Gre Wordlist 4 : Apothegm - Astigmatism

1.apothegm	(apophthegm) pithy, compact saying	Function: noun Etymology: Greek apophthegmat-, apophthegma, from apophthengesthai to speak out, from apo- + phthengesthai to utter : a short, pithy, and instructive saying or formulation : APHORISM - ap·o·theg·mat·ic /"a-p&-theg-'ma-tik/ adjective
2.apotheosis	elevation to godhood; an ideal example of something	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural apo·the·o·ses /-"sEz/ Etymology: Late Latin, from Greek apotheOsis, from apotheoun to deify, from apo- + theos god 1 : elevation to divine status : DEIFICATION 2 : the perfect example : QUINTESSENCE <this is the literary apotheosis of the shaggy dog story -- Thomas Sutcliffe> - apo·the·o·size /"a-p&-'thE-&-"sIz, &-'pä-thE-&-/ transitive verb
3.appall	dismay; shock deeply	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): ap·palled; ap·pall·ing Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French apalir, from Old French, from a- (from Latin ad-) + palir to grow pale, from Latin pallescere, inchoative of pallEre to be pale -- more at FALLOW intransitive senses, obsolete : WEAKEN, FAIL transitive senses : to overcome with consternation, shock, or dismay synonym see DISMAY
4.apparition	ghost; phantom	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English apparicioun, from Late Latin apparition-, apparitio appearance, from Latin apparEre 1 a : an unusual or unexpected sight : PHENOMENON b : a ghostly figure 2 : the act of becoming visible : APPEARANCE - ap·pa·ri·tion·al /-'rish-n&l, -'ri-sh&-n&l/ adjective
5.appease	pacify or soothe; Ex. appease a crying baby; N. appeasement	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): ap·peased; ap·peas·ing Etymology: Middle English appesen, from Middle French apaisier, from a- (from Latin ad-) + pais peace -- more at PEACE 1 : to bring to a state of peace or quiet : CALM 2 : to cause to subside : ALLAY <appeased my hunger> 3 : PACIFY, CONCILIATE; especially : to buy off (an aggressor) by concessions usually at the sacrifice of principles synonym see PACIFY - ap·peas·able /-'pE-z&-b&l/ adjective - ap·pease·ment /-'pEz-m&nt/ noun - ap·peas·er noun
6.appellation	name; title	Function: noun 1 : an identifying name or title : DESIGNATION 2 archaic : the act of calling by a name 3 : a geographical name (as of a region, village, or vineyard) under which a winegrower is authorized to identify and market wine
7.append	attach	Function: transitive verb Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French appendre, from Late Latin appendere, from Latin, to weigh, from ad- + pendere to weigh -- more at PENDANT 1 : ATTACH, AFFIX 2 : to add as a supplement or appendix (as in a book)
8.application	diligent attention; diligence; V. apply oneself	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English applicacioun, from Latin application-, applicatio inclination, from applicare 1 : an act of applying: a (1) : an act of putting to use <application of new techniques> (2) : a use to which something is put <new applications for old remedies> (3) : a program (as a word processor or a spreadsheet) that performs one of the important tasks for which a computer is used b : an act of administering or superposing <application of paint to a house> c : assiduous attention <succeeds by application to her studies> 2 a : REQUEST, PETITION <an application for financial aid> b : a form used in making a request 3 : the practical inference to be derived from a discourse (as a moral tale) 4 : a medicated or protective layer or material <an oily application for dry skin> 5 : capacity for practical use <words of varied application>
9.apposite	appropriate; fitting	Function: adjective Etymology: Latin appositus, from past participle of apponere to place near, from ad- + ponere to put -- more at POSITION : highly pertinent or appropriate : APT synonym see RELEVANT - ap·po·site·ly adverb - ap·po·site·ness noun
10.appraise	estimate value of; N. appraisal	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): ap·praised; ap·prais·ing Etymology: Middle English appreisen, from Middle French aprisier to apprize 1 : to set a value on : estimate the amount of 2 : to evaluate the worth, significance, or status of; especially : to give an expert judgment of the value or merit of synonym see ESTIMATE - ap·prais·ee /&-"prA-'zE/ noun - ap·praise·ment /-'prAz-m&nt/ noun - ap·prais·er noun - ap·prais·ing·ly /-'prA-zi[ng]-lE/ adverb - ap·prais·ive /-'prA-ziv/ adjective
11.appreciate	be thankful for; increase in worth; be thoroughly conscious of; ADJ. appreciable: enough to be felt; Ex. appreciable difference	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): -at·ed; -at·ing Etymology: Late Latin appretiatus, past participle of appretiare, from Latin ad- + pretium price -- more at PRICE transitive senses 1 a : to grasp the nature, worth, quality, or significance of <appreciate the difference between right and wrong> b : to value or admire highly <appreciates our work> c : to judge with heightened perception or understanding : be fully aware of <must see it to appreciate it> d : to recognize with gratitude <certainly appreciates your kindness> 2 : to increase the value of intransitive senses : to increase in number or value - ap·pre·ci·a·tor /-"A-t&r/ noun - ap·pre·cia·to·ry /-'prE-sh&-"tOr-E, -'pri-sh&-, -"tor-/ adjective synonyms APPRECIATE, VALUE, PRIZE, TREASURE, CHERISH mean to hold in high estimation. APPRECIATE often connotes sufficient understanding to enjoy or admire a thing's excellence <appreciates fine wine>. VALUE implies rating a thing highly for its intrinsic worth <values our friendship>. PRIZE implies taking a deep pride in something one possesses <Americans prize their freedom>. TREASURE emphasizes jealously safeguarding something considered precious <a treasured memento>. CHERISH implies a special love and care for something <cherishes her children above all>. synonym see in addition UNDERSTAND
12.apprehend	arrest (a criminal); dread; perceive; N. apprehension	Function: verb Etymology: Middle English, from Latin apprehendere, literally, to seize, from ad- + prehendere to seize -- more at GET transitive senses 1 : ARREST, SEIZE <apprehend a thief> 2 a : to become aware of : PERCEIVE b : to anticipate especially with anxiety, dread, or fear 3 : to grasp with the understanding : recognize the meaning of intransitive senses : UNDERSTAND, GRASP
13.apprehensive	fearful; discerning	Function: adjective 1 : capable of apprehending or quick to do so : DISCERNING 2 : having apprehension : COGNIZANT 3 : viewing the future with anxiety or alarm synonym see FEARFUL - ap·pre·hen·sive·ly adverb - ap·pre·hen·sive·ness noun
14.apprise	inform	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): ap·prised; ap·pris·ing Etymology: French appris, past participle of apprendre to learn, teach, from Old French aprendre : to give notice to : TELL synonym see INFORM
15.approbation	approval	Function: noun 1 obsolete : PROOF 2 a : an act of approving formally or officially b : COMMENDATION, PRAISE
16.appropriate	acquire; take possession of for one's own use without permission; set aside for a particular purpose; allocate; CF. misappropriate	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): -at·ed; -at·ing Etymology: Middle English, from Late Latin appropriatus, past participle of appropriare, from Latin ad- + proprius own 1 : to take exclusive possession of : ANNEX <no one should appropriate a common benefit> 2 : to set apart for or assign to a particular purpose or use <appropriate money for the research program> 3 : to take or make use of without authority or right - ap·pro·pri·a·ble /-prE-&-b&l/ adjective - ap·pro·pri·a·tor /-prE-"A-t&r/ noun
17.appurtenances	subordinate possessions; something added to a more important thing	Function: noun 1 : an incidental right (as a right-of-way) attached to a principal property right and passing in possession with it 2 : a subordinate part or adjunct <the appurtenance of welcome is fashion and ceremony -- Shakespeare> 3 plural : accessory objects : APPARATUS
18.apropos	with reference to; regarding; Ex. remarks apropos (of) the present situation; ADJ. ADV.	Function: adverb Etymology: French à propos, literally, to the purpose 1 : at an opportune time : SEASONABLY 2 : by way of interjection or further comment: with regard to the present topic
19.aptitude	fitness; talent	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from Medieval Latin aptitudo, from Late Latin, fitness, from Latin aptus 1 a : INCLINATION, TENDENCY b : a natural ability : TALENT 2 : capacity for learning : APTNESS 3 : general suitability synonym see GIFT - ap·ti·tu·di·nal /"ap-t&-'tü-d&n-&l, -'tyü-/ adjective - ap·ti·tu·di·nal·ly adverb
20.aquiline	curved; hooked; of or like an eagle; Ex. aquiline nose	Function: adjective Etymology: Latin aquilinus, from aquila eagle 1 : curving like an eagle's beak <an aquiline nose> 2 : of, relating to, or resembling an eagle - aq·ui·lin·i·ty /"a-kw&-'li-n&-tE/ noun
21.arable	fit for growing crops; Ex. arable land	Function: adjective Etymology: Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin arabilis, from arare to plow; akin to Old English erian to plow, Greek aroun 1 : fit for or used for the growing of crops 2 British : engaged in, produced by, or being the cultivation of arable land - ar·a·bil·i·ty /"ar-&-'bi-l&-tE/ noun
22.arbiter	person with power to decide a matter in dispute; judge who is in a position ot make influential judgments; Ex. supreme arbiter of fashion in beachware	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English arbitre, from Middle French, from Latin arbitr-, arbiter 1 : a person with power to decide a dispute : JUDGE 2 : a person or agency having the power of deciding
23.arbitrary	unreasonable or capricious; random; tyrannical; Ex. arbitrary ruler	Function: adjective 1 : depending on individual discretion (as of a judge) and not fixed by law <the manner of punishment is arbitrary> 2 a : not restrained or limited in the exercise of power : ruling by absolute authority <an arbitrary government> b : marked by or resulting from the unrestrained and often tyrannical exercise of power <protection from arbitrary arrest and detention> 3 a : based on or determined by individual preference or convenience rather than by necessity or the intrinsic nature of something <an arbitrary standard> <take any arbitrary positive number> <arbitrary division of historical studies into watertight compartments -- A. J. Toynbee> b : existing or coming about seemingly at random or by chance or as a capricious and unreasonable act of will <when a task is not seen in a meaningful context it is experienced as being arbitrary -- Nehemiah Jordan> - ar·bi·trari·ly /"är-b&-'trer-&-lE/ adverb - ar·bi·trar·i·ness /'är-b&-"trer-E-n&s/ noun
24.arbitrate	act as judge (at the request of both sides)	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): -trat·ed; -trat·ing transitive senses 1 archaic : DECIDE, DETERMINE 2 : to act as arbiter upon 3 : to submit or refer for decision to an arbiter <agreed to arbitrate their differences> intransitive senses : to act as arbitrator - ar·bi·tra·tive /-"trA-tiv/ adjective
25.arboretum	place where different trees and shrubs are studied and exhibited	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural -retums or ar·bo·re·ta /-'rE-t&/ Etymology: New Latin, from Latin, plantation of trees, from arbor : a place where trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants are cultivated for scientific and educational purposes
26.arcade	a covered passageway usually lined with shops	Function: noun Etymology: French, from Italian arcata, from arco arch, from Latin arcus 1 : a long arched building or gallery 2 : an arched covered passageway or avenue (as between shops) 3 : a series of arches with their columns or piers 4 : an amusement center having coin-operated games
27.arcane	esoteric; secret; mysterious; known only to the initiated; Ex. arcane ritual; Ex. arcane process closed to the uninitiated listener	Function: adjective Etymology: Latin arcanus : known or knowable only to the initiate : SECRET <the arcane rites of a mystery cult>; broadly : MYSTERIOUS, OBSCURE <the technical consultant's arcane explanations>
28.archaeology	study of artifacts and relics of early mankind	Function: noun Etymology: French archéologie, from Late Latin archaeologia antiquarian lore, from Greek archaiologia, from archaio- + -logia -logy 1 : the scientific study of material remains (as fossil relics, artifacts, and monuments) of past human life and activities 2 : remains of the culture of a people : ANTIQUITIES - ar·chae·o·log·i·cal /"är-kE-&-'lä-ji-k&l/ adjective - ar·chae·o·log·i·cal·ly /-k(&-)lE/ adverb - ar·chae·ol·o·gist /"är-kE-'ä-l&-jist/ noun
29.archaic	antiquated; no longer used; belonging to the past; N.	Function: adjective Etymology: French or Greek; French archaïque, from Greek archaïkos, from archaios 1 : having the characteristics of the language of the past and surviving chiefly in specialized uses 2 : of, relating to, or characteristic of an earlier or more primitive time : ANTIQUATED <archaic legal traditions> 3 capitalized : of or belonging to the early or formative phases of a culture or a period of artistic development; especially : of or belonging to the period leading up to the classical period of Greek culture 4 : surviving from an earlier period; specifically : typical of a previously dominant evolutionary stage 5 capitalized : of or relating to the period from about 8000 B.C. to 1000 B.C. and the North American cultures of that time synonym see OLD - ar·cha·i·cal·ly /-i-k(&-)lE/ adverb
30.archetype	prototype; primitive pattern	Function: noun Etymology: Latin archetypum, from Greek archetypon, from neuter of archetypos archetypal, from archein + typos type 1 : the original pattern or model of which all things of the same type are representations or copies : PROTOTYPE; also : a perfect example 2 : IDEA 1a 3 : an inherited idea or mode of thought in the psychology of C. G. Jung that is derived from the experience of the race and is present in the unconscious of the individual - ar·che·typ·al /"är-ki-'tI-p&l/ also ar·che·typ·i·cal /-'ti-pi-k&l/ adjective - ar·che·typ·al·ly /-p&-lE/ adverb
31.arch	- chief; first; Ex. archbishop	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English arche, from Middle French, from (assumed) Vulgar Latin arca, from Latin arcus -- more at ARROW 1 : a typically curved structural member spanning an opening and serving as a support (as for the wall or other weight above the opening) 2 a : something resembling an arch in form or function; especially : either of two vaulted portions of the bony structure of the foot that impart elasticity to it b : a curvature having the form of an arch 3 : ARCHWAY [arch illustration]
32.archipelago	group of closely located islands	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural -goes or -gos Etymology: Archipelago Aegean Sea, from Italian Arcipelago, literally, chief sea, from arci- (from Latin archi-) + Greek pelagos sea -- more at PLAGAL 1 : an expanse of water with many scattered islands 2 : a group of islands
33.archives	public records; place where public records are kept	Function: noun Etymology: French & Latin; French, from Latin archivum, from Greek archeion government house (in plural, official documents), from archE rule, government -- more at ARCH- : a place in which public records or historical documents are preserved; also : the material preserved -- often used in plural
34.ardor	heat; passion; zeal; ADJ. ardent	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English ardour, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, from Latin ardor burning, heat, ardor, from aridus dry -- more at ARID 1 a : an often restless or transitory warmth of feeling <the sudden ardors of youth> b : extreme vigor or energy : INTENSITY c : ZEAL d : LOYALTY 2 : sexual excitement synonym see PASSION
35.arduous	hard; strenuous; Ex. arduous work	Function: adjective Etymology: Latin arduus high, steep, difficult; akin to Old Irish ard high 1 a : hard to accomplish or achieve : DIFFICULT <years of arduous training> b : marked by great labor or effort : STRENUOUS <a life of arduous toil -- A. C. Cole> 2 : hard to climb : STEEP synonym see HARD - ar·du·ous·ly adverb - ar·du·ous·ness noun
36.argot	slang; speech spoken by only a small group of people	Function: noun Etymology: French : an often more or less secret vocabulary and idiom peculiar to a particular group <shoved into a taxi by a porter whose argot I couldn't understand -- Allen Tate>
37.aria	operatic solo; a song sung by one person in an opera or oratorio	Function: noun Etymology: Italian, literally, atmospheric air, modification of Latin aer 1 : AIR, MELODY, TUNE; specifically : an accompanied elaborate melody sung (as in an opera) by a single voice 2 : a striking solo performance (as in a movie)
38.arid	(of land) dry; barren; unproductive	Function: adjective Etymology: French or Latin; French aride, from Latin aridus, from arEre to be dry; akin to Sanskrit Asa ash, Old English asce 1 : excessively dry; specifically : having insufficient rainfall to support agriculture 2 : lacking in interest and life : JEJUNE - arid·i·ty /&-'ri-d&-tE, a-/ noun - ar·id·ness /'ar-&d-n&s/ noun
39.aristocracy	hereditary nobility; privileged class; government by nobility; N. aristocrat	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural -cies Etymology: Middle French & Late Latin; Middle French aristocratie, from Late Latin aristocratia, from Greek aristokratia, from aristos best + -kratia -cracy 1 : government by the best individuals or by a small privileged class 2 a : a government in which power is vested in a minority consisting of those believed to be best qualified b : a state with such a government 3 : a governing body or upper class usually made up of an hereditary nobility 4 : the aggregate of those believed to be superior
40.armada	fleet of warships	Function: noun Etymology: Spanish, from Medieval Latin armata army, fleet, from Latin, feminine of armatus, past participle of armare to arm, from arma 1 : a fleet of warships 2 : a large force or group usually of moving things <an armada of fishing boats>
41.aromatic	fragrant; having a sweet smell; N. aroma: strong pleasant smell	Function: adjective 1 : of, relating to, or having aroma : a : FRAGRANT b : having a strong smell c : having a distinctive quality 2 of an organic compound : characterized by increased chemical stability resulting from the delocalization of electrons in a ring system (as benzene) containing usually multiple conjugated double bonds -- compare ALICYCLIC, ALIPHATIC synonym see ODOROUS - ar·o·mat·i·cal·ly /-ti-k(&-)lE/ adverb - aro·ma·tic·i·ty /"ar-&-m&-'ti-s&-tE, &-"rO-m&-/ noun
42.arraign	charge in court; indict	Function: transitive verb Etymology: Middle English arreinen, from Middle French araisner, from Old French, from a- (from Latin ad-) + raisnier to speak, from (assumed) Vulgar Latin rationare, from Latin ration-, ratio reason -- more at REASON 1 : to call (a defendant) before a court to answer to an indictment : CHARGE 2 : to accuse of wrong, inadequacy, or imperfection - ar·raign·ment /-m&nt/ noun
43.array	marshal; draw up in order; arrange in order; clothe splendidly; adorn; N: fine clothes; ordered group; Ex. in battle array	Function: transitive verb Etymology: Middle English, from Old French arayer, from (assumed) Vulgar Latin arredare, from Latin ad- + a base of Germanic origin; akin to Gothic garaiths arranged -- more at READY 1 : to dress or decorate especially in splendid or impressive attire : ADORN 2 a : to set or place in order : DRAW UP, MARSHAL b : to set or set forth in order (as a jury) for the trial of a cause - ar·ray·er noun
44.arrears	being in debt; money that should have been paid; work that should have been done	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English arrere behind, backward, from Middle French, from (assumed) Vulgar Latin ad retro backward, from Latin ad to + retro backward, behind -- more at AT, RETRO- 1 : the state of being behind in the discharge of obligations -- usually used in plural <in arrears with the rent> 2 a : an unfinished duty -- usually used in plural <arrears of work that have piled up> b : an unpaid and overdue debt -- usually used in plural <paying off the arrears of the past several months>
45.arrhythmic	lacking rhythm or regularity; N. arrhythmia	Function: adjective Etymology: Greek arrhythmos : lacking rhythm or regularity <arrhythmic locomotor activity>
46.arrogance	pride; haughtiness; ADJ. arrogant: unpleasantly self-important (with a strong confidence in one's own importance and a lack of respect for other people)	Function: noun : a feeling or an impression of superiority manifested in an overbearing manner or presumptuous claims
47.arroyo	gully; narrow channel formed by rainwater	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural -royos Etymology: Spanish 1 : a watercourse (as a creek) in an arid region 2 : a water-carved gully or channel
48.articulate	effective; distinct; expressing ideas clearly; having clear sounds; having joints; Ex. articulate speech; V: express thoughts and feeling clearly; pronounce clearly; unite by joints	Function: adjective Etymology: Latin articulatus jointed, past participle of articulare, from articulus 1 a : divided into syllables or words meaningfully arranged : INTELLIGIBLE b : able to speak c : expressing oneself readily, clearly, or effectively; also : expressed in this manner 2 a : consisting of segments united by joints : JOINTED <articulate animals> b : distinctly marked off - ar·tic·u·late·ly adverb - ar·tic·u·late·ness noun
49.arsenal	storage place for military equipment	Function: noun Etymology: Italian arsenale, ultimately from Arabic dAr sinA'ah house of manufacture 1 a : an establishment for the manufacture or storage of arms and military equipment b : a collection of weapons 2 : STORE, REPERTORY <the team's arsenal of veteran players>
50.artifacts	object made by human beings, either hand-made or mass-produced	Function: noun Etymology: Latin arte by skill (ablative of art-, ars skill) + factum, neuter of factus, past participle of facere to do -- more at ARM, DO 1 a : something created by humans usually for a practical purpose; especially : an object remaining from a particular period <caves containing prehistoric artifacts> b : something characteristic of or resulting from a human institution or activity <self-consciousness... turns out to be an artifact of our education system -- Times Literary Supplement> 2 : a product of artificial character (as in a scientific test) due usually to extraneous (as human) agency - ar·ti·fac·tu·al /"är-ti-'fak-ch&(-w&)l, -'fak-shw&l/ adjective
51.artifice	deception; trickery	Function: noun Etymology: Middle French, from Latin artificium, from artific-, artifex artificer, from Latin art-, ars + facere 1 a : clever or artful skill : INGENUITY <believing that characters had to be created from within rather than with artifice -- Garson Kanin> b : an ingenious device or expedient 2 a : an artful stratagem : TRICK b : false or insincere behavior <social artifice> synonym see TRICK, ART
52.artisan	a manually skilled worker	Function: noun Etymology: Middle French, ultimately from Old Italian artigiano, from arte art, from Latin art-, ars : CRAFTSMAN - ar·ti·san·al /-z&-n&l, -s&-, -'za-/ adjective - ar·ti·san·ship /-"ship/ noun
53.artless	without guile; open and honest	Function: adjective 1 : lacking art, knowledge, or skill : UNCULTURED 2 a : made without skill : CRUDE b : free from artificiality : NATURAL <artless grace> 3 : free from guile or craft : sincerely simple synonym see NATURAL - art·less·ly adverb - art·less·ness noun
54.ascendancy	controlling influence; position of controlling influence; CF. in the ascendant	Function: noun : governing or controlling influence : DOMINATION
55.ascertain	find out for certain; make certain	Function: transitive verb Etymology: Middle English acertainen, from Middle French acertainer, from a- (from Latin ad-) + certain 1 archaic : to make certain, exact, or precise 2 : to find out or learn with certainty synonym see DISCOVER - as·cer·tain·able /-'tA-n&-b&l/ adjective - as·cer·tain·ment /-'tAn-m&nt/ noun
56.ascetic	practicing self-denial; avoiding physical pleasures and comforts; austere; Ex. ascetic life of Buddhist monks; N. asceticism	Function: adjective Etymology: Greek askEtikos, literally, laborious, from askEtEs one that exercises, hermit, from askein to work, exercise 1 : practicing strict self-denial as a measure of personal and especially spiritual discipline 2 : austere in appearance, manner, or attitude synonym see SEVERE - ascetic noun - as·cet·i·cal·ly /-ti-k(&-)lE/ adverb - as·cet·i·cism /-'se-t&-"si-z&m/ noun
57.ascribe	refer; attribute; assign	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): as·cribed; as·crib·ing Etymology: Middle English, from Latin ascribere, from ad- + scribere to write -- more at SCRIBE : to refer to a supposed cause, source, or author - as·crib·able /-'skrI-b&-b&l/ adjective synonyms ASCRIBE, ATTRIBUTE, ASSIGN, IMPUTE, CREDIT mean to lay something to the account of a person or thing. ASCRIBE suggests an inferring or conjecturing of cause, quality, authorship <forged paintings formerly ascribed to masters>. ATTRIBUTE suggests less tentativeness than ASCRIBE, less definiteness than ASSIGN <attributed to Rembrandt but possibly done by an associate>. ASSIGN implies ascribing with certainty or after deliberation <assigned the bones to the Cretaceous Period>. IMPUTE suggests ascribing something that brings discredit by way of accusation or blame <tried to impute sinister motives to my actions>. CREDIT implies ascribing a thing or especially an action to a person or other thing as its agent, source, or explanation <credited his teammates for his success>.
58.aseptic	preventing infection; having a cleansing effect	Function: adjective Etymology: International Scientific Vocabulary 1 a : preventing infection <aseptic techniques> b : free or freed from pathogenic microorganisms <an aseptic operating room> 2 : lacking vitality, emotion, or warmth <aseptic essays> - asep·ti·cal·ly /-ti-k(&-)lE/ adverb
59.ashen	ash-colored; deadly pale	Function: adjective : of, relating to, or made from ash wood
60.asinine	stupid; Ex. asinine remarks	Function: adjective Etymology: Latin asininus, from asinus ass 1 : marked by inexcusable failure to exercise intelligence or sound judgment <an asinine excuse> 2 : of, relating to, or resembling an ass synonym see SIMPLE - as·i·nine·ly adverb - as·i·nin·i·ty /"a-s&-'ni-n&-tE/ noun
61.askance	with a sideways or indirect look (with disapproval or distruct); Ex. look askance at	Function: adverb Etymology: origin unknown 1 : with a side-glance : OBLIQUELY 2 : with disapproval or distrust : SCORNFULLY
62.askew	crookedly; slanted; at an angle	Function: adverb or adjective Etymology: probably from 1a- + skew : out of line : AWRY <the picture hung askew> - askew·ness noun
63.asperity	sharpness; roughness; severity (of temper or weather); Ex. asperities of a Russian winter	Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural -ties Etymology: Middle English asprete, from Old French aspreté, from aspre rough, from Latin asper, from (assumed) Old Latin absperos, from ab- ab- + -speros; akin to Sanskrit apasphura repelling, Latin spernere to spurn -- more at SPURN 1 : RIGOR, SEVERITY 2 a : roughness of surface : UNEVENNESS; also : a tiny projection from a surface b : roughness of sound 3 : roughness of manner or of temper : HARSHNESS
64.aspersion	slanderous remark; Ex. cast aspersions on	Function: noun 1 : a sprinkling with water especially in religious ceremonies 2 a : the act of calumniating b : a calumnious expression <cast aspersions on her integrity>
65.aspirant	seeker after position or status	Function: noun : one who aspires <presidential aspirants>
66.aspire	seek to attain (position or status); long for; Ex. aspire to become president; Ex. aspire to/after the leadership	Function: intransitive verb Inflected Form(s): as·pired; as·pir·ing Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French aspirer, from Latin aspirare, literally, to breathe upon, from ad- + spirare to breathe 1 : to seek to attain or accomplish a particular goal <aspired to a career in medicine> 2 : ASCEND, SOAR - as·pir·er noun
67.assail	assault	Function: transitive verb Etymology: Middle English, from Old French asaillir, from (assumed) Vulgar Latin assalire, alteration of Latin assilire to leap upon, from ad- + salire to leap -- more at SALLY : to attack violently with blows or words synonym see ATTACK - as·sail·able /-'sA-l&-b&l/ adjective - as·sail·ant /-'sA-l&nt/ noun
68.assay	analyze (to discover what materials are present); evaluate (soil or ore)	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from Old French essai, assai test, effort -- more at ESSAY 1 archaic : TRIAL, ATTEMPT 2 : examination and determination as to characteristics (as weight, measure, or quality) 3 : analysis (as of an ore or drug) to determine the presence, absence, or quantity of one or more components 4 : a substance to be assayed; also : the tabulated result of assaying
69.assent	agree; accept; N. assessment	Function: intransitive verb Etymology: Middle English, from Old French assenter, from Latin assentari, from assentire, from ad- + sentire to feel -- more at SENSE : to agree to something especially after thoughtful consideration : CONCUR - as·sen·tor or as·sent·er /-'sen-t&r/ noun synonyms ASSENT, CONSENT, ACCEDE, ACQUIESCE, AGREE, SUBSCRIBE mean to concur with what has been proposed. ASSENT implies an act involving the understanding or judgment and applies to propositions or opinions <voters assented to the proposal>. CONSENT involves the will or feelings and indicates compliance with what is requested or desired <consented to their daughter's going>. ACCEDE implies a yielding, often under pressure, of assent or consent <officials acceded to the prisoners' demands>. ACQUIESCE implies tacit acceptance or forbearance of opposition <acquiesced to his boss's wishes>. AGREE sometimes implies previous difference of opinion or attempts at persuasion <finally agreed to come along>. SUBSCRIBE implies not only consent or assent but hearty approval and active support <subscribes wholeheartedly to the idea>.
70.assert	state strongly or positively; demand recognition of (rights, claims, etc.); make a claim to (by forceful action); Ex. assert one's independence	Function: transitive verb Etymology: Latin assertus, past participle of asserere, from ad- + serere to join -- more at SERIES 1 : to state or declare positively and often forcefully or aggressively 2 a : to demonstrate the existence of <assert his manhood -- James Joyce> b : POSIT, POSTULATE - assert oneself : to compel recognition especially of one's rights synonyms ASSERT, DECLARE, AFFIRM, PROTEST, AVOW mean to state positively usually in anticipation of denial or objection. ASSERT implies stating confidently without need for proof or regard for evidence <asserted that modern music is just noise>. DECLARE stresses open or public statement <declared her support for the candidate>. AFFIRM implies conviction based on evidence, experience, or faith <affirmed the existence of an afterlife>. PROTEST emphasizes affirming in the face of denial or doubt <protested that he really had been misquoted>. AVOW stresses frank declaration and acknowledgment of personal responsibility for what is declared <avowed that all investors would be repaid in full>. synonym see in addition MAINTAIN
71.assiduous	diligent	Function: adjective Etymology: Latin assiduus, from assidEre : marked by careful unremitting attention or persistent application <an assiduous book collector> <tended her garden with assiduous attention> synonym see BUSY - as·sid·u·ous·ly adverb - as·sid·u·ous·ness noun
72.assimilate	absorb; take (food) into the body and digest it; understand (knowledge) completely and be able to use properly; cause to become homogeneous (the people of a country or race in the wasy of behaving or thinking)	Function: verb Inflected Form(s): -lat·ed; -lat·ing Etymology: Middle English, from Medieval Latin assimilatus, past participle of assimilare, from Latin assimulare to make similar, from ad- + simulare to make similar, simulate transitive senses 1 a : to take in and appropriate as nourishment : absorb into the system b : to take into the mind and thoroughly comprehend 2 a : to make similar b : to alter by assimilation c : to absorb into the culture or mores of a population or group 3 : COMPARE, LIKEN intransitive senses : to become assimilated - as·sim·i·la·tor /-"lA-t&r/ noun usage When assimilate is followed by a preposition, transitive senses 2a and 2c commonly take to and into and less frequently with; 2b regularly takes to; sense 3 most often takes to and sometimes with. The most frequent prepositions used with the intransitive sense are to and into.
73.assuage	mak less severe; ease or lessen (pain); satisfy (hunger); soothe (anger)	Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): as·suaged; as·suag·ing Etymology: Middle English aswagen, from Old French assouagier, from (assumed) Vulgar Latin assuaviare, from Latin ad- + suavis sweet -- more at SWEET 1 : to lessen the intensity of (something that pains or distresses) : EASE 2 : PACIFY, QUIET 3 : to put an end to by satisfying : APPEASE, QUENCH synonym see RELIEVE - as·suage·ment /-m&nt/ noun
74.assumption	something taken for granted; the taking over or taking possession of; Ex. her assumption of power; V. assume	Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from Late Latin assumption-, assumptio taking up, from Latin assumere 1 a : the taking up of a person into heaven b capitalized : August 15 observed in commemoration of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary 2 : a taking to or upon oneself <the assumption of a new position> 3 : the act of laying claim to or taking possession of something <the assumption of power> 4 : ARROGANCE, PRETENSION 5 a : an assuming that something is true b : a fact or statement (as a proposition, axiom, postulate, or notion) taken for granted 6 : the taking over of another's debts
75.assurance	firm statement that something is certainly true; promise or pledge; certainty; confidence in one's own ability; self-confidence; Ex. In spite of all his assurances, he did not come back; Ex. assurance of his loyalty; Ex. The teacher lacked assurance in fron of his class; V. assure; tell firmly with confidence; ensure; make (something) certain to heappen; make (someone) feel sure; give confidence to; ADJ. assured: self-assured; confident in one's own ability; showing certainty	Function: noun 1 : the act or action of assuring : as a : PLEDGE, GUARANTEE b : the act of conveying real property; also : the instrument by which it is conveyed c chiefly British : INSURANCE 2 : the state of being assured : as a : SECURITY b : a being certain in the mind <the puritan's assurance of salvation> c : confidence of mind or manner : easy freedom from self-doubt or uncertainty; also : excessive self-confidence : BRASHNESS, PRESUMPTION 3 : something that inspires or tends to inspire confidence <gave repeated assurances of goodwill> synonym see CONFIDENCE
76.asteroid	small planet	Function: noun Etymology: Greek asteroeidEs starlike, from aster-, astEr 1 : any of the small celestial bodies found especially between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter 2 : STARFISH - as·ter·oi·dal /"as-t&-'roi-d&l/ adjective
77.astigmatism	eye defect which prevents proper focus; OP. stigmatism	Function: noun 1 : a defect of an optical system (as a lens) causing rays from a point to fail to meet in a focal point resulting in a blurred and imperfect image 2 : a defect of vision due to astigmatism of the refractive system of the eye and especially to corneal irregularity 3 : distorted understanding suggestive of the blurred vision of an astigmatic person