| ability |
When you have ability for a certain kind of thing, it means that you are good at it. Some words that have a similar meaning to "ability" are "skill" and "talent." [1/2 definitions] |
| -able |
a suffix that means capable or worthy of being the object of a certain action. [1/3 definitions] |
| absolute |
sure; certain. [1/4 definitions] |
| abundant |
If certain things are abundant, there are very many of them. There are more than enough. If there is an abundant amount of something, there is plenty of it. |
| accessible |
If a place is accessible, you can get to it, or you can get into it. Some places are accessible only by certain means. |
| according to |
If you say that a certain movie is good according to your brother, it means that your brother says that the movie is good. You know that some people might not like the movie, but you are saying only what your brother thinks and not what other people might think. [1/2 definitions] |
| account |
If a certain thing accounts for something, it means that it is the cause of it. [1/5 definitions] |
| acorn |
An acorn is a very hard brown fruit that grows on a certain kind of tree called an oak. People can't eat acorns, but squirrels and chipmunks do. |
| acupuncture |
the practice of relieving pain or curing a disease by putting needles into certain parts of the body. Acupuncture is a traditional way to treat disease in China. |
| addiction |
If a person has an addiction, their body sends out signals that they must continue to take or take more of a certain a drug or similar substance. These signals cause a desire for the drug that is very, very strong, and it can make people do things that they would not normally do just to get it. Addiction is something that can ruin people's lives. Some drugs cause addiction, but most drugs that people take as medicine do not. |
| add up to |
reach (a certain total). |
| advantage |
An advantage is something that is good about something. It might make it better than something else--at least in a certain way. [1/2 definitions] |
| adverb |
An adverb is a certain kind of word in a sentence. When a word is an adverb, it often describes how or when or where we do things. Words like "tomorrow," "here," "there," "slowly," and "usually" are adverbs. Adverbs also go in front of other adverbs or adjectives to describe those words. If we say "This is very good cake," "good" is an adjective that tells us about the cake, and "very" is an adverb that tells us how good the cake is. |
| advertise |
When you advertise for something, it means you are looking for a certain thing and you put up a notice somewhere, like in a newspaper or online list. In the notice, you tell people you are looking for this thing. Sometimes people advertise for things they want to buy from other people. Sometimes they advertise for a certain kind of person who they can pay to do some work for them. Let's say you want to buy a good but cheap bicycle, you could advertise for one in the newspaper. If somebody has one they want to sell, they will answer your notice. [1/3 definitions] |
| affirmative action |
a policy to make sure certain groups of people are given a fair chance for jobs and education. In particular, this policy is for minority groups and women who were not given these opportunities in the past. Regulations made by the U.S. government support affirmative action. |
| after |
following a certain event or time. [1/7 definitions] |
| age |
An age is a certain time in life. [2/7 definitions] |
| agent |
a person who has been given the power to do certain actions for another person. [1/2 definitions] |
| aim |
When you aim a question or comment, you direct your words toward a certain person or group. [1/5 definitions] |
| alarm clock |
An alarm clock is a clock with a bell or other sound that wakes you up at a certain time. |
| alcohol |
a clear liquid that burns easily and can be made from certain grains and fruits. Alcohol is present in such drinks as beer, wine, and whiskey. It is also used in making medicines and chemicals. [1/2 definitions] |