English Vocabulary Dictionary | Word Meanings, Definitions & Examples
a soluble base substance, typically with a pH greater than 7, that neutralizes acids
"Soap contains alkali which helps remove grease."
A British law passed in 1863 to regulate the emission of hydrochloric acid gas from alkali works, representing one of the first pieces of environmental legislation.
"The Alkali Act of 1863 was one of the first environmental laws."
the whole quantity or extent of something; every one of something
"She spent all her money on books."
to reduce the intensity of fear, worry, or pain; to calm
"The teacher tried to allay the students’ fears before the exam."
a claim or assertion that someone has done something illegal or wrong, typically without proof
"The politician denied the allegation of corruption."
Claims or assertions that someone has done something illegal or wrong, typically without proof.
"The allegations were investigated by an international body."
to claim or assert something, typically without proof
"The witness alleged that the man was at the crime scene."
said or thought to be true, but not proven
"The alleged thief was caught by the police."
used to say that something is claimed to be true, though not proven
"He was allegedly involved in the robbery."
loyalty or commitment to a group, cause, or leader
"The soldiers swore allegiance to their country."
a story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, often moral or political
"The novel is an allegory of the struggle between good and evil."
A substance that causes an allergic reaction.
"Pollen is a common allergen that affects many people."
to make suffering, pain, or a problem less severe
"The medicine helped alleviate her headache."
a narrow passageway between or behind buildings
"They walked through a dark alley to reach the main road."
a formal agreement or union between groups, countries, or organizations for mutual benefit
"The two countries formed an alliance to strengthen their defense."
joined by agreement or treaty; associated; connected
"The allied forces worked together during the war."
a large reptile similar to a crocodile but with a shorter, wider head
"The alligator basked in the sun on the riverbank."
to repeat the same consonant sound at the beginning of words in a phrase or sentence
"The poet often alliterates words to create rhythm."
the occurrence of the same consonant sound at the beginning of words in close succession
"She used alliteration in her poem to add musicality."
to distribute or assign resources, duties, or responsibilities for a specific purpose
"The manager allocated funds for the new project."
the process or action of distributing something
"The allocation of funds will be decided next week."
to give or assign something, often a share or portion, to someone
"Each student was allotted ten minutes to present."
A portion of something allocated or assigned to someone.
"Each student received an allotment of supplies for the project."
to give permission for something to happen or someone to do something
"The teacher did not allow phones in class."
a sum of money given regularly, typically for a specific purpose
"He gets a weekly allowance from his parents."
A mixture of metals or a metal combined with another element.
"Bronze is an alloy of copper and tin."
To refer to something indirectly or casually.
"The professor alluded to Shakespeare during the lecture."
To attract or tempt someone with charm or appeal.
"The city allures tourists with its vibrant nightlife."
attractive and tempting; fascinating
"The alluring fragrance of roses filled the garden."
An indirect reference to something without mentioning it explicitly.
"Her story contained an allusion to a famous myth."
Making indirect references or hints; suggestive without being explicit.
"The novel is full of allusive passages that point to classical literature."
Relating to or derived from alluvium (loose soil or sediment deposited by rivers).
"The farmers cultivate crops on the fertile alluvial plains."
The gradual increase of land by the deposit of soil from water; also, a flood or overflow of water.
"The river’s alluvion added new fertile land to the village fields."
Fertile soil deposited by flowing water, especially in riverbanks.
"The alluvium in riverbanks is highly fertile for agriculture."
To unite or form a connection or partnership with another person, group, or nation.
"The two countries decided to ally against their common enemy."
An annual publication containing calendars, weather forecasts, astronomical data, and other useful information.
"He consulted the almanac to check the phases of the moon."
having unlimited power; omnipotent
"The almighty storm destroyed everything in its path."
a large cupboard or wardrobe used for storing clothes and other items
"I keep all my clothes in the wooden almirah."
edible seed of the almond tree, rich in protein and healthy fats
"She eats almonds every morning for breakfast."
very nearly, but not exactly or completely
"He almost missed the train."
Money, food, or goods given to the poor as charity.
"The monk distributed alms to the needy villagers."
a succulent plant with thick fleshy leaves and medicinal properties; produces tubular flowers
"The aloe vera plant blooms with orange or yellow tubular flowers."
Up in or into the air; overhead.
"The kite was flying aloft in the clear sky."
having no one else present; on one's own
"She prefers to live alone in her apartment."
moving in a constant direction on (a road, path, or surface)
"We walked along the river."
next to or together with someone or something
"She worked alongside her brother in the family business."
Not friendly or forthcoming; cool and distant.
"He remained aloof during the entire discussion."
in a voice that can be heard; not silently
"Please read the instructions aloud so everyone can hear."
a set of letters or symbols in a fixed order used to represent the sounds of a language
"Children usually learn the alphabet before learning to read words."
Arranged in the order of the letters of the alphabet.
"The names were listed in alphabetical order."