Unit 1 Vocab Words

Abate

To diminish in intensity or severity; especially gradually.

Syn; Lessen, Diminish

Ant; Intensify

(of something perceived as hostile, threatening, or negative) become less intense or widespread.

Aberration

A departure from what's normally expected or unwelcome.

Syn; freak, deviation, quirk

Ant; normality, conformity

Abet

To encourage or assist someone in doing something wrong.

Syn; Assist, lend a hand, encourage

Ant; Hinder

Abject

experiencing or presenting in a very bad or severe way

Syn; crawling, creeping, fawning

Ant; Proud

Abrogate

To put an end to or cancel.

Syn; cancel, revoke

Ant; establish, preserve

Abstemious

Characterized by abstinence or moderation in eating and drinking.

Syn; self-denying, abstinent

Ant; greedy

Abstruse

Difficult for one of ordinary knowledge or intelligence to understand.

Syn; profound, esoteric

Ant; easy, shallow

Accolade

A formal expression of praise.

Syn; award, tribute

Ant; condemnation, censure

Accost

To approach someone in an angry, aggressive, or unwanted way.

Syn; confront, approach

Ant; avoid, evade

Accrue

To increase in amount as time passes.

Syn; accumulate, maximize, collect

Ant; lessen, diminish

Acerbic

Marked by the use of wit, intended to hurt feelings.

Syn; sarcastic, barbed

Ant; merry, playful

Acme

The highest part or point.

Syn; height, peak

Ant; bottom, fool

Acolyte

One who follows the opinions and teachings of another.

Syn; adherent, disciple

Ant; leader

Acquiesce

To give or express one's approval.

Syn; agree, consent

Ant; dissent, refuse, reject

Acrimonious

Having or showing deep-seated resentment.

Syn; angry, bitter

Ant; loving, sympathetic

Acumen

Judgment in practical matters.

Syn; intelligence, insight

Ant; simplicity, innocence

Adamant

Sticking to an opinion or course of action in spite of reason.

Syn; stubborn, hardened

Ant; obedient, complying

Admonition

An opinion suggesting a wise or proper course of action; a warning.

Syn; advice, guidance

Ant; pat on the back

Adulation

Excessive admiration or devotion to a person.

Syn; adoration, worship

Ant; condemnation, dismissal

Adbumbrate

To give a slight indication or beforehand.

Syn; anticipate, predict

Ant; condemnation, dismissal

Adventitious

Not being a vital part of anything or belonging to something.

Syn; irrelevant

Ant; inherent

Aeon

A long or seemingly long period of time.

Syn; forever, months

Ant; moment, flash

Aesthetic

Very pleasing to look at.

Syn; attractive, exquisite

Ant; ugly, hideous

Affable

Having a relaxed, casual manner.

Syn; easygoing, casual

Ant; formal, uptight

Affluent

Having goods, property, or money in abundance.

Syn; wealthy, rich

Ant; poor, disadvantaged