English Vocabulary Dictionary | Word Meanings, Definitions & Examples
CEFR Level
to leave behind or give up completely
"He decided to abandon the project due to lack of funds."
the act of leaving someone or something behind completely; the state of being deserted
"The child suffered deep emotional pain because of abandonment."
to make someone feel embarrassed or ashamed
"Her sudden question seemed to abash him."
the woman in charge of a convent of nuns
"The abbess welcomed the visitors to the convent."
A large church building or monastery where monks or nuns live, work, and worship.
"The old abbey on the hill attracts many tourists each year."
The head of a monastery for monks.
"The abbot welcomed the visitors to the monastery."
To shorten a word, phrase, or text by leaving out letters or parts.
"We often abbreviate 'Doctor' to 'Dr'."
a shortened form of a word or phrase
"NASA is an abbreviation for National Aeronautics and Space Administration."
To give up a position of power or responsibility, especially a throne.
"The king decided to abdicate the throne."
The part of the body below the chest and above the hips that contains the stomach and other organs.
"He complained of pain in his abdomen."
relating to the abdomen (the part of the body between the chest and pelvis)
"He complained of severe abdominal pain."
the act of taking someone away illegally by force; kidnapping
"The police are investigating the abduction of the child."
deviating from what is normal or expected; abnormal
"His aberrant behavior shocked everyone at the meeting."
a departure from what is normal, usual, or expected; an anomaly
"The sudden drop in temperature was an aberration for this season."
to encourage or assist someone to commit a crime or wrongdoing
"He was accused of abetting the criminals in their escape."
a state of temporary suspension or inactivity
"The project was held in abeyance until funds became available."
a feeling of strong disgust or hatred
"He expressed his abhorrence of racial discrimination."
causing or deserving strong dislike or hatred
"Such cruelty is abhorrent to civilized society."
the act of following, accepting, or complying with something
"Her abidance by the rules impressed the committee."
to accept, tolerate, or remain faithful to something
"Citizens must abide by the laws of their country."
lasting for a long time; enduring
"She had an abiding love for her hometown."
the power, skill, or capacity to do something
"Her ability to solve problems quickly impressed everyone."
to formally renounce or give up a belief, cause, or claim
"He abjured his allegiance to the old regime."
having the power, skill, or means to do something
"She is able to speak three languages fluently."
physically strong and healthy, not disabled
"The company is looking for able-bodied workers for the construction site."
the act of washing oneself, often for religious purposes
"He performed his morning ablution before the prayer."
to deny or renounce something, especially a right or desire
"She chose to abnegate her personal interests for the sake of the team."
the act of renouncing or rejecting something, especially self-denial
"The monk’s life was one of complete abnegation of worldly pleasures."
deviating from what is normal or usual, typically in a way that is undesirable
"The doctor noticed an abnormal growth in the patient’s lung."
to formally put an end to a system, practice, or institution
"The government decided to abolish the old tax system."
the act of formally ending or eliminating a system, practice, or institution
"The abolition of slavery was a major milestone in human rights history."
causing moral revulsion; extremely unpleasant
"The prisoners were kept in abominable conditions."
to feel hatred or loathing for something
"She abominates cruelty to animals."
a thing that causes disgust or hatred
"Slavery was considered an abomination."
Relating to the original inhabitants of a region.
"The museum has a large collection of aboriginal art."
The original inhabitants of a land, especially in Australia.
"The aborigines have preserved their traditions for thousands of years."
The deliberate termination of a human pregnancy, usually performed during the first 28 weeks.
"The debate about abortion continues to divide public opinion."
Failing to produce the intended result; unsuccessful.
"Their abortive attempt to climb the mountain ended in retreat."
To exist in large numbers or amounts.
"Opportunities abound in the field of technology."
concerning; on the subject of; approximately
"We talked about the new project yesterday."