SAT Vocab A #1

become less in amount or intensity

give up power, duties, or obligations

An aberration is something strange that rarely occurs. An example of an aberration is when the temperature in Chicago hits 95 degrees in January — it's nice and warm, but it's really strange.

If you abstain from something, you restrain yourself from consuming it. People usually abstain from things that are considered vices — like eating French fries every day for lunch

When circumstances or situations work against you, you face adversity. Refugees from war-torn countries encounter terrible adversity.

characterized by an appreciation of beauty or good taste

characterized by friendship and good will

Something that's old-fashioned and maybe a little out of place 

Arid is so dry that nothing will grow. Death Valley in California features an arid climate, which is why it's called Death Valley and not Life Valley.

Arid can also mean terribly dull, boring, or lifeless

When someone needs profection from a difficult or dangerous situation, they need asylum. If a government offers to protect people who have fled war or hardship in their own country, it gives them asylum.