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accumulate
(verb)
- To increase in number or amount; to pile up, collect, or gather.An inch of snow accumulated overnight.
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aggravate
(verb)
- 1. To make worseThe skater aggravated an old knee injury when she fell.
- 2. To anger or annoy.
- That loud rock music from the club aggravates the neighbors.aggravation(noun)
- 1. Annoyance, exasperation.
- My aggravation increased as the noisy construction continued outside my window.2. A source of annoyance or exasperation. Deer and rabbits are a continuous aggravation to rural gardeners.
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conserve
(verb)
- To save by using carefully.Lower speed limits help conserve gasoline.conservation(noun)
- The saving or protection of something through careful use.
A plan for the conservation of open space was unveiled at the town meeting.
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contaminate
(verb)
- To harm by contact with something undesirable.Chemicals spilled last year continue to contaminate the lake.
- contamination(noun)The act of or result of contaminating.Salt used on the roads in winter could lead to the contamination of ground water.
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diminish
(verb)
- To make or become smaller or less; to reduce.Constant violations of the housing regulations will diminish the quality of life for all the inhabitants.
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drastic
(adjective)
- Severe; extreme.Evil crimes receive drastic punishment in this new novel.
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extravagant
(adjective)
- Spending, costing, or using more than is required.Shawn's buying lunch for everyone was an extravagant thing to do.
- 1. The quality of being wasteful or spending more than is necessary.
- Emma's extravagance in early adulthood led to poverty later.2. A thing that costs more than one can afford.I admit the team jacket was an extravagance, but I couldn't resist buying it.
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frugal
(adjective)
- Careful in spending or using something.The bill for the splendid wedding ceremony shocked my frugal relatives.
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impurity
(noun)
- Something that is harmful or dirty.Filtering removes the impurities from water.
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peril
(noun)
- Danger; something that is dangerous.The sailor understood the peril involved in a solo crossing of the Atlantic Ocean.
- imperil(verb)
- To place in danger.
A driver's ineptness imperils the passengers.
- perilous(adjective)
- Dangerous.
An expedition into ene
my territory could be perilous.
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perpetual
(adjective)
- Lasting or seeming to last forever or for a long time; continuous.A perpetual calendar can be used year after year.
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resource
(noun)
- 1. A supply that can be used when there is a need.Coal, aluminum, and lumber are natural resources.
- 2. Skill in dealing with difficult situations.
- The committee's resource in working out the plan for integration is admirable.
- Able to deal with difficult problems.
- A resourceful person will triumph over difficulties.
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substitute
(verb)
- To replace one thing or person for another.Cooks sometimes substitute lemon for vinegar in salad dressing.
- (noun)
- Something or someone that replaces another.
A flutist is a substitute for the violinist in tonight's concert.
- (adjective)
- Acting in place of someone or something else.
The substitute teacher tolerated the class's antics.
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sustain
(verb)
- 1. To keep up; to support.Their firm belief that they would be rescued sustained them.
- 2. To suffer; to undergo.
- The driver of the wrecked car sustained serious injuries.
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vital
(adjective)
- 1. Necessary for continued life or prosperity.Oil is vital to the economy of the country.
- 2. Full of lively spirit.
- Nelson Mandela's vital personality enabled him to survive years of imprisonment without bitterness.
- 3. Of the greatest importance.
- It is vital that an official attend to the transfer immediately.
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