List of English words beginning with A that are not used in the United States
What will I learn from the book List of English words beginning with A that are not used in the United States?
There are a lot of words in the English language that are used in everyday life in the Great Britain that is not used in America or has a different meaning. This book is for teachers or people who have an high understanding of the English language already.
Who is the book of English words not used in America aimed at?
The List of English words from A to Z book is a reference book that has been written for students and the general reader. It will help you with any basic questions about spelling, punctuation, grammar and word usage that you are likely to ask. This page list all words beginning with A and shows clear explanations with sentences where they are needed.
This is book should be used to help reference words or sayings. It is not to be used as a dictionary although, it is like a dictionary, as all the words are arranged alphabetically.
How do I use this English book of words from A to Z?
Click on each letter of the alphabet to get the full list of British words and explanation of each.
[ A ] [ B ] [ C ] [ D ] [ E ] [ F ] [ G ] [ H ] [ I ] [ J ] [ K ] [ L ] [ M ] [ N ] [ O ] [ P ] [ Q ] [ R ] [ S ] [ T ] [ U ] [ V ] [ W ] [ X ] [ Y ] [ Z ]
Words beginning with A
abseil
to descend on a rope (US: rappel). Take from German language abseilen.
accountancy
calculating and tracking financial matters (US: accounting). In the UK accounting is explaining oneself or one's actions ("to give an account" or "accountability" in the U.S.A.), accountancy is the profession.
Action Man
A toy similar to G.I. Joe.
adder
viper, a species of venomous snake
advert
advertisement (US and UK also: ad, commercial (on TV)).
agony aunt
the author of an agony column – a magazine or newspaper column advising on readers' personal problems. The image presented was originally that of an older woman providing comforting advice and maternal wisdom, hence the name "aunt". Better known to most Americans as a "Dear Abby" column or advice column. Similarly, agony uncle.
air marshal
an Air Force officer of high rank (US: general)
all change
announcement on train or bus on approaching the last stop (US: All out)
amongst
Generally still in wide usage in the UK, with the alternative among also used. Amongst is considered archaic in US usage, but is still occasionally used.
answerphone
(originally from trademark Ansafone) automated telephone answering device (US and UK also: answering machine).
anti-clockwise
direction opposite to clockwise (US: counterclockwise).
approved school
(old-fashioned) school for juvenile delinquents; reform school. Such institutions have not been referred to officially as "approved schools" since 1969. Juvenile delinquents, depending on their age and level of malfeasance, may now be sent to Secure Training Centres (for ages 15 to 18) or YOIs (Young Offender Institutions – a prison for offenders aged between 18 and 21). (US: juvenile detention center, JDC, juvenile hall, (slang) juvie.)
argy-bargy
(informal) a disagreement ranging from a verbal dispute to pushing-and-shoving or outright fighting.
arse
buttocks, backside or anus, depending on context (US equivalent: ass); to be arsed: to be bothered to do something, most commonly as a negative or conditional (e.g. I can't be arsed, if/when I can be arsed). (Usage of the US equivalent "ass" as a verb is uncommon except in the expression "half-assed", meaning poorly, hastily, or sloppily done.) [to fall] arse over tit (vulgar) [to fall] head over heels. (US: ass over tea kettle).
artic (lorry) abbreviation of 'articulated lorry' (US: semi, semi-trailer truck, tractor-trailer).
aubergine
(French) a solanaceous plant bearing a fruit of the same name, commonly used as a vegetable in cooking (US: eggplant). Also a dark purple colour resembling the colour of the fruit.
Auntie – sometimes 'Auntie Beeb' (see below) (affectionate slang) the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation).
autocue
a prompting system for television announcers (genericised trademark, after a leading manufacturer) (US: teleprompter).
