Archive for the ‘A’ Category

Ambivalence

May 8, 2009

am·biv·a·lence <!–
play_w2(“A0243700″)
// –> (m-bv-lns)

n.

1. The coexistence of opposing attitudes or feelings, such as love and hate, toward a person, object, or idea.
2. Uncertainty or indecisiveness as to which course to follow.

Anarchism

February 19, 2009

anarchism
1. a political theory advocating the elimination of governments and governmental restraint and the substitution of voluntary cooperation among individuals

Audacity

July 31, 2008

au·dac·i·ty play_w2(“A0516000″) (ô-ds-t)

n. pl. au·dac·i·ties

1. Fearless daring; intrepidity.
2. Bold or insolent heedlessness of restraints, as of those imposed by prudence, propriety, or convention.
3. An act or instance of intrepidity or insolent heedlessness: warned the students than any audacities committed during the graduation ceremony would be punished.

hm()

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition copyright ©2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2003. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
Noun 1. audacity – fearless daring

boldness, hardihood, hardiness, daring – the trait of being willing to undertake things that involve risk or danger; “the proposal required great boldness”; “the plan required great hardiness of heart”
2. audacity – aggressive boldness or unmitigated effrontery; “he had the audacity to question my decision”

Augur

July 21, 2008

au·gur play_w2(“A0519500″) gr)

n.

1. One of a group of ancient Roman religious officials who foretold events by observing and interpreting signs and omens.
2. A seer or prophet; a soothsayer.
v. au·gured, au·gur·ing, au·gurs
v.tr.

1. To predict, especially from signs or omens; foretell. See Synonyms at foretell.
2. To serve as an omen of; betoken: trends that augur change in society.
v.intr.

1. To make predictions from signs or omens.
2. To be a sign or omen: A smooth dress rehearsal augured well for the play.
eg:- it augurs well for future strategic defense and economic ties.

Altruistic

July 11, 2008

al·tru·ism play_w2(“A0234100″) (ltr-zm)

n.

1. Unselfish concern for the welfare of others; selflessness.
2. Zoology Instinctive cooperative behavior that is detrimental to the individual but contributes to the survival of the species.

[French altruisme, probably from Italian altrui, someone else, from Latin alter, other; see al-1 in Indo-European roots.]

altru·ist n.
altru·istic adj.
altru·isti·cal·ly adv.

hm()

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition copyright ©2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2003. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.


altruism

Noun

unselfish concern for the welfare of others

Apportion

June 19, 2008

ap·por·tion play_w2(“A0381700″) (-pôrshn, -pr-)

tr.v. ap·por·tioned, ap·por·tion·ing, ap·por·tions

To divide and assign according to a plan; allot: “The tendency persists to apportion blame as suits the circumstances” Natalie Angier.

Auspex

May 28, 2008

aus·pex play_w2(“A0526500″) spks)

n. pl. aus·pi·ces sp-sz)

An augur of ancient Rome, especially one who interpreted omens derived from the observation of birds.

Albeit

April 4, 2008

al·be·it play_w(“A0178500″)

 (ôl-bt, l-)

conj.

Even though; although; notwithstanding: clear albeit cold weather.

Arcane

April 1, 2008

ar·cane play_w(“A0402300″)

 (är-kn)adj. Known or understood by only a few: arcane economic theories.

Anecdotal

March 27, 2008

an·ec·dot·al play_w(“A0294100″)

 (nk-dtl)

adj.

1. also an·ec·dot·ic (-dtk) or an·ec·dot·i·cal (--kl) Of, characterized by, or full of anecdotes.
2. Based on casual observations or indications rather than rigorous or scientific analysis: “There are anecdotal reports of children poisoned by hot dogs roasted over a fire of the [oleander] stems” C. Claiborne Ray.