6 Letter Words That Start With A [LIST]

If you’re looking to expand your vocabulary or enhance your word game skills, knowing a variety of six-letter words that start with the letter ‘A’ can be a helpful resource. The English language is rich with diverse words that begin with “A”, offering a wide range of meanings and uses. From everyday terms to more obscure expressions, these words can come in handy for crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, and other word-based challenges. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of six-letter words that begin with “A”, each with its own distinct definition and application.

Whether you’re a student seeking to improve your writing, a writer aiming to diversify your language, or a word enthusiast who enjoys solving puzzles, this list of six-letter words will prove useful. With their varied meanings and phonetic appeal, these words are not only practical but also fun to learn and use. We hope this collection of words will inspire you to explore new ways to incorporate them into your conversations, writing, and games, further enriching your command of the English language.

6 Letter Words That Start With A

1. accept

To accept means to receive or agree to something offered. It can refer to agreeing to an invitation, taking on responsibility, or acknowledging something with approval.

Examples

• She decided to accept the invitation to the party.
• He didn’t hesitate to accept the challenge.
• The company will accept applications until the end of the month.

2. action

Action refers to the process of doing something, especially to achieve a specific goal. It can also refer to a physical movement or an event that leads to a result.

Examples

• His quick action saved the child from falling.
• The committee took immediate action to resolve the issue.
• Action speaks louder than words in situations like these.

3. absent

Absent refers to someone or something that is not present or not participating in a particular place or event. It can describe a person, an item, or even a feeling of disengagement.

Examples

• She was absent from the meeting due to a personal emergency.
• The student remained absent for several days in a row.
• His absence was noted by the teacher.

4. advance

Advance means to move forward in position or progress. It can also refer to a preliminary payment or an improvement in a particular area or skill.

Examples

• The army made an advance toward the enemy’s position.
• You should make an advance payment for your order.
• Her career took a significant advance after she completed the course.

5. affect

Affect refers to having an influence on something or someone. It often describes emotional, physical, or mental responses to an event or situation.

Examples

• The decision will greatly affect the future of the company.
• Weather can affect your mood more than you realize.
• Her illness affected her ability to concentrate.

6. abduct

Abduct means to kidnap or forcibly take someone, often against their will. It is often associated with crime or criminal acts.

Examples

• The authorities are investigating the case of the abducted child.
• The story of the alien abduction fascinated him.
• Police have warned about possible cases of abduction in the area.

7. address

Address can refer to the specific details of a location, a speech given to an audience, or the act of directing attention to something. It can also mean to solve or tackle an issue.

Examples

• Please address your concerns to the manager.
• He was invited to address the audience during the conference.
• The letter was addressed to the wrong recipient.

8. admire

Admire means to regard with respect or approval. It can also refer to appreciating something for its beauty or qualities.

Examples

• I admire your dedication to helping others.
• She admires the way he handles difficult situations.
• They admired the beauty of the landscape during their hike.

9. arrive

Arrive means to reach a destination or a particular point in time. It describes the act of reaching a place after traveling or waiting.

Examples

• The train will arrive at the station in ten minutes.
• We waited for hours, but the package never arrived.
• She was excited to arrive at her new home after the long journey.

10. against

Against is a preposition indicating opposition or resistance to something. It can also refer to being in conflict with an idea, a rule, or an entity.

Examples

• They voted against the proposal during the meeting.
• The team fought against their rivals with great determination.
• She argued against the new policy at the town hall.

11. abject

Abject refers to something being in a state of extreme misery, hopelessness, or degradation. It can describe poverty, conditions, or emotions that are distressingly low or humiliating.

Examples

• They lived in abject poverty, struggling to meet basic needs.
• The abandoned house was in abject disrepair.
• Her abject failure to meet expectations was a disappointment.

12. accrue

Accrue means to accumulate or gather over time, often in the context of finances or benefits. It refers to the gradual increase of something, such as interest or points.

Examples

• Over time, interest will accrue on the savings account.
• The company will accrue additional costs as the project extends.
• He allowed the points to accrue before redeeming them.

13. attempt

Attempt refers to an effort to accomplish something, often despite challenges or difficulties. It can indicate trying something with varying degrees of success.

Examples

• She made an attempt to improve her skills by taking extra classes.
• The burglar failed in his attempt to break into the house.
• They attempted to fix the car themselves before calling a mechanic.

14. assault

Assault refers to a violent attack or threat of violence, often resulting in injury. It can refer to physical confrontations or legal charges.

Examples

• He was arrested for assault after the physical confrontation.
• The assault on the fortress was met with fierce resistance.
• She filed an assault charge after being attacked in the park.

15. abound

Abound means to exist in large quantities or to be plentiful. It is often used to describe an abundance of something, such as wildlife, resources, or opportunities.

Examples

• Wildlife abounds in the national park.
• The forests abound with various species of birds.
• Opportunities for career advancement abound in this company.

16. absorb

Absorb means to take in or soak up something, like liquids, knowledge, or energy. It can refer to the process of assimilation or the capacity to retain information or substances.

Examples

• The sponge will absorb the water spilled on the floor.
• She needed time to absorb the information from the lecture.
• The soil can absorb a significant amount of rainwater.

17. approve

Approve means to give consent or approval for something, often through a formal process. It can refer to endorsing a decision, plan, or proposal.

Examples

• The board will approve the new policy during the meeting.
• He was pleased to approve the final draft of the report.
• Her proposal was approved by the committee without issue.

18. ancient

Ancient refers to something that is extremely old, often from a distant past or historical period. It can describe objects, civilizations, or natural features that have significant age.

Examples

• The ancient ruins were a testament to the civilization’s engineering skills.
• They discovered an ancient artifact buried deep in the sand.
• The ancient trees in the forest have withstood centuries of weather.

19. agreed

Agreed means to come to a mutual understanding or consensus on a matter. It can also indicate formal approval or acceptance of a proposal.

Examples

• We all agreed on the best course of action.
• She agreed to join the team after discussing the details.
• The two countries agreed to a ceasefire after weeks of negotiations.

20. abduce

Abduce means to take or lead away, particularly in a forceful or illegal manner, often relating to abducting someone.

Examples

• They feared that the missing child had been abducted and abduced by the suspects.
• The police were working hard to track the abduce down and secure the release of the victims.

21. amnesty

Amnesty refers to an official pardon for offenses, often granted by a government or authority. It can involve the forgiveness of political crimes or violations, typically in exchange for cooperation.

Examples

• The government granted amnesty to political prisoners.
• A full amnesty was declared for those who had broken the law during the protest.
• The country’s amnesty program offered a fresh start to many.

22. answer

Answer refers to a response to a question, request, or challenge. It can also mean a solution to a problem or a reply to communication.

Examples

• The teacher asked him to answer the question on the board.
• She quickly gave an answer to the inquiry.
• I don’t know the answer, but I will find it for you.

23. ablate

Ablate means to remove material from the surface of an object, often through cutting, burning, or other methods. It is frequently used in medical and scientific contexts.

Examples

• The surgeons used a laser to ablate the tumor.
• The process to ablate the material from the surface requires precision.
• The scientist explained how the tissue could be ablated safely.

24. animal

Animal refers to living organisms that are not plants or fungi, characterized by their ability to move and respond to stimuli. It encompasses a wide range of creatures, from domestic pets to wild species.

Examples

• The zoo houses a variety of animals from around the world.
• She studied the behavior of animals in the wild.
• Their research focused on the intelligence of marine animals.

25. anatomy

Anatomy refers to the branch of biology that deals with the structure of living organisms. It is a key area of study for medical and biological sciences.

Examples

• He majored in anatomy and became a renowned surgeon.
• The study of human anatomy is crucial for understanding the body’s functions.
• She was fascinated by the detailed anatomy of the human brain.

26. aspect

Aspect refers to a particular feature, characteristic, or component of something. It can describe a part or side of an object, concept, or situation.

Examples

• The new aspect of the project focuses on sustainability.
• She considered every aspect of the plan before making a decision.
• He noticed a different aspect of the artwork that others missed.

27. appeal

Appeal refers to a formal request for a decision to be reconsidered, or to a strong emotional appeal meant to persuade or attract others.

Examples

• The defendant plans to appeal the court’s decision.
• Her passionate speech was an appeal to the public’s sense of justice.
• They filed an appeal to have the case reconsidered.

Historical Context

The significance of six-letter words that begin with the letter "A" is not simply confined to the constraints of language or lexicography, but they have also evolved through history to become symbols of cultural, societal, and intellectual developments. In the English language, the letter "A" has a long history that stretches back to ancient civilizations and the very beginnings of written communication. The earliest use of written forms of language, such as cuneiform in Mesopotamia or Egyptian hieroglyphics, involved symbols that conveyed fundamental concepts and ideas. The letter "A," which ultimately derives from the Phoenician alphabet, began as a pictogram representing an ox head (𐤀), symbolizing strength and leadership.

As the alphabet was adopted and adapted by the Greeks, Romans, and later the Anglo-Saxons, "A" retained its position as the first letter of the alphabet, often signifying primacy or importance. Over time, the words that began with "A" took on varying degrees of social, intellectual, and political relevance. Words such as "advice," "authority," and "ancient" carry with them traces of humanity’s cultural milestones, from the classical to the modern era.

In the Middle Ages, the process of word formation in English was shaped by a blend of Latin, Old Norse, and Anglo-Saxon influences. The importance of education, religion, and governance led to the formation of words that started with "A" to describe concepts of power, knowledge, and the divine. The Renaissance further expanded this vocabulary with words like "art," "alchemy," and "astronomy," reflecting the burgeoning interest in science, philosophy, and exploration.

As English continued to evolve, the development of six-letter words beginning with "A" also mirrored significant shifts in society, such as industrialization, exploration, and technological innovation. From "anchor" to "abduct," these words convey not only their literal meanings but also the complexities of historical events and intellectual thought.

Word Origins And Etymology

The etymology of six-letter words beginning with "A" reveals a fascinating blend of linguistic roots from a variety of ancient languages. English, as a Germanic language, has incorporated influences from Latin, French, and Greek, and many words that begin with "A" have histories that reflect these diverse linguistic ancestries.

1. Anchor – The word "anchor" comes from the Latin ancora, which is derived from the Greek word ἄγκυρα (ankura), meaning a heavy object used to secure a ship to a particular spot. This word traces back even further to Indo-European roots, where it was linked to terms for hooking or securing something in place.

2. Absent – Coming from the Latin absens (the present participle of abesse, meaning “to be away”), "absent" originally referred to someone physically missing from a place. Its evolution reflects a growing understanding of physical and emotional states, as the term came to refer not only to physical absence but also to mental or emotional detachment.

3. Anagram – This word is rooted in Greek, from ana- meaning "up, back, again" and gramma meaning "letter" or "written." An anagram originally referred to the rearranging of letters to create new words or phrases, a practice that has intrigued scholars and word enthusiasts for centuries.

4. Admire – Derived from the Latin admirari, meaning “to wonder at or gaze upon with amazement,” admirari is based on the root mirari, which means “to marvel.” The word has undergone a slight shift in meaning over time, from awe and wonder to more commonplace admiration or appreciation.

5. Allege – From the Latin allegare (to bring forward in support of an argument), the word "allege" has always carried a legal connotation, implying a claim made without necessarily providing evidence. Over time, its meaning has expanded to encompass any kind of assertion or statement that has not been proven.

These examples show how six-letter words beginning with "A" often stem from a rich tapestry of influences, with their meanings evolving as they were passed down through centuries of linguistic and cultural development.

Common Misconceptions

As with many aspects of language, six-letter words beginning with "A" are not exempt from misconceptions or misunderstandings. Some of these misconceptions arise from mispronunciations, confusion about spelling, or the shifting of meanings over time. Let’s examine some of the most common myths surrounding these words:

1. "Accept" vs. "Except" – One of the most persistent confusions involves the words "accept" and "except," both of which start with the letter "A." "Accept" means to receive something willingly, while "except" means to exclude or leave something out. People often mistakenly use one when they mean the other, especially in phrases such as “everyone accepts but one” when they should use “except.”

2. "Affect" vs. "Effect" – The confusion between these two words is a classic example of a linguistic misunderstanding. "Affect" is typically used as a verb meaning to influence something, while "effect" is a noun referring to the result of an action. Despite this clear distinction, many people misuse them interchangeably, particularly in informal writing and speech.

3. "Accomplish" vs. "Accomplishment" – Some mistakenly believe that "accomplish" and "accomplishment" are the same word or can be used in the same context. While both refer to the completion of a task, "accomplish" is a verb (to achieve), and "accomplishment" is a noun (the completed achievement). This confusion can lead to awkward constructions like "I’ve yet to accomplish my accomplishment."

4. "Anagram" as a Reversed Word – Many people incorrectly believe that an anagram is simply a word formed by reversing the letters of another word. In fact, an anagram involves rearranging the letters, not necessarily in reverse order. For example, the anagram of "listen" is "silent," not "netsil."

5. "Annual" vs. "Annually" – The word "annual" is often confused with "annually," though they refer to related but distinct concepts. "Annual" describes something that occurs once a year, while "annually" is an adverb describing the frequency of an event (i.e., happening once a year). Misuse can lead to phrases like “an annual event that happens annually.”

These misconceptions often result from linguistic evolution, regional dialects, or the complexity of English grammar, but with attention to context and usage, they can be clarified.

Conclusion

Six-letter words starting with "A" not only enrich our vocabulary but also offer us a window into the evolution of the English language, its cultural history, and the intellectual forces that have shaped it over millennia. From their ancient roots in Phoenician and Greek to their present-day usage, these words reveal a dynamic interaction between form and meaning. The historical context of these words shows how the letter "A" has been associated with concepts of primacy, authority, and strength, while their etymological origins reveal a rich tapestry of linguistic influences.

Understanding the common misconceptions that surround these words helps us navigate the complexities of English grammar and usage, allowing for clearer communication and a deeper appreciation of the nuances within the language. Whether we’re talking about an anagram, an anchor, or an allegation, each word is more than just a collection of letters; it is a living piece of history and a testament to the richness of human expression.

In conclusion, six-letter words beginning with "A" serve as both a linguistic challenge and an intellectual delight. They invite us to explore the depths of language, history, and human thought, connecting us to the past while offering a foundation for the future.