GRE Wordlist 1 : abase - adroit

1.abase	lower; degrade; humiliate; make humble; make (oneself) lose self-respect	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): abased; abas·ing Etymology: Middle English abassen, from Middle French abaisser, from a- (from Latin ad-) + (assumed) Vulgar Latin bassiare to lower 1 archaic : to lower physically 2 : to lower in rank, office, prestige, or esteem - abase·ment /-'bA-sm&nt/ noun
2.abash	embarrass	Function: transitive verb Etymology: Middle English abaishen, from (assumed) Middle French abaiss-, abair to astonish, alteration of Middle French esbair, from ex- + baer to yawn -- more at ABEYANCE : to destroy the self-possession or self-confidence of : DISCONCERT synonym see EMBARRASS - abash·ment /-m&nt/ noun
3.abate	subside or moderate	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): abat·ed; abat·ing Etymology: Middle English, from Old French abattre to beat down -- more at REBATE transitive senses 1 a : to put an end to <abate a nuisance> b : NULLIFY <abate a writ> 2 a : to reduce in degree or intensity : MODERATE b : to reduce in value or amount : make less especially by way of relief <abate a tax> 3 : DEDUCT, OMIT <abate part of the price> 4 a : to beat down or cut away so as to leave a figure in relief b obsolete : BLUNT 5 : DEPRIVE intransitive senses 1 : to decrease in force or intensity 2 a : to become defeated or become null or void b : to decrease in amount or value - abat·er noun synonyms ABATE, SUBSIDE, WANE, EBB mean to die down in force or intensity. ABATE stresses the idea of progressive diminishing <the storm abated>. SUBSIDE implies the ceasing of turbulence or agitation <the protests subsided after a few days>. WANE suggests the fading or weakening of something good or impressive <waning enthusiasm>. EBB suggests the receding of something (as the tide) that commonly comes and goes <the ebbing of daylight>. synonym see in addition DECREASE
4.abbreviate	shorten	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): -at·ed; -at·ing Etymology: Middle English, from Late Latin abbreviatus, past participle of abbreviare -- more at ABRIDGE : to make briefer; especially : to reduce to a shorter form intended to stand for the whole synonym see SHORTEN - ab·bre·vi·a·tor /-"A-t&r/ noun
5.abdicate	renounce; give up (position, right, or responsibility)	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): -cat·ed; -cat·ing Etymology: Latin abdicatus, past participle of abdicare, from ab- + dicare to proclaim -- more at DICTION transitive senses 1 : to cast off : DISCARD 2 : to relinquish (as sovereign power) formally intransitive senses : to renounce a throne, high office, dignity, or function - ab·di·ca·ble /-k&-b&l/ adjective - ab·di·ca·tion /"ab-di-'kA-sh&n/ noun - ab·di·ca·tor /'ab-di-"kA-t&r/ noun synonyms ABDICATE, RENOUNCE, RESIGN mean to give up a position with no possibility of resuming it. ABDICATE implies a giving up of sovereign power or sometimes an evading of responsibility such as that of a parent <abdicated the throne>. RENOUNCE may replace it but often implies additionally a sacrifice for a greater end <renounced her inheritance by marrying a commoner>. RESIGN applies to the giving up of an unexpired office or trust <resigned from the board>.
6.aberrant	abnormal or deviant	Function: adjective Etymology: Latin aberrant-, aberrans, present participle of aberrare to go astray, from ab- + errare to wander, err 1 : straying from the right or normal way 2 : deviating from the usual or natural type : ATYPICAL - ab·er·rance /-&n(t)s/ noun - ab·er·ran·cy /-&n(t)-sE/ noun - ab·er·rant·ly adverb
7.aberration	deviation from the normal; mental disorder	Function: noun Etymology: Latin aberrare 1 : the fact or an instance of being aberrant especially from a moral standard or normal state 2 : failure of a mirror, refracting surface, or lens to produce exact point-to-point correspondence between an object and its image 3 : unsoundness or disorder of the mind 4 : a small periodic change of apparent position in celestial bodies due to the combined effect of the motion of light and the motion of the observer 5 : an aberrant individual - ab·er·ra·tion·al /-shn&l, -sh&-n&l/ adjective
8.abet	assist usually in doing something wrong; encourage	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): abet·ted; abet·ting Etymology: Middle English abetten, from Middle French abeter, from Old French, from a- (from Latin ad-) + beter to bait, of Germanic origin; akin to Old English b[AE]tan to bait 1 : to actively second and encourage (as an activity or plan) : FORWARD 2 : to assist or support in the achievement of a purpose <abetted the thief in his getaway> synonym see INCITE - abet·ment /-m&nt/ noun - abet·tor or abet·ter /&-'be-t&r/ noun
9.abeyance	suspended action	Function: noun Etymology: Middle French abeance expectation, from abaer to desire, from a- + baer to yawn, from Medieval Latin batare 1 : temporary inactivity : SUSPENSION 2 : a lapse in succession during which there is no person in whom a title is vested
10.abhor	detest; hate	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): ab·horred; ab·hor·ring Etymology: Middle English abhorren, from Latin abhorrEre, from ab- + horrEre to shudder -- more at HORROR : to regard with extreme repugnance : LOATHE synonym see HATE - ab·hor·rer /-'hor-&r/ noun
11.abject	(of a condition) wretched; as low as possible; lacking pride; very humble; showing lack of self-respect; Ex. abject apology	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English, from Latin abjectus, from past participle of abicere to cast off, from ab- + jacere to throw -- more at JET 1 : sunk to or existing in a low state or condition <to lowest pitch of abject fortune thou art fallen -- John Milton> 2 a : cast down in spirit : SERVILE, SPIRITLESS <a man made abject by suffering> b : showing utter hopelessness or resignation <abject surrender> 3 : expressing or offered in a humble and often ingratiating spirit <abject flattery> <an abject apology> synonym see MEAN - ab·ject·ly /'ab-"jek(t)-lE, ab-'/ adverb - ab·ject·ness /-"jek(t)-n&s, -'jek(t)-/ noun
12.abjure	renounce upon oath	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): ab·jured; ab·jur·ing Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French abjurer, from Latin abjurare, from ab- + jurare to swear -- more at JURY 1 a : to renounce upon oath b : to reject solemnly 2 : to abstain from : AVOID <abjure extravagance> - ab·jur·er noun synonyms ABJURE, RENOUNCE, FORSWEAR, RECANT, RETRACT mean to withdraw one's word or professed belief. ABJURE implies a firm and final rejecting or abandoning often made under oath <abjured the errors of his former faith>. RENOUNCE often equals ABJURE but may carry the meaning of disclaim or disown <renounced abstract art and turned to portrait painting>. FORSWEAR may add to ABJURE an implication of perjury or betrayal <I cannot forswear my principles>. RECANT stresses the withdrawing or denying of something professed or taught <if they recant they will be spared>. RETRACT applies to the withdrawing of a promise, an offer, or an accusation <the newspaper had to retract its allegations against the mayor>.
13.ablution	washing	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French or Late Latin; Middle French, from Late Latin ablution-, ablutio, from Latin abluere to wash away, from ab- + lavere to wash -- more at LYE 1 a : the washing of one's body or part of it (as in a religious rite) b plural : the act or action of bathing 2 plural, British : a building housing bathing and toilet facilities on a military base - ab·lu·tion·ary /-sh&-"ner-E/ adjective
14.abnegation	renunciation; self-sacrifice; self-abnegation	Function: noun Etymology: Late Latin abnegation-, abnegatio, from Latin abnegare to refute, from ab- + negare to deny -- more at NEGATE : DENIAL; especially : SELF-DENIAL
15.abolish	cancel; put an end to	Function: transitive verb Etymology: Middle English abolisshen, from Middle French aboliss-, stem of abolir, from Latin abolEre; probably akin to adolescere to grow up -- more at ADULT 1 : to end the observance or effect of : ANNUL 2 : DESTROY - abol·ish·able /-li-sh&-b&l/ adjective - abol·ish·er noun - abol·ish·ment /-m&nt/ noun
16.abominate	loathe; hate	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): -nat·ed; -nat·ing Etymology: Latin abominatus, past participle of abominari, literally, to deprecate as an ill omen, from ab- + omin-, omen omen : to hate or loathe intensely : ABHOR synonym see HATE - abom·i·na·tor /-"nA-t&r/ noun
17.abominable	detestable; extremely unpleasant	Function: adjective 1 : worthy of or causing disgust or hatred : DETESTABLE <the abominable treatment of the poor> 2 : quite disagreeable or unpleasant <abominable weather> - abom·i·na·bly /-blE/ adverb
18.aboriginal	being the first of its kind in a region; primitive; native; indigenous; N. aborigine	Function: adjective 1 : being the first or earliest known of its kind present in a region <aboriginal forests> <aboriginal rocks> 2 a : of or relating to aborigines b often capitalized : of or relating to the indigenous peoples of Australia synonym see NATIVE - ab·orig·i·nal·ly adverb
19.abortive	unsuccessful; fruitless	Function: adjective 1 obsolete : prematurely born 2 : FRUITLESS, UNSUCCESSFUL 3 : imperfectly formed or developed 4 : tending to cut short - abor·tive·ly adverb - abor·tive·ness noun
20.abrasive	rubbing away; tending to grind down	Function: noun : a substance (as emery or pumice) used for abrading , smoothing, or polishing
21.abridge	condense or shorten	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): abridged; abridg·ing Etymology: Middle English abregen, from Middle French abregier, from Late Latin abbreviare, from Latin ad- + brevis short -- more at BRIEF 1 a archaic : DEPRIVE b : to reduce in scope : DIMINISH <attempts to abridge the right of free speech> 2 : to shorten in duration or extent <modern transportation that abridges distance> 3 : to shorten by omission of words without sacrifice of sense : CONDENSE synonym see SHORTEN - abridg·er noun
22.abrogate	abolish	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): -gat·ed; -gat·ing Etymology: Latin abrogatus, past participle of abrogare, from ab- + rogare to ask, propose a law -- more at RIGHT 1 : to abolish by authoritative action : ANNUL 2 : to treat as nonexistent <abrogating their responsibilities> synonym see NULLIFY - ab·ro·ga·tion /"a-br&-'gA-sh&n/ noun
23.abscission	cutting off; separation	Function: noun Etymology: Latin abscission-, abscissio, from abscindere 1 : the act or process of cutting off : REMOVAL 2 : the natural separation of flowers, fruit, or leaves from plants at a special separation layer
24.abscond	depart secretly and hide	Function: intransitive verb Etymology: Latin abscondere to hide away, from abs- + condere to store up, conceal -- more at CONDIMENT : to depart secretly and hide oneself - ab·scond·er noun
25.absolute	complete; totally unlimited; having complete power; certain; not relative; Ex. absolute honesty/ruler; CF. absolutism	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English absolut, from Latin absolutus, from past participle of absolvere to set free, absolve 1 a : free from imperfection : PERFECT b : free or relatively free from mixture : PURE <absolute alcohol> c : OUTRIGHT, UNMITIGATED <an absolute lie> 2 : being, governed by, or characteristic of a ruler or authority completely free from constitutional or other restraint 3 a : standing apart from a normal or usual syntactical relation with other words or sentence elements <the absolute construction this being the case in the sentence "this being the case, let us go"> b of an adjective or possessive pronoun : standing alone without a modified substantive <blind in "help the blind" and ours in "your work and ours" are absolute> c of a verb : having no object in the particular construction under consideration though normally transitive <kill in "if looks could kill" is an absolute verb> 4 : having no restriction, exception, or qualification <an absolute requirement> <absolute freedom> 5 : POSITIVE, UNQUESTIONABLE <absolute proof> 6 a : independent of arbitrary standards of measurement b : relating to or derived in the simplest manner from the fundamental units of length, mass, and time <absolute electric units> c : relating to, measured on, or being a temperature scale based on absolute zero <absolute temperature>; specifically : KELVIN <10° absolute> 7 : FUNDA
26.absolve	pardon (an offense)	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): ab·solved; ab·solv·ing Etymology: Middle English, from Latin absolvere, from ab- + solvere to loosen -- more at SOLVE 1 : to set free from an obligation or the consequences of guilt 2 : to remit (a sin) by absolution synonym see EXCULPATE - ab·solv·er noun
27.abstain	refrain; withhold from participation; intentionally not use one's vote;	Function: intransitive verb Etymology: Middle English absteinen, from Middle French abstenir, from Latin abstinEre, from abs-, ab- + tenEre to hold -- more at THIN : to refrain deliberately and often with an effort of self-denial from an action or practice - ab·stain·er noun
28.abstemious	sparing in eating and drinking; temperate	Function: adjective Etymology: Latin abstemius, from abs- + -temius; akin to Latin temetum intoxicating drink : marked by restraint especially in the consumption of food or alcohol; also : reflecting such restraint <an abstemious diet> - ab·ste·mi·ous·ly adverb - ab·ste·mious·ness noun
29.abstinence	restraint from pleasant things, esp. eating or drinking; CF. abstention: act of abstaining from vote	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin abstinentia, from abstinent-, abstinens, present participle of abstinEre 1 : voluntary forbearance especially from indulgence of an appetite or craving or from eating some foods : ABSTENTION 2 : habitual abstaining from intoxicating beverages - ab·sti·nent /-n&nt/ adjective - ab·sti·nent·ly adverb
30.abstract	theoretical; not concrete; nonrepresentational	Function: adjective Etymology: Medieval Latin abstractus, from Latin, past participle of abstrahere to drag away, from abs-, ab- + trahere to pull, draw 1 a : disassociated from any specific instance <abstract entity> b : difficult to understand : ABSTRUSE <abstract problems> c : insufficiently factual : FORMAL <possessed only an abstract right> 2 : expressing a quality apart from an object <the word poem is concrete, poetry is abstract> 3 a : dealing with a subject in its abstract aspects : THEORETICAL <abstract science> b : IMPERSONAL, DETACHED <the abstract compassion of a surgeon -- Time> 4 : having only intrinsic form with little or no attempt at pictorial representation or narrative content <abstract painting> - ab·stract·ly /ab-'strak(t)-lE, 'ab-"/ adverb - ab·stract·ness /ab-'strak(t)-n&s, 'ab-"/ noun
31.abstruse	obscure; profound; difficult to understand	Function: adjective Etymology: Latin abstrusus, from past participle of abstrudere to conceal, from abs-, ab- + trudere to push -- more at THREAT : difficult to comprehend : RECONDITE <the abstruse calculations of mathematicians> - ab·struse·ly adverb - ab·struse·ness noun
32.abusive	coarsely insulting; physically harmful	Function: adjective 1 : characterized by wrong or improper use or action; especially : CORRUPT <abusive financial practices> 2 a : using harsh insulting language : characterized by or serving for abuse b : physically injurious <abusive behavior> - abu·sive·ly adverb - abu·sive·ness noun
33.abut	border upon; adjoin	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): abut·ted; abut·ting Etymology: Middle English abutten, partly from Old French aboter to border on, from a- (from Latin ad-) + bout blow, end, from boter to strike; partly from Old French abuter to come to an end, from a- + but end, aim -- more at SUP1butt, SUP4butt intransitive senses 1 : to touch along a border or with a projecting part <land abuts on the road> 2 a : to terminate at a point of contact b : to lean for support transitive senses 1 : to border on 2 : to cause to abut
34.abysmal	bottomless	Function: adjective 1 a : having immense or fathomless extension downward, backward, or inward <an abysmal cliff> b : immeasurably great : PROFOUND <abysmal ignorance> c : immeasurably low or wretched <abysmal living conditions of the poor> 2 : ABYSSAL - abys·mal·ly /-m&-lE/ adverb
35.abyss	enormous chasm; vast bottomless pit	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English abissus, from Late Latin abyssus, from Greek abyssos, from abyssos, adjective, bottomless, from a- + byssos depth; perhaps akin to Greek bathys deep 1 : the bottomless gulf, pit, or chaos of the old cosmogonies 2 a : an immeasurably deep gulf or great space b : intellectual or moral depths
36.academic	related to a school; not practical or directly useful	Function: noun 1 : a member of an institution of learning 2 : one who is academic in background, outlook, or methods 3 plural : academic subjects
37.accede	agree	Function: intransitive verb Inflected Form(s): ac·ced·ed; ac·ced·ing Etymology: Middle English, from Latin accedere to go to, be added, from ad- + cedere to go 1 a : to become a party (as to an agreement) b : to express approval or give consent : give in to a request or demand 2 archaic : APPROACH 3 : to enter upon an office or position synonym see ASSENT
38.accelerate	move faster	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): -at·ed; -at·ing Etymology: Latin acceleratus, past participle of accelerare, from ad- + celer swift -- more at HOLD transitive senses 1 : to bring about at an earlier time 2 : to cause to move faster; also : to cause to undergo acceleration 3 a : to hasten the progress or development of b : INCREASE <accelerate food production> 4 a : to enable (a student) to complete a course in less than usual time b : to speed up (as a course of study) intransitive senses 1 a : to move faster : gain speed b : GROW, INCREASE <inflation was accelerating> 2 : to follow an accelerated educational program - ac·cel·er·at·ing·ly /-"rA-ti[ng]-lE/ adverb
39.accessible	easy to approach; obtainable	Function: adjective 1 : providing access 2 a : capable of being reached <accessible by rail>; also : being within reach <fashions at accessible prices> b : easy to speak or deal with <accessible people> 3 : capable of being influenced : OPEN 4 : capable of being used or seen : AVAILABLE 5 : capable of being understood or appreciated <the author's most accessible stories> <an accessible film> - ac·ces·si·bil·i·ty /-"se-s&-'bi-l&-tE/ noun - ac·ces·si·ble·ness /-'se-s&-b&l-n&s/ noun - ac·ces·si·bly /-blE/ adverb
40.accessory	additional object; useful but not essential thing	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural -ries 1 a : a person not actually or constructively present but contributing as an assistant or instigator to the commission of an offense -- called also accessory before the fact b : a person who knowing that a crime has been committed aids or shelters the offender with intent to defeat justice -- called also accessory after the fact 2 a : a thing of secondary or subordinate importance : ADJUNCT b : an object or device not essential in itself but adding to the beauty, convenience, or effectiveness of something else <auto accessories> <clothing accessories>
41.acclaim	applaud; praise; greet with great approval; announce with great approval; Ex. The new drung has been acclaimed as the most important discoveries for years; N: strong expression of approval and praise	Function: verb Etymology: Latin acclamare, literally, to shout at, from ad- + clamare to shout -- more at CLAIM transitive senses 1 : APPLAUD, PRAISE 2 : to declare by acclamation intransitive senses : to shout praise or applause - ac·claim·er noun
42.acclimate	adjust to climate or environment; adapt	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): -mat·ed; -mat·ing Etymology: French acclimater, from a- (from Latin ad-) + climat climate : ACCLIMATIZE
43.acclivity	sharp upslope of a hill; OP. declivity	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural -ties Etymology: Latin acclivitas, from acclivis ascending, from ad- + clivus slope -- more at DECLIVITY : an ascending slope (as of a hill)
44.accolade	award of merit; strong praise and approval	Function: noun Etymology: French, from accoler to embrace, from (assumed) Vulgar Latin accollare, from Latin ad- + collum neck -- more at COLLAR 1 a : a ceremonial embrace b : a ceremony or salute conferring knighthood 2 a : a mark of acknowledgment : AWARD b : an expression of praise 3 : a brace or a line used in music to join two or more staffs carrying simultaneous parts
45.accommodate	oblige or help someone; adjust or bring into harmony; adapt; make enough space for; ADJ. accommodative; CF. accomodating: helpful and obliging	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): -dat·ed; -dat·ing Etymology: Latin accommodatus, past participle of accommodare, from ad- + commodare to make fit, from commodus suitable -- more at COMMODE transitive senses 1 : to make fit, suitable, or congruous 2 : to bring into agreement or concord : RECONCILE 3 : to provide with something desired, needed, or suited (as a helpful service, a loan, or lodgings) 4 a : to make room for b : to hold without crowding or inconvenience 5 : to give consideration to : allow for <accommodate the special interests of various groups> intransitive senses : to adapt oneself; also : to undergo visual accommodation synonym see ADAPT, CONTAIN - ac·com·mo·da·tive /-"dA-tiv/ adjective - ac·com·mo·da·tive·ness noun
46.accomplice	partner in crime	Function: noun Etymology: alteration (from incorrect division of a complice) of complice : one associated with another especially in wrongdoing
47.accord	agreement	Function: verb Etymology: Middle English, from Old French acorder, from (assumed) Vulgar Latin accordare, from Latin ad- + cord-, cor heart -- more at HEART transitive senses 1 : to bring into agreement : RECONCILE 2 : to grant or give especially as appropriate, due, or earned intransitive senses 1 archaic : to arrive at an agreement 2 obsolete : to give consent 3 : to be consistent or in harmony : AGREE synonym see GRANT
48.accost	approach and speak first to a person	Function: transitive verb Etymology: Middle French accoster, ultimately from Latin ad- + costa rib, side -- more at COAST : to approach and speak to often in a challenging or aggressive way
49.accoutre	equip; N. accoutrement	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): -cou·tred or -cou·tered; -cou·tring or ac·cou·ter·ing /-'kü-t&-ri[ng], -'kü-tri[ng]/ Etymology: French accoutrer, from Middle French acoustrer, from a- + costure seam, from (assumed) Vulgar Latin consutura -- more at COUTURE : to provide with equipment or furnishings : OUTFIT synonym see FURNISH
50.accretion	growth or increase in size by gradual addition; growth; increase; increase by natural growth; Ex. towers and other accretions of the castle; V. accrete	Function: noun Etymology: Latin accretion-, accretio, from accrescere -- more at ACCRUE 1 : the process of growth or enlargement by a gradual buildup: as a : increase by external addition or accumulation (as by adhesion of external parts or particles) b : the increase of land by the action of natural forces 2 : a product of accretion; especially : an extraneous addition <accretions of grime> - ac·cre·tion·ary /-sh&-"ner-E/ adjective - ac·cre·tive /&-'krE-tiv/ adjective
51.accrue	come to one as a gain; accumulate over time; come about by addition; Ex. benefits that accrue from scientific research; Ex. interest accruing in a bank account; N. accrual	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): ac·crued; ac·cru·ing Etymology: Middle English acreuen, probably from Middle French acreue increase, from acreistre to increase, from Latin accrescere, from ad- + crescere to grow -- more at CRESCENT intransitive senses 1 : to come into existence as a legally enforceable claim 2 a : to come about as a natural growth, increase, or advantage <the wisdom that accrues with age> b : to come as a direct result of some state or action <rewards due to the feminine will accrue to me -- Germaine Greer> 3 : to accumulate or be added periodically <interest accrues on a daily basis> transitive senses : to accumulate or have due after a period of time <accrue vacation time> - ac·cru·able /-'krü-&-b&l/ adjective - ac·crue·ment /-'krü-m&nt/ noun
52.acerbity	bitterness of speech and temper; ADJ. acerbic: bitter; acrid (in taste, manner, or tone)	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural -ties : the quality of being acerbic
53.acetic	vinegary
54.acidulous	slightly sour (in taste or manner); sharp; caustic	Function: adjective Etymology: Latin acidulus, from acidus : somewhat acid or harsh in taste or manner
55.acknowledge	recognize; admit	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): -edged; -edg·ing Etymology: ac- (as in accord) + knowledge 1 : to recognize the rights, authority, or status of 2 : to disclose knowledge of or agreement with 3 a : to express gratitude or obligation for b : to take notice of c : to make known the receipt of 4 : to recognize as genuine or valid <acknowledge a debt> synonyms ACKNOWLEDGE, ADMIT, OWN, AVOW, CONFESS mean to disclose against one's will or inclination. ACKNOWLEDGE implies the disclosing of something that has been or might be concealed <acknowledged an earlier peccadillo>. ADMIT implies reluctance to disclose, grant, or concede and refers usually to facts rather than their implications <admitted the project was over budget>. OWN implies acknowledging something in close relation to oneself <must own I know little about computers>. AVOW implies boldly declaring, often in the face of hostility, what one might be expected to be silent about <avowed that he was a revolutionary>. CONFESS may apply to an admission of a weakness, failure, omission, or guilt <confessed a weakness for sweets>.
56.acme	peak; pinnacle; highest point	Function: noun Etymology: Greek akmE point, highest point -- more at EDGE : the highest point or stage; also : one that represents perfection of the thing expressed synonym see SUMMIT
57.acoustics	science of sound; quality that makes a room easy or hard to hear in	Function: noun plural 1 singular in construction : a science that deals with the production, control, transmission, reception, and effects of sound 2 also acoustic : the qualities that determine the ability of an enclosure (as an auditorium) to reflect sound waves in such a way as to produce distinct hearing
58.acquiesce	assent; agree passively; comply without protest	Function: intransitive verb Inflected Form(s): -esced; -esc·ing Etymology: French acquiescer, from Latin acquiescere, from ad- + quiescere to be quiet -- more at QUIESCENT : to accept, comply, or submit tacitly or passively -- often used with in and sometimes with to synonym see ASSENT
59.acquittal	deliverance from a charge; V. acquit: free from a charge or accusation; discharge from a duty; conduct (oneself) in a specified manner	Function: noun : a setting free from the charge of an offense by verdict, sentence, or other legal process
60.acrid	bitter (to the taste or smell); sharp; bitterly pungent	Function: adjective Etymology: modification of Latin acr-, acer sharp -- more at EDGE 1 : sharp and harsh or unpleasantly pungent in taste or odor : IRRITATING 2 : deeply or violently bitter : ACRIMONIOUS <an acrid denunciation> synonym see CAUSTIC - acrid·i·ty /a-'kri-d&-tE, &-/ noun - ac·rid·ly /'a-kr&d-lE/ adverb - ac·rid·ness noun
61.acrimonious	stinging; caustic; bitter in words or manner; N. acrimony: bitter ill-natured animosity in speech or behavior	Function: adjective : caustic, biting, or rancorous especially in feeling, language, or manner <an acrimonious dispute> - ac·ri·mo·ni·ous·ly adverb - ac·ri·mo·ni·ous·ness noun
62.acrophobia	fear of heights	Function: noun Etymology: New Latin : abnormal dread of being at a great height - ac·ro·phobe /'a-kr&-"fOb/ noun
63.actuarial	calculating; pertaining to insurance statistics	Function: adjective 1 : of or relating to actuaries 2 : relating to statistical calculation especially of life expectancy - ac·tu·ar·i·al·ly /-E-&-lE/ adverb
64.actuary	someone who advises insurance companies	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural -ar·ies Etymology: Latin actuarius shorthand writer, alteration of actarius, from actum record -- more at ACT 1 obsolete : CLERK, REGISTRAR 2 : one who calculates insurance and annuity premiums, reserves, and dividends
65.actuate	motivate; activate; cause to act	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): -at·ed; -at·ing Etymology: Medieval Latin actuatus, past participle of actuare to execute, from Latin actus act 1 : to put into mechanical action or motion 2 : to move to action synonym see MOVE - ac·tu·a·tion /"ak-ch&-'wA-sh&n, -sh&-/ noun
66.acuity	sharpness (of mind or senses of sight or hearing)	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural -ities Etymology: Middle French acuité, from Late Latin acuitat-, acuitas, from Latin acuere : keenness of perception : SHARPNESS
67.acumen	mental keenness; sharpness of judgment; ability to judge quickly and well; Ex. business acumen	Function: noun Etymology: Latin acumin-, acumen, literally, point, from acuere : keenness and depth of perception, discernment, or discrimination especially in practical matters synonym see DISCERNMENT
68.acute	(of the senses) sharp; quickly perceptive; keen; penetrating; brief and severe; Ex. acute sense of smell/analysis/pain	Function: adjective Inflected Form(s): acut·er; acut·est Etymology: Latin acutus, past participle of acuere to sharpen, from acus needle; akin to Latin acer sharp -- more at EDGE 1 a (1) : characterized by sharpness or severity <acute pain> (2) : having a sudden onset, sharp rise, and short course <acute disease> b : lasting a short time <acute experiments> 2 : ending in a sharp point: as a : being or forming an angle measuring less than 90 degrees <acute angle> b : composed of acute angles <acute triangle> 3 a of an accent mark : having the form ´ b : marked with an acute accent c : of the variety indicated by an acute accent 4 a : marked by keen discernment or intellectual perception especially of subtle distinctions : PENETRATING <an acute thinker> b : responsive to slight impressions or stimuli <acute hearing> 5 : felt, perceived, or experienced intensely <acute distress> 6 : seriously demanding urgent attention - acute·ly adverb - acute·ness noun synonyms ACUTE, CRITICAL, CRUCIAL mean of uncertain outcome. ACUTE stresses intensification of conditions leading to a culmination or breaking point <an acute housing shortage>. CRITICAL adds to ACUTE implications of imminent change, of attendant suspense, and of decisiveness in the outcome <the war has entered a critical phase>. CRUCIAL suggests a dividing of the ways and often a test or trial involving the deter
69.adage	wise saying; proverb	Function: noun Etymology: Middle French, from Latin adagium, from ad- + -agium (akin to aio I say); akin to Greek E he said : a saying often in metaphorical form that embodies a common observation
70.adamant	hard; inflexible	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin adamant-, adamas hardest metal, diamond, from Greek 1 : a stone (as a diamond) formerly believed to be of impenetrable hardness 2 : an unbreakable or extremely hard substance
71.adapt	make or become suitable for a specific use; alter; modify; adjust; N. adaptation: act of adapting; composition recast into a new form; Ex. The play is an adaption of a short novel.	Function: verb Etymology: French or Latin; French adapter, from Latin adaptare, from ad- + aptare to fit, from aptus apt, fit transitive senses : to make fit (as for a specific or new use or situation) often by modification intransitive senses : to become adapted - adapt·ed·ness noun synonyms ADAPT, ADJUST, ACCOMMODATE, CONFORM, RECONCILE mean to bring one thing into correspondence with another. ADAPT implies a modification according to changing circumstances <adapted themselves to the warmer climate>. ADJUST suggests bringing into a close and exact correspondence or harmony such as exists between parts of a mechanism <adjusted the budget to allow for inflation>. ACCOMMODATE may suggest yielding or compromising to effect a correspondence <accommodated his political beliefs in order to win>. CONFORM applies to bringing into accordance with a pattern, example, or principle <refused to conform to society's idea of morality>. RECONCILE implies the demonstration of the underlying compatibility of things that seem to be incompatible <tried to reconcile what they said with what I knew>.
72.addendum	addition; appendix to book; something that is added (as at the end of a speech or book)	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural ad·den·da /-'den-d&/ Etymology: Latin, neuter of addendus, gerundive of addere 1 : a thing added : ADDITION 2 : a supplement to a book -- often used in plural but sing. in constr.
73.addiction	compulsive habitual need	Function: noun 1 : the quality or state of being addicted <addiction to reading> 2 : compulsive need for and use of a habit-forming substance (as heroin, nicotine, or alcohol) characterized by tolerance and by well-defined physiological symptoms upon withdrawal; broadly : persistent compulsive use of a substance known by the user to be harmful
74.addle	make or become confused; muddle; drive crazy; become rotten (egg)	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English adel filth, from Old English adela; akin to Middle Low German adele liquid manure 1 of an egg : ROTTEN 2 : CONFUSED
75.address	direct a speech to; speak to; deal with or discuss; direct one's efforts or attention to; make with a destination; N: formal speech	Function: verb Etymology: Middle English adressen, from Middle French adresser, from a- (from Latin ad-) + dresser to arrange -- more at DRESS transitive senses 1 archaic a : DIRECT, AIM b : to direct to go : SEND 2 a : to direct the efforts or attention of (oneself) <will address himself to the problem> b : to deal with : TREAT <intrigued by the chance to address important issues -- I. L. Horowitz> 3 archaic : to make ready; especially : DRESS 4 a : to communicate directly <addresses his thanks to his host> b : to speak or write directly to; especially : to deliver a formal speech to 5 a : to mark directions for delivery on <address a letter> b : to consign to the care of another (as an agent or factor) 6 : to greet by a prescribed form 7 : to adjust the club preparatory to hitting (a golf ball) 8 : to identify (as a peripheral or memory location) by an address or a name for information transfer intransitive senses, obsolete : to direct one's speech or attentions - ad·dress·er noun
76.adept	expert at; very skilled	Function: noun Etymology: New Latin adeptus alchemist who has attained the knowledge of how to change base metals into gold, from Latin, past participle of adipisci to attain, from ad- + apisci to reach -- more at APT : a highly skilled or well-trained individual : EXPERT <an adept at chess>
77.adhere	stick fast; be a devotd follower; N. adhesion: adhering; devotion; loyality	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): ad·hered; ad·her·ing Etymology: Middle French or Latin; Middle French adhérer, from Latin adhaerEre, from ad- + haerEre to stick intransitive senses 1 : to give support or maintain loyalty 2 obsolete : ACCORD 3 3 : to hold fast or stick by or as if by gluing, suction, grasping, or fusing 4 : to bind oneself to observance transitive senses : to cause to stick fast synonym see STICK
78.adherent	supporter; follower	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French adhérent, from Latin adhaerent-, adhaerens, present participle of adhaerEre 1 : able or tending to adhere 2 : connected or associated with especially by contract 3 : ADNATE - ad·her·ent·ly adverb
79.adjacent	adjoining; neighboring; close by	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin adjacent-, adjacens, present participle of adjacEre to lie near, from ad- + jacEre to lie; akin to Latin jacere to throw -- more at JET 1 a : not distant : NEARBY <the city and adjacent suburbs> b : having a common endpoint or border <adjacent lots> <adjacent sides of a triangle> c : immediately preceding or following 2 of two angles : having the vertex and one side in common - ad·ja·cent·ly adverb synonyms ADJACENT, ADJOINING, CONTIGUOUS, JUXTAPOSED mean being in close proximity. ADJACENT may or may not imply contact but always implies absence of anything of the same kind in between <a house with an adjacent garage>. ADJOINING definitely implies meeting and touching at some point or line <had adjoining rooms at the hotel>. CONTIGUOUS implies having contact on all or most of one side <offices in all 48 contiguous states>. JUXTAPOSED means placed side by side especially so as to permit comparison and contrast <a skyscraper juxtaposed to a church>.
80.adjunct	something attached to but holding an inferior position	Function: noun Etymology: Latin adjunctum, from neuter of adjunctus, past participle of adjungere 1 : something joined or added to another thing but not essentially a part of it 2 a : a word or word group that qualifies or completes the meaning of another word or other words and is not itself a main structural element in its sentence b : an adverb or adverbial (as heartily in "Most children eat heartily" or at noon in "We will leave at noon") attached to the verb of a clause especially to express a relation of time, place, frequency, degree, or manner -- compare DISJUNCT 2 3 : an associate or assistant of another - ad·junc·tive /a-'j&[ng](k)-tiv, &-/ adjective
81.adjuration	solemn urging; V. adjure: entreat earnestly; enjoin solemnly	Function: noun 1 : a solemn oath 2 : an earnest urging or advising - ad·jur·a·to·ry /&-'jur-&-"tOr-E, -"tor-/ adjective
82.adjutant	staff officer assisting the commander; assistant	Function: noun Etymology: Latin adjutant-, adjutans, present participle of adjutare to help -- more at AID 1 : a staff officer in the army, air force, or marine corps who assists the commanding officer and is responsible especially for correspondence 2 : one who helps : ASSISTANT
83.admonish	warn or speak to with gentle disapproval; reprove	Function: transitive verb Etymology: Middle English admonesten, from Middle French admonester, from (assumed) Vulgar Latin admonestare, alteration of Latin admonEre to warn, from ad- + monEre to warn -- more at MIND 1 a : to indicate duties or obligations to b : to express warning or disapproval to especially in a gentle, earnest, or solicitous manner 2 : to give friendly earnest advice or encouragement to synonym see REPROVE - ad·mon·ish·er noun - ad·mon·ish·ing·ly /-ni-shi[ng]-lE/ adverb - ad·mon·ish·ment /-m&nt/ noun
84.adorn	decorate	Function: transitive verb Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French adorner, from Latin adornare, from ad- + ornare to furnish -- more at ORNATE 1 : to enhance the appearance of especially with beautiful objects 2 : to enliven or decorate as if with ornaments <people of fashion who adorned the Court> synonyms ADORN, DECORATE, ORNAMENT, EMBELLISH, BEAUTIFY, DECK, GARNISH mean to enhance the appearance of something by adding something unessential. ADORN implies an enhancing by something beautiful in itself <a diamond necklace adorned her neck>. DECORATE suggests relieving plainness or monotony by adding beauty of color or design <decorate a birthday cake>. ORNAMENT and EMBELLISH imply the adding of something extraneous, ORNAMENT stressing the heightening or setting off of the original <a white house ornamented with green shutters>, EMBELLISH often stressing the adding of superfluous or adventitious ornament <embellish a page with floral borders>. BEAUTIFY adds to EMBELLISH a suggestion of counterbalancing plainness or ugliness <will beautify the grounds with flower beds>. DECK implies the addition of something that contributes to gaiety, splendor, or showiness <a house all decked out for Christmas>. GARNISH suggests decorating with a small final touch and is used especially in referring to the serving of food <an entrée garnished with parsley>.
85.adroit	skillful (in using mind or hand)	Function: adjective Etymology: French, from Old French, from a- (from Latin ad-) + droit right, droit : having or showing skill, cleverness, or resourcefulness in handling situations <an adroit leader> synonym see CLEVER, DEXTEROUS - adroit·ly adverb - adroit·ness noun