| Term | Definition |
| annals | a record of events in chronological order |
| anneal | strengthen, toughen |
| anomoly | irregularity |
| antipathy | settled aversion or dislike |
| antipode | the parts of earth diametrically opposite |
| antithesis | the oppostion or contrast of ideas |
| apathy | lack of emotion orr interest |
| aphorism | a short saying stating a general truth |
| aplomb | complete composure or self-assurance |
| apoplexy | loss of conciousness |
| apostasy | a renunciation of a former loyalty |
| apothecary | druggist; pharmacist |
| appall | to overcome with horror: dismay |
| arabesque | ornate design; ballet position |
| arable | fit for or used for the growing of crops |
| archive | a place for keeping public records |
| arduous | difficult, laborious |
| arrears | overdue debts |
| articulate | expressing oneself readily and effectively |
| ascendant | a dominant position; rising |
| aspersion | a slanderous or defamatory remark |
| assay | to test; to analyze |
| assiduous | steadily attentive: diligent |
| assuage | to make (as in pain or grief) less: ease |
| astute | shrewd |
| atheist | one who denies the existence of God |
| atoll | island which encloses a lagoon |
| atrophy | wasting away of a bodily part or tisue |
| attest | to confirm |
| audacious | daring, bold |
| augment | enlarge, increase |
| augur | soothsayer; to predict |
| august | marked by majestic dignity or grandeur |
| auspice | protection |
| auspicious | promising success; favorable |
| austere | stern, severe, strict |
| authoritative | commanding |
| autocracy | government by one person having unlimited power |
| autonomy | self-government |
| auxiliary | providing help |
| avarice | excessive desire for wealth: greed |
| avoirdupois | bodily weight |
| avow | to declare openly |
| awry | askew,amiss; off the right course |
| badger | to harass or annoy persistently |
| balk | to stop short and refuse to go on |
| balm | something that comforts or soothes |
| banal | commonplace, meaningless |
| bandy | to exchange (as words) |
| bane | woe, harm; curse |