Memory
Definitions and Samples
1. acquisition n. The act of taking possession of something
Our recent acquisition of over 2,000 books makes ours the biggest
library in the region.
Usage tips Acquisition is often followed by of.
Parts of speech acquire v
2. anomaly n. Something unusual
White tigers get their beautiful coloring from a genetic anomaly.
3. consciously adv. With awareness of one’s actions
He may have hurt her feelings, but he never would have done so
consciously.
Parts of speech consciousness n, conscious adj
4. degrade v. To reduce in value or strength
The roads in cold or wet areas of the United States degrade faster
than those in warm, sunny regions.
Parts of speech degradation n, degradable adj
5. gap n. Opening; a big difference in amount or quality
The small gap between the walls in the old house caused cold drafts
to come in.
6. indisputable adj. Beyond doubt; unquestionable
The members of the jury found her guilty because they found the
facts of the case indisputable.
Parts of speech indisputably adv
7. intervene v. To come between
A good mediator intervenes only as much as necessary to settle a
dispute between other parties.
Parts of speech intervention n
8. intuitively adv. By means of a natural sense about things that are hard
to observe
Many mothers know intuitively when something is wrong with their
children.
Parts of speech intuition n, intuitive adj
9. recede v. To move back or away from
After the age of 30, his hairline began to recede further back from
his forehead.
Parts of speech recession n, recessive adj
10. retrieve v. To bring or get back
Most dogs can be trained to retrieve objects that their owners have
thrown.
Parts of speech retriever n, retrievable adj