Before we go on with A and R, a point of grammar and definitions concerning the word affect and its cousin effect. We all know the old rule: affect is the verb and effect is the noun. Right?The weather will affect our picnic plans this weekend.
If it's a thunderstorm, the effects could be detrimental.
What if I told you effect can be a verb too? Effect, as a transitive verb, means to bring about change. Affect, also a transitive verb, means to have an influence on. Moreover, affect can also be a noun: an emotional response. (Don't forget that transitive verbs NEED a direct object upon which they act.) Let's try a few more sentences.When nurses assess patients, they often note their affect.
The Gates Foundation is effecting a change in the treatment of malaria in Africa.
Okay, on to vocabulary:Ablution (noun) washing the body, especially as in religious ceremoniesAdroit (adjective) skillful, cleverAplomb (noun) self-possession; poiseRake (noun) a dissolute, debauched man; a slant; a long-handled garden tool; (intransitive and transitive verb) to slantReproof (noun) an expression of disapproval, rebukeRecidivism (noun) a habitual or chronic relapse, often referring to crime
On Jeopardy, adroit Ken Burn's aplomb was momentarily compromised when he mistook the slang term "ho" and for the term "rake" when answering a question. Alex Trebek made a joking reproof.