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analogy
(n.) similarity; correlation; parallelism
The teacher used an analogy to describe the similarities between the two
books.
Comparing the newly discovered virus with one found long ago, the scientist
made an analogy between the two organisms.
anaphylaxis
(n.) an allergic reaction
The boy's severe anaphylaxis to a series of medications made writing prescriptions
a tricky proposition.
anarchist
(n.) one who believes that a formal government is unnecessary
The yell from the crowd came from the anarchist protesting the government.
The anarchist attempted to overthrow the established democratic government
of the new nation and reinstate chaos and disarray.
anchorage
(n.) something that can be relied on
Knowing the neighbors were right next door was an anchorage for the elderly
woman.
anecdote
(n.) a short account of happenings
The speaker told an anecdote about how he lost his shoes when he was young.
animosity
(n.) a feeling of hatred or ill will
Animosity grew between the two feuding families.
anoint
(v.) to crown; ordain;
A member of the monarchy was anointed by the king.
anomaly
(n.) an oddity, inconsistency; a deviation from the norm
An anomaly existed when the report listed one statistic, and the spokeswoman
reported another.
In a parking lot full of Buicks, Chevys, and Plymouths, the Jaguar was
an anomaly.
anonymous
(adj.) nameless; unidentified
Not wishing to be identified by the police, he remained anonymous by returning
the money he had stolen by sending it through the mail.
antagonism
(n.) hostility; opposition
The antagonism was created by a misunderstanding.
The rebellious clan captured a hostage to display antagonism to the new
peace treaty.
antipathy
(n.) a strong dislike or repugnance
Her antipathy for large crowds convinced her to decline the invitation
to the city.
The vegetarian had an antipathy toward meat.
apathy
(n.) lack of emotion or interest
He showed apathy when his relative was injured.
The disheartened peasants expressed apathy toward the new law which promised
new hope and prosperity for all.
apocalyptic
(adj.) pertaining to a discovery or new revelation
Science-fiction movies seem to relish apocalyptic visions.
apocryphal
(adj.) counterfeit; of doubtful authorship or authenticity
The man who said he was a doctor was truly apocryphal.
appease
(v.) to satisfy; to calm
A milk bottle usually appeases a crying baby.
apposite
(adj.) suitable; apt; relevant
Discussion of poverty was apposite to the curriculum, so the professor
allowed it.
Without reenacting the entire scenario, the situation can be understood
if apposite information is given.
apprehensive
(adj.) fearful; aware; conscious
The nervous child was apprehensive about beginning a new school year.
approbatory
(adj.) approving or sanctioning
The judge showed his acceptance in his approbatory remark.
arable
(adj.) suitable (as land) for plowing
When the land was deemed arable the farmer decided to plow.
arbiter
(n.) one who is authorized to judge or decide
The decision of who would represent the people was made by the arbiter.
arbitrary
(adj.) based on one's preference or judgment
Rick admitted his decision had been arbitrary, as he claimed no expertise
on the matter.
arcane
(adj.) obscure; secret; mysterious
With an arcane expression, the young boy left the family wondering what
sort of mischief he had committed.
The wizard's description of his magic was purposefully arcane so that
others would be unable to copy it.
archetype
(n.) original pattern or model; prototype
This man was the archetype for scores of fictional characters.
The scientist was careful with the archetype of her invention so that
once manufacturing began, it would be easy to reproduce it.
ardent
(adj.) with passionate or intense feelings
The fans' ardent love of the game kept them returning to watch the terrible
team.
arduous
(adj.) laborious, difficult; strenuous
Completing the plans for the new building proved to be an arduous affair.
Building a house is arduous work, but the result is well worth the labor.
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