Ancient Life
Definitions and Samples
1. accuracy n. Precision; exactness
The research department checks all our articles for accuracy of facts
before we print them.
Usage tips Accuracy is often followed by of.
Parts of speech accurate adj, accurately adv
2. adjacent adj. Next to
Even though the villages are adjacent to each other, their residents
speak different languages.
Usage tips Adjacent is often followed by to.
Parts of speech adjacency n
3. compress v. To press together
To make the foundation stronger, they compressed the soil before
pouring the concrete.
Parts of speech compression n, compressed adj
4. feasibly adv. Practically; in a way that can work
Scientists can’t feasibly bring energy from deep ocean currents to
where it is needed—on land.
Parts of speech feasibility n, feasible adj
5. gut v. To empty or hollow out
In order to remodel the house, we must first gut it and throw away
all the old fixtures.
Usage tips Gut also means “the stomach of an animal”; this verb
makes an image, that the inside of a building is like the inside of an
animal.
Parts of speech gut n, gutted adj
6. integrally adv. In a whole or complete manner
Writing and spelling are taught integrally as part of the reading
program.
Parts of speech integrate v, integrity n, integral n, integral adj
7. overlap v. To lie over part of something; to have elements in common
One of the two assistants will likely get fired, since most of their duties
in the office overlap.
Parts of speech overlap n
8. retain v. To keep or hold
The rain fell so heavily that the banks of the river could not retain
all the water.
Parts of speech retainer n, retention n
9. seep v. To pass slowly for a long time, as a liquid or gas might
As the containers rusted, the toxic waste seeped into the ground.
Usage tips Seep is often followed by into or through.
10. structure n. Something constructed, such as a building
Most companies have a social structure that can’t be understood by
outsiders.
Parts of speech structure v, structural adj, structurally adv