Aberration n. – A deviating from the right path or usual course of action; a mental disorder, especially of a minor or temporary nature.

Sample – We were convinced that Ed’s poor test marks were an aberration, and that he would do better the next time.

Abstinence n. – The giving up of certain pleasures such as food or drink.

Sample – After years of indulgence, it was difficult for Eric to follow his doctor’s directive of complete abstinence from liquor.

Abstract adj. – Theoretical, not applied or practical; not concrete; hard to understand. (As a noun, abstract means “a summary”.)

Sample – I prefer realistic art to abstract paintings, which are totally confusing to me.

Acclaim n. – Loud applause; approval. (When used as a verb, acclaim means “to applaud; to praise.”)

Sample – Jonas Salk won great acclaim for his medical discoveries.

Acquiesce v. – To accede; to give consent by keeping silent.

Sample – The president said that we will never acquiesce to the demands of terrorists.

Admonish v – To advise against something; to warn; to scold gently; to urge strongly.

Sample – This is the last time I plan to admonish you about coming late to work.

Advocate v. – To support; to be in favor of. (When used as a noun, advocate refers to someone who supports a particular cause.)

Sample - He advocates high salaries for teachers, hoping that competitive pay scales will make the teaching profession more attractive to college students.

Aesthetic adj. – Showing an appreciation of beauty in nature or art; artistic.

Sample – Kyra’s aesthetic qualities were apparent in her early art work.

Affinity n. – Natural attraction to a person or liking for a thing; relation; connection.

Sample – Harvey’s affinity for math led him to excel in our computer course.

Aggrandizement n. – An increase in rank or wealth; growth in power.

Sample – I attributed Paul’s aggressiveness to his need for aggrandizement.