Adj. Emotionally unattached (usu. Used in medical or scientific setting)
Please Select --> Clinical Word Definition Example Sentence Abate v. To become less active, less intense, or less in amount As I began my speech, my feelings of nervousness quickly abated. Abstract adj. Existing purely in the mind; not representing actual reality Julie had trouble understanding the appeal of the abstract painting. Abysmal adj. Extremely bad I got an abysmal grade on my research paper! Accordingly adv. In accordance with All students must behave accordingly. Acquisition n. The act of gaining a skill or possession of something Language acquisition is easier for kids than it is for adults. Adapt v. To make suit a new purpose v. To accommodate oneself to a new condition, setting, or situation The US has adapted many foreign foods to better suit the tastes of Americans. Dogs are known for their ability to quickly adapt to their environments. Adept adj. Having knowledge or skill (usu. In a particular area) Beth loves playing the piano, but she’s especially adept at the violin. Adequate adj. Having sufficient qualifications to meet a specific task or purpose Though his resume was adequate, the company doubted whether he’d be a good fit. Advent n. The arrival or creation of something (usu. historic) The world has never been the same since the advent of the light bulb. Adversarial adj. Relating to hostile opposition An adversarial attitude will make you many enemies in life. Advocate n. Someone who promotes or defends something v. To defend or promote something (usu. A belief, theory, opinion, etc.) I am an advocate for free higher education. Environmental protesters often advocate for cleaner energy practices. Aesthetic adj. Relating to beauty or refined taste The aesthetic decorations at the wedding reception made you feel as if you were a character in a fairy tale. Afford v. To be able to buy v. To be able to spare He’s saving money so he can afford to buy a new car. I can’t afford to lose any more pencils! Agitate v. To promote something (usu. A cause) They’re agitating for better health care. Allow v. To permit or consent to US law allows citizens to speak freely. Allude v. To make a secretive mention of something She alluded to the problem at hand but didn’t say anything more about it. Altercation n. A noisy argument or confrontation Greg got into an altercation with a stranger at the bar. Ambiguous adj. Unclear or vague in meaning Her ambiguous statement made me question whether she could be trusted. Ambitious adj. Having a powerful desire for success or achievement Penny is so ambitious, she wants to be president someday. Ambivalence n. The state of being uncertain or stuck between two or more options His ambivalence prevented him from immediately signing the contract. Analogous adj. Similar but not identical Green onions are considered analogous to spring onions. Annihilate v. To destroy or cause devastating destruction The dictator sent orders to annihilate the group of rebels. Anomaly n. Something different from the norm This result is an anomaly and very rarely happens. Anticipate v. Assume to be likely to happen The party was just as fun as I had anticipated it would be. Antipathy n. A strong feeling of dislike Her antipathy toward the professor was obvious: she rolled her eyes whenever he entered the classroom. Apex n. The highest point of something The spring play was the apex of our school year. Apprehension n. Fearful expectation of something Her apprehension to leave her house resulted in her missing the train. Articulate v. To clearly express in words She articulated her opinion on the price of the house. Artificial adj. Something made; not occurring naturally Many candies use artificial flavors to make them taste fruity. Assertion n. A strong declaration His assertion that sharks are mammals made everyone laugh. Austere adj. Extremely plain adj. Stern and forbidding adj. Relating to self-denial He lived in a small, austere cabin in the middle of the woods. My boss had an austere expression on her face. An austere lifestyle, like that of monks, isn’t for everybody. Authenticity n. The quality of being real and true instead of fake and contrived The police officer doubted the authenticity of the suspect’s story. Avenue n. An intangible path or approach to something The company has decided to pursue other avenues. Avid adj. Actively interested in or enthusiastic about something Gerald is an avid soccer fan. Basic adj. Relating to the foundation or basis of something You have to start with basic Russian before you can move on to the advanced level. Bear v. To have as a characteristic v. To have (a child) v. To bring forth v. To put up with She bears a strong resemblance to your mother. Judy will bear her first child later this year. My garden is going to bear pumpkins this year. I can’t bear her complaining any longer! Benevolent adj. kind, generous Many cultures believe in benevolent spirits. Bias n. A preconception that prevents objectivity It’s important to avoid bias when investigating a crime. Bittersweet adj. Tinged with a feeling of sadness The ending of the romance movie was bittersweet. Bolster v. To support, strengthen, or fortify If we work together, we should be able to lift and then bolster the couch. Boost n. An increase or growth v. To increase or make grow The boost in profits was a welcome change. In order to boost profits, you need to cater to your customers. Brawl n. An intense, loud fight v. To fight loudly and disruptively A brawl broke out at school today after one student accused another of cheating. The two students brawled for an hour. Brevity n. The quality of being brief or terse The brevity of their time together made it all the more romantic. Candid adj. direct, blunt Josh is candid about his desire to become an actor. Candor n. The trait of being honest and frank I admire her candor, especially when nobody else bothers to speak up. Capitalize v. To use to your advantage I’d like to capitalize on your math skills by having your work the cash register. Capture v. To trap or take possession of v. To successfully represent or imitate v. To captivate, mesmerize v. To catch or seize The spy was captured by the enemy. Your painting beautifully captures the ephemerality of life. I was captured by her beauty. The cops captured the criminal three days after the incident. Civic
