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accrue
(v.) a natural growth; a periodic increase
Over the course of her college career, she managed to accrue a great deal
of knowledge.
The savings were able to accrue a sizable amount of interest each year.
During his many years of collecting stamps, he was able to accrue a large
collection of valuable items.
acerbic
(adj.) tasting sour; harsh in language or temper
Too much Bay Leaf will make the eggplant acerbic.
The baby's mouth puckered when she was given the acerbic medicine.
The columnist's acerbic comments about the First Lady drew a strong denunciation
from the President.
acquiesce
(v.) to agree without protest
The group acquiesced to the new regulations even though they were opposed
to them.
After a hard-fought battle, the retailers finally acquiesced to the draft
regulations.
acrid
(adj.) sharp; bitter; foul smelling
Although the soup is a healthy food choice, it is so acrid not many people
choose to eat it.
The fire at the plastics factory caused an acrid odor to be emitted throughout
the surrounding neighborhood.
acrimony
(n.) sharpness or bitterness in language or manner.
The acrimony of her response was shocking.
adage
(n.) an old saying now accepted as being truthful
The adage "do unto others as you wish them to do unto you" is
still widely practiced.
adamant
(adj.) not yielding, firm
After taking an adamant stand to sell the house, the man called the real
estate agency.
The girl's parents were adamant about not allowing her to go on a dangerous
backpacking trip.
addled
(adj.) rotten
The egg will become addled if it is left unrefrigerated.
adept
(adj.) skilled; practiced
The skilled craftsman was quite adept at creating beautiful vases and
candleholders.
adjure
(v.) solemnly ordered
The jurors were adjured by the judge to make a fair decision.
adroit
(adj.) expert or skillful
The repair was not difficult for the adroit craftsman.
The driver's adroit driving avoided a serious accident.
adulation
(n.) praise in excess
The adulation was in response to the heroic feat.
The adulation given to the movie star was sickening.
adulterate
(v.) to corrupt, debase, or make impure
The dumping of chemicals will adulterate the pureness of the lake.
adversary
(n.) an enemy; foe
The peace treaty united two countries that were historically great adversaries.
adverse
(adj.) negative; hostile; antagonistic; inimical
Contrary to the ski resort's expectations, the warm weather generated
adverse conditions for a profitable weekend.
advocate
(v.; n.) to plead in favor of; supporter; defender
Amnesty International advocates the cause for human rights.
Martin Luther King, Jr. was a great advocate of civil rights.
aesthetic
(adj.) of beauty; pertaining to taste in art and beauty
She found that her aesthetic sense and that of the artist were at odds.
His review made one wonder what kind of aesthetic taste the critic had.
affable
(adj.) friendly; amiable; good-natured
Her affable puppy loved to play with children.
affiliate
(v.) to connect or associate with; to accept as a member
The hiking club affiliated with the bird-watching club.
affinity
(n.) a connection; similarity of structure
There is a strong emotional affinity between the two siblings.
It turns out that the elements bear a strong affinity to each other.
aggrandize
(v.) to make more powerful
The king wanted to aggrandize himself and his kingdom.
aghast
(adj.) astonished; amazed; horrified; terrified; appalled
Stockholders were aghast at the company's revelation.
The landlord was aghast at his water bill.
agrarian
(adj.) of the land
Many agrarian people are poor.
alacrity
(n.) eager readiness or speed
The manager was so impressed by the worker's alacrity; he suggested a
promotion.
On the first day of her new job, the recent college graduate was able
to leave early after completing all of her tasks with alacrity.
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