+ Vocab: Week 2 ambiguous - asylum + 11. ambiguous ambiguously (adv); ambiguity (n) Definition: unclear; open to more than one interpretation Sample Sentence: “Your question is ambiguous— could you rephrase it?” Part of Speech: adjective Synonyms: debatable, vague Antonyms: clear + 12. ameliorate ameliorative (adj) Definition: to improve Sample Sentence: “The city reform did much to ameliorate living standards for the working class.” Part of Speech: verb Synonyms: help, enhance Antonyms: worsen + 13. amicable amicably (adv); amicability (n) Definition: characterized by friendship and good will Sample Sentence: “After hours of arguing we reached an amicable solution.” Part of Speech: adjective Synonyms: cooperative, harmonious Antonyms: unfriendly + 14. anomaly Definition: something that deviates from what is standard, normal, or expected Sample Sentence: “With his quiet nature, he was an anomaly in his loud family.” Part of Speech: noun Synonyms: aberration, abnormality Antonyms: standard + 15. apathy Definition: lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern Sample Sentence: “The student’s apathy toward schoolwork was clear after looking at his report card.” Part of Speech: noun Synonyms: unconcern Antonyms: interest, concern + 16. arid aridly (adv); aridity (noun) Definition: having little or no rain; too dry to support vegetation Sample Sentence: “The hot and arid conditions were enough to drive someone mad.” Part of Speech: adjective Synonyms: dry, scorched Antonyms: wet, fertile + 17. ascetic ascetically (adv); asceticism (n) Definition: characterized by severe selfdiscipline; without indulgence or luxuries Sample Sentence: “The monk dedicated himself to an ascetic life of prayer, fasting, and hard labor.” Part of Speech: adjective Synonyms: self-denying, simple Antonyms: indulgent + 18. assuage assuagement (n) Definition: to relieve or reduce pain; to satisfy or soothe Sample Sentence: “The nurse worked tirelessly to assuage the soldier’s pain.” Part of Speech: verb Synonyms: relieve, ease, alleviate Antonyms: intensify + 19. astute astutely (adv); astuteness (n) Definition: having an ability to accurately assess situations or people and turn this to one’s advantage Sample Sentence: “He was an astute business man.” Part of Speech: adjective Synonyms: clever, intelligent, insightful Antonyms: stupid + 20. asylum Definition: a shelter from danger or hardship Sample Sentence: “The country granted asylum to the political refugees.” Part of Speech: noun Synonyms: refuge, shelter, protection Antonyms: n/a