A

Lesson 1

Abrupt

Title: Abrupt

Pronunciation: uh-bruhpt

Part of speech: adjective

Irregular spelling and irregular forms: abruptly (adverb)

Formal or informal: Formal

Countable or uncountable: Uncountable

Transitive or intransitive: Transitive

Stress marks: uh-bruhpt

Synonym: sudden, unexpected, rude

Opposite: gradual, expected, polite

 

Sudden and unexpected; brief to the point of rudeness; to bring to an end abruptly

The meeting ended abruptly when the fire alarm went off

Sudden and unexpected; brief to the point of rudeness; to bring to an end abruptly

Abuse

Title: Abuse

Pronunciation: uh-byoos

Part of speech: verb/noun

Definition: to treat someone with cruelty or violence, often regularly and repeatedly; the act of treating someone with cruelty or violence

Irregular spelling and irregular forms: abusive (adjective), abuser (noun)

Formal or informal: Formal

Countable or uncountable: Uncountable

Transitive or intransitive: Transitive

Stress marks: uh-byoos

Synonym: mistreat, harm, bully

Opposite: treat kindly, protect, support

 

Example

She left her partner because he was emotionally and physically abusive towards her

Example

Accelerate

Title: Accelerate

Pronunciation: ak-sel-uh-reyt

Part of speech: verb

Irregular spelling and irregular forms: accelerated (past tense), accelerating (present participle)

Formal or informal: Formal

Countable or uncountable: Uncountable

Transitive or intransitive: Intransitive/Transitive

Stress marks: ak-sel-uh-reyt

Synonym: speed up, hasten, quicken

Opposite: slow down, decelerate, delay

 

To increase in speed or rate; to cause something to happen more quickly

The car accelerated rapidly down the highway

To increase in speed or rate; to cause something to happen more quickly

Accompany

Title: Accompany

Pronunciation: uh-kuhm-puh-nee

Part of speech: verb

Definition: to go somewhere with someone as a companion or escort; to occur or exist at the same time as something else

Irregular spelling and irregular forms: accompanying (present participle), accompanied (past tense)

Formal or informal: Formal

Countable or uncountable: Uncountable

Transitive or intransitive: Transitive

Stress marks: uh-kuhm-puh-nee

Synonym: escort, follow, attend

Opposite: go alone, avoid, separate

 

Example

She accompanied her sister to the doctor’s appointment

Example

Accumulation

Title: Accumulation

Pronunciation: uh-kyoo-myuh-ley-shuhn

Part of speech: noun

Definition: the act of gradually collecting or acquiring something; the total amount of something that has been collected or acquired over time

Irregular spelling and irregular forms: accumulated (past tense), accumulating (present participle)

Formal or informal: Formal

Countable or uncountable: Uncountable

Transitive or intransitive: Intransitive/Transitive

Stress marks: uh-kyoo-myuh-ley-shuhn

Synonym: collection, buildup, stockpile

Opposite: dispersal, reduction, depletion

 

Example

The accumulation of snow on the ground made it difficult to drive

Example

Acre

Title: Acre

Pronunciation: ey-ker

Part of speech: noun

Irregular spelling and irregular forms: 

Formal or informal: Formal

Countable or uncountable: Countable

Stress marks: ey-ker



A unit of measurement for land area, equal to 43,560 square feet or 4,047 square meters

The farm covered several acres of land

A unit of measurement for land area, equal to 43,560 square feet or 4,047 square meters

Adjacent

Title: Adjacent

Pronunciation: uh-jey-suhnt

Part of speech: adjective

Irregular spelling and irregular forms: 

Formal or informal: Formal

Countable or uncountable: Uncountable

Stress marks: uh-jey-suhnt

Synonym: neighboring, bordering, contiguous

Opposite: distant, separate, apart

 

Next to or adjoining something else; having a common boundary or edge

The hotel room was adjacent to the noisy elevator

Next to or adjoining something else; having a common boundary or edge

Adolescent

Title: Adolescent

Pronunciation: ad-uh-les-uhnt

Part of speech: noun/adjective

Irregular spelling and irregular forms: 

Formal or informal: Formal

Countable or uncountable: Countable

Stress marks: ad-uh-les-uhnt

Synonym: teenager, youth, pubescent

Opposite: adult, elderly, mature

 

A young person who is developing into an adult; relating to or typical of adolescence

She works with adolescents as a school counselor

A young person who is developing into an adult; relating to or typical of adolescence

Adverse

Title: Adverse

Pronunciation: ad-vurs

Part of speech: adjective

Irregular spelling and irregular forms: adversity (noun)

Formal or informal: Formal

Countable or uncountable: Uncountable

Stress marks: ad-vurs

Synonym: unfavorable, negative, difficult

Opposite: favorable, positive, easy

 

preventing success or development; harmful or unfavorable

The adverse weather conditions made it dangerous to drive

preventing success or development; harmful or unfavorable

Advocate

Title: Advocate

Pronunciation: ad-vuh-keyt

Part of speech: verb/noun

Definition: to publicly support or recommend a particular cause or policy; a person who publicly supports or recommends a particular cause or policy

Irregular spelling and irregular forms: advocacy (noun), advocate (noun)

Formal or informal: Formal

Countable or uncountable: Countable

Transitive or intransitive: Transitive

Stress marks: ad-vuh-keyt

Synonym: support, promote, champion

Opposite: oppose, reject, disapprove

 

Example

She advocates for animal rights and volunteers at a local shelter

Example

Affectionate

Title: Affectionate

Pronunciation: uh-fek-shuh-nit

Part of speech: adjective

Irregular spelling and irregular forms: affectionately (adverb), affection (noun)

Formal or informal: Formal

Countable or uncountable: Uncountable

Stress marks: uh-fek-shuh-nit

Synonym: loving, caring, tender

Opposite: cold, distant, unloving

 

showing fondness or tenderness; having or displaying warmth or affection

The mother hugged her child affectionately

showing fondness or tenderness; having or displaying warmth or affection

Agenda

Title: Agenda

Pronunciation: uh-jen-duh

Part of speech: noun

Irregular spelling and irregular forms: 

Formal or informal: Formal

Countable or uncountable: Countable

Stress marks: uh-jen-duh

Synonym: schedule, plan, itinerary

Opposite: disorganization, spontaneity, lack of structure

 

Example

The agenda for the staff meeting included updates on projects and upcoming events

Example

Aim

Title: Aim

Pronunciation: eyem

Part of speech: noun/verb

Definition: the direction in which something is aimed or pointed; to direct something towards a particular target or goal

Irregular spelling and irregular forms: aimed (past tense), aiming (present participle)

Formal or informal: Formal

Countable or uncountable: Uncountable

Transitive or intransitive: Transitive

Stress marks: eyem

Synonym: target, direct, focus

Opposite: aimless, unfocused, random

Example

He aimed the dart at the bullseye on the dartboard

Example

Albeit

Title: Albeit

Pronunciation: awl-bee-it

Part of speech: conjunction

Formal or informal: Formal

Countable or uncountable: Uncountable

Stress marks: awl-bee-it

Synonym: although, even though, despite

Opposite: therefore, because, since

 

Although; even though; despite the fact that

Albeit it was raining, they still went for a walk

Although; even though; despite the fact that

Allege

Title: Allege

Pronunciation: uh-lej

Part of speech: verb

Definition: to claim or assert that something is true without proof or evidence; to state as a fact without providing evidence

Irregular spelling and irregular forms: alleged (past tense), alleging (present participle)

Formal or informal: Formal

Countable or uncountable: Uncountable

Transitive or intransitive: Transitive

Stress marks: uh-lej

Synonym: claim, assert, declare

Opposite: deny, refute, disprove

 

Example

The witness alleged that she saw the suspect leaving the scene of the crime

Example

Alliance

Title: Alliance

Pronunciation: uh-lahy-uhns

Part of speech: noun

Definition: a union or association formed for mutual benefit, especially between countries or organizations; a relationship in which people or groups agree to work together for a common purpose

Formal or informal: Formal

Countable or uncountable: Countable

Stress marks: uh-lahy-uhns

Synonym: partnership, coalition, union

Opposite: opposition, rivalry, disunity

 

Example

The alliance between the two companies allowed them to share resources and expertise

Example

Allocation

Title: Allocation

Pronunciation: /ˌæləʊˈkeɪʃ(ə)n/

Part of speech: noun

Irregular spelling and irregular forms: allocate (verb)

Formal or informal: Formal

Countable or uncountable: Countable

Transitive or intransitive: Transitive

Stress marks: AL-uh-kay-shun

Synonym: distribution, allotment, assignment

Opposite: collection, gathering, accumulation

 

The action or process of allocating or distributing something

The allocation of funds for the project was carefully planned

The action or process of allocating or distributing something

Allowance

Title: Allowance

Pronunciation: /əˈlaʊəns/

Part of speech: noun

Formal or informal: Informal

Countable or uncountable: Countable

Transitive or intransitive: Transitive

Stress marks: uh-LAU-uhns

Synonym: stipend, subsidy, grant

Opposite: deduction, reduction, penalty

 

A sum of money paid regularly to a person, typically to meet specified needs or expenses

I receive a monthly allowance from my parents to cover my living expenses

A sum of money paid regularly to a person, typically to meet specified needs or expenses

Ambiguity

Title: Ambiguity

Pronunciation: /æmbɪˈɡjuːɪti/

Part of speech: noun

Irregular spelling and irregular forms: ambiguous (adjective)

Formal or informal: Formal

Countable or uncountable: Uncountable

Transitive or intransitive: Intransitive

Stress marks: am-bi-GYOO-uh-tee

Synonym: vagueness, obscurity, uncertainty

Opposite: clarity, precision, definiteness

 

The quality of being open to more than one interpretation; inexactness

The ambiguity in the contract led to a dispute between the parties involved

The quality of being open to more than one interpretation; inexactness

Amend

Title: Amend

Pronunciation: /əˈmɛnd/

Part of speech: verb

Definition: make minor changes to (a text, piece of legislation, etc.) in order to make it fairer or more accurate, or to reflect changing circumstances

Irregular spelling and irregular forms: amendment (noun)

Formal or informal: Formal

Countable or uncountable: Countable

Transitive or intransitive: Transitive

Stress marks: uh-MEND

Synonym: modify, revise, alter

Opposite: maintain, preserve, retain

 

Example

The company amended its policy to include a new provision for remote work

Example

Amid

Title: Amid

Pronunciation: /əˈmɪd/

Part of speech: preposition

Formal or informal: Informal

Countable or uncountable: Uncountable

Transitive or intransitive: Intransitive

Stress marks: uh-MID

Synonym: among, amidst, between

Opposite: outside, beyond, away from

 

surrounded by; in the middle of

The children played happily amid the flowers in the garden

surrounded by; in the middle of

Analogous

Title: Analogous

Pronunciation: /əˈnæləɡəs/

Part of speech: adjective

Definition: comparable in certain respects, typically in a way that makes clearer the nature of the things compared

Irregular spelling and irregular forms: analogy (noun)

Formal or informal: Formal

Countable or uncountable: Uncountable

Transitive or intransitive: Intransitive

Stress marks: uh-NAL-uh-guhs

Synonym: similar, alike, comparable

Opposite: dissimilar, different, contrasting

 

Example

The structure of the human eye is analogous to that of a camera

Example

Anchor

Title: Anchor

Pronunciation: /ˈæŋkə/

Part of speech: noun/verb

Definition: a heavy object attached to a rope or chain and used to moor a ship to the sea bottom, or a person or thing that provides stability or confidence; to secure firmly in place

Formal or informal: Informal

Countable or uncountable: Countable

Transitive or intransitive: Transitive

Stress marks: ANK-er (noun), ANK-er (verb)

Synonym: secure, fasten, fix

Opposite: loosen, detach, release

 

Example

The news anchor reported on the latest developments in the story. The boat was anchored in the harbor

Example

Anticipation

Title: Anticipation

Pronunciation: /ænˌtɪsɪˈpeɪʃ(ə)n/

Part of speech: noun

Irregular spelling and irregular forms: anticipate (verb)

Formal or informal: Formal

Countable or uncountable: Uncountable

Transitive or intransitive: Intransitive

Stress marks: an-ti-suh-PAY-shun

Synonym: expectation, foresight, prediction

Opposite: surprise, shock, disbelief

 

The action of anticipating something; expectation or prediction

The anticipation of the new movie release was high among fans

The action of anticipating something; expectation or prediction

Apologetic

Title: Apologetic

Pronunciation: /əˌpɒləˈdʒɛtɪk/

Part of speech: adjective

Irregular spelling and irregular forms: apologize (verb), apology (noun)

Formal or informal: Formal

Countable or uncountable: Uncountable

Transitive or intransitive: Intransitive

Stress marks: uh-puh-luh-JET-ik

Synonym: regretful, remorseful, contrite

Opposite: unapologetic, defiant, unrepentant

 

Regretfully acknowledging or excusing an offense or failure; expressing apology

The apologetic tone of the email indicated that the sender recognized their mistake

Regretfully acknowledging or excusing an offense or failure; expressing apology

Appeal

Title: Appeal

Pronunciation: /əˈpiːl/

Part of speech: noun/verb

Definition: a request made to a higher court or authority to review a decision made by a lower court or authority; make a serious or urgent request, typically to the public

Formal or informal: Formal

Countable or uncountable: Countable

Transitive or intransitive: Transitive

Stress marks: uh-PEEL (noun), uh-PEEL (verb)

Synonym: request, petition, entreaty

Opposite: denial, rejection, refusal

 

Example

The defendant filed an appeal against the judge’s ruling. The charity made an appeal for donations to support their cause

Example

Applaud

Title: Applaud

Pronunciation: /əˈplɔːd/

Part of speech: verb

Definition: show approval or praise by clapping; express approval of (someone or something)

Irregular spelling and irregular forms: applause (noun)

Formal or informal: Informal

Countable or uncountable: Uncountable

Transitive or intransitive: Transitive

Stress marks: uh-PLAWD

Synonym: praise, commend, cheer

Opposite: criticize, condemn, disapprove

 

Example

The audience applauded the performer’s outstanding performance. The company was applauded for its innovative approach to business

Example

Arbitrary

Title: Arbitrary

Pronunciation: /ˈɑːbɪt(rə)ri/

Part of speech: adjective

Definition: based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system; unrestrained and autocratic in the use of authority

Formal or informal: Formal

Countable or uncountable: Uncountable

Transitive or intransitive: Intransitive

Stress marks: AHR-bi-trer-ee

Synonym: capricious, random, whimsical

Opposite: systematic, rational, consistent

 

Example

The teacher’s grading system seemed arbitrary and unfair to some students. The dictator’s rule was characterized by arbitrary decision-making

Example

Arid

Title: Arid

Pronunciation: /ˈærɪd/

Part of speech: adjective

Definition: (of land or a climate) having little or no rain; too dry or barren to support vegetation; lacking in interest, excitement, or meaning

Formal or informal: Formal

Countable or uncountable: Uncountable

Transitive or intransitive: Intransitive

Stress marks: AIR-id

Synonym: dry, parched, dull

Opposite: fertile, lush, interesting

 

Example

The desert is an arid region with little rainfall. The speaker’s arid presentation failed to capture the audience’s attention

Example

Arouse

Title: Arouse

Pronunciation: /əˈraʊz/

Part of speech: verb

Definition: evoke or awaken (a feeling, emotion, or response); cause or provoke (a reaction or response)

Formal or informal: Formal

Countable or uncountable: Countable

Transitive or intransitive: Transitive

Stress marks: uh-ROWZ

Synonym: stimulate, excite, provoke

Opposite: calm, soothe, suppress

 

Example

The speaker’s words aroused a sense of anger among the audience. The smell of baking bread aroused my appetite

Example

Aspire

Title: Aspire

Pronunciation: /əˈspaɪə/

Part of speech: verb

Irregular spelling and irregular forms: aspiration (noun)

Formal or informal: Formal

Countable or uncountable: Countable

Transitive or intransitive: IntransitiveStress marks: uh-SPIR

Synonym: aim, desire, hope

Opposite: give up, abandon, renounce

 

Example

The young athlete aspired to be an Olympic champion. The tall spires of the cathedral soared into the sky

Example

Assert

Title: Assert

Pronunciation: /əˈsəːt/

Part of speech: verb

Definition: state a fact or belief confidently and forcefully; cause others to recognize (one’s authority or a right) by confident and forceful behavior

Irregular spelling and irregular forms: assertion (noun)

Formal or informal: Formal

Countable or uncountable: Countable

Transitive or intransitive: Transitive

Stress marks: uh-SURT

Synonym: declare, maintain, affirm

Opposite: deny, refute, disclaim

 

Example

The witness asserted that she had seen the suspect at the scene of the crime. The manager asserted her authority by firing the employee who was breaking company rules

Example

Attendance

Title: Attendance

Pronunciation: /əˈtɛnd(ə)ns/

Part of speech: noun

Definition: the action or state of going regularly to or being present at a place or event; the number of people present in a particular place or attending a particular event

Formal or informal: Formal

Countable or uncountable: Uncountable

Transitive or intransitive: Intransitive

Stress marks: uh-TEN-duns

Synonym: presence, participation, turnout

Opposite: absence, nonattendance, no-show

 

Example

The attendance at the concert was impressive. The school tracks attendance to ensure students are not absent from class

Example