Vocabularies

English Vocabulary Dictionary | Word Meanings, Definitions & Examples

noun
/əˈsɛnʃən/

The act of rising or going up, often to an important position or a higher place.

"His rapid ascension in the company surprised everyone."

noun
/əˈsɛnt/

The act of rising or climbing to a higher position or level.

"The climbers began their ascent to the mountain peak at dawn."

ascertain definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
verb
/ˌæs.ərˈteɪn/

To find out or make sure of something with certainty.

"The detective tried to ascertain the facts of the case."

ascetic definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
adjective
/əˈsɛt.ɪk/

Practicing strict self-denial and abstaining from worldly pleasures, often for religious reasons.

"He lived an ascetic life in the mountains, far from worldly comforts."

noun
/əˈsɛt.ɪˌsɪz.əm/

The practice of severe self-discipline and abstaining from indulgence, typically for religious or spiritual reasons.

"Asceticism has been a part of many religious traditions throughout history."

✍️

ascribe

verb
/əˈskraɪb/

To attribute something to a cause, source, or person.

"Many scholars ascribe the poem to an unknown author."

adjective
/eɪˈsɛptɪk/

Free from contamination caused by harmful microorganisms; sterile.

"Surgeons must work in an aseptic environment to prevent infection."

adjective
/ˌeɪˈsɛkʃuəl/

Without sexual feelings, associations, or reproduction through sex.

"Many plants reproduce through asexual methods like budding or splitting."

🌋

ash

noun
/æʃ/

the powdery residue left after the burning of a substance

"After the fire, only ash remained of the house."

noun
/ˈæʃ.treɪ/

a receptacle for tobacco ash and cigarette butts

"Please use the ash tray for your cigarette."

🌫️

Ash-colour

adjective
/æʃ ˈkʌl.ər/

a grayish color resembling ash

"The old building had ash-colour walls that needed painting."

adjective
/əˈʃeɪmd/

feeling embarrassed or guilty because of one's actions

"He was ashamed of his poor performance."

😨

ashen

adjective
/ˈæʃən/

Very pale in appearance, often due to shock, fear, or illness.

"His face turned ashen when he heard the terrible news."

🌏

asian

adjective, noun
/ˈeɪʒən/

relating to Asia or its people

"She loves Asian culture."

noun
/ˈeɪʒən siː bæs/

a large predatory fish found in coastal waters and estuaries of the Indo-Pacific region, prized for its white meat

"Asian sea bass is highly valued in aquaculture for its fast growth."

noun
/ˈeɪʒən swɒmp iːl/

a snake-like freshwater fish that can survive in muddy waters and is considered a delicacy in South Asian cuisine

"Asian swamp eel can breathe air and survive in shallow muddy waters."

➡️

Aside

adverb, noun
/əˈsaɪd/

to or on one side; a remark not intended for everyone

"He stepped aside to let her pass."

adjective
/ˈæsɪnaɪn/

Extremely foolish or stupid.

"It was an asinine idea to drive into the storm without checking the weather."

ask

verb
/æsk/

to request information or seek an answer

"She asked him about his new job."

adverb
/əˈskæns/

With suspicion, mistrust, or disapproval.

"She looked askance at his unusual proposal."

📐

askew

adjective
/əˈskjuː/

Not in a straight or level position; crooked or tilted.

"The picture on the wall hung slightly askew."

adjective
/əˈsliːp/

in a state of sleep

"The baby is fast asleep."

noun
/əˈspær.ə.ɡəs biːn/

a long, thin green vegetable pod that grows on vines; also known as yard-long bean

"The asparagus bean grows up to three feet long and is commonly used in Asian cooking."

noun
/ˈæs.pekt/

A particular part, feature, or view of something.

"One important aspect of health is regular exercise."

asperity definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun
/əˈsper.ɪ.ti/

Harshness of tone, manner, or surface.

"She spoke with asperity when she was interrupted."

aspersion definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
🗣️

aspersion

noun
/əˈspɜːr.ʒən/

An attack on the reputation or integrity of someone.

"He cast an aspersion on her character."

noun (plural)
/əˈspɜːr.ʒənz/

Critical or slanderous remarks; multiple attacks on reputation.

"The politician rejected the aspersions cast against him."

noun
/ˈæspɪrənt/

a person who seeks or hopes to achieve a position of honor or advancement

"She is an aspirant for the university's top scholarship."

aspiration definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun
/ˌæspəˈreɪʃən/

a strong desire to achieve something; ambition

"Her aspiration is to become a doctor."

verb
/əˈspaɪər/

to have a strong desire to achieve something

"Many students aspire to study abroad."

🐴

Ass

noun
/æs/

a donkey; also an informal term for a foolish person or one's buttocks

"He acted like an ass during the meeting."

⚔️

assail

verb
/əˈseɪl/

to attack violently, either physically or with words

"The politician was assailed with difficult questions."

noun
/əˈseɪlənt/

a person who attacks another

"The police arrested the assailant at the scene."

🗡️

Assassin

noun
/əˈsæsɪn/

A person who kills someone, usually for political or religious reasons, often secretly.

"The assassin fled the scene after carrying out the attack."

verb
/əˈsæsɪneɪt/

To murder someone important, often a political or religious leader, usually by surprise attack.

"The rebels planned to assassinate the king."

noun
/əˌsæsɪˈneɪʃən/

The act of killing someone important, often for political or ideological reasons.

"The assassination of the president shocked the nation."

⚔️

assault

noun, verb
/əˈsɔːlt/

a physical attack or to attack someone violently

"He was charged with assault after the fight."

🔬

assay

noun, verb
/ˈæseɪ/

To test or analyze the quality, purity, or content of a substance; the act of such testing.

"The scientists assayed the mineral sample for gold content."

verb
/əˈsɛmbəl/

to gather or bring together in one place

"The students assembled in the hall for the meeting."

noun
/əˈsɛmbli/

a group of people gathered together for a common purpose or the act of putting parts together to form something

"The school held an assembly to discuss the new rules."

assembly session definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun
/əˈsem.bli ˈseʃ.ən/

A formal meeting where representatives gather to discuss and make decisions on important matters.

"The assembly session discussed global challenges."

noun, verb
/əˈsɛnt/

To agree to something, especially after careful consideration; an expression of approval.

"She nodded her head in silent assent."

assert definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
verb
/əˈsɜːrt/

to state a fact or belief confidently and forcefully

"She asserted her right to speak at the meeting."

🗣️

assertion

noun
/əˈsɜːʃən/

a confident and forceful statement of fact or belief

"Her assertion that she was right was met with silence."

adjective
/əˈsɜːrtɪv/

having or showing a confident and forceful personality

"He is very assertive in expressing his opinions."

verb
/əˈsɛs/

to evaluate or estimate the nature, ability, or quality of something

"The teacher assessed the students' progress."

assessment definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun
/əˈsɛsmənt/

the act of evaluating or judging the quality, value, or importance of something

"The teacher gave a detailed assessment of the student's project."

noun
/əˈsɛsər/

a person who evaluates or estimates the nature, ability, or quality of something

"An external assessor reviewed the project report."

asset definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
💎

asset

noun
/ˈæsɛt/

a valuable person, skill, or resource; something owned that has value

"Her communication skills are a great asset to the company."

asset allocation definition card — visual illustration of the meaning
noun
ˈæ.sɛt ˌæl.əˈkeɪ.ʃən

An investment strategy that aims to balance risk and reward by apportioning a portfolio's assets according to an individual's goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon.

"Proper asset allocation is key to financial growth."