(v.) a-based, a-bas-ing To lower in position, rank, or estimation:
Their cowardice under fire abased the soldiers. Syn.: humble, demean, degrade Ant.: exalt, honor
aberration
(n.)
1] Departure from what is right.
2] A deviation from the normal or the typical.
3] Mental derangement or lapse.
-aberrant (adj.)
a-bet
(v.) a-bet-ted, a-bet-ting To give aid and encouragement, especially in wrongdoing:
to abet the kidnappers was a serious offence. -a-bet'tor, a-bet'ment, a-bet'tal (n.) Syn.: help, promote, encourage Ant.: hinder, stop, prevent
a-bey-ance
(n.) A holding up or putting aside for future action:
He is holding his decision in abeyance until he has all the facts.
ab-ject
(ab'jekt or ab-jekt') (adj.) 1] Sunk to a low condition; despicable:
an abject coward 2] Hopelessly low; wretched:
abject poverty Syn.: 1] contemptible, degraded, shameful 2] miserable, squalid Ant.: 1] dignified, noble 2] comfortable, prosperous
abjure
(v.t.) (n.) abjuratory To renounce rights on oath or give up publicly opinion, stance.
The terrorists declared in the presence of the newspersons they would abjure violence. Do not confuse this word with 'adjure' (urge solemnly).
ab-lu-tion
(n.) A washing or cleansing of the body or part of the body, especially in a religious ceremony: to perform one's morning ablutions; priestly ablutions before the altar.
Usage: Ablution is usually in the plural. The word tends to sound high-brow and literary, but many people use it humourously as a synonym for washing or bathing.
abnegate
(v.t.) Deny oneself; renounce
A remarkable instance of self-abnegation.
a-brade
(v.) a-brad-ed, a-brad-ing To rub or wear off by friction:
The waves abraded the rocks. Syn.: scrape, chafe, gall
abrogate
(v.t.) abrogation (n.) Repeal, cancel
Abrogation of the treaty with a foreign power. (N.B.): The word differs in meaning from arrogate which is to claim power, privilege, etc. unduly.
abstemious
(adj.) 1] Moderate, especially in eating and drinking; temperate
2] Characterised by abstinence
Syn.: temperate Ant.: self-indulgent
ab-struse
(adj.) Difficult to understand:
For most people, nuclear physics is an abstruse subject. Syn.: obscure, complex, mysterious Ant.: simple, plain, intelligible
a-but
(v.) a-but-ted, a-but-ting To touch or join at the edge or side; border:
Our farm abuts our neighbour's property.
academe/academia
(both n.) 1] School esp. a college or university
2] Academic world
academic (adj.)
a-cou-ter-ments
(n.) (pl.) A soldier's equipment, other than clothing and weaponry: canteens, gun belts, and other military acouterments.
Spelling tip: This word may also be spelled ac-cou-tre-ments (a-koo'tra-mants). Whichever way you spell it, 'c' that 'u' don't forget the two c's and the u. Syn.: furnishings, accessories
ac-cre-tion
(n.) 1] Cumulative growth or increase, or the whole resulting from such a process of growth:
an accretion of unwritten laws. 2] An addition from without:
Accretions of paint covered the original wood.
ac-crue
(v.) ac-crued, ac-cru-ing 1] To come as a natural result, addition, or advantage:
Many benefits accrued to the nation when women became eligible to vote. 2] To be added periodically:
One year's interest had accrued on his savings account. Syn.: 2] accumulate, collect
ac-me
(n.) The highest point:
A Rolls Royce is considered the acme of automotive excellence. Syn.: height, peak, summit Ant.: depth, nadir
acolyte
(n.) An attendant, follower or helper generally of an important person
ac-qui-es-cent
(adj.) Willing to go along with something:
Because there was a school dance that night, the teacher was acquiescent to their request for less homework. -ac'qui-es'cence (n.) Syn.: compliant, agreeable Ant.: opposed, adverse
ac-tu-ar-y
(n.) ac-tu-ar-ies (pl.) A statistician who calculates and states risks, premiums, etc. for insurance purposes -ac'-tu-ar'i-al (adj.), ac'tu-ar'i-al-ly (adv.)
ac-tu-ate
(v.) ac-tu-at-ed, ac-tu-at.ing 1] To set into action or motion:
a lever actuated by an electric current. 2] To influence or impel to action:
He was actuated by feelings of pity. -ac'tu-a'tion, ac'tu-a'tor (n.) Syn.: move, drive, start, urge Ant.: discourage, prevent, stop
acumen
(n.) Shrewdness in understanding or dealing with a situation.
Business acumen.
addle
(v.i.) & (v.t.) addled (adj.) Make or become muddled or confused
ad-duce
(v.) ad-duced, ad-ducing To bring forward examples, reason, or proof for consideration in a discussion or analysis:
to adduce evidence on automobile safety records. Usage: Adduce implies offering facts or other evidence to support something that has been stated. Syn.: cite, allege
ad-i-pose
(adj.) Of or pertaining to fat; fatty:
adipose tissue
ad-nau-se-am
(adv.) A Latin phrase meaning to the point of causing nausea or disgust, especially by continued repetition or prolonged duration:
At the dedication dinner, speeches went on ad nauseam.
a-droit
(adj.) Skillful or prepared in the use of bodily or mental powers; dexterous or expert:
adroit in mathematics -a-droit'ness (n.) Syn.: clever, deft, handy Ant.: awkward, clumsy, dull
ad valorem
According to the value, a phrase applied to certain duties and taxes levied on goods, property, etc. as a percentage of their value.
adventitious
(adj.) adventitiousness (n.) Accidental, coming by chance
What the girl's parents look for in the boy is much more than some adventitious gifts like speech or manners. Syn.: accidental Ant.: planned
aegis
(n.) With the patronage or support
The students spearheaded a campaign under the aegis of the Amnesty International.
aerosol
(n.) A small container in which substance such as paint, deodorant or insecticide is kept under pressure. When you press the button the substance is forced out as fine spray.
aesthetic
(adj.) Of or showing appreciation of beauty, artistic, tasteful:
...timeless aesthetic values aesthete (n.): a person claiming to understand or appreciate beauty
Syn.: dilettante, connoisseur, virtuoso
af-fec-ta-tion
(n.) An artificial display or manner:
Grand father's love of classical music was mere affectation. Syn.: pretense, pose
af-fi-ance
(n.) (v.t.) af-fi-anced, af-fi-anc-ing (v.) To promise in marriage:
affianced to the girl he had known since childhood. Syn.: betroth, engage
affray
(n.) A noisy and violent fight especially in a public place
The men were charged with causing an affray. Syn.: fracas
affront
(v.t.) To insult openly or purposely
They were affronted by their abrupt dismissal (n.) a slight to one's dignity This is a serious affront to a large number of citizens.
aft
(n.) At or towards the rear of a ship or aircraft
...100 feet aft of the passengers' cabin.
aficionado
(n.) Devoted follower of some sport
Cricket aficionados have received the news of Australia pulling out of World Cup with chagrin.
after-glow
(n.) The pleasant feeling one has after an enjoyable experience.
We exulted in the after-glow of our historic win over South Africa.
agent provocateur
(n.) 1] Person hired to join a labour union, political party, etc. in order to incite its members to actions that will make them liable to penalty.
2] A secret agent of a foreign power especially one who incites citizens to rebellion, illegal acts, etc.
agglutination
(n.) agglutinative (adj.) 1] To stick together as with glue
2] To form (words) by joining (a term in linguistics).
ag-gran-dize-ment
(n.) The accumulation of power, rank, or wealth:
He put the welfare of his country above personal aggrandizement.
agitprop
(adj.) Of or for agitating, and propagandizing; a term originally used in the communist movement.
agog
(adj.) & (adv.) In a state of eager anticipation, excitement, or interest:
Her unexpected marriage set the town agog.
agnostic
(n.) One who believes that there can be no proof of the existence of God but does not deny the possibility that God exists.
agnosticism (n.)
agoraphobia
(n.) Fear of open spaces or going outside your home
agoraphobic (adj.)
agroforestry
(n.) The simultaneous use of (partially) wooded areas for the commercial growing of timber and the grazing of animals.
ai-le-ron
(n.) A movable part near the trailing edge of an airplane wing, used to bank the plane.
airy-fairy
(adj.) Not realistic, impractical, fanciful with no base in fact or commonsense. The usage of the word is peculiar to British isles.
airy-fairy nonsense
a-kim-bo
(adj.) & (adv.) With the hands on the hips and the elbows extended outward:
He stood defiantly with arms akimbo, awaiting my reply.
a-lac-ri-ty
(n.) Willingness or readiness to respond or act quickly:
The President responded with alacrity to the danger by calling up the National Guard. Syn.: quickness, promptness, speed, swiftness, liveliness Ant.: sluggishness, hesitation, reluctance
al-bu-men
(n.) The white of an egg
al-che-my
(n.) Chemistry as practiced in the Middle Ages. It was concerned chiefly with attempts to change base metals into gold.
-al'che-mist (n.)
al-fres-co
(adj.) & (adv.) In the open air; outdoors:
an alfresco exhibit We dined alfresco on the patio. Also spelled al fresco.
al-lay
(v.) al-layed, al-lay-ing To calm, pacify, or diminish:
His calmness allayed her anxiety. Syn.: soothe, quiet, moderate
all-clear
(n.) Siren blast or other signal that an air raid or practice alert is over
al-le-go-ry
(n.) al-le-go-ries (pl.) A story in which characters and images represent abstract ideas:
an allegory in which contentment was portrayed as a purring cat. -al'le-gor'i-cal (adj.) Syn.: parable, fable, apologue
allergic
(adj.) If you are allergic to something,
1] You become ill or develop rash when you eat it or come in contact with it.
2] In informal English, you dislike it very strongly and try to avoid it.
I happen to be allergic to Europe.
al-lit-er-a-tion
(n.) In a phrase or line, the presence of two or more words with the same initial sound,
as the lovely lilt of Lily's laughter. -al-lit'er-a-tive (adj.)
al-lude
(v.i.) al-lud-ed, al-lud-ing To make direct or casual mention (used with 'to'):
At the interview, she alluded to her father's influential friends.
al-lu-sion
(n.) A brief or indirect reference:
His allusions to another job offer resulted in a pay raise. Usage: Distinguish between this word and illusion (meaning fantasy) and the seldom-encountered elusion (meaning escape). An allusion, however brief, is based on reality; an illusion may have no basis whatsoever in reality.
alter ego
(n.) 1] Another aspect of oneself.
2] A very close friend or constant companion:
In ancient India, the Purohit was the alter ego of the King.
al-tru-ism
(n.) Selfless devotion to the well-being of another:
The Peace Corps appeals to youthful altruism. -al'tru-ist (n.), al'tru-is'tic (adj.) Syn.: unselfishness, idealism Ant.: selfishness, greed
a-lum-na
(a-lum'na) (n.) a-lum-nae (a-lum'ne) (pl.) A female graduate or former student of a school or college
a-lum-nus
(n.) a-lum-ni (a-lum'ni) (pl.) A male graduate or former student of a school or college
Usage: The plural alumni is often used to refer to graduates or students of coeducational institutions.
amaranthine
(adj.) 1] Of or like the Amaranth flower
2] Unfading or undying
3] Dark purplish-red
am-a-to-ry
(adj.) Pertaining to or exciting love, especially sexual love:
an amatory poem Syn.: erotic, amorous
ambivalence
(n.) Simultaneous conflicting feelings toward a person or thing, as love and hate.
She was in a state of ambivalence about having children. ambivalent (adj.) Syn.: uncertain, undecided Ant.: decided
amble
(n.) & (v.i.) A slow and relaxed pace and style of walking
I just ambled home through the village. Syn.: stroll, saunter Ant.: sprint, race
am-bro-sia
(am-bro'zha or am-bro'zhe-a) (n.) 1] In classical mythology, the food of the gods:
Nectar and ambrosia were the drink and food of the immortals. 2] Any very delicious food or drink
a-mel-io-rate
(a-mel'ya-rat) (v.t., v.i.); a-mel-io-rat-ed, a-mel-io-rat-ing To make or become better:
Congress was urged to pass legislation to ameliorate the condition of the American Indian. -a-mel-io-ration (n.) Syn.: improve Ant.: worsen, damage
amicus curiae
(n.) Legal term - a friend of the court who is called in for advice on some legal matter
a-mor-al
(a-mor'al) (adj.) Not concerned with, or lacking sense of, rightness and wrongness:
Some scientists regard the first atomic bomb project as an amoral effort-the development of the bomb rather than its potential use was the sole consideration. -a'mor-al'i-ty (n.), a-mor'al-ly (adv.)
amorphous
(adj.) Having no clear shape, structure or boundaries
...a large and amorphous department.
amortise
(v.t.) To put aside at intervals as in a sinking fund, for gradual payment (of a debt, loan, etc.)
amour propre
(n.) (French) Self-love, vanity, pride.
It hurt his amour propre when Susan spurned his marriage proposal.
am-phi-the-a-ter
(am'fa-the'a-tar) (n.) An oval structure with tiers of seats built around an open area:
Baseball stadiums are amphitheaters.
amusia
(n.) (a psychology term) Disorder characterised by inability to recognise or reproduce musical sounds
anadig
(n.) A watch which has both conventional dial and hands and a digital number display
anaerobe
(n.) A micro-organism that can live and grow where there is no free oxygen; it may not be able to grow if any oxygen is present
anaerobic (adj.)
analects
(n.) Collected literary excerpts or passages
...the Analects, a collection of Confucius teachings.
an-al-ge-sic
(an'al-je'zik) (adj.) (n.) (adj.) Promoting or pertaining to the alleviation of pain:
an analgesic drug (n.) A drug that alleviates pain:
Aspirin is an analgesic Syn.: painkiller
analogue
(n.) A technical term for watches and clocks with conventional dial and hands
analogy
(n.) A comparison or similarity between two things that are alike in some way.
He drew an analogy between horticulture and God watching over the world.
anchorperson
(n.) 1] A broadcaster who co-ordinates a programme on radio or T.V.
2] The last man on a cricket or relay team.
Anchorman and anchorwoman perform the same function; anchorette is an American term for anchorwoman.
anchorite
(n.) A person who lives alone and apart from society for religious meditation; a hermit; a recluse
Ant.: Sybarite
an-cho-vy
an'cho-ve, an'cha-ve (n.); an-cho-vies (pl.) A small, herring-like fish that is cut into small strips and packed in brine. This delicacy is often used to garnish salads or is served as an appetiser.
an-go-ra
(ang-gor'a) (n.) 1] A goat, originally from Ankara, Turkey, raised for its long, silky hair
2] The long, silky hair of this goat, or cloth woven from it
3] A variety of cat with long, silky hair
angst
(n.) An anxious, often neurotic feeling, caused by worrying about the state of the world. A literary word.
She was full of uncertainty and angst that reflected in her writings.
animism
(n.) 1] The doctrine that all life is produced by a spiritual force separate from matter
2] The belief that all natural phenomena have souls independent of their physical being
3] A belief in the existence of spirits and demons
animus
(n.) Animosity, ill-will
annotate
(v.t.) Add explanatory notes to:
annotation, annotator (n.) Arden Shakespeare's annotations to the bard's plays have been read by generations of college students.
annualize
(v.t.) Compute for a lesser period on the basis of a full year
Usage: Our company's half yearly results were annualised before releasing them for announcement to the public.
an-nu-i-ty
(n.); an-nu-i-ties (pl.) 1] Money paid yearly or at specific periods:
The widow receives an annuity from her husband's estate. 2] The right to receive or the obligation to pay such money
a-nom-a-lous
(adj.) Deviating from the ordinary rule or condition or from what would normally be expected; unusual:
The incorruptible politician was an anomalous person in the graft ridden city. Syn.: abnormal, atypical, aberrant Ant.: normal, usual, typical
a-nom-a-ly
(n.); a-nom-a-lies (pl.) 1] Deviation from the common rule, type, or form; irregularity
2] Anything anomalous:
The platypus, an egg-laying mammal, is an anomaly. Syn.: 1], 2] peculiarity, abnormality
annus mirabilis
(n.) A year regarded as critical or pivotal
anodyne
(n.) Balm
anomie
(n.) Lack of purpose, identity or ethical values in a person or in a society; rootlessness
anomic (adj.) It has been estimated that fifty percent of youth in these areas has no employment and little education creating conditions of an urban anomie (a Sociological term).
anosmia
(n.) Total or partial loss of sense of smell
ante
(n.) Before, prior. If you raise the ante or up the ante.
1] You increase the value of the stake in a gambling game
2] You raise your demands when you are in dispute or fighting
...The Hindutva forces will continue to raise the ante according to their own time-table. 3] Price, an amount paid
antecedents
(n.) Preceding events or circumstances that influence later developments; early life; ancestors
...Its antecedents were the great campaigns of the Liberal Party. ...The prehistoric antecedents of the horse. ...It is important to know a little atleast about antecedents of the people.
an-te-date
(v.); an-te-dat-ed, an-te-dat-ing 1] To be or occur earlier than:
The sword antedates the gun. 2] To assign to a date earlier than the actual one:
To antedate a cheque. Syn.: 1] precede, preexist 2] predate Ant.: 1] follow, come after 2] postdate
anthology
(n.) Collection of passages from literature especially poems.
Palmgrave's Golden Treasury is an anthology of poems spanning four centuries.
an-thro-poid
(adj.) (n.) (adj.) Like a human being in form or in other characteristics; manlike:
The gorilla is an anthropoid ape. (n.) A manlike ape, such as the chimpanzee
an-thro-po-mor-phic
(adj.) Described or thought of as having human form and human characteristics:
used in referring to a deity or to any being that is not human
-an'thro-po-mor'phism (n.)
an-ti-mo-ny
(n.) A silver-white, hard metallic element used in making alloys, and in medicine.
an-ti-quar-y
(n.); an-ti-quar-ies (pl.) A person who collects, deals in, or studies antiques and very ancient relics.
anti-dumping
(adj.) Designating or of laws, duties, tariffs that raise the prices of imported goods so that they cannot be sold esp. in bulk, at less than the cost of similar domestic goods or than the cost in the country of origin
apace
(adv.) At a fast pace, with speed; quickly
...when the economy grows apace under a deregulated regime.
a-per-ture
(n.) An opening or gap, as between sections of a solid object:
an aperture between her front teeth. Syn.: space, hole
aphasia
(n.) Loss of speech or of the ability to understand speech
aphorism
(n.) A short and clever or witty sentence which expresses a general truth
...The proper study of mankind is man. Syn.: maxim, adage, apothegm
a-pi-ar-y
(n.) A place where bees are kept.
A collection of hives or colonies of bees.
a-plomb
(n.) Assurance, self-confidence:
She acted with aplomb in the most difficult social situations. Spelling tip: Watch the silent 'b' Syn.: poise, self-possession, calmness Ant.: discomposure, confusion, embarrassment
a-poc-a-lyp-tic
(adj.) Of, like, or having to do with a revelation:
a sermon with almost apocalyptic overtones. Syn.: prophetic, revelatory
a-poc-ry-phal
(adj.) Having little or no authenticity:
He told an apocryphal story about lassoing a grizzly bear. Etym.: This word is derived from Apocrypha, the name for a group of books included in some versions of the Old Testament. (The Apocrypha is not included in others because it is considered unauthenticated.) Syn.: questionable, spurious, dubious Ant.: authentic, genuine, reliable
a-po-gee
(n.) 1] The point in the orbit of a celestial body, such as the Moon or an artificial satellite, that is farthest from the Earth.
2] Figuratively, the highest or farthest point:
at the apogee of his career. Syn.: 2] culmination, apex, climax Ant.: perigee
a-pos-ta-sy
(n.); a-pos-ta-sies (pl.) Desertion of one's faith, religion, party, principles, etc.
a-pos-tle
(n.) 1] A preacher or missionary, as one of Christ's twelve disciples
2] An early or important advocate of a cause:
one of the apostles of the ban-the-bomb movement Syn.: 1] evangelist, revivalist 2] espouser, promoter, supporter
apothegm
(n.) Short pithy saying:
Brevity is the soul of Wit.
apparatchik
(n.) A member of any political organisation or bureaucrat.
Liberalisation means that the decision to invest and produce no longer remains with the government or its apparatchiks.
ap-pease
(v.); ap-peased, ap-peas-ing 1] To make calm or peaceful, especially by conceding something or giving into demands:
Conciliatory moves by management tend to appease strikers. 2] To satisfy or cause to subside:
Appease your thirst with iced tea. Syn.: 1] placate, soothe, pacify 2] lessen, alleviate, ease Ant.: 1] aggravate, worsen, irritate 2] intensify, increase, magnify
ap-pel-la-tion
(ap'a-la'shan); (n.) A name or title, especially an added or identifying name as a nickname, pseudonym, etc., that is separate and distinct from a proper name:
The appellation of King Richard I was Richard the Lion Hearted. Syn.: designation, moniker, cognomen
ap-por-tion
(v.) To divide and give out proportionally or in keeping with some rule:
to apportion your time between various tasks. -ap-por'tion-ment (n.) Syn.: allot, prorate, allocate
apposite
(adj.) Strikingly appropriate; apt
An apposite remark. Note that this word differs in meaning from 'opposite'
apriori
(adj.) 1] From cause to effect or from generalisations to particular instances, deductively.
2] Based on theory, logic, fixed rules, etc. instead of experience or experiment
Ant.: aposteriory
ap-prise
(v.) ap-prised, ap-pris-ing To notify, as of some event:
to be apprised of a friend's engagement. Syn.: inform, tell, advise
ap-ro-pos
(adj.) & (adv.) (adj.) Suited to the time, place, or occasion:
Condolences are not apropos at a wedding. (adv.) At the proper time or in the proper way:
He spoke quite apropos. Usage: Apropos of: a phase meaning with reference to or in regard to: Apropos of our next meeting, remember to bring a present for an orphan. Syn.: (adj.) pertinent, appropriate, (adv.) pertinently, appropriately Ant.: (adj.) inopportune, irrelevant, (adv.) inopportunely, irrelevantly
aqueduct
(n.) Artificial channel for supplying water
aq-ui-line
(adj.) 1] Of or like an eagle
2] Curving or hooked, like an eagle's beak; an aquiline nose
Syn.: 2] bent, beaklike
ar-a-ble
(adj.) Capable of being plowed or cultivated:
Rocky soil is usually not arable.
ar-bi-tra-ry
(adj.) 1] Based merely on one's own opinion, judgment, prejudice, etc.:
When he finally learned all the facts he regretted his arbitrary decision. 2] Bound by no law or rules:
an arbitrary dictator (adv.) -ar'bi-trar'i-ly, (n.) ar'bi-trar'i-ness Syn.: 1] capricious 2] absolute, despotic Ant.: 1] reasonable 2] restricted, limited
ar-cane
(adj.) Secret; hidden:
The origin of rain was arcane to early Indians. Syn.: mysterious, obscure Ant.: commonplace, familiar
ar-chi-pel-a-go
(n.); ar-chi-pel-a-goes (pl.) 1] A group of many islands:
The Alaskan coast 2] A sea with many islands in it:
The Aegean Sea is known as 'the Archipelago'
ar-dor
(n.) Strong emotion or enthusiasm:
He spoke of his country with the ardor of a true patriot. Syn.: passion, fervor, zeal
argosy
(n.) 1] A large merchant ship
2] a fleet of such ships
Etym.: The word must have come from 'Ragusa' which the English acquired from the Italian. It meant 'Vessel from Ragusa' an important Port on the Dalmation coast.
argot
(n.) Special vocabulary used by a particular group of people which other people find difficult to understand.
The modern street argot
argus-eyed
(adj.) Keenly observant, vigilant, watchful.
argus: a hundred-eyed monster of Greek legend
argy-bargy
(n.) A lot of argument or fuss about something
She just couldn't face all the argy-bargy at home. The usage of this word is peculiar to Britain.
armada
(n.) Large fleet of war-ships.
The troops, together with a large naval armada and aerial support, are fighting a mock battle.
ar-mi-stice
(ar'ma-stis) (n.) An agreement to stop fighting for a short time:
During the armistice the two sides held peace talks. Spelling tip: Note the 'i' in the second syllable. Syn.: truce
ar-rant
(ar'ant) (adj.) Out-and-out; thorough (used in a negative sense):
arrant nonsense; arrant fool Syn.: downright, utter
arrogate
(ar'a-gat) (v.) Take or claim unjustly:
The chairman arrogated power to himself from the start. Syn.: assume, usurp, appropriate Ant.: delegate
ar-ti-fact
(ar'ta-fakt) (n.) An object - usually a simple one such as a tool, ornament, or container - made by human work:
Archaeologists discovered crude Indian shovels and other simple artifacts.
ar-ti-fice
(ar'ta-fis) (n.) A sly or clever trick:
He used every artifice to conceal his motive. Syn.: device, wile, ruse
a-skance
(a-skans') (adv.) 1] With distrust
Farmers took askance at city slickers. 2] With a side glance
She looked askance at the mirror as she hurried by.
asparagus
(n.) A vegetable with straight pale green shoots, which are cooked and eaten when they are young and tender
...asparagus soup
as-per-sion
(a-spur'zhan or a-spur'shan) (n.) A false or damaging report or remark
Do not cast aspersions on his good name. Syn.: slander, defamation Ant.: praise
assay
(v.t.) 1] To test the fineness, purity
...an assay on ore. 2] A trial or an attempt
as-sid-u-ous
(a-sij'oo-as) (adj.) Showing or marked by constant effort and attention
an assiduous student; assiduous research as-sid'u-ous-ly (adv.), as-sid'u-ous-ness (n.)
as-suage
(a-swaj') (v.); as-suaged, as-suag-ing 1] To make less harsh or severe
Time will assuage his grief. 2] To satisfy
The cold spring water assuaged his thirst.
as-trin-gent
(a-strin'jant) (n.) (adj.) (n.) A substance such as alum that draws body tissues together. It is sometimes used to stop bleeding and to tighten the skin.
(adj.) 1] Having the ability to draw body tissues together:
an astringent lotion for the skin 2] Harsh, stern
His astringent personal criticisms alienated his friends. -as-trin'gen-cy (n.), as-trin'gent-ly (adv.) Syn.: (adj.) 2] strict, sharp, biting Ant.: (adj.) 2] gentle, kindly
atavistic
(adj.) If you described the feelings or ways of behaving as atavistic you are suggesting that they are like the feelings or behaviour of your primitive ancestors
...the atavistic inheritance of the cavedweller.
atelier
(n.) Studio, workshop
at-ta-che
(at'a-sha') (n.) A person officially attached to a diplomatic mission or staff for a specific assignment.
a military attache
at-tri-tion
(a-trish'an) (n.) 1] A gradual wearing down or weakening:
a war of attrition; the attrition of a nation's economy 2] A rubbing or grinding down, as by friction
the attrition of rocks by glaciers
au-ger
(o'gar) (n.) A tool for boring into wood or into the ground
aught
(ot) (n.) The figure zero; naught; nothing
Spelling tip: Aught may also be spelled ought.
aug-ment
(og-ment') (v.) To make or become greater, as in size, number, or amount.
He augmented his small income by driving a taxi on weekends. Syn.: increase, enlarge Ant.: decrease, reduce
au-gur
(o'gar or o'gyar) (n.) (v.) (n.) A person who foretells the future
(v.) To be a sign or omen of:
Her good nature augurs lifelong popularity. Syn.: (n.) soothsayer, prophet
au-gust
(o-gust') (adj.) 1] Inspiring awe or reverence:
imposing the august beauty of the old cathedral 2] Of high rank or birth:
an august justice of the Supreme Court -au-gust'ly (adv.), au-gust'ness (n.) Syn.: 1] majestic, stately, awesome 2] honored, eminent
au na-tu-rel
(o na-to-el') 1] Plainly cooked, ungarnished:
potatoes served au naturel 2] In the natural condition; especially, in the nude:
to go swimming au naturel Etym.: Au naturel is a French expression that literally means 'naturally' or 'to the life'
auriferous
(adj.) Bearing or yielding gold
aus-ter-i-ty
(o-ster'a-te) (n.); aus-ter-i-ties (pl.) 1] Sternness and severity, as of conduct and appearance:
the austerity of the Puritans 2] Usually pl. Acts or practices of self-denial:
During a war people must endure many austerities. Syn.: 1] strictness, harshness 2] rigor, hardship Ant.: 2] indulgence, pleasure
autarchy
(n.) Absolute rule or sovereignty, autocracy, despotism. Note that this word differs in meaning from 'Autarky' which implies economic self-sufficiency.
autism
(n.) A state of mind characterised by day-dreaming, hallucination and disregard of external reality
au-toc-ra-cy
(o.tok're-se) (n.); au-toc-ra-cies (pl.) Absolute rule by one person, or a state so ruled:
Athens became an autocracy. -au-to-crat (o'ta-krat) (n.), au'to-crat'ic or au'to-crat'-i-cal (adj.), au'to-crat'i-cal-ly (adv.) Syn.: tyranny, dictatorship
a-vant-garde
(a-vant'gard' French a-van'-gard') (n.) (adj.) (n.) The group, especially in the arts, regarded as being the most experimental:
Op art and pop art were the rage among the avant-garde. (adj.) Having to do with the bold, new, or experimental:
New novels often exhibit avant-garde tendencies. Etym.: In French, this word literally means advance guard. Syn.: (adj.) innovative, radical, far-out, extreme Ant.: (adj.) conservative, old-fashioned, routine, traditional
av-a-rice
(av'a-ris) (n.) Passion for accumulating riches; greed:
Some politicians are motivated by avarice. Syn.: covetousness, acquisitiveness
aver
(v.t.) To declare to be true; state positively; affirm
av-o-ca-do
(av'a-ka'do or a'va-ka'do) (n.); av-a-ca-dos (pl.) The pear-shaped fruit of a West Indian tree, having a green skin and fleshy, edible pulp enclosing a single large pit
Syn.: alligator pear
av-o-ca-tion
(av'a-ka'shan) (n.) A casual or occasional occupation:
Her avocation was collecting stamps. Syn.: hobby, diversion, pastime
avuncular
(adj.) 1] Of an uncle
2] having traits considered typical of uncles:
jolly, indulgent
a-vow
(a-vou') (v.) To assert openly as fact; admit:
He avowed his part in the crime -a-vow'al (n.) Syn.: declare, acknowledge, assert Ant.: disavow, disown, deny
a-wry
(a-ri') (adj.) (adv.) 1] Toward one side:
Your cap is awry. 2] Wrong; out of the right course:
Our picnic plans went awry because of the rain.
ax-i-om
(ak'se-am) (n.) A self-evident or universally recognized truth:
It is an axiom that nature abhors a vacuum. Syn.: theorem, law, principle, truism
az-ure
(azh'ar) (n.) (adj.) Sky blue:
His favorite color was azure. Delphiniums have azure flowers.
