IELTS: 'a' words
Adjective
existing as an idea but not having a physical or concrete existence
The concept of chance, that there could be events which are neither inevitable nor intentional, is difficult and abstract but it has gained strength as science has developed.
Verb
make fit for, or change to suit a new purpose
The original Hershey chocolate factory, maker of delectable treats, is set to close, mainly because it cannot accommodate new equipment.
Adjective
(of information, measurements, statistics, etc.) correct in all details
The glass flowers made by Leopold Blaschka are so accurate that, in one case, he captured the pollinating mechanism of a flower 120 years before it was discovered by a botanist.
Verb
get or reach something by working hard
French automaker Renault aims to entice consumers to the world of electric vehicles with the Zoe. Their mini electric vehicle recently achieved the equivalent of 163 mpg (262km) in the Future Car Challenge.
Verb
accept or admit the truth or existence of something
Obama welcomed Chinese President Hu Jintao to the White House even as the administration acknowledged that distrust still remains between the U.S. and China.
Noun
something that has recently been bought or obtained
The acquisition of this iconic work by cosmetic magnate Ronald Lauder caused a shock in the Art world -- a spectacular $135 million paid, far away from the noisy auction houses.
Verb
make fit for, or change to suit a new purpose
Curcumin, the main chemical in the curry spice turmeric, has fluorescence properties that researchers in Massachusetts are adapting for bomb detection.
Adjective
next to or adjoining something else
A similar set of automatic eyes surveyed crowds at The NFL Experience, a football-related exhibition adjacent to the stadium.
Adjective
one or more things available as another possibility
A young girl is institutionalized by her wicked stepfather. Retreating to an alternative reality as a coping strategy, she envisions a plan which will help her escape from the facility.
Adjective
unclear because a choice between alternatives has not been made
Palin has remained ambiguous about her 2012 presidential intentions, telling Fox Business News that she is "months away" from a decision.
Noun
comparison of two things that are similar in some way
De Vinci believed the workings of the human body to be an analogy for the workings of the universe.
Verb
guess or be aware of (what will happen) and take action in order to be prepared
The photographer must anticipate and prepare for a moment where the boy and the dog look toward one another in an idyllic scene.
Verb
guess or be aware of (what will happen) and take action in order to be prepared
The organizers of any huge sporting event have to anticipate trouble and try to stop it before it starts. Security officials at Tampa's Raymond james Stadium hoped to do so by using machines that recognize faces.
Verb
convince somebody of something
"It is being reported that I'm having a nervous breakdown," he tweeted. "I assure you am not. This stemmed from a joke I made on The Howard Stern Show."
