capable of being aliened or alienated, as lands. anecdote n. A brief account of some interesting event or incident.
alienate v. To cause to turn away. anemia n. Deficiency of blood or red corpuscles.
alienation n. Estrangement. anemic adj. Affected with anemia.
aliment n. That which nourishes. anemometer n. An instrument for measuring the force or velocity of wind.
alkali n. Anything that will neutralize an acid, as lime, magnesia, etc. anesthetic adj. Pertaining to or producing loss of sensation.
allay v. To calm the violence or reduce the intensity of; mitigate. anew adv. Once more.
allege v. To assert to be true, especially in a formal manner, as in court. angelic adj. Saintly.
allegory n. The setting forth of a subject under the guise of another subject of aptly Anglophobia n. Hatred or dread of England or of what is English.
suggestive likeness. Anglo-Saxon n. The entire English race wherever found, as in Europe, the United States,
alleviate v. To make less burdensome or less hard to bear. or India.
alley n. A narrow street, garden path, walk, or the like. angular adj. Sharp-cornered.
alliance n. Any combination or union for some common purpose. anhydrous adj. Withered.
allot v. To assign a definite thing or part to a certain person. animadversion n. The utterance of criticism or censure.
allotment n. Portion. animadvert v. To pass criticism or censure.
allude v. To refer incidentally, or by suggestion. animalcule n. An animal of microscopic smallness.
allusion n. An indirect and incidental reference to something without definite mention of it. animate v. To make alive.
alluvion n. Flood. animosity n. Hatred.
ally n. A person or thing connected with another, usually in some relation of helpfulness. annalist n. Historian.
almanac n. A series of tables giving the days of the week together with certain annals n. A record of events in their chronological order, year by year.
astronomical information. annex v. To add or affix at the end.
aloof adv. Not in sympathy with or desiring to associate with others. annihilate v. To destroy absolutely.
altar n. Any raised place or structure on which sacrifices may be offered or incense burned. annotate v. To make explanatory or critical notes on or upon.
alter v. To make change in. annual adj. Occurring every year.
alteration n. Change or modification. annuity n. An annual allowance, payment, or income.
, 5000 Collegiate Words with Brief Definitions – Amass an Ivy League Vocabulary!
7-CD Edition: All you have to do is listen 15 minutes a day for 4 weeks to absorb 5000 words. SAT math and more free at www.FreeVocabulary.com
annunciation n. Proclamation. appropriate adj. Suitable for the purpose and circumstances.
anode n. The point where or path by which a voltaic current enters an electrolyte or the aqueduct n. A water-conduit, particularly one for supplying a community from a distance.
like. aqueous adj. Of, pertaining to, or containing water.
anonymous adj. Of unknown authorship. arbiter n. One chosen or appointed, by mutual consent of parties in dispute, to decide matters.
antagonism n. Mutual opposition or resistance of counteracting forces, principles, or arbitrary adj. Fixed or done capriciously.
persons. arbitrate v. To act or give judgment as umpire.
Antarctic adj. Pertaining to the south pole or the regions near it. arbor n. A tree.
ante v. In the game of poker, to put up a stake before the cards are dealt. arboreal adj. Of or pertaining to a tree or trees.
antecede v. To precede. arborescent adj. Having the nature of a tree.
antecedent n. One who or that which precedes or goes before, as in time, place, rank, arboretum n. A botanical garden or place devoted to the cultivation of trees or shrubs.
order, or causality. arboriculture n. The cultivation of trees or shrubs.
antechamber n. A waiting room for those who seek audience. arcade n. A vaulted passageway or street; a roofed passageway having shops, etc., opening from it.
antedate v. To assign or affix a date to earlier than the actual one. archaic adj. Antiquated
antediluvian adj. Of or pertaining to the times, things, events before the great flood in the archaism n. Obsolescence.
days of Noah. archangel n. An angel of high rank.
antemeridian adj. Before noon. archbishop n. The chief of the bishops of an ecclesiastical province in the Greek, Roman,
antemundane adj. Pertaining to time before the world's creation. and Anglican church.
antenatal adj. Occurring or existing before birth. archdeacon n. A high official administrator of the affairs of a diocese.
anterior adj. Prior. archaeology n. The branch of anthropology concerned with the systematic investigation of
anteroom n. A room situated before and opening into another, usually larger. the relics of man.
anthology n. A collection of extracts from the writings of various authors. archetype n. A prototype.
anthracite n. Hard coal. archipelago n. Any large body of water studded with islands, or the islands collectively
anthropology n. The science of man in general. themselves.
anthropomorphous adj. Having or resembling human form. ardent adj. Burning with passion.
antic n. A grotesque, ludicrous, or fantastic action. ardor n. Intensity of passion or affection.
Antichrist n. Any opponent or enemy of Christ, whether a person or a power. arid adj. Very dry.
anticlimax n. A gradual or sudden decrease in the importance or impressiveness of what is said. aristocracy n. A hereditary nobility
anticyclone n. An atmospheric condition of high central pressure, with currents flowing outward. aristocrat n. A hereditary noble or one nearly connected with nobility.
antidote n. Anything that will counteract or remove the effects of poison, disease, or the armada n. A fleet of war-vessels.
like. armful n. As much as can be held in the arm or arms.
antilogy n. Inconsistency or contradiction in terms or ideas. armory n. An arsenal.
antipathize v. To show or feel a feeling of antagonism, aversion, or dislike. aroma n. An agreeable odor.
antiphon n. A response or alteration of responses, generally musical. arraign v. To call into court, as a person indicted for crime, and demand whether he pleads
antiphony n. An anthem or other composition sung responsively. guilty or not.
antipodes n. A place or region on the opposite side of the earth. arrange v. To put in definite or proper order.
antiquary n. One who collects and examines old things, as coins, books, medals, weapons, etc. arrangement n. The act of putting in proper order, or the state of being put in order.
antiquate v. To make old or out of date. arrant adj. Notoriously bad.
antique adj. Pertaining to ancient times. arrear n. Something overdue and unpaid.
antiseptic n. Anything that destroys or restrains the growth of putrefactive micro- arrival n. A coming to stopping-place or destination.
organisms. arrogant adj. Unduly or excessively proud, as of wealth, station, learning, etc.
antislavery adj. Opposed to human slavery. arrogate v. To take, demand, or claim, especially presumptuously or without reasons or
antispasmodic adj. Tending to prevent or relieve non-inflammatory spasmodic affections. grounds.
antistrophe n. The inversion of terms in successive classes, as in “the home of joy” and Artesian well n. A very deep bored well. water rises due to underground pressure
“the joy of home”. artful adj. Characterized by craft or cunning.
antitoxin n. A substance which neutralizes the poisonous products of micro-organisms. Arthurian adj. Pertaining to King Arthur, the real or legendary hero of British poetic story.
antonym n. A word directly opposed to another in meaning. artifice n. Trickery.
anxious adj. Distressed in mind respecting some uncertain matter. artless adj. Ingenuous.
apathy n. Insensibility to emotion or passionate feeling. ascendant adj. Dominant.
aperture n. Hole. ascension n. The act of rising.
apex n. The highest point, as of a mountain. ascent n. A rising, soaring, or climbing.
aphorism n. Proverb. ascetic adj. Given to severe self-denial and practicing excessive abstinence and devotion.
apiary n. A place where bees are kept. ascribe v. To assign as a quality or attribute.
apogee n. The climax. asexual adj. Having no distinct sexual organs.
apology n. A disclaimer of intentional error or offense. ashen adj. Pale.
apostasy n. A total departure from one's faith or religion. askance adv. With a side or indirect glance or meaning.
apostate adj. False. asperity n. Harshness or roughness of temper.
apostle n. Any messenger commissioned by or as by divine authority. aspirant n. One who seeks earnestly, as for advancement, honors, place.
apothecary n. One who keeps drugs for sale and puts up prescriptions. aspiration n. An earnest wish for that which is above one's present reach.
apotheosis n. Deification. aspire v. To have an earnest desire, wish, or longing, as for something high and good, not
appall v. To fill with dismay or horror. yet attained.
apparent adj. Easily understood. assailant n. One who attacks.
apparition n. Ghost. assassin n. One who kills, or tries to kill, treacherously or secretly.
appease v. To soothe by quieting anger or indignation. assassinate v. To kill, as by surprise or secret assault, especially the killing of some eminent person.
appellate adj. Capable of being appealed to. assassination n. Murderer, as by secret assault or treachery.
appellation n. The name or title by which a particular person, class, or thing is called. assay n. The chemical analysis or testing of an alloy ore.
append v. To add or attach, as something accessory, subordinate, or supplementary. assent v. To express agreement with a statement or matter of opinion.
appertain v. To belong, as by right, fitness, association, classification, possession, or natural relation. assess v. To determine the amount of (a tax or other sum to be paid).
apposite adj. Appropriate. assessor n. An officer whose duty it is to assess taxes.
apposition n. The act of placing side by side, together, or in contact. assets n. pl. Property in general, regarded as applicable to the payment of debts.
appraise v. To estimate the money value of. assiduous adj. Diligent.
appreciable adj. Capable of being discerned by the senses or intellect. assignee n. One who is appointed to act for another in the management of certain property
apprehend v. To make a prisoner of (a person) in the name of the law. and interests.
apprehensible adj. Capable of being conceived. assimilate v. To adapt.
approbation n. Sanction. assonance n. Resemblance or correspondence in sound.
, 5000 Collegiate Words with Brief Definitions – Amass an Ivy League Vocabulary!
7-CD Edition: All you have to do is listen 15 minutes a day for 4 weeks to absorb 5000 words. SAT math and more free at www.FreeVocabulary.com
assonant adj. Having resemblance of sound. balsam n. A medical preparation, aromatic and oily, used for healing.
assonate v. To accord in sound, especially vowel sound. banal adj. Commonplace.
assuage v. To cause to be less harsh, violent, or severe, as excitement, appetite, pain, or barcarole n. A boat-song of Venetian gondoliers.
disease. barograph n. An instrument that registers graphically and continuously the atmospheric
astringent adj. Harsh in disposition or character. pressure.
astute adj. Keen in discernment. barometer n. An instrument for indicating the atmospheric pressure per unit of surface.
atheism n. The denial of the existence of God. barring prep. Apart from.
athirst adj. Wanting water. baritone adj. Having a register higher than bass and lower than tenor.
athwart adv. From side to side. bask v. To make warm by genial heat.
atomizer n. An apparatus for reducing a liquid to a fine spray, as for disinfection, inhalation, etc. bass adj. Low in tone or compass.
atone v. To make amends for. baste v. To cover with melted fat, gravy, while cooking.
atonement n. Amends, reparation, or expiation made from wrong or injury. baton n. An official staff borne either as a weapon or as an emblem of authority or
atrocious adj. Outrageously or wantonly wicked, criminal, vile, or cruel. privilege.
atrocity n. Great cruelty or reckless wickedness. battalion n. A body of infantry composed of two or more companies, forming a part of a
attaché n. A subordinate member of a diplomatic embassy. regiment.
attest v. To certify as accurate, genuine, or true. batten n. A narrow strip of wood.
attorney-general n. The chief law-officer of a government. batter n. A thick liquid mixture of two or more materials beaten together, to be used in cookery.
auburn adj. Reddish-brown, said usually of the hair. bauble n. A trinket.
audacious adj. Fearless. bawl v. To proclaim by outcry.
audible adj. Loud enough to be heard. beatify v. To make supremely happy.
audition n. The act or sensation of hearing. beatitude n. Any state of great happiness.
auditory adj. Of or pertaining to hearing or the organs or sense of hearing. beau n. An escort or lover.
augment v. To make bigger. becalm v. To make quiet.
augur v. To predict. beck v. To give a signal to, by nod or gesture.
Augustinian adj. Pertaining to St. Augustine, his doctrines, or the religious orders called bedaub v. To smear over, as with something oily or sticky.
after him. bedeck v. To cover with ornament.
aura n. Pervasive psychic influence supposed to emanate from persons bedlam n. Madhouse.
aural adj. Of or pertaining to the ear. befog v. To confuse.
auricle n. One of the two chambers of the heart which receives the blood from the veins. befriend v. To be a friend to, especially when in need.
auricular adj. Of or pertaining to the ear, its auricle, or the sense of hearing. beget v. To produce by sexual generation.
auriferous adj. Containing gold. begrudge v. To envy one of the possession of.
aurora n. A luminous phenomenon in the upper regions of the atmosphere. belate v. To delay past the proper hour.
auspice n. favoring, protecting, or propitious influence or guidance. belay v. To make fast, as a rope, by winding round a cleat.
austere adj. Severely simple; unadorned. belie v. To misrepresent.
autarchy n. Unrestricted power. believe v. To accept as true on the testimony or authority of others.
authentic adj. Of undisputed origin. belittle v. To disparage.
authenticity n. The state or quality of being genuine, or of the origin and authorship belle n. A woman who is a center of attraction because of her beauty, accomplishments,
claimed. etc.
autobiography n. The story of one's life written by himself. bellicose adj. Warlike.
autocracy n. Absolute government. belligerent adj. Manifesting a warlike spirit.
autocrat n. Any one who claims or wields unrestricted or undisputed authority or influence. bemoan v. To lament
automaton n. Any living being whose actions are or appear to be involuntary or benediction n. a solemn invocation of the divine blessing.
mechanical. benefactor n. A doer of kindly and charitable acts.
autonomous adj. Self-governing. benefice n. A church office endowed with funds or property for the maintenance of divine
autonomy n. Self-government. service.
autopsy n. The examination of a dead body by dissection to ascertain the cause of death. beneficent adj. Characterized by charity and kindness.
autumnal adj. Of or pertaining to autumn. beneficial adj. Helpful.
auxiliary n. One who or that which aids or helps, especially when regarded as subsidiary beneficiary n. One who is lawfully entitled to the profits and proceeds of an estate or
or accessory. property.
avalanche n. The fall or sliding of a mass of snow or ice down a mountain-slope, often benefit n. Helpful result.
bearing with it rock. benevolence n. Any act of kindness or well-doing.
avarice n. Passion for getting and keeping riches. benevolent adj. Loving others and actively desirous of their well-being.
aver v. To assert as a fact. benign adj. Good and kind of heart.
averse adj. Reluctant. benignant adj. Benevolent in feeling, character, or aspect.
aversion n. A mental condition of fixed opposition to or dislike of some particular thing. benignity n. Kindness of feeling, disposition, or manner.
avert v. To turn away or aside. benison n. Blessing.
aviary n. A spacious cage or enclosure in which live birds are kept. bequeath v. To give by will.
avidity n. Greediness. bereave v. To make desolate with loneliness and grief.
avocation n. Diversion. berth n. A bunk or bed in a vessel, sleeping-car, etc.
avow v. To declare openly. beseech v. To implore.
awaken v. To arouse, as emotion, interest, or the like. beset v. To attack on all sides.
awry adv. & adj. Out of the proper form, direction, or position. besmear v. To smear over, as with any oily or sticky substance.
aye adv. An expression of assent. bestial adj. Animal.
azalea n. A flowering shrub. bestrew v. To sprinkle or cover with things strewn.
azure n. The color of the sky. bestride v. To get or sit upon astride, as a horse.
Baconian adj. Of or pertaining to Lord Bacon or his system of philosophy. bethink v. To remind oneself.
bacterium n. A microbe. betide v. To happen to or befall.
badger v. To pester. betimes adv. In good season or time.
baffle v. To foil or frustrate. betroth v. To engage to marry.
bailiff n. An officer of court having custody of prisoners under arraignment. betrothal n. Engagement to marry.
baize n. A single-colored napped woolen fabric used for table-covers, curtains, etc. bevel n. Any inclination of two surfaces other than 90 degrees.
bale n. A large package prepared for transportation or storage. bewilder v. To confuse the perceptions or judgment of.
baleful adj. Malignant. bibliomania n. The passion for collecting books.
ballad n. Any popular narrative poem, often with epic subject and usually in lyric form. bibliography n. A list of the words of an author, or the literature bearing on a particular subject.
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abase v. To lower in position, estimation, or the like; degrade. accredit v. To give credit or authority to.
abbess n. The lady superior of a nunnery. accumulate v. To become greater in quantity or number.
abbey n. The group of buildings which collectively form the dwelling-place of a society of accuracy n. Exactness.
monks or nuns. accurate adj. Conforming exactly to truth or to a standard.
abbot n. The superior of a community of monks. accursed adj. Doomed to evil, misery, or misfortune.
abdicate v. To give up (royal power or the like). accusation n. A charge of crime, misdemeanor, or error.
abdomen n. In mammals, the visceral cavity between the diaphragm and the pelvic floor; accusatory adj. Of, pertaining to, or involving an accusation.
the belly. accuse v. To charge with wrong doing, misconduct, or error.
abdominal n. Of, pertaining to, or situated on the abdomen. accustom v. To make familiar by use.
abduction n. A carrying away of a person against his will, or illegally. acerbity n. Sourness, with bitterness and astringency.
abed adv. In bed; on a bed. acetate n. A salt of acetic acid.
aberration n. Deviation from a right, customary, or prescribed course. acetic adj. Of, pertaining to, or of the nature of vinegar.
abet v. To aid, promote, or encourage the commission of (an offense). ache v. To be in pain or distress.
abeyance n. A state of suspension or temporary inaction. Achillean adj. Invulnerable.
abhorrence n. The act of detesting extremely. achromatic adj. Colorless,
abhorrent adj. Very repugnant; hateful. acid n. A sour substance.
abidance n. An abiding. acidify v. To change into acid.
abject adj. Sunk to a low condition. acknowledge v. To recognize; to admit the genuineness or validity of.
abjure v. To recant, renounce, repudiate under oath. acknowledgment n. Recognition.
able-bodied adj. Competent for physical service. acme n. The highest point, or summit.
ablution n. A washing or cleansing, especially of the body. acoustic adj. Pertaining to the act or sense of hearing.
abnegate v. To renounce (a right or privilege). acquaint v. To make familiar or conversant.
abnormal adj. Not conformed to the ordinary rule or standard. acquiesce v. To comply; submit.
abominable adj. Very hateful. acquiescence n. Passive consent.
abominate v. To hate violently. acquire v. To get as one's own.
abomination n. A very detestable act or practice. acquisition n. Anything gained, or made one's own, usually by effort or labor.
aboriginal adj. Primitive; unsophisticated. acquit v. To free or clear, as from accusation.
aborigines n. The original of earliest known inhabitants of a country. acquittal n. A discharge from accusation by judicial action.
aboveboard adv. & adj. Without concealment, fraud, or trickery. acquittance n. Release or discharge from indebtedness, obligation, or responsibility.
abrade v. To wear away the surface or some part of by friction. acreage n. Quantity or extent of land, especially of cultivated land.
abrasion n. That which is rubbed off. acrid adj. Harshly pungent or bitter.
abridge v. To make shorter in words, keeping the essential features, leaning out minor particles. acrimonious adj. Full of bitterness.
abridgment n. A condensed form as of a book or play. acrimony n. Sharpness or bitterness of speech or temper.
abrogate v. To abolish, repeal. actionable adj. Affording cause for instituting an action, as trespass, slanderous words.
abrupt adj. Beginning, ending, or changing suddenly or with a break. actuality n. Any reality.
abscess n. A Collection of pus in a cavity formed within some tissue of the body. actuary n. An officer, as of an insurance company, who calculates and states the risks and premiums.
abscission n. The act of cutting off, as in a surgical operation. actuate v. To move or incite to action.
abscond v. To depart suddenly and secretly, as for the purpose of escaping arrest. acumen n. Quickness of intellectual insight, or discernment; keenness of discrimination.
absence n. The fact of not being present or available. acute adj. Having fine and penetrating discernment.
absent-minded adj. Lacking in attention to immediate surroundings or business. adamant n. Any substance of exceeding hardness or impenetrability.
absolution n. Forgiveness, or passing over of offenses. addendum n. Something added, or to be added.
absolve v. To free from sin or its penalties. addle v. To make inefficient or worthless; muddle.
absorb v. To drink in or suck up, as a sponge absorbs water. adduce v. To bring forward or name for consideration.
absorption n. The act or process of absorbing. adhere v. To stick fast or together.
abstain v. To keep oneself back (from doing or using something). adherence n. Attachment.
abstemious adj. Characterized by self denial or abstinence, as in the use of drink, food. adherent adj. Clinging or sticking fast.
abstinence n. Self denial. adhesion n. The state of being attached or joined.
abstruse adj. Dealing with matters difficult to be understood. adieu inter. Good-by; farewell.
absurd adj. Inconsistent with reason or common sense. adjacency n. The state of being adjacent.
abundant adj. Plentiful. adjacent n. That which is near or bordering upon.
abusive adj. Employing harsh words or ill treatment. adjudge v. To award or bestow by formal decision.
abut v. To touch at the end or boundary line. adjunct n. Something joined to or connected with another thing, but holding a subordinate place.
abyss n. Bottomless gulf. adjuration n. A vehement appeal.
academic adj. Of or pertaining to an academy, college, or university. adjutant adj. Auxiliary.
academician n. A member of an academy of literature, art, or science. administrator n. One who manages affairs of any kind.
academy n. Any institution where the higher branches of learning are taught. admissible adj. Having the right or privilege of entry.
accede v. To agree. admittance n. Entrance, or the right or permission to enter.
accelerate v. To move faster. admonish v. To warn of a fault.
accept v. To take when offered. admonition n. Gentle reproof.
access n. A way of approach or entrance; passage. ado n. unnecessary activity or ceremony.
accessible adj. Approachable. adoration n. Profound devotion.
accession n. Induction or elevation, as to dignity, office, or government. adroit adj. Having skill in the use of the bodily or mental powers.
accessory n. A person or thing that aids the principal agent. adulterant n. An adulterating substance.
acclaim v. To utter with a shout. adulterate v. To make impure by the admixture of other or baser ingredients.
accommodate v. To furnish something as a kindness or favor. adumbrate v. To represent beforehand in outline or by emblem.
accompaniment n. A subordinate part or parts, enriching or supporting the leading part. advent n. The coming or arrival, as of any important change, event, state, or personage.
accompanist n. One who or that which accompanies. adverse adj. Opposing or opposed.
accompany v. To go with, or be associated with, as a companion. adversity n. Misfortune.
accomplice n. An associate in wrong-doing. advert v. To refer incidentally.
accomplish v. To bring to pass. advertiser n. One who advertises, especially in newspapers.
accordion n. A portable free-reed musical instrument. advisory adj. Not mandatory.
accost v. To speak to. advocacy n. The act of pleading a cause.
account n. A record or statement of receipts and expenditures, or of business transactions. advocate n. One who pleads the cause of another, as in a legal or ecclesiastical court.
accouter v. To dress. aerial adj. Of, pertaining to, or like the air.
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aeronaut n. One who navigates the air, a balloonist. altercate v. To contend angrily or zealously in words.
aeronautics n. the art or practice of flying aircraft alternate n. One chosen to act in place of another, in case of the absence or incapacity of that other.
aerostat n. A balloon or other apparatus floating in or sustained by the air. alternative n. Something that may or must exist, be taken or chosen, or done instead of
aerostatics n. The branch of pneumatics that treats of the equilibrium, pressure, and something else.
mechanical properties. altitude n. Vertical distance or elevation above any point or base-level, as the sea.
affable adj. Easy to approach. alto n. The lowest or deepest female voice or part.
affect v. To act upon altruism n. Benevolence to others on subordination to self-interest.
affectation n. A studied or ostentatious pretense or attempt. altruist n. One who advocates or practices altruism.
affiliate n. Some auxiliary person or thing. amalgam n. An alloy or union of mercury with another metal.
affirmative adj. Answering yes; to a question at issue. amalgamate v. To mix or blend together in a homogeneous body.
affix v. To fasten. amateur adj. Practicing an art or occupation for the love of it, but not as a profession.
affluence n. A profuse or abundant supply of riches. amatory adj. Designed to excite love.
affront n. An open insult or indignity. ambidextrous adj. Having the ability of using both hands with equal skill or ease.
afire adv. & adj. On fire, literally or figuratively. ambiguous adj. Having a double meaning.
afoot adv. In progress. ambitious adj. Eagerly desirous and aspiring.
aforesaid adj. Said in a preceding part or before. ambrosial adj. Divinely sweet, fragrant, or delicious.
afresh adv. Once more, after rest or interval. ambulance n. A vehicle fitted for conveying the sick and wounded.
afterthought n. A thought that comes later than its appropriate or expected time. ambulate v. To walk about
agglomerate v. To pile or heap together. ambush n. The act or state of lying concealed for the purpose of surprising or attacking the
aggrandize v. To cause to appear greatly. enemy.
aggravate v. To make heavier, worse, or more burdensome. ameliorate v. To relieve, as from pain or hardship
aggravation n. The fact of being made heavier or more heinous, as a crime , offense, misfortune, etc. amenable adj. Willing and ready to submit.
aggregate n. The entire number, sum, mass, or quantity of something. Americanism n. A peculiar sense in which an English word or phrase is used in the United
aggress v. To make the first attack. States.
aggression n. An unprovoked attack. amicable adj. Done in a friendly spirit.
aggrieve v. To give grief or sorrow to. amity n. Friendship.
aghast adj. Struck with terror and amazement. amorous adj. Having a propensity for falling in love.
agile adj. Able to move or act quickly, physically, or mentally. amorphous adj. Without determinate shape.
agitate v. To move or excite (the feelings or thoughts). amour n. A love-affair, especially one of an illicit nature.
agrarian adj. Pertaining to land, especially agricultural land. ampere n. The practical unit of electric-current strength.
aide-de-camp n. An officer who receives and transmits the orders of the general. ampersand n. The character &; and.
ailment n. Slight sickness. amphibious adj. Living both on land and in water.
airy adj. Delicate, ethereal. amphitheater n. An edifice of elliptical shape, constructed about a central open space or arena.
akin adj. Of similar nature or qualities. amplitude n. Largeness.
alabaster n. A white or delicately tinted fine-grained gypsum. amply adv. Sufficiently.
alacrity n. Cheerful willingness. amputate v. To remove by cutting, as a limb or some portion of the body.
albeit conj. Even though. amusement n. Diversion.
albino n. A person with milky white skin and hair, and eyes with bright red pupil and usually pink iris. anachronism n. Anything occurring or existing out of its proper time.
album n. A book whose leaves are so made to form paper frames for holding photographs or the like. anagram n. The letters of a word or phrase so transposed as to make a different word or
alchemy n. Chemistry of the middle ages, characterized by the pursuit of changing base phrase.
metals to gold. analogous adj. Corresponding (to some other) in certain respects, as in form, proportion,
alcohol n. A volatile, inflammable, colorless liquid of a penetrating odor and burning taste. relations.
alcoholism n. A condition resulting from the inordinate or persistent use of alcoholic beverages. analogy n. Reasoning in which from certain and known relations or resemblance others
alcove n. A covered recess connected with or at the side of a larger room. are formed.
alder n. Any shrub or small tree of the genus Alumnus, of the oak family. analyst n. One who analyzes or makes use of the analytical method.
alderman n. A member of a municipal legislative body, who usually exercises also certain analyze v. To examine minutely or critically.
judicial functions. anarchy n. Absence or utter disregard of government.
aldermanship n. The dignity, condition, office, or term of office of an alderman. anathema n. Anything forbidden, as by social usage.
alias n. An assumed name. anatomy n. That branch of morphology which treats of the structure of organisms.
alien n. One who owes allegiance to a foreign government. ancestry n. One's ancestors collectively.
alienable adj. Capable of being aliened or alienated, as lands. anecdote n. A brief account of some interesting event or incident.
alienate v. To cause to turn away. anemia n. Deficiency of blood or red corpuscles.
alienation n. Estrangement. anemic adj. Affected with anemia.
aliment n. That which nourishes. anemometer n. An instrument for measuring the force or velocity of wind.
alkali n. Anything that will neutralize an acid, as lime, magnesia, etc. anesthetic adj. Pertaining to or producing loss of sensation.
allay v. To calm the violence or reduce the intensity of; mitigate. anew adv. Once more.
allege v. To assert to be true, especially in a formal manner, as in court. angelic adj. Saintly.
allegory n. The setting forth of a subject under the guise of another subject of aptly Anglophobia n. Hatred or dread of England or of what is English.
suggestive likeness. Anglo-Saxon n. The entire English race wherever found, as in Europe, the United States,
alleviate v. To make less burdensome or less hard to bear. or India.
alley n. A narrow street, garden path, walk, or the like. angular adj. Sharp-cornered.
alliance n. Any combination or union for some common purpose. anhydrous adj. Withered.
allot v. To assign a definite thing or part to a certain person. animadversion n. The utterance of criticism or censure.
allotment n. Portion. animadvert v. To pass criticism or censure.
allude v. To refer incidentally, or by suggestion. animalcule n. An animal of microscopic smallness.
allusion n. An indirect and incidental reference to something without definite mention of it. animate v. To make alive.
alluvion n. Flood. animosity n. Hatred.
ally n. A person or thing connected with another, usually in some relation of helpfulness. annalist n. Historian.
almanac n. A series of tables giving the days of the week together with certain annals n. A record of events in their chronological order, year by year.
astronomical information. annex v. To add or affix at the end.
aloof adv. Not in sympathy with or desiring to associate with others. annihilate v. To destroy absolutely.
altar n. Any raised place or structure on which sacrifices may be offered or incense burned. annotate v. To make explanatory or critical notes on or upon.
alter v. To make change in. annual adj. Occurring every year.
alteration n. Change or modification. annuity n. An annual allowance, payment, or income.
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annunciation n. Proclamation. appropriate adj. Suitable for the purpose and circumstances.
anode n. The point where or path by which a voltaic current enters an electrolyte or the aqueduct n. A water-conduit, particularly one for supplying a community from a distance.
like. aqueous adj. Of, pertaining to, or containing water.
anonymous adj. Of unknown authorship. arbiter n. One chosen or appointed, by mutual consent of parties in dispute, to decide matters.
antagonism n. Mutual opposition or resistance of counteracting forces, principles, or arbitrary adj. Fixed or done capriciously.
persons. arbitrate v. To act or give judgment as umpire.
Antarctic adj. Pertaining to the south pole or the regions near it. arbor n. A tree.
ante v. In the game of poker, to put up a stake before the cards are dealt. arboreal adj. Of or pertaining to a tree or trees.
antecede v. To precede. arborescent adj. Having the nature of a tree.
antecedent n. One who or that which precedes or goes before, as in time, place, rank, arboretum n. A botanical garden or place devoted to the cultivation of trees or shrubs.
order, or causality. arboriculture n. The cultivation of trees or shrubs.
antechamber n. A waiting room for those who seek audience. arcade n. A vaulted passageway or street; a roofed passageway having shops, etc., opening from it.
antedate v. To assign or affix a date to earlier than the actual one. archaic adj. Antiquated
antediluvian adj. Of or pertaining to the times, things, events before the great flood in the archaism n. Obsolescence.
days of Noah. archangel n. An angel of high rank.
antemeridian adj. Before noon. archbishop n. The chief of the bishops of an ecclesiastical province in the Greek, Roman,
antemundane adj. Pertaining to time before the world's creation. and Anglican church.
antenatal adj. Occurring or existing before birth. archdeacon n. A high official administrator of the affairs of a diocese.
anterior adj. Prior. archaeology n. The branch of anthropology concerned with the systematic investigation of
anteroom n. A room situated before and opening into another, usually larger. the relics of man.
anthology n. A collection of extracts from the writings of various authors. archetype n. A prototype.
anthracite n. Hard coal. archipelago n. Any large body of water studded with islands, or the islands collectively
anthropology n. The science of man in general. themselves.
anthropomorphous adj. Having or resembling human form. ardent adj. Burning with passion.
antic n. A grotesque, ludicrous, or fantastic action. ardor n. Intensity of passion or affection.
Antichrist n. Any opponent or enemy of Christ, whether a person or a power. arid adj. Very dry.
anticlimax n. A gradual or sudden decrease in the importance or impressiveness of what is said. aristocracy n. A hereditary nobility
anticyclone n. An atmospheric condition of high central pressure, with currents flowing outward. aristocrat n. A hereditary noble or one nearly connected with nobility.
antidote n. Anything that will counteract or remove the effects of poison, disease, or the armada n. A fleet of war-vessels.
like. armful n. As much as can be held in the arm or arms.
antilogy n. Inconsistency or contradiction in terms or ideas. armory n. An arsenal.
antipathize v. To show or feel a feeling of antagonism, aversion, or dislike. aroma n. An agreeable odor.
antiphon n. A response or alteration of responses, generally musical. arraign v. To call into court, as a person indicted for crime, and demand whether he pleads
antiphony n. An anthem or other composition sung responsively. guilty or not.
antipodes n. A place or region on the opposite side of the earth. arrange v. To put in definite or proper order.
antiquary n. One who collects and examines old things, as coins, books, medals, weapons, etc. arrangement n. The act of putting in proper order, or the state of being put in order.
antiquate v. To make old or out of date. arrant adj. Notoriously bad.
antique adj. Pertaining to ancient times. arrear n. Something overdue and unpaid.
antiseptic n. Anything that destroys or restrains the growth of putrefactive micro- arrival n. A coming to stopping-place or destination.
organisms. arrogant adj. Unduly or excessively proud, as of wealth, station, learning, etc.
antislavery adj. Opposed to human slavery. arrogate v. To take, demand, or claim, especially presumptuously or without reasons or
antispasmodic adj. Tending to prevent or relieve non-inflammatory spasmodic affections. grounds.
antistrophe n. The inversion of terms in successive classes, as in “the home of joy” and Artesian well n. A very deep bored well. water rises due to underground pressure
“the joy of home”. artful adj. Characterized by craft or cunning.
antitoxin n. A substance which neutralizes the poisonous products of micro-organisms. Arthurian adj. Pertaining to King Arthur, the real or legendary hero of British poetic story.
antonym n. A word directly opposed to another in meaning. artifice n. Trickery.
anxious adj. Distressed in mind respecting some uncertain matter. artless adj. Ingenuous.
apathy n. Insensibility to emotion or passionate feeling. ascendant adj. Dominant.
aperture n. Hole. ascension n. The act of rising.
apex n. The highest point, as of a mountain. ascent n. A rising, soaring, or climbing.
aphorism n. Proverb. ascetic adj. Given to severe self-denial and practicing excessive abstinence and devotion.
apiary n. A place where bees are kept. ascribe v. To assign as a quality or attribute.
apogee n. The climax. asexual adj. Having no distinct sexual organs.
apology n. A disclaimer of intentional error or offense. ashen adj. Pale.
apostasy n. A total departure from one's faith or religion. askance adv. With a side or indirect glance or meaning.
apostate adj. False. asperity n. Harshness or roughness of temper.
apostle n. Any messenger commissioned by or as by divine authority. aspirant n. One who seeks earnestly, as for advancement, honors, place.
apothecary n. One who keeps drugs for sale and puts up prescriptions. aspiration n. An earnest wish for that which is above one's present reach.
apotheosis n. Deification. aspire v. To have an earnest desire, wish, or longing, as for something high and good, not
appall v. To fill with dismay or horror. yet attained.
apparent adj. Easily understood. assailant n. One who attacks.
apparition n. Ghost. assassin n. One who kills, or tries to kill, treacherously or secretly.
appease v. To soothe by quieting anger or indignation. assassinate v. To kill, as by surprise or secret assault, especially the killing of some eminent person.
appellate adj. Capable of being appealed to. assassination n. Murderer, as by secret assault or treachery.
appellation n. The name or title by which a particular person, class, or thing is called. assay n. The chemical analysis or testing of an alloy ore.
append v. To add or attach, as something accessory, subordinate, or supplementary. assent v. To express agreement with a statement or matter of opinion.
appertain v. To belong, as by right, fitness, association, classification, possession, or natural relation. assess v. To determine the amount of (a tax or other sum to be paid).
apposite adj. Appropriate. assessor n. An officer whose duty it is to assess taxes.
apposition n. The act of placing side by side, together, or in contact. assets n. pl. Property in general, regarded as applicable to the payment of debts.
appraise v. To estimate the money value of. assiduous adj. Diligent.
appreciable adj. Capable of being discerned by the senses or intellect. assignee n. One who is appointed to act for another in the management of certain property
apprehend v. To make a prisoner of (a person) in the name of the law. and interests.
apprehensible adj. Capable of being conceived. assimilate v. To adapt.
approbation n. Sanction. assonance n. Resemblance or correspondence in sound.
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assonant adj. Having resemblance of sound. balsam n. A medical preparation, aromatic and oily, used for healing.
assonate v. To accord in sound, especially vowel sound. banal adj. Commonplace.
assuage v. To cause to be less harsh, violent, or severe, as excitement, appetite, pain, or barcarole n. A boat-song of Venetian gondoliers.
disease. barograph n. An instrument that registers graphically and continuously the atmospheric
astringent adj. Harsh in disposition or character. pressure.
astute adj. Keen in discernment. barometer n. An instrument for indicating the atmospheric pressure per unit of surface.
atheism n. The denial of the existence of God. barring prep. Apart from.
athirst adj. Wanting water. baritone adj. Having a register higher than bass and lower than tenor.
athwart adv. From side to side. bask v. To make warm by genial heat.
atomizer n. An apparatus for reducing a liquid to a fine spray, as for disinfection, inhalation, etc. bass adj. Low in tone or compass.
atone v. To make amends for. baste v. To cover with melted fat, gravy, while cooking.
atonement n. Amends, reparation, or expiation made from wrong or injury. baton n. An official staff borne either as a weapon or as an emblem of authority or
atrocious adj. Outrageously or wantonly wicked, criminal, vile, or cruel. privilege.
atrocity n. Great cruelty or reckless wickedness. battalion n. A body of infantry composed of two or more companies, forming a part of a
attaché n. A subordinate member of a diplomatic embassy. regiment.
attest v. To certify as accurate, genuine, or true. batten n. A narrow strip of wood.
attorney-general n. The chief law-officer of a government. batter n. A thick liquid mixture of two or more materials beaten together, to be used in cookery.
auburn adj. Reddish-brown, said usually of the hair. bauble n. A trinket.
audacious adj. Fearless. bawl v. To proclaim by outcry.
audible adj. Loud enough to be heard. beatify v. To make supremely happy.
audition n. The act or sensation of hearing. beatitude n. Any state of great happiness.
auditory adj. Of or pertaining to hearing or the organs or sense of hearing. beau n. An escort or lover.
augment v. To make bigger. becalm v. To make quiet.
augur v. To predict. beck v. To give a signal to, by nod or gesture.
Augustinian adj. Pertaining to St. Augustine, his doctrines, or the religious orders called bedaub v. To smear over, as with something oily or sticky.
after him. bedeck v. To cover with ornament.
aura n. Pervasive psychic influence supposed to emanate from persons bedlam n. Madhouse.
aural adj. Of or pertaining to the ear. befog v. To confuse.
auricle n. One of the two chambers of the heart which receives the blood from the veins. befriend v. To be a friend to, especially when in need.
auricular adj. Of or pertaining to the ear, its auricle, or the sense of hearing. beget v. To produce by sexual generation.
auriferous adj. Containing gold. begrudge v. To envy one of the possession of.
aurora n. A luminous phenomenon in the upper regions of the atmosphere. belate v. To delay past the proper hour.
auspice n. favoring, protecting, or propitious influence or guidance. belay v. To make fast, as a rope, by winding round a cleat.
austere adj. Severely simple; unadorned. belie v. To misrepresent.
autarchy n. Unrestricted power. believe v. To accept as true on the testimony or authority of others.
authentic adj. Of undisputed origin. belittle v. To disparage.
authenticity n. The state or quality of being genuine, or of the origin and authorship belle n. A woman who is a center of attraction because of her beauty, accomplishments,
claimed. etc.
autobiography n. The story of one's life written by himself. bellicose adj. Warlike.
autocracy n. Absolute government. belligerent adj. Manifesting a warlike spirit.
autocrat n. Any one who claims or wields unrestricted or undisputed authority or influence. bemoan v. To lament
automaton n. Any living being whose actions are or appear to be involuntary or benediction n. a solemn invocation of the divine blessing.
mechanical. benefactor n. A doer of kindly and charitable acts.
autonomous adj. Self-governing. benefice n. A church office endowed with funds or property for the maintenance of divine
autonomy n. Self-government. service.
autopsy n. The examination of a dead body by dissection to ascertain the cause of death. beneficent adj. Characterized by charity and kindness.
autumnal adj. Of or pertaining to autumn. beneficial adj. Helpful.
auxiliary n. One who or that which aids or helps, especially when regarded as subsidiary beneficiary n. One who is lawfully entitled to the profits and proceeds of an estate or
or accessory. property.
avalanche n. The fall or sliding of a mass of snow or ice down a mountain-slope, often benefit n. Helpful result.
bearing with it rock. benevolence n. Any act of kindness or well-doing.
avarice n. Passion for getting and keeping riches. benevolent adj. Loving others and actively desirous of their well-being.
aver v. To assert as a fact. benign adj. Good and kind of heart.
averse adj. Reluctant. benignant adj. Benevolent in feeling, character, or aspect.
aversion n. A mental condition of fixed opposition to or dislike of some particular thing. benignity n. Kindness of feeling, disposition, or manner.
avert v. To turn away or aside. benison n. Blessing.
aviary n. A spacious cage or enclosure in which live birds are kept. bequeath v. To give by will.
avidity n. Greediness. bereave v. To make desolate with loneliness and grief.
avocation n. Diversion. berth n. A bunk or bed in a vessel, sleeping-car, etc.
avow v. To declare openly. beseech v. To implore.
awaken v. To arouse, as emotion, interest, or the like. beset v. To attack on all sides.
awry adv. & adj. Out of the proper form, direction, or position. besmear v. To smear over, as with any oily or sticky substance.
aye adv. An expression of assent. bestial adj. Animal.
azalea n. A flowering shrub. bestrew v. To sprinkle or cover with things strewn.
azure n. The color of the sky. bestride v. To get or sit upon astride, as a horse.
Baconian adj. Of or pertaining to Lord Bacon or his system of philosophy. bethink v. To remind oneself.
bacterium n. A microbe. betide v. To happen to or befall.
badger v. To pester. betimes adv. In good season or time.
baffle v. To foil or frustrate. betroth v. To engage to marry.
bailiff n. An officer of court having custody of prisoners under arraignment. betrothal n. Engagement to marry.
baize n. A single-colored napped woolen fabric used for table-covers, curtains, etc. bevel n. Any inclination of two surfaces other than 90 degrees.
bale n. A large package prepared for transportation or storage. bewilder v. To confuse the perceptions or judgment of.
baleful adj. Malignant. bibliomania n. The passion for collecting books.
ballad n. Any popular narrative poem, often with epic subject and usually in lyric form. bibliography n. A list of the words of an author, or the literature bearing on a particular subject.
