CEFR Level
by surprise; unexpectedly
"I was taken aback by his sudden announcement."
to belittle or degrade someone
"He refused to abase himself before the king."
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 person who kidnaps or forcibly takes someone away
"The police arrested the abductor after a nationwide search."
in bed
"She stayed abed all day due to illness."
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."
a state of temporary suspension or inactivity
"The project was held in abeyance until funds became available."
to regard with disgust and hatred
"She abhors cruelty to animals."
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."
extremely bad, unpleasant, and degrading
"They lived in abject poverty."
to formally renounce or give up a belief, cause, or claim
"He abjured his allegiance to the old regime."
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."
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."
Failing to produce the intended result; unsuccessful.
"Their abortive attempt to climb the mountain ended in retreat."
Open and honest; without deception or trickery.
"The business deal was completely aboveboard."
to scrape or wear away the surface by friction or erosion
"The rough cloth can easily abrade the skin."
to shorten a text without losing its meaning
"The editor decided to abridge the long novel for young readers."
A shortened version of a larger work, such as a book or speech.
"The publisher released an abridgment of the lengthy novel for students."
To formally repeal, cancel, or abolish a law, agreement, or custom.
"The government decided to abrogate the outdated treaty."
The natural detachment of parts of a plant, typically leaves or fruit.
"The autumn season is marked by the abscission of leaves from trees."
to leave secretly and quickly, often to avoid arrest or punishment
"The thief tried to abscond with the stolen jewelry."
formal release from guilt, obligation, or punishment
"The priest granted him absolution for his sins."
not allowing oneself much food or drink; marked by moderation
"She lived an abstemious life, avoiding all luxuries."
difficult to understand; obscure
"The professor’s lecture was so abstruse that many students were confused."
to be next to or share a border with
"The park abuts the river on the north side."
Related to or characteristic of the deep ocean, especially the zone below 4000 meters.
"Abyssal creatures survive in extreme pressure conditions."
a member of an academy; a scholar or expert in a field of study
"The academicians gathered to discuss the future of education."
to agree to a request, proposal, or demand; to assume an office or position
"The government finally acceded to the demands of the protesters."
the attainment of a position of rank or power, especially a monarch or president; the formal acceptance of an agreement or treaty
"The king's accession to the throne was celebrated with great ceremony."
The process of adapting to a new environment or condition.
"The hikers needed time for acclimatization to high altitudes."
An upward slope or incline on the ground.
"The hikers struggled as they climbed the steep acclivity."
A person who plays a musical instrument to support a singer or another musician.
"The pianist served as the accompanist for the singer during the concert."
to approach and speak to someone boldly or aggressively
"The reporter was accosted by protesters outside the courthouse."
to equip or outfit, typically with military or ceremonial attire
"The soldiers were accoutered in full battle gear."
to dress or equip, especially in something impressive or elaborate
"The knight was accoutred in shining armor."
to grow or increase gradually by accumulation or addition
"Dust particles accrete over time to form larger celestial bodies."
the process of growth or increase by gradual accumulation
"The accretion of wealth took many years."
Doomed, detestable, or under a curse.
"The villagers avoided the accursed house on the hill."
Suggesting blame or indicating someone has done wrong.
"He gave her an accusatory glance."
having no leader or head; headless
"The acephalous group soon fell into disorganization."
sharp, harsh, or bitter in tone or taste
"His acerbic comments offended many people in the meeting."
