abrupt
![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read3622.png)
a. Syn. sudden; unforeseen
broken off; very steep; having sudden transitions from one subject to another
Show examples and contexts ![Close Close](../pic/icon/smallclose.gif)
abstract
![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read3622.png)
a. Syn. theoretical; abstruse
theoretical; not concrete; not applied or practical; difficult to understand
Show examples and contexts ![Close Close](../pic/icon/smallclose.gif)
accelerate
![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read3622.png)
v. Syn. speed; hasten
move faster; cause to develop or progress more quickly; occur sooner than expected
Show examples and contexts ![Close Close](../pic/icon/smallclose.gif)
accessory
![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read3622.png)
n. Syn. adjunct; appendage
additional object; useful but not essential thing; subordinate or supplementary item
Show examples and contexts ![Close Close](../pic/icon/smallclose.gif)
accommodate
![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read3622.png)
v. Syn. adapt; oblige
do a favor or service for; provide for; supply with; make suitable; adapt; allow for
Show examples and contexts ![Close Close](../pic/icon/smallclose.gif)
accommodation
![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read3622.png)
n.
living quarters provided for public convenience; something that meets a need; convenience
Show examples and contexts ![Close Close](../pic/icon/smallclose.gif)
accord
![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read3622.png)
n. Syn. agreement; treaty
settlement or compromise of conflicting opinions; written agreement between two states
Show examples and contexts ![Close Close](../pic/icon/smallclose.gif)
accountable
![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read3622.png)
a.
liable to being called to account; answerable; responsible; something that can be explained
Show examples and contexts ![Close Close](../pic/icon/smallclose.gif)
acquire
![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read3622.png)
v. Syn. obtain; gain
gain through experience or effort; gain possession of; locate with tracking system
Show examples and contexts ![Close Close](../pic/icon/smallclose.gif)
acquisition
![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read3622.png)
n. Syn. acquirement; attainment
act of contracting or assuming or acquiring possession of something
Show examples and contexts ![Close Close](../pic/icon/smallclose.gif)
acute
![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read3622.png)
a. Syn. keen; sharp
quickly perceptive; keen; having a sharp point or tip; extremely sharp or severe
Show examples and contexts ![Close Close](../pic/icon/smallclose.gif)
adept
![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read3622.png)
a. Syn. competent; proficient
expert at; very skilled; having or showing knowledge and skill and aptitude
Show examples and contexts ![Close Close](../pic/icon/smallclose.gif)
admission
![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read3622.png)
n. Syn. admittance; entrance; access
act or practice of admitting; power or permission to enter
Show examples and contexts ![Close Close](../pic/icon/smallclose.gif)
adolescence
![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read3622.png)
n. Syn. youth; juvenescence
state of growing up from childhood to manhood or womanhood; transitional period between youth and maturity
Show examples and contexts ![Close Close](../pic/icon/smallclose.gif)
adverse
![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read3622.png)
a. Syn. unfavorable; hostile
in opposing direction; harmful or unfavorable; acting or serving to oppose
Show examples and contexts ![Close Close](../pic/icon/smallclose.gif)
aesthetic
![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read3622.png)
a. Syn. artistic; elegant
elegant or tasteful; of or concerning appreciation of beauty or good taste
Show examples and contexts ![Close Close](../pic/icon/smallclose.gif)
airing
![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read3622.png)
a.
exposure to air for freshening or drying; exposure to public attention; radio or television broadcast
Show examples and contexts ![Close Close](../pic/icon/smallclose.gif)
alienate
![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read3622.png)
v. Syn. estrange; transfer; separate
cause to become unfriendly or hostile; transfer property or ownership; isolate or dissociate emotionally
Show examples and contexts ![Close Close](../pic/icon/smallclose.gif)
allegiance
![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read3622.png)
n. Syn. loyalty; fidelity
loyalty to a nation, sovereign, or cause; fidelity to any person or thing; devotion
Show examples and contexts ![Close Close](../pic/icon/smallclose.gif)
alleviate
![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read3622.png)
v. Syn. relieve; moderate; reduce
provide physical relief, as from pain; make easier; remove in part
Show examples and contexts ![Close Close](../pic/icon/smallclose.gif)
allot
![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read3622.png)
v. Syn. distribute
parcel out in parts or portions; distribute to each individual concerned; assign as a share or lot
Show examples and contexts ![Close Close](../pic/icon/smallclose.gif)
alternate
![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read3622.png)
a. Syn. substitute
happening or following in turns; succeeding each other continuously; substitute
Show examples and contexts ![Close Close](../pic/icon/smallclose.gif)
amateur
![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read3622.png)
a. Syn. nonprofessional; inexpert
nonprofessional; lacking the skill of a professional, as in an art
Show examples and contexts ![Close Close](../pic/icon/smallclose.gif)
ammunition
![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read3622.png)
n. Syn. weapon
military stores or provisions; articles used in weapons, as powder, balls, shot, shells
Show examples and contexts ![Close Close](../pic/icon/smallclose.gif)
amplify
![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read3622.png)
v. Syn. intensify; increase
broaden or clarify by expanding; intensify; make larger or more powerful; increase
Show examples and contexts ![Close Close](../pic/icon/smallclose.gif)
amuse
![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read3622.png)
v. Syn. absorb; distract; bewilder
occupy in an agreeable, pleasing, or entertaining fashion; cause laughter or be funny; delude or deceive
Show examples and contexts ![Close Close](../pic/icon/smallclose.gif)
analyse
![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read3622.png)
v.
resolve anything complex into its elements; separate into parts for purpose of examination of each separately
Show examples and contexts ![Close Close](../pic/icon/smallclose.gif)
anecdote
![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read3622.png)
n. Syn. episode; story
short account of amusing or interesting event; short narrative; secret story of history or biography
Show examples and contexts ![Close Close](../pic/icon/smallclose.gif)
annuity
![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read3622.png)
n.
annual payment of allowance or income; periodical payment, amounting to a fixed sum in each year
Show examples and contexts ![Close Close](../pic/icon/smallclose.gif)
antagonism
![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read3622.png)
n. Syn. hostility; enmity
active resistance; condition of being an opposing principle, force, or factor
Show examples and contexts ![Close Close](../pic/icon/smallclose.gif)
antarctic
![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read3622.png)
a.
opposite to the northern or arctic pole; relating to the southern pole or to the region near it
Show examples and contexts ![Close Close](../pic/icon/smallclose.gif)
antibiotic
![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read3622.png)
a. Syn. antibacterial
of or relating to chemical substance that kills microorganisms and cures infections
Show examples and contexts ![Close Close](../pic/icon/smallclose.gif)
apologetic
![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read3622.png)
a.
offering or expressing an apology or excuse; serving as or containing a formal justification or defense
Show examples and contexts ![Close Close](../pic/icon/smallclose.gif)
apparatus
![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read3622.png)
n. Syn. equipment
a group of parts that work together to perform given function; appliance or device for particular purpose
Show examples and contexts ![Close Close](../pic/icon/smallclose.gif)
appraisal
![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read3622.png)
n. Syn. assessment; evaluation
assessment; evaluation; the classification of someone or something with respect to its worth
Show examples and contexts ![Close Close](../pic/icon/smallclose.gif)
arbitrary
![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read3622.png)
a. Syn. capricious; impulse
randomly chosen; determined by chance or impulse, and not by reason or principle
Show examples and contexts ![Close Close](../pic/icon/smallclose.gif)
arena
![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read3622.png)
n.
playing field where sports events take place; large structure for open-air sports or entertainments
Show examples and contexts ![Close Close](../pic/icon/smallclose.gif)
arise
![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read3622.png)
v. Syn. spring
come up from a lower to a higher position; come above the horizon; spring up; come into action
Show examples and contexts ![Close Close](../pic/icon/smallclose.gif)
artillery
![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read3622.png)
n.
large weapons, such as cannon and missile launchers operated by crews; branch of army in use of large weapons
Show examples and contexts ![Close Close](../pic/icon/smallclose.gif)
ascribe
![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read3622.png)
v. Syn. refer; attribute; assign
inscribe or dedicate; attribute to a specified cause, source, or origin; assign as a quality
Show examples and contexts ![Close Close](../pic/icon/smallclose.gif)
aspect
![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read3622.png)
n. Syn. respect; facet
distinct feature or element in a problem; a way in which something can be viewed by the mind
Show examples and contexts ![Close Close](../pic/icon/smallclose.gif)
assassination
![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read3622.png)
n.
act of assassinating; killing by treacherous violence; murder of public figure by surprise attack
Show examples and contexts ![Close Close](../pic/icon/smallclose.gif)
assumption
![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read3622.png)
n. Syn. hypothesis; supposition
something taken for accepted as true without proof; taking over or taking possession of
Show examples and contexts ![Close Close](../pic/icon/smallclose.gif)
assurance
![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read3622.png)
n. Syn. certainty; confidence; insurance; guaranty
promise or pledge; certainty; self-confidence; freedom from doubt
Show examples and contexts ![Close Close](../pic/icon/smallclose.gif)
author
![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read3622.png)
n.
beginner, former, or first mover of anything; creator; originator; one who composes or writes book or composer
Show examples and contexts ![Close Close](../pic/icon/smallclose.gif)
automatic
![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read3622.png)
a. Syn. automated; mechanized; involuntary
mechanized; operating with minimal human intervention; independent of external control
Show examples and contexts ![Close Close](../pic/icon/smallclose.gif)
automation
![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read3622.png)
n.
act or process of converting the controlling of a machine or device to a more automatic system, such as computer or electronic controls
Show examples and contexts ![Close Close](../pic/icon/smallclose.gif)
autonomy
![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read3622.png)
n. Syn. independence; liberty
independence; self-government or the right of self-government; self-determination
Show examples and contexts ![Close Close](../pic/icon/smallclose.gif)
ballot
![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read3622.png)
n.
printed or written ticket used in voting; act of voting; whole number of votes cast at an election
Show examples and contexts ![Close Close](../pic/icon/smallclose.gif)
bathe
![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read3622.png)
v. Syn. lave; immerse
wash by immersion, as in a bath; subject to bath; lave; immerse or cover one's self
Show examples and contexts ![Close Close](../pic/icon/smallclose.gif)
bead
![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read3622.png)
n. Syn. pearl; drops; droplet
small piece of material, such as glass, plastic, or wood, that is pierced for stringing
Show examples and contexts ![Close Close](../pic/icon/smallclose.gif)
beautician
![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read3622.png)
n.
one skilled in giving cosmetic treatments; one who does hair styling, manicures, and other beauty treatments
Show examples and contexts ![Close Close](../pic/icon/smallclose.gif)
bias
![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read3622.png)
n. Syn. prejudice; preference
preference or inclination, especially one that inhibits impartial judgment; influence in unfair way
Show examples and contexts ![Close Close](../pic/icon/smallclose.gif)
bibliography
![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read3622.png)
n.
list of works of a specific author or publisher; list of writings relating to a given subject
Show examples and contexts ![Close Close](../pic/icon/smallclose.gif)
bind
![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read3622.png)
v. Syn. contract; cohere; stick
tie, or confine with a cord, band, or chain; make fast; contract; cohere or stick together
Show examples and contexts ![Close Close](../pic/icon/smallclose.gif)
bloom
![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read3622.png)
n. Syn. flower; blossom
flower; blossom; best time of youth; period of greatest prosperity or productivity
Show examples and contexts ![Close Close](../pic/icon/smallclose.gif)
blur
![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read3622.png)
n. Syn. stain; dim
something that is hazy and indistinct to the sight or mind; dim, confused appearance; moral stain or blot
Show examples and contexts ![Close Close](../pic/icon/smallclose.gif)
bookstall
![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read3622.png)
n.
stall where books are sold, as on a street; table with enclosed sides, for displaying books for sale
Show examples and contexts ![Close Close](../pic/icon/smallclose.gif)
bouquet
![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read3622.png)
n. Syn. bunch
small cluster or arrangement of flowers; an arrangement of flowers that is usually given as a present
Show examples and contexts ![Close Close](../pic/icon/smallclose.gif)
bowel
![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read3622.png)
n.
a part or division of intestine; interior of something; any internal organ of the body, as the stomach, liver, brain
Show examples and contexts ![Close Close](../pic/icon/smallclose.gif)
brew
![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read3622.png)
v. Syn. boil; cook
boil or seethe; cook; be in a state of preparation; be mixing, forming, or gathering
Show examples and contexts ![Close Close](../pic/icon/smallclose.gif)
brisk
![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read3622.png)
a. Syn. energetic; swift
marked by speed, liveliness, and vigor; energetic; swift; keen or sharp in speech or manner
Show examples and contexts ![Close Close](../pic/icon/smallclose.gif)
buffet
![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read3622.png)
n.
table with food set out for people to serve themselves; meal at which people help themselves to food that's been set out
Show examples and contexts ![Close Close](../pic/icon/smallclose.gif)
burial
![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read3622.png)
n. Syn. grave
grave or tomb; ritual placing of a corpse in a grave; concealing something under the ground
Show examples and contexts ![Close Close](../pic/icon/smallclose.gif)
burrow
![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read3622.png)
n. Syn. tunnel; den
tunnel; hole in the ground made by an animal for shelter; dig; move through by or as by digging
Show examples and contexts ![Close Close](../pic/icon/smallclose.gif)
butcher
![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read3622.png)
n. Syn. slaughterer
one whose job is to kill animals for food; one who kills in large numbers, or with unusual cruelty; vendor, especially on train or in theater
Show examples and contexts ![Close Close](../pic/icon/smallclose.gif)
bypass
![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read3622.png)
n.
channel used to conduct gas or liquid around another pipe or a fixture; conductor having low resistance in parallel
Show examples and contexts ![Close Close](../pic/icon/smallclose.gif)