Essential word for Critical Reading pt 1

Abbreviate (v)

shorten, reduce, condense

Abundant (adj)

ample, plenty

Abridge (v)

compress, reduce, decrease

Abrupt (adj)

brief, blunt, rude

Absolute (adj)

complete, full, entire

Accentuate (v)

emphasize, highlight, focus on

Adamant (adj)

determine, unyielding, firm

Adept (adj)

capable, proficient, skilled

Adorn (v)

embellish, enhance, garnish

Adversary (n)

enemy, attacker, rival

Affluent (adj)

rich, prosperous, well-off

Affront (v)

insult, criticize, offend

Aghast (adj)

very surprised, appalled, shocked

Agenda (n)

calendar, schedule, plan

Agile (adj)

athletic, energetic, lively

Ailment (n)

illness, disease, sickness

Alleviate (v)

relieve, lessen, ease

Aloof (adj)

standoffish, detached, haughty

Ambiguous (adj)

unclear, vague, obscure

Ambivalence (n)

doubt, hesitation, uncertainty

Amiable (adj)

friendly, pleasant, agreeable

Ample (adj)

abundant, plentiful, sufficient

Animosity (n)

extreme dislike, hatred, hostility

Anomalous (adj)

unusual, atypical, unnatural

Anonymous (adj)

nameless, unknown, unidentified

Antagonist (n)

enemy, opponent, competitor

Appease (v)

satisfy, pacify, calm

Arduous (adj)

difficult, hard to endure, exhausting

Arid (adj)

dry, parched, moistureless

Aspire (v)

aim, hope, strive

Barren (adj)

desolate, empty, unproductive

Bias (n)

favoritism, partiality, preference

Bizarre (adj)

strange, wild, unusual

Blatant (adj)

shameless, conspicuous, overt

Bliss (n)

gladness, joy, euphoria

Boast (v)

brag, self-congratulate, flaunt

Boisterous (adj)

noisy, rowdy, unruly

Boycott (v)

avoid, ban, exclude

Calamity (n)

disaster, tragedy, mishap

Callous (adj)

insensitive, apathetic, heartless