Abase: Comes from "a" (to) and "base" (low). It means to lower someone's status or make them feel ashamed. For example, a person might be abased by harsh criticism that undermines their confidence.
Abate: Made of "a" (to) and "bate" (beat). It means to reduce or lessen, like beating something until it weakens. For instance, after the storm, the winds abated, meaning they gradually became less intense.
Aberrant: Comes from "ab-" (away) and "err" (wander or error). It means deviating from the normal or expected, being abnormal. For example, an aberrant behavior is one that is unusual and not typical for a person.
Abeyance: Originates from the idea of an open mouth in expectation. It means a state of temporary inactivity or suspension. For instance, the construction project is in abeyance until the permits are approved, meaning it's temporarily on hold.
Abhor: Made of "ab" (away) and "hor" (horror). It means to strongly dislike something, to shrink away in disgust. For example, if you abhor violence, it means you find it deeply repugnant and avoid it.
Abject: Comes from "ab" (away) and "ject" (throw). It refers to being in a very low or miserable state. For instance, someone living in abject poverty is experiencing the worst and most hopeless kind of poverty.
Abrasive: Comes from "ab" (away) and "radere" (scrape). It means something that causes irritation or is harsh. For example, sandpaper is abrasive because it scrapes away surfaces, and an abrasive personality is one that tends to rub people the wrong way.
Abrogate: Made of "ab" (away) and "rogare" (to propose a law). It means to formally cancel or repeal a law. For instance, the government might abrogate an outdated law that no longer serves the public interest.
Abstain: Comes from "abs-" (away) and "tain" (to hold). It means to hold back from doing something, to refrain. For example, during an election, a person might abstain from voting if they do not support any candidates.
Abstract: Comes from "abs-" (away) and "tract" (drag). It means to remove or take away. As a noun, it means a summary, like an abstract of a research paper. As an adjective, it means something not physical, more conceptual, like abstract art which doesn't represent real objects.
Abstruse: Comes from "abs-" (away) and "truse" (push). It means difficult to understand. For example, a very complex and detailed philosophical theory might be described as abstruse.
Abundant: Comes from "ab-" (away) and "undulating" (waves). It means existing in large quantities, very plentiful. For instance, after a good harvest, the farmer has an abundant supply of crops.
Abyss: Made of "a-" (without) and "byss" (bottom). It refers to a deep, bottomless pit or chasm. For example, looking down into a dark, endless hole can give one the feeling of staring into an abyss.
Abysmal: Comes from "abyss," meaning a bottomless pit. It now means extremely bad or appalling. For example, abysmal weather conditions might mean it's storming so badly that it's unsafe to go outside.