English Vocabulary - Letter A

Flashcards testing vocabulary words starting with the letter A, including parts of speech and verbatim definitions.

What is the definition of the word 'abbreviation'?

A quite-long word meaning "short form."

What does the adjective 'abject' mean?

Sunk to or existing in a low state, perhaps of depression.

What is the definition of the verb 'abort'?

To halt an ongoing process or act.

What does 'abortive' mean?

Failing to accomplish an intended result.

What is 'absolutism'?

A political theory that the government needs absolute power over its citizens.

How is the word 'abstruse' defined?

Incomprehensible to someone of ordinary understanding or knowledge.

What is the definition of 'absurd'?

Ridiculous or silly.

What is 'absurdity'?

Quality of being ridiculous and silly.

What does the word 'acclaim' mean?

Fame and mass approval.

What is an 'acolyte'?

Apprentice or student.

What is the definition of 'acquiesce'?

To agree or express agreement.

How is the adjective 'acrid' described?

Harsh or sharp smelling, like vinegar.

What does 'acumen' mean?

Shrewdness shown by keen insight.

What is the definition of 'acute'?

Being sharp, or less than 90 degrees.

What does the adverb 'acutely' mean?

In a sharp manner.

What is 'acuteness'?

The quality of having a sharp edge or point.

How is the word 'adamant' defined?

Unable to have one's mind changed.

What does 'adamantly' mean?

Done in an inflexible way.

What is the meaning and language of origin for 'addendum'?

Latin for "added thing."

What is the definition of the verb 'addle'?

To mix up or confuse.

How is 'adjacent' defined?

Beside, with an edge touching, as in the case of two plots of real estate.

What does 'affluent' mean?

Rich.

What is the definition of 'alacrity'?

Liveliness and eagerness.

How is an 'alchemist' described?

One who was versed in ancient chemistry and who wanted to create things such as an elixir of eternal youth or to turn lead into gold, perhaps using the philosopher's stone.

What is an 'alloy'?

A mixture containing two or more metallic elements or metallic and non-metallic elements usually fused together or dissolving into each other when molten.

What is the definition of 'allusion'?

A reference to something else.

What does 'alpha' mean?

The first letter of the Greek alphabet; something that is first.

What is an 'altercation'?

A fight.

What does the word 'amoral' mean?

The state of having no ethics.

How is 'ampersand' defined?

The "and" symbol on a computer keyboard (example: &).

What is the definition of 'annihilate'?

To destroy.

What is an 'anomaly'?

A thing which is unusual and inconsistent with what would be expected.

What does 'anthropomorphize' mean?

To imagine something inhuman (for instance, death, or hope or a river) as having human characteristics.

What are 'antiquities'?

Old things.

How is 'apocalypse' defined?

The final revelation of all things, the end of the world.

What does the adjective 'apocalyptic' mean?

Extremely serious, like the world is ending.

What does 'apoplectic' mean?

Showing symptoms of stroke, greatly excited or angered.

What is an 'apparition'?

A ghostly appearing figure.

What is the definition of 'apt'?

Likely to.

How is 'aquiline' defined?

Eagle-like. often used to describe hooked, beaky noses.

What does 'archaic' mean?

Old, from ancient times.

What is the definition of 'ardent'?

Characterized by intense emotion.

What does 'ardently' mean?

In an intensely emotional way.

What is 'ardour'?

Strong feelings of great warmth and intensity.

How is an 'artifact' defined?

A found, ancient and usually archaeological object.

What are 'aspirations'?

Hopes, dreams, ambitions.

What is an 'assassin' and what is its etymology?

Person hired to kill someone, from the Arabic word for hashish.

What does the adverb 'assiduously' mean?

With care and persistence.

How is 'austere' defined?

Severe, unkind.