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25 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
- 3rd side (hint)
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assimilation
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act of blending in, becoming similar
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Language classes were offered to aid in the assimilation of the immigrants with the native citizens.
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assonance
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resemblance in sound, especially in vowel sounds; partial rhyme
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The professor pointed out how assonance among the words contributed to the flow of the poem.
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assuage
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to make less severe, ease, relieve
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Like many people, Philip Larkin used alcohol to assuage his sense of meaninglessness and despair.
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astringent
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harsh, severe, stern
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The principal's punishments seemed overly astringent, but the students did not dare to complain.
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astute
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having good judgment
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The novelist Judy Blume is an astute judge of human nature; her characters ring true.
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asunder
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into different parts
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Though the boat was strong, the violent storm tore it asunder.
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asymmetrical
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not corresponding in size, shape, position, etc.
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The hairstylist was shocked to find that the two sides of his customer's hair were asymmetrical.
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atone
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to make amends for a wrong
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Many people go to church to atone for their wrongdoings and seek forgiveness.
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atrocious
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monstrous, shockingly bad, wicked
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The British officer committed the atrocious act of slaughtering a large group of peaceful Indian villagers.
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atrophy
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to waste away, wither form disuse
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When Mimi stopped exercising, her muscles began to atrophy.
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attain
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to accomplish, gain
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It is clear that Clem's hard work will help him attain that raise he's been hoping for.
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attenuate
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to make thin or slender; weaken
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The Bill of Rights attenuated the traditional power of government to change laws at will.
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attest
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to testify, stand as proof of, bear witness
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Once her husband had attested to the fact that Mrs. Martin was with him on the night of the murder, the jury had no choice but to acquit her of the crime.
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audacious
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bold, daring, fearless
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"And you, your majesty, may kiss my bum!" replied the audacious peasant.
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audible
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capable of being heard
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The shy boy's voice was barely audible as he answered the teacher's questions.
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audit
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formal examination of financial records
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The grocer cursed the IRS's decision to audit him, as he couldn't pay all the back taxes they demanded.
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auditory
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having to do with hearing
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Sometimes, people's auditory canals become blocked by large quantities of wax.
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augment
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to expand, extend
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Ben augmented his salary with overtime hours as much as possible.
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augury
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prophecy, prediction of events
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Troy hoped the rainbow was an augury of good things to come.
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august
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dignified, awe inspiring, venerable
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The august view of the summit of the Grand Teton filled the climbers with awe.
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auspicious
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having favorable prospects, promising
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Tamika thought that having lunch with the boss was an auspicious start to her new job.
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austere
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stern, strict, unadorned
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The lack of decoration makes Zen temples seem austere to the untrained eyes.
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authoritarian
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extremely strict, bossy
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The authoritarian manager alienated his employees with his bossy manner.
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autocrat
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dictator
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Mussolini has been described as an autocrat who did not tolerate opposition.
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autonomous
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separate, independent
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There is a movement underway to make Scotland an independent country, autonomous from England.
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