CEFR Level
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."
Extremely foolish or stupid.
"It was an asinine idea to drive into the storm without checking the weather."
With suspicion, mistrust, or disapproval.
"She looked askance at his unusual proposal."
Not in a straight or level position; crooked or tilted.
"The picture on the wall hung slightly askew."
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."
Harshness of tone, manner, or surface.
"She spoke with asperity when she was interrupted."
An attack on the reputation or integrity of someone.
"He cast an aspersion on her character."
Critical or slanderous remarks; multiple attacks on reputation.
"The politician rejected the aspersions cast against him."
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."
to affirm or declare positively and earnestly
"He asseverated that he had never seen the man before."
showing great care, attention, and effort in doing something
"She was assiduous in her studies, rarely missing a day of revision."
with great care and persistence
"He worked assiduously to complete the project before the deadline."
the repetition of vowel sounds in nearby words in poetry or prose
"The poet used assonance to create a musical effect in his verse."
Having or characterized by assonance; repeating similar vowel sounds.
"The poem is filled with assonant words that create a musical rhythm."
To correspond or agree in sound, especially by vowel sounds; to rhyme approximately.
"The lines assonate beautifully, giving the song a unique flow."
To make an unpleasant feeling less intense; to ease or relieve.
"The kind words helped assuage her anxiety."
a flowering plant with daisy-like flowers that typically bloom in fall
"The purple asters bloomed beautifully in the autumn garden."
An eye defect causing blurred vision due to irregular curvature of the cornea or lens.
"She wears glasses to correct her astigmatism."
Relating to the stars or to spiritual, non-physical realms.
"Some believe in astral projection, the ability to leave the body and travel spiritually."
sharp or severe in manner or style; also describes a substance that contracts skin or body tissues
"Her astringent tone silenced the noisy class."
into separate parts; apart
"The ancient empire was torn asunder by war."
The recurrence of traits or characteristics from a remote ancestor.
"The scientist noted atavism in the child’s physical features."
A workshop or studio, especially for an artist or designer.
"The painter invited us to his atelier to view his new collection."
Very eager or desirous for something.
"The explorer was athirst for adventure."
Across or in opposition to something.
"A fallen tree lay athwart the road, blocking traffic."
A device that sprays liquid into a fine mist.
"She used an atomizer to apply the perfume evenly."
To reduce the force, effect, or value of something.
"The medicine helps attenuate the severity of the symptoms."
The reduction of the force, effect, or value of something.
"The attenuation of sound waves affects communication."
To be a sign of something to come; to predict or foretell.
"Dark clouds augur a coming storm."
A sign or omen that is believed to predict future events.
"The dark clouds were seen as an augury of an approaching storm."
Respected and impressive; inspiring reverence or admiration.
"The king entered the hall with an august presence."
A halo or radiance surrounding the head or body, often in religious art.
"The painting showed the saint with an aureole around his head."
The external part of the ear; also an upper chamber of the heart in anatomy.
"The doctor examined the patient’s auricle for signs of infection."
Relating to the ear or hearing.
"The doctor used an auricular thermometer to check the patient's temperature."
Containing or producing gold.
"The miners discovered an auriferous vein in the mountains."
Relating to or resembling the aurora, especially the northern lights.
"The scientists observed auroral activity in the night sky."
The act of listening to internal sounds of the body, typically using a stethoscope.
"The doctor performed auscultation to check the patient’s lungs."
A sign, omen, or divine token; also refers to protection or support.
"The project was launched under the auspice of the government."
Patronage, support, or guidance, often used in the phrase 'under the auspices of'.
"The conference was held under the auspices of the United Nations."
A system of self-sufficiency where a state or community is economically independent.
"The nation attempted autarchy to reduce reliance on imports."
Economic independence or self-sufficiency; a policy of establishing a self-sufficient national economy.
"Some nations aim for autarky to reduce reliance on imports."
extreme greed for wealth or material gain
"His avarice led him to exploit his workers."
having or showing extreme greed for wealth or material gain
"The avaricious landlord increased the rent unfairly."
to state or assert something confidently and strongly
"She averred that she was innocent."
a large enclosure for keeping birds
"The zoo built a new aviary for exotic parrots."
extreme eagerness or enthusiasm
"He accepted the offer with avidity."
a hobby or minor occupation pursued in addition to one's main work
"Painting is his avocation after office hours."
to affirm or assert something as true
"He avouched his innocence before the judge."
to openly declare or admit something, often publicly and firmly
"He avowed his loyalty to the cause without hesitation."
to tear away or separate forcibly, especially in medical or geological contexts
"The surgeon had to avulse the damaged tissue during the operation."
