Ambidextrous (adj): am-bi-dek-struhs
Someone who is ambidextrous can use both their right hand and their left hand equally skilfully
Ambiguous (adj): am-big-yoo-uhs
If you describe something as ambiguous, you mean that it is unclear or confusing because it can be understood in more than one way = equivocal
Ambulatory (adj): am-byuh-luh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee
moving about or from place to place; not stationary:
= able to walk
Amenable (adj): uh-mee-nuh-buhl, uh-men-uh-
If you are amenable to something, you are willing to do it or accept it = agreeable, docile
Amiable (adj): ey-mee-uh-buhl (55)
Someone who is amiable is friendly and pleasant to be with = affable
Amicable (adj): am-i-kuh-buhl
When people have an amicable relationship, they are pleasant to each other and solve their problems without quarrelling = friendly
Amiss (adj): uh-mis
If you say that something is amiss, you mean there is something wrong = wrong, faulty
Amoral (adj): ey-mawr-uhl
If you describe someone as amoral, you do not like the way they behave because they do not seem to care whether what they do is right or wrong = nonmoral
Amorous (adj): am-er-uhs
If you describe someone’s feelings or actions as amorous, you mean that they involve sexual desire = passionate
Amorphous (adj): uh-mawr-fuhs (60)
Something that is amorphous has no clear shape or structure = shapeless
Amphibian (adj): am-fib-ee-uhn
Amphibians are animals such as frogs and toads that can live both on land and in water
Ample (adj): am-puhl
If there is an ample amount of something, there is enough of it and usually some extra = abundant
Analgesic (adj): an-l-jee-zik
An analgesic drug reduces the effect of pain = painkilling
Analogous (adj): uh-nal-uh-guhs
If one thing is analogous to another, the two things are similar in some way = comparable
Ancillary (adj): an-suh-ler-ee (65)
The ancillary workers in an institution are the people such as cleaners and cooks whose work supports the main work of the institution = auxiliary
Animated (adj): an-uh-mey-tid
Someone who is animated or who is having an animated conversation is lively and is showing their feelings = lively
Anomalous (adj): uh-nom-uh-luhs
Something that is anomalous is different from what is usual or expected = abnormal
Anonymous (adj): uh-non-uh-muhs
If you remain anonymous when you do something, you do not let people know that you were the person who did it = nameless
Anorexic (adj): an-uh-rek-sik
If someone is anorexic, they are suffering from anorexia and so are very thin
Antediluvian (adj): an-tee-di-loo-vee-uhn (70)
Antediluvian things are old or old-fashioned = antiquated; ancient
Anthropoid (adj): an-thruh-poid
Anthropoid is resembling a human, especially in shape or outward appearance
Anthropomorphic (adj): an-thruh-puh-mawr-fik
Anthropomorphic means relating to the idea that an animal, a god, or an object has feelings or characteristics like those of a human being
Apathetic (adj): ap-uh-thet-ik
If you describe someone as apathetic, you are criticizing them because they do not seem to be interested in or enthusiastic about doing anything = indifferent
Apocalyptic (adj): uh-pok-uh-lip-tik
Apocalyptic means relating to the total destruction of something, especially of the world= prophetic, pertaining to relevations
Apocryphal (adj): uh-pok-ruh-fuhl (75)
An apocryphal story is one which is probably not true or did not happen, but which may give a true picture of someone or something= untrue
Apolitical (adj): ey-puh-lit-i-kuhl
If you describe an organization or an activity as apolitical, you mean that it is not linked to a particular political party
Appalling (adj): uh-paw-ling
Something that is appalling is so bad or unpleasant that it shocks you = shocking
Appealing (adj): apee-ling
Someone or something that is appealing is pleasing and attractive = attractive
Apposite (adj): ap-uh-zit
Something that is apposite is suitable for or appropriate to what is happening or being discussed = relevant, appropriate; fitting
Apprehensive (adj): ap-ri-hen-siv (80)
Someone who is apprehensive is afraid that something bad may happen = fearful
Apropos (adj): ap-ruh-poh
Something which is apropos, or apropos of, a subject or event, is connected with it or relevant to it = with reference to, with reference to; properly
Aquiline (adj): ak-wuh-lahyn, -lin
If someone has an aquiline nose or profile, their nose is large, thin, and usually curved = curved, hooked
Arable (adj): ar-uh-buhl
Arable farming involves growing crops such as wheat and barley rather than keeping animals or growing fruit and vegetables Arable land is land that is used for arable farming = fit for plowing
Arbitrary (adj): ahr-bi-trer-ee
If you describe an action, rule, or decision as arbitrary, you think that it is not based on any principle, plan, or system It often seems unfair because of this= unreasonable
Arcane (adj): ahr-keyn (85)
Something that is arcane is secret or mysterious = secret
Archaic (adj): ahr-key-ik
Archaic means extremely old or extremely old-fashioned = antiquated, passe
Arduous (adj): ahr-joo-uhs
Something that is arduous is difficult and tiring, and involves a lot of effort= laborious, onerous, stenuous
Arid (adj): ar-id
Arid land is so dry that very few plants can grow on it= dry; barren
Aromatic (adj): ar-uh-mat-ik
An aromatic plant or food has a strong, pleasant smell of herbs or spices = fragrant
Arrant (adj): ar-uhnt (90)
Arrant is used to emphasize that something or someone is very bad in some way = unmitigated, thorough, complete
That's arrant nonsense
Artful (adj): ahrt-fuhl
If you describe someone as artful, you mean that they are clever and skilful at achieving what they want, especially by deceiving people
Ascetic (adj): uh-set-ik
An ascetic person has a way of life that is simple and strict, usually because of their religious beliefs = austere
Aseptic (adj): uh-sep-tik
preventing putrefaction or blood poisoning by killing bacteria
Ashen (adj): ash-uhn
Someone who is ashen looks very pale, especially because they are ill, shocked, or frightened = pallid, ash-colored
Asinine (adj): as-uh-nahyn (95)
If you describe something or someone as asinine, you mean that they are very foolish = stupid
Askance (adv): uh-skans
If you look askance at someone or something, you have a doubtful or suspicious attitude towards them = indirect look
Askew (adj): uh-skyoo
Something that is askew is not straight or not level with what it should be level with = crookedly
Assiduous (adj): uh-sij-oo-uhs
Someone who is assiduous works hard or does things very thoroughly = diligent, studious
Astral (adj): as-truhl
Astral means relating to the stars = celestial
Astringent (adj): uh-strin-juhnt (100)
Astringent liquids or words have sharp acid taste = harsh
Someone who is ambidextrous can use both their right hand and their left hand equally skilfully
My grandmother was ambidextrous as she could write with both the hands
Ambiguous (adj): am-big-yoo-uhs
If you describe something as ambiguous, you mean that it is unclear or confusing because it can be understood in more than one way = equivocal
Her account was deliberately ambiguous
Ambulatory (adj): am-byuh-luh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee
moving about or from place to place; not stationary:
= able to walk
He was more of an ambulatory patient than a bedridden
Amenable (adj): uh-mee-nuh-buhl, uh-men-uh-
If you are amenable to something, you are willing to do it or accept it = agreeable, docile
He seemed most amenable to my idea
Amiable (adj): ey-mee-uh-buhl (55)
Someone who is amiable is friendly and pleasant to be with = affable
She had been surprised at how amiable and polite he had seemed
Amicable (adj): am-i-kuh-buhl
When people have an amicable relationship, they are pleasant to each other and solve their problems without quarrelling = friendly
The meeting ended on reasonably amicable terms
Amiss (adj): uh-mis
If you say that something is amiss, you mean there is something wrong = wrong, faulty
She sensed something was amiss and called the police
Amoral (adj): ey-mawr-uhl
If you describe someone as amoral, you do not like the way they behave because they do not seem to care whether what they do is right or wrong = nonmoral
Guy was greedy, amoral, obsessed with power and self-gratification
Amorous (adj): am-er-uhs
If you describe someone’s feelings or actions as amorous, you mean that they involve sexual desire = passionate
Mary rejected Tony’s amorous advances
Amorphous (adj): uh-mawr-fuhs (60)
Something that is amorphous has no clear shape or structure = shapeless
This amorphous mass of twisted metal weighs 2 kgs
Amphibian (adj): am-fib-ee-uhn
Amphibians are animals such as frogs and toads that can live both on land and in water
Crocodile and frogs are classified as amphibians
Ample (adj): am-puhl
If there is an ample amount of something, there is enough of it and usually some extra = abundant
There'll be ample opportunity to relax, swim and soak up some sun
Analgesic (adj): an-l-jee-zik
An analgesic drug reduces the effect of pain = painkilling
Nimuslide is a popular analgesic salt
Analogous (adj): uh-nal-uh-guhs
If one thing is analogous to another, the two things are similar in some way = comparable
The report's findings are analogous with our own
Ancillary (adj): an-suh-ler-ee (65)
The ancillary workers in an institution are the people such as cleaners and cooks whose work supports the main work of the institution = auxiliary
The company is on a drive to recruit ancillary staff
Animated (adj): an-uh-mey-tid
Someone who is animated or who is having an animated conversation is lively and is showing their feelings = lively
The performance was followed by an animated discussion
Anomalous (adj): uh-nom-uh-luhs
Something that is anomalous is different from what is usual or expected = abnormal
They could not find an explanation for the anomalous results of the experiment
Anonymous (adj): uh-non-uh-muhs
If you remain anonymous when you do something, you do not let people know that you were the person who did it = nameless
According to one employee, who wishes to remain anonymous, the company engaged in illegal activities
Anorexic (adj): an-uh-rek-sik
If someone is anorexic, they are suffering from anorexia and so are very thin
And I was getting thing, she thought I was anorexic
Antediluvian (adj): an-tee-di-loo-vee-uhn (70)
Antediluvian things are old or old-fashioned = antiquated; ancient
Most guys he met thought this was too far out, positively antediluvian
Anthropoid (adj): an-thruh-poid
Anthropoid is resembling a human, especially in shape or outward appearance
Monkeys, gorillas and chimpanzees are obiviously anthropoids
Anthropomorphic (adj): an-thruh-puh-mawr-fik
Anthropomorphic means relating to the idea that an animal, a god, or an object has feelings or characteristics like those of a human being
The plant analogy guaranteed freedom from anthropomorphism
Apathetic (adj): ap-uh-thet-ik
If you describe someone as apathetic, you are criticizing them because they do not seem to be interested in or enthusiastic about doing anything = indifferent
Even the most apathetic students are beginning to sit up and listen
Apocalyptic (adj): uh-pok-uh-lip-tik
Apocalyptic means relating to the total destruction of something, especially of the world= prophetic, pertaining to relevations
The novel presents us with an apocalyptic vision of the future
Apocryphal (adj): uh-pok-ruh-fuhl (75)
An apocryphal story is one which is probably not true or did not happen, but which may give a true picture of someone or something= untrue
Most of the stories about him are apocryphal
Apolitical (adj): ey-puh-lit-i-kuhl
If you describe an organization or an activity as apolitical, you mean that it is not linked to a particular political party
Administration should be an apolitical tool of the government
Appalling (adj): uh-paw-ling
Something that is appalling is so bad or unpleasant that it shocks you = shocking
She suffered appalling injuries
Appealing (adj): apee-ling
Someone or something that is appealing is pleasing and attractive = attractive
'Are you sure it's okay?' she said with an appealing smile
Apposite (adj): ap-uh-zit
Something that is apposite is suitable for or appropriate to what is happening or being discussed = relevant, appropriate; fitting
Recent events have made his central theme even more apposite
Apprehensive (adj): ap-ri-hen-siv (80)
Someone who is apprehensive is afraid that something bad may happen = fearful
Those students who have been doing their work all term need not feel apprehensive about the final examination
Apropos (adj): ap-ruh-poh
Something which is apropos, or apropos of, a subject or event, is connected with it or relevant to it = with reference to, with reference to; properly
All my suggestions apropos the script were accepted
Aquiline (adj): ak-wuh-lahyn, -lin
If someone has an aquiline nose or profile, their nose is large, thin, and usually curved = curved, hooked
Why does the villain always have an aquiline nose?
Arable (adj): ar-uh-buhl
Arable farming involves growing crops such as wheat and barley rather than keeping animals or growing fruit and vegetables Arable land is land that is used for arable farming = fit for plowing
The potential economic damage is not restricted to arable farming
Arbitrary (adj): ahr-bi-trer-ee
If you describe an action, rule, or decision as arbitrary, you think that it is not based on any principle, plan, or system It often seems unfair because of this= unreasonable
Arbitrary arrests and detention without trial were common
Arcane (adj): ahr-keyn (85)
Something that is arcane is secret or mysterious = secret
The arcane language of the law confuses many a students
Archaic (adj): ahr-key-ik
Archaic means extremely old or extremely old-fashioned = antiquated, passe
‘Thou are’ is an archaic form of ‘you are’
Arduous (adj): ahr-joo-uhs
Something that is arduous is difficult and tiring, and involves a lot of effort= laborious, onerous, stenuous
The work is arduous and the hours are long
Arid (adj): ar-id
Arid land is so dry that very few plants can grow on it= dry; barren
Palm trees and cacti grow successfully in arid environments
Aromatic (adj): ar-uh-mat-ik
An aromatic plant or food has a strong, pleasant smell of herbs or spices = fragrant
She had filled the room with sweet-scented jasmine and tall aromatic lilies
Arrant (adj): ar-uhnt (90)
Arrant is used to emphasize that something or someone is very bad in some way = unmitigated, thorough, complete
That's arrant nonsense
All three of us cooed like arrant fools
Artful (adj): ahrt-fuhl
If you describe someone as artful, you mean that they are clever and skilful at achieving what they want, especially by deceiving people
The artful student talked her professor into giving her an A for a perfectly mundane assignment
Ascetic (adj): uh-set-ik
An ascetic person has a way of life that is simple and strict, usually because of their religious beliefs = austere
The priest lives an ascetic life devoid of television, savory foods, and other pleasures
Aseptic (adj): uh-sep-tik
preventing putrefaction or blood poisoning by killing bacteria
Employs aseptic techniques in different situations
Ashen (adj): ash-uhn
Someone who is ashen looks very pale, especially because they are ill, shocked, or frightened = pallid, ash-colored
I saw a group walking towards me through the ashen darkness
Asinine (adj): as-uh-nahyn (95)
If you describe something or someone as asinine, you mean that they are very foolish = stupid
What an asinine remark!
Askance (adv): uh-skans
If you look askance at someone or something, you have a doubtful or suspicious attitude towards them = indirect look
She looked askance at him when he began to eat before everybody else
Askew (adj): uh-skyoo
Something that is askew is not straight or not level with what it should be level with = crookedly
There's Jerry, with his collar open and his tie askew
Assiduous (adj): uh-sij-oo-uhs
Someone who is assiduous works hard or does things very thoroughly = diligent, studious
The assiduous student makes daily goals and plans his study shedule in a very achievable manner
Astral (adj): as-truhl
Astral means relating to the stars = celestial
She was amazed to see the numerous astralbodies from telescope
Astringent (adj): uh-strin-juhnt (100)
Astringent liquids or words have sharp acid taste = harsh
He liked the astringent taste of lemon juice
