asymmetric

not identical on both sides of a dividing central line

atavism

resemblance to remote ancestors rather than to parents; reversion to an earlier type; throwback; ADJ. atavistic

atheistic

denying the existence of God; N. atheism

atone

make amends for; pay for; Ex. atone for

atrocity

brutal deed; ADJ. atrocious

atrophy

wasting away; V: weaken and lose flesh and muscle (through lack of blood or lack of use)

attentive

alert and watchful; listening carefully; paying attention; considerate; thoughtful; politely helpful; Ex. attentive audience; Ex. He was attentive to the old lady; N. attentions: act of courtesy and consideration

attenuate

make thin; weaken

attest

testify; bear witness

attire

clothe; N: clothing; array; apparel

attribute

essential quality; V: ascribe; explain

attrition

rubbing away by friction; gradual decrease in numbers or strength; reduction in the work force without firing employees; wearing away of opposition by means of harassment; Ex. a war of attrition

atypical

not normal; not typical

audacious

daring; bold; N. audacity

audit

examination of accounts of a business; official examination; V.

augment

increase; add to

augury

omen; prophecy; sign of coming events; V. augur: predict; foretell; be a sign of (something in future)

august

impressive; majestic

aureole

sun’s corona; halo; bright circle of light

auroral

pertaining to the aurora borealis; CF. aurora australis

auspicious

favoring success; giving signs of future success; Cf. auspices

austere

forbiddingly stern; ascetic; without comfort or enjoyment; severely simple and unornamented; Ex. a monk’s austere life; Ex. austere grandeur of the cathedral; N. austerity