English Vocabulary - Archives

For each word, you will get the meaning and the root of the word and synonyms and antonyms for the word. For each word, you will also get a simple sentence which uses the word. These sentences help you understand the usage of the words.

A PRIORI (adj)

Meaning
using facts or principles that are known to be true in order to decide what the probable effects of something will be.
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
theoretical, deduced, deductive, inferred, scientific, postulated, suppositional, self-evident.
Antonyms
-
Usage
The deduction is based on assumptions and not a priori reasoning.

ABASE (verb)

Meaning
to lower in esteem or value
Root of the word
ab = to, towards
Synonyms
degrade, cheapen, debase, denigrate, undermine
Antonyms
upgrade, undergird, improve, better, mend
Usage
Do not abase yourself by giving statements that can lower your image.

ABASH (Verb)

Meaning
embarrass or disconcert
Root of the word
ab = away, apart, off, down
Synonyms
humiliate, disconcert, mortify
Antonyms
-
Usage
I am abashed by public demonstration of love by couples.

ABATE (Verb)

Meaning
lessen in intensity
Root of the word
away, apart, off, down
Synonyms
subside, diminish, decrease
Antonyms
increase, intensify
Usage
You may go out after the storm has abated.

ABBEY (noun)

Meaning
the building occupied by a community of nuns and monks.
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
monastery, convent, priori, cloister, friary, nunnery, religious house, religious community.
Antonyms
-
Usage
He pursued a course in theology at an abbey in England.

ABBREVIATION (noun)

Meaning
short form
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
abridge, shorten, contract
Antonyms
enlarge, elaboration, lengthen
Usage
During the process of abbreviation sometimes the spirit of narration can be lost.

ABDICATE (Verb)

Meaning
to give up
Root of the word
ab = away, apart, off, down
Synonyms
renounce, relinquish abandon
Antonyms
acquire, obtain, procure
Usage
The old king expressed a desire to abdicate the throne.

ABDUCTOR (noun)

Meaning
kidnapper
Root of the word
a/ab/abs = off, away, apart, down, from
Synonyms
-
Antonyms
-
Usage
With sheer presence of mind he managed to break free from his abductors.

ABERRANT (adj)

Meaning
away from the normal
Root of the word
ab = away, apart, off err = wander
Synonyms
deviant, abnormal, anomalous
Antonyms
typical, regular, characteristic
Usage
He is depressed and that is the root cause of his aberrant behaviour.

ABET (verb)

Meaning
to help or encourage somebody to do something wrong, encourage especially in doing something wrong
Root of the word
a = to + better
Synonyms
assist, aid, help, support, back, encourage, cooperate with, collaborate with, work with, connive wi
Antonyms
halt
Usage
Abetting a crime is also as dangerous and culpable as directly committing it. Abetment of a crime should also be deemed a punishable crime.

ABEYANCE (noun)

Meaning
temporarily not occurring or in use, temporarily not happening or being used
Root of the word
ab = away, apart, off
Synonyms
suspension, a state of dormancy, a state of latency, a state of uncertainty, suspense, remission, re
Antonyms
underway, continuing.
Usage
The project was kept in abeyance due to paucity of funds. The motion was not immediately okayed; it was kept in abeyance until the CEO's arrival.

ABHOR (verb)

Meaning
hate
Root of the word
ab = away, apart, off
Synonyms
detest, loathe, despise
Antonyms
adore, like, admire
Usage
I abhor jokes that demean women or are racist.

ABIDE (verb)

Meaning
accept or act in accordance with
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
obey, observe, follow
Antonyms
-
Usage
The employee was reminded that he will need to abide by the rules.

ABJECT (adj)

Meaning
extremely unpleasant
Root of the word
ject = to throw
Synonyms
wretched, miserable, hopeless
Antonyms
pleasant, warm
Usage
Abject poverty has made some educated youth also to take up crime as a career.

ABJURE (verb)

Meaning
renounce upon oath
Root of the word
jur = law, oath, court
Synonyms
relinquish, forswear, repudiate
Antonyms
take, acquire, gain
Usage
The king abjured the throne and also declared that he would become an ascetic soon.

ABLUTION (noun)

Meaning
Washing as a matter of religious rite
Root of the word
lee/lau/lav = washing
Synonyms
-
Antonyms
-
Usage
He used to sing the latest film songs while taking his morning ablutions.

ABNEGATE (verb)

Meaning
sacrifice, renounce, self-denial
Root of the word
nega = deny, not
Synonyms
disown, negate, forswear
Antonyms
take, acquire, gain
Usage
He abnegated his place in the team so that his younger brother could get a chance to play.

ABOLISH (verb)

Meaning
put an end to (a practice or law)
Root of the word
abolere = to retard the growth of
Synonyms
abrogate, remove, annul
Antonyms
introduce
Usage
Some educationists feel that at least at the primary level all examinations must be abolished.

ABOMINABLE (adj)

Meaning
very disgusting
Root of the word
omen = a sign, min/men/ment = mind
Synonyms
detestable, loathsome, abhorrent
Antonyms
likeable, loveable, adorable
Usage
Child labour is an abominable custom.

ABORIGINAL (adj and noun)

Meaning
an original inhabitation
Root of the word
ab = to; origin = beginning towards
Synonyms
native, indigenous, local
Antonyms
foreign, exotic, alien
Usage
In New Zealand there are some seats reserved for the aboriginals in the parliament.

ABORT (verb)

Meaning
bring to an end
Root of the word
oriri = arise
Synonyms
halt, terminate
Antonyms
expedite accelerate, proceed
Usage
The attempt to assassinate the diplomat was aborted by the armed forces.

ABORTIVE (adj)

Meaning
failing to achieve the intended result
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
failed, unsuccessful, vain, thwarted, futile, useless, worthless, ineffective, ineffectual
Antonyms
successful, fruitful
Usage
The burglars' attempt to loot the bank was an abortive one.

ABOUND (verb)

Meaning
have in large numbers or amounts
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
proliferate, superabound, thrive, flourish, be abundant
Antonyms
be scarce
Usage
Although the earth abounds in natural resources, we must be judicious in using them.

ABOVE BOARD (adj)

Meaning
lawful and honest
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
honest, fair, open, frank, straight, overt, candid, forthright, unconcealed, trustworthy, unequivoca
Antonyms
-
Usage
He was always above board in his dealings with his business associates.

ABOVO (verb)

Meaning
from the beginning.
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
from the start, from the first, from the egg.
Antonyms
-
Usage
He was a sincere and hard-working person, abovo.

ABRADE (verb)

Meaning
to peel off
Root of the word
rod = peel
Synonyms
wear away, erode
Antonyms
deposit
Usage
His skin got abraded when he fell off his bike.

ABRASIVE (adj)

Meaning
rough in manner
Root of the word
rad/rod = peel
Synonyms
biting, caustic, harsh
Antonyms
kind, soothing, comforting
Usage
His abrasive remarks can rattle even the calmest man on earth.

ABRIDGED (adj)

Meaning
shortened
Root of the word
breg/brev = shorten, condense
Synonyms
abbreviated, censored, edited
Antonyms
expanded
Usage
I normally carry the abridged version of my favourite dictionary wherever I go.

ABROGATE (verb)

Meaning
cancel or repeal (a law or an agreement)
Root of the word
rogare = ask
Synonyms
repeal, annul, retract
Antonyms
retain, introduce
Usage
The old law needs to be abrogated and an absolutely new law must take its place.

ABSCISSION (noun)

Meaning
a cutting off by surgery
Root of the word
sciss = cut
Synonyms
-
Antonyms
-
Usage
The cut made on the skin by a doctor is called an abscission.

ABSCOND (verb)

Meaning
to leave secretly especially to avoid arrest
Root of the word
condere = hide
Synonyms
decamp, bolt, flee
Antonyms
-
Usage
The bank robbers are still absconding.

ABSOLUTE (adj)

Meaning
complete or total
Root of the word
sol/solu = loose
Synonyms
unreserved, unrestricted, dictatorial
Antonyms
restricted, curtailed, limited
Usage
Some one has rightly said, “Absolute power corrupts absolutely.”

ABSOLUTION (noun)

Meaning
formal forgiveness of a person's sins
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
forgiveness, pardon, exoneration, remission, dispensation, indulgence, purgation, clemency, mercy, p
Antonyms
punishment
Usage
As he was penitent about his past mistakes and vowed to mend his ways he was granted absolution.

ABSOLVE (verb)

Meaning
pardon, free someone from guilt
Root of the word
ab = aways from; sol/solu = loose;
Synonyms
forgive, release, free, clear, acquit, exculpate, exonerate
Antonyms
condemn, inculpate, charge
Usage
He was absolved of all the charges. The court absolved the officer of all the charges and asked the department concerned to take him back into service.

ABSTAIN (verb)

Meaning
to keep away from or hold back
Root of the word
tenere = to hold
Synonyms
refrain, eschew, forgo
Antonyms
indulge in
Usage
I abstained from voting as I felt that none of the candidates deserved to be elected for the prestigious post.

ABSTEMIOUS (adj)

Meaning
moderate especially in eating and drinking
Root of the word
temetum = strong drink
Synonyms
temperate, restrained
Antonyms
unrestrained, indulgent
Usage
He believes in simple living, particarly, having an abstemious diet, and leading a life based on ideals.

ABSTRACT (adj, verb and noun)

Meaning
not concrete; not practical
Root of the word
trahere = to draw
Synonyms
abstruse, recondite, summary
Antonyms
tangible, practical
Usage
His lectures were too abstract for the students who were thirsting for practical inputs.

ABSTRUSE (adj)

Meaning
not easy to understand
Root of the word
ab + strudese = to thrust away
Synonyms
deep, recondite, mysterious
Antonyms
shallow, easy, superficial, unscholarly
Usage
His abstruse philosophical utterances could not be comprehended by the common man.

ABUNDANCE (noun)

Meaning
profusion
Root of the word
unda = wave
Synonyms
plenitude, wealth, copiousness
Antonyms
scarcity
Usage
“There is an abundance of talent all around the country”, exclaimed the new coach.

ABUT (verb)

Meaning
to border upon
Root of the word
bout/but = end, border
Synonyms
adjoin, touch, be contiguous
Antonyms
far, removed
Usage
What is disturbing is that a wine shop abuts the school.

ABYSMAL (adj)

Meaning
extremely bad
Root of the word
abyss = deep pit
Synonyms
pathetic, low, wretched
Antonyms
fantastic, outstanding, magnificent
Usage
The team's abysmal performance was duly criticised by the press.

ACCEDE (verb)

Meaning
yield
Root of the word
cede/cess = yield, to let go
Synonyms
concede, acquiesce, consent
Antonyms
refuse
Usage
I finally had to accede to my daughter's demand for a computer.

ACCESSIBLE (adj)

Meaning
able to be reached, used or understood
Root of the word
cess/cede = yield
Synonyms
approachable, attainable, handy
Antonyms
distant, aloof, inaccessible
Usage
The best part of this organisation is that even the CEO is very accessible.

ACCESSORY (noun)

Meaning
a thing which can be added to or worn with something else to make it more useful or attractive.
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
adornment, embellishment, finery, trimming, ornament, decoration, complement.
Antonyms
-
Usage
The young lady, dressed in a long floral gown and matching accessories, made a pretty picture.

ACCLAIM (verb)

Meaning
greet with loud approval
Root of the word
clam/claim = shout
Synonyms
hail, applaud, commend
Antonyms
condemn, criticize, deplore
Usage
Marlon Brando's fantastic performance in The Godfather won him worldwide acclaim.

ACCLAMATION (noun)

Meaning
loud and enthusiastic approval or praise
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
praise, applause, cheers, ovation, tribute, accolade, acclaim, salutes, plaudits, approval, admirati
Antonyms
criticism
Usage
His decision was received with wide acclamation.

ACCOLADES (noun)

Meaning
anything given or done as a sign of appreciation or respect
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
honours
Antonyms
brickbats
Usage
Michael Jordan has won many accolades in several basketball tournaments for his outstanding performance.

ACCOMODATING (adj)

Meaning
ready to make adjustment
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
obliging cooperative, helpful, adaptable, amenable, pliable, compliant, complaisant, indulgent, cons
Antonyms
unobliging, disobliging
Usage
Although Phillip is a very querulous person, he has an accommodating wife.

ACCORD (noun and verb)

Meaning
agreement
Root of the word
cord = heart
Synonyms
harmony, understanding, rapport
Antonyms
discord, disharmony, disagreement
Usage
The two warring groups have finally signed an accord.

ACCOST (verb)

Meaning
to approach and speak to someone aggressively
Root of the word
costa = side
Synonyms
address, greet, hail
Antonyms
-
Usage
Two armed men accosted the bus driver on the highway when he stopped to have his dinner.

ACCOUTREMENTS (noun)

Meaning
pieces of equipment that you need for a particular activity
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
paraphernalia, equipment, stuff, apparatus, implements, appliances, regalia, appurtenances
Antonyms
-
Usage
The amateur painter, equipped with all the accoutrements of painting, aspired to create a master piece on the lines of the Monalisa.

ACCRUE (verb)

Meaning
to increase or grow naturally
Root of the word
cres/cru = to grow
Synonyms
increase, accumulate, grow
Antonyms
decrease, diminish, erode, depreciate.
Usage
Since you are late you will now have to pay the bill along with the interest accrued on it.

ACERBIC (adj)

Meaning
sharp (temper, tone, etc)
Root of the word
ac/acr/acu = sharp, bitter
Synonyms
caustic, biting, sarcastic
Antonyms
soothing, comforting, reassuring
Usage
The mediators got no chance to settle the dispute as the leaders constantly indulged in acerbic speeches.

ACHILLES HEEL (noun)

Meaning
a person's weak or most vulnerable point
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
weak spot, weak point, weakness, vulnerable spot, shortcoming, failing, imperfection, flaw, defect,
Antonyms
-
Usage
Mr. Smith's Achilles heel was that he was too gullible and could be easily duped.

ACME (noun)

Meaning
summit / apex, the heighest point of achievement or excellence
Root of the word
ac = sharp (point)
Synonyms
peak, pinnacle, zenith, crown, crest, summit
Antonyms
nadir, lowest point, trough, bottom
Usage
By sheer dint of hard work, she reached the acme of her career at a fairly young age. The special effects in Star Wars marked the acme of perfection of cinematic special effects.

ACQUIESCE (verb)

Meaning
to agree quietly without protest (but also without enthusiasm)
Root of the word
ac = towards; quer / ques / quis / quire = question
Synonyms
comply, concur, approve, assent, admit, coincide, accord, match, agree, accede, assent
Antonyms
disagree, decline, refuse, demur, dissent, oppose, differ, dispute, contradict, protest
Usage
Not wanting to create a controversy, he acquiesced to his boss' impractical suggestions. The fond husband acquiesced in buying a mink coat for his wife.

ACQUISITIVE (verb)

Meaning
desiring or eager to acquire
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
greedy, hoarding, covetous, avaricious, possessive, grasping, grabbing, predatory, avid, rapacious,
Antonyms
-
Usage
A majority of people in our society are acquisitive by nature and hold material possessions in high esteem.

ACQUITTAL (noun)

Meaning
setting free as a result of the judgement of a court
Root of the word
acquitter/quit = free
Synonyms
exoneration, reprieval, vindication
Antonyms
accusation, condemnation, culpability
Usage
The acquittal of the notorious criminal sparked off a controversy.

ACRID (adj)

Meaning
pungent
Root of the word
ac/acr/acu = sharp/bitter
Synonyms
bitter, sharp, unpleasant
Antonyms
fragrant, pleasant, odorous
Usage
The acrid smell of ammonium nitrate inflames my nostrils.

ACRIMONIOUS (adj)

Meaning
bitter in manner, speech, etc
Root of the word
acr = sharp; mon = warn
Synonyms
bitter, rancorous, fierce
Antonyms
friendly, amiable, genial
Usage
An acrimonious debate is taking place in the Parliament.

ACROPHOBIA (noun)

Meaning
abnormal fear of being at a high place
Root of the word
acro = height; phob = fear
Synonyms
-
Antonyms
-
Usage
The sharp detective remarked that the acrophobic girl could not have committed suicide by jumping from the twentieth floor; somebody must have pushed her.

ACTUATE (verb)

Meaning
motivate (someone) to act in a particular way
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
motivate, stimulate, move, drive, rouse, stir, stir up, fire, fire up, arouse
Antonyms
-
Usage
The reason for them to cast aspersions against their colleague was actuated by jealousy

ACUMEN (noun)

Meaning
the ability to make good judgments and take quick decisions. shrewdness
Root of the word
ac, acr = sharp, sour; ment = mind
Synonyms
insight, keenness, penetration, sagacity, perspicacity, astuteness, awareness, shrewdness, acuity, s
Antonyms
witlessness ineptness, stupidity
Usage
By sheer dint of hard work, and sharp business acumen, he rose to the position of a successful business magnate within a short time. Due to his sheer diligence coupled with shrewd business acumen, he became a successful industrialist.

AD INFINITUM (adv)

Meaning
forever, without ending.
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
evermore, always, for all time, in perceptivity, perpetually, eternally, endlessly, interminably, un
Antonyms
-
Usage
Certain mores and traditions will be maintained ad infinitum.

ADAGE (noun)

Meaning
an old quote accepted as a truth
Root of the word
ad = to + aio = to say
Synonyms
proverb, quotation, motto
Antonyms
-
Usage
I find the adage, 'A friend in need is a friend indeed', somewhat ambiguous.

ADDLED (adj)

Meaning
confused and unable to think propely
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
muddled, confused, fuddled, befuddled, bewildered, dazed, dizzy, disoriented
Antonyms
-
Usage
Although I explained the situation very clearly to him, he still had an addled expression on his face.

ADDUCE (verb)

Meaning
refer to as evidence
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
cite, quote, name, mention, instance, specify, identify
Antonyms
-
Usage
The argument is adduced with evidences in order to make it more tenable.

ADEPT (adj and noun)

Meaning
very skilful; skilled person
Root of the word
apt/ept = skill, ability
Synonyms
skilful, expert, clever
Antonyms
clumsy, amateurish, inept
Usage
Dorothy's adept handling of the situation pleased her boss very much.

ADHERE (verb)

Meaning
stick to; be devoted to
Root of the word
a/ad/al = to, toward, near
Synonyms
hold, stay, remain
Antonyms
-
Usage
Every citizen of the country must adhere to the laws of the land.

ADHOC (adj)

Meaning
arranged or happening when necessary and not planned in advance.
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
impromptu, extempore, extemporary, expedient, emergency, improvised, makeshift, make-do.
Antonyms
-
Usage
The government appointed an adhoc committee to review the drought situation in the southern states.

ADJOURN (verb)

Meaning
break off (a meeting) until later
Root of the word
journ = day
Synonyms
stop, postpone, delay, suspend, defer, put off, end
Antonyms
-
Usage
The court adjourned the case.

ADJUDICATE (verb)

Meaning
make a formal judgment on an undecided matter
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
judge, try, hear, examine, arbitrate, decide
Antonyms
-
Usage
A senior bureaucrat was appointed as an arbitrator to adjudicate the contentious issue.

ADJUNCT (noun)

Meaning
an additional part
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
supplement, addition, accompaniment, complement, companion, extra, add-on, additive, accessory, appu
Antonyms
-
Usage
Physiotherapy is an essential adjunct to drugs in treating a stroke.

ADLIB (adverb)

Meaning
speak or perform in public without preparing beforehand.
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
impromptu, extempore, without preparation, without rehearsal, extemporaneously, offhand, spontaneous
Antonyms
-
Usage
Besides being a man of vast erudition, he is also an excellent orator who can speak adlib on any topic.

ADMINISTER (verb)

Meaning
manage, dispense
Root of the word
a/ad/al = to, toward, near
Synonyms
direct, order, run, oversee, control, govern
Antonyms
-
Usage
She was administered a palliative by the doctor, to ease her pain.

ADMONISH (verb)

Meaning
reprimand firmly
Root of the word
a/ad/al = to, toward, near
Synonyms
caution, reprimand, reproach, rebuke
Antonyms
praise
Usage
The traffic cop admonished the motorist for violating traffic rules.

ADO (noun)

Meaning
without delaying; immediately
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
fuss, trouble, bother, upset, agitation, commotion, stir, confusion, excitement, tumult, disturbance
Antonyms
-
Usage
She decided to come to the actual point without much ado.

ADULATION (noun)

Meaning
excessive admiration
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
worship, admiration, lionization, idolization, veneration, awe, devotion, adoration, exaltation
Antonyms
disparaging, unflattering
Usage
Despite all the popularity and adulation, he is as modest as he was before.

ADULTERY (noun)

Meaning
the state of disloyalty in a marital relationship.
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
unfaithfulness, infidelity, falseness, disloyalty, extramarital relations.
Antonyms
faithfulness, fidelity.
Usage
She accused her husband of committing adultery, and appealed to the court for a divorce.

ADVENT (noun)

Meaning
arrival
Root of the word
ven/vent/veni = come
Synonyms
coming on, start, beginning, dawn, initiation, introduction
Antonyms
departure
Usage
The advent of new computers made some workers feel that machines would replace them.

ADVENTITIOUS (adj)

Meaning
fortuitous
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
coincidental
Antonyms
planned
Usage
Many commercial movies are full of unbelievable adventitious happenings.

ADVERSARY (noun)

Meaning
an opponent or enemy.
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
opponent, rival, enemy, foe, antagonist, combatant, challenger, contender, competitor, opposer.
Antonyms
ally, supporter
Usage
As he is a man of indomitable courage, he remains unvanquished by his adversaries.

ADVERSITY (noun)

Meaning
difficulty, misfortune
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
hardship, distress, disaster, misadventure, tribulation.
Antonyms
well-being, prosperity
Usage
She is a level-headed person who maintains her composure even in adversity.

AEGIS (noun)

Meaning
sponsorship
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
guidance, care, auspices
Antonyms
-
Usage
This event is being held under the aegis of T.I.M.E

AFFABLE (adj)

Meaning
good-natured and friendly
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
friendly, amiable, genial, warm, cordial, pleasant, pleasing, charming, agreeable, sympathetic
Antonyms
unfriendly, prickly
Usage
Being an affable and gregarious person, she made a lot of friends and very soon adjusted herself to the new atmosphere.

AFFRAY (noun)

Meaning
fight or violent behaviour in a public place
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
fight, brawl, battle, engagement, encounter, confrontation, melee, clash, skirmish, scuffle, tussle
Antonyms
harmony, calm, truce
Usage
A group of students was taken into custody by the police for causing an affray at the college campus.

AGGLOMERATION (noun)

Meaning
collect or form into a mass
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
collection, mass, cluster, lump, clump, pile, heap, bunch, stack, bundle, quantity
Antonyms
-
Usage
The suburbs of the city were an agglomeration of shanties in all its poverty and squalor.

AGGRAVATE (verb)

Meaning
to worsen
Root of the word
grav, griev = heavy
Synonyms
Antonyms
ameliorate, improve
Usage
You are aggravating the situation by grieving so much over such a petty issue.

AGGRIEVED (adj)

Meaning
resentful because of unfair treatment
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
resentful, affronted, indignant, disgruntled, discontented, angry, distressed, unhappy, disturbed
Antonyms
pleased
Usage
Students were aggrieved by the sudden and unprecedented hike in tuition fees.

AGOG (adj)

Meaning
very eager to hear or see something
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
eager, excited, impatient, on tenterhooks, anxious, curious, expectant, enthusiastic
Antonyms
uninterested, incurious
Usage
The city was agog with the rumour that the notorious criminal had escaped from police custody.

ALACRITY (noun)

Meaning
brisk eagerness or enthusiasm
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
eagerness, willingness, readiness, enthusiasm, ardour, fervour, keenness, joyousness, liveliness, ze
Antonyms
apathy
Usage
The party accepted the deal with alacrity.

ALCOVE (noun)

Meaning
an area in a room that is formed by part of a wall being built farther back than the rest of the wall.
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
recess, niche, nook, opening, bay, hollow, cavity, corner, indentation,
Antonyms
-
Usage
In the bookshelf which fit snugly in the alcove, were interesting books on various subjects.

ALIBI (noun)

Meaning
an excuse for failure
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
defence, plea, justification, explanation, reason, indication, excuse, behaviour.
Antonyms
-
Usage
The fact that he is quitting the job very soon is a strong alibi for his irresponsible behaviour.

ALIMONY (noun)

Meaning
financial support for a husband or wife after separation or divorce
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
financial support, maintenance support, provision, allowance, keep, upkeep, sustenance, livelihood,
Antonyms
-
Usage
The court ordered him to pay a fourth of his earnings as alimony to his estranged wife.

ALLAY (verb)

Meaning
reduce or end (fear, concern or difficulty)
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
reduce, diminish, decrease, lessen, assuage, alleviate, ease, relieve, soften, mollify, lull, mitiga
Antonyms
-
Usage
His reassurances allayed her fears to a large extent.

ALLEGIANCE (noun)

Meaning
loyalty to a person of higher status or to a group or cause
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
loyalty, faithfulness, fidelity, obedience, fealty, adherence, homage, devotion, bond, trueness, ste
Antonyms
disloyalty, treachery
Usage
All the team members swore allegiance to the newly elected chief.

ALLEVIATE (verb)

Meaning
ease
Root of the word
lev = raise, lift, make light
Synonyms
improve, assuage, lighten, lessen
Antonyms
aggravate
Usage
Is it possible to alleviate the misery of the downtrodden when funds are scarce.

ALLIANCE (noun)

Meaning
the state of being joined or associated
Root of the word
lig/li = bind, choose
Synonyms
association, league, treaty, coalition, partnership
Antonyms
distance, separation
Usage
The rebels formed an alliance with the students' group.

ALLURE (noun)

Meaning
powerful attractiveness or charm
Root of the word
a/ad/al = to, toward, near
Synonyms
appeal, glamour, magnetism, charm, draw, pull, fascination
Antonyms
repulsion
Usage
We were bewitched by the mystical allure of the idyllic surroundings.

ALLUSION (noun)

Meaning
indirect reference to something
Root of the word
lud/lus = play
Synonyms
implication, comment on
Antonyms
-
Usage
Milton's magnum opus, Paradise Lost has several allusions to the Bible.

ALTER EGO (noun)

Meaning
a close friend, a person's alternative personality
Root of the word
alter = other; ego = self
Synonyms
pal, chum, buddy
Antonyms
enemy, adversary, opponent
Usage
He is my alter ego.

ALTERCATION (noun)

Meaning
a heated dispute or argument
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
argument, quarrel, squabble, fight, contretemps, disagreement, dissension, falling-out, dispute, dis
Antonyms
-
Usage
An altercation ensued between the motorist and the traffic policeman.

AMALGAM (noun)

Meaning
a mixture or blend
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
combination, union, blend, mixture
Antonyms
-
Usage
India, which is a land of diverse cultures, is a curious amalgam of the traditional and the modern.

AMATEUR (noun)

Meaning
a person who engages in a sport or activity as a pastime rather than as a profession.
Root of the word
am, ami = love
Synonyms
non-professional, beginner, dilettante, tyro
Antonyms
professional
Usage
Although he is an amateur artist, his works show great promise.

AMBIT (noun)

Meaning
the range of authority or influence of something
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
scope, extent, bounds, confines, limits, range, breadth, width, reach, sweep, purview, span, stretch
Antonyms
-
Usage
The case falls within the ambit of medical ethics.

AMBIVALENT (adj)

Meaning
unsure
Root of the word
val/vail = value, strength
Synonyms
undecided, in two minds, hesitant
Antonyms
decisive
Usage
Janice has ambivalent reactions about her new job.

AMBUSH (verb)

Meaning
to make a surprise attack from a hidden position
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
trap, surprise, pounce on, lay a trap of, waylay, entrap, ensnare
Antonyms
-
Usage
Naxals ambushed and killed ten policemen who were on patrol duty.

AMELIORATE (verb)

Meaning
make better, improve
Root of the word
am, ami = love
Synonyms
benefit, boost, raise, amend, refine, nurture, promote, nourish, alleviate
Antonyms
worsen, compound
Usage
She was a hard-core feminist whose chief mission in life was to ameliorate the status of women. Mahatma Gandhi strived relentlessly to ameliorate the lot of the downtrodden sections of society.

AMITY (noun)

Meaning
a friendly relationship between people or countries
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
friendship, friendliness, peace, peacefulness, peaceableness, harmony, harmoniousness, understanding
Antonyms
animosity, enmity
Usage
The United Nations was not successful in promoting amity between the belligerent nations.

AMNESIA (noun)

Meaning
loss of memory
Root of the word
mem/men/min/amne/mnem = remember
Synonyms
-
Antonyms
-
Usage
He has been suffering from amnesia ever since he sustained a serious head injury.

AMNESTY (noun and verb)

Meaning
an official pardon for people convicted of political offences
Root of the word
mem/men/min/ amne/mnem = remember
Synonyms
pardon, forgiveness, liberty
Antonyms
-
Usage
The President refused to grant amnesty to the convict.

ANACHRONISM (noun)

Meaning
a thing that belongs to a period other than the one in which it exists
Root of the word
chron = time
Synonyms
misdate, metachronism, parachronism
Antonyms
contemporary
Usage
With so much of violence all around one wonders whether Gandhian philosophy is an anachronism today.

ANARCHY (noun)

Meaning
disorder
Root of the word
a, an = not, without; arch = rule
Synonyms
chaos, revolution, lawlessness, anarchism, mayhem, rebellion
Antonyms
order
Usage
There was complete anarchy after the assassination of the President.

ANIMOSITY (noun)

Meaning
hatred or strong dislike
Root of the word
anim = mind, spirit, soul
Synonyms
antipathy, ill will, enmity, hostility
Antonyms
goodwill, friendship
Usage
She does not nurture any rancor or animosity even against those who tried to malign her.

ANNALS (noun)

Meaning
a historical record of events year by year
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
records, archives, chronicles, accounts, registers, journals, history
Antonyms
-
Usage
His acts of bravery, as a commander of the British Army, made him a legend in the annals of military history.

ANNIHILATE (verb)

Meaning
destroy completely
Root of the word
nihil = home, nothing, destroy
Synonyms
destroy, exterminate
Antonyms
nurture
Usage
Lethal weapons have the capacity to annihilate the entire human race.

ANNOTATE (verb)

Meaning
to apend notes.
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
comment on, add notes to, explain, interpret, elucidate, explicate.
Antonyms
-
Usage
The foot notes annotated to the text helps in better comprehension.

ANODYNE (adj)

Meaning
unlikely to cause offence or disparagement
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
bland, inoffensive, innocuous, neutral, unobjectionable
Antonyms
offensive, objectionable
Usage
Although newspapers are expected to be critical, anodyne reporting is deemed desirable.

ANONYMITY (noun)

Meaning
secrecy
Root of the word
an = not, without ; nym = name
Synonyms
obscurity, mystery, vagueness, ambiguity
Antonyms
divulsion
Usage
The bureaucrat was willing to speak if he was assured of anonymity.

ANTAGONISM (noun)

Meaning
feeling of hatred
Root of the word
anti = against, opposite
Synonyms
hatred, revulsion, aversion, antipathy
Antonyms
liking, affinity, preference
Usage
Such antagonism in sports makes me question the real purpose of sport itself.

ANTECEDENT (adj)

Meaning
going before in time, prior
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
previous, earlier, prior, foregoing, preceding, precursory
Antonyms
later, subsequent
Usage
The doctor intended to take into account the antecedents of the disease before starting his treatment.

ANTEDILUVIAN (adj)

Meaning
anything which is very outdated or old-fashioned
Root of the word
ante = before, luv = wash
Synonyms
prehistoric, antiquated, archaic
Antonyms
modern, current, in vogue
Usage
Capital punishment sometimes sounds like an antediluvian concept to me.

ANTIDOTE (noun)

Meaning
a thing that counteracts something unpleasant
Root of the word
anti = against, opposite
Synonyms
remedy, answer, solution, panacea
Antonyms
poison
Usage
It is said that walking is an antidote for all ailments both somatic and psychological.

ANTITHESIS (noun)

Meaning
a person or thing that is the direct opposite of another
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
contradiction, contrast, extreme, opposite
Antonyms
-
Usage
Inequality is the antithesis of egalitarianism.

APATHETIC (adj)

Meaning
not interested; having little emotion
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
uninterested, indifferent, unconcerned, unresponsive, unfeeling, unemotional, emotionless, languid
Antonyms
enthusiastic, eager, passionate
Usage
Although he had led a very active life in his youth, with age and ill health he has now become apathetic and rather senile.

APLOMB (noun)

Meaning
calm self-confidence
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
poise, self-assurance, assurance, self-posession, calmness, composure
Antonyms
gaucheness
Usage
Being an orator par excellence, he can deliver any speech with aplomb.

APOCRYPHAL (noun)

Meaning
of doubtful origin
Root of the word
apo = away, cryp = hidden, mysterious
Synonyms
untrue, mythical, fictional
Antonyms
genuine, true
Usage
Though inspiring, it is obvious that the stories about his achievements were mostly apocryphal.

APOGEE (noun)

Meaning
highest point
Root of the word
apo = away
Synonyms
summit, peak, zenith
Antonyms
abyss, nadir, low
Usage
He retired when he was at the apogee of his career with the result that people remembered him forever.

APOPLECTIC (adj)

Meaning
overcome with anger
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
furious, enraged, overcome with anger, infuriated, in a temper, incensed, raging, incandescent, wrat
Antonyms
-
Usage
They were apoplectic at the injustice meted out to them.

APOSTASY (noun)

Meaning
the abandonment or renunciation of a belief or principle
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
recantation, treachery, faithlessness, disloyalty, betrayal, defection, heresy
Antonyms
loyalty
Usage
When he stopped going to the church on Sundays, his friends charged him with apostasy.

APOTHEOSIS (noun)

Meaning
the highest point
Root of the word
theo = god
Synonyms
culmination, climax, peak, pinnacle, summit, zenith, apex, peak, acme, apogee
Antonyms
nadir
Usage
Her acting career reached its apotheosis when she enacted the role of Helen of Troy.

APPALLING (adj)

Meaning
something that is so bad or unpleasant that it shocks you
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
horrific, horrifying, terrible, awful, dreadful, ghastly, hideous
Antonyms
admirable, excellent
Usage
The social worker was so moved by the appalling living conditions of the slum dwellers that he vowed to ameliorate their lot.

APPENDAGE (noun)

Meaning
a thing attached to or projecting from something larger or more important
Root of the word
pens/pond = to weigh, to attach
Synonyms
attachment, adjunct, accessory, addition
Antonyms
-
Usage
The ancient Indian texts, the Upanishads, are appendages to the Vedas.

APPETITE (noun)

Meaning
hunger, desire
Root of the word
pet/ petit = seek, go toward
Synonyms
taste, craving, enthusiasm
Antonyms
-
Usage
Her appetite has been impaired after a recent bout of illness.

APPRISE (verb)

Meaning
inform
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
notify, tell, brief, intimate
Antonyms
-
Usage
Experts of the intelligence department have apprised the government of a possible terrorist attack in the capital.

APPROBATION (noun)

Meaning
commendation, official approval
Root of the word
prob/prov = truth, prove
Synonyms
approval, praise, consent, admiration, good opinion, esteem
Antonyms
disapproval
Usage
His flawless speech received widespread approbation.

APPROPRIATE (adj)

Meaning
suitable, correct for a particular circumstance
Root of the word
appro = correct, fit
Synonyms
proper, fitting apt relevant pertinent, right
Antonyms
inappropriate, irrelevant
Usage
The company is passing through a difficult time; this is not the appropriate time to think of employee welfare.

APPURTENANCES (plural noun)

Meaning
a possession or piece of property that is considered to be a typical feature of a particular way of living.
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
accessories, trappings, appendages, accoutrements, extras, additions, adjuncts, conveniences
Antonyms
-
Usage
Mobile phones and computers are indispensable appurtenances of modern life.

ARBITRARY (adj)

Meaning
based on random choice or impulse
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
capricious, casual, erratic, illogical
Antonyms
rational, reasoned
Usage
One must avoid taking arbitrary decisions and never venture into anything before weighing the pros and cons.

ARBOREAL (adj)

Meaning
of or living on trees
Root of the word
arbor = tree
Synonyms
-
Antonyms
-
Usage
Most primates are arboreal animals.

ARCHETYPE (noun)

Meaning
a very typical example/perfect example
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
typification, type, prototype, representative, stereotype, original, pattern, model, standard
Antonyms
-
Usage
Our country is the archetype of a secular society.

ARDENT (adj)

Meaning
very enthusiastic
Root of the word
ard = difficult
Synonyms
enthusiastic, keen, fervent, zealous, devoted, eager, dedicated
Antonyms
half-hearted
Usage
Many youngsters are ardent fans of pop icons.

ARDOUR (noun)

Meaning
very strong feelings of enthusiasm or love
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
passion, acidity, fervour, zeal, eagerness, vehemence
Antonyms
indifference, apathy, dullness
Usage
The ardour and the dedication with which he performs the work assigned to him is worthy of emulation.

ARDUOUS (adj)

Meaning
very difficult and tiring
Root of the word
ard = hard, difficult
Synonyms
difficult, gruelling, strenuous
Antonyms
easy, undemanding, comfortable
Usage
After the arduous journey I must have slept for about twelve hours.

ARGOT (noun)

Meaning
the jargon or slang of a particular group
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
jargon, slang, idiom, cant, dialect, parlance, patter, speech, vernacular, patois, terminology, lang
Antonyms
-
Usage
The argot of college students is difficult to comprehend.

ARRANT (adj)

Meaning
complete, thorough
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
utter, downright, absolute,consummate, sheer
Antonyms
-
Usage
Although he was initially an arrant coward, he gradually overcame his fears and became more confident.

ARRIVISTE (noun)

Meaning
a person who has recently become wealthy or risen in social status
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
social climber, status seeker, would-be, go-getter, self-seeker, adventurer, newcomer, upstart, parv
Antonyms
-
Usage
The arriviste craved to be accepted by the snobs of the celebrity club.

ARROGATE (verb)

Meaning
to claim or seize without right, appropriate
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
assume, take, take on , secure, seize, expropriate, take possession of, help oneself to, steal, appr
Antonyms
renounce
Usage
She arrogated herself the right to delegate work to her colleagues.

ARTLESSNESS (noun)

Meaning
unpretentiousness, sincere and straight forward
Root of the word
art/arti = skill, craft
Synonyms
natural, sincere, open, ingenuous, innocent, uncontrived, naďve, childlike, pure
Antonyms
scheming, cunning
Usage
Her artlessness endeared her to one and all. The cherubic young girl endeared herself to everyone with her artlessness.

ASCENT (noun)

Meaning
an upward slope
Root of the word
scend/scen = climb
Synonyms
way up, incline, rise, slope, gradient, climb
Antonyms
descent
Usage
His ascent to fame and wealth was the result of his diligence and determination.

ASCETIC (adj)

Meaning
strictly self-disciplined and avoiding any pleasures or luxuries
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
austere, self-denying, abstinent, abstemious, frugal, simple, rigorous
Antonyms
sybaritic
Usage
He gave up his opulent life for he now preferred to lead an ascetic existence.

ASCRIBE (verb)

Meaning
assign, put down to
Root of the word
scrib/scrip/scriv = write
Synonyms
attribute, credit, blame on
Antonyms
-
Usage
Do not ascribe ulterior motives to children.

ASHEN (adj)

Meaning
very pale from shock, fear, or illness.
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
pale, wan, pasty, grey, leaden, colourless, sallow, pallid, white, waxen, ghostly
Antonyms
-
Usage
After witnessing the gory sight, he began to sweat and his face looked ashen.

ASININE (adj)

Meaning
lacking in intelligence
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
stupid, foolish, brainless, mindless, doltish, idiotic, imbecilic, insane, lunatic, ridiculous, absu
Antonyms
intelligent
Usage
The company resorted to cheap and asinine publicity which little helped in boosting its sales.

ASPERITY (noun)

Meaning
harshness of tone or manner; bad tempered
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
harshness, sharpness, roughness, abrasiveness, severity, acerbity, astringency, acrimony
Antonyms
mildness
Usage
She remarked with asperity that she did not need my advise.

ASPERSION (noun)

Meaning
critical remark about someone's character
Root of the word
spers/spar = scatter
Synonyms
criticism, condemnation, deprecation
Antonyms
praise
Usage
Don't cast aspersions on anyone's character.

ASPIRE (verb)

Meaning
have ambitions
Root of the word
spir = breathe, live
Synonyms
wish, desire, aim, hope, want
Antonyms
-
Usage
One must always aspire to reach one's chosen goal in life.

ASSAIL (verb)

Meaning
to attack violently, either physically or with words
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
attack, assault, launch an attack on, pounce on, turn on, round on, lash out at, besiege, accost, ch
Antonyms
-
Usage
He was assailed by a gang of armed men when he was on his way home from work.

ASSAY (verb and noun)

Meaning
evaluation
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
try, examine, probe
Antonyms
-
Usage
The man who assayed the gold was more than a mere technician.

ASSIDUOUS (adj)

Meaning
diligent, constant
Root of the word
sed/sid/sess = sit, settle
Synonyms
tireless, persevering, attentive, industrious, hard-working,
Antonyms
lazy
Usage
He is an assiduous worker and an asset to the company.

ASSIGNATION (noun)

Meaning
meeting, appointment
Root of the word
sign = mark, sign
Synonyms
tryst, rendezvous, date
Antonyms
-
Usage
The lovers arranged a secret assignation in a remote part of the town.

ATHEIST (noun)

Meaning
someone who does not believe in God
Root of the word
theo/thei = god
Synonyms
nonbeliever, agnostic
Antonyms
believer
Usage
Though I am not an atheist, sometimes I am not very sure about the modern day ideas of godliness.

ATONEMENT (noun)

Meaning
amends for a wrong
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
compensation, recompense, payment, repayment, redress, restitution, indemnity, indemnification, expi
Antonyms
-
Usage
Having lived a corrupt and immoral life, he has now turned to spirituality to make atonement for the sins he has committed.

ATROPHY (verb and noun)

Meaning
waste away
Root of the word
a, an = not, without
Synonyms
wither, weaken, degenerate, shrivel, deteriorate
Antonyms
growth
Usage
He is suffering from muscular atrophy.

ATTENUATE (verb)

Meaning
made weak or less effective
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
weaken, reduce, decrease diminish, impair.
Antonyms
strengthen
Usage
Antibiotics are administered to a person suffering from infections in order to attenuate the bacteria and viruses responsible for causing the infection.

AU COURANT (adj)

Meaning
well-informed.
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
up to date, up with, in touch, familiar, at home, acquainted, conversant, abreast of, apprised of
Antonyms
out of touch
Usage
A doctor needs to be au courant with the latest developments in the field of medicine.

AU FAIT (adj)

Meaning
having a thorough knowledge of
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
familiar, acquainted, conversant, at home, up to date with, in touch, abreast of, apprised of, in th
Antonyms
out of touch
Usage
Being in the show business, she is au fait with the latest fashion.

AUBURN (adj)

Meaning
a reddish brown colour.
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
reddish-brown, red-brown, dark-red, titian, tawny, russet, chestnut, copper.
Antonyms
-
Usage
Her flowing auburn tresses highlighted her fair complexion.

AUDACITY (noun)

Meaning
willingness to take bold risks
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
boldness, fearlessness, intrepidity, recklessness, pluck, gustiness
Antonyms
timidity
Usage
The Principal was shocked at the audacity and impudence of some of his students.

AUGUST (adj)

Meaning
inspiring respect and admiration
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
distinguished, respected, eminent, venerable, hallowed, illustrious, prestigious, renowned, celebrat
Antonyms
undignified
Usage
I consider it my privilege to address this august gathering. Although she was initially nervous while addressing the august gathering, very soon she began to feel at ease and started speaking eloquently.

AURA (noun)

Meaning
the distinctive atmosphere of a place, person or thing
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
atmosphere, air, quality, aspect, character, ambience, mood, spirit, feeling, feel, flavour, colour,
Antonyms
-
Usage
People always admired her because she had an aura of grace and distinction.

AUSPICES (noun)

Meaning
with the help, support or protection of somebody
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
patronage, aegis, umbrella, protection, guidance, support, backing, guardianship, trusteeship, spons
Antonyms
-
Usage
Several important issues were discussed in the symposium which was held under the auspices of the state government.

AUSTERE (adj)

Meaning
lacking comforts, luxuries or decoration
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
strict, self-denying, moderate, temperate, sober, simple, frugal, spartan, restrained, ascetic, puri
Antonyms
immoderate
Usage
Despite inheriting a huge fortune, he continued to live an austere life.

AUTOCRAT (noun)

Meaning
a ruler who has absolute power; a domineering person
Root of the word
crac/crat = rule, power
Synonyms
tyrant, despot, absolute ruler
Antonyms
democrat
Usage
People rebelled against the autocrat who had been tyrannizing them for a long time.

AVAIL (noun and adj)

Meaning
use or benefit
Root of the word
val/vail = value, strength
Synonyms
advantage, reward, purpose, gain, aim
Antonyms
-
Usage
The doctors left no stone unturned to save the patient, but to no avail.

AVANT-GARDE (adj)

Meaning
pioneering
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
ground breaking, revolutionary, trialblazing
Antonyms
unoriginal
Usage
Her avant-garde works won critical acclaim.

AVENGE (verb)

Meaning
to punish or hurt somebody in return for something bad or wrong that they have done for you, your family or friends.
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
take revenge for, take vengeance for, exact retribution for, requite, pay someone back for, get even
Antonyms
-
Usage
She vowed to avenge the condescending treatment meted out to her.

AVER (verb)

Meaning
avow, assert
Root of the word
ver = true
Synonyms
profess, affirm, claim, declare, state, affirm, maintain
Antonyms
-
Usage
The disgruntled patron averred that he would never support an upcoming artist in future.

AVERSION (noun)

Meaning
dislike
Root of the word
vert/vers = to turn
Synonyms
loathing, hatred, hate, repugnance, distaste
Antonyms
liking, love
Usage
I have an aversion for sweetmeats.

AVERT (verb)

Meaning
turn away, prevent
Root of the word
vert/vers = to turn
Synonyms
turn aside, stop happening, ward off, avoid, forestall
Antonyms
-
Usage
The alert crew averted a major accident.

AVID (adj)

Meaning
keenly interested
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
keen, eager, enthusiastic, ardent, passionate, devoted, dedicated, fervent, fervid, zealous
Antonyms
apathetic, half-hearted
Usage
Being an avid collector of rare artefacts, she has an amazing collection of several antique pieces.

AVOW (verb)

Meaning
assert or confess openly
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
assert, declare, state, maintain, aver, attest, swear, insist, confess, admit.
Antonyms
-
Usage
The Home Minister avowed that there was no deterioration in the law and order situation in recent months.

AWASH (adj)

Meaning
covered or flooded with
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
inundated, flooded, deluged, swamped, teeming, leaving, overflowing, overrun by, full of.
Antonyms
-
Usage
During the plenary session organized by the ruling party last week, the city square was awash with delegates from all over the country.

AWE-INSPIRING (adj)

Meaning
causing a sense of wonder
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
breathtaking, amazing, stupendous, astonishing, awesome, extraordinary, incredible, magnificent, won
Antonyms
uninspiring, unimpressive
Usage
The scenic beauty and serenity of the hill station was awe-inspiring.

AWESOME (adj)

Meaning
very impressive or very difficult
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
amazing, stunning, astounding, astonishing, stupendous
Antonyms
-
Usage
The mountaineers were congratulated on their awesome achievement.

AWRY (adj)

Meaning
away from the expected course or position
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
amiss, not right, wrong
Antonyms
-
Usage
Our plans for the picnic had gone awry thanks to the unseasonal rains.

AXIOMATIC (adj)

Meaning
true in such an obvious way that you do not need to prove it.
Root of the word
-
Synonyms
self-evident, unquestionable, undeniable, accepted, understood, given, granted.
Antonyms
-
Usage
It is axiomatic that life is not always a bed of roses.