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
The meeting ended abruptly when the fire alarm went off
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
She left her partner because he was emotionally and physically abusive towards her
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
The car accelerated rapidly down the highway
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
She accompanied her sister to the doctor’s appointment
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
The accumulation of snow on the ground made it difficult to drive
Pronunciation: ey-ker
Part of speech: noun
Irregular spelling and irregular forms:
Formal or informal: Formal
Countable or uncountable: Countable
Stress marks: ey-ker
The farm covered several acres of land
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
The hotel room was adjacent to the noisy elevator
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
She works with adolescents as a school counselor
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
The adverse weather conditions made it dangerous to drive
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
She advocates for animal rights and volunteers at a local shelter
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
The mother hugged her child affectionately
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
The agenda for the staff meeting included updates on projects and upcoming events
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
He aimed the dart at the bullseye on the dartboard
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
Albeit it was raining, they still went for a walk
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
The witness alleged that she saw the suspect leaving the scene of the crime
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
The alliance between the two companies allowed them to share resources and expertise
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 allocation of funds for the project was carefully planned
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
I receive a monthly allowance from my parents to cover my living expenses
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 ambiguity in the contract led to a dispute between the parties involved
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
The company amended its policy to include a new provision for remote work
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
The children played happily amid the flowers in the garden
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
The structure of the human eye is analogous to that of a camera
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
The news anchor reported on the latest developments in the story. The boat was anchored in the harbor
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 anticipation of the new movie release was high among fans
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
The apologetic tone of the email indicated that the sender recognized their mistake
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
The defendant filed an appeal against the judge’s ruling. The charity made an appeal for donations to support their cause
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
The audience applauded the performer’s outstanding performance. The company was applauded for its innovative approach to business
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
The teacher’s grading system seemed arbitrary and unfair to some students. The dictator’s rule was characterized by arbitrary decision-making
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
The desert is an arid region with little rainfall. The speaker’s arid presentation failed to capture the audience’s attention
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
The speaker’s words aroused a sense of anger among the audience. The smell of baking bread aroused my appetite
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
The young athlete aspired to be an Olympic champion. The tall spires of the cathedral soared into the sky
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
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
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
The attendance at the concert was impressive. The school tracks attendance to ensure students are not absent from class