CEFR Level
bitterness or sharpness of tone, manner, or taste
"The acerbity of his remarks left everyone silent."
a salt or ester of acetic acid; a synthetic material used in textiles and film
"The company produces acetate fibers for clothing."
relating to or containing acetic acid; sour or vinegary in taste or smell
"The acetic smell of vinegar filled the kitchen."
like or characteristic of Achilles; strong but vulnerable
"His achillean pride made him blind to danger."
without color; free from color
"The designer chose an achromatic palette of black, white, and gray."
to make something acidic or more acidic
"Farmers worry that pollution will acidify the soil."
slightly sour or sharp in taste or manner
"The critic wrote an acidulous review of the movie."
the highest point of achievement or excellence
"Winning the award was the acme of his career."
to accept something reluctantly but without protest
"She decided to acquiesce to her parents’ wishes."
the reluctant acceptance of something without protest
"His nod was a sign of acquiescence."
ready to accept something without protest, or to do what someone else wants
"He gave an acquiescent smile and agreed to the plan."
the act of acquiring something; something that has been acquired, especially a skill or possession
"Language proficiency is an important acquirement for global careers."
excessively interested in acquiring money or material things
"The acquisitive businessman bought every piece of land he could find."
a written receipt acknowledging payment or discharge of a debt
"He demanded an acquittance after paying the loan."
Bitter and angry, often involving harsh words.
"The debate turned acrimonious after the controversial remark."
An extreme or irrational fear of heights.
"Her acrophobia prevented her from climbing the tall building."
Relating to actuaries or their work of analyzing financial risk and uncertainty, especially in insurance and pensions.
"The company relied on actuarial reports to set insurance premiums."
A professional who analyzes financial risk using mathematics, statistics, and financial theory, especially in insurance and pensions.
"The actuary calculated the risk before finalizing the insurance policy."
to put into action or motion; to motivate or activate
"The engineer actuated the machine with a simple switch."
sharpness or keenness of thought, vision, or hearing
"The doctor tested the patient’s visual acuity."
sharpness of mind or senses; severity or intensity of a condition
"Her acuteness allowed her to notice details others missed."
to speak or perform without preparation; to improvise
"The comedian ad-libbed a joke when the microphone failed."
an additional item or piece of information added at the end of a document or book
"The report included an addendum with updated statistics."
To confuse or muddle someone’s mind.
"The complicated instructions only served to addle him."
To provide evidence or reasons to support an argument or idea.
"The lawyer adduced several examples to support his case."
The quality of being very skilled or proficient at something.
"His adeptness at solving problems impressed his colleagues."
Relating to or consisting of animal fat; fatty.
"The doctor explained that the tissue was mainly adipose in nature."
to consider or declare officially in a legal or formal manner
"He was adjudged guilty by the court."
An official organization that has the authority to judge disputes and make decisions.
"The adjudicative body deliberated on the case."
a solemn urging or appeal
"The priest made an adjuration for peace and unity."
to urge or command someone solemnly, often under oath or a strong sense of duty
"The witness was adjured to tell the truth in court."
a military officer who acts as an administrative assistant to a senior officer
"The colonel relied on his adjutant to manage daily orders."
giving or conveying a warning or reprimand
"She gave him an admonitory glance."
clever or skillful in using the hands or mind
"He is adroit at solving complex problems."
Cleverness or skill in using the hands or mind; expertness in performance or execution.
"His adroitness in negotiations helped secure the deal."
to praise or flatter excessively
"The fans adulated the actor after his performance."
excessive admiration or flattery
"The singer enjoyed the adulation of her fans."
a substance added to something else, often food or drink, to reduce its quality or strength
"The laboratory found an adulterant in the milk samples."
to make something poorer in quality by adding another substance, usually of lower quality
"The company was fined for adulterating its products with cheap chemicals."
describes food, drink, or medicine made weaker or impure by the addition of another substance
"Authorities seized adulterated drugs from the warehouse."
The action of making something poorer in quality by the addition of another substance.
"Food adulteration poses a serious health risk."
to foreshadow or suggest something in an unclear or indirect way
"The report adumbrates future economic challenges."
a vague foreshadowing or symbolic representation of something
"The play offers an adumbration of the political unrest to come."
Happening by chance or accident, not planned.
"His success was partly due to adventitious circumstances."
The protection, backing, or support of a particular person or organization.
"The project was carried out under the aegis of the United Nations."
