2. verb ab SAWRB to take in or draw up We are using a sponge to absorb most of the liquid that was spilled. Synonyms: consume, soak up

3. adjective AB strakt thought of as separate from concrete realities; difficult to understand Young children have a difficult time understanding abstract concepts such as time and space. Synonyms: conceptual, theoretical

4. noun uh BIL i tee The power to do something; skill or competence in a field Her ability to write poetry is staggering; she can write the hardest pieces effortlessly. Synonyms: capacity, capability, talent

5. adjective uh BUHN duhnt Possessing a lot of something, often more than what is needed The food was abundant at the family dinner; we spent the next two weeks eating leftovers. Synonyms: plentiful, full

6. verb ak SEPT To receive with pleasure; to agree The athlete was proud to accept his Olympic gold medal. Synonyms: receive, approve

7. verb AK ses To be able to reach, approach or enter; gain admission to I need to know the secret password in order to access my bank account. Synonyms: enter, use

8. adjective ak SES uh buhl Easy to approach or enter The presidential palace was only accessible to friends and family. Synonyms: unrestricted, open

9. adjective uh KOM plisht Very skilled or successful at something Stephen King is an accomplished writer, with over forty books to his name. Synonyms: talented, expert

10. adverb uh KAWR ding As indicated or stated by According to legend, King Arthur led the defense of Britain against the Saxon invaders in the sixth century. Synonyms: reported by, on the authority of

11. verb uh KYOO mhuh leyt To gather or collect The geologist was hoping to accumulate more rock specimens on his trip out West. Synonyms: acquire, gain, stockpile

12. verb uh CHEEV To accomplish something, or attain success The Trojans were eventually able to achieve victory over the Greeks after a long, tragic war. Synonyms: finish, reach

13. noun ak TIV i tee The state of doing something In a large city, there is so much activity in the streets that it is difficult to find peace and quiet. Synonyms: action, motion

14. adverb AK choo uh lee To be truly in existence or actual Contrary to popular opinion, the war actually helped the country’s economy. Synonyms: in fact, really

15. verb uh DAPT To change according to conditions or requirements It will be difficult for the polar bear to adapt to the changing climate. Synonyms: adjust, fit

16. noun ad uhp TEY shuhn A change or alteration developed in response to one’s environment The cactus has developed an adaptation that allows it to survive without water for months at a time. Synonyms: accommodation, adjustment