Essentials Vocabulary - Week 1
abdicate: [ab-di-keyt] Verb Meaning
To renounce or give up a throne, right, power, claim, responsibility, or the like, especially in a formal manner. ●
Usage
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The old president of the company decided to abdicate his role. King Edward VIII abdicated his throne to marry the love of his life.
Synonyms
forgo, relinquish, renounce, step down, vacate, abandon
Antonyms
keep, stay, remain
aberration: [ab-uh-rey-shuh-n] Noun Meaning
Deviation from what is normal, expected, or usual; Departure from the truth, morality, etc. An irregularity from the normal. ●
Usage
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Mary’s sudden outburst was an aberration from her calm demeanour. If a person can roll his tongue, he is thought to have a genetic aberration.
Synonyms
oddity, peculiar, quirk, eccentricity, strangeness
Antonyms
normality
abhorrent: [ab-hawr-uh nt] Adjective Meaning
Causing or deserving strong dislike or hatred. Feeling or showing strong dislike or hatred. ●
Usage ●
John’s abhorrent behaviour caused him to get kicked out of the cafe. He woke up due to the abhorrent noise of a passing train.
Synonyms
disgusting, despicable, loathsome, repulsive, detestable, repugnant
Antonyms
admirable
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abide: [uh-bahyd] Verb Meaning
To act in accordance with rules. To ensure without yielding. ●
Usage ●
The students must abide by the rules of the school or get punished. I said I would abide by their decision and follow them.
Synonyms
comply with, obey, follow, adhere to
Antonyms
disallow, avoid, contradict
abrasive: [uh-brey-siv] Noun/Adjective
Meaning
Any material or substance used for grinding, polishing, etc. (noun) Causing damage, wear, or removal of surface material by grinding or rubbing. (adjective) Causing irritation, annoy, or ill will. (adjective) ●
Usage
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The athlete was banned from playing in future games for using abrasive language. (adjective) The carpenter is using an abrasive to smoothen the furniture. (noun)
Synonyms
annoying, caustic, nasty, irritating, rough
Antonyms
agreeable, calm, kind, mild, pleasant
abstain: [ab-steyn] Verb Meaning
To hold oneself back voluntarily, especially from something regarded as improper or unhealthy. To choose not to do or have something. ●
Usage
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If you want to live healthily, you should abstain from drinking too much soda. Marcus found it difficult to abstain from sleeping during the movie.
Synonyms
desist, forgo, pass up, quit, refrain
Antonyms
continue, do, accept
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abundance: [uh-buhn-duh ns] Noun Meaning
An extremely plentiful sufficient quantity or supply. An ample quantity. ●
Usage ●
New York City is a metropolis with an abundance of high rise buildings. There is an abundance of fruits in the forest.
Synonyms
affluence, bounty, myriad, plenty, a plethora
Antonyms
few, lack, little, scarcity
abysmal: [uh-biz-muh l] Adjective Meaning
Extremely poor or bad. Immeasurably low or deep, as in like an abyss ●
Usage
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Since Marc played video games the whole week, he earned an abysmal score on the test. The number in the audience attending the concert was abysmal and way lower than their expectations.
Synonyms
appalling, dreadful, awful, terrible, frightful, atrocious
Antonyms
hopeful, good, outstanding
accredited: [uh-kred-i-tid] Adjective/Verb
Meaning
Officially recognised as meeting the essential requirements, as of academic excellence. (adjective) To give official authorisation to or approval of. (verb) ●
Usage
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The charity is accredited by the government and officially allowed to raise funds. (verb) Jonathan is working hard to become an accredited teacher. (adjective)
Synonyms
authorised, certified, vouched for, credited
Antonyms
unauthorised, unofficial
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activism: [ak-tuh-viz-uh m] Noun
Meaning
A practice that emphasises direct or vigorous action especially in support of or opposition to one side of a controversial issue. Consists of efforts to promote, impede, or direct social, political, economic, or environmental reform with the desire to make improvements in society. ●
Usage
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A hunger strike is a form of activism that was used by Mahatma Gandhi. Participating in discussion and debates is an important part of activism.
Synonyms
advocacy, involvement, militancy
Antonyms
none
admire: [ad-mahyur] Verb Meaning
To regard with wonder, pleasure, or approval. To feel respect and approval for (someone or something) ●
Usage
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I admire his perseverance in finishing his studies despite working two jobs. One can just admire the beauty of nature on a nice spring day and momentarily forget all troubles.
Synonyms
adore, appreciate, cherish, idolise, marvel at, revere
Antonyms
condemn, despise, denounce
admonish: [ad-mon-ish] Verb Meaning
To urge to a duty. To reprove or scold, especially in a mild good-willed manner. ●
Usage ●
The teacher admonished him for forgetting his homework at home. I admonish him to eat healthier and exercise more.
Synonyms
advise, berate, censure, scold, reprimand
Antonyms
allow, compliment, flatter
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