124 VOCABULARY FOR TOEFL iBT
assay (a ̆·'say) v. 1. to try, put to a test. 2. to examine. 3. to judge critically, evalu-
ate after an analysis. The chief engineer wanted a laboratory to assay the steel before
using it in the construction project.
assent (a ̆·'sent) n. agreement; concurrence; consent. v. to agree to something
especially after thoughtful consideration. In order to pass the new law, the com-
mittee must reach an assent.
assiduous (a ̆·'sij·oo·u ̆s) adj. diligent, hardworking; persevering, unremitting.
Omar’s teachers applaud his assiduous study habits.
assuage (a ̆·'swayj) v. to make something less severe, to soothe; to satisfy (as
hunger or thirst). The small cups of water offered to the marathon runners helped to
assuage their thirst.
attenuate (a ̆·'ten·yoo·ayt) v. 1. to make thin or slender. 2. to weaken, reduce in
force, value, or degree. The Russian army was able to attenuate the strength and
number of the German forces by leading them inland during winter.
audacious (aw·'day·sh u ̆s) adj. fearlessly or recklessly daring or bold; unre-
strained by convention or propriety. Detective Malloy’s methods were considered
bold and audacious by his superiors, but they often achieved results.
augment (aw·'ment) v. to increase in size, strength, or intensity; enlarge. Arty
tried to help Ann and Stan settle their differences, but his interference only augmented
the problem.
august (aw·'ust) adj. majestic, venerable; inspiring admiration or reverence.
Jackie Kennedy’s august dignity in the days following her husband’s assassination set a
tone for the rest of the nation as it mourned.
auspice ('aw·spis) n. 1. protection or support, patronage. 2. a forecast or omen.
The children’s art museum was able to continue operating through the auspices of an
anonymous wealthy benefactor.
austere (aw·'steer) adj. 1. severe or stern in attitude or appearance. 2. simple,
unadorned, very plain. I know my dad seems austere, but he’s really just a great big
teddy bear.
authoritarian (a ̆·thor·i·'tair·i·a ̆n) adj. favoring complete, unquestioning obedi-
ence to authority as opposed to individual freedom. The military maintains an
authoritarian environment for its officers and enlisted men alike.
automaton (aw·'tom·a ̆·to ̆n) n. someone who acts or responds in a mechanical or
robotic way. 2. a self-operating or automatic machine, a robot. Because she fol-