English Vocabulary Dictionary | Word Meanings, Definitions & Examples
CEFR Level
the act of leaving someone or something behind completely; the state of being deserted
"The child suffered deep emotional pain because of abandonment."
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'."
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."
lasting for a long time; enduring
"She had an abiding love for her hometown."
physically strong and healthy, not disabled
"The company is looking for able-bodied workers for the construction site."
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."
To exist in large numbers or amounts.
"Opportunities abound in the field of technology."
a scrape or wearing away of the skin or surface due to friction
"He suffered a minor abrasion on his knee after falling."
harsh, rough, or capable of wearing down by rubbing
"His abrasive tone made everyone uncomfortable."
side by side and facing the same direction; informed about something
"The soldiers marched two abreast down the street."
A swollen area within body tissue containing pus, usually caused by infection.
"The dentist treated the abscess in his tooth."
to declare someone free from blame, guilt, or responsibility
"The priest absolved him of his sins."
able to soak up liquid, moisture, or energy easily; a material or substance that absorbs
"This towel is highly absorbent and dries quickly."
the process of taking in or soaking up something
"The absorption of sunlight helps plants grow."
to deliberately avoid doing or consuming something
"He decided to abstain from smoking."
the practice of restraining oneself from indulging in something, typically alcohol or sex
"His doctor advised abstinence from alcohol for better health."
the process of forming general ideas by removing specific details; an abstract concept or idea
"Abstraction allows complex ideas to be represented in a simplified form."
a deep, immeasurable space, chasm, or void; something seemingly without end
"The climbers looked down into the dark abyss below."
to emphasize or make something more noticeable
"The lighting accentuated the beauty of the painting."
to praise enthusiastically and publicly
"The audience acclaimed the actor for his outstanding performance."
to adapt or adjust to a new climate, environment, or situation
"It took him a few weeks to acclimate to the new city."
An award, honor, or expression of praise.
"She received an accolade for her outstanding performance."
Something that goes together with or complements another thing, often music or food.
"The dish was served with a spicy sauce as an accompaniment."
a person who helps another commit a crime
"The thief was arrested along with his accomplice."
a musical instrument played by squeezing and expanding with keys and buttons
"The musician played a cheerful tune on the accordion."
to officially recognize, authorize, or approve someone or something
"The university is accredited by the national education board."
The action or process of officially recognizing someone or something as having a particular status or being qualified to perform a particular activity.
"Accreditation ensures institutional credibility."
to accumulate or receive over time, especially payments or benefits
"Interest will accrue on the savings account monthly."
the science of sound, or the properties of a space that affect how sound is heard
"The hall’s excellent acoustics made the orchestra sound rich and clear."
to free someone from a criminal charge by a verdict of not guilty
"The court decided to acquit the defendant of all charges."
a judgment that a person is not guilty of the crime with which they have been charged
"The acquittal of the accused shocked the public."
An area of land measured in acres.
"The farmer owns a large acreage of fertile land."
Able to be acted on or giving sufficient reason for legal action.
"The lawyer confirmed that the evidence was actionable in court."
The state of existing in reality rather than in appearance or imagination.
"The movie was based on historical actuality."
the ability to make good judgments and quick decisions, typically in a particular domain
"She has strong business acumen that helped grow the company."
a short, well-known saying that expresses a general truth or piece of advice
"The old adage says that honesty is the best policy."
refusing to change one's mind; firmly determined
"She was adamant about not changing her decision."
Highly skilled or proficient at something.
"She is adept at solving complex problems."