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Ambivalance
the state of having conflicting emotional attitudes
John felt some ambivalence about getting married before college.
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Ambrosia
something delicious; the food of gods
The combination of flavors in the Moroccan baked eggplant was pure ambrosia.
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Ameliorate
to improve
Knowing the could not stop the spread of a contamination in a few days, health authorities worked to inhibit its spread and to ameliorate its effects by issuing warnings to the public and initiating immunization responses.
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Amenable
agreeable, cooperating, suited
The young writer is amenable to suggestions for improving her prose style to make it more interesting.
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Amenity
something that increases comfort
Many amenities considered normal and necessary by people in developed countries, such as indoor plumbing, were luxuries only a few generations ago.
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Amulet
ornament worn as a charm against evil spirits
The early christian church forbade the use of amulets , which had become common in the Roman Empire at the time the christian church began to develop.
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Anachronism
something out of the proper time
Some experts regard the retirement age of 65 as an anachronism at a time when people in the developed world have a much longer life expectancy.
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Analgesic
medication that reduces or eliminates pain
Aspirin is a powerful analgesic that was introduced in 1899 and is still one of the most effective medicine available to alleviate pain, fever, and inflammation.
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Analogous
comparable
The psychology researcher's experiment postulates that the brain is analogous to a digital computer.
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Anarchy
absence of government; state of disorder
The American philosopher Robert Nozick does not advocate anarchy; rather, he argues for the merits of a minimal state that would not violate the natural rights of individuals.
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Social Darwinism
a theory in sociology that individuals or groups achieve advantage over others as a result of genetic or biological superiority.
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Protestant work ethic
A view of life that encourages hard work and a rational view of the world as a way to achieve material success.
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Confunction
A system or ethics based on the teachings of the ancient Chinese sage Confucius. It places a high value on family relationships.
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