Thursday, November 13, 2008

3rd day gre words

1)

Aggrandize

ag·gran·dize [ ə grán dz, ággrən dz ] (past and past participle ag·gran·dized, present participle ag·gran·diz·ing, 3rd person present singular ag·gran·diz·es)


transitive verb

Definition:

1. enlarge or extend something: to increase the size or scope of something

2. improve status of something: to increase or improve the power, wealth, influence, or status of somebody or something, especially by a deliberate plan

3. exaggerate greatness of somebody: to make somebody or something seem bigger or better than is actually the case, especially through exaggerated praise ( formal )
aggrandizing the value of her accomplishments

[Mid-17th century. < French agrandiss-, stem of agrandir< grandir "increase" < Latin grandis "great"]

ag·gran·dize·ment [ ə grándizmənt, ə grándīzmənt ] noun
ag·gran·diz·er noun

Definition: 1. to increase or enhance; 2. to exaggerate the greatness of somebody or something; 3. to add details; 4. to improve the status of something or somebody

Synonyms: augment, increase, enlarge, enhance, extend, heighten, glorify, glamorize, magnify, boost, elevate

Antonyms: decrease, diminish, belittle

Tips: Aggrandize is derived from the Latin grandis, "great or large." The related adjective grandiose (notice "grand" in both words) refers to something that is excessively large or grand and is usually unrealistic and not achievable, or is pompous and imposing. The verb aggrandize refers to exaggerating and speaking in a grandiose manner.

Usage Examples:

Children tend to aggrandize their accomplishments as being especially grandiose, since they are eager for approval and recognition. (glamorize, glorify)

John's report aggrandized his own role in the company, while belittling others' work. (glorified, elevated)

He likes to aggrandize his accomplishments by embellishing the details and exaggerating the facts. (enlarge, heighten)

The book review aggrandized the author's talent so much, it must have been written by his best friend. (elevated, glorified) verb


links


  1. aggrandize : V2 Vocabulary Building Dictionary [home, info]
  2. aggrandize : Encarta® World English Dictionary, North American Edition [home, info]
  3. aggrandize : Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary, 11th Edition [home, info]
  4. aggrandize : Wiktionary [home, info]
  5. aggrandize : Webster's New World College Dictionary, 4th Ed. [home, info]
  6. aggrandize : The Wordsmyth English Dictionary-Thesaurus [home, info]
  7. aggrandize : The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language [home, info]
  8. aggrandize : Infoplease Dictionary [home, info]
  9. aggrandize : Dictionary.com [home, info]
  10. aggrandize : Online Etymology Dictionary [home, info]
  11. aggrandize : UltraLingua English Dictionary [home, info]
  12. Aggrandize : Online Plain Text English Dictionary [home, info]
  13. aggrandize : Webster's Revised Unabridged, 1913 Edition [home, info]
  14. aggrandize : Rhymezone [home, info]
  15. Aggrandize : AllWords.com Multi-Lingual Dictionary [home, info]
  16. aggrandize : Webster's 1828 Dictionary [home, info]
  17. aggrandize : Free Dictionary [home, info]
  18. aggrandize : The Phrontistery - A Dictionary of Obscure Words [home, info]
  19. aggrandize : WordNet 1.7 Vocabulary Helper [home, info]
  20. aggrandize : LookWAYup Translating Dictionary/Thesaurus [home, info]
  21. aggrandize : Dictionary/thesaurus [home, info]

2)

ag·gre·gate [ ággrəgət ] [adjective]

Definition:

1. forming whole: collected together from different sources and considered as a whole ( formal )

2. geology resembling rock: describes a mixture of minerals or rock fragments that resembles rock
an aggregate structure



noun (plural ag·gre·gates)

Definition:

1. sum total: a total or whole made up of different parts from often disparate sources ( formal )
The political party was an aggregate of many diverse groups.

2. U.K. sports total of scores: the overall score gained by a team or player in a series of games in a competition

3. construction ingredients of concrete: broken stone, gravel, and sand used in road construction and, when mixed with cement and water, for making concrete

4. geology mineral mixture resembling rock: a mixture of minerals or rock fragments that resembles rock



verb (past and past participle ag·gre·gat·ed, present participle ag·gre·gat·ing, 3rd person present singular ag·gre·gates)
Definition:

1. transitive and intransitive verb unite: to come together, or bring different things together, into a total, mass, or whole
Aggregate the different totals to get the overall cost.

2. transitive verb mathematics add up to number: to amount or add up to a number
The company's earnings aggregate $175,000.

[15th century. < Latin aggregat-, past participle of aggregare "add to" < greg- "flock"]

ag·gre·gate·ly [ ággrəgətlee ] adverb
ag·gre·ga·tion [ àggrə gáysh'n ] noun
ag·gre·ga·tive [ ággrə gàytiv ] adjective

in the aggregate considered or taken together as a whole

Definition: (n.) 1. something formed by adding together several amounts or things; 2. a combination or composite of separate elements; (v.) 1. to unite or bring together to form a whole; 2. to add up to a number; (adj.) collected together from different sources to form a whole

Synonyms: (n.) collective, total, entirety, (v.) gather, amass, (adj.) combined, complete

Antonyms: (n.) element, unit, (adj.) individual, particular

Tips: Aggregate includes the Latin stem greg (from grex), meaning "flock," as in "flock of sheep." Think of adding up a flock of sheep (aggregating) or bringing the flock together in aggregate. Greg is also the source for the word gregarious, which means "someone who is sociable and likes to be with groups of people." Think, "coming or bringing together."

Usage Examples:

The aggregate of church officials debated over the "prayer in school" controversy. (collective) noun

The aggregate funds from various sources enabled the fund raiser to successfully proceed with the plan for expansion. (total) adjective

The aggregate sum of our losses is even more than you realize. (combined) adjective

Why don’t we aggregate our research in order to combine our efforts on this proposal? (gather, amass) verb


Links:


  1. aggregate : V2 Vocabulary Building Dictionary [home, info]
  2. aggregate : Encarta® World English Dictionary, North American Edition [home, info]
  3. aggregate : Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary, 11th Edition [home, info]
  4. aggregate : Cambridge International Dictionary of English [home, info]
  5. Aggregate : Wiktionary [home, info]
  6. aggregate : Webster's New World College Dictionary, 4th Ed. [home, info]
  7. aggregate : The Wordsmyth English Dictionary-Thesaurus [home, info]
  8. aggregate : The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language [home, info]
  9. aggregate : Infoplease Dictionary [home, info]
  10. aggregate : Dictionary.com [home, info]
  11. aggregate : Online Etymology Dictionary [home, info]
  12. aggregate : UltraLingua English Dictionary [home, info]
  13. aggregate : Cambridge Dictionary of American English [home, info]
  14. Aggregate (composite), Aggregate : Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia [home, info]
  15. Aggregate : Online Plain Text English Dictionary [home, info]
  16. aggregate : Rhymezone [home, info]
  17. Aggregate : AllWords.com Multi-Lingual Dictionary [home, info]
  18. aggregate : Webster's 1828 Dictionary [home, info]
  19. aggregate : Free Dictionary [home, info]
  20. aggregate : WordNet 1.7 Vocabulary Helper [home, info]
  21. aggregate : LookWAYup Translating Dictionary/Thesaurus [home, info]
  22. aggregate : Dictionary/thesaurus [home, info]

3)

a·lac·ri·ty [ ə lákrətee ][noun ]

Definition:

eager readiness: promptness or eager and speedy readiness

[Early 16th century. < Latin alacritas< alacer "lively"]

a·lac·ri·tous adjective

Definition: cheerful and speedy readiness

Synonyms: readiness, vivacity, celerity, briskness, liveliness, eagerness, alertness, quickness, promptness

Antonyms: apathy, disinclination, reluctance, reservation

Tips: Alacrity is a positive attitude in action. Alacrity is a great word to describe the readiness and eagerness of someone taking on a new job or challenge. It would be good to describe oneself as having alacrity for certain projects in an interview.

Usage Examples:

The crewmember impressed his manager with his consistent alacrity for his work. (eagerness, readiness)

The salesman's disabilities did not dampen his infectious alacrity for selling. (eagerness, readiness)

His boss was very happy when Charles accepted the challenging project with alacrity. (vivacity, readiness, eagerness)

The corporation’s alacrity allowed it to stay competitive in a quickly evolving market. (alertness, quickness)

Links:

  1. alacrity : Compact Oxford English Dictionary [home, info]
  2. alacrity : V2 Vocabulary Building Dictionary [home, info]
  3. alacrity : Encarta® World English Dictionary, North American Edition [home, info]
  4. alacrity : Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary, 11th Edition [home, info]
  5. alacrity : Cambridge International Dictionary of English [home, info]
  6. alacrity : Wiktionary [home, info]
  7. alacrity : Webster's New World College Dictionary, 4th Ed. [home, info]
  8. alacrity : The Wordsmyth English Dictionary-Thesaurus [home, info]
  9. alacrity : The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language [home, info]
  10. alacrity : Infoplease Dictionary [home, info]
  11. Alacrity, alacrity : Dictionary.com [home, info]
  12. alacrity : Online Etymology Dictionary [home, info]
  13. alacrity : UltraLingua English Dictionary [home, info]
  14. alacrity : Cambridge Dictionary of American English [home, info]
  15. Alacrity : Online Plain Text English Dictionary [home, info]
  16. alacrity : Webster's Revised Unabridged, 1913 Edition [home, info]
  17. alacrity : Rhymezone [home, info]
  18. alacrity : AllWords.com Multi-Lingual Dictionary [home, info]
  19. alacrity : Webster's 1828 Dictionary [home, info]
  20. alacrity : Free Dictionary [home, info]
  21. alacrity : WordNet 1.7 Vocabulary Helper [home, info]
  22. alacrity : LookWAYup Translating Dictionary/Thesaurus [home, info]
  23. alacrity : Dictionary/thesaurus [home, info]
  24. alacrity : Wikimedia Commons US English Pronunciations [home, info]


4)

al·che·my [ álkəmee ][ noun ]
Definition:

1. predecessor of chemistry: an early, unscientific form of chemistry that sought to change base metals into gold and discover a life-prolonging elixir, a universal cure for disease, and a universal solvent alkahest

2. transforming or enchanting power: a power supposedly like alchemy, especially of enchantment or transformation

[14th century. Via Old French alquemie and medieval Latin alchimia< Arabic al-kīmiyā "the chemistry" < Greek khēmeia]

al·chem·ic [ al kémmik ] adjective
al·chem·i·cal [ al kémmik'l ] adjective

links:


  1. alchemy : Encarta® World English Dictionary, North American Edition [home, info]
  2. alchemy : Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary, 11th Edition [home, info]
  3. alchemy : Cambridge International Dictionary of English [home, info]
  4. Alchemy : Wiktionary [home, info]
  5. alchemy : Webster's New World College Dictionary, 4th Ed. [home, info]
  6. alchemy : The Wordsmyth English Dictionary-Thesaurus [home, info]
  7. alchemy : The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language [home, info]
  8. alchemy : Infoplease Dictionary [home, info]
  9. alchemy : Dictionary.com [home, info]
  10. alchemy : Online Etymology Dictionary [home, info]
  11. alchemy : UltraLingua English Dictionary [home, info]
  12. AlchemY, Alchemy (Elder Scrolls), Alchemy (Eureka), Alchemy (Fullmetal Alchemist), Alchemy (Islam), Alchemy (Leah Andreone album), Alchemy (Malmsteen), Alchemy (Margaret Mahy book), Alchemy (Richard Lloyd album), Alchemy (World of Warcraft), Alchemy (Yngwie J. Malmsteen album), Alchemy (album), Alchemy (comics), Alchemy (disambiguation), Alchemy (game), Alchemy (novel), Alchemy (processor), Alchemy (video game) : Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia [home, info]
  13. Alchemy : Online Plain Text English Dictionary [home, info]
  14. alchemy : Webster's Revised Unabridged, 1913 Edition [home, info]
  15. alchemy : Rhymezone [home, info]
  16. alchemy : AllWords.com Multi-Lingual Dictionary [home, info]
  17. alchemy : Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition [home, info]
  18. alchemy : The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy [home, info]
  19. Alchemy : Encarta® Online Encyclopedia, North American Edition [home, info]
  20. Alchemy : 1911 edition of the Encyclopedia Britannica [home, info]
  21. alchemy : Free Dictionary [home, info]
  22. alchemy : WordNet 1.7 Vocabulary Helper [home, info]
  23. alchemy : LookWAYup Translating Dictionary/Thesaurus [home, info]
  24. alchemy : Dictionary/thesaurus [home, info]
  25. alchemy : Wikimedia Commons US English Pronunciations [home, info]


5)

al·lay [ ə láy ]
(past and past participle al·layed, present participle al·lay·ing, 3rd person present singular al·lays)


transitive verb
Definition:

1. calm emotion or worry: to calm a strong emotion such as anger, or diminish and set at rest somebody's fears or suspicions

2. relieve pain: to relieve or reduce the severity of pain or a painful emotion

[ Old English ālecgan "lay aside" (see lay1). The meaning was influenced by Old French aleger "lighten" and aleier "moderate"]

al·lay·er noun



Definition: 1. to lessen the intensity of something; 2. to calm or lay to rest an emotion

Synonyms: mollify, alleviate, sooth, pacify, quiet, ease, calm, reduce, lessen

Antonyms: agitate, heighten, magnify, intensify

Tips: The word allay is often used in reference to fears or suspicions. One would attempt to allay the concerns of an agitated client or the fears of a child.

Usage Examples:

The homeowners' fears were allayed when they heard the fires were extinguished. (eased, calmed)

The Director of Homeland Security is taking measures to allay the people's fear of a future terrorist act. (ease, lessen)

I was nervous walking home alone, but seeing my neighbor quickly allayed my fears. (reduced, alleviated)

Is there anything I can do to allay your concerns about this project? (calm, pacify)

Links:

  1. allay : Compact Oxford English Dictionary [home, info]
  2. allay : V2 Vocabulary Building Dictionary [home, info]
  3. allay : Encarta® World English Dictionary, North American Edition [home, info]
  4. allay : Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary, 11th Edition [home, info]
  5. allay : Cambridge International Dictionary of English [home, info]
  6. Allay : Wiktionary [home, info]
  7. allay : Webster's New World College Dictionary, 4th Ed. [home, info]
  8. allay : The Wordsmyth English Dictionary-Thesaurus [home, info]
  9. allay : The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language [home, info]
  10. allay : Infoplease Dictionary [home, info]
  11. Allay, allay : Dictionary.com [home, info]
  12. allay : Online Etymology Dictionary [home, info]
  13. allay : UltraLingua English Dictionary [home, info]
  14. allay : Cambridge Dictionary of American English [home, info]
  15. Allay : Online Plain Text English Dictionary [home, info]
  16. allay : Webster's Revised Unabridged, 1913 Edition [home, info]
  17. allay : Rhymezone [home, info]
  18. allay : AllWords.com Multi-Lingual Dictionary [home, info]
  19. allay : Webster's 1828 Dictionary [home, info]
  20. allay : Free Dictionary [home, info]
  21. allay : WordNet 1.7 Vocabulary Helper [home, info]
  22. allay : LookWAYup Translating Dictionary/Thesaurus [home, info]
  23. allay : Dictionary/thesaurus [home, info]

6)

alleviate


al·le·vi·ate [ ə lvee àyt ] (past and past participle al·le·vi·at·ed, present participle al·le·vi·at·ing, 3rd person present singular al·le·vi·ates)


transitive verb
Definition:

lessen something: to make something such as pain or hardship more bearable or less severe

[Early 16th century. < late Latin alleviat-, past participle of alleviare "lighten" < Latin levis "light (in weight)"]

al·le·vi·a·tion [ ə lvee áysh'n ] noun
al·le·vi·a·tive [ ə lvee àytiv ] adjective
al·le·vi·a·tor [ ə lvee àytər ] noun
al·le·vi·a·to·ry [ ə lvee ə tàwree ] adjective

Definition: 1. to relieve or lessen; 2. to make easier

Synonyms: mitigate, assuage, allay, lessen, lighten, relieve, ease

Antonyms: aggravate, intensify, increase, augment

Tips: Alleviate is derived from the Latin levis, "light." Think of making a burden lighter. The related word levity refers to lightness or amusement in attitude or behavior, so if you alleviate something, you make it lighter and less burdensome or grave.

Usage Examples:

The medication instantly alleviated the patient's pain. (relieved, lightened)

Jon's weekly phone calls were able to alleviate some of his mother's worry while he was stationed overseas. (assuage, ease)

The city is adding an additional lane to the highway in order to alleviate some of the rush-hour gridlock. (lessen, lighten)

Exercise is an excellent way to alleviate stress. (relieve, ease)


Links:

  1. alleviate : V2 Vocabulary Building Dictionary [home, info]
  2. alleviate : Encarta® World English Dictionary, North American Edition [home, info]
  3. alleviate : Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary, 11th Edition [home, info]
  4. alleviate : Cambridge International Dictionary of English [home, info]
  5. Alleviate : Wiktionary [home, info]
  6. alleviate : Webster's New World College Dictionary, 4th Ed. [home, info]
  7. alleviate : The Wordsmyth English Dictionary-Thesaurus [home, info]
  8. alleviate : The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language [home, info]
  9. alleviate : Infoplease Dictionary [home, info]
  10. alleviate : Dictionary.com [home, info]
  11. alleviate : Online Etymology Dictionary [home, info]
  12. alleviate : UltraLingua English Dictionary [home, info]
  13. alleviate : Cambridge Dictionary of American English [home, info]
  14. Alleviate : Online Plain Text English Dictionary [home, info]
  15. alleviate : Webster's Revised Unabridged, 1913 Edition [home, info]
  16. alleviate : Rhymezone [home, info]
  17. alleviate : AllWords.com Multi-Lingual Dictionary [home, info]
  18. alleviate : Webster's 1828 Dictionary [home, info]
  19. alleviate : Free Dictionary [home, info]
  20. alleviate : Hutchinson Dictionaries [home, info]
  21. alleviate : WordNet 1.7 Vocabulary Helper [home, info]
  22. alleviate : LookWAYup Translating Dictionary/Thesaurus [home, info]
  23. alleviate : Dictionary/thesaurus [home, info]
  24. alleviate : Wikimedia Commons US English Pronunciations [home, info]

7)

alloy


al·loy [ á lòy ]


noun (plural al·loys)
Definition:

1. metallurgy mixture of metals: a substance that is a mixture of two or more metals, or of a metal with a nonmetallic material

2. debasing addition: something that detracts from the value or quality of the thing it is added to or mixed with
The movie is weakened by the alloy of sentimentality.

3. blend: any mixture, amalgam, or compound of different materials



transitive verb (past and past participle al·loyed, present participle al·loy·ing, 3rd person present singular al·loys)
Definition:

1. metallurgy mix metals: to mix one metal with another, or mix a metal with a nonmetallic material

2. debase something: to detract from the quality, purity, or value of something by the addition of something inferior
principles alloyed with cynicism

3. combine something: to mix or combine different things

[Mid-17th century. Via Old French dialect allai (noun), allayer (verb) < Latin alligare "bind to" < ligare "bind"]


Definition: 1. to lessen the intensity of something; 2. to calm or lay to rest an emotion

Synonyms: mollify, alleviate, sooth, pacify, quiet, ease, calm, reduce, lessen

Antonyms: agitate, heighten, magnify, intensify

Tips: The word allay is often used in reference to fears or suspicions. One would attempt to allay the concerns of an agitated client or the fears of a child.

Usage Examples:

The homeowners' fears were allayed when they heard the fires were extinguished. (eased, calmed)

The Director of Homeland Security is taking measures to allay the people's fear of a future terrorist act. (ease, lessen)

I was nervous walking home alone, but seeing my neighbor quickly allayed my fears. (reduced, alleviated)

Is there anything I can do to allay your concerns about this project? (calm, pacify)

Links:

  1. allay : Compact Oxford English Dictionary [home, info]
  2. allay : V2 Vocabulary Building Dictionary [home, info]
  3. allay : Encarta® World English Dictionary, North American Edition [home, info]
  4. allay : Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary, 11th Edition [home, info]
  5. allay : Cambridge International Dictionary of English [home, info]
  6. Allay : Wiktionary [home, info]
  7. allay : Webster's New World College Dictionary, 4th Ed. [home, info]
  8. allay : The Wordsmyth English Dictionary-Thesaurus [home, info]
  9. allay : The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language [home, info]
  10. allay : Infoplease Dictionary [home, info]
  11. Allay, allay : Dictionary.com [home, info]
  12. allay : Online Etymology Dictionary [home, info]
  13. allay : UltraLingua English Dictionary [home, info]
  14. allay : Cambridge Dictionary of American English [home, info]
  15. Allay : Online Plain Text English Dictionary [home, info]
  16. allay : Webster's Revised Unabridged, 1913 Edition [home, info]
  17. allay : Rhymezone [home, info]
  18. allay : AllWords.com Multi-Lingual Dictionary [home, info]
  19. allay : Webster's 1828 Dictionary [home, info]
  20. allay : Free Dictionary [home, info]
  21. allay : WordNet 1.7 Vocabulary Helper [home, info]
  22. allay : LookWAYup Translating Dictionary/Thesaurus [home, info]
  23. allay : Dictionary/thesaurus [home, info]


8)

allure


al·lure [ ə lr ]


noun (plural al·lures)
Definition:

highly attractive quality: an attractive or tempting quality
They couldn't resist the allure of the big city.



transitive and intransitive verb (past and past participle al·lured, present participle al·lur·ing, 3rd person present singular al·lures)
Definition:

attract powerfully: to exert a very powerful and often dangerous attraction on somebody

[15th century. < Anglo-Norman alurer, Old French aloirrier, aleurier "bring to the bait" < leure "bait" (see lure)]

al·lure·ment noun


Definition: (n.) 1. an attractive or tempting quality; 2. the power to entice or attract; (v.) to attract in a powerful way

Synonyms: (n.) charm, appeal, seductiveness, attraction, temptation, glamour, (v.) captivate, tempt, attract, enchant, entice

Antonyms: (n.) unattractiveness, (v.) estrange, disaffect

Tips: Allure is derived from the old French luere, "bait." Think of how a lure attracts fish by acting as bait. This can help you remember that something that has allure is attractive. The related adjective is alluring and the adverb form is alluringly.

Usage Examples:

The allure of big-city life draws young people away from small towns. (attraction, seductiveness) noun

She looked at him across the crowded room and smiled alluringly. (enticingly, attractively) adverb

The allure of blue skies and warm weather led me to book a vacation to Hawaii. (appeal, temptation) noun

People were drawn to the reality tv show auditions by the allure of fame. (appeal, temptation) noun



Links:

  1. allure : V2 Vocabulary Building Dictionary [home, info]
  2. allure : Encarta® World English Dictionary, North American Edition [home, info]
  3. allure : Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary, 11th Edition [home, info]
  4. allure : Cambridge International Dictionary of English [home, info]
  5. Allure : Wiktionary [home, info]
  6. allure : Webster's New World College Dictionary, 4th Ed. [home, info]
  7. allure : The Wordsmyth English Dictionary-Thesaurus [home, info]
  8. allure : The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language [home, info]
  9. allure : Infoplease Dictionary [home, info]
  10. Allure, allure : Dictionary.com [home, info]
  11. allure (v.) : Online Etymology Dictionary [home, info]
  12. allure : UltraLingua English Dictionary [home, info]
  13. allure : Cambridge Dictionary of American English [home, info]
  14. Allure (album), Allure (disambiguation), Allure (group), Allure (magazine), Allure : Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia [home, info]
  15. Allure : Online Plain Text English Dictionary [home, info]
  16. allure : Webster's Revised Unabridged, 1913 Edition [home, info]
  17. allure : Rhymezone [home, info]
  18. allure, allure (f) : AllWords.com Multi-Lingual Dictionary [home, info]
  19. allure : Webster's 1828 Dictionary [home, info]
  20. allure : Free Dictionary [home, info]
  21. allure : WordNet 1.7 Vocabulary Helper [home, info]
  22. allure : LookWAYup Translating Dictionary/Thesaurus [home, info]
  23. allure : Dictionary/thesaurus [home, info]


9)

amalgamate


a·mal·ga·mate [ ə málgə màyt ] (past and past participle a·mal·ga·mat·ed, present participle a·mal·ga·mat·ing, 3rd person present singular a·mal·ga·mates)


transitive and intransitive verb
Definition:

1. combine: to combine two or more organizations or things into one unified whole, or take the form of one unified whole

2. alloy with mercury: to alloy a metal with mercury, or be alloyed with mercury


a·mal·ga·ma·tive adjective
a·mal·ga·ma·tor noun

Definition: to join or combine together with something else

Synonyms: combine, mix, merge, commingle, integrate

Antonyms: divide, separate

Tips: Amalgamate is derived from the Greek malakos, meaning "soft." It was originally a term used in metallurgy; think of combining soft metals together. As an adjective, amalgamated means "joined together as a whole." An amalgam is a combination or blend of various things. Think of different metals combining to make a stronger, more superior metal.

Usage Examples:

If we amalgamate our various resources, the project will be finished more quickly. (combine, integrate)

Dentists usually amalgamate mercury with silver to create dental fillings. (combine, mix)

The world-famous chef likes to amalgamate many different ingredients to create her savory dishes. (combine, integrate)

The report was an amalgam of facts from many different sources. (combination, blend) noun



Links:

  1. amalgamate : V2 Vocabulary Building Dictionary [home, info]
  2. amalgamate : Encarta® World English Dictionary, North American Edition [home, info]
  3. amalgamate : Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary, 11th Edition [home, info]
  4. amalgamate : Cambridge International Dictionary of English [home, info]
  5. amalgamate : Wiktionary [home, info]
  6. amalgamate : Webster's New World College Dictionary, 4th Ed. [home, info]
  7. amalgamate : The Wordsmyth English Dictionary-Thesaurus [home, info]
  8. amalgamate : The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language [home, info]
  9. amalgamate : Infoplease Dictionary [home, info]
  10. amalgamate : Dictionary.com [home, info]
  11. amalgamate : UltraLingua English Dictionary [home, info]
  12. amalgamate : Cambridge Dictionary of American English [home, info]
  13. Amalgamate : Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia [home, info]
  14. Amalgamate : Online Plain Text English Dictionary [home, info]
  15. amalgamate : Webster's Revised Unabridged, 1913 Edition [home, info]
  16. amalgamate : Rhymezone [home, info]
  17. amalgamate : AllWords.com Multi-Lingual Dictionary [home, info]
  18. amalgamate : Webster's 1828 Dictionary [home, info]
  19. amalgamate : Free Dictionary [home, info]
  20. amalgamate : WordNet 1.7 Vocabulary Helper [home, info]
  21. amalgamate : LookWAYup Translating Dictionary/Thesaurus [home, info]
  22. amalgamate : Dictionary/thesaurus [home, info]

10)

ambiguous


am·big·u·ous [ am bíggyoo əss ]


adjective
Definition:

1. having more than one meaning: having more than one possible meaning or interpretation
an ambiguous response

2. causing uncertainty: causing uncertainty or confusion
an ambiguous result

[Early 16th century. < Latin ambiguus "undecided" < ambigere "wander around" < agere "to lead"]

am·big·u·ous·ly adverb
am·big·u·ous·ness noun

Word Usage

ambiguous or ambivalent?

Both words describe uncertainty in understanding what is meant. The principal difference is that ambivalent is used of people and their attitudes, whereas ambiguous refers to information or context. If people are ambivalent about disarmament, they are unsure about the advantages and disadvantages and cannot easily decide between the various arguments, whereas if a political leader makes an ambiguous statement about disarmament, then the statement has more than one possible interpretation.


Definition: 1. having more than one possible meaning or interpretation; 2. causing uncertainty or confusion; 3. open to interpretation

Synonyms: uncertain, unclear, vague,

Antonyms: explicit, clear, specific

Tips: Ambiguous is derived from the Latin ambiguous, from ambigere, "to be undecided." Ambiguous refers to anything that is unclear, uncertain, and vague because it can be left open to interpretation. Ambiguous usually refers to something said or written, as in "an ambiguous statement." For a memory trick, note how ambiguous sounds like A Big U.S. Now, imagine someone told you they were going on a trip and you asked them "where are you going?" and they said "the U.S." Your response would probably be, "Well, that's ambiguous (unclear), given how big the U.S. is." Note: many people often confuse ambiguous with ambivalent. Ambivalent means "having mixed feelings," while ambiguous means "uncertain or unclear" and "able to be interpreted in different ways."

Usage Examples:

We were hoping the market research would provide us with some new insights, but unfortunately, the data was ambiguous and inconclusive. (unclear, vague)

The reason the students did poorly on the test was because the directions were ambiguous. (unclear, confusing)

No one was able to determine Bob's opinion on the subject because his comments were so ambiguous. (vague, unclear)

The new tax laws were somewhat ambiguous, and accountants interpreted them in various ways. (unclear, confusing)
Links:


  1. ambiguous : V2 Vocabulary Building Dictionary [home, info]
  2. ambiguous : Encarta® World English Dictionary, North American Edition [home, info]
  3. ambiguous : Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary, 11th Edition [home, info]
  4. ambiguous : Cambridge International Dictionary of English [home, info]
  5. Ambiguous : Wiktionary [home, info]
  6. ambiguous : Webster's New World College Dictionary, 4th Ed. [home, info]
  7. ambiguous : The Wordsmyth English Dictionary-Thesaurus [home, info]
  8. ambiguous : The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language [home, info]
  9. ambiguous : Infoplease Dictionary [home, info]
  10. Ambiguous, ambiguous : Dictionary.com [home, info]
  11. ambiguous : Online Etymology Dictionary [home, info]
  12. ambiguous : UltraLingua English Dictionary [home, info]
  13. ambiguous : Cambridge Dictionary of American English [home, info]
  14. Ambiguous : Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia [home, info]
  15. Ambiguous : Online Plain Text English Dictionary [home, info]
  16. ambiguous : Webster's Revised Unabridged, 1913 Edition [home, info]
  17. ambiguous : Rhymezone [home, info]
  18. ambiguous : AllWords.com Multi-Lingual Dictionary [home, info]
  19. ambiguous : Webster's 1828 Dictionary [home, info]
  20. ambiguous : Hutchinson's Dictionary of Difficult Words [home, info]
  21. ambiguous : Free Dictionary [home, info]
  22. ambiguous : Hutchinson Dictionaries [home, info]
  23. ambiguous : WordNet 1.7 Vocabulary Helper [home, info]
  24. ambiguous : LookWAYup Translating Dictionary/Thesaurus [home, info]
  25. ambiguous : Dictionary/thesaurus [home, info]
  26. ambiguous : Wikimedia Commons US English Pronunciations [home, info]

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