June 03-08

• Abase

  • Tagalog translation: "pahiyain" (pronounced pah-hee-YAH-in)
  • English definition: To make someone feel ashamed or humiliated, to lower their dignity or self-worth.
  • English synonyms:
  • Humiliate
  • Degrade
  • Belittle
• Abate

  • Tagalog translation: "humupa" (pronounced hoo-MAH-pa) - This applies specifically to the meaning of intensity lessening.
  • English definition: To become less strong, intense, or severe.
  • English synonyms:
  • Decrease
  • Lessen
  • Subside (This synonym works well when referring to the intensity of something like a storm or pain)
• Abdicate

  • Tagalog translation: "magbitiw" (pronounced mag-bee-TEEV)
  • English definition: To formally give up a high position of power, especially a throne.
  • English synonyms:
  • Renounce (to formally declare you will no longer have something)
  • Step down (to leave a position of authority)
  • Retire (to formally leave a job or position, especially after a long time)
• Abduct

  • Tagalog translation: "kidnap" (pronounced KIHD-nap) - This is a loanword from English and is directly understood in Tagalog.
  • English definition: To take someone away illegally and against their will, usually by force or threat of force.
  • English synonyms:
  • Kidnap (as mentioned in the translation)
  • Snatch (implies a quick or sudden abduction)
  • Carry off (emphasizes the act of taking someone away)
• Aberration

  Tagalog translation: "paglihis" (pronounced pahg-lee-HIS)

  English definition: A departure from what is typical, usual, or normal. This can apply to behavior, appearance, or even functioning of something.

  • Deviation: Similar to the Tagalog translation, emphasizes a straying from the expected path.
  • Anomaly: Something that doesn't fit the pattern or is out of place.
  • Discrepancy: A difference or inconsistency from what is expected.
• Abet

  Tagalog translation: "sumang-ayon" (pronounced soo-mahng-AH-yon)

  English definition:

  • To help or encourage someone, usually in doing something wrong or illegal. It often implies giving some kind of assistance, not just moral support.
  • English synonyms:
  • Aid: To provide practical help or assistance.
  • Assist: To help someone do something.
  • Accomplice: Someone who helps another person commit a crime (this synonym is stronger and implies a more active role).
  • Collude: To secretly agree to do something illegal or wrong together. (This emphasizes the secretive planning aspect)
• Abhor

  • Tagalog translation: "kasuklaman" (pronounced kah-soo-klah-MAHN) - This translates to "intense dislike" or "hatred."
  • English definition: To feel extreme disgust, hatred, or aversion towards something. It's a very strong word that signifies a deep loathing.
  • English synonyms:
  • Loathe: To feel intense disgust or hatred for something. (Similar strength to abhor)
  • Detest: To dislike something intensely. (Slightly less strong than abhor)
  • Despise: To feel contempt and disgust for someone or something. (Similar strength to abhor)
• Abide

  To follow a rule or law:

  • Tagalog translation: "sumunod" (pronounced soo-moo-NOD)
  • English definition: To obey or follow a rule, instruction, or law.
  • Obey (implies following a command or rule)
  • Adhere (implies sticking to something closely)
  • Comply (implies following a rule or request)
  • Respect (implies treating something with due regard)
• Abide

  To stay or remain in a place:

  • Tagalog translation: "tumira" (pronounced too-MEE-rah) or "manatili" (pronounced mah-nah-TEE-lee)
  • English definition: To live or stay in a place for a period of time.
  • Dwell (implies living in a place for a long time)
  • Remain (implies staying in a place)
  • Endure (implies putting up with something difficult)
• Abort

  to give up on a half-finished project or effort 

  terminate, stop, end
• Abridge


  to cut down, shorten;

  • Shorten, condense, summarize, epitomize, abstract (written work)
  • Reduce, curtail, lessen, diminish (duration, scope, rights)
• Abscond


  to sneak away and hide

  • Flee, escape, bolt, decamp (all imply a hasty departure)
  • Run away, make off with (imply taking something)
  • Skip bail, disappear (imply avoiding legal consequences)
• Absolution


  the act of forgiving someone, especially by a priest in the Christian religion, for something bad that they have done or thought.
• Abstain


  "Umiwas" (pronounced oo-mee-WAS) - This is the most general translation and means "to avoid" or "to stay away from something."

  • Refrain: To hold yourself back from doing something.
  • Forgo: To do without something.
  • Desist: To stop doing something.
  • Renounce: To formally declare that you will no longer have or support something (stronger than abstain, implies a permanent decision).
• Accede


  "Pumayag" (pronounced poo-mah-YAHG) - This is the most general translation and means "to agree" or "to consent."

  To formally take up a position of high rank or power, especially a throne.

  • Agree: To state that you think something is a good idea or that you will do something. (similar to "pumayag")
  • Yield: To stop resisting or opposing something.
  • Assent: To give your approval to something.
  • Ascend: To move upwards to a higher position. (similar to "umakyat sa trono" but more general)
  • Succeed: To take the place of someone who has left a job or position. (implies replacing someone)
• Accentuate


  "Bigyang-diin" (pronounced bee-GYANG-dee-in) - This is the most general translation and means "to emphasize" or "to give importance to something." It works well in most situations.

  To give special importance to something by making it more noticeable or prominent.

  • Highlight: To draw attention to something specific. (similar to "patampok")
  • Stress: To emphasize something by saying it forcefully or with extra emphasis.
  • Intensify: To make something stronger or more noticeable. (similar to "palalain")
• Acclaim


  Public approval and praise.

  • Applause (recognition shown by clapping)
  • Plaudit (formal expression of praise)
  • Accolade (an award or mark of honor)
  • Eulogy (a formal speech praising someone who has died) - This is a more specific type of acclaim used in funerals.
• Accolade


  ward or mark of honor or praise given to someone for their achievements or qualities. It suggests a formal recognition of excellence.
• Accord


  "Kasunduan" (pronounced kah-soo-ndoo-an) - This refers to an agreement, especially a formal one.

  * "Pagsang-ayon" (pronounced pahg-sahng-ah-yon) - This translates to "agreement" with a focus on consenting or giving approval.

  An agreement, especially a formal one reached after discussion or negotiation.

  • Consensus
  • Harmony
  • Conformity
• Accost

  • To approach and address someone in an aggressive or demanding way, often with the intention of causing them trouble
  • Tagalog= Sitahin

  
  

  approach, detain, speak to
• Accretion


  Tagalog translation: "Paglihis" (pronounced pahg-lee-HIS)

  • Deviation: A straying or departure from something expected or normal.
  • Anomaly: Something that doesn't fit the pattern or is out of place.
  • Aberration: A departure from what's considered typical or normal.
• Acerbic


  have a sour or bitter taste (can be literal or metaphorical). In a metaphorical sense, it describes someone or something as sharply critical, sarcastic, or ironic in a way that can be unpleasant.

  • Sarcastic: Using irony or humor in a way that is critical or mocking.
  • Biting: Harsh or critical in a way that can be hurtful.
  • Scathing: Harshly critical or abusive.
• Acquiesce


  : "Pumanig" (pronounced poo-mah-NIG)

  To agree to something, especially reluctantly or after some resistance.

  • Consent: To agree to do something.
  • Yield: To stop resisting or opposing something.
  • Submit: To accept the authority or control of someone else.
  • Comply: To obey a rule or request.
• Acumen


  "Talas ng pag-iisip" (pronounced tah-las ng pahg-eesip) - This literally translates to "sharpness of thinking" and captures the essence of mental keenness.

  Shrewdness: The ability to act or think in a clever and practical way.

  Sagacity: The quality of having or showing good judgment.
• Adamant


  "Matigas ang ulo" (pronounced mah-ti-gas ang oo-loh)

  Very determined and refusing to change one's mind.

  • Unyielding: Not willing to give way or change one's mind.
  • Inflexible: Not willing to change or adapt.
  • Resolute: Determined and unwavering in purpose.
• Adept


  "Mahusay" (pronounced mah-hoo-SAY)

  Very skilled or competent at doing something.

  • Skilled: Having or showing a great ability to do something well.
  • Proficient: Very competent at doing something.
  • Dexterous: Having or showing a great ability to do things skillfully, especially with your hands.
  • Talented: Having a natural ability to be good at something.
• Adorn


  To decorate something in a way that makes it look more attractive.

  Decorate, embellish, beautify
• Adroit


  "Mahusay" (pronounced mah-hoo-SAY)

  Very skilled or competent at doing something.

  Skilled, adept, proficient
• Adulation


  "Pagpupuri" (pronounced pahg-poo-poo-ri)

  Excessive admiration or praise.

  Hero worship, idolization, deification