verb
ab SAWRB
to take in or draw up
We are using a sponge to absorb most of the
liquid that was spilled.
Synonyms: consume, soak up
adjective
AB strakt
thought of as separate from concrete realities;
difficult to understand
Young children have a difficult time understanding
abstract concepts such as time and space.
Synonyms: conceptual, theoretical
noun
uh BIL i tee
The power to do something; skill or competence in a
field
Her
ability to write poetry is staggering; she can
write the hardest pieces effortlessly.
Synonyms: capacity, capability, talent
adjective
uh BUHN duhnt
Possessing a lot of something, often more than what
is needed
The food was abundant at the family dinner; we
spent the next two weeks eating leftovers.
Synonyms: plentiful, full
verb
ak SEPT
To receive with pleasure; to agree
The athlete was proud to accept his Olympic
gold medal.
Synonyms: receive, approve
verb
AK ses
To be able to reach, approach or enter; gain
admission to
I need to know the secret password in order to
access my bank account.
Synonyms: enter, use
adjective
ak SES uh buhl
Easy to approach or enter
The presidential palace was only accessible to
friends and family.
Synonyms: unrestricted, open
adjective
uh KOM plisht
Very skilled or successful at something
Stephen King is an accomplished writer, with
over forty books to his name.
Synonyms: talented, expert
adverb
uh KAWR ding
As indicated or stated by
According to legend, King Arthur led the defense
of Britain against the Saxon invaders in the sixth
century.
Synonyms: reported by, on the authority of
verb
uh KYOO mhuh leyt
To gather or collect
The geologist was hoping to accumulate
more rock specimens on his trip out West.
Synonyms: acquire, gain, stockpile
verb
uh CHEEV
To accomplish something, or attain success
The Trojans were eventually able to achieve
victory over the Greeks after a long, tragic war.
Synonyms: finish, reach
noun
ak TIV i tee
The state of doing something
In a large city, there is so much activity in the
streets that it is difficult to find peace and quiet.
Synonyms: action, motion
adverb
AK choo uh lee
To be truly in existence or actual
Contrary to popular opinion, the war actually
helped the country’s economy.
Synonyms: in fact, really
verb
uh DAPT
To change according to conditions or requirements
It will be difficult for the polar bear to
changing climate.
Synonyms: adjust, fit
adapt to the
noun
ad uhp TEY shuhn
A change or alteration developed in response to one’s
environment
The cactus has developed an adaptation that allows it
to survive without water for months at a time.
Synonyms: accommodation, adjustment