Word smart 1 & 2

Adding 15-20 new vocabs everyday.

ABASH (uh BASH)

v to make ashamed; to embarrass
Meredith felt abashed by her inability to remember her lines in the school chorus of "Old McDonald Had a Farm." To do something without shame or embarrassment is to do it unabashedly. Ken handed in a term paper that he had unabashedly copied from the National Enquirer.

ABATE (uh BAYT)

v to subside; to reduce
George spilled a pot of hot coffee on his leg. It hurt quite a bit. Then, gradually, the agony abated. Bad weather abates when good weather begins to return. A rain storm that does not let up continues unabated. A tax abatement is a reduction in taxes. Businesses are sometimes given tax abatements in return for building factories in places where there is a particular need for jobs.

ABDICATE (AB duh kayt)

v to step down from a position of power or responsibility
When King Edward VIII of England decided he would rather be married to Wallis Warfield Simpson, an American divorcée, than be king of England, he turned in his crown and abdicated. Even people who aren't monarchs can abdicate duties and responsibilities. Mary abdicated her responsibility as a baby-sitter by locking the five-year-old in a closet and flying to the Bahamas.

ABERRATION (ab uh RAY shun)

n something not typical; a deviation from the standard. Tom's bad behavior was an aberration; he usually behaved well, so this was surprising. Similarly, Harry's good behavior was also an aberration, as he was typically mischief-prone. A snowstorm in June is an aberration; snow doesn't normally fall in that month. Additionally, the chef at this restaurant is dreadful; the good meal we just had was an aberration in an otherwise poor dining experience.

ABHOR (ab HOR)

v to hate very, very much; to detest. To abhor something means to view it with horror; for instance, Emanuel abhorred having anvils dropped on his head, an experience that filled him with dread. Additionally, many people abhor the thought of eating raw chicken livers, finding them particularly disgusting.

ABJECT (AB jekt)

adj hopeless; extremely sad and servile; defeated; utterly bummed out. An abject person is crushed and without hope, like a slave who has lost all semblance of dignity and freedom. The term is often associated with poverty; for example, abject poverty refers to desperate conditions where people lack basic necessities. Writers frequently use the phrase "abject poverty" out of convenience, rather than finding more original expressions.

ABNEGATE (AB nuh gayt)

v to deny oneself things; to reject; to renounce. Samantha abnegated desserts for one month after realizing her weight had increased. This shows she prioritized her health over indulgence. Additionally, ascetics practice self-abnegation, giving up worldly pleasures in pursuit of spiritual purity.

ABORTIVE (uh BOR tiv)

adj unsuccessful. Mary and Elisabeth made an abortive effort to bake a birthday cake; their attempt failed completely when they forgot essential ingredients. Another example is Fred's abortive attempt to climb the mountain; he fell off halfway up, marking his effort as unsuccessful. The term 'abortive' is often used in contexts where something has been cut short or ended before completion.

ABRIDGE (uh BRIJ)

v to shorten; to condense. The thoughtful editor abridged the massive book by removing uninteresting sections, making it more accessible. An abridged dictionary is designed to be compact, eliminating lengthy definitions that aren't necessary. This practice is common in creating simplified reading materials.

ABSOLUTE (AB suh loot)

adj total; unlimited; perfect. An absolute ruler governs with no constraints, signifying unmatched power and authority. Similarly, an absolute mess refers to a situation that is completely chaotic and uncontrollable. In a philosophical context, the term can refer to an absolute truth, which is universally applicable without exceptions.

ABSOLVE (ab ZOLV)

v to forgive or free from blame; to free from sin; to free from an obligation. The priest absolved the sinner who confessed his wrongdoings, granting him forgiveness. Tom's admission of guilt absolved Dick, demonstrating that one person's truth can clear another's name. Furthermore, a person can be absolved of responsibilities, as when Bill told Mary it was fine if she didn't attend the prom.

ABSTINENT (AB stuh nunt)

adj abstaining; voluntarily not doing something, especially something pleasant that is bad for you or has a bad reputation. Beulah was once a chain-smoker but is now abstinent, showing her commitment to health. Cynthia, while dieting, tried to be abstinent but ultimately failed when she was tempted by a chocolate cake.

ABSTRACT (AB strakt)

adj theoretical; impersonal. To appreciate something in the abstract means to appreciate its concept or idea without engaging with its reality. For instance, someone might like the idea of oysters in the abstract but find them distasteful when tried. This illustrates that abstract concepts can often differ from personal experiences.

ABSTRUSE (ab STROOS)

adj hard to understand. The professor's article, which explored complex philosophical ideas, was very abstruse, leaving students confused about its content. Additionally, nuclear physics is often considered an abstruse subject, with its complex theories challenging even the brightest minds.

ABYSMAL (uh BIZ mul)

adj extremely hopeless or wretched; bottomless. An abyss (uh BIS) signifies a deep nullity; abysmal despair refers to hopelessness so profound that a resolution seems unattainable. For example, the nation's debt crisis was abysmal, offering no viable solutions. Sometimes, people use 'abysmal' loosely to describe poor performance, such as a losing sports team's efforts being called abysmal.

ACCOLADE (AK uh layd)

n an award; an honor. Typically used in the plural, accolades can refer to the many awards received by a celebrated author throughout their career. For instance, the first break-dancing troupe to perform at Carnegie Hall, the Teflon Toughs, received the accolades of both critics and fans, highlighting their significant achievement.

ACCOST (uh KAWST)

v to approach and speak to someone. Amanda unexpectedly accosted a stranger on the street, only to be embarrassed when she realized he was an old blind man. Another example might involve a reporter who accosted a celebrity for an impromptu interview, highlighting their boldness.

ACERBIC (uh SUR bik)

adj bitter; sour; severe. Barry sat quietly while our teacher read her acerbic comments on his homework, feeling the sting of her harsh critique. Acerb and acerbic are synonymous; an acerbic tone can often alienate others in conversations.

ACQUIESCE (ak wee ES)

v to comply passively; to accept; to assent; to agree. To acquiesce is to do something without objection, as in the case where pirates demanded Pete walk the plank, leading him to acquiesce quietly to their demands to avoid conflict. This concept is noteworthy, as acquiescing generally implies submission without enthusiasm.

ACRID (AK rid)

adj harsh; like acid. The chili served at the party had an acrid taste, causing some guests to wince. Long after the fire was extinguished, the acrid scent of smoke lingered, offensive to those nearby. This word often describes tastes and odors that are severely unpleasant.

ACRIMONIOUS (ak ruh MOH nee us)

adj full of spite; bitter; nasty. George and Elizabeth's discussion became acrimonious when their dialogue shifted to sensitive matters, each accusing the other of faults. A similarly acrimonious situation might arise during political debates, where candidates refuse to acknowledge each other to avoid conflict.

ACUMEN (AK yoo mun)

n keenness of judgment; mental sharpness. A person demonstrating business acumen can efficiently turn a small investment into significant wealth, like a savvy entrepreneur might do. Conversely, someone's lack of acumen can lead to significant pitfalls, as seen when Ernie invested all his savings into a failing enterprise.

ACUTE (uh KYOOT)

adj sharp; shrewd. Someone with acute eyesight can spot fine details that escape others, showcasing a natural perceptiveness. Similarly, an acute mind possesses quick intelligence, often leading to innovations or solutions others cannot envision. Doctors frequently use the term in describing conditions; acute illnesses manifest rapidly and intensely.

ADAMANT (AD uh munt)

adj stubborn; unyielding; completely inflexible. Candice was adamant in her decision to never date Paul again, reflecting her firm resolve. Similarly, a substance as hard as diamond is described as adamant, illustrating its unyielding nature.

ADDRESS (uh DRES)

v to speak to; to direct one's attention to. When addressing a convention, a speaker’s goal is to engage the audience with meaningful content. Likewise, addressing a pressing issue means confronting it head-on, such as when a leader tackles community challenges.

ADHERENT (ad HEER unt)

n follower; supporter; believer. The king's adherents showed their loyalty by organizing a grand birthday celebration, emphasizing their commitment to him. Various groups or ideologies can have adherents, like a political movement garnering a dedicated following among its supporters.

ADMONISH (ad MAHN ish)

v to scold gently; to warn. A mother might admonish her children not to eat the pie too quickly, gently reminding them to pace themselves. Conversely, when her children did it anyway, she admonished them again for disobedience, showcasing the dual nature of this term's meaning.

ADROIT (uh DROYT)

adj skillful; clever; shrewd. A left-handed dancer might be surprisingly adroit, showcasing a unique agility that surprises observers. This skill is often revered in fields requiring finesse, such as art, where a dexterous artist can create masterpieces.

ADULATION (aj uh LAY shun)

n wild or excessive admiration; flattery. The rock star, when performing, is often met with the adulation of fans, signifying their overwhelming admiration. Conversely, his secretary thrived on his adulation, reflecting her own desire for recognition.

ADULTERATE (uh DUL tuh rayt)

v to contaminate; to make impure. When we discovered our orange juice was adulterated with harmful substances, it represented a severe health risk. Vegetarianism often leads individuals to avoid adulterated foods, seeking pure, untainted options.

ADVERSE (ad VURS)

adj unfavorable; antagonistic. Adverse weather conditions can disrupt travel plans, often resulting in cancellations. Athletes trained for competitions must learn to perform under adverse conditions, demonstrating resilience when faced with challenges.

AESTHETIC (es THET ik)

adj having to do with artistic beauty; artistic. A person with a keen aesthetic sense can find beauty in unconventional artworks, appreciating styles that others might overlook. This sensitivity to art can significantly impact critical reception and affect public perception.

AFFABLE (AF uh bul)

adj easy to talk to; friendly. Susan was known for being affable, effortlessly starting conversations with strangers. The Jeffersons' dog, although large, was affable, well-liked by children despite its size.

AFFECTATION (af ek TAY shun)

n unnatural or artificial behavior, usually intended to impress. Bucky's English accent is merely an affectation, adopted after a brief visit overseas. Elizabeth's odd behavior, pretending not to know how to turn on a TV, is another affectation, aimed to impress others.

AFFINITY (uh FIN uh tee)

n sympathy; attraction; kinship; similarity. Ducks have an innate affinity for water, as they always seem to gravitate towards it. Children often show an affinity for mischief, finding themselves in trouble repeatedly.

AFFLUENT (AF loo unt)

adj rich; prosperous. An affluent person has the means to enjoy luxury items and experiences, indicating their wealth. Similarly, a country filled with affluent individuals can experience strong economic growth.

AGENDA (uh JEN duh)

n program; the things to be done. A meeting agenda typically includes topics to cover, like budget discussions and team projects. Politicians often have an agenda, outlining their goals and aspirations to accomplish during their term.

AGRARIAN (uh GRAR ee un)

adj relating to land; relating to the management or farming of land. Agrarian movements often advocate for policies that support rural communities and farming interests. Agricultural education programs focus on teaching students about various aspects of land management and farming.

AGGREGATE (AG ruh gut)

n sum total; a collection of separate things mixed together. An aggregate amount of contributions from different sources can fund a community project successfully. Likewise, chili served as an aggregate dish consists of various ingredients, like meat and beans mixed together.

AGNOSTIC (ag NAHS tik)

n one who believes that the existence of a god can be neither proven nor disproven. An agnostic remains open to possibilities without committing to either belief. In contrast, atheists firmly reject belief in a deity.

ALACRITY (uh LAK ri tee)

n cheerful eagerness or readiness to respond. David exhibited great alacrity when helping his parents, racing to assist them as they loaded the car. This eagerness can reflect a positive attitude towards tasks, especially in social contexts.

ALLEGE (uh LEJ)

v to assert without proof. If Bill alleges that someone stole his hat, he claims it without providing evidence, leading to a potentially contentious situation. In legal contexts, such allegations lead to serious implications, as accusations must be investigated thoroughly.

ALLEVIATE (uh LEE vee ayt)

v to relieve, usually temporarily or incompletely; to make bearable; to lessen. Aspirin can alleviate pain, offering temporary relief to users experiencing discomfort. Additionally, visiting a serene park can alleviate stress, providing a calming environment.

ALLOCATE (AL uh kayt)

v to distribute; to assign, to allot. During the failed road trip, David and his friends had to allocate blame to determine what went wrong. Allocating resources efficiently in a project can be crucial for its success, ensuring everything is in the right place.

ALLOY (AL oy)

n a combination of two or more things, usually metals. Brass, an alloy made from mixing copper and zinc, represents a practical application in various objects. An alloy often has properties that differ from its components, leading to new functional characteristics.

ALLUSION (uh LOO zhun)

n an indirect reference; a hint. When referencing Shakespeare, one makes an allusion without quoting directly; for example, referring to a character's dilemma in "Hamlet" as an example of indecision. An allusion requires the listener to be knowledgeable about the context to grasp the reference fully.

ALOOF (uh LOOF)

adj uninvolved; standing off; keeping one's distance. Al felt aloof while observing the football game from the sidelines, preferring not to engage. Cats are often perceived as aloof because they maintain independence and often shy away from human interaction.

ALTRUISM (AL troo iz um)

n selflessness; generosity; devotion to the interests of others. Altruism can vary from small acts of kindness, such as helping a neighbor, to significant contributions, like funding charitable projects. Conversely, altruistic individuals act selflessly, caring for others without seeking personal gain.

AMBIENCE (AM bee uns)

n atmosphere; mood; feeling. The restaurant created a warm ambience through gentle lighting and soft music, attracting diners seeking a pleasant experience. Similarly, a home with a lively decor can foster an inviting ambience that feels welcoming.

AMBIGUOUS (am BIG yoo us)

adj unclear in meaning; confusing; capable of being interpreted in different ways. The instructions were ambiguous, leaving readers unsure of how to proceed; they could interpret several meanings from vague wording. Artistic expressions can also be ambiguous; for instance, a poem might evoke diverse interpretations from its audience.

AMBIVALENT (am BIV uh lunt)

adj undecided; neutral; wishy-washy. Susan felt ambivalent about continuing her relationship with George, torn between breaking up and wanting to stay. This ambivalence is highlighted in her conflicting emotions whenever they argue, showcasing the complexity of her feelings.

AMELIORATE (uh MEEL yuh rayt)

v to make better or more tolerable; to improve a bad situation. Adding new public transit routes helped ameliorate the city's severe traffic congestion. Her kind words did little to ameliorate his deep sense of disappointment.

AMENABLE (uh MEE nuh bul)

adj obedient; willing to give in to the wishes of another; agreeable. Although he was initially hesitant about the new policy, he proved amenable to the team's proposed changes. The patient was amenable to trying alternative treatments after discussing them with her doctor.

AMENITY (uh MEN i tee)

n pleasantness; an attractive or comfortable feature; a useful facility. The hotel offers every modern amenity, including a heated indoor pool and a 24-hour fitness center. Having a park within walking distance is a great amenity for families living in the neighborhood.

AMIABLE (AY mee uh bul)

adj friendly; agreeable; good-natured and pleasant in disposition. She was an amiable host who immediately made all of her guests feel welcome and comfortable. Despite their heated debate, the two colleagues maintained an amiable relationship.

AMNESTY (AM nuh stee)

n an official pardon for a group of people who have violated a law or policy; an act of forgiveness. The government declared a general amnesty for nonviolent offenders to promote peace. The city offered a tax amnesty program allowing citizens to pay overdue bills without incurring extra penalties.

AMORAL (ay MOR ul)

adj lacking a sense of right and wrong; neither good nor bad; without moral feelings. Unlike immoral behavior, which actively violates ethics, amoral actions stem from a complete absence of moral awareness. Financial markets are fundamentally amoral, operating strictly on supply and demand rather than ethical considerations.

AMOROUS (AM ur us)

adj feeling loving, especially in a romantic or sexual sense; strongly inclined toward love. He sent her amorous letters every week while they were living in different countries. The film depicts the amorous misadventures of several young couples during a summer vacation.

AMORPHOUS (uh MOR fus)

adj shapeless; lacking a definite or stable form; bloblike; unorganized. The cloud formed an amorphous shape in the sky before dispersing completely in the wind. What began as an amorphous set of ideas eventually developed into a clear, structured project plan.

ANACHRONISM (uh NAK ruh niz um)

n something out of place in time or historical period; an incongruity. Seeing a character check a modern smartphone in a movie set in the 19th century was an obvious anachronism. In an era dominated by digital communication, writing physical letters can feel like a charming anachronism.

ANALOGY (uh NAL uh jee)

n a comparison of one thing to another based on similarity; an explanation of a complex idea through a familiar one. The teacher drew an analogy between the human heart and a water pump to help the students understand circulation. Finding a good analogy makes abstract scientific concepts much easier for beginners to grasp.