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affable ADJECTIVE = friendly, kindly, civil, warm, pleasant, mild, obliging, benign, gracious, benevolent, good-humoured, amiable, courteous, amicable, cordial, sociable, genial, congenial, urbane, approachable, good-natured ◼ OPPOSITE: unfriendlyaffair NOUN 1 The government has mishandled the whole affair. = matter, thing, business, question, issue, happening, concern, event, subject, project, activity, incident, proceeding, circumstance, episode, topic, undertaking, transaction, occurrence 2 Two colleagues were carrying on an affair. = relationship, romance, intrigue, fling, liaison, flirtation, amour, dallianceaffect1 VERB 1 Millions of people have been affected by the drought. = influence, involve, concern, impact, transform, alter, modify, change, manipulate, act on, sway, prevail over, bear upon, impinge upon 2 He loved his sister, and her loss clearly still affects him. = emotionally move, touch, upset, overcome, stir, disturb, perturb, impress on, tug at your heartstrings (often facetious)affect2 VERB He listened to them, affecting an amused interest. = put on, assume, adopt, pretend, imitate, simulate, contrive, aspire to, sham, counterfeit, feignaffectation NOUN = pretence, show, posing, posturing, act, display, appearance, pose, façade, simulation, sham, pretension, veneer, artifice, mannerism, insincerity, pretentiousness, hokum (slang, chiefly U.S. & Canad.), artificiality, fakery, affectedness, assumed manners, false display, unnatural imitationaffected1 ADJECTIVE Staff at the hospital were deeply affected by the tragedy. = touched, influenced, concerned, troubled, damaged, hurt, injured, upset, impressed, stirred, altered, changed, distressed, stimulated, melted, impaired, afflicted, deeply moved ◼ OPPOSITE: untouchedaffected2 ADJECTIVE She passed by with an affected air and a disdainful look. = pretended, artificial, contrived, put-on, assumed, mannered, studied, precious, stiff, simulated, mincing, sham, unnatural, pompous, pretentious, counterfeit, feigned, spurious, conceited, insincere, camp (informal), la-di-da (informal), arty-farty (informal), phoney or phony (informal) ◼ OPPOSITE: genuineaffecting ADJECTIVE = emotionally moving, touching, sad, pathetic, poignant, saddening, pitiful, pitiable, piteousaffection NOUN = fondness, liking, feeling, love, care, desire, passion, warmth, attachment, goodwill, devotion, kindness, inclination, tenderness, propensity, friendliness, amity (formal), aroha (N.Z.)affectionate ADJECTIVE = fond, loving, kind, caring, warm, friendly, attached, devoted, tender, doting, warm-hearted ◼ OPPOSITE: coolaffiliate VERB = associate, unite, join, link, ally, combine, connect, incorporate, annex, confederate, amalgamate, band togetheraffiliated ADJECTIVE = associated, united, joined, linked, allied, connected, incorporated, confederated, amalgamated, federated, conjoinedaffiliation NOUN = association, union, joining, league, relationship, connection, alliance, combination, coalition, merging, confederation, incorporation, amalgamation, banding togetheraffinity NOUN 1 There is a natural affinity between the two. = attraction, liking, leaning, sympathy, inclination, rapport, fondness, partiality, aroha (N.Z.) ◼ OPPOSITE: hostility 2 The two plots share certain obvious affinities. = similarity, relationship, relation, connection, alliance, correspondence, analogy, resemblance, closeness, likeness, compatibility, kinship ◼ OPPOSITE: differenceaffirm VERB 1 'The place is a dump,' she affirmed. = declare, state, maintain, swear, assert, testify, pronounce, certify, attest, avow, aver, asseverate (formal), avouch ◼ OPPOSITE: deny 2 Everything I had accomplished seemed to affirm that opinion. = confirm, prove, sanction, endorse, ratify, verify, validate, bear out, substantiate, corroborate, authenticate ◼ OPPOSITE: refuteaffirmation NOUN 1 The ministers issued a robust affirmation of their faith in the system. = declaration, statement, assertion, oath, certification, pronouncement, avowal, asseveration (formal), averment 2 The high turnout was an affirmation of the importance of the election. = confirmation, testimony, ratification, attestation, avouchmentaffirmative ADJECTIVE = agreeing, confirming, positive, approving, consenting, favourable, concurring, assenting, corroborative ◼ OPPOSITE: negativeaffix VERB = attach, add, join, stick on, bind, put on, tag, glue, paste, tack, fasten, annex, append (formal), subjoin ◼ OPPOSITE: removeafflict VERB = torment, trouble, pain, hurt, wound, burden, distress, rack, try, plague, grieve, harass, ail (literary), oppress, beset, smiteaffliction NOUN = misfortune, suffering, trouble, trial, disease, pain, distress, grief, misery, plague (informal), curse, ordeal, sickness, torment, hardship, sorrow, woe, adversity, calamity, scourge, tribulation, wretchednessaffluence NOUN = wealth, riches, plenty, fortune, prosperity, abundance, big money, exuberance, profusion, big bucks (informal, chiefly U.S.), opulence, megabucks (U.S. & Canad. slang), pretty penny (informal), wad (U.S. & Canad. slang)affluent ADJECTIVE = wealthy, rich, prosperous, loaded (slang), well-off, opulent, well-heeled (informal), well-to-do, moneyed, minted (Brit. slang) ◼ OPPOSITE: poorafford VERB 1 The arts should be available at prices people can afford. = have the money for, manage, bear, pay for, spare, stand, stretch to 2 We cannot afford to wait. = bear, stand, sustain, allow yourself 3 The room afforded fine views of the city. = give, offer, provide, produce, supply, grant, yield, render, furnish, bestow, impartaffordable ADJECTIVE = inexpensive, fair, cheap, reasonable, moderate, modest, low-price, low-cost, economical ◼ OPPOSITE: expensiveaffront VERB One example that particularly affronted him was at the world championships. = offend, anger, provoke, outrage, insult, annoy, vex, displease, pique, put or get your back up, slight ▸ NOUN She has taken my enquiry as a personal affront. = insult, wrong, injury, abuse, offence, slight, outrage, provocation, slur, indignity, slap in the face (informal), vexationaffronted ADJECTIVE = offended, cross, angry, upset, slighted, outraged, insulted, annoyed, stung, incensed, indignant, irate, miffed (informal), displeased, peeved (informal), piqued, tooshie (Austral. slang)afloat ADJECTIVE 1 Three hours is a long time to try and stay afloat. = floating, on the surface, buoyant, keeping your head above water, unsubmerged ◼ OPPOSITE: sunken 2 Efforts were being made to keep the company afloat. = solvent, in business, above water ◼ OPPOSITE: bankruptafoot ADJECTIVE = going on, happening, current, operating, abroad, brewing, hatching, circulating, up (informal), about, in preparation, in progress, afloat, in the wind, on the go (informal), astirafraid ADJECTIVE 1 She did not seem at all afraid. = scared, frightened, nervous, anxious, terrified, shaken, alarmed, startled, suspicious, intimidated, fearful, cowardly, timid, apprehensive, petrified, panicky, panic-stricken, timorous (literary), faint-hearted ◼ OPPOSITE: unafraid 2 He seems to live in an ivory tower, afraid to enter the real world. = reluctant, slow, frightened, scared, unwilling, backward, hesitant, recalcitrant, loath, disinclined, unenthusiastic, indisposed 3 I'm afraid I can't help you. = sorry, apologetic, regretful, sad, distressed, unhappy ◼ OPPOSITE: pleasedafresh ADVERB = again, newly, once again, once more, over again, anewafter PREPOSITION 1 After breakfast she left for work. = at the end of, following, subsequent to ◼ OPPOSITE: before 2 People were after him for large amounts of money. = following, chasing, pursuing, on the hunt for, on the tail of (informal), on the track of ▸ ADVERB tomorrow, or the day after = following, later, next, succeeding, afterwards, subsequently, thereafter ◼ RELATED WORD: prefix post-aftereffect NOUN (usually plural) = consequence, wake, trail, aftermath, hangover (informal), spin-off, repercussion, afterglow, aftershock, delayed responseaftermath NOUN = effects, end, results, wake, consequences, outcome, sequel, end result, upshot, aftereffectsafterwards or afterward ADVERB = later, after, then, after that, subsequently, thereafter, following that, at a later date or timeagain ADVERB 1 He ran into her again. = once more, another time, anew, afresh 2 And again, that's probably part of the progress of technology. = also, in addition, moreover, besides, furthermore ● there again or then again They may agree, but there again, they may not. = on the other hand, in contrast, on the contrary, converselyagainst PREPOSITION 1 She leaned against a tree. = beside, on, up against, in contact with, abutting, close up to 2 She was very much against commencing the treatment. = opposed to, anti (informal), opposing, counter, contra (informal), hostile to, in opposition to, averse to, opposite to, not in accord with 3 swimming upstream against the current = in opposition to, resisting, versus, counter to, in the opposite direction of 4 You'll need insurance against fire, flood and breakage. = in preparation for, in case of, in anticipation of, in expectation of, in provision for ◼ RELATED WORD: prefixes anti-, contra-, counter-age NOUN 1 He's very confident for his age. = years, days, generation, lifetime, stage of life, length of life, length of existence 2 Perhaps he has grown wiser with age. = old age, experience, maturity, completion, seniority, fullness, majority, maturation, senility, decline, advancing years, declining years, senescence, full growth, matureness ◼ OPPOSITE: youth 3 the age of steam and steel = time, day(s), period, generation, era, epoch ▸ PLURAL NOUN The bus took ages to arrive. = a long time or while, years, centuries, for ever (informal), aeons, donkey's years (informal), yonks (informal), a month of Sundays (informal), an age or eternity ▸ VERB 1 He seemed to have aged in the last few months. = grow old, decline, weather, fade, deteriorate, wither 2 Cheese can be tastier as it ages. = mature, season, condition, soften, mellow, ripenaged ADJECTIVE = old, getting on, grey, ancient, antique, elderly, past it (informal), age-old, antiquated, hoary, superannuated, senescent, cobwebby ◼ OPPOSITE: youngageing or aging ADJECTIVE He lives with his ageing mother. = growing old or older, declining, maturing, deteriorating, mellowing, in decline, senile, long in the tooth, senescent, getting on or past it (informal) ▸ NOUN degenerative diseases and premature ageing = growing old, decline, decay, deterioration, degeneration, maturation, senility, senescenceageless ADJECTIVE = eternal, enduring, abiding, perennial, timeless, immortal, unchanging, deathless, unfading ◼ OPPOSITE: momentaryagency NOUN 1 a successful advertising agency = business, company, office, firm, department, organization, enterprise, establishment, bureau 2 a negotiated settlement through the agency of the UN = medium, work, means, force, power, action, operation, activity, influence, vehicle, instrument, intervention, mechanism, efficiency, mediation, auspices, intercession, instrumentalityagenda NOUN = programme, list, plan, schedule, diary, calendar, timetableagent NOUN 1 You are buying direct, rather than through an agent. = representative, deputy, substitute, advocate, rep (informal), broker, delegate, factor (Scot.), negotiator, envoy, trustee, proxy, surrogate, go-between, emissary 2 They regard themselves as the agents of change in society. = author, officer, worker, actor, vehicle, instrument, operator, performer, operative, catalyst, executor, doer, perpetuator 3 the bleaching agent in white flour = force, means, power, cause, instrumentaggravate VERB 1 Stress and lack of sleep can aggravate the situation. = make worse, exaggerate, intensify, worsen, heighten, exacerbate, magnify, inflame, increase, add insult to injury, fan the flames of ◼ OPPOSITE: improve 2 What aggravates you most about this country? = annoy, bother, provoke, needle (informal), irritate, tease, hassle (informal), gall, exasperate, nettle, pester, vex, irk, get under your skin (informal), get on your nerves (informal), nark (Brit. & Austral. & N.Z. slang), get up your nose (informal), be on your back (slang), rub (someone) up the wrong way (informal), get in your hair (informal), get on your wick (Brit. slang), hack you off (informal) ◼ OPPOSITE: pleaseaggravating ADJECTIVE 1 You don't realise how aggravating you can be. = annoying, provoking, irritating, teasing, galling, exasperating, vexing, irksome 2 Stress is a frequent aggravating factor. = worsening, exaggerating, intensifying, heightening, exacerbating, magnifying, inflamingaggravation NOUN 1 I just couldn't take the aggravation. = annoyance, grief (informal), teasing, irritation, hassle (informal), provocation, gall, exasperation, vexation, irksomeness 2 Any aggravations of the injury would keep him out of the match. = worsening, heightening, inflaming, exaggeration, intensification, magnification, exacerbationaggregate NOUN society viewed as an aggregate of individuals = total, body, whole, amount, collection, cluster, mass, sum, combination, pile, mixture, bulk, lump, heap, accumulation, assemblage, agglomeration ▸ ADJECTIVE the rate of growth of aggregate demand = collective, added, mixed, combined, collected, corporate, assembled, accumulated, composite, cumulative ▸ VERB We should never aggregate votes to predict results under another system. = combine, mix, collect, assemble, heap, accumulate, pile, amassaggregation NOUN = collection, body, mass, combination, pile, mixture, bulk, lump, heap, accumulation, assemblage, agglomerationaggression NOUN 1 Aggression is an unhealthy trait. = hostility, malice, antagonism, antipathy, aggressiveness, ill will, belligerence, destructiveness, malevolence, pugnacity 2 the threat of massive military aggression = attack, campaign, injury, assault, offence, raid, invasion, offensive, onslaught, foray, encroachmentaggressive ADJECTIVE 1 Some cows are more aggressive than others. = hostile, offensive, destructive, belligerent, unkind, unfriendly, malevolent, contrary, antagonistic, pugnacious, bellicose, quarrelsome, aggro (Austral. & N.Z.), aggers (Austral. slang), biffo (Austral. slang), inimical, rancorous, ill-disposed ◼ OPPOSITE: friendly 2 a very competitive and aggressive executive = forceful, powerful, convincing, effective, enterprising, dynamic, bold, militant, pushing, vigorous, energetic, persuasive, assertive, zealous, pushy (informal), in-your-face (slang) ◼ OPPOSITE: submissiveaggressor NOUN = attacker, assaulter, invader, assailantaggrieved ADJECTIVE = hurt, wronged, injured, harmed, disturbed, distressed, unhappy, afflicted, saddened, woeful, peeved (informal), ill-usedaghast ADJECTIVE = horrified, shocked, amazed, stunned, appalled, astonished, startled, astounded, confounded, awestruck, horror-struck, thunder-struckagile ADJECTIVE 1 He is not as strong and agile as he was at 20. = nimble, active, quick, lively, swift, brisk, supple, sprightly, lithe, limber, spry, lissom(e) ◼ OPPOSITE: slow 2 She was quick-witted, and had an extraordinarily agile mind. = acute, sharp, quick, bright, prompt, alert, clever, lively, nimble, quick-wittedagility NOUN 1 He has the speed and agility to compete as a professional. = nimbleness, activity, suppleness, quickness, swiftness, liveliness, briskness, litheness, sprightliness, spryness 2 His intellect and mental agility have never been in doubt. = acuteness, sharpness, alertness, cleverness, quickness, liveliness, promptness, quick-wittedness, promptitudeagitate VERB 1 Gently agitate the water with a paintbrush. = stir, beat, mix, shake, disturb, toss, rouse, churn 2 The thought of them inheriting all these things agitated her. = upset, worry, trouble, disturb, excite, alarm, stimulate, distract, rouse, ruffle, inflame, incite, unnerve, disconcert, disquiet, fluster, perturb, faze, work someone up, give someone grief (Brit. & S. African) ◼ OPPOSITE: calmagitated ADJECTIVE = upset, worried, troubled, disturbed, shaken, excited, alarmed, nervous, anxious, distressed, rattled (informal), distracted, uneasy, unsettled, worked up, ruffled, unnerved, disconcerted, disquieted, edgy, flustered, perturbed, on edge, fazed, ill at ease, hot under the collar (informal), in a flap (informal), hot and bothered (informal), antsy (informal), angsty, all of a flutter (informal), discomposed ◼ OPPOSITE: calmagitation NOUN 1 Temperature is a measure of agitation of molecules. = turbulence, rocking, shaking, stirring, stir, tossing, disturbance, upheaval, churning, convulsion 2 He was in a state of emotional agitation. = turmoil, worry, trouble, upset, alarm, confusion, excitement, disturbance, distraction, upheaval, stimulation, flurry, outcry, clamour, arousal, ferment, disquiet, commotion, fluster, lather (informal), incitement, tumult, discomposure, tizzy, tizz or tiz-woz (informal)agitator NOUN = troublemaker, revolutionary, inciter, firebrand, instigator, demagogue, rabble-rouser, agent provocateur, stirrer (informal)ago ADVERB = previously, back, before, since, earlier, formerly

agonize VERB = suffer, labour, worry, struggle, strain, strive, writhe, be distressed, be in agony, go through the mill, be in anguishagonized ADJECTIVE = tortured, suffering, wounded, distressed, racked, tormented, anguished, broken-hearted, grief-stricken, wretchedagonizing ADJECTIVE = painful, bitter, distressing, harrowing, heartbreaking, grievous, excruciating, hellish, heart-rending, gut-wrenching, torturousagony NOUN = suffering, pain, distress, misery, torture, discomfort, torment, hardship, woe, anguish, pangs, affliction, throesagrarian ADJECTIVE = agricultural, country, land, farming, rural, rustic, agrestic ◼ OPPOSITE: urbanagree VERB 1 I'm not sure I agree with you. = concur, engage, be as one, sympathize, assent, see eye to eye, be of the same opinion, be of the same mind, be down with (informal) ◼ OPPOSITE: disagree 2 His second statement agrees with the facts. = correspond, match, accord, answer, fit, suit, square, coincide, tally, conform, chime, harmonize ● agree on something The warring sides have agreed on a ceasefire. = shake hands on, reach agreement on, settle on, negotiate, work out, arrive at, yield to, thrash out, accede to, concede to ● agree to something All 100 senators agreed to postponement. = consent to, grant, approve, permit, accede to, assent to, acquiesce to, comply to, concur to ● agree with someone I don't think the food here agrees with me. = suit, get on with, be good for, befitagreeable ADJECTIVE 1 more agreeable and better paid occupations = pleasant, pleasing, satisfying, acceptable, delightful, enjoyable, gratifying, pleasurable, congenial, to your liking, to your taste, likable or likeable ◼ OPPOSITE: unpleasant 2 I've gone out of my way to be agreeable to his friends. = friendly, pleasant, nice, sociable, affable, congenial, good-natured, likable or likeable 3 She was agreeable to the project. = consenting, willing, agreeing, approving, sympathetic, complying, responsive, concurring, amenable, in accord, well-disposed, acquiescentagreed ADJECTIVE There is a discount if goods do not arrive by the agreed time. = settled, given, established, guaranteed, fixed, arranged, definite, stipulated, predetermined ◼ OPPOSITE: indefinite ▸ INTERJECTION That means we move out today. Agreed? = all right, done, settled, it's a bargain or deal, O.K. or okay (informal), you're on (informal), ka pai (N.Z.)agreement NOUN 1 a new defence agreement = treaty, contract, bond, arrangement, alliance, deal (informal), understanding, settlement, bargain, pact, compact, covenant, entente 2 The talks ended in acrimony rather than agreement. = concurrence, harmony, compliance, union, agreeing, concession, consent, unison, assent, concord, acquiescence ◼ OPPOSITE: disagreement 3 The results are generally in agreement with these figures. = correspondence, agreeing, accord, similarity, consistency, analogy, accordance, correlation, affinity, conformity, compatibility, congruity, suitableness ◼ OPPOSITE: differenceagricultural ADJECTIVE = farming, country, rural, rustic, agrarian, agronomic, agronomical, agresticagriculture NOUN = farming, culture, cultivation, husbandry, tillage, agronomy, agronomicsaground ADVERB = beached, grounded, stuck, shipwrecked, foundered, stranded, ashore, marooned, on the rocks, high and dryahead ADVERB 1 He looked straight ahead. = in front, on, forwards, in advance, onwards, towards the front, frontwards 2 He was ahead in Spanish lessons, partly because he had spent a year living in Spain. = at an advantage, in advance, in the lead 3 Australia were ahead throughout the game. = in the lead, winning, leading, at the head, to the fore, at an advantage 4 You go on ahead. I'll catch you up later. = in advance, in front, before, onwards, in the lead, in the vanguardaid NOUN 1 He was forced to turn to his former enemy for aid. = help, backing, support, benefit, favour, relief, promotion, assistance, encouragement, helping hand, succour ◼ OPPOSITE: hindrance 2 A young man employed as an aid spoke. = helper, supporter, assistant, aide, adjutant, aide-de-camp, second, abettor ▸ VERB 1 a software system to aid managers in decision-making = help, second, support, serve, sustain, assist, relieve, avail, subsidize, abet, succour, be of service to, lend a hand to, give a leg up to (informal) ◼ OPPOSITE: hinder 2 Calcium may aid the prevention of dental decay. = promote, help, further, forward, encourage, favour, facilitate, pave the way for, expedite, smooth the path of, assist the progress ofaide NOUN = assistant, supporter, deputy, attendant, helper, henchman or woman or person, right-hand man or woman or person, adjutant, second, helpmate, coadjutor (rare)ail VERB 1 a debate on what ails the industry = trouble, worry, bother, distress, pain, upset, annoy, irritate, sicken, afflict, be the matter with 2 He is said to be ailing at his home in the country. = be ill, be sick, be unwell, feel unwell, be indisposed, be or feel off colourailing ADJECTIVE 1 A rise in overseas sales is good news for the ailing economy. = weak, failing, poor, flawed, unstable, feeble, unsatisfactory, deficient, unsound 2 I stopped working to care for my ailing mother. = ill, suffering, poorly (informal), diseased, sick, weak, crook (Austral. & N.Z. informal), feeble, invalid, debilitated, sickly, unwell, infirm, off colour, under the weather (informal), indisposedailment NOUN = illness, disease, complaint, disorder, sickness, affliction, malady, infirmity, lurgy (informal)aim VERB 1 He was aiming for the 100 metres world record. = try for, want, seek, work for, plan for, strive, aspire to, wish for, have designs on, set your sights on 2 He was aiming the rifle at me. = point, level, train, direct, sight, take aim (at) ▸ NOUN a research programme that has failed to achieve its aim = intention, end, point, plan, course, mark, goal, design, target, wish, scheme, purpose, direction, desire, object, objective, ambition, intent, aspiration, Holy Grail (informal)aimless ADJECTIVE = purposeless, random, stray, pointless, erratic, wayward, frivolous, chance, goalless, haphazard, vagrant, directionless, unguided, undirected ◼ OPPOSITE: purposefulair NOUN 1 Draughts help to circulate air. = wind, blast, breath, breeze, puff, whiff, draught, gust, waft, zephyr, air-current, current of air 2 They released balloons in the air. = atmosphere, sky, heavens, aerosphere 3 an old Irish air = tune, song, theme, melody, strain, lay, aria 4 The meal gave the occasion an almost festive air. = manner, feeling, effect, style, quality, character, bearing, appearance, look, aspect, atmosphere, tone, mood, impression, flavour, aura, ambience, demeanour, vibe (slang) ▸ VERB 1 The whole issue was thoroughly aired at the meeting. = publicize, tell, reveal, exhibit, communicate, voice, express, display, declare, expose, disclose, proclaim, utter, circulate, make public, divulge, disseminate, ventilate, make known, give vent to, take the wraps off 2 Make sure the room is properly cleaned and aired. = ventilate, expose, freshen, aerate ◼ RELATED WORD: adjective aerialairborne ADJECTIVE = flying, floating, soaring, in the air, hovering, gliding, in flight, on the wing, wind-borne, volitantaircraft NOUN = plane, jet, aeroplane, airplane (U.S. & Canad.), airliner, kite (Brit. slang), flying machineairfield NOUN = airport, airstrip, aerodrome, landing strip, air station, airdrome (U.S.)airily ADVERB = light-heartedly, happily, blithely, gaily, animatedly, breezily, jauntily, buoyantly, high-spiritedlyairing NOUN 1 Open the windows and give the bedroom a good airing. = ventilation, drying, freshening, aeration 2 The subject of money rarely gets an airing. = exposure, display, expression, publicity, vent, utterance, disseminationairless ADJECTIVE = stuffy, close, heavy, stifling, oppressive, stale, breathless, suffocating, sultry, muggy, unventilated ◼ OPPOSITE: airyairplane (U.S. & Canad.) NOUN = plane, aircraft, jet, aeroplane, airliner, kite (Brit. slang), flying machineairport NOUN = airfield, aerodrome, airdrome (U.S.)airs PLURAL NOUN She's very successful but she never puts on airs. = affectation, arrogance, pretensions, pomposity, swank (informal), hauteur, haughtiness, superciliousness, affectednessairy ADJECTIVE 1 The bathroom is light and airy. = well-ventilated, open, light, fresh, spacious, windy, lofty, breezy, uncluttered, draughty, gusty, blowy ◼ OPPOSITE: stuffy 2 He sailed past, giving them an airy wave of the hand. = light-hearted, light, happy, gay (old-fashioned), lively, cheerful, animated, merry, upbeat (informal), buoyant, graceful, cheery, genial, high-spirited, jaunty, chirpy (informal), sprightly, debonair, nonchalant, blithe, frolicsome ◼ OPPOSITE: gloomy 3 'launch aid', an airy euphemism for more state handouts = insubstantial, imaginary, visionary, flimsy, fanciful, ethereal, immaterial, illusory, wispy, weightless, incorporeal, vaporous ◼ OPPOSITE: realaisle NOUN = passageway, path, lane, passage, corridor, alley, gangwayajar ADJECTIVE = open, gaping, agape, partly open, unclosedakin ADJECTIVE ● akin to = similar to, like, related to, corresponding to, parallel to, comparable to, allied with, analogous to, affiliated with, of a piece with, kin to, cognate with, congenial with, connected with or toalacrity NOUN = eagerness, enthusiasm, willingness, readiness, speed, zeal, gaiety (old-fashioned), alertness, hilarity, cheerfulness, quickness, liveliness, briskness, promptness, avidity, joyousness, sprightliness ◼ OPPOSITE: reluctancealarm NOUN 1 The news was greeted with alarm by MPs. = fear, horror, panic, anxiety, distress, terror, dread, dismay, fright, unease, apprehension, nervousness, consternation, trepidation (formal), uneasiness ◼ OPPOSITE: calmness 2 As soon as the door opened he heard the alarm go off. = danger signal, warning, bell, alert, siren, alarm bell, hooter, distress signal, tocsin ▸ VERB We could not see what had alarmed him. = frighten, shock, scare, panic, distress, terrify, startle, rattle, dismay, daunt, unnerve, terrorize, put the wind up (informal), give (someone) a turn (informal), make (someone's) hair stand on end ◼ OPPOSITE: calmalarmed ADJECTIVE = frightened, troubled, shocked, scared, nervous, disturbed, anxious, distressed, terrified, startled, dismayed, uneasy, fearful, daunted, unnerved, apprehensive, in a panic ◼ OPPOSITE: calmalarming ADJECTIVE = frightening, shocking, scaring, disturbing, distressing, terrifying, appalling, startling, dreadful, horrifying, menacing, intimidating, dismaying, scary (informal), fearful, daunting, fearsome, unnerving, hair-raising, bloodcurdlingalbeit CONJUNCTION = even though, though, although, even if, notwithstanding, tho'album NOUN 1 He has a large collection of blues albums. = record, recording, CD (old-fashioned), release, disc (old-fashioned), waxing (old-fashioned), LP, vinyl, platter (U.S. old-fashioned, slang) 2 She showed me her photo album. = book, collection, scrapbookalchemy NOUN = magic, witchcraft, wizardry, sorcery, makutu (N.Z.)alcohol NOUN 1 No alcohol is allowed on the premises. = drink, spirits, liquor, intoxicant, juice (informal), booze (informal), the bottle (informal), grog (informal, chiefly Austral. & N.Z.), the hard stuff (informal), strong drink, Dutch courage (informal), firewater, John Barleycorn (rare), hooch or hootch (informal, chiefly U.S. & Canad.) 2 Products for dry skin have little or no alcohol. = ethanol, ethyl alcohol ◼ RELATED WORD: mania dipsomaniaalcoholic NOUN He admitted publicly that he was an alcoholic. = drinker, hard drinker, drunkard, drunk, dipsomaniac, inebriate, sot, carouser, tippler, boozer (informal), soak (slang), lush (slang), sponge (informal), wino (informal), toper (literary) ▸ ADJECTIVE tea, coffee, and alcoholic beverages = intoxicating, hard, strong, stiff, brewed, fermented, distilled, vinous, inebriating, spirituous, inebriantalcove NOUN = recess, corner, bay, niche, bower, compartment, cubicle, nook, cubbyholealert ADJECTIVE 1 He had been spotted by an alert neighbour. = attentive, careful, awake, wary, vigilant, perceptive, watchful, ready, on the lookout, circumspect, observant, on guard, wide-awake, on your toes, on the watch, keeping a weather eye on, heedful ◼ OPPOSITE: careless 2 His grandfather is still alert at 93. = quick-witted, spirited, quick, bright, sharp, active, lively, brisk, on the ball (informal), nimble, agile, sprightly, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed (informal) ▸ NOUN Due to a security alert, the train did not stop at our station. = warning, signal, alarm, siren ◼ OPPOSITE: all clear ▸ VERB I was hoping he'd alert the police. = warn, signal, inform, alarm, notify, tip off, forewarn ◼ OPPOSITE: lullalertness NOUN = watchfulness, vigilance, agility, wariness, quickness, liveliness, readiness, circumspection, attentiveness, spiritedness, briskness, nimbleness, perceptiveness, carefulness, sprightliness, promptitude, activeness, heedfulnessalias NOUN He had rented a house using an alias. = pseudonym, pen name, assumed name, stage name, nom de guerre, nom de plume, sock puppet (Computing) ▸ ADVERB Richard Thorp, alias Alan Turner = also known as, otherwise, also called, otherwise known as, a.k.a. (informal)alibi NOUN = excuse, reason, defence, explanation, plea, justification, pretextalien NOUN I never took citizenship so I was a resident alien. = foreigner, incomer, immigrant, stranger, outsider, newcomer, asylum seeker, outlander ◼ OPPOSITE: citizen ▸ ADJECTIVE 1 They were afraid of the presence of alien troops in the region. = foreign, outside, strange, imported, overseas, unknown, exotic, unfamiliar, not native, not naturalized 2 His work offers an insight into an alien culture. = strange, new, foreign, novel, remote, unknown, exotic, unfamiliar, estranged, outlandish, untried, unexplored ◼ OPPOSITE: similar ● alien to Such an attitude is alien to most entrepreneurs. = unfamiliar to, opposed to, contrary to, separated from, conflicting with, incompatible with, inappropriate to, repugnant to, adverse toalienate VERB The government cannot afford to alienate either group. = antagonize, anger, annoy, offend, irritate, hassle (informal), gall, repel, estrange, lose the affection of, disaffect, hack off (informal)alienation NOUN = estrangement, setting against, divorce, withdrawal, separation, turning away, indifference, breaking off, diversion, rupture, disaffection, remotenessalight1 VERB 1 Two men alighted from the vehicle. = get off, descend, get down, disembark, dismount 2 A thrush alighted on a branch of the pine tree. = land, light, settle, come down, descend, perch, touch down, come to rest ◼ OPPOSITE: take offalight2 ADJECTIVE 1 Her face was alight with happiness. = lit up, bright, brilliant, shining, illuminated, fiery 2 The rioters set several buildings alight. = on fire, ignited, set ablaze, lit, burning, aflame, blazing, flaming, flaringalign VERB 1 The prime minister is aligning himself with the liberals. = ally, side, join, associate, affiliate, cooperate, sympathize 2 A tripod would be useful to align and steady the camera. = line up, even, order, range, sequence, regulate, straighten, coordinate, even up, make parallel, arrange in linealignment NOUN 1 Their alignment with the old administration cost them the election. = alliance, union, association, agreement, sympathy, cooperation, affiliation 2 a link between the alignment of the planets and events on earth = lining up, line, order, ranging, arrangement, evening, sequence, regulating, adjustment, coordination, straightening up, evening upalike ADJECTIVE We are very alike. = similar, close, the same, equal, equivalent, uniform, parallel, resembling, identical, corresponding, akin, duplicate, analogous, homogeneous, of a piece, cut from the same cloth, like two peas in a pod ◼ OPPOSITE: different ▸ ADVERB They even dressed alike. = similarly, identically, equally, uniformly, correspondingly, analogously ◼ OPPOSITE: differentlyalive ADJECTIVE 1 She is thrilled that her tomato plant is still alive. = living, breathing, animate, having life, subsisting, existing, functioning, alive and kicking, in the land of the living (informal) ◼ OPPOSITE: dead 2 Factories are trying to stay alive by cutting costs. = in existence, existing, functioning, active, operative, in force, on-going, prevalent, existent, extant ◼ OPPOSITE: inoperative 3 I never expected to feel so alive in my life again. = lively, spirited, active, vital, alert, eager, quick, awake, vigorous, cheerful, energetic, animated, brisk, agile, perky, chirpy (informal), sprightly, vivacious, full of life, spry, full of beans (informal), zestful ◼ OPPOSITE: dull ● alive to You must be alive to opportunity! = aware of, sensitive to, susceptible to, alert to, eager for, awake to, cognizant of, sensible ofall DETERMINER 1 I'd spent all I had, every last penny. = the whole amount, everything, the whole, the total, the sum, the total amount, the aggregate, the totality, the sum total, the entirety, the entire amount, the complete amount 2 There is built-in storage space in all bedrooms. = every, each, every single, every one of, each and every ▸ ADJECTIVE In all fairness, she isn't dishonest. = complete, greatest, full, total, perfect, entire, utter ▸ ADVERB = completely, totally, fully, entirely, absolutely, altogether, wholly, utterly ◼ RELATED WORD: prefixes pan-, panto-allay VERB = reduce, quiet, relax, ease, calm, smooth, relieve, check, moderate, dull, diminish, compose, soften, blunt, soothe, subdue, lessen, alleviate, appease, quell, mitigate, assuage, pacify, mollifyallegation NOUN = claim, charge, statement, profession, declaration, plea, accusation, assertion, affirmation, deposition, avowal, asseveration (formal), avermentallege VERB = claim, hold, charge, challenge, state, maintain, advance, declare, assert, uphold, put forward, affirm, profess, depose, avow, aver, asseverate (formal) ◼ OPPOSITE: denyalleged ADJECTIVE = claimed, supposed, declared, assumed, so-called, apparent, rumoured, stated, described, asserted, designated, presumed, affirmed, professed, reputed, hypothetical, putative (formal), presupposed, averred, unprovedallegedly ADVERB = supposedly, apparently, reportedly, by all accounts, reputedly, purportedlyallegiance NOUN = loyalty, duty, obligation, devotion, fidelity, homage, obedience, adherence, constancy, faithfulness, troth (archaic), fealty ◼ OPPOSITE: disloyaltyallegorical ADJECTIVE = symbolic, figurative, symbolizing, emblematic, parabolicallegory NOUN = symbol, story, tale, myth, symbolism, emblem, fable, parable, apologueallergic ADJECTIVE I'm allergic to cats. = sensitive, affected, susceptible, sensitized, hypersensitive ● allergic to He was allergic to risk. = averse to, opposed to, hostile to, loath to, disinclined to, antipathetic toallergy NOUN 1 Food allergies result in many and varied symptoms. = sensitivity, reaction, susceptibility, antipathy, hypersensitivity, sensitiveness 2 An allergy to boredom will keep her busy. = dislike, hatred, hostility, aversion, loathing, disgust, antipathy, animosity, displeasure, antagonism, distaste, enmity, opposition, repugnance, disinclinationalleviate VERB = ease, reduce, relieve, moderate, smooth, dull, diminish, soften, check, blunt, soothe, subdue, lessen, lighten, quell, allay, mitigate, abate, slacken, assuage, quench, mollify, slake, palliatealley NOUN = passage, walk, lane, pathway, alleyway, passageway, backstreetalliance NOUN = union, league, association, agreement, marriage, connection, combination, coalition, treaty, partnership, federation, pact, compact, confederation, affinity, affiliation, confederacy, concordat ◼ OPPOSITE: divisionallied ADJECTIVE 1 forces from three allied nations = united, joined, linked, related, married, joint, combined, bound, integrated, unified, affiliated, leagued, confederate, amalgamated, cooperating, in league, hand in glove (informal), in cahoots (informal) 2 doctors and other allied medical professionals = connected, joined, linked, tied, related, associated, syndicated, affiliated, kindredall-important ADJECTIVE = essential, central, significant, key, necessary, vital, critical, crucial (informal), pivotal, momentous, consequentialallocate VERB = assign, grant, distribute, designate, set aside, earmark, give out, consign, allow, budget, allot, mete, share out, apportion, appropriateallocation NOUN 1 During rationing we had a sugar allocation. = allowance, share, measure, grant, portion, quota, lot, ration, stint, stipend 2 Town planning and land allocation had to be co-ordinated. = assignment, allowance, rationing, allotment, apportionment, appropriationallot VERB = assign, allocate, designate, set aside, earmark, mete, share out, apportion, budget, appropriateallotment NOUN 1 She was just back from working on her allotment. = plot, patch, tract, kitchen garden 2 His meagre allotment of gas had to be saved for emergencies. = assignment, share, measure, grant, allowance, portion, quota, lot, ration, allocation, stint, appropriation, stipend, apportionmentallotted VERB = assigned, given, allocated, designated, set aside, earmarked, apportionedall-out or all out ADJECTIVE He launched an all-out attack on his critics. = total, full, complete, determined, supreme, maximum, outright, thorough, unlimited, full-scale, optimum, exhaustive, resolute, full-on (informal), unrestrained, unremitting, thoroughgoing, unstinted ◼ OPPOSITE: half-hearted ▸ ADVERB We will be going all out to make sure it doesn't happen again. = energetically, hard, strongly, sharply, heavily, severely, fiercely, vigorously, intensely, violently, powerfully, forcibly, forcefully, with all your might, with might and mainallow VERB 1 Talking amongst yourselves is not allowed. = permit, approve, enable, sanction, endure, license, brook, endorse, warrant, tolerate, put up with (informal), authorize, stand, suffer, bear ◼ OPPOSITE: prohibit 2 Would you allow me to accompany you? = let, permit, sanction, entitle, authorize, license, tolerate, consent to, countenance, concede to, assent to, give leave to, give the green light for, give a blank cheque to ◼ OPPOSITE: forbid 3 Please allow 28 days for delivery. = give, provide, grant, spare, devote, assign, allocate, set aside, deduct, earmark, remit, allot 4 He allows that the development may result in social inequality. = acknowledge, accept, admit, grant, recognize, yield, concede, confess, acquiesce ● allow for something You have to allow for a certain amount of error. = take into account, consider, plan for, accommodate, provide for, arrange for, foresee, make provision for, make allowances for, make concessions for, keep in mind, set something aside for, take into considerationallowable ADJECTIVE = permissible, all right, approved, appropriate, suitable, acceptable, tolerable, admissible, sufferable, sanctionableallowance NOUN 1 I weighed out my allowance of sugar. = portion, lot, share, amount, measure, grant, pension, subsidy, quota, allocation, stint, annuity, allotment, remittance, stipend, apportionment 2 The boy was given an allowance for his own needs. = pocket money, grant, fee, payment, consideration, ration, handout, remittance 3 those earning less than the basic tax allowance = concession, discount, reduction, repayment, deduction, rebatealloy NOUN Bronze is an alloy of copper and tin. = mixture, combination, compound, blend, hybrid, composite, amalgam, meld, admixtureall right ADJECTIVE 1 'How was the school you attended?' 'It was all right.' = satisfactory, O.K. or okay (informal), average, fair, sufficient, standard, acceptable, good enough, adequate, so-so (informal), up to scratch (informal), passable, up to standard, up to the mark, unobjectionable ◼ OPPOSITE: unsatisfactory 2 Are you all right now? = well, O.K. or okay (informal), strong, whole (archaic), sound, fit, safe, healthy, hale (old-fashioned), unharmed, out of the woods, uninjured, unimpaired, up to par ◼ OPPOSITE: ill ▸ ADVERB Things have thankfully worked out all right. = satisfactorily, O.K. or okay (informal), reasonably, well enough, adequately, suitably, acceptably, passably, unobjectionablyallude to VERB = refer to, suggest, mention, speak of, imply, intimate, hint at, remark on, insinuate, touch uponallure NOUN It's a game that has really lost its allure. = attractiveness, appeal, charm, attraction, lure, temptation, glamour, persuasion, enchantment, enticement, seductiveness ▸ VERB The dog was allured by the smell of roasting meat. = attract, persuade, charm, win over, tempt, lure, seduce, entice, enchant, lead on, coax, captivate, beguile, cajole, decoy, inveiglealluring ADJECTIVE = attractive, fascinating, enchanting, seductive, tempting, sexy, intriguing, fetching (informal), glamorous, captivating, beguiling, bewitching, come-hither, hot (informal) ◼ OPPOSITE: unattractiveallusion NOUN = reference, mention, suggestion, hint, implication, innuendo, intimation, insinuation, casual remark, indirect referenceally NOUN She is a close ally of the Prime Minister. = partner, friend, colleague, associate, mate (informal), blood or blud (Brit. slang), accessory, comrade, helper, collaborator, accomplice, confederate, co-worker, bedfellow, cobber (Austral. & N.Z. old-fashioned, informal), coadjutor (rare), abettor, E hoa (N.Z.) ◼ OPPOSITE: opponent ● ally yourself with something or someone He will have to ally himself with the new movement. = unite with, join, associate with, connect with, unify, league with, affiliate with, collaborate with, join forces with, confederate, band together withalmighty ADJECTIVE 1 belief in an almighty creator = all-powerful, supreme, absolute, unlimited, invincible, omnipotent ◼ OPPOSITE: powerless 2 I had the most almighty row with my manager. = great, terrible, enormous, desperate, severe, intense, awful, loud, excessive ◼ OPPOSITE: slightalmost ADVERB = nearly, about, approaching, close to, virtually, practically, roughly, all but, just about, not quite, on the brink of, not far from, approximately, well-nigh, as good asalms PLURAL NOUN = donation, relief, gift, charity, bounty, benefaction, koha (N.Z.)aloft ADVERB 1 Four of the nine balloons were still aloft the next day. = in the air, up, higher, above, overhead, in the sky, on high, high up, up above 2 He lifted the cup aloft. = upward, skyward, heavenwardalone ADJECTIVE 1 He was all alone in the middle of the hall. = solitary, isolated, sole, separate, apart, abandoned, detached, by yourself, unattended, unaccompanied, out on a limb, unescorted, on your tod (slang) ◼ OPPOSITE: accompanied 2 Never in her life had she felt so alone. = lonely, abandoned, deserted, isolated, solitary, estranged, desolate, forsaken, forlorn, destitute, lonesome (chiefly U.S. & Canad.), friendless ▸ ADVERB 1 You alone should determine what is right for you. = solely, only, individually, singly, exclusively, uniquely 2 He was working alone, and did not have an accomplice. = by yourself, independently, unaided, unaccompanied, without help, on your own, unassisted, without assistance, under your own steam ◼ OPPOSITE: with helpaloof ADJECTIVE = distant, cold, reserved, cool, formal, remote, forbidding, detached, indifferent, chilly, unfriendly, unsympathetic, uninterested, haughty, unresponsive, supercilious, unapproachable, unsociable, standoffish ◼ OPPOSITE: friendlyaloud ADVERB = out loud, clearly, plainly, distinctly, audibly, intelligiblyalphabet NOUN = letters, script, writing system, syllabaryalready ADVERB = before now, before, previously, at present, by now, by then, even now, by this time, just now, by that time, heretofore, as of nowalso ADVERB = and, too, further, plus, along with, in addition, as well, moreover, besides, furthermore, what's more, on top of that, to boot, additionally, into the bargain, as well asalter VERB 1 They have never altered their programmes. = modify, change, reform, shift, vary, transform, adjust, adapt, revise, amend, diversify, remodel, tweak (informal), recast, reshape, metamorphose, transmute 2 Little had altered in the village. = change, turn, vary, transform, adjust, adapt, metamorphosealteration NOUN 1 Making some simple alterations to your diet will make you feel fitter. = change, adjustment, shift, amendment, conversion, modification 2 Her jacket and skirt were still awaiting alteration. = adjustment, change, amendment, variation, conversion, transformation, adaptation, difference, revision, modification, remodelling, reformation, diversification, metamorphosis, variance, reshaping, transmutationaltercation NOUN = argument, row, clash, disagreement, dispute, controversy, contention, quarrel, squabble, wrangle, bickering, discord, dissensionalternate VERB 1 Moments of beauty alternate with slapstick comedy. = interchange, change, alter, fluctuate, intersperse, take turns, oscillate, chop and change, follow one another, follow in turn 2 Now you just alternate layers of that mixture and eggplant. = intersperse, interchange, exchange, swap, stagger, rotate ▸ ADJECTIVE 1 They were streaked with alternate bands of colour. = alternating, interchanging, every other, rotating, every second, sequential 2 alternate forms of medical treatment = substitute, alternative, other, different, replacement, complementary ▸ NOUN In most jurisdictions, twelve jurors and two alternates are chosen. = substitute, reserve, deputy, relief, replacement, stand-by, makeshiftalternating ADJECTIVE = interchanging, changing, shifting, swinging, rotating, fluctuating, occurring by turns, oscillating, vacillating, seesawingalternative NOUN If you don't fancy going on holiday to Malta, we have several alternatives. = substitute, choice, other, option, preference, recourse ▸ ADJECTIVE There were alternative methods of transport available. = different, other, substitute, alternatealternatively ADVERB = or, instead, otherwise, on the other hand, if not, then again, as an alternative, by way of alternative, as another optionalthough CONJUNCTION = though, while, even if, even though, whilst, albeit, despite the fact that, notwithstanding, even supposing, tho'altitude NOUN = height, summit, peak, elevation, loftinessaltogether ADVERB 1 She wasn't altogether sorry to be leaving. = absolutely, quite, completely, totally, perfectly, fully, thoroughly, wholly, utterly, downright, one hundred per cent (informal), undisputedly, lock, stock and barrel 2 The choice of language is altogether different. = completely, all, fully, entirely, comprehensively, thoroughly, wholly, every inch, one hundred per cent (informal), in every respect ◼ OPPOSITE: partially 3 Altogether, it was a delightful town garden. = on the whole, generally, mostly, in general, collectively, all things considered, on average, for the most part, all in all, on balance, in toto (Latin), as a whole 4 Altogether seven inmates escaped. = in total, in all, all told, taken together, in sum, everything included, in toto (Latin)

altruism NOUN = selflessness, charity, consideration, goodwill, generosity, self-sacrifice, philanthropy, benevolence, magnanimity, humanitarianism, unselfishness, beneficence, charitableness, greatheartedness, bigheartedness ◼ OPPOSITE: self-interestaltruistic ADJECTIVE = selfless, generous, humanitarian, charitable, benevolent, considerate, self-sacrificing, philanthropic, unselfish, public-spirited ◼ OPPOSITE: self-interestedalways ADVERB 1 Always lock your garage. = habitually, regularly, every time, inevitably, consistently, invariably, aye (Scot.), perpetually, without exception, customarily, unfailingly, on every occasion, day in, day out ◼ OPPOSITE: seldom 2 = forever, for keeps, eternally, for all time, evermore, till the cows come home (informal), till Doomsday 3 She was always moving things around. = continually, constantly, all the time, forever, repeatedly, aye (Scot.), endlessly, persistently, eternally, perpetually, incessantly, interminably, unceasingly, everlastingly, in perpetuum (Latin)