4000 CAE Vocabulary List

abandon  
n. lacking restraint or control; feeling of extreme emotional intensity; unbounded enthusiasm
With her parents out of town, Kelly danced all night with abandon.
Show examples and contexts  

abdomen  
n. belly, or that part of the body between the thorax and the pelvis
He always feels pain in his abdomen.
Show examples and contexts  

abduct  
v. carry off by force; kidnap
Kidnappers are going to abduct the child from the playground.  
Show examples and contexts  

abduction  
n. the criminal act of capturing and carrying away by force
The movie Ransom describes the attempts to rescue a multimillionaire's son after the child's abduction by kidnappers.
Show examples and contexts  

abide  
v. endure; put up with; bear; tolerate
Oh, don't bother ME, I could not abide figures!
Show examples and contexts  

abject  
a. being of the most miserable kind; wretched; lacking pride; brought low in condition or status
On the streets of New York, the homeless live in abject poverty, huddling in doorways to find shelter from the wind.
Show examples and contexts  

abnormal  
a. unusual; not typical; not normal
Fujitsu, Toshiba, HP, and Lenovo all insist that their designs are sufficiently different to Dell and Apple, that there is no abnormal risk of fire.
Show examples and contexts  

abolition  
n. ending; act of abolishing; act of doing away with
In particular, the economists say that the proposed abolition of taxes on dividends is not credible as a short-term stimulus.
Show examples and contexts  

abracadabra  
n. magical charm or incantation having the power to ward off disease or disaster; foolish or unintelligible talk
And remember that this is the only consistently abracadabra ring.
Show examples and contexts  

abrasive  
a. rubbing away; tending to grind down
The ash can also cause long-term abrasive damage to planes that could lead to later disasters if not dealt with.
Show examples and contexts  

absent  
a. go away or leave; missing; not present
They are absent themselves from time to time.
Show examples and contexts  

absenteeism  
n. habitual not to appear, especially for work or other regular duty
But absenteeism has become a big problem in Britain, where the employment laws offer protection to sick workers.
Show examples and contexts  

absolute  
a. perfect in quality or nature; complete; totally unlimited; certain
Although the King was an absolute monarch, he did not want to behead his unfaithful wife without certain evidence.
Show examples and contexts  

absolution  
n. act of absolving or the state of being absolved; formal remission of sin imparted by a priest
Nor do I mean someone I must find to gain absolution from sin.
Show examples and contexts  

absolve  
v. pronounce clear of guilt or blame; grant remission of sin to; acquit
The priest will absolve him and tell him how to say at the party.
Show examples and contexts  

absorb  
v. assimilate or incorporate; suck or drink up; occupy full attention
By contrast, what students can absorb from a one-day visit to a college are the tangibles.
Show examples and contexts  

abstinence  
n. restraint from eating or drinking;  refraining from indulging appetite or desire
The doctor recommended total abstinence from salted foods.
Show examples and contexts  

abstract  
a. theoretical; not concrete; not applied or practical; difficult to understand
To him, hunger was an abstract concept; he had never missed a meal.
Show examples and contexts  

absurd  
a. preposterous; ridiculously incongruous or unreasonable; foolish
Alice thought the whole thing very absurd, but they all looked so grave that she did not dare laugh.
Show examples and contexts  

abundance  
n. great or plentiful amount; fullness to overflowing
It is good for those who have in abundance to share with those who suffer from want.
Show examples and contexts  

abundantly  
ad. in great numbers; in a plentiful or sufficient degree; plentifully
With all respect, you have made yourself abundantly clear in an informed and articulate manner.
Show examples and contexts  

abuse  
n. improper use or handling; misuse
The commenter said that he had stopped seven years of girl abuse in this area, thanks to Vito.
Show examples and contexts  

abusive  
a. coarsely insulting; physically harmful; characterized by improper or wrongful use
There has been abusive language on both sides that never want to get agreement from the beginning.
Show examples and contexts  

abyss  
n. enormous chasm; vast bottomless pit; any deep, immeasurable space; hell
Are we to believe that the only thing between us and the abyss is the deficit's size, and the more the government borrows, the better off we shall be?
Show examples and contexts  

academic  
a. related to school; not practical or directly useful; relating to the scholarly organization; based on formal education
The dean's talk about reforming the college admissions system was only an academic discussion.
Show examples and contexts  

accelerate  
v. move faster; cause to develop or progress more quickly; occur sooner than expected
Demand for Taiwanese goods likely will accelerate from the second quarter, as strong Asian demand offsets the effects of a U.S. slowdown.
Show examples and contexts  

acceleration  
n. a faster rate of improvement; the rate of change of velocity to time
She's not the only driver complaining; Other Prius drivers have filed reports with the Traffic Safety Administration concerning acceleration problems.
Show examples and contexts  

access  
n. approach; entry; entrance
The only access to the village is by boat.
Show examples and contexts  

accessible  
a. easily approached or entered; obtainable; easy to talk to or get along with
Simon and James will no longer be posting to The Hearing; however, all previous posts will remain accessible here.
Show examples and contexts  

accessory  
n. additional object; useful but not essential thing; subordinate or supplementary item
Another accessory is a tripod needed to prevent camera shake, especially when the shutter speed drops below the tenth second at a wide-angle shot.
Show examples and contexts  

accident  
n. an event that takes place without one's foresight or expectation; sudden, and unexpected event
Finding and maintaining happiness is a definite achievement and not an accident.
Show examples and contexts  

accidental  
a. unexpected; happening by chance, unintentionally  
Its curves are arbitrary and what we call accidental, but one after another follows it as if he were guided by a chart on which it was laid down.
Show examples and contexts  

accidentally  
ad. inadvertently; by chance; casually; fortuitously; not essentially or intrinsically
The Air Force led us to believe that Dad's plane crashed into a mountain accidentally and without warning.
Show examples and contexts  

accommodate  
v. do a favor or service for; provide for; supply with; make suitable; adapt; allow for
The stage in the public auditorium can easily be adjusted to accommodate from a full-scale musical production to one by a solo vocalist.
Show examples and contexts  

accommodating  
a. helpful in bringing about a harmonious adaptation
The warden was always accommodating in allowing visitors in.
Show examples and contexts  

accomplice  
n. partner in crime; associate in wrongdoing
Because your accomplice is a stranger, it's safer than asking a friend to participate in your ruse.
Show examples and contexts  

accomplish  
v. succeed in doing; bring to pass; achieve; reach the end of; complete
No single space project will be more impressive to humankind, and none will be difficult or expensive to accomplish.
Show examples and contexts  

accord  
n. settlement or compromise of conflicting opinions; written agreement between two states
Although the accord is a small step forward, politicians worldwide have their work cut out for them.
Show examples and contexts  

accordion  
n. a box-shaped musical instrument consisting of a folded central part with a keyboard
This web includes an excellent page describing in technical detail the differences between different accordion keyboards - piano, chromatic, and uniform.
Show examples and contexts  

accumulation  
n. increase by natural growth or addition; concentration
That reservoir of frost and snow, the accumulation of centuries of winters, glazed in Alpine heights above heights.
Show examples and contexts  

accusation  
n. indictment; charge of wrongdoing that is made against a person or other party
They are simply using the first rule in contemporary American politics: the accusation is the conviction.
Show examples and contexts  

accustomed  
a. habitual to; used to; frequently practiced, used, or experienced; customary
We are accustomed to taking cues from the outside world, filtering them, and writing our own novel inside our heads.
Show examples and contexts  

achieve  
v. gain with effort; accomplish; fulfill
Water, energy, health, agriculture, and biodiversity, require the world's scientific community to develop the means to achieve sustainable development.
Show examples and contexts  

acknowledge  
v. declare to be true or admit; express obligation, thanks
Although I acknowledge that the Beatles' tunes sound pretty dated today, I still prefer them to my brothers' songs.
Show examples and contexts  

acme  
n. the highest point or level, as of achievement or development; maturity or perfection of animal
His success in this role marked the acme of his career as an actor.
Show examples and contexts  

acne  
n. skin condition, usually of the face that is common in adolescents, characterized by red pimples, caused by inflammation
General Hospital said The root cause of acne is a lipid-rich gland, the sebaceous gland, which sits a few millimeters below the skin's surface.
Show examples and contexts  

acquaint  
v. inform about; cause to come to know personally; make familiar
Please acquaint the colleagues with your plans to move faster.
Show examples and contexts  

acquaintance  
n. personal knowledge or information about someone or something
He also reconnected with Doris Schmitz, an acquaintance from the University of Frankfurt.
Show examples and contexts  

acquire  
v. gain through experience or effort; gain possession of; locate with a tracking system
They acquire a reputation for being difficult to work with.
Show examples and contexts  

acquittal  
n. state of being found or proved not guilty; judgment of not guilty
His acquittal by the jury surprised those who had thought him guilty.
Show examples and contexts  

activate  
v. make active or more active; stimulate; make radioactive
The carriers say they want to encrypt and store the credentials in the phone's SIM card, the small chips to activate access to mobile networks.
Show examples and contexts  

actively  
ad. energetically; vigorously; voluntarily, not passively
The beloved star - who worked actively from the 1960s up until an illness late last year - passed away Thursday morning.
Show examples and contexts  

acute  
a. quickly perceptive; keen; having a sharp point or tip; extremely sharp or severe
Her early writing was grounded in acute observation of the natural world.
Show examples and contexts  

adage  
n. wise saying; brief familiar proverb;  expression of popular wisdom
After reflecting on how I felt a year ago during the election itself and how I feel now, I do have to say that the adage is true: governing is harder than campaigning.
Show examples and contexts  

adamant  
a. extremely hard; inflexible; stubbornly unyielding
Speaker Pelosi came out of that meeting, and she was once again adamant about saying a public option must be in the bill.
Show examples and contexts  

adapt  
v. make fit for; change to suit a new purpose
One way to adapt is to become smaller, generation by generation.
Show examples and contexts  

adaptable  
a. flexible; becoming or being made suitable to a particular situation or use
It made this sofa not only functional but also adaptable to any contemporary interior design.
Show examples and contexts  

adaptive  
a. having a capacity for adaptation; capable of adapting
In psychology, behavior or trait is adaptive when it helps individuals adjust within a changing social environment.
Show examples and contexts  

addiction  
n. the compulsive physiological and psychological need for a substance; being abnormally dependent on something
No matter what form we find it in, addiction is not fun; drugs, alcohol, overeating, overworking, smoking or sex.
Show examples and contexts  

addictive  
a. something you cannot stop taking once you have started
That worries the department because of the addictive nature of nicotine.
Show examples and contexts  

additional  
a. further; extra; supplemental or added to
They will need months of therapy and additional reconstructive surgery in the coming years to help them recover.
Show examples and contexts  

address  
v. make a formal speech to; deal with or discuss; direct efforts or attention of
Brown planned to address the issue of low-income housing in his speech.
Show examples and contexts  

adept  
a. expert at; very skilled; having or showing knowledge and skill and aptitude
Williams was known as an adept improviser who effortlessly switched between classical, jazz, and pop styles.
Show examples and contexts  

adhere  
v. stick fast; stick to firmly; be compatible or in accordance with
That is why the claying is necessary; it makes the grain adhere to the earth; otherwise, it would float.
Show examples and contexts  

adhesive  
n. glue; paste; the substance that unites or bonds surfaces together
Painting before the adhesive is applied will keep the color on much longer.
Show examples and contexts  

adjacent  
a. adjoining; neighboring; close to; lying near
Philip's best friend Jason lived only four houses down the block, close but not immediately adjacent.
Show examples and contexts  

administer  
v. govern; supervise; give or apply medications
It's led to major disagreement about how best to administer development funds among some government departments.
Show examples and contexts  

administration  
n. management; supervision; people who are in charge of management; the activity of government for powers and duties
Obviously, the key person in administration is the man in the White House.
Show examples and contexts  

admiration  
n. favorable judgment; feeling of pleasure, wonder, and approval
He received years of praise and admiration from the public that he did not deserve, and now he is exposed as a fraud.
Show examples and contexts  

admittedly  
ad. doubtlessly; in an acknowledged manner; confessedly
Malkin admittedly wore down a year ago, during an NHL season that's twice as long as the one he played in Russia the year before.
Show examples and contexts  

ado  
n. doing; bother; troublesome business; fuss; bustle
So, without more ado, let me introduce tonight's guests.
Show examples and contexts  

adolescence  
n. state of growing up from childhood to manhood or womanhood; transitional period between youth and maturity
The big issue in adolescence is that all kids strive for independence.
Show examples and contexts  

adopt  
v. accept; take on; raise; take into one's family
In a late-night session, the United States, which has blocked most recent efforts to adopt resolutions on the Middle East, put forward its own proposal.
Show examples and contexts  

adorable  
a. deserving to be adored; worthy of divine honors
I just can't resist that adorable face and those amazing blue eyes!
Show examples and contexts  

adore  
v. worship with profound reverence; pay divine honors to; regard with the utmost esteem and affection
All the girls in our school adore the handsome mathematics teacher who happens to be a bachelor.
Show examples and contexts  

adorn  
v. enhance or decorate with or as if with ornaments
This small icon indicates that the plastic yard sign they adorn is either recyclable.
Show examples and contexts  

adornment  
n. embellishment; decoration; something that beautifies or adorns; ornament
On close examination, the boy can be seen to have a woven strand of some sort around his left ankle, possibly adornment, spiritual or medicinal.
Show examples and contexts  

advance  
v. proceed; move forward; improve; moving forward
WHO said that court action needed to be handled cautiously, discipline and litigation could awaken public outrage and advance both justice and health.
Show examples and contexts  

advanced  
a. improved; highly developed or complex; ahead of the times; progressive
This is a new technology for playing a more advanced sort of DVD.
Show examples and contexts  

adversary  
n. the opponent in a contest; someone who offers opposition
The young wrestler struggled to defeat his adversary.
Show examples and contexts  

adverse  
a. in opposing direction; harmful or unfavorable; acting or serving to oppose
The recession had a highly adverse effect on his father's investment portfolio: he lost so much money that he could no longer afford the house.
Show examples and contexts  

adversity  
n. state of misfortune, hardship, or affliction; misfortune
A young boy whose strength in adversity is an inspiration to all who know him.
Show examples and contexts  

advisable  
a. proper to be advised or to be done; expedient; prudent; ready to receive advice
It is advisable to take an open-minded approach to a new idea.
Show examples and contexts  

advisory  
a. having the power to advice; containing advice
Don't worry; his opinion is merely advisory.
Show examples and contexts  

advocate  
v. speak, plead, or argue in favor of; plead for; push for something
Some doctors advocate a smoking ban in the entire house.
Show examples and contexts  

aesthetic  
a. elegant or tasteful; of or concerning the appreciation of beauty or good taste
Kenneth Cole, the American designer, known for his modern, urban aesthetic, is hawking $35 T-shirts.
Show examples and contexts  

affect  
v. have an emotional or cognitive impact upon
The move is likely to affect women and girls worldwide as international brands such as Mango and Zara have signed up to the agreement.
Show examples and contexts  

affected  
a. speaking or behaving in an artificial way; emotionally stirred or moved; infected or attacked
The other boys laughed so unmercifully at what they termed my affected accent.
Show examples and contexts  

affection  
n. fondness; tender feeling toward another; fondness
I happen to think that the physical expression of love and affection is just about the best thing we humans do.
Show examples and contexts  

affectionate  
a. having affection or warm regard; loving; fond; kindly inclined; zealous
He enfolded the child in an affectionate embrace.
Show examples and contexts  

affidavit  
n. written statement made under oath
This is an official affidavit from the court, and it is saying that the whole thing was a hoax.
Show examples and contexts  

affiliation  
n. partnership; alliance; association in the same family or society
This affiliation is a way for us to provide our clients with the full spectrum of services and expertise they need.
Show examples and contexts  

affirmative  
a. confirmative; ratifying; giving assent or approval; confirming
The result will allow schools to know what they can do and not do in affirmative action programs.
Show examples and contexts  

affliction  
n. cause or condition of pain, suffering, or distress
Even in the midst of her affliction, Elizabeth tried to keep up the spirits of those around her.
Show examples and contexts  

affluent  
a. having an abundant supply of money or possessions of value
They want the same opportunity to pursue their dreams as everyone else who lives in affluent school districts.
Show examples and contexts  

aftermath  
n. outcome; consequence, especially of a disaster or misfortune
The most critical lesson Barbara has learned from her diagnosis and the aftermath is the importance of selecting a good facility and sticking with it.
Show examples and contexts  

agenda  
n. items of business at a meeting; list or program of things to be done or considered
His agenda is certainly different from the President's and the administration's, but we will seek additional opportunities to work together with him.
Show examples and contexts  

agent  
n. one that acts on behalf of other persons or organizations
Whether your agent is acting in your best interests, I posed that question to a spokesman for the National Association of Realtors.
Show examples and contexts  

aggravating  
a. irritating; annoying; making worse or more heinous
What's aggravating is they are not in the same format, so it's not like you can cut and paste.
Show examples and contexts  

aggregate  
v. gather into a mass, sum, or whole; amount to
Before the Wall Street scandals, dealers managed to aggregate great wealth in short periods of time.
Show examples and contexts  

aggressive  
a. making assaults; unjustly attacking; combative; hostile; tending to spread quickly
During his tenure in Beijing, Huntsman was an aggressive advocate for human rights and pushed to expand U.S. economic ties with China.
Show examples and contexts  

aggressor  
n. one that engages in aggression; a person who first attacks
The most violent reactions arise when the aggressor is the child's stepfather, the mother's new boyfriend, or her new husband.
Show examples and contexts  

agitated  
a. disturbed; excited; expressing agitation
His face was very much agitated and very much flushed.
Show examples and contexts  

agony  
n. the extreme pain of mind or body; anguish; last struggle of life; death struggle
'Oh, PLEASE mind what you are doing!' cried Alice, jumping up and down in an agony of terror.
Show examples and contexts  

agreement  
n. state of agreeing; harmony of opinion, statement, action, or character
We are in agreement with their decision.
Show examples and contexts  

airborne  
a. aloft; flying; in the air
It provides air-data and GPS-inertial solutions for airborne measurement.
Show examples and contexts  

airtight  
a. impermeable to air or other gases; having no weak points; sound
Cookies can be stored between layers of parchment in airtight containers at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Show examples and contexts  

ajar  
a. half-open; slightly turned or opened
If you need a door ajar or else without the cat running through it, placing the bottle in the doorway will usually keep it away.
Show examples and contexts  

alias  
n. assumed name; another name; a name that has been assumed temporarily
Since the alias is already defined in our management pack, it should work fine.
Show examples and contexts  

alien  
a. dissimilar, inconsistent, or opposed in nature; very different place, society, or person
If you think about it, that's totally alien to what a drug company might be expected to do because if you eradicate a disease, there's no need for that drug at all.
Show examples and contexts  

alienate  
v. cause to become unfriendly or hostile; transfer property or ownership; isolate or dissociate emotionally
We could not see what should again alienate us from one another or how one brother could again oppress another.
Show examples and contexts  

alienated  
a. isolated; excluded; estranged; having become indifferent or hostile to one's peers or social group
If you implement this disaster, then the blame becomes yours as well, and the police will become alienated from the public.
Show examples and contexts  

alimony  
n. payment by a husband to his divorced wife, or vice versa
Also, payer and payee can't file joint tax returns in the same year alimony is paid.
Show examples and contexts  

allegiance  
n. loyalty to a nation, sovereign, or cause; fidelity to any person or thing; devotion
They didn't want to salute the flag, saying that kind of allegiance is only for God.
Show examples and contexts  

allegory  
n. symbolic representation of abstract ideas or principles in narrative, dramatic, or pictorial form
Pilgrim's Progress is an allegory of the temptations and victories of man's soul.
Show examples and contexts  

allergic  
a. excessively sensitive; susceptible; having an allergy
An attack by a swarm of reddish-brown insects can cause allergic reactions, which can be fatal in extremely rare cases.
Show examples and contexts  

allergy  
n. hypersensitivity reaction; abnormally high sensitivity to certain substances
Food allergy is distinct from food intolerance, which is not caused by an immune reaction.
Show examples and contexts  

alleviate  
v. provide physical relief, as from pain; make easier; remove in part
This should alleviate the pain; if it does not, we shall have to use stronger drugs.
Show examples and contexts  

alley  
n. a narrow passage, especially a walk or passage in a garden or park, bordered by rows of trees or bushes
In 1958, he tore down the dance hall and built a six-lane bowling alley, which is still there.
Show examples and contexts  

alligator  
n. large carnivorous reptile of the Crocodile family, peculiar to America
We can see a similar feature from the male of certain other large animals, such as the alligator, elephant, or moose.
Show examples and contexts  

alloy  
v. combine; mix; make less pure; lessen or moderate
Our concern for Dwight Gooden, who injured his pitching arm in the game,  will alloy our delight at the Yankees' victory.
Show examples and contexts  

alloy  
n. mixture; a combination of diverse things
In its ideal form, the alloy is a crystal with each element occupying specific crystal locations relative to one another.
Show examples and contexts  

allure  
v. attract with something desirable; be highly, often subtly attractive
Promises of quick profits allure the unwary investor.
Show examples and contexts  

ally  
n. confederate; partner; collaborator
The trouble is that selling arms to this particular ally regularly involves commissions - in plain language, bribes - to well-placed people.
Show examples and contexts  

almond  
n. deciduous tree, native to Asia and northern Africa and having simple leaves, pink flowers, and leathery fruits
In cocktails and food, you can taste a sweet flavoring of orange and almond.
Show examples and contexts  

aloft  
ad. in or into a high place; high or higher up
It tried to remain aloft, but its flying grew wild and reckless.
Show examples and contexts  

aloof  
a. apart; remote in manner; distant physically or emotionally; reserved and remote
In this age of information and communication, no sector can remain aloof from the revolution in these fields.
Show examples and contexts  

altar  
n. raised structure on which sacrifices are offered or incense burned to a deity
In answer to my inquiries, she informed me it was a covering for the altar of a new church lately erected.
Show examples and contexts  

altercation  
n. a noisy quarrel; contention in words; dispute carried on with heat or anger; controversy
So loud were their voices raised in an altercation that the storm without was scarce heeded.
Show examples and contexts  

alternate  
a. happening or following in turns; succeeding each other continuously; substitute
Businesses can also use this opportunity to invest in an alternate, perhaps more efficient, which will help our economy in the long-run.
Show examples and contexts  

altitude  
n. elevation especially above sea level; height
The high desert plains are beautiful and have a more temperate climate, but altitude is a health problem for some people.
Show examples and contexts  

ambrosia  
n. something with delicious flavor or fragrance; fruit dessert made of oranges and bananas with shredded coconut
Hughes got a taste of that ambrosia, and he'll never forget the satisfaction it brings.
Show examples and contexts  

ambush  
n. disposition or arrangement of troops for attacking an enemy unexpectedly from a concealed station
They separated into three hostile tribes, and darted upon each other from ambush with dreadful war-whoops, and killed each other by thousands.
Show examples and contexts  

amend  
v. change for the better; improve; remove faults or errors
Would McCain amend executive orders to ensure that communications between persons outside government and White House staff are disclosed to the public?
Show examples and contexts  

amendment  
n. a change or changes made to the words of a text; revision
America and Britain oppose this amendment, but some other European countries, particularly Germany, have always been lukewarm on debt relief and might be swayed.
Show examples and contexts  

amid  
ad. in the middle of; among; surrounded by
He and other leaders are more optimistic than eight years ago when Easley began his term amid a recession.
Show examples and contexts  

amiss  
a. out of proper order; not in perfect shape; faulty
I knew that weapons would not come in amiss, and I re-entered his room to get his rifle and shot-gun.
Show examples and contexts  

ammunition  
n. military stores or provisions; articles used in weapons, as powder, balls, shot, shells
I will carry these two rifles myself; the ammunition is all there except that bag in the corner.
Show examples and contexts  

amnesia  
n. partial or total loss of memory, usually resulting from shock or illness
Selective amnesia is a politically valuable trait.
Show examples and contexts  

amnesty  
n. the general pardon granted by the government, especially for political offenses
If the amnesty is approved by parliament, it will apply to capital stashed in off-shore tax havens up to the end of last year.
Show examples and contexts  

amoral  
a. lacking moral sensibility; not caring about right and wrong
Compared with evil immorality, being amoral is more like being naughty.
Show examples and contexts  

ample  
a. more than enough in size or scope or capacity; relatively large
They insist that food is being provided to the Palestinians in ample supplies and that the only way to weaken Hamas is to maintain the blockade.
Show examples and contexts  

amulet  
n. object worn, especially around the neck, as a charm against evil or injury; charm
In Thailand, the Jatukam Ramathep amulet is popular with everyone from Bangkok bankers to village taxi drivers.
Show examples and contexts  

analogy  
n. the similarity in some respects; comparison based on similarity
This analogy is almost always noted without further comment, although it may be taken further.
Show examples and contexts  

anarchy  
n. absence of governing body; state of disorder; political disorder and confusion
One might say that eastern Congo is already in anarchy, but Congo has faded from the headlines in recent months.
Show examples and contexts  

ancestor  
n. forefather; forebear; forerunner or predecessor
He said it was a very old name in that neighborhood, that the house's ancestor was wealthy.
Show examples and contexts  

ancestry  
n. family descent; series or line of ancestors; lineage
David can trace his ancestry as far back as the seventeenth century when one was a court trumpeter somewhere in Germany.
Show examples and contexts  

anchor  
v. secure or fasten firmly; be fixed in place; narrate or coordinate
We set the post in concrete to anchor it in place.
Show examples and contexts  

anecdotal  
a. having the character of an anecdote; of a short story of any interesting or humorous incidents
Below I will investigate the reasons why anecdotal evidence is unreliable and unacceptable evidence of scientific claims.
Show examples and contexts  

anecdote  
n. a short account of the amusing or interesting event; short narrative; a secret story of history or biography
Of all the millions who are moved by this historic occasion, my anecdote is and would be far less remarkable while I am amongst these.
Show examples and contexts  

anemia  
n. condition in which blood lacks red corpuscles; deficiency of red blood cells; lack of vitality
Long-standing illnesses often result in anemia, loss of weight, and occasional bleeding from the stomach.
Show examples and contexts  

anesthetic  
n. a substance that causes loss of sensation; producing temporary loss or impairment of feeling
His monotonous voice acted as an anesthetic; his audience was soon asleep.
Show examples and contexts  

anguish  
n. agonizing physical or mental pain; extreme suffering
Visiting the explosion site, the governor wept to see the anguish of the victims and their families.
Show examples and contexts  

animated  
a. having life or vigor or spirit; filled with activity; in the form of cartoon
On entering his room, I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men.
Show examples and contexts  

animation  
n. act of animating or giving life or spirit; state of being animate or alive
Obviously, this animation is at the core of our relationship.
Show examples and contexts  

animosity  
n. bitter hostility; active hatred; hostile feeling or act
I've worked for Bill Clinton for years, and Bill Clinton, another Democrat who pushed socially responsible programs, got a lot of animosity from the right.
Show examples and contexts  

ankle  
n. the joint which connects the foot with the leg; tarsus
There was a place on my ankle that got to itching, but I didn't scratch it, and then my ear began to itch; and next to my back, right between my shoulders.
Show examples and contexts  

annex  
v. append or attach; take possession of; incorporate into an existing political unit
Mexico objected to the United States' attempts to annex the territory that later became Texas.
Show examples and contexts  

announce  
v. herald; give out; proclaim; make known publicly
Finance minister Sinha will announce an extra tax to ease the financial pain in his annual budget speech.
Show examples and contexts  

announcement  
n. formal public statement; an act of making known publicly
Therefore, the Greek government's official announcement was more a profit-taking opportunity than actually excellent news.
Show examples and contexts  

annoy  
v. disturb, especially by minor irritations; irritate
Sit up! Don't annoy me with holding the clothes fast.
Show examples and contexts  

anomaly  
n. irregularity; a person or something unusual; departure from the normal or common order
No doubt, this anomaly is the result of the uncertain international environment and high-interest rates.
Show examples and contexts  

anonymity  
n. state of being nameless; one that is unknown or unacknowledged
In my view, death in anonymity is the ultimate insult to human dignity.
Show examples and contexts  

anonymous  
a. having no name; having an unknown or unacknowledged name
The buyer, who wished to remain anonymous, is a foreigner with homes in Europe.
Show examples and contexts  

antenna  
n. organ of sensation, attached to the heads of insects; sensory appendage, as in function or form
It would help if you fixed the television antenna before receiving programs.
Show examples and contexts  

anterior  
a. before in time; antecedent; placed before or in front
When I licked the sponge holes on the base of her anterior skull plate, it was the translator hanging on her chest that said, 'Stop that tickles.'
Show examples and contexts  

anthem  
n. song of praise or patriotism; the song of devotion or loyalty
Let us now all join in singing the national anthem.
Show examples and contexts  

anthropologist  
n. one who studies history and science of mankind
Eighty-three years ago, an anthropologist from the Field Museum dug up the remains of 22 people from marked graves in Labrador, Canada.
Show examples and contexts  

anthropology  
n. social science that studies origins and social relationships of human beings
The strength of anthropology is its diversity of approach and perspective, unified by a common theme: the study of human variation and adaptability.
Show examples and contexts  

antibiotic  
a. of or relating to a chemical substance that kills microorganisms and cures infections
Patients must take the high-powered antibiotic or even extensive chemotherapy for up to two years.
Show examples and contexts  

anticipate  
v. act in advance of; deal with ahead of time; predict
I thought she loved me, outcast as I was, and I, who from man could anticipate only mistrust, rejection, insult, clung to her with filial fondness.
Show examples and contexts  

antidote  
n. medicine to counteract a poison or disease; an agent that relieves or counteracts
They believe that because this anti-heroin antidote is what finally worked with some of the victims.
Show examples and contexts  

antiquated  
a. too old to be fashionable, suitable, or useful; obsolete; aged
We are tolerably conversant with the early English poets; and can discover no resemblance whatever, except in antiquated spelling and a few obsolete words.
Show examples and contexts  

antiseptic  
n. a substance that prevents infection; a substance that restricts the growth of disease-causing microorganisms
Regular washing with antiseptic is often enough to heal a skin infection.
Show examples and contexts  

anxious  
a. eager; keen; worried; uneasy, and apprehensive about an uncertain event or matter
It was the last remark that had made the whole party look so grave and anxious.
Show examples and contexts  

aorta  
n. the great artery which carries the blood from the heart to all parts of the body; the main trunk of arterial system
The aorta is the main artery that carries blood with oxygen out of the heart to the body.
Show examples and contexts  

ape  
v. imitate; mimic, as an ape imitates human actions
You will be suspended for a week if you ape the principal in front of the whole school like Tom.
Show examples and contexts  

apocalyptic  
a. prophetic; involving or portending widespread devastation
The crowd jeered the preacher's apocalyptic predictions of doom at the street.
Show examples and contexts  

apology  
n. acknowledgment expressing regret or asking pardon for a fault or offense; explanation or excuse
The consequence of those measures will be the best apology for my conduct.
Show examples and contexts  

appalling  
a. causing or fitted to cause dismay or horror; frightful
I don't know why she's marrying that appalling man; I wouldn't touch him with a barge-pole.
Show examples and contexts  

apparatus  
n. a group of parts that work together to perform a given function; appliance, or device for a particular purpose
When the apparatus is at work, this gas becomes luminous, giving out a white and continuous light.
Show examples and contexts  

apparel  
n. external clothing; vesture; garments; dress; a small ornamental piece
A very famous fashion designer makes her wedding apparel.
Show examples and contexts  

appeal  
n. attraction; charm; attract; fascinate; challenge
Oxfam is making a big appeal for humanitarian aid to Darfur and neighboring Chad, where millions of people have been made homeless by fighting.
Show examples and contexts  

appealing  
a. attractive or interesting; charming
The poor creature dropped on his knees before the stolid murderer and clasped his appealing hands.
Show examples and contexts  

appease  
v. bring peace, quiet, or calm to; satisfy or relieve
Tom and Jody tried to appease the crying baby by offering him one toy after another, but he would not calm down.
Show examples and contexts  

appetite  
n. instinctive physical desire, especially one for food or drink
China's urban young are developing a growing appetite for the cool white look of platinum jewelry.
Show examples and contexts  

appliance  
n. durable goods for home or office use; device or instrument for household use
It has served North Americans with small appliance needs for many years.
Show examples and contexts  

application  
n. close attention; work of applying something; verbal or written request for assistance
Pleased with how well Tom had whitewashed the fence, Aunt Polly praised him for his application to the task.
Show examples and contexts  

apply  
v. exert; put into service; avail oneself to;
You cannot apply all money to your mortgage.
Show examples and contexts  

apportion  
v. distribute; allot; give out as one's portion or share
I want to apportion the money among all the children.
Show examples and contexts  

appreciate  
v. be thankful for; increase in worth; be thoroughly conscious of
I am truly thankful for the stocks, which would appreciate in value considerably in future years.
Show examples and contexts  

appreciative  
a. having or showing a just or ready appreciation or perception
He becomes more appreciative of the meaning of life and its permanent spiritual values.
Show examples and contexts  

apprehend  
v. take into custody; arrest a criminal; grasp mentally; perceive
The police will apprehend the culprit and convict him.
Show examples and contexts  

approaching  
a. impending; of the relatively near future; coming closer to another
When the lookouts first discovered this naval force on Helgoland, there immediately appeared approaching from the German base.
Show examples and contexts  

appropriate  
v. acquire; take possession of for one's own use; set apart for specific use
The ranch owners appropriate the lands that have originally been set aside for the Indians' use.
Show examples and contexts  

appropriation  
n. funding;  money set aside for a specific purpose
The appropriation from the central budget totaled 725.3 billion yuan, increasing 21.8 percent over the previous year.
Show examples and contexts  

apron  
n. an article of dress, of cloth or other stuff, worn on the forepart of the body, to keep the clothes clean
At home, my apron is coated with food remains within minutes of starting to cook.
Show examples and contexts  

aptitude  
n. inherent ability; quickness in learning and understanding
The counselor gave him an aptitude test before advising him about the career he should follow.
Show examples and contexts  

aptly  
ad. in a competent, capable manner; in an apt or suitable manner
35 years ago, Milton Friedman wrote a famous article whose title aptly summed up its point: The Social Responsibility of Business Is to Increase Its Profits.
Show examples and contexts  

arbitrary  
a. randomly chosen; determined by chance or impulse, and not by reason or principle
He threw an arbitrary assortment of clothes into his suitcase and headed off, not caring where he went.
Show examples and contexts  

arbitrator  
n. someone chosen to judge and decide the disputed issue;  one having the power to make authoritative decisions
Claimants in these cases would choose a single public arbitrator from a list of qualified individuals.
Show examples and contexts  

arcade  
n. covered passageway, usually lined with shops; simple arched opening in a wall; vault or vaulted place
The arcade was popular with shoppers because it protected the summer sun and the winter rain.
Show examples and contexts  

archer  
n. bowman, one skilled in the use of the bow and arrow
I am the best archer in our college.
Show examples and contexts  

archipelago  
n. group of closely located islands
When I looked at the map and saw the South Seas' archipelago, I longed to visit them.
Show examples and contexts  

architecture  
n. art and science of designing and erecting buildings; buildings and other large structures
None of the architecture is historic; most of it is made of concrete blocks.
Show examples and contexts  

archives  
n. public records; place where public records are kept
These documents should be part of the archives so that historians may evaluate them in the future.
Show examples and contexts  

ardent  
a. displaying or by strong enthusiasm or devotion; passionate
Her fellow demonstrators were busily making posters and handing out flyers, inspired by her ardent enthusiasm for the cause.
Show examples and contexts  

arena  
n. a playing field where sports events take place; a large structure for open-air sports or entertainments
For your convenience, arena locations have been divided into two categories; East and West.
Show examples and contexts  

aria  
n. operatic solo; a solo vocal piece with instrumental accompaniment
Of course, throwing a pop star at an aria is a particularly uninspired solution.
Show examples and contexts  

arid  
a. dry; lacking moisture, especially having insufficient rainfall to support trees or plants
The cactus has adapted to survive in an arid environment.
Show examples and contexts  

aroma  
n. fragrance; scent; pleasant characteristic odor, as of a plant, spice, or food
The aroma is distinctive, but in the end, it's a lemon.
Show examples and contexts  

aromatic  
a. fragrant or sweet-smelling; caused by fragrant odor
Medieval sailing vessels brought aromatic herbs from China to Europe.
Show examples and contexts  

arouse  
v. excite; stimulate; awaken from or as if from sleep
He suddenly seemed to arouse himself: the conviction of the reality seized him.
Show examples and contexts  

array  
v. set out for display or use; place in orderly arrangement
He requested to array the whole regiment on the parade ground.
Show examples and contexts  

arrest  
v. stop or slow down; catch someone's attention; take into custody
The trapeze artists plunge from the heights until a safety net luckily arrest their fall.
Show examples and contexts  

arrogance  
n. overbearing pride; haughtiness; manifest feeling of personal superiority in rank, power, or estimation
I also think his arrogance is also turning people off.
Show examples and contexts  

arrogant  
a. arising from feeling or assumption of one's superiority toward others
He often speaks in an arrogant tone, which doesn't encourage others to discuss with him.
Show examples and contexts  

arsenal  
n. storage place for military equipment; a stock of weapons
People are forbidden to smoke in the arsenal because a stray spark might set off the munitions stored there.
Show examples and contexts  

arsenic  
n. a solid substance resembling metal in physical properties, but in its chemical relations ranking with the nonmetals
The analysis showed a few grains of arsenic in the solution.
Show examples and contexts  

arson  
n. malicious burning of a dwelling house or outhouse of another man, which by the common law is a felony
According to police, at least 29 vehicles were destroyed in arson attacks this year; most of them are luxury cars.
Show examples and contexts  

arsonist  
n. criminal who illegally sets fire to property
No matter how big the fire, it was always put down to a discarded cigarette unless the arsonist was arrested.
Show examples and contexts  

arthritis  
n. inflammation of a joint or joints
Multiple treatments have shown success in treating arthritis symptoms, that is, in the relief of symptoms.
Show examples and contexts  

article  
n. essay; editorial; individual thing or element of a class
An article in a national newspaper caused the protests.
Show examples and contexts  

articulate  
a. expressing oneself easily in clear and effective language
Her articulate presentation of the advertising campaign impressed her employers.
Show examples and contexts  

artifact  
n. the object made by human beings; inaccurate observation, effect, or result
Archaeologists debated the significance of the artifact discovered in the ruins of Asia Minor but did not conclude.
Show examples and contexts  

artillery  
n. large weapons, such as cannon and missile launchers operated by crews; army branch in use of large weapons
Our rocket artillery is simply a mass of rounds pointed at the general area of the enemy.
Show examples and contexts  

ascertain  
v. find out for certain; discover with certainty; make sure of
Please ascertain her present address.
Show examples and contexts  

ascribe  
v. inscribe or dedicate; attribute to a specified cause, source, or origin; assign as a quality
Other people ascribe his exclusion from the canon to an unsubtle form of racism.
Show examples and contexts  

asinine  
a. utterly stupid or silly; inanely foolish
Your asinine remarks prove that you have not given this problem any serious consideration.
Show examples and contexts  

asparagus  
n. tender young shoots of a Eurasian plant, having leaf-like stems, scale-like leaves, and small flowers
We have some asparagus for lunch.
Show examples and contexts  

aspect  
n. distinct feature or element in a problem
And I guess as he's coming back, the education aspect is more on display than the others.
Show examples and contexts  

asphalt  
n. a brownish-black solid or semisolid mixture of bitumen obtained from nature or as a petroleum byproduct
The workers mixed the asphalt with sand and gravel together for paving or roofing.
Show examples and contexts  

aspire  
v. seek to attain; long for; strive toward an end
If you aspire to a career in professional sports, please enroll in a graduate program in sports management.
Show examples and contexts  

assault  
n. a violent attack; an onslaught
He's charged with interfering with the performance of a flight crew by assault or intimidation.
Show examples and contexts  

assembly  
n. gathering; meeting; a group of persons gathered together for a common reason
What critical missions remain for shuttles after station assembly is completed?
Show examples and contexts  

assert  
v. declare or state with confidence; put oneself forward boldly
If you quit acting like a wimp and assert yourself a bit more, you'd improve your chances of getting a date.
Show examples and contexts  

assessment  
n. act of judging or assessing; amount determined as payable
Key to this assessment is the critical geographical fact that North Korea is adjacent to South Korea, an affluent democracy.
Show examples and contexts  

asset  
n. properties; advantage; useful or valuable quality
Hilary Rosen of the Recording Industry Association of America: American intellectual property is our nation's greatest trade asset.
Show examples and contexts  

assimilate  
v. incorporate and absorb into mind; make similar; cause to resemble
How the United States could assimilate immigrants during the 19th and early 20th century will always be a source of pride to Americans.
Show examples and contexts  

assist  
v. give help or support to, especially as a subordinate
A good way to assist is to bring entrepreneurial and business skills to them.
Show examples and contexts  

assistant  
n. helper; a person who assists or helps someone else
I am a textile designer under the title assistant designer at a western wear company.
Show examples and contexts  

assumption  
n. something taken for accepted as true without proof; taking over or taking possession of
The young princess made the foolish assumption that the regent would not object to power.
Show examples and contexts  

assurance  
n. promise or pledge; certainty; self-confidence; freedom from doubt
Even in BP CEO Tony Hayward's new television commercial, his assurance is ambiguous.
Show examples and contexts  

assured  
a. made sure; exhibiting confidence or authority; indubitable
We are surprised to see the little girl paint with an assured hand.
Show examples and contexts  

asteroid  
n. small planet; any small celestial bodies that revolve around the sun
With Vista at opposition, the asteroid is at its closest point to Earth in its orbit.
Show examples and contexts  

asthma  
n. chronic respiratory disease, often arising from allergies
Indoor air pollution may have contributed to the increase in asthma rates since the 1980s.
Show examples and contexts  

astral  
a. relating to stars; star-shaped
She was amazed at the number of astral bodies the new telescope revealed.
Show examples and contexts  

astray  
a. away from the correct path or direction, either in a literal or in a figurative sense; wandering
Such ideas will only lead the world's people astray.
Show examples and contexts  

astronomical  
a. enormously large or extensive; relating to astronomy
The government seems willing to spend astronomical sums on weapons development.
Show examples and contexts  

astute  
a. wise or keen; shrewd; with sharp intelligence
The painter was an astute observer, noticing every tiny detail of her model's appearance and knowing exactly how important each one was.
Show examples and contexts  

asylum  
n. place of refuge or shelter; protection
The refugees sought asylum from religious persecution in a new land.
Show examples and contexts  

atlas  
n. a bound volume of maps, charts, or tables
Embarrassed at being unable to distinguish Slovenia from Slovakia, George W. finally consulted an atlas.
Show examples and contexts  

atone  
v. make amends, as for sin or fault; pay for; turn away from sin
He knew no way in which he could atone for his brutal crime.
Show examples and contexts  

attach  
v. fasten; annex; be in contact with
The anti-nuclear campaigners used concrete blocks and chains to attach themselves to the rails.
Show examples and contexts  

attain  
v. achieve or accomplish; gain
The scarecrow sought to attain one goal: he wished to obtain a brain.
Show examples and contexts  

attainment  
n. something, such as an accomplishment or achievement; achievement
The end of all scholarly attainment is to live nobly.
Show examples and contexts  

attentive  
a. alert and watchful; considerate; thoughtful
Spellbound, the attentive audience watched the final game of the tennis match, never taking their eyes from the ball.
Show examples and contexts  

attest  
v. testify; authenticate, affirm to be true
Having served as a member of the Grand Jury, I can attest that our system of indicting individuals requires improvement.
Show examples and contexts  

attic  
n. story or room directly below the roof of a building, especially a house;
Of the various things you mentioned, the attic is a likely source of heat loss.
Show examples and contexts  

attire  
n. clothes, especially of a particular or formal type; dress
I will attire my Jane in satin and lace, and she shall have roses in her hair, and I will cover the head I love best with a priceless veil.
Show examples and contexts  

attorney  
n. lawyer; one who is appointed by another to act in his place or stead; proxy
Did this attorney mean to throw away his client's life without an effort?
Show examples and contexts  

attract  
v. draw to, or cause to tend to; engage or fix, as the mind, attention; invite or allure
The government is trying to attract more investment into the shipbuilding industry.
Show examples and contexts  

attribute  
n. essential quality; reputation; honor
His outstanding attribute was his kindness.
Show examples and contexts  

auction  
n. public sale of property to the highest bidder
The auction is over, and the winning bid was 1000 dollars.
Show examples and contexts  

audacity  
a. daring spirit, resolution, or confidence; venturesome; reckless daring
The ignorant audacity to believe that I don't appreciate the life and death of what I kill is astounding.
Show examples and contexts  

audit  
v. examine, verify, or correct the financial accounts of
Independent accountants audit the company annually.
Show examples and contexts  

audit  
n. examination of accounts; adjustment or correction of accounts
When the bank examiners arrived to hold their annual audit, they discovered the embezzlements of the chief cashier.
Show examples and contexts  

audition  
v. take part in a trial performance; evaluate in a trial performance
She scheduled to audition for a role on Broadway.
Show examples and contexts  

auditorium  
n. area of theater or concert hall where the audience sits
A seat in the stalls or in one of the elaborate boxes surrounding the horseshoe-shaped auditorium now costs nearly 700 pounds.
Show examples and contexts  

auger  
n. hand tool for boring holes; hollow drill used to take core samples of soil, ice
It was amazing what they could make just using an ax and an auger.
Show examples and contexts  

august  
a. impressive; majestic; inspiring awe or admiration
Visiting the palace at Versailles, she was impressed by the august surroundings in which she found herself.
Show examples and contexts  

aurora  
n. a natural appearance of coloured light in the sky, that is usually seen nearest the Arctic or Antarctic
When I was young, I was lucky enough to see a display of the northern lights or the aurora.
Show examples and contexts  

authentic  
a. not counterfeit or copied; valid; trustworthy
It is authentic, genuine, and a true and correct copy of the original.
Show examples and contexts  

authoritative  
a. weighting authority; peremptory and dictatorial
Impressed by the young researcher's well-documented presentation, we accepted her analysis of the experiment as authoritative.
Show examples and contexts  

authority  
n. jurisdiction; power to enforce laws, exact obedience, command, determine, or judge; government
The laws will reinforce Australia's authority to turn boats away from Australia.
Show examples and contexts  

authorization  
n. act of giving authority or legal power; establishment by authority; sanction or warrant
Foreigners wishing to marry a Mexican citizen must obtain authorization from the National Institute for Migration
Show examples and contexts  

authorize  
v. empower; give permission for; sanction
President Bush and House Leaders agreed on a resolution to authorize force against Iraq.
Show examples and contexts  

autonomy  
n. independence; self-government or the right of self-government; self-determination
The study also called for the three thousand Rapa Nui people of Easter Island to be given greater autonomy.
Show examples and contexts  

autopsy  
n. examination of dead body; post-mortem
The medical examiner ordered an autopsy to determine the cause of death.
Show examples and contexts  

auxiliary  
a. helper, additional or subsidiary
To prepare for the emergency, they built an auxiliary power station.
Show examples and contexts  

avail  
v. turn to the advantage of; be of service to; profit; promote
When his power ceases to avail, that is when a stronger than he appears upon the scene.
Show examples and contexts  

avalanche  
n. a great mass of falling snow and ice
The park ranger warned the skiers to stay on the main trails, where they would be in no danger of being buried beneath a sudden avalanche.
Show examples and contexts  

avenge  
v. take vengeance for something, or on behalf of someone
Hamlet vowed he would avenge his father's murder and punish Claudius for his horrible crime.
Show examples and contexts  

aversion  
n. firm dislike; turning away; avoidance of a thing, situation, or behavior because of dislike
Risk aversion is one of the most serious problems and the highest cost of our human space flight.
Show examples and contexts  

avert  
v. prevent; turn or cause to turn off or away
She had to avert her eyes from the dead cat on the highway.
Show examples and contexts  

aviation  
n. art or science of flying; flight; aeronautics
A group of British and French civil aviation experts meeting in Paris had failed to develop new proposals to improve Concorde's security.
Show examples and contexts  

avid  
a. greedy; eager for; marked by keen interest and enthusiasm
He was avid for learning and read everything he could get.
Show examples and contexts  

avoidance  
n. keeping away from or preventing from happening
Tax avoidance is the legal utilization of the tax regime to one's own advantage in order to reduce the amount of tax.
Show examples and contexts  

awe  
n. mixed emotion of reverence, respect, dread, and wonder; fear, as of something evil
The tourists gazed with awe at the tremendous expanse of the Grand Canyon.
Show examples and contexts  

awkwardly  
ad. in an uncomfortable, nervous, or embarrassed way
The 64-year-old man spoke slowly, almost awkwardly to his people, promising a stable government in which no corruption would be tolerated.
Show examples and contexts  

axis  
n. the center around which something rotates; pivot
Then Tehran was bracketed, along with its old enemy Iraq, and North Korea, in President Bush's evil axis.
Show examples and contexts