artless

without guile; open and honest

ascendancy

controlling influence; position of controlling influence; CF. in the ascendant

ascertain

find out for certain; make certain

ascetic

practicing self-denial; avoiding physical pleasures and comforts; austere; Ex. ascetic life of Buddhist monks; N. asceticism

ascribe

refer; attribute; assign

aseptic

preventing infection; having a cleansing effect

ashen

ash-colored; deadly pale

asinine

stupid; Ex. asinine remarks

askance

with a sideways or indirect look (with disapproval or distruct); Ex. look askance at

askew

crookedly; slanted; at an angle

asperity

sharpness; roughness; severity (of temper or weather); Ex. asperities of a Russian winter

aspersion

slanderous remark; Ex. cast aspersions on

aspirant

seeker after position or status