Word List
abstain(ab·stayn) v.to choose to refrain from doing something, especially
to refrain from voting. I have decided to abstain from drinking alcohol.
ameliorate (a ̆·meel·yo ̆·rayt) v.to make or become better; to improve. The
diplomat was able to ameliorate the tense situation between the two nations.
appease( ̆a·peez) v.to make calm or quiet, soothe; to still or pacify. His abil-
ity to appease his constituents helped him become reelected.
apprise(a ̆·pr ̄z) v.to inform, give notice to. Part of Susan’s job as a public
defender was to apprise people of their legal rights.
appropriate(a ̆·proh·pree·ayt) v.to take for one’s own use, often without
permission; to set aside for a special purpose. The state legislature will appro-
priate two million dollars from the annual budget to build a new bridge on the
interstate highway.
assay(a ̆·say) v.1. to try, put to a test. 2. to examine. 3. to judge critically,
evaluate after an analysis. The chief engineer wanted a laboratory to assay the
steel before using it in the construction project.
delineate(di·lin·i·ayt) v.to draw or outline, sketch; to portray, depict, or
describe. The survey will clearly delineate where their property ends.
demur(di·mur) v.to raise objections, hesitate. Polly hated to demur, but she
didn’t think adding ten cloves of garlic to the recipe was a good idea.
disconcert(dis·ko ̆n·surt) v.1. to upset the composure of, ruffle. 2. to frus-
trate plans by throwing into disorder. The arrival of her ex-husband and his
new wife managed to disconcert the typically unflappable Miriam.
dissemble(di·sem·be ̆l) v.to disguise or conceal one’s true feelings or
motives behind a false appearance. Tom needed to dissemble his goal of taking
his boss’s job by acting supportive of his boss’s planned job change.
dissuade(di·swayd) v.to discourage from, or persuade against, a course of
action. I tried to dissuade them from painting their house purple, but they didn’t
listen.
dither(dith·e ̆r) v.1. to hesitate; to be indecisive and uncertain. 2. to shake
or quiver. During a crisis, it is important to have a leader who will not dither.
divulge (d ̄·vulj) v.to disclose; to make something known that may have
been private or secret. The reporter refused to divulge her source.