Cambridge English Profile Level C1

the object of sth

the purpose of something. Dictionary examples: The o~ of this game is to score more points than the opposing team. The o~ of the exercise is to complete the task within the time limit.

a skeleton crew/staff/service

the smallest number of people that you need to keep an organization working. Dictionary example: The Red Cross has withdrawn all but a s~ staff from the country.

the next best thing

the thing that is best, if you cannot have or do the thing you really want. Dictionary example: Coaching baseball is the next b~ thing to playing.

the norm

the usual way that something happens. Dictionary example: Short-term job contracts are the n~ nowadays.

limitations

things that someone or something is not good at doing. Dictionary example: Both films show her l~s as an actress.

in a sense

thinking about something in a particular way. Dictionary example: In a s~, he's right.

feasible

(adjective)

sporty

(adjective) stylish and suitable for people who are active. Dictionary examples: a s~ new car. He looks very s~ in that new jacket.

musical

(adjective) ABILITY.good at playing music. Dictionary example: She comes from a very m~ family.

privileged

(adjective) ADVANTAGE.having an advantage that only one person or group has, usually because of their position or because they are rich. Dictionary examples: a p~ upbringing. As an ambassador, she enjoys a very p~ status.

decisive

(adjective) AFFECTING.strongly affecting how a situation will progress or end. Dictionary examples: a d~ *action/victory*. DNA test results were d~ in proving his innocence.

acceptable

(adjective) ALLOWED.allowed or approved of. Dictionary example: It's not socially a~ to wear jeans and a T-shirt to a wedding.

isolated

(adjective) ALONE.alone and not having help or support from other people. Dictionary example: Kazuo felt very i~ at his new school.

legendary

(adjective) ANCIENT.from an ancient legend. Dictionary example: a l~ Greek hero.

fair

(adjective) AVERAGE.not very good but not very bad. Dictionary example: He's good in chemistry but only f~ in math.

conscious

(adjective) AWAKE.awake and able to think and notice things. Dictionary example: He's still c~ but he's very badly injured.

ill

(adjective) BAD.(always before noun) (formal) bad Dictionary example: He suffered no i~ effects from his fall.

dark

(adjective) BAD.frightening or unpleasant. Dictionary example: a d~ period in human history

primitive

(adjective) BASIC.(disapproving) very basic or old-fashioned. Dictionary example: The conditions at the campsite were quite p~.

prior

(adjective) BEFORE.existing or happening before something else. Dictionary example: The course requires no p~ *knowledge* of Spanish.

antisocial (anti- + social)

(adjective) BEHAVIOR.a~ behavior harms society and upsets the people around you. Dictionary example: Some critics argued that movies can cause a~ *behavior*.

moral

(adjective) BEHAVIOR.behaving in ways considered by most people to be correct and honest. Dictionary example: He's a highly m~ man.

heroic

(adjective) BRAVE.very brave. Dictionary examples: a h~ figure . a h~ act/deed .

cool

(adjective) CALM.calm and not emotional. Dictionary example: She seemed c~ and confident.

concrete

(adjective) CERTAIN.certain or based on facts Dictionary examples: They think she killed her husband, but they have no c~ evidence/proof. We've got a general idea of what we want, but nothing c~ at the moment.

random

(adjective) CHANCE.happening, done or chosen by chance rather than according to a plan. Dictionary examples: r~ *checks/tests/attacks*. We asked a r~ *sample/selection* of people what they thought.

radical

(adjective) CHANGE.A radical change is very big and important. Dictionary example: During bad economic times, r~ steps may be necessary to restore the confidence of the consumer.

central

(adjective) CITY.in the main part of a town or city. Dictionary example: Our offices are very c~.

sharp

(adjective) CLEAR.A sharp image is very clear. Dictionary example: a photograph in s~ focus.

distinct

(adjective) CLEAR.clear and certain. Dictionary example: There's been a d~ improvement in your work.

direct

(adjective) CLEAR.saying clearly and honestly what you think. Dictionary example: a d~ *answer*.

immediate

(adjective) CLOSEST.(always before noun)closest to something or someone. Dictionary examples: There are stores, movie theaters, parks, schools - all right in the i~ area. Members of your i~ family will receive invitations to the graduation ceremonies.

neutral

(adjective) COLOR.Neutral colors are not strong or bright. Dictionary example: Try n~ creams and grays.

interactive

(adjective) COMMUNICATION.involving communication between people. Dictionary example: i~ teaching methods

secure

(adjective) COMPUTER.designed to make sure that only the person who knows it can get onto a computer system, Web site, etc. Dictionary example: You will be issued with a s~ password.

imaginative

(adjective) CREATIVE.able to create new and interesting ideas or things. Dictionary example: He's a very i~ little boy.

serial

(adjective) CRIME.describes a person who repeatedly commits the same crime, often using the same method, or a serious crime that is committed repeatedly by one person. Dictionary examples: She wrote a thriller about a brutal s~ killer. s~ offenders/criminals. s~ murder/rape.

harsh

(adjective) CRUEL.cruel, unkind, or unpleasant in a way that seems unfair. Dictionary examples: harsh criticism/punishment Taking him out of the game was a bit h~.

rough

(adjective) DANGEROUS.dangerous or violent. Dictionary examples: a r~ part of town. Hockey can be a r~ game.

aggressive

(adjective) DETERMINED.using forceful methods and determined to succeed. Dictionary example: The company mounted an a~ marketing campaign.

outside

(adjective) DIFFERENT ORGANIZATION. coming from another place or organization. Dictionary example: The company has called in o~ experts.

refreshing

(adjective) DIFFERENT.different and interesting. Dictionary examples: a r~ change. It's r~ to see a film that's so original.

distinct

(adjective) DIFFERENT.different and separate. Dictionary example: This word has three d~ meanings.

hostile

(adjective) DIFFICULT.unpleasant or not suitable for living or growing. Dictionary examples: a h~ climate. They live and work in very h~ conditions.

bound

(adjective) DIRECTION.traveling toward a particular place. Dictionary example: He was on a train b~ for Berlin.

filthy

(adjective) DIRTY.extremely dirty. Dictionary example: Wash your hands, they're f~!

skillful

(adjective) DONE WELL.done or made very well. Dictionary example: s~ use of language.

renewable

(adjective) ENERGY.A renewable form of energy can be produced as quickly as it is used. Dictionary example: a r~ energy source such as wind power.

compatible

(adjective) EQUIPMENT.compatible equipment can be used together. Dictionary example: This keyboard is c~ with all of our computers.

specific

(adjective) EXACT.exact or containing details Dictionary example: Could you be more s~ about the problem?

hot

(adjective) EXCITING.(informal) exciting or interesting Dictionary example: Hollywood's h~est new actress.

electric

(adjective) EXCITING.full of excitement and emotion Dictionary example: The atmosphere backstage was e~.

intense

(adjective) EXTREME.extreme or very strong. Dictionary example: i~ heat/pain.

sheer

(adjective) EXTREME.used to emphasize how strong a feeling or quality is. Dictionary examples: a look of s~ delight/joy . s~ determination/hard work .

legendary

(adjective) FAMOUS.famous for being excellent. Dictionary examples: the l~ guitarist Jimi Hendrix. He became editor of the l~ Irish journal, "The Bell."

isolated

(adjective) FAR AWAY.a long way from other places. Dictionary example: an i~ village in the mountains.

refreshing

(adjective) FEEL BETTER.making you feel less hot or tired. Dictionary example: a r~ shower/swim.

payable

(adjective) FOR PERSON.If a check is payable to a person, that person's name is written on the check and the money will be paid to them. Dictionary example: Checks should be made p~ to "Express Enterprises."

mutual

(adjective) FRIEND/INTEREST.When two or more people have a mutual friend or interest, they have the same one. Dictionary example: Andrew and Jean were introduced to each other by a m~ *friend*.

outgoing

(adjective) FRIENDLY.Someone who is outgoing is friendly, talks a lot, and enjoys meeting people. Dictionary example: Anne is very o~, but her sister's quite shy.

natural

(adjective) FROM BIRTH.A natural characteristic is something you were born with. Dictionary examples: a n~ talent. She's a n~ athlete/blonde.

dedicated

(adjective) GIVING TIME/ENERGY.believing that something is very important and giving a lot of time and energy to it. Dictionary example: a d~ teacher.

noble

(adjective) GOOD.honest, brave, and kind. Dictionary examples: a n~ gesture. He was a generous, n~ man.

diplomatic

(adjective) GOVERNMENTS.relating to diplomacy or diplomats. Dictionary example: d~ relations.

progressive

(adjective) GRADUAL.developing or happening gradually. Dictionary examples: There's been a p~ decline in the standard of living over the past few years. a p~ disease.

dry

(adjective) HAIR/SKIN.Dry skin or hair does not feel soft or smooth. Dictionary example: My lips feel really d~.

sacred

(adjective) HOLY.relating to a religion or considered to be holy. Dictionary examples: s~ music . a s~ object .

sincere

(adjective) HONEST.honest and saying or showing what you really feel or believe. Dictionary example: He seems to be s~.

prominent

(adjective) IMPORTANT.important or famous. Dictionary example: a p~ figure in history.

dominant

(adjective) IMPORTANT.main or most important. Dictionary example: Unemployment will be a d~ issue at the next election.

priceless

(adjective) IMPORTANT.very important or useful. Dictionary example: A trip around the world is a p~ opportunity.

neutral

(adjective) INDEPENDENT.independent and not supporting any side in an argument, fight, or competition. Dictionary examples: n~ *ground/territory.* He decided to *remain/stay* n~ on the issue.

magnetic

(adjective) INFORMATION.having a thin coat of material that is able to electrically store information. Dictionary example: Your account information is on the m~ strip on the back of your debit card.

keen

(adjective) INTERESTED.very interested or enthusiastic Dictionary examples: The class is for those who show a k~ interest in painting. Theresa isn't too k~ on cats.

mass

(adjective) LARGE NUMBER.having an effect on or involving a large number of people. Dictionary examples: They hope the new movie will appeal to a m~ audience. weapons of m~ destruction. Opposition groups plan to stage m~ demonstrations all over the country.

steep

(adjective) LARGE.A steep increase or fall in something is very big and quick. Dictionary example: There has been a s~ *increase/rise* in prices.

generous

(adjective) LARGE.larger than usual or than expected. Dictionary examples: a g~ discount for students. a g~ portion.

sheer

(adjective) LARGE.used to emphasize the large size or amount of something. Dictionary example: The delays are due to the s~ volume of traffic.

good

(adjective) LARGE.used to emphasize the number, amount, quality, etc., of something. Dictionary example: There was a g~ deal of discussion about how much the car was worth.

cheap

(adjective) LOW QUALITY.low in price and quality. Dictionary example: I bought some c~ wine to cook with.

sexual

(adjective) MALE OR FEMALE.relating to being male or female Dictionary examples: He's always believed in s~ equality. Some steps have been taken toward ending s~ discrimination.

rare

(adjective) MEAT.If meat is rare, it is still red because it has only been cooked for a short time. Dictionary example: a r~ steak.

clinical

(adjective) MEDICAL.relating to medical treatment and tests. Dictionary example: c~ trials/research.

shabby

(adjective) MESSY.looking messy and in bad condition. Dictionary example: s~ clothes/furniture.

graceful

(adjective) MOVEMENT/SHAPE.moving in a smooth, relaxed, and attractive way, or having a smooth, attractive shape. Dictionary examples: g~ movements. a g~l neck.

delicate

(adjective) NEEDING CARE.needing to be handled with great care or skill. Dictionary examples: d~ negotiations. I need to speak to you about a d~ *matter/issue*. It's a d~ *task* requiring both knowledge and skill. Drilling here could upset the d~ balance of the local ecosystem.

lost

(adjective) NEW SITUATION.not knowing what to do in a new situation. Dictionary example: It was his first day in the office and he seemed a bit l~.

bare

(adjective) NO CLOTHES.not covered by clothes. Dictionary example: b~ arms/feet/legs

empty

(adjective) NO MEANING.having no meaning or value. Dictionary example: an e~ *promise/threat*.

adult

(adjective) NOT A CHILD.having finished growing. Dictionary example: the a~ population. an a~ male rat.

clear

(adjective) NOT BLOCKED.not covered or blocked by anything. Dictionary examples: a c~ road. a c~ desk.

dull

(adjective) NOT BRIGHT.not bright. Dictionary examples: d~ colors. d~ weather.

steady

(adjective) NOT CHANGING.not changing. Dictionary example: She drove at a s~ speed.

indirect

(adjective) NOT CONNECTED.not directly caused by or connected with something. Dictionary example: I~ effects of the fighting include disease and food shortages.

bare

(adjective) NOT COVERED.not covered by anything. Dictionary example: Inside, the floors were b~ and there was very little furniture.

primitive

(adjective) NOT DEVELOPED.relating to human society at a very early stage of development, with people living in a simple way without machines or a writing system. Dictionary examples: p~ man. p~ societies.

particular

(adjective) NOT EASILY SATISFIED.(never before noun) choosing things carefully and not easily satisfied, or making sure that things are exactly as you want them to be. Dictionary example: Teenagers are very p~ about the clothes they'll wear.

inadequate

(adjective) NOT ENOUGH.not enough. Dictionary example: i~ funds.

average

(adjective) NOT EXCELLENT.not particularly good. Dictionary example: The meal was pretty a~.

distant

(adjective) NOT FRIENDLY.not friendly. Dictionary example: She seemed cold and d~.

inadequate

(adjective) NOT GOOD.not good enough or too low in quality. Dictionary example: Our equipment is totally i~ for a job like this.

naked

(adjective) NOT HIDDEN. (always before noun)A naked feeling or quality is not hidden, although it is bad. Dictionary examples: n~ power/aggression/ambition. It is a script filled with wit and n~ honesty.

middle

(adjective) NOT HIGH OR LOW.neither high nor low in importance, amount or size. Dictionary examples: m~ managers. m~ *income* families.

low

(adjective) NOT IMPORTANT.not important or powerful. Dictionary examples: l~ rank/status. New furniture is a very l~ *priority* at the moment.

solid

(adjective) NOT LIQUID/GAS.not a liquid or a gas. Dictionary examples: Liquid and s~ waste is collected in the tank. Freeze the mixture for about 3 hours or so until s~.

modest

(adjective) NOT PROUD.If you are modest, you do not talk in a proud way about your skills or successes. Dictionary examples: He's very m~ about his achievements. Although an outstanding scientist, he's a m~ man.

exclusive

(adjective) NOT SHARED.not shared with another person, organization, newspaper, etc. Dictionary example: an e~ interview.

false

(adjective) NOT SINCERE.not sincere or expressing real emotions Dictionary examples: f~ promises. I hate the way he smiles at everyone. It's so f~.

restless

(adjective) NOT STILL.unable to be still or relax because you are bored or nervous. Dictionary example: The audience was getting r~.

dumb

(adjective) NOT TALKING.physically unable to talk. Dictionary example: The child is deaf and d~.

fresh

(adjective) NOT TIRED.having a lot of energy and not feeling tired Dictionary example: We got up the next day feeling f~ and relaxed.

down

(adjective) NOT WORKING.If a computer or machine is down, it is temporarily not working. Dictionary example: The network was d~ all morning.

idle

(adjective) NOT WORKING.not working or not doing anything. Dictionary example: It was break time and both the machines and the workers sat i~.

filthy

(adjective) OFFENSIVE.rude or offensive. Dictionary examples: f~ language/jokes. Smoking is a f~ habit.

forthcoming

(adjective) OFFERED.If money or help is forthcoming, it is offered or given. Dictionary example: He insisted that no more money would be f~.

formal

(adjective) OFFICIAL.public or official. Dictionary example: a f~ *announcement/request.*

mutual

(adjective) OPINION.When two or more people have a mutual feeling, they have the same opinion about each other. Dictionary examples: m~ *admiration/respect*. He doesn't like her, and I suspect *the feeling's* m~.

central

(adjective) ORGANIZATION.(always before noun)controlled or organized in one main place. Dictionary examples: c~ authorities/government. the US c~ bank. c~ control/planning.

bad

(adjective) PAINFUL.(always before noun)If you have a bad arm, leg, heart, etc., there is something wrong with it and it is painful. Dictionary example: I've got a b~ shoulder.

antisocial

(adjective) PERSON.An antisocial person does not like being with other people. Dictionary example: I hope they won't think I'm a~ if I don't go to the party.

chatty

(adjective) PERSON.liking to talk Dictionary example: My sister is very c~.

stable

(adjective) PERSON.mentally calm and not easily upset. Dictionary example: He's not a very s~ person.

magnetic

(adjective) PERSONALITY.having a character that attracts people to you. Dictionary example: He has a m~ personality.

sleepy

(adjective) PLACE.quiet and with little activity. Dictionary example: a s~ little town.

conservative

(adjective) POLITICS.Conservative political ideas emphasize the importance of personal responsibility and preserving traditional cultural and religious values. Dictionary example: Voters in this state are usually more likely to vote for c~ politicians.

liberal

(adjective) POLITICS.Liberal political ideas emphasize the need to make new laws as society changes and the need for government to provide social services. Dictionary examples: a l~ policy/position. They are one of a group of l~ parties in the European Union.

practical

(adjective) POSSIBLE.able to be done successfully Dictionary examples: a p~ solution. The plan is simply not p~.

smooth

(adjective) PROCESS.happening without problems or difficulties. Dictionary example: Her job is to help students make a s~ transition from high school to college.

obligatory

(adjective) REQUIRED.required, usually by a rule or law. Dictionary example: The street was lined with the o~ blue bins used for recyclable trash.

liable

(adjective) RESPONSIBLE.legally responsible. Dictionary example: Corporate officials are l~ for the safety of their employees.

formal

(adjective) SCHOOL.F~ education, training, etc., is learning in an established course in a school. Dictionary example: His f~ education ended at the sixth grade, yet he became a millionaire at the age of thirty.

apparent

(adjective) SEEMS TRUE.(always before noun) seeming to exist or be true. Dictionary example: I was a little surprised by her a~ lack of interest.

gross

(adjective) SERIOUS.very serious or unacceptable. Dictionary example: g~ misconduct.

sensational

(adjective) SHOCKING.done in a way that is intended to shock people. Dictionary example: s~ journalism.

devastating

(adjective) SHOCKING.making someone very shocked and upset. Dictionary example: Despite the d~ news, no one is giving up hope.

close

(adjective) SIMILAR.having only a small difference. Dictionary examples: The election results were so c~ they had to vote again. He came second in the race, but it was very c~. The youngest boys are so c~ in age they look like twins.

genuine

(adjective) SINCERE.If a person is genuine or someone's feelings are genuine, they are sincere and honest. Dictionary example: They showed g~ sympathy for our situation.

stable

(adjective) SITUATION.not likely to change, become worse, or end suddenly. Dictionary examples: Prices have remained fairly s~ in recent years. The doctor said his condition was s~. a s~ relationship.

mild

(adjective) SLIGHT.slight or gentle, not violent, severe or extreme. Dictionary examples: She can't accept even m~ criticism of her work. He has suffered a m~ heart attack - nothing too serious. a mild case of the flu.

gentle

(adjective) SLOPE.A gentle slope or climb is not steep. Dictionary example: It was a fairly g~ climb to the summit.

noble

(adjective) SOCIAL GROUP.belonging to the highest social group of a society. Dictionary example: She was born into an ancient, n~ family.

liberal

(adjective) SOCIETY.accepting beliefs and behavior that are new or different from your own. Dictionary examples: a l~ society/attitude. Her parents were far more l~ than mine.

conservative

(adjective) SOCIETY.not trusting sudden changes or new ideas. Dictionary example: Older people are often more c~.

sparkling

(adjective) SPECIAL.special or exciting. Dictionary examples: a s~ *performance*. s~ *conversation*.

insane

(adjective) STUPID.(informal)very silly or stupid. Dictionary example: an i~ decision.

smart

(adjective) STYLISH.having a clean, tidy and stylish appearance. Dictionary examples: a s~ suit/jacket/uniform. She wore a s~ silk blouse and pinstriped pants. He is quite a s~ dresser.

big

(adjective) SUCCESSFUL

fit

(adjective) SUITABLE.of a good enough quality or suitable type for a particular purpose. Dictionary example: He isn't f~ to be treasurer.

practical

(adjective) SUITABLE.suitable or useful for a situation which may involve some difficulty. Dictionary examples: p~ *clothes/shoes.* Pale carpets just aren't p~ if you have kids.

electrical

(adjective) SUPPLY.relating to the production and supply of electricity. Dictionary examples: e~ engineering. an e~ engineer. e~ power/system/current.

smart

(adjective) TECHNOLOGY.using computers or information stored in electronic form. Dictionary example: a s~ phone.

payable

(adjective) TO BE PAID.describes something to be paid. Dictionary example: Rent is p~ monthly.

harsh

(adjective) TOO STRONG.too strong, bright, loud, etc. Dictionary example: h~ chemicals/lighting.

gross

(adjective) TOTAL.A gross amount of money has not had taxes or other costs taken from it. Dictionary example: g~ earnings/profit.

heroic

(adjective) TRYING HARD.If someone makes a heroic effort to do something, they work very hard to try to do it. Dictionary example: In spite of the team's h~ efforts, they lost the game.

hostile

(adjective) UNFRIENDLY.unfriendly and not liking or agreeing with something. Dictionary example: Some politicians were very h~ to the idea.

low

(adjective) UNHAPPY.unhappy and without energy. Dictionary example: She's feeling pretty l~ because she failed her driver's test.

hard

(adjective) UNPLEASANT.full of problems and difficult to deal with. Dictionary examples: My grandparents had a very h~ life. The past few months must've been really h~ for you.

harsh

(adjective) UNPLEASANT.very cold, dangerous, or unpleasant and difficult to live in. Dictionary example: h~ conditions.

foul

(adjective) UNPLEASANT.very dirty, or with an unpleasant smell. Dictionary example: the f~ odor of rotting fish

imaginative

(adjective) UNUSUAL.new or clever and often unusual. Dictionary example: an i~ use of color.

profitable

(adjective) USEFUL.useful or likely to give you an advantage. Dictionary examples: a p~ discussion. I made p~ use of my time, mixing with a lot of different people and practicing my Spanish.

keen

(adjective) VERY GOOD.very good or well developed. Dictionary examples: a k~ sense of smell. a k~ eye for detail.

bloody

(adjective) VIOLENT.violent and involving a lot of blood and injuries. Dictionary example: a bloody war.

active

(adjective) VOLCANO. An active volcano could throw out hot gas, melting rock, thick dust, etc., at any time. Dictionary example: Kilauea in Hawaii is one of the world's most a~ volcanoes.

protective

(adjective) WANTING TO PROTECT.wanting to protect someone from criticism, hurt, danger, etc. because you like them. Dictionary examples: It's easy to be too p~ *towards/of* your children. She's fiercely p~ *of* the man she married 29 years ago.

gray

(adjective) WEATHER.cloudy and not bright Dictionary example: a cold, g~ morning.

dry

(adjective) WINE.Dry wine is not sweet. Dictionary example: I'd like a glass of d~ white wine.

rocky

(adjective) WITH ROCKS.with lots of rocks. Dictionary example: a r~ beach.

safe

(adjective) WITHOUT RISK.not involving much risk. Dictionary examples: Salmon is a s~ choice - most people like it. He told us this a s~ investment.

insecure

(adjective) WORRIED.having no confidence in yourself and what you can do. Dictionary example: a shy, i~ teenager.

chatty

(adjective) WRITING.A piece of writing that is chatty has a friendly and informal style. Dictionary example: a c~ letter/style.

rewarding

(adjective) making you feel satisfied that you have done something well or done something helpful. Dictionary examples: a r~ experience. Teaching is hard work but it's very r~.

juvenile

(adjective)(always before noun) by, for, or relating to young people. Dictionary example: j~ crime.

heavenly

(adjective)(informal) very good. Dictionary examples: a h~ day. The food at the party was h~.

affordable

(adjective)*cheap* enough for most people to be able to buy. Dictionary example: We need more a~ housing in this area.

gifted

(adjective)A gifted person has a natural ability or is extremely intelligent. Dictionary examples: a gifted athlete a school for g~ children.

hospitable

(adjective)A hospitable person or place is friendly, pleasant, and welcomes visitors. Dictionary example: We always find them very h~.

disadvantaged

(adjective)Disadvantaged people are poor and do not have many opportunities. Dictionary example: economically d~ children.

down-to-earth

(adjective)Down-to-earth people or ideas are practical and work well. Dictionary example: I like your d~-to-earth approach to problem-solving.

fatty

(adjective)Fatty foods contain a lot of fat. Dictionary example: Try to cut down on eating f~ foods.

deserted

(adjective)If a place is deserted, it has no people in it. Dictionary example: a d~ street.

furnished

(adjective)If a room or building is furnished, there is furniture in it. Dictionary example: He's renting a fully f~ apartment by the river.

extinct

(adjective)If a type of animal is extinct, it does not now exist. Dictionary example: These creatures could soon be e~.

hysterical

(adjective)If someone is hysterical, they cannot control their feelings or behavior because they are extremely frightened, angry, excited, etc. Dictionary examples: Calm down, you're getting h~. She broke into h~ laughter.

naive

(adjective)If someone is naive, they believe things too easily and do not have enough experience of the world. Dictionary example: I was much younger then, and very n~.

authentic

(adjective)If something is a~, it is real, true, or what people say it is. Dictionary example: a~ Italian food .

addictive

(adjective)If something is a~, it makes you want more of it. Dictionary examples: Some prescription pain-killers are a~. Video games can be a~. Tobacco/heroin is highly a~ .

gripping

(adjective)If something is gripping, it is so interesting that it holds your attention completely. Dictionary example: a g~ing story.

monotonous

(adjective)If something is monotonous, it is boring because it stays the same. Dictionary examples: a m~ *voice*. m~ *work*.

never-ending

(adjective)If something is never-ending, it continues for ever. Dictionary example: The housework in this place is just n~-ending.

simultaneous

(adjective)If two or more things are simultaneous, they happen or exist at the same time. Dictionary example: s~s translation.

eligible

(adjective)If you are eligible to do something, you can do it because you are in the right situation. Dictionary examples: Only people over 18 are e~ to vote. You might be e~ for a grant for your studies.

mistaken

(adjective)If you are mistaken, or you have a mistaken belief, you are wrong about something. Dictionary example: If you think you can behave like that, you are m~.

overdrawn

(adjective)If you are overdrawn, you have taken more money out of your bank account than you had in it. Dictionary example: Your account is o~.

industrialized

(adjective)Industrialized countries have a lot of industry. Dictionary example: the i~ nations.

inefficient

(adjective)Inefficient people or things waste time, money or effort, and do not achieve as much as they should. Dictionary example: an i~ heating system.

nutritious

(adjective)Nutritious food contains substances that your body needs to stay healthy. Dictionary example: a n~ meal.

overworked

(adjective)Someone who is overworked has to work too much. Dictionary example: We're o~ *and underpaid.*

shameful

(adjective)Something shameful is bad and should make you feel embarrassed and guilty. Dictionary example: s~ scenes.

distinctive

(adjective)Something that is distinctive is easy to recognize because it is different from other things. Dictionary example: a d~ style of writing.

pointless

(adjective)Something that is pointless has no purpose. Dictionary examples: p~ *arguments/conflict.* a p~ *exercise.* It would be pointless to argue with him.

portable

(adjective)able to be carried. Dictionary example: a p~ computer.

competent

(adjective)able to do something well. Dictionary examples: a c~ teacher/swimmer. I wouldn't say he was particularly special, but he is c~ at his job.

persuasive

(adjective)able to make people agree to do something. Dictionary example: It's a very p~ argument.

convincing

(adjective)able to make you believe that something is true or right. Dictionary examples: a c~ argument/explanation. I didn't find the ending of the movie very c~.

accepted

(adjective)agreed with or approved of by most people. SYN:*acknowledged.* Dictionary example: *generally / widely / universally a~* an a~ spelling.

conscientious

(adjective)always doing your work with a lot of care. Dictionary example: a c~ student.

frustrated

(adjective)annoyed because things are not happening in the way that you want, or in the way that they should. Dictionary examples: I'm very f~ed at/with my lack of progress. Fans are f~ed by their lack of success this season.

minimal

(adjective)as small or as little as possible. Dictionary example: Damage to the building was m~.

moderate

(adjective)average in size or amount and not too much. Dictionary examples: a m~ income. The company was of m~ size, with about 50 employees. Eating a m~ *amount* of fat is healthy.

relative

(adjective)being judged or measured in comparison with something else. Dictionary examples: the r~ prosperity of the West. We weighed up the r~ advantages of driving there or going by train.

alleged

(adjective)believed to be true, but not proved. SYN:*declared*. Dictionary example: a~ *offence/crime/incident*. an a~ attack.

idealistic

(adjective)believing that it is possible to achieve very good things, even when others do not think this is likely. Dictionary example: When I was young and i~, I believed it was possible to change the world.

middle-class

(adjective)belonging to or relating to the working class. Dictionary example: M~-class families can't afford these prices.

courageous

(adjective)brave. Dictionary example: a c~ decision.

alarming

(adjective)causing worry or fear. Dictionary examples: alarming news. Family owned farms have been disappearing *at an a~ rate.* an a~ increase in violent crime.

inevitable

(adjective)certain to happen and unable to be avoided or prevented. Dictionary example: The accident was the i~ *consequence/result/outcome* of carelessness.

comparative

(adjective)comparing similar things. Dictionary example: a c~ study of two poems.

exhaustive

(adjective)complete and including everything. Dictionary example: an e~ account of the incident.

cosmopolitan

(adjective)consisting of people and things from many different countries. Dictionary example: London is a very c~ city.

informative

(adjective)containing a lot of useful facts. Dictionary example: a very i~ lecture

overcrowded

(adjective)containing too many people or things. Dictionary example: an o~ *classroom/prison*.

lengthy

(adjective)continuing for a long time. Dictionary examples: a l~ discussion/process. Many airline passengers face l~ delays because of the strike.

restricted

(adjective)controlled or limited. Dictionary example: Many events are free, so families on r~ budgets can participate.

long-time

(adjective)describes someone who has been in a particular position for a long period. Dictionary example: A l~-time friend of the chairman said she had expected the resignation.

handheld

(adjective)describes something that is designed to be held and used easily with one or two hands. Dictionary example: a h~ *camera/computer/device*

abnormal

(adjective)different from what is normal or usual, in a way which is strange or dangerous. Dictionary examples: a~ *behavior/conditions.* We had an a~ *amount* of snow.

corrupt

(adjective)dishonest or illegal. Dictionary example: a c~ government.

amateur

(adjective)doing something as a hobby and not as your job. Dictionary example: an a~ photographer.

preliminary

(adjective)done or happening in order to prepare for the main event or activity. Dictionary example: a p~ discussion/meeting.

repetitive

(adjective)done or said in the same way several times, with nothing new added. Dictionary example: a r~ job.

grumpy

(adjective)easily annoyed and often complaining. Dictionary example: a g~ old man .

noticeable

(adjective)easy to see or be aware of. Dictionary example: There was a n~ *difference* in his behavior after the injury.

pleasurable

(adjective)enjoyable. Dictionary example: a p~ experience.

ample

(adjective)enough, or more than enough. Dictionary example: a~ *time / evidence / opportunity.* She's had a~ *time* to get the work done.

equivalent

(adjective)equal in amount, value, importance, or meaning. Dictionary example: The UK's Brit Awards are roughly e~ *to* the Oscars.

analytical(analytic)

(adjective)examining the details of something carefully, in order to understand or explain it. Dictionary examples: a~ *method / techniques / approach / skills*. She has got an a~ *mind*.

disastrous

(adjective)extremely bad. Dictionary examples: d~ consequences. a d~ week.

hectic

(adjective)extremely busy and full of activity. Dictionary example: a h~ day/week.

obese

(adjective)extremely fat. Dictionary example: Currently, 15% of the population are classified as o~.

hilarious

(adjective)extremely funny. Dictionary example: They all thought the movie was h~.

fabulous

(adjective)extremely good. Dictionary examples: They've got a f~ house. We had an absolutely f~ vacation.

immense

(adjective)extremely large. Dictionary examples: This computer can store an i~ *amount of* data. The marble columns outside the palace are i~. i~ poser/wealth/talent.

distressed

(adjective)extremely upset or worried. Dictionary example: They were very d~ed to learn of her death.

invaluable

(adjective)extremely useful. Dictionary example: Her contacts proved i~ to the company.

justified

(adjective)fair or having a good reason. Dictionary examples: j~ed criticism. He's perfectly j~ed in asking for a salary increase.

just

(adjective)fair or morally right Dictionary example: a j~ society.

notorious

(adjective)famous for something bad. Dictionary examples: a n~ criminal . She was n~ for her bad temper.

prejudiced

(adjective)feeling dislike for a group of people or treating them unfairly because they are a different race, sex, religion, etc. Dictionary example: Are the police p~ against black people?

disgusted

(adjective)feeling extreme dislike or disapproval of something. Dictionary example: I'm totally d~ with your behavior.

problematic

(adjective)full of problems or difficulties. Dictionary example: He has a very p~ relationship with his father.

humorous

(adjective)funny, or making you laugh. Dictionary example: a h~ book .

continual

(adjective)happening again and again over a long period of time or happening without stopping. Dictionary example: I can't work with these c~ interruptions.

opening

(adjective)happening at the beginning of an event or activity. Dictionary examples: her o~ remarks. the o~ night.

day-to-day

(adjective)happening every day as a regular part of your job or your life. Dictionary example: the usual d~-to-d~ problems.

influential

(adjective)having a lot of influence. Dictionary example: an i~ figure in modern jazz .

affluent (af-"to"+fluent)

(adjective)having a lot of money. SYN:*rich.wealthy.* Dictionary examples: a~ *suburbs/neighborhoods/families.* It's an a~ residential suburb just north of the city.

genetically modified

(adjective)having had some of the genes changed by a scientific process. Dictionary example: They are opposed to g~ modified food.

masculine

(adjective)having qualities that are typical of men. Dictionary example: a m~ appearance/voice .

dual

(adjective)having two parts, or having two of something. Dictionary examples: d~ nationality. She's got a bit of a d~ personality.

scenic

(adjective)having views of the attractive, natural things in the countryside. Dictionary examples: a s~ route. an area of great s~ beauty.

constructive

(adjective)helpful or useful. Dictionary example: c~ advice/criticism.

notable

(adjective)important or interesting. Dictionary example: With one n~ exception, everyone replied to my letter.

chaotic

(adjective)in a state of chaos. Dictionary example: a c~ situation.

comprehensive

(adjective)including everything. Dictionary example: a c~ study of the subject.

soaring

(adjective)increasing very quickly. Dictionary example: s~ property prices.

selective

(adjective)intentionally choosing some things or people and not others Dictionary examples: As a teacher she was very s~, accepting only a small number of highly talented pupils. He seemed to have a very s~ recall of past events.

self-centered

(adjective)interested only in yourself. Dictionary example: Angela is a good kid but at times she can be s~-centered.

retail

(adjective)involving or related to the sale of products to customers for their own use. Dictionary examples: R~ sales are rising. r~ stores/outlets.

knowledgeable

(adjective)knowing a lot. Dictionary example: He's very k~ about art.

reputable

(adjective)known to be good and honest. Dictionary example: a r~ organization.

spacious

(adjective)large and with a lot of space. Dictionary example: a s~ apartment/office.

horizontal

(adjective)level and flat, or parallel to the ground or to the bottom of a page. Dictionary example: a h~ line/stripe .

promising

(adjective)likely to be very good or successful in the future. Dictionary examples: a p~ student. a p~ start to the game.

frustrating

(adjective)making you feel annoyed or discouraged. Dictionary examples: a f~ situation. It's f~ to see money going to waste like that.

reassuring

(adjective)making you feel less worried. Dictionary example: a r~ smile/voice .

numerous

(adjective)many. Dictionary examples: We have discussed these plans on n~ occasions. Shops of this type, once rare, are now n~.

excessive

(adjective)more than is necessary or wanted. Dictionary example: They accused the police of using e~ force.

excess

(adjective)more than is usual or allowed. Dictionary example: We had to pay $50 for e~ baggage.

downward

(adjective)moving toward a lower position. Dictionary examples: a downward trend The country's economy is on a d~ spiral.

integral

(adjective)necessary and important as part of something. Dictionary example: The Internet has become an i~ part of modern life.

self-conscious

(adjective)nervous or uncomfortably aware of yourself and what people think about you or your actions. Dictionary example: He looked uncomfortable, like a s~-conscious adolescent who's gone to the wrong party.

customary

(adjective)normal or expected for a particular person, situation, or society. Dictionary example: It is c~ for the chairman to make the opening speech.

helpless

(adjective)not able to defend yourself or do things without help. Dictionary example: a h~ animal/child.

inconsiderate

(adjective)not caring about other people's situations or the way they feel. Dictionary example: It was i~ of you to keep everyone waiting.

insufficient

(adjective)not enough. Dictionary examples: i~ information. Her income is i~ to support a family.

nonexistent

(adjective)not existing. Dictionary example: Crime is virtually n~ around here.

inferior

(adjective)not good, or not as good as someone or something else. Dictionary examples: I've never felt i~ to anyone. They're selling i~ products at inflated prices.

occasional

(adjective)not happening or done often or regularly. Dictionary examples: o~ snowstorms. His job requires o~ trips to the West Coast.

deprived

(adjective)not having enough food, money, or other things that you need to have a normal life. Dictionary example: He took pictures in d~ areas of the city.

insignificant

(adjective)not important or large enough to consider or worry about. Dictionary example: i~ differences.

insensitive

(adjective)not noticing or not caring about other people's feelings. Dictionary examples: an i~ remark He was completely i~ to Maria's feelings.

imperfect

(adjective)not perfect and with some mistakes. Dictionary example: an i~ solution.

imaginary

(adjective)not real but imagined in your mind. Dictionary example: The story takes place in an i~ world.

fake

(adjective)not real, but made to look or seem real. Dictionary examples: f~ fur. a f~ passport.

impersonal

(adjective)not showing any interest or feeling. Dictionary example: He sent me a cold and i~ letter.

inedible

(adjective)not suitable for eating. Dictionary example: The meat was i~.

inappropriate

(adjective)not suitable. Dictionary examples: i~ behavior/comments. His casual clothes were i~ for such a formal occasion.

obsolete

(adjective)not used now. Dictionary examples: o~ *equipment*. Will books become o~ because of computers?

reluctant

(adjective)not wanting to do something. Dictionary example: Many victims of crime are r~ to go to the police.

narrow-minded

(adjective)not willing to accept new ideas or opinions different from your own. Dictionary example: I found some of my classmates to be n~-minded.

changeable

(adjective)often changing, or likely to change. Dictionary example: The weather was very c~ last summer.

stale

(adjective)old and not fresh. Dictionary examples: s~ bread. Cake *goes* s~ quickly if it's not covered.

sole

(adjective)only or not shared with anyone else. Dictionary examples: My s~ purpose is to make the information more widely available. The s~ survivor of the accident was found in the water after six hours. She has s~ responsibility for the project.

mundane

(adjective)ordinary, or not interesting. Dictionary example: a m~ task/life.

acclaimed

(adjective)praised by a lot of people. Dictionary example: *highly / widely / universally a~* the a~ singer and songwriter.

fruitful

(adjective)producing good or useful results. Dictionary example: We had a very f~ discussion.

honored

(adjective)proud and pleased because you have been given respect or asked to do something special. Dictionary examples: I am h~ to accept your invitation. We would be h~ if you would join us for the day.

alert

(adjective)quick to notice and react to things around you. Dictionary examples: A young dog should be a~ and playful. Teachers need to be a~ *to* sudden changes in students' behavior.

scarce

(adjective)rare or not available in large amounts. Dictionary example: s~ resources .

rebellious

(adjective)refusing to obey rules because you do not like authority Dictionary example: a r~ teenager.

municipal

(adjective)relating or belonging to the government of a town or city. Dictionary examples: m~ officials/employees a m~ election.

corporate

(adjective)relating to a large company or group. Dictionary example: c~ finance.

ethnic

(adjective)relating to a large group of people who have the same national, racial, or cultural origins. Dictionary examples: an ethnic neighborhood She loves e~ foods, especially Greek and Ethiopian.

holy

(adjective)relating to a religion or a god. Dictionary example: the h~ city of Jerusalem .

respective

(adjective)relating to each of the people or things that you have just talked about. Dictionary example: Barkley and Jordan are the two best players on their r~ teams.

genetic

(adjective)relating to genes . Dictionary examples: a rare g~ disorder . g~ research .

linguistic

(adjective)relating to language or the study of language. Dictionary example: I'm particularly interested in the l~ development of young children.

executive

(adjective)relating to making decisions and managing businesses. Dictionary example: an e~ director.

statistical

(adjective)relating to statistics. Dictionary example: There is no s~ evidence to support his claims.

federal

(adjective)relating to the central government of some countries. Dictionary examples: the f~ government. F~ law regulates trade with other countries.

nutritional

(adjective)relating to the food that you eat and the way it affects your health. Dictionary example: These snacks have very little n~ *value*.

civil

(adjective)relating to the ordinary people or things in a country and not to military or religious organizations. Dictionary example: They married in a c~ ceremony.

administrative

(adjective)relating to the organization and management of something. Dictionary example: *a~ staff / duties / job*. The work is largely a~.

postal

(adjective)relating to the system of sending letters and packages. Dictionary example: the p~ *service/system* .

prestigious

(adjective)respected and admired, usually because of being important. Dictionary example: a p~ award.

edible

(adjective)safe to eat and not harmful. Dictionary example: e~ berries.

confidential

(adjective)secret, especially in an official situation. Dictionary example: These documents are strictly c~.

drastic

(adjective)severe and sudden or having very noticeable effects. Dictionary example: d~ *measures*.

rational

(adjective)showing clear thought and reason. Dictionary examples: He was too upset to be r~. a r~ *argument/debate/explanation.*

considerate

(adjective)showing concern for other people and their feelings. Dictionary example: He is always a kind and c~ host.

feminine

(adjective)showing qualities that people generally think are typical of women. Dictionary examples: a f~ voice. f~ beauty.

respectful

(adjective)showing respect for someone or something. Dictionary example: They treated us in a very r~ manner.

biased

(adjective)showing unfair support for or opposition to someone or something because of your personal opinions. Dictionary example: The newspapers gave a b~ed report of the meeting.

comparable

(adjective)similar in size, amount, or quality to something else. Dictionary examples: Our prices are c~ to those in other stores. The two experiences are not c~.

slippery

(adjective)smooth and wet and difficult to hold or walk on. Dictionary example: Be careful - the floor's s~.

prosperous

(adjective)successful, usually by earning a lot of money. Dictionary example: He is a p~ car dealer.

left-wing

(adjective)supporting economic equality and government-funded social services. Dictionary example: He is interested in l~-wing politics.

prolonged

(adjective)to make something last longer. Dictionary example: Eating a good diet can p~ your life.

bulky

(adjective)too big and taking up too much space. Dictionary example: b~ equipment.

bankrupt

(adjective)unable to continue in business because you cannot pay your debts. Dictionary example: He went b~ after only a year in business.

speechless

(adjective)unable to speak because you are so angry, shocked, surprised, etc. Dictionary example: I couldn't believe what he was telling me - I was s~.

chilly

(adjective)unpleasantly cold. Dictionary example: a c~ evening.

innovative

(adjective)using new methods or ideas. Dictionary example: The new owners introduced a number of i~ solutions.

bilingual

(adjective)using or able to speak two languages. Dictionary examples: a b~ dictionary. She's b~.

state-of-the-art

(adjective)using the newest ideas, designs, and materials. Dictionary example: It is a computer system that uses state-of-the-art t~.

luxurious

(adjective)very comfortable and expensive. Dictionary examples: They have a very l~ house. l~ fabrics.

splendid

(adjective)very good or very beautiful, special, etc. Dictionary examples: a s~ idea. a s~ view.

grand

(adjective)very large and special. Dictionary examples: a g~ hotel . the G~ Canal .

countless

(adjective)very many. Dictionary example: The song has been played c~ times on the radio.

cutting-edge

(adjective)very modern and with all the newest developments. Dictionary example: c~ting-edge design/technology.

devastated

(adjective)very shocked and upset. Dictionary examples: She was d~ when her husband died. They were d~ by the terrible news.

staggering

(adjective)very shocking and surprising. Dictionary example: He earns a s~ing amount of money.

overwhelming

(adjective)very strong in effect or large in amount. Dictionary examples: She felt an o~ *urge/desire/need* to tell someone about what had happened. An o~ *majority* voted in favor of the proposal. I felt an o~ sense of relief when the semester was over.

brutal

(adjective)very violent or cruel. Dictionary example: a b~ *murder*.

open-minded

(adjective)willing to consider ideas and opinions that are new or different from your own. Dictionary example: Luckily, both my parents were very o~-minded.

multiple

(adjective)with several things or parts. Dictionary examples: m~ *injuries*. We made m~ copies of the report.

homeless

(adjective)without a place to live. Dictionary example: 10,000 people were made h~ by the floods.

politically

(adv)in a way that is connected with politics. Dictionary examples: P~, she is very experienced. a p~ active group.

presently

(adverb)(formal) now Dictionary example: He's p~ living with his parents.

alongside

(adverb), (preposition)NEXT TO.next to someone or something. Dictionary example: A car pulled up a~ ours.

alongside

(adverb), (preposition)WITH.together with someone Dictionary example: She enjoyed working a~ such famous actors.

notwithstanding

(adverb), (preposition)despite. Dictionary example: Injuries n~, he won the semi-final match.

aboard

(adverb), (preposition)on or onto a plane, ship, bus, or train. Dictionary example: Once everyone was a~ the plane, the doors were closed and the crew prepared for takeoff.

precisely

(adverb)AGREEMENT. used to agree with what someone else says. Dictionary example: "It's not the shape I dislike, it's the color." - "P~!"

high

(adverb)AMOUNT/LEVEL.at or to a large amount or level. Dictionary example: Temperatures rose as h~ as 105 degrees in the summer.

modestly

(adverb)BY SMALL AMOUNT. by a small size or amount. Dictionary example: At just £9, the DVD is very m~ priced.

closely

(adverb)CAREFULLY.carefully and paying attention to details. Dictionary examples: Pollution levels are c~ monitored. If you look c~, you can see where he painted over his signature.

anyhow

(adverb)CHANGING STATEMENT.used when you want to slightly change something that you have just said. Dictionary example: Boys aren't horrible - not all of them a~!

face the music

to accept punishment or criticism for something bad that you have done. Dictionary example: If she doesn't have a good reason for being late, she'll just have to f~ the music.

otherwise

(adverb)DIFFERENTLY。differently than what has been stated. Dictionary examples: I'll meet you there at 6 o'clock, unless I hear o~. Under the law, a person is presumed innocent until proved o~. Marion Morrison, o~ known as the film star John Wayne, was born in 1907. Parts of the company will be sold or o~ dismantled.

incredibly

(adverb)DIFFICULT TO BELIEVE.in a way that is difficult to believe. Dictionary example: I~, no one was hurt.

off

(adverb)DISTANCE/TIME.far in distance or time. Dictionary examples: You can see the city o~ in the distance. My vacation seems a long way o~. The wedding is so far o~, I'm not even thinking about it yet.

sincerely

(adverb)EMPHASIS.in a sincere way. Dictionary example: I s~ hope this never happens again.

specifically

(adverb)EXACTLY.exactly or in detail. Dictionary examples: I s~ told them that she doesn't eat meat. The law s~ prohibits acts of this kind.

publicly

(adverb)If something is done publicly, it is done so that everyone can know about it. Dictionary example: The company p~ apologized and agreed to contribute some money to charity.

naturally

(adverb)LIFE.happening or existing as part of nature and not made or done by people. Dictionary examples: A healthy body will be able to fight off the illness n~ without the use of medicine. He has n~ blonde hair.

easily

(adverb)LIKELY.used to emphasize that something is likely. Dictionary example: A comment like that could e~ be misunderstood.

happily

(adverb)LUCKY.having a good or lucky result. Dictionary example: H~, the operation was a complete success.

immediately

(adverb)NEXT TO.next to something, or close to something in time Dictionary examples: Milton Street is on the left, i~ after the bank. They moved in i~ before classes began. We heard a loud crash from the room i~ above us.

little

(adverb)NOT ENOUGH.not much or not enough. Dictionary examples: a l~-known fact. L~ did he know what was in store for him.

lightly

(adverb)NOT MUCH. not much. Dictionary example: l~ cooked vegetables.

formally

(adverb)OFFICIALLY.officially. Dictionary example: The deal will be f~ announced on Tuesday.

specifically

(adverb)PARTICULAR PURPOSE.for a particular reason, purpose, etc. Dictionary examples: They're designed s~ for children. She bought it s~ to wear at the wedding.

beyond

(adverb)PLACE.at or past the far side of something. Dictionary example: From the top of the hill we could see our house and the woods b~.

formally

(adverb)POLITELY.in a polite way. Dictionary example: They shook hands f~.

forward

(adverb)PROGRESS.used to say that something is making progress. Dictionary examples: The project moved f~ slowly. This is a big step f~ for democracy.

equally

(adverb)SAME AMOUNTS.into amounts or parts that are the same size. Dictionary example: She shared the money e~ between the four children.

equally

(adverb)SAME DEGREE.to the same degree or level Dictionary examples: an e~ important question. She did e~ well in the competition last year.

realistically

(adverb)SEEM REAL.in a way that shows things and people as they really are, or that makes them seem real. Dictionary example: The characters are portrayed very r~.

behind

(adverb)SLOWER

between

(adverb)SPACE.in the space that separates two people, places, or things. Dictionary example: The wood is in neat piles with newspaper placed in b~.

away

(adverb)SPORTS. If a sports team is playing away, the game is at the place where the other team usually plays. Dictionary example: They were playing a~.

between

(adverb)TIME.in the period of time that separates two events or times. Dictionary example: There's a train at 6:15 and one at 10:30 but nothing in b~.

closely

(adverb)VERY NEAR

highly

(adverb)VERY.very or to a large degree. Dictionary examples: a h~ effective treatment. We are h~ unlikely to meet anyone here.

continually(Word family: Nouns: continuity Verbs: continue Adjectives: continual, continuous Adverbs: continually, continuously)

(adverb)again and again or without stopping. Dictionary examples: Dad continually complains about money. House prices have been rising continually for the last five years.

seemingly

(adverb)appearing to be something without really being that thing. Dictionary example: a s~ harmless comment.

poorly

(adverb)badly. Dictionary example: p~ educated.

comprehensively

(adverb)completely. Dictionary example: Sources are c~ listed at the back of the book.

nonetheless

(adverb)despite what has just been said. Dictionary example: He was extremely rude in meetings. N~, his arguments found some support.

notably

(adverb)especially or most importantly. Dictionary example: They have begun attracting investors, most n~ big Japanese financial houses.

sharp

(adverb)exactly at the stated time. Dictionary example: The performance will begin at 7:30 s~.

magnificently

(adverb)extremely well. Dictionary example: I thought she coped m~.

exceptionally

(adverb)extremely. Dictionary example: an e~ gifted student

immensely

(adverb)extremely. Dictionary examples: Country music is i~ *popular*. i~ talented/powerful/successful .

hence

(adverb)for this reason. Dictionary examples: He has an interview today, h~ the suit. Drivers have been shown to adapt their behavior according to perceived risk. H~, if they are wearing seat belts, they tend to take more risks with their driving.

officially

(adverb)formally and in a way agreed to or arranged by people in positions of authority. Dictionary examples: The new store was o~ opened yesterday. The name of the new director will be o~ announced in June.

neatly

(adverb)in a clean and organized way. Dictionary examples: n~ dressed. a n~ folded pile of clothes.

dishonestly

(adverb)in a dishonest way. Dictionary example: She acted d~.

drastically

(adverb)in a drastic way. Dictionary example: The number of bees has d~ declined due to a combination of factors.

be bad/good news for sb

to affect someone badly/well. Dictionary example: This weather is bad n~s for farmers.

broadly

(adverb)in a general way and not including everything or everyone. Dictionary examples: The plans have been b~ accepted. B~ speaking, there are five artistic categories within the Western tradition.

randomly

(adverb)in a random way. Dictionary example: The books were r~ arranged on the shelves.

reluctantly

(adverb)in a reluctant way Dictionary example: She r~ agreed to step down as managing director.

satisfactorily

(adverb)in a satisfactory way. Dictionary example: I'm sure these problems can be s~ resolved.

sensibly

(adverb)in a sensible way. Dictionary examples: She behaved very s~ about it. They very s~ decided to stay at home.

jointly

(adverb)in a shared way Dictionary example: Construction of the new high school will be j~ funded by the city and the state.

similarly

(adverb)in a similar way. Dictionary examples: The children were s~ dressed. Cars must stop at red traffic lights; s~, bicycles should stop too.

inevitably

(adverb)in a way that cannot be avoided. Dictionary example: Their arguments i~ end in tears.

historically

(adverb)in a way that is connected to history. Dictionary examples: The film makes no attempt to be h~ accurate. H~, there have always been close links between France and Scotland.

racially

(adverb)in a way that is connected to someone's race. Dictionary example: r~ motivated attacks.

mysteriously

(adverb)in a way that is mysterious。 Dictionary examples: "Perhaps, and perhaps not," she said m～. M～, the light came on, although no one was near the switch.

indirectly

(adverb)in a way that is not direct. Dictionary example: She still controls the company i~, through her son.

rudely

(adverb)in a way that is not polite. Dictionary example: He pushed past us r~.

inappropriately

(adverb)in a way that is not suitable. Dictionary example: The meeting was i~ handled and an argument broke out.

noticeably

(adverb)in a way that is noticeable. Dictionary examples: He was n~ reluctant to meet her. The new results were n~ better than the last ones.

objectively

(adverb)in a way that is only influenced by facts and not by feelings. Dictionary example: This test assesses all candidates o~.

remarkably

(adverb)in a way that makes you feel surprised. Dictionary example: She has r~ good skin for her age.

respectively

(adverb)in a way that relates to each of the people or things that you have just talked about. Dictionary example: They scored 10 and 17 points, r~.

radically

(adverb)in a way that shows radical change or beliefs. Dictionary examples: The company has changed r~ in recent years. Barker introduced some r~ new ideas.

informally

(adverb)in an informal way. Dictionary example: It's an outdoor party, so dress i~.

intensively

(adverb)in way that involves a lot of work in a short period of time. Dictionary example: I spent three weeks working i~ on my thesis.

internally

(adverb)inside a person, object, organization, place or country. Dictionary example: This medicine is for external use only and should not be taken i~.

repeatedly

(adverb)many times. Dictionary examples: He phoned the office r~, hoping his package had been found. He has r~ denied being there. Educators have r~ stressed the benefits of learning a second language.

partially

(adverb)not completely. Dictionary example: p~ cooked.

commonly

(adverb)often or usually. Dictionary example: These caterpillars are c~ found on bean plants.

hourly

(adverb)once every hour. Dictionary example: The train runs h~ on weekends.

direct sth against/at/toward, etc. sb/sth

to aim something at someone or something. Dictionary example: His criticism was d~ed at everybody who disagreed with him.

solely

(adverb)only and not involving anyone or anything else. Dictionary examples: I bought it s~ for that purpose. It seems he's not s~ to blame for the accident. The product's success cannot be explained s~ by the popularity of the ads.

barely

(adverb)only just. Dictionary examples: They have b~ enough to pay the rent this month. She was b~ fifteen when she won her first championship.

purely

(adverb)only. Dictionary example: She married him p~ *for* his money.

exclusively

(adverb)only. Dictionary example: an e~ female audience.

likely

(adverb)probably. Dictionary example: I'll most l~ get there at about ten o'clock.

individually

(adverb)separately rather than with others. Dictionary examples: I spoke to them all i~. The candies are i~ wrapped.

somewhat

(adverb)slightly. Dictionary examples: The resort has changed s~ over the last few years. She's s~ more confident than she used to be. We were s~ tired after our long walk.

downward

(adverb)toward a lower place or level. Dictionary example: The road slopes d~ to the river.

interestingly

(adverb)used to introduce information that you think is surprising and interesting. Dictionary example: I~, he never actually said that he was innocent.

be/come close to doing sth

to almost achieve or do something. Dictionary example: We are c~ to reaching an agreement.

call a meeting

to arrange for a meeting to happen. Dictionary example: The chairman has c~ed an emergency meeting.

incidentally

(adverb)used to introduce something additional that is not as important or to introduce something new. Dictionary example: I~, she was a very popular mayor.

namely

(adverb)used when you are going to give more detail about something you have just said. Dictionary example: She learned an important lesson from failing that exam, n~ that nothing is ever certain.

openly

(adverb)without hiding any of your thoughts or feelings. Dictionary examples: They were o~ dismissive of my suggestions. He talks quite o~ about his feelings. We discussed our reservations about the contract quite o~.

place an advertisement/order, etc.

to arrange to have an advertisement/order, etc. Dictionary example: She p~ed an ad for a housekeeper in the local paper.

call on sb to do sth

to ask someone in a formal way to do something. Dictionary example: He c~ed on the rebels to stop fighting.

some

(determiner)NOT USING NAME.used to refer to a particular person or thing without stating exactly which one. Dictionary examples: S~ lucky person will win more than $1,000,000! S~ jerk locked the door. There must be s~ way you can relieve the pain.

much

(determiner,pronoun) A LOT OF.Much of the evidence was unreliable. M~ work remains to be done.

in accordance with sth

(formal)in the way described by a rule, law, or wish. Dictionary example: Both companies have insisted that they were acting in a~ with the law. *in a~ with legal requirements*

as yet

(formal)until and including this time. Dictionary examples: I haven't heard a~ yet if their flight has arrived. No ambulances had a~ yet managed to get across the river.

dependent on/upon sth

(influenced) by or decided by something. Dictionary example: The amount of tax you pay is d~ on your income.

dozens

(informal) a lot. Dictionary example: She's got d~s of friends.

be lost without sb/sth

(informal) to be unable to live or work without someone or something. Dictionary example: She's l~ without her computer.

mess around

(informal) to waste time playing and doing things with no particular purpose. Dictionary examples: I was just m~ing around on the computer. Stop m~ing around and do your homework!

the same old story/thing/people, etc.

(informal)something or someone you have seen or heard or experienced many times before. Dictionary examples: You see the s~ old people at all of these events. You get tired of eating the s~ old thing for breakfast every day.

be on the ball

(informal)to be quick to understand and react to things. Dictionary example: She's over ninety, but she's still on the b~.

stick up for sb/sth

(informal)to support someone or something when they are being criticized. Dictionary example: I feel I have to s~ up for him.

the dawn of sth

(literary) the time when something began. Dictionary example: the d~ of civilization.

geology

(noun)

gerund

(noun) A gerund is a noun made from the form of a verb that ends with -ing, for example "fishing" in "John loves fishing." Dictionary example: We learned about g~s today.

rectangle

(noun) a shape with four 90° angles and four sides, with opposite sides of equal length and two sides longer than the other two. Dictionary example: The garden is in the shape of a r~.

soy

(noun) a substance made from beans and used to make many foods Dictionary example: This milk is made from s~.

butt

(noun) the part of your body that you sit on. Dictionary example: The baby is learning to walk and keeps falling on her b~.

hunt

(noun) (C usually no plural)a search for something or someone Dictionary examples: After a long h~t we finally found a house we liked. The h~t for the injured climber continued throughout the night.

gift

(noun) ABILITY.a natural ability or skill. Dictionary example: She has a g~ for design.

flair

(noun) ABILITY.a natural ability to do something well. Dictionary example: She has a f~ for languages.

initiative

(noun) ABILITY.the ability to make decisions and do things without needing to be told what to do. Dictionary examples: We need someone who can work on their own i~. I shouldn't always have to tell you what to do - use your i~. She showed a lot of i~.

sketch

(noun) ACTING.a short piece of acting about a funny situation. Dictionary example: They wrote most of their s~es themselves.

move

(noun) ACTION.an action taken to achieve something. Dictionary examples: It was a good career m~. Buying that property was a smart m~. The latest policies are clearly a m~ toward democracy.

gesture

(noun) ACTION.something you do to show people how you feel about a person or situation. Dictionary example: It would be a nice g~ to invite her to dinner.

campaign

(noun) ACTIVITIES.a series of organized activities or events intended to achieve a result. Dictionary example: an *advertising/election* c~.

extra

(noun) ACTOR.an actor in a who does not have a speaking part and usually plays someone in a crowd. Dictionary example: A friend of mine is an e~ on that movie.

privilege

(noun) ADVANTAGE. an advantage that only one person or group has, usually because of their position or because they are rich Dictionary example: She was born into a life of p~.

policy

(noun) AGREEMENT.an agreement that you have with an insurance company. Dictionary example: Does your p~ cover replacement costs?

settlement

(noun) AGREEMENT.an official agreement that finishes an argument. Dictionary example: a peace s~.

condition

(noun) AGREEMENT.something that must happen or be agreed before something else can happen.. Dictionary example: One of the c~s of the contract is that we can't keep pets.

renewal

(noun) AGREEMENT.when you renew an agreement, contract, etc. Dictionary example: Their licence is up for r~.

idea

(noun) AIM.the aim or purpose of something. Dictionary example: The i~ is to give the students a chance to voice their opinions.

humanity

(noun) ALL PEOPLE.all people Dictionary example: The massacre was a crime against h~.

spectrum

(noun) ALL POSSIBILITIES.all the different ideas, opinions, possibilities, etc. that exist. Dictionary example: He has support from across the whole political s~.

figure

(noun) AMOUNT.a number that expresses an amount, especially in official documents. Dictionary example: The latest f~s show a rise in unemployment.

savings

(noun) AMOUNT.an amount of money you save because you were able to spend less. Dictionary examples: You can renew your membership now for only $40, a s~s of 20%. a $10 s~s.

scope

(noun) AMOUNT.how much a subject or situation relates to Dictionary example: Do we know the full s~ of the problem yet?

deduction

(noun) AMOUNT.when an amount or a part of something is taken away from a total, or the amount that is taken. Dictionary example: tax d~s.

horn

(noun) ANIMAL.one of the two hard, pointed growths on the heads of cows, goats, and some other animals. Dictionary example: These cows have curved h~s.

complaint

(noun) ANNOYING THING.something that makes you complain. Dictionary example: My only c~ was the lack of refreshments.

organization

(noun) ARRANGEMENT.the way that parts of something are arranged. Dictionary example: I'm trying to improve the o~ of my computer files.

cinema

(noun) ART. the art or business of making movies. Dictionary example: an article about French c~.

bid

(noun) ATTEMPT.an attempt to get or achieve something. Dictionary examples: He was defeated in his b~ for governor. New York's b~ to host the Olympics was not successful.

consciousness

(noun) AWARE.when someone knows about something. Dictionary example: There's a growing c~ about environmental issues among young people.

corruption

(noun) BAD BEHAVIOR.dishonest or immoral behavior, usually by people in positions of power. Dictionary example: He was arrested for c~ and bribery.

disorder

(noun) BAD BEHAVIOR.uncontrolled, bad behavior, especially by large groups of people. Dictionary examples: crime and d~. *public/civil* d~.

shame

(noun) BAD FEELING.when you feel embarrassed and guilty about something bad that you have done Dictionary examples: He said he felt no s~ for what he had done. The children hung their heads in s~. You can't go dressed like that - have you no s~ ? In some societies, if a woman leaves her husband, it brings s~ on her and her family.

deposit

(noun) BANK.an amount of money that you put into a bank account. Dictionary example: to make a d~.

birth

(noun) BEGINNING.(literary)the beginning of something. Dictionary example: the b~ of modern science.

basis

(noun) BEGINNING.a situation, fact, or idea from which something begins to develop Dictionary example: Dari's essay can serve as a b~ for our discussion.

king

(noun) BEST PERSON.the best or most important person in a particular activity. Dictionary example: He's the new k~ of pop music.

star

(noun) BEST.someone or something that is better than all the others in a group. Dictionary examples: He is one of our s~ players. She was the s~ of the English class.

jam

(noun) BLOCK.something that is stuck in a machine or that prevents the parts of a machine from moving. Dictionary example: The photocopier isn't working because of a paper j~.

organ

(noun) BODY.a part of an animal or plant that has a special purpose. Dictionary examples: *internal/vital* o~s. an o~ *donor/transplant*.

bump

(noun) BODY.a raised area on your body where it has been hurt by hitting something hard. Dictionary example: I got a b~ on my head when I hit it getting into the car.

length

(noun) BOOK, ETC.the amount of writing in a book or document. Dictionary examples: He's written books of various l~s on the subject. All of your essays will be about the same l~.

reconstruction

(noun) BUILD AGAIN.when you build something again after it has been damaged or destroyed. Dictionary example: The r~ of the city took decades.

landmark

(noun) BUILDING.a building or other structure that is considered especially important. Dictionary examples: a l~ skyscraper. The tower has been designated a national historic l~.

complex

(noun) BUILDINGS.a group of buildings or rooms that are used for a particular purpose. Dictionary example: a sports/housing/apartment c~.

enterprise

(noun) BUSINESS.a business or organization. Dictionary examples: private e~. The road is bordered by shopping centers, restaurants, retail outlets, and other commercial e~ises.

crash

(noun) BUSINESS.when the value of a country's businesses suddenly falls by a large amount. Dictionary example: He lost a lot of money in the stock market c~ of 1929.

empire

(noun) BUSINESSES.a large group of businesses that is controlled by one person or company. Dictionary example: a publishing e~.

market

(noun) BUYING GROUP.all the people who want to buy a particular product, or the area where they live. Dictionary examples: Is there *a* m~ *for* second-hand jewelry? Spain is our largest m~. They've increased their *share of the* m~ by 10% over the past year.

pastry

(noun) CAKE.a small cake that is made with pastry. Dictionary example: We had coffee and p~.

projection

(noun) CALCULATION.a calculation or guess about the future based on information that you have. Dictionary example: government p~s of population growth.

control

(noun) CALM.the ability to be calm. Dictionary example: It took a lot of c~ to stop myself hitting him.

caution

(noun) CARE.great care and attention not to take risks or get into danger. Dictionary examples: Travelers have been advised to exercise great c~ when passing through the region. I would treat anything he says with extreme c~.

shift

(noun) CHANGE.a change in something. Dictionary example: There has been a dramatic s~ in public opinion on this matter.

outlet

(noun) CHEAP STORE.a store at which a company sells its products at lower prices than usual. Dictionary examples: a factory o~. an o~ store.

draft

(noun) COLD AIR.a current of cold air in a room. Dictionary example: I felt a cold d~ every time the door opened.

coolness

(noun) COLD.the quality of being cold. Dictionary example: the c~ of the breeze.

secretary

(noun) COMMITTEE.the member of a committee who keeps records of meetings and deals with correspondence. Dictionary example: I'm s~ of the tennis club this year.

jury

(noun) COMPETITION.a group of people who decide the winner of a competition. Dictionary example: The j~ chose an unexpected winner for the literary prize.

command

(noun) COMPUTER.an instruction to a computer. Dictionary example: It's worth learning the shortcuts for some of these c~s.

language

(noun) COMPUTERS.a system of instructions that is used to write computer programs. Dictionary example: I'm not familiar with that programming l~.

direction

(noun) CONTROL.control or instructions. Dictionary example: Under his d~, the company has doubled its profits.

regulation

(noun) CONTROL.when a process or activity is controlled. Dictionary example: government r~ of interest rates.

reproduction

(noun) COPY.a copy of something, especially a painting. Dictionary example: The picture is a r~ of a Manet.

empire

(noun) COUNTRIES.a group of countries that is ruled by one person or government. Dictionary example: the British E~.

power

(noun) COUNTRY. a country that has a lot of influence over others. Dictionary example: a major world p~.

state

(noun) COUNTRY.a country or its government. Dictionary examples: The drought is worst in the central African s~s. Britain is one of the member s~s of the European Union. The government was determined to reduce the number of s~-owned industries.

origin

(noun) COUNTRY/RACE, ETC. the country, race, or social class of a person's family. Dictionary examples: He is *of* North African o~. What is your *country of* o~? The president's family was *of* humble o~s.

charge

(noun) CRIME.a formal police statement saying that someone is accused of a crime. Dictionary examples: The 19-year-old will be appearing in court on Thursday where she will face criminal c~s. He has been arrested on a c~ of murder. The district attorney brought c~s against him.

convention

(noun) CUSTOM.a usual and accepted way of behaving or doing something. Dictionary example: In many countries it is the c~ to wear black at funerals.

fall

(noun) DEFEAT.when a city, government, leader, etc. loses power or control. Dictionary example: the f~ of the Roman Empire.

overview

(noun) DESCRIPTION.a short description giving the most important facts about something. Dictionary example: I'll just give you an o~ of the job.

planning

(noun) DEVELOPMENT.the development of policies and plans for an area, including how the land is used for buildings, roads, transportation, etc. Dictionary example: urban/city p~.

obstacle

(noun) DIFFICULTY

complication

(noun) DIFFICULTY.something which makes a situation more difficult. Dictionary example: We want to sign the contract, but there are several c~s.

angle

(noun) DIRECTION.the direction from which you look at something. Dictionary example: This is the same building photographed *from* different a~s.

opposition

(noun) DISAGREEMENT.strong disagreement. Dictionary examples: The proposal faces strong o~. During the tow council meeting, several members of the public spoke out in o~ to the plan.

germ

(noun) DISEASE.a very small living thing that causes disease. Dictionary example: Wash your hands before cooking so that you don't spread g~s.

drop

(noun) DISTANCE.(no plural) a vertical distance down from somewhere to the ground. Dictionary example: It's a d~ of about 50 feet from the top of the cliff.

design

(noun) DRAWING.a drawing which shows how an object, machine, or building will be made. Dictionary example: Engineers are working on the new d~s.

spirit

(noun) DRINK.a strong alcoholic drink, such as whisky or vodka. Dictionary example: I don't often drink s~s.

sensitivity

(noun) EASILY UPSET.the quality of being easily upset by things that people say or do. Dictionary example: I should have warned you about her s~ to criticism.

implication

(noun) EFFECT.a result or effect that seems likely in the future. Dictionary examples: What are the i~s of the new regulations? legal/financial i~s. Closing this school will have major i~s for the neighborhood.

race

(noun) EFFORT.an effort to get something such as power, control or success. Dictionary examples: It was a r~ against time to get the project finished by Friday's deadline. the r~ for governor.

outlet

(noun) ELECTRICAL CONNECTION. a place a plug fits in to connect a piece of electrical equipment to the electricity supply. Dictionary example: an electrical o~.

promotion

(noun) ENCOURAGE.when you encourage something to happen or develop. Dictionary example: the p~ of a healthy lifestyle.

push

(noun) ENCOURAGEMENT.encouragement to make someone do something. Dictionary example: I'm sure he'll go, he just needs a little p~ that's all.

drive

(noun) ENERGY.energy and determination to achieve things. Dictionary example: She has d~ and ambition.

clutch

(noun) ENGINE.the part of a car or truck that you press with your foot when you change gear. Dictionary example: I put my foot on the c~.

installation

(noun) EQUIPMENT. the process of putting new equipment into position. Dictionary example: Do you have to pay extra for i~?

aid

(noun) EQUIPMENT.a piece of equipment that helps you to do something Dictionary examples: teaching a~s such as books and videos. A good dictionary can be a useful a~ to understanding a new language.

function

(noun) EVENT.a large, formal party or ceremony. Dictionary example: a charity f~.

occurrence

(noun) EVENT.an event or something that happens . Dictionary example: a common/rare o~.

instance

(noun) EXAMPLE.an example of a particular type of event, situation, or behavior. Dictionary example: There have been several i~s of violence in the school.

indication

(noun) EXIST.a sign showing that something exists or is likely to be true. Dictionary example: The jury gave no i~ of their decision as they came back into the courtroom.

occurrence

(noun) EXISTENCE.the existence or presence of something. Dictionary example: The tests can detect the o~ of certain cancers.

luxury

(noun) EXPENSIVE THING.something expensive which is pleasant to have but is not necessary. Dictionary examples: l~ies, such as champagne and chocolate. I like to buy myself little l~ies from time to time.

breakdown

(noun) FAILURE.a failure to continue to communicate or to continue or develop a relationship. Dictionary example: a b~ in the peace talks.

myth

(noun) FALSE IDEA.an idea that is not true but is believed by many people. Dictionary example: Equal opportunity continues to be a m~ for many.

legend

(noun) FAME.a famous person. Dictionary examples: a living l~. Jazz l~, Ella Fitzgerald, once sang in this hall.

look

(noun) FASHION.(no plural)] a style or fashion. Dictionary example: thenew l~ for the summer

deficiency

(noun) FAULT.a mistake or fault in something so that it is not good enough. Dictionary example: Parents are complaining of serious d~ies in the education system.

component

(noun) FEATURE.one of the parts or characteristics of something or someone. Dictionary example: The course has four distinct c~s.

note

(noun) FEELING.(no plural) a particular feeling or mood Dictionary examples: a *sad/serious/positive* n~. His speech had just the *right* n~ of sympathy.

cover

(noun) FINANCIAL.financial protection so that you get money if something bad happens. Dictionary example: The policy provides $150,000 accidental damage c~.

introduction

(noun) FIRST EXPERIENCE. (no plural) the first time someone experiences something. Dictionary example: It was our first i~ to great poetry.

leader

(noun) FIRST.someone or something that is first or most important. Dictionary examples: Her company is a l~ in the women's clothing industry. He's fallen two laps behind the l~s.

appetite (ap- "to" + petite "go to, seek out")

(noun) FOOD.the feeling that you want to eat. Dictionary examples: a good/healthy a~. All that walking *gave* me quite an a~. If I have a snack now it will *spoil* my a~ and I won't want dinner.

home

(noun) FOR CARE.a place where a group of people who need special care live. Dictionary examples: a nursing h~. My grandmother lives in a h~ now.

stand

(noun) FOR SELLING/SHOWING.a table or small structure from which goods are sold or shown. Dictionary examples: a hot dog s~. Visit our s~ at the trade fair.

cover

(noun) FROM WEATHER/ATTACK.protection from bad weather or an attack. Dictionary example: They took c~ under some trees until the rain stopped.

date

(noun) FRUIT.a sticky brown fruit with a long seed inside. Dictionary example: I bought a box of d~s.图

coal

(noun) FUEL. a hard, black substance that is dug from under the ground and burned as fuel. Dictionary example: a lump of c~.

distraction

(noun) FUN.an activity you can do for fun or entertainment. Dictionary example: He is studying too much and needs some d~s.

outlook

(noun) FUTURE.the likely future situation. Dictionary examples: The economic o~ is good. They were discussing the o~ for on-line retailers.

destiny

(noun) FUTURE.the things that will happen to someone in the future. Dictionary example: At last she feels in control of her own d~.

exhaust

(noun) GAS.the waste gas from a vehicle's engine. Dictionary example: e~ fumes.

escape

(noun) GETTING OUT.when someone succeeds in getting out of a place or a dangerous or bad situation. Dictionary examples: He made his e~ on the back of a motorbike. an e~ route.

bracket

(noun) GROUP.a group of people or things within particular lower and higher limits. Dictionary examples: Most heart attack victims are in the 45 to 65 age b~. Her new job puts her in a higher tax/income b~.

movement

(noun) GROUP.a group of people with the same beliefs who work together to achieve something. Dictionary examples: the women's m~. the environmental m~ .

faculty

(noun) GROUP.the group of teaching staff of a college or university or of a department of a college or university Dictionary examples: He was part of the computer engineering f~ before becoming dean of the Graduate School. Columbia University f~ members. The state university promotes academic diversity among the f~ies of the five colleges.

aid

(noun) HELP.help or support. Dictionary examples: She went to the a~ of a man trapped in his car. He applied for *financial a~* for college.

convenience

(noun) HELPFUL THING.something that makes life easier. Dictionary example: Fortunately, the house has every modern c~.

occupation

(noun) HOBBY.(formal) something that you do in your free time. Dictionary example: He has a few o~s, such as gardening and woodwork.

amateur

(noun) HOBBY.someone who does something as a hobby and not as their job. ANT:*professional*. Dictionary example: This tennis tournament is open to both a~s and professionals.

slot

(noun) HOLE.a long, narrow hole that you put something into, especially money. Dictionary example: Put the coin in the s~.

safety

(noun) HOW SAFE.how safe something is. Dictionary example: S~ at the factory has been improved.

iceberg

(noun) ICE.a very large piece of ice in the coldest waters of the ocean. Dictionary example: The ship hit an i~.

principle

(noun) IDEA.a basic idea or rule that explains or controls how something happens or works. Dictionary examples: the p~s *of* law/ leadership/good government Our science teachers created hands-on laboratories in which students can discover scientific p~s. The organization works *on the* p~ *that* all members have the same rights.

dismissal

(noun) IDEA.when someone refuses to consider an idea or opinion. Dictionary example: I was angered by his d~ of my worries.

disorder

(noun) ILLNESS.an illness or medical condition. Dictionary example: a *mental/physical* d~.

definition

(noun) IMAGE.how clear an image of something is in a photograph or on a screen. Dictionary examples: They filmed using a high-d~ camera. There will be some loss of d~ when you copy the video.

projection

(noun) IMAGE.when a movie or an image is projected onto a screen or wall. Dictionary example: the p~ of moving images.

giant

(noun) IMAGINARY MAN.an imaginary man who is much bigger and stronger than ordinary men. Dictionary example: The story is about a friendly g~.

gain

(noun) INCREASE.an increase in something such as size, weight, or amount. Dictionary example: Side effects of the medication may include tiredness, headaches or weight g~.

explosion

(noun) INCREASE.when something increases suddenly by a large amount. Dictionary example: the recent *population* e~.

material

(noun) INFORMATION.the facts or ideas in a piece of writing. Dictionary example: I'm collecting m~l for an article that I'm writing.

brain

(noun) INTELLIGENCE

character

(noun) INTERESTING PERSON.an interesting or funny person whose behavior is different from most people's. Dictionary example: Your grandmother is a real c~.

disturbance

(noun) INTERRUPTION.something that interrupts what you are doing, especially something loud or annoying. Dictionary example: I don't want any d~s this morning.

capacity

(noun) JOB.a position or job. Dictionary example: She attended over 100 events last year in her c~ as mayor.

office

(noun) JOB.an important job in a government or other organization Dictionary examples: the o~ of executive vice president County judge is an elective o~. Some people think he has been in o~ for too long.

leadership

(noun) JOB.the job of being in control of a group, country, or situation. Dictionary example: The group flourished under her firm l~.

dismissal

(noun) JOB.when an employer officially makes someone leave their job. Dictionary examples: a letter of d~. She accused her employers of unfair d~.

ladder

(noun) JOBS.a series of increasingly important jobs or stages in a particular type of work or process. Dictionary examples: a first step on the employment l~. He moved rapidly up the corporate l~.

sensitivity

(noun) KIND.the ability to understand how other people are feeling and to be helpful and kind to them. Dictionary example: The police showed great s~ in their handling of the case.

overview

(noun) KNOWLEDGE.knowledge of the general features of something. Dictionary example: Having spent some time there, she had a good o~ of the market.

scholar

(noun) KNOWLEDGEABLE PERSON.someone who has studied a subject and knows a lot about it. Dictionary examples: a classics/history s~. Dr Miles was a distinguished s~ of Russian history.

context

(noun) LANGUAGE.other words that were said or written at the same time as the word or words you are talking about. Dictionary examples: In this exercise, a word is blanked out and you have to guess what it is by looking at the c~. Taken out of c~, her remark sounded like an insult.

constitution

(noun) LAWS.the set of laws and principles that a country's government must obey. Dictionary example: the US C~.

ruler

(noun) LEADER.the leader of a country. Dictionary example: He was the r~ of the country for over 20 years.

action

(noun) LEGAL PROCESS.a process in a law court when a person claims to have been harmed. Dictionary example: They are considering *taking legal a~* against the company.

moral

(noun) LESSON.a lesson that can be learned from a story or event Dictionary example: The m~ of the story is never lie.

boundary

(noun) LIMIT.a limit. Dictionary example: Your work is limited only by the b~ies of your imagination.

restriction

(noun) LIMIT.a situation or event that limits what people can do. Dictionary example: For the first time, I could do exactly what I wanted, without any r~s.

boundary

(noun) LINE.a line that divides two areas or forms an edge around an area. Dictionary example: The mountains mark the b~ between the two countries.

pressure

(noun) LIQUID/GAS. the force that a liquid or gas produces when it presses against an area. Dictionary example: water/air p~.

component

(noun) MACHINE.one of the parts of a machine or piece of equipment. Dictionary example: Our company makes c~s for aircraft engines.

journal

(noun) MAGAZINE.a magazine containing articles about a particular subject. Dictionary examples: a medical j~. an online music j~.

corruption

(noun) MAKE DISHONEST.when you cause someone or something to become dishonest or immoral. Dictionary example: the c~ of innocent young children.

ounce

(noun) MEASUREMENT.a unit for measuring weight, equal to 1/16 pound or 28.35 grams. Dictionary example: Add four o~s of butter.

side effect

(noun) MEDICINE.another effect that a drug has on your body in addition to the main effect for which the doctor has given you the drug Dictionary example: Headaches are one s~ effect of this drug.

convention

(noun) MEETING.a large formal meeting of people who do a particular job or have a similar interest, or a large meeting for a political party. Dictionary examples: the national Democratic convention Where are they holding their party c~?

agenda

(noun) MEETING.a list of subjects that people will discuss at a meeting. Dictionary example: There are several items *on* the a~.

brass

(noun) METAL.a shiny yellow metal. Dictionary example: a door with a b~ handle.

formula

(noun) METHOD.a plan or method that is used to achieve something. Dictionary example: There's no magic f~ for success.

defense

(noun) MILITARY.the weapons and military forces that a country uses to protect itself against attack Dictionary examples: Spending on d~ / D~ spending is increasing. the d~ industry.

scar

(noun) MIND.damage done to a person's mind by a very unpleasant event or situation. Dictionary example: a psychological s~.

pastry

(noun) MIXTURE.a mixture of flour, fat, and water that is cooked, usually used to cover or contain other food Dictionary example: I made some p~ for the pie.

interest

(noun) MONEY CHARGED.money which is charged by a bank or other financial organization for borrowing money. Dictionary example: I~ charges on credit cards are can be very high.

interest

(noun) MONEY EARNED.money that you earn from keeping your money in an account in a bank or other financial organization. Dictionary example: You should put the money in a savings account where it will earn i~.

fund

(noun) MONEY.an amount of money collected, saved, or provided for a purpose. Dictionary example: a pension f~.

allowance

(noun) MONEY.money that you are given regularly. Dictionary examples: a *clothing/living/travel* a~. We give each of our kids an a~ of five dollars a week.

loss

(noun) MONEY.when a business spends more money than it earns. Dictionary example: The company's l~es over the last few years have been staggering.

gesture

(noun) MOVEMENT.a movement you make with your hand, arm, or head to express what you are thinking or feeling. Dictionary example: He made a rude g~ to the crowd.

grace

(noun) MOVEMENT.the quality of moving in a smooth, relaxed, and attractive way. Dictionary example: She moved with g~ and elegance.

sequence

(noun) MOVIE.a part of a movie or video game that shows one thing that happens Dictionary example: I particularly enjoyed the dream s~.

closeness

(noun) NEAR.the state of being close in distance, time, or position. Dictionary example: We bought the house because of its c~ to my office.

necessity

(noun) NEED.the need for something. Dictionary examples: There's no financial n~ for her to work. Sewing is something I do out of n~, not for pleasure.

initiative

(noun) NEW ACTION.a plan or activity that is done to solve a problem or improve a situation. Dictionary examples: a new government initiative to reduce crime The peace i~ was welcomed by both sides.

arrival

(noun) NEW PERSON/THING. a new thing or person that has arrived. Dictionary example: Two teachers were there to greet the new a~s.

distraction

(noun) NO ATTENTION.something that makes you stop giving your attention to something else. Dictionary example: The phone calls were a constant d~.

amateur

(noun) NO SKILL.someone who is not good at what they do. Dictionary example: I won't be giving them any more work - they're a bunch of a~s.

critic

(noun) NOT APPROVE.someone who says that they do not approve of someone or something. Dictionary example: an outspoken c~ of the government

spirit

(noun) NOT BODY. the part of a person which is not their body, which some people believe continues to exist after they die. Dictionary example: I believe my s~ will live on after I die.

innocence

(noun) NOT GUILTY.when someone is not guilty of a crime. Dictionary examples: She pleaded her i~, but no one believed her. She fought to prove her son's i~.

blindness

(noun) NOT SEEING.the state of being blind. Dictionary example: In its later stages the disease causes blindness.

fiction

(noun) NOT TRUE.something that is not true or real. Dictionary examples: Nobody knows whether his statement is fact or f~. Everything she had said turned out to be a complete f~.

conservation

(noun) NOT WASTE.when you are careful not to waste energy, water, etc. Dictionary example: Our top priority is c~ of water.

note

(noun) NOTICE.to notice or pay careful attention to something. Dictionary examples: Please n~ that we will be closed on Saturday. Make sure you take n~ of what she says.

grab sb's attention

to attract someone's attention. Dictionary example: The advertisement is designed to g~ people's attention.

realization

(noun) NOTICING.(no plural) when you notice or understand something that you did not notice or understand before. Dictionary example: There is a growing r~ that education has benefits at many levels.

attendance

(noun) NUMBER.the number of people who go to an event, meeting, etc. Dictionary example: *high / low / falling / poor a~* There was an a~ of 42 at the meeting. We have an average a~ of 4000 fans per game.

column

(noun) NUMBERS/WORDS.any block of numbers or words written one under the other. Dictionary examples: the left-hand/right-hand c~. Choose an adjective from C~ A to use with a noun in Column B. Put your expenditure in c~ B.

bid

(noun) OFFER.an offer to do a job for a particular amount of money when you are competing with other people to do it. Dictionary example: We put in a b~ for the stadium contract.

inspection

(noun) OFFICIAL.an official look to check that something is correct, legal, or in good condition. Dictionary example: Fire officers carried out an i~ of the building.

authority

(noun) OFFICIAL.someone with official power to control a particular type of activity. Dictionary example: *local/health/school* a~s

privilege

(noun) OPPORTUNITY.an opportunity to do something special or enjoyable. Dictionary example: I had the p~ of meeting the Queen.

board

(noun) ORGANIZATION.a group of people who officially control a company or organization, or a particular type of business activity. Dictionary examples: She is on the b~s of several large companies. a community/school b~. the tourist b~.

agency

(noun) ORGANIZATION.an international or government organization. Dictionary examples: the Environmental Protection A~. government/federal/local/international a~ies.

operation

(noun) ORGANIZATION.an organization or business. Dictionary example: a large commercial o~.

foundation

(noun) ORGANIZATION.an organization that gives money for a particular purpose. Dictionary example: the Mental Health F~.

administration (Word family: Nouns: administration, administrator Adjectives: administrative)

(noun) ORGANIZING.the work of organizing and arranging the operation of something, such as a company. Dictionary example: The job involves a lot of a~. the day-to-day a~ of a company.

mechanism

(noun) PART OF EQUIPMENT.a part of a piece of equipment that does a particular job. Dictionary example: The clock's winding m~ was broken.

proportion

(noun) PART OF TOTAL.a part of a total number or amount. Dictionary examples: Children make up a large p~ *of* the world's population. The class consists of men and women in roughly *equal* p~s.

portion

(noun) PART.a part or share of something larger. Dictionary examples: A large/major p~ of the company's profit goes straight back into new projects. I accept my p~ of the blame.

panel

(noun) PEOPLE.a group of people who are chosen to discuss something or make a decision about something. Dictionary example: a p~ of experts.

minority

(noun) PEOPLE.a group of people who share some characteristic that is different from most of the people where they live. Dictionary examples: *ethnic/religious* m~ies. The plan was designed to help women and m~ies overcome discrimination in the workplace.

membership

(noun) PEOPLE.all the members of a group or organization. Dictionary examples: We asked the m~ to vote on the issue. M~ is now over three million and rising.

race

(noun) PEOPLE.one of the groups that people are divided into according to physical characteristics. Dictionary examples: people of many different races Discrimination because of r~ is against the law. An increasing number of people in the country are of mixed r~.

source

(noun) PERSON.someone who gives information to the police, newspapers, etc. Dictionary example: The story came from a s~ within the government.

genius

(noun) PERSON.someone who is extremely intelligent or extremely good at doing something. Dictionary example: Einstein was a g~.

ally

(noun) PERSON.someone who supports you, especially when other people are against you. Dictionary example: He is generally considered to be the Prime Minister's *closest* political a~.

idol

(noun) PERSON.someone who you admire and respect very much. Dictionary examples: Baseball players were his childhood i~s. a teen/pop i~.

erosion

(noun) PHYSICAL DAMAGE.damage to soil, stone, etc. by water or wind. Dictionary example: *soil/coastal* e~.

print

(noun) PICTURE.a copy of a picture made using photography or by pressing paper onto a design covered in ink. Dictionary example: a p~ of Van Gogh's 'Sunflowers'

sketch

(noun) PICTURE.a picture that you draw quickly and with few details. Dictionary example: He did a quick s~ of the cat.

exhaust

(noun) PIPE. the pipe that waste gas from a vehicle's engine flows through Dictionary example: The car needs a new e~.

move

(noun) PLACE CHANGE.when you change the place where you live or when a business changes the place where it is located. Dictionary example: The office m~ is scheduled for March.

joint

(noun) PLACE.(informal)a cheap restaurant or place where people go for drinks or entertainment. Dictionary examples: a pizza j~. a jazz j~.

landmark

(noun) PLACE.a place or building that you can easily recognize, especially one that helps you to know where you are. Dictionary example: a familiar l~.

launch

(noun) PLAN.the start of a new plan or activity. Dictionary example: The l~ of their new campaign began today with a press conference.

operation

(noun) PLANNED ACTIVITY.an activity that is planned in order to achieve something. Dictionary examples: a military/peacekeeping o~. Following the earthquake, a large-scale rescue o~ was launched. The o~ to fly in supplies will begin as soon as possible.

cereal

(noun) PLANT.a plant that is grown to produce grain for food Dictionary example: c~ crops.

comfort

(noun) PLEASANT THING.something that makes your life easy and pleasant. Dictionary examples: the c~s of home Good chocolate is one of life's little c~s.

power

(noun) POLITICS.political control in a country. Dictionary examples: They have been in p~ too long. When did this government come to p~?

orientation

(noun) POSITION. the position of something in relation to its surroundings. Dictionary examples: The building has an east-west o~. If you feel lost, you can look up to find a familiar tall building and use it for o~.

destiny

(noun) POWER.a power that some people believe controls what will happen in the future Dictionary example: Nick said it was d~ that we met.

glory

(noun) PRAISE.when people praise and respect you for achieving something important. Dictionary example: It was my idea, but she got all the g~.

cause

(noun) PRINCIPLE.a principle or aim that a group of people support or fight for. Dictionary examples: The money will all go to a good c~. The war will not end as long as people believe they are fighting for the right c~.

bronze

(noun) PRIZE.a bronze medal. Dictionary example: He won the b~ in the 200m.

odds

(noun) PROBABILITY.the probability that a particular thing will or will not happen. Dictionary examples: She was sick yesterday, so the odds are she won't be in today. What are the odds *on* him being reelected? The odds *are stacked against* a woman succeeding in this business.

replacement

(noun) PROCESS.the process of replacing something with something else. Dictionary examples: the r~ of existing computer equipment. r~ windows.

import

(noun) PRODUCT.a product that is imported from another country. Dictionary examples: food/oil i~s. I~s of foreign cars are at an all-time high.

line

(noun) PRODUCT.a type of product that a company sells. Dictionary examples: Our new sportswear l~ will be in stores shortly. They're advertising a new l~ of garden furniture.

launch

(noun) PRODUCT.the introduction of a new product or service, or an event to celebrate this. Dictionary example: Frank went to the l~ for the company's new LCD TVs.

developer

(noun) PRODUCTS.someone whose job is to create new products, especially computer products such as software. Dictionary example: We mostly use d~s based in India.

assurance

(noun) PROMISE.a promise. Dictionary example: He gave us his a~ that it would not happen again.

demonstration

(noun) PROOF.proof that something exists or is true. Dictionary example: This disaster is a clear d~ of the need for tighter controls.

profile

(noun) PUBLIC IMAGE.the amount of public attention that someone or something receives. Dictionary examples: The firm has a *high* p~ due to the recent media coverage. The advertising campaign aims to *raise* the p~ of the company.

garden

(noun) PUBLIC PLACE. public places where flowers, trees, and other plants are grown for people to enjoy Dictionary examples: the New York Botanical G~. The Denver Botanic G~s is one of the best gardens in the U.S.

glory

(noun) QUALITY.the quality of being very impressive or beautiful. Dictionary example: The castle has been restored to its former g~.

leadership

(noun) QUALITY.the set of characteristics that make a good leader. Dictionary examples: What the company lacks is l~. He lacks l~ qualities/skills.

enterprise

(noun) QUALITY.when someone is enthusiastic and willing to do something new and clever, although there are risks involved Dictionary example: They showed a great deal of e～ise in setting up this project.

level

(noun) RANK.a position within a system in which people are arranged according to their importance. Dictionary example: These are subjects for discussion at management l~.

motivation

(noun) REASON.the need or reason for doing something. Dictionary example: One m~ for reducing the staff was the need to cut costs.

basis

(noun) REASON.the reason for something. Dictionary example: There is no scientific b~ for these claims.

cut

(noun) REDUCTION.a reduction in the number or amount of something. Dictionary example: tax/job c~s.

attendance

(noun) REGULARLY.when you go somewhere such as a church, school, etc. regularly. Dictionary example: His a~ at school is very poor.

closeness

(noun) RELATIONSHIP.the quality of knowing someone very well and liking them a lot. Dictionary example: A special c~ is said to exist between twins.

observation

(noun) REMARK.a remark about something that you have noticed. Dictionary example: He made an interesting o~.

deposit

(noun) RENT.an amount of money that you put into a bank account. Dictionary example: to make a d~.

coverage

(noun) REPORT.the way a newspaper, television program, etc. reports an event or subject Dictionary example: There is live c~ of the game on cable TV.

liability

(noun) RESPONSIBILITY.when you are legally responsible for something. Dictionary example: They have admitted l~ for the damage caused.

price

(noun) RESULT.(no plural) the unpleasant results that you must accept or experience for getting or doing something. Dictionary example: Suspension from the club was a *high/small* p~ *to pay* for his mistake.

course

(noun) ROUTE.the route that a car, ship, aircraft, etc., is following or the route a river flows along. Dictionary example: During the storm, the boat was blown off c~.

limitation

(noun) RULE.control or rules that limit the size or extent of something. Dictionary examples: You can't write everything you want because of space l~s. They favor anything that involves l~ of government control.

code

(noun) RULES.a set of rules on how to behave or how to do things. Dictionary examples: a c~ of conduct. The club has a strict dress code.

security

(noun) SAFE SITUATION.when something is not likely to fail or be lost Dictionary examples: If it's a choice between higher pay and *job* s~, I'd prefer to keep my job. I'm on a temporary contract and have little financial s~.

discipline

(noun) SELF CONTROL.when you can control your own behavior carefully. Dictionary example: I don't have enough d~ to save money.

isolation

(noun) SEPARATE.the state of being separate from other people, places, or things. Dictionary example: the country's economic i~ from the rest of the world

distribution

(noun) SHARING.the way something is divided and shared in a group or area. Dictionary example: the d~ of wealth.

fleet

(noun) SHIPS.a group of ships, or all of the ships in a country's navy. Dictionary example: The entire naval f~ was used for the operation.

fair

(noun) SHOW.a show in a large place where people who work in a particular industry or have a particular interest or hobby meet to sell products, share information, give demonstrations, etc. Dictionary example: a book/antiques/toy f~.

demonstration

(noun) SHOWING.showing how to do something, or how something works. Dictionary examples: Let me give you a d~ of how the camera works. a cooking d~.

discomfort

(noun) SITUATION.a physically uncomfortable situation. Dictionary example: They traveled in great d~.

recovery

(noun) SITUATION.when a system or situation returns to the way it was before something bad happened. Dictionary examples: economic r~. The housing industry has made a remarkable r~.

interference

(noun) SITUATION.when someone tries to interfere in a situation. Dictionary example: There have been claims of too much political i~ in education.

norm

(noun) SOCIETY.an accepted way of behaving in a particular society. Dictionary example: cultural/social n~s.

installation

(noun) SOFTWARE.the process of putting a computer program onto a computer. Dictionary example: the i~ of new software.

risk

(noun) SOMETHING BAD.something bad that might happen. Dictionary example: There are more health r~s when older women get pregnant.

necessity

(noun) SOMETHING NEEDED.something you need. Dictionary example: Most people seem to consider a car a n~, not a luxury.

gain

(noun) SOMETHING OBTAINED.when you get something useful or positive. Dictionary examples: financial/personal g~. There are huge g~s in terms of the number of lives saved.

blank

(noun) SPACE

angle

(noun) SPACE.the space between two lines or surfaces at the point at which they touch each other, measured in degrees. Dictionary examples: an a~ of 90 degrees. The interior a~s of a square are *right a~s*.

crawl

(noun) SPEED.a very slow speed. Dictionary example: Traffic slowed to a c~.

rate

(noun) SPEED.the speed at which something happens. Dictionary examples: the patient's heart r~. Our r~ of progress is too slow. The disease was spreading at an alarming r~.

foundation

(noun) START.when an organization, state, or country is established. Dictionary example: the f~ of a new state.

formula

(noun) STATEMENT.a set of letters, numbers, or symbols that express a data set, a mathematical fact, or a chemical composition. Dictionary example: a mathematical f~.

claim

(noun) STATEMENT.a statement that something is true or is a fact, although other people might not believe it. Dictionary examples: She rejected c~s that she had lied. Can you give any evidence to support your c~? He made wild c~s about being able to cure cancer.

avenue

(noun) STREET.a street, often a wide one, in a city or town. Dictionary example: Michigan A~ in Chicago is famous for its elegant stores.

power

(noun) STRENGTH.strength or force. Dictionary example: economic/military p~.

qualification

(noun) SUCCESS. success in getting into a competition. Dictionary example: Mexico's q~ for the World Cup.

aid

(noun) SUPPLIES.money, food, or equipment that is given to help a country or group of people. Dictionary examples: Emergency a~ was sent to the flood victims. *foreign* a~. a~ workers.

distribution

(noun) SUPPLYING.when something is supplied or given out to people or places. Dictionary example: the sale and d~ of electronic equipment

bump

(noun) SURFACE.a round, raised area on a surface. Dictionary example: I fell off my bike when I hit a b~ riding down the hill.

crawl

(noun) SWIMMING.a style of swimming in which you move your arms over your head and kick with straight legs. Dictionary example: front/back c~.

mark

(noun) SYMBOL.a symbol that is used for giving information. Dictionary examples: I've put a m~ on the map where I think we should go for a picnic. What do those m~s in the middle of the road mean?

bracket

(noun) SYMBOL.either of two symbols like two halves of a square, put around a word, phrase or sentence in a piece of writing to show that what is between them should be considered as separate from the main part. Dictionary example: Biographical information is included in b~s.

mechanism

(noun) SYSTEM.a system for achieving something, or the way that a system works. Dictionary example: We need a m~ for resolving this sort of dispute.

obstacle

(noun) THING

discovery

(noun) THING/PERSON.something or someone that is discovered. Dictionary example: I've made a great d~!

slot

(noun) TIME.a period of time that you allow for something in a plan. Dictionary example: The TV program is being moved to a later s~.

instrument

(noun) TOOL.a tool that is used for doing something. Dictionary example: scientific i~s.

contact

(noun) TOUCH

car

(noun) TRAIN.one of the separate parts of a train where the passengers sit. Dictionary examples: a dining/café/sleeping c~. freight/passenger c~.

palm

(noun) TREE.(also palm tree) a tall tree with long leaves at the top that grows in hot countries. Dictionary example: They sat beneath a p~ tree.

crossing

(noun) TRIP BY WATER

liability

(noun) TROUBLE.(no plural) someone or something that is likely to cause you a lot of trouble. Dictionary example: Wherever we go she upsets someone - she's a real l~.

language

(noun) TYPE OF WORDS.words of a particular type, especially the words used by people in a particular job. Dictionary examples: legal l~. the l~ of business.

nature

(noun) TYPE.(no plural)formal type. Dictionary examples: What exactly is the n~ of your business? I don't like hunting and things of that n~.

distress

(noun) UPSET.the feeling of being extremely upset or worried. Dictionary example: The newspaper reports caused her a great deal of d~.

asset

(noun) USEFUL.a person, skill or quality that is useful or helps you to succeed Dictionary example: He'll be a great a~ to the team.

fleet

(noun) VEHICLES.a group of vehicles that are owned and controlled by one person or organization. Dictionary example: a f~ of aircraft/cars.

call

(noun) VISIT.a short visit. Dictionary example: I thought I'd pay Gary a c~.

campaign

(noun) WAR.a series of military attacks. Dictionary example: a bombing c~.

dump

(noun) WASTE.a place where people take things that they do not want. Dictionary example: We took our old mattress to the d~.

spring

(noun) WATER.a place where water comes out of the ground Dictionary example: hot s~s.

civilization

(noun) WAY OF LIFE.when people have an advanced and comfortable way of life. Dictionary example: modern c~.

philosophy

(noun) WAY OF THINKING.a way of thinking about what should be done in life. Dictionary example: My p~ has always been to give those with ability the chance to progress.

angle

(noun) WAY OF THINKING.the way you think about a situation. Dictionary example: Try looking at the problem *from* another a~.

perspective

(noun) WAY OF THINKING.the way you think about something Dictionary example: Being unemployed has made me see things from a different p~.

readiness

(noun) WILLING.when someone is willing to do something. Dictionary example: They expressed a r~ to accept our demands.

hunger

(noun) WISH. (no plural)a strong wish for something Dictionary example: a h~ for knowledge/adventure.

labor

(noun) WORK. work, especially the type of work that needs physical effort. Dictionary examples: The car parts themselves are not expensive - it's the l~ that costs so much. manual l~.

operation

(noun) WORK.the fact of operating or being active. Dictionary examples: Several printing presses are in o~ at the moment. There are several reactors of this type in o~ at the moment. The new assembly line will begin o~ next year.

service

(noun) WORK.the time you spend working for an organization. Dictionary example: He retired last week after 25 years' s~.

labor

(noun) WORKERS.workers, especially people who do practical work with their hands. Dictionary example: skilled/unskilled l~.

asset

(noun) WORTH MONEY.something which a person or company owns that has a value. Dictionary example: The company has $70 billion in a~s.

character

(noun) WRITING.a letter, sign, or number that you use when you are writing or printing Dictionary example: Chinese c~s.

abuse

(noun) WRONG ACTION.an action or activity that is morally wrong or not allowed. Dictionary examples: *alcohol / drug a~*. The mayor was suspected of corruption and other a~s. The committee is investigating the a~ of tax-exempt status by charities.

fabric

(noun) cloth. Dictionary example: a light/cotton f~.

excess

(noun) more of something than is usual or needed. Dictionary examples: The company's losses are in e~ of more than $5 million. An e~ of inventory resulted in a drop in prices.

collaboration

(noun) when two or more people work together to create or achieve the same thing, or a product of this. Dictionary example: The show was a result of c~ between several museums.

accessory

(noun)(EXTRA)something extra that is not necessary but is attractive or useful. Dictionary examples: home/desk a~ies. fashion a~ies.

establishment

(noun)(formal) a business or other organization, or the place where an organization operates Dictionary example: an *educational/religious* e~.

slang

(noun)(informal) language, often language that is only used by people who belong to a particular group. Dictionary example: prison s~.

personnel

(noun)(plural) the people who work for an organization. Dictionary example: military p~.

amendment

(noun)a *change* in the words of a document, or the process of doing this. Dictionary example: to *make* an a~ *to* the human rights law.

alteration

(noun)a *change*, or the process of changing something. SYN:modification.adjustment. Dictionary example: We've made a few a~s to the kitchen.

dime

(noun)a US or Canadian coin with a value of 10 cents. Dictionary example: Can I borrow a d~ - the machine only takes coins.

bubble

(noun)a ball of air or gas with liquid around it. Dictionary example: an air b~.

directory

(noun)a book or list of names, numbers, or other facts. Dictionary example: I found your address in the school d~.

chore

(noun)a boring job that you must do. Dictionary example: I find cooking a real c~.

shuttle

(noun)a bus, train, plane, etc. which travels regularly between two places, usually a short distance. Dictionary examples: the Boston-New York s~. There's a s~ *service* between the airport and the city center.

republic

(noun)a country that is governed by elected representatives and an elected leader. Dictionary example: France is a r~.

saint

(noun)a dead person who has been officially respected by the Christian church for living their life in a holy way. Dictionary example: Catherine of Siena was made a s~ in 1461.

specification

(noun)a detailed description of how something should be done, made, etc. Dictionary example: They are made exactly to the customer's s~s.

divide

(noun)a difference or separation. Dictionary example: Because of debt repayments, the d~ between rich and poor countries is continuing to grow.

illustration

(noun)a drawing, painting, photograph, or other picture Dictionary examples: Look at the i~ on page 37. And there's a charming i~ of four cups of coffee. color/black and white i~s.

statistic

(noun)a fact in the form of a number that shows information about something. Dictionary example: The city's most surprising s~ is its crime rate.

criterion

(noun)a fact or level of quality that you use when making a choice or decision Dictionary example: We have strict c~ for deciding which students will receive a grant.

defect

(noun)a fault or problem with someone or something. Dictionary examples: genetic defects A mechanical d~ caused the plane to crash.

shortcoming

(noun)a fault. Dictionary example: I like him despite his s~s.

jealousy(Word family: Nouns: jealousy Adjectives: jealous Adverbs: jealously)

(noun)a feeling of unhappiness or anger because you want what someone else has or fear that someone will take what you have. Dictionary examples: He broke his brother's new bike in a fit of j~. J~ can ruin relationships.

stereotype

(noun)a fixed idea that people have about what a particular type of person is like, especially an idea that is wrong. Dictionary example: racial s~.

radiation

(noun)a form of energy that comes from a nuclear reaction and that in large amounts can be very dangerous. Dictionary examples: dangerously high levels of r~. r~ sickness.

ozone

(noun)a form of oxygen that exists high in the atmosphere. Dictionary example: the o~ layer.

federation

(noun)a group of organizations, countries, regions, etc. that have joined together to form a larger organization or government. Dictionary example: Canada is a f~ of provinces and territories.

sack

(noun)a large bag made of paper, plastic, or cloth and used to carry or store things. Dictionary examples: a burlap/plastic s`. s~s of rice/flour/potatoes.

feast

(noun)a large meal, especially to celebrate something special. Dictionary examples: Everyone cooked a different dish and we had quite a f~! a wedding f~.

runway

(noun)a large road that aircraft use to land on or to start flying from. Dictionary example: The r~ was covered with snow.

attorney

(noun)a lawyer who represents people in legal matters or speaks for them in court. Dictionary examples: a defense attorney a civil/criminal a~. He has been named the new district a~.

itinerary

(noun)a list of places that you plan to visit on a journey. Dictionary example: The President's i~ includes visits to Boston and New York.

controversy(Word family: Nouns: controversy Adjectives: controversial)

(noun)a lot of disagreement and argument about something. Dictionary example: There is a lot of c~ over/about cell phone towers.

spokesman

(noun)a man who is chosen to speak officially for a group or organization. Dictionary example: He was the s~ for their organization.

rudeness

(noun)a manner and attitude that is impolite. Dictionary example: I was shocked by her r~.

equation

(noun)a mathematical statement in which you show that two amounts or symbols are equal. Dictionary example: In the e~ 3x - 3 = 15, x equals 6.

rating

(noun)a measurement of how good or popular something or someone is. Dictionary example: A high percentage of Americans gave the President a positive r~.

abortion

(noun)a medical method to end a pregnancy. Dictionary example: to *have* an a~.

flaw

(noun)a mistake or bad characteristic that stops someone or something from being perfect. Dictionary example: There's a f~ in your reasoning.

simulation

(noun)a model of something that can be used to teach someone how to do something, or the process of making such a model. Dictionary example: Students can study a computer s~ of these atomic processes.

nickname

(noun)a name used informally instead of your real name. Dictionary example: Sonny is his n~ - his real name is Joseph.

innovation

(noun)a new idea or method that is being tried for the first time, or the use of such ideas or methods. Dictionary example: the latest i~s in education.

gene

(noun)a part of a cell that is passed on from a parent to a child and that controls particular characteristics Dictionary example: Scientists have discovered the g~ responsible for causing this disease.

domain

(noun)a particular area, activity, or subject that someone controls or deals with. Dictionary examples: The garden is his domain. This information should be in the public d~.

gathering

(noun)a party or a meeting when many people get together as a group. Dictionary example: a family g~.

paradise

(noun)a perfect place or situatio.n Dictionary examples: a tropical p~. a shoppers' p~.

reign

(noun)a period of time when a king or queen rules a country. Dictionary example: the r~ of Henry VIII.

mentality

(noun)a person's opinions or way of thinking. Dictionary example: They buy everything on credit - they have this play now, pay later m~.

garment

(noun)a piece of clothing. Dictionary example: They were luxurious g~s, made of silk and velvet.

appliance

(noun)a piece of electrical equipment with a particular purpose in the home. Dictionary examples: *home/household/kitchen a~.* You should look for the most energy-efficient a~s.

mat

(noun)a piece of thick material that you put on the floor, often in order to protect it. Dictionary example: There's a m~ by the door for you to wipe your feet on.

peasant

(noun)a poor person who works on the land, usually in a poor country. Dictionary example: a p~ farmer.

rank

(noun)a position in an organization, such as the army, showing someone's importance. Dictionary examples: *senior/high/junior/low* r~. He has just been promoted to the r~ *of* captain.

drawback

(noun)a problem or disadvantage. Dictionary examples: The only d~ to this camera is its price. One of the main d~s of using this program is the amount of memory it uses.

hardship

(noun)a problem or situation that makes you suffer a lot, especially because you are very poor. Dictionary example: They have suffered years of financial h~.

setback

(noun)a problem that makes something happen later or more slowly than it should. Dictionary example: The project has suffered a series of s~s this year.

commodity

(noun)a product that you can buy or sell. Dictionary example: The country's most valuable c~es include tin and diamonds.

peek

(noun)a quick look. Dictionary example: She took a p~ down the hall.

cutback

(noun)a reduction of something, usually to save money. Dictionary example: The company has made c~s and closed one of its factories.

newsletter

(noun)a regular report with information for people who belong to an organization or who are interested in a particular subject. Dictionary example: a monthly n~ about business and the environment.

lounge

(noun)a room in a hotel, theater, school, etc., where people can relax or wait. Dictionary examples: a faculty l~. I'll wait for you in the l~.

knob

(noun)a round handle, or a round button on a machine. Dictionary examples: a door k~. Turn the black k~ to switch on the radio.

auction

(noun)a sale in which things are sold to the person who offers the most money. Dictionary example: The furniture was sold at a~.

staircase

(noun)a set of stairs and the structure around them. Dictionary example: a spiral s~.

pyramid

(noun)a shape with a square base and four triangular sides that meet to form a point at the top. Dictionary example: The pile of stones was shaped like a p~.

slogan

(noun)a short phrase that is easy to remember and is used to make people notice something. Dictionary example: an advertising s~.

nap

(noun)a short sleep. Dictionary example: He likes to take a n~ after lunch.

injustice

(noun)a situation or action in which people are treated unfairly. Dictionary examples: the fight against racial i~. the i~es of the legal system

modification

(noun)a small change to something. Dictionary example: We've made a few m~s to the system.

pony

(noun)a small horse. Dictionary example: I have a p~.

gadget

(noun)a small piece of equipment that does a particular job, especially a new type. Dictionary example: a kitchen g~.

specialty

(noun)a special study area, work, skill, or product of a person, business, or place. Dictionary examples: Her s~ is heart surgery. The company's s~ is high-performance cars.

declaration

(noun)a statement, often one that is written and official. Dictionary examples: a d~ of independence/war. a customs d~.

serial

(noun)a story in a magazine or on television or radio that is told in separate parts over a period of time. Dictionary example: I'm watching a s~ set in Yorkshire.

hate

(noun)a strong dislike for someone or something. Dictionary example: H~ and bigotry can only make our lives more difficult.

sphere

(noun)a subject or area of knowledge, work, etc. Dictionary example: the political s~.

deodorant

(noun)a substance that you put on your body to prevent or hide unpleasant smells. Dictionary example: I always use d~.

fright

(noun)a sudden feeling of shock and fear. Dictionary examples: That dog gave me a terrible f~. She screamed in f~ when she saw him.

log

(noun)a thick piece of tree trunk or branch, especially one cut for burning on a fire. Dictionary example: Let's put another l~ on the fire.

mustard

(noun)a thick, spicy yellow or brown sauce often eaten in small amounts with meat. Dictionary example: a teaspoon of m~.

pub

(noun)a type of bar where you can get beer and other drinks and usually Irish- or English-style food. Dictionary examples: There's a nice pub called The Old Toad in Rochester. an Irish/English p~. This place is a brew p~ - they make their own beers right here.

cholesterol

(noun)a type of fat in your body that can cause heart disease if you have too much. Dictionary example: The doctor said I had high c~.

mansion

(noun)a very large expensive house. Dictionary example: The street is lined with enormous m~s where the rich and famous live.

dissertation

(noun)a very long piece of writing done as part of a course of study. Dictionary example: She's writing a d~ on American poetry.

stocking

(noun)a very thin piece of clothing that covers a woman's foot and leg Dictionary example: a pair of s~ .

alert

(noun)a warning about a possibly dangerous situation. Dictionary examples: *a traffic/bomb/fire/terrorist a~.* A severe weather a~ for this area is in effect until 6 pm.

mode

(noun)a way of doing something. Dictionary example: a m~ *of* transport.

memo

(noun)a written message sent from one member of an organization to another. Dictionary examples: Did you see the m~ about expenses? He put his conclusions in a m~ to the committee secretary.

guideline

(noun)advice about how to do something. Dictionary examples: g~ guidelines. The EU has issued g~s on appropriate levels of pay.

solidarity

(noun)agreement and support between people in a group who have similar aims or beliefs. Dictionary example: Several professors joined the march to show s~ with their students.

smog

(noun)air pollution in a city that is a mixture of smoke, gases, and chemicals. Dictionary example: S~ hung over the city.

status

(noun)an accepted or official position, especially in a social group. Dictionary examples: The association works to promote the s~ *of* retired people as useful members of the community. There has been an increase in applications for *refugee* s~. The success of her book has given her unexpected *celebrity* s~. Applicants should have a degree or a qualification of equal s~.

index

(noun)an alphabetical list, such as one printed at the back of a book showing which page a subject, name, etc. is found on. Dictionary example: Try looking up "heart disease" in the i~.

scholarship

(noun)an amount of money given to a person by an organization to pay for their education. Dictionary example: She got a s~ to the college.

mammal

(noun)an animal that feeds its babies on milk from its body. Dictionary example: Dolphins and other sea m~s are being harmed by waste in the oceans.

predator

(noun)an animal that kills and eats other animals. Dictionary example: These animals have remarkably few p~s.

reptile

(noun)an animal that produces eggs and uses the heat of the sun to keep its blood warm. Dictionary example: Tom liked the r~s, especially the snakes and the lizards.

lawn

(noun)an area of grass that is cut to keep it short. Dictionary example: Will you mow the l~ this weekend?

clarification

(noun)an explanation which makes something clearer or easier to understand. Dictionary examples: Please contact this office again if you require further c~. Our lawyer has advised us to *seek* c~ on the matter.

hatred

(noun)an extremely strong feeling of dislike. Dictionary examples: What is very clear in these letters is Clark's passionate h~ of his father. The motive for this shocking attack seems to be racial h~.

notion

(noun)an idea or belief. Dictionary example: The n~ of sharing is unknown to most two-year-olds.

raise

(noun)an increase in the amount money you earn. Dictionary examples: a pay r~. She asked her boss for a r`.

exhibit

(noun)an object such as a painting that is shown to the public. Dictionary example: The museum's e~s range from Iron Age pottery to Eskimo clothing.

proposition

(noun)an offer or suggestion, usually in business. Dictionary example: an attractive/interesting p~.

permit

(noun)an official document that allows you to do something. Dictionary examples: a work p~. You need a p~ to park your car here.

march

(noun)an organized walk by a group to show that they disagree with something. Dictionary example: She's going on a m~ on Saturday in protest over the closure of the hospital.

aggression

(noun)angry or violent behavior toward someone. Dictionary example: an act of a~.

riot

(noun)angry, violent behavior by a crowd of people in a public place. Dictionary examples: The march turned into a r~ when the crowd found the way was blocked. The streets in this district include South Central Los Angeles, where the r~s broke out two years ago.

misfortune

(noun)bad luck, or an unlucky event. Dictionary example: He had the m~ to fall in love with a married woman.

harassment

(noun)behavior that annoys or upsets someone. Dictionary example: sexual h~.

solitude

(noun)being alone. Dictionary example: He went upstairs to read the letter in s~.

housing

(noun)buildings for people to live in. Dictionary example: a shortage of affordable h~.

day care

(noun)care provided during the day for young children or for older people who cannot look after themselves. Dictionary examples: The twins are in d~ care three afternoons a week. a da~-care center.

self-esteem

(noun)confidence in yourself and a belief in your qualities and abilities. Dictionary examples: She suffers from low s~-esteem. Most parents want their children to have high s~-esteem.

friction

(noun)disagreement or dislike caused by people having different opinions. Dictionary example: There's less f~ in relationships when you use teamwork.

spam

(noun)emails that you do not want, usually advertisements. Dictionary example: Most of the emails I receive are s~.

protein

(noun)food such as meat, cheese, fish, or eggs that is necessary for the body to grow and be strong. Dictionary example: Nuts and fish both contain p~.

diesel

(noun)fuel used in the engines of some vehicles, especially buses and trucks, or a vehicle that uses this fuel. Dictionary examples: My new car uses d~. My next car will be a d~.

merit

(noun)good qualities that deserve praise. Dictionary examples: His ideas have m~. We debated the m~s of using video in the classroom. Every application has to be judged on its own m~s (=judged by considering the qualities of each).

domination

(noun)great power and control over someone or something else. Dictionary example: world d~.

probability

(noun)how likely it is that something will happen. Dictionary examples: What's the p~ of winning? There's a high p~ that he'll get the job.

reliability

(noun)how reliable something is. Dictionary example: I can't vouch for the r~ of these figures.

ministry

(noun)in some countries, a government department that is responsible for a particular subject. Dictionary examples: the M~ of Defense/Agriculture. a Foreign M~ spokesman.

revenue

(noun)income received by a business or government or the amount of this income. Dictionary examples: state/federal r~s. R~ was up in the last quarter.

inability

(noun)lack of ability to do something. Dictionary example: I'm concerned about our i~ to find someone for this job.

machinery

(noun)machines, often large machines. Dictionary example: industrial/farm m~.

junk mail

(noun)mail sent by companies and other organizations to advertise products and services or ask for money. Dictionary example: There's a letter for you and the rest is j~ mail.

funding

(noun)money available for a particular purpose. Dictionary examples: The company received state f~ for the project. Doug is trying to get f~ for his research.

bribe

(noun)money or a present given to someone so that they will do something for you, usually something dishonest. Dictionary example: The politician was accused of accepting b~s from several companies.

expenses

(noun)money that you spend when you are doing your job, that your employer will pay back to you. Dictionary examples: travel/entertainment e~. reimbursed e~s.

junk

(noun)old things which have little value. Dictionary example: His car is just a piece of j~.

sector

(noun)one part of a country's economy. Dictionary examples: In the financial s~, banks and insurance companies have both lost a lot of money. The new government's policy is to transfer state industries from the public s~ to the private sector.

consent

(noun)permission for someone to do something. Dictionary example: You can't come without your parents' c~.

counterpart

(noun)someone or something that has the same job or position as someone or something in a different place or organization. Dictionary example: I had a meeting with my c~ in our other branch.

rival

(noun)someone or something that is competing with another person or thing. Dictionary example: business/political r~s.

optimist

(noun)someone who always believes that good things will happen. Dictionary example: She's an o~.

contestant

(noun)someone who competes in a contest. Dictionary example: All the c~s are ready to begin.

executive

(noun)someone who has an important job in a business. Dictionary example: a company e~.

deputy

(noun)someone who has the second most important job in an organization. Dictionary example: the d~ chairman/editor.

administrator

(noun)someone who helps to manage an organization. Dictionary example: She is an a~ at the hospital.

bully

(noun)someone who intentionally frightens a person who is smaller or weaker than them. Dictionary example: Teachers usually know who the b~ies are in a class.

spokesperson

(noun)someone who is chosen to speak officially for a group or organization. Dictionary example: She was the s~ for the group.

participant

(noun)someone who is involved in an activity Dictionary example: All p~s finishing the race will receive a medal.

delegate

(noun)someone who is sent somewhere to represent a group of people, especially at a meeting. Dictionary example: The d~es were all given badges to wear.

peer

(noun)someone who is the same age, or who has the same social position or abilities as other members of a group. Dictionary example: Most teenagers want to be accepted by their p~s.

extrovert

(noun)someone who is very confident and likes being with other people. Dictionary example: She is an e~.

listener

(noun)someone who listens. Dictionary examples: The new radio station already has twelve million l~s. She's a good l~.

provider

(noun)someone who provides something. Dictionary examples: an Internet service p~. The bank is now a major p~ of financial services to industry. Until her illness she was the main p~ in the family.

archaeologist(archeologist)

(noun)someone who studies ancient cultures by looking for and examining their buildings, tools, and other objects。 Dictionary example: A~s believe the remains date back to the 5th century.

socialist

(noun)someone who supports socialism. Dictionary example: My parents are s~s.

environmentalist

(noun)someone who tries to protect the natural environment from being damaged. Dictionary example: She is a well-known e~.

miner

(noun)someone who works in a mine. Dictionary example: a coal m~.

historian

(noun)someone who writes about or studies history. Dictionary example: His father was a famous h~.

programmer

(noun)someone who writes computer programs as a job. Dictionary example: We employ six p~s on the project.

acquaintance

(noun)someone who you know but do not know well. Dictionary example: He's an *casual* a~ of ours.

prostitute

(noun)someone whose job is having sex with people. Dictionary example: There were a lot of pr~es working in the area.

adviser(advisor)

(noun)someone whose job is to give advice about a subject. Dictionary example: a *financial* a~.

role model

(noun)someone you try to behave like because you admire them. Dictionary example: Jane is such a good r~ model for her younger sister.

burden

(noun)something difficult or unpleasant that you have to deal with or worry about. Dictionary examples: the b~ of responsibility I'd hate to be a b~ to you when I'm older.

perk

(noun)something special in addition to the money you are paid that you are given because of your job. Dictionary example: Free child care for preschool children of employees was a popular p~.

inaccuracy

(noun)something such as a statement or number that is not correct. Dictionary example: The report contained many i~es.

phenomenon

(noun)something that exists or happens, usually something unusual. Dictionary examples: storms, lightning, and other *natural* p~. Road rage seems to be a fairly recent p~.

equivalent

(noun)something that has the same value, importance, size, or meaning as something else. Dictionary example: She won the e~ *of* $5 million.

inconvenience

(noun)something that is causing difficulty and is annoying, or an annoying situation. Dictionary examples: The manager apologized for the i~. Having to wait for ten minutes was a minor i~.

hazard

(noun)something that is dangerous. Dictionary examples: a fire h~. a health h~ .

reminder

(noun)something that makes you remember something else. Dictionary example: If he forgot to pay his rent, his landlady would send him a r~.

status symbol

(noun)something that people want to have because they think it will make people admire them. Dictionary example: For him, a big car is an important s~ symbol.

precaution

(noun)something that you do to prevent bad things happening in the future. Dictionary examples: Driving alone at night can be dangerous, so always take p~s. They called the doctor as a p~. He took the p~ of locking the door.

assumption

(noun)something that you think is true without having any proof. Dictionary examples: People tend to *make* a~s *about* you when you have a disability. These calculations are based *on the* a~ *that* prices will continue to rise.

sacrifice

(noun)something valuable that you give up in order to achieve something or help someone, or the act of giving it up. Dictionary examples: We had to make s~s in order to pay for our children's education. They cared for their disabled son for 27 years, at great personal s~.

fumes

(noun)strong, unpleasant, and often dangerous gas or smoke. Dictionary example: car exhaust f~.

capability

(noun)the ability or power to do something. Dictionary examples: Both players have the c~ to win this match. With the new machines we finally have the c~ to do the job properly.

competence

(noun)the ability to do something well. Dictionary example: Her c~ as a teacher is unquestionable.

literacy

(noun)the ability to read and write. Dictionary example: Adult l~ is low in this area.

insight

(noun)the ability to understand what something is really like, or an example of this. Dictionary examples: The book *gives* a fascinating i~ *into* the world of art. This new research *provides* many i~s *into* customer behavior. Children sometimes show remarkable i~ when it comes to adult problems.

evaluation

(noun)the act of considering something carefully and deciding how good or bad it is. Dictionary examples: There was no e~ of the risks involved. She carried out an e~ of their services.

displacement

(noun)the act of displacing something. Dictionary example: Widespread flooding has led to the d~ of thousands of people.

nomination

(noun)the act of officially suggesting a person for a job or their work for a prize. Dictionary examples: to *seek/win* a n~. He won the Democratic n~ *for* mayor of Chicago. She has just *received* her fourth Oscar n~.

renovation

(noun)the act of repairing and decorating a building that is old and in bad condition. Dictionary example: They spent all their savings on the r~ of an old cottage.

exploration

(noun)the act of traveling to a place or searching a place to learn about it. Dictionary examples: e~s of the South Pole. She's always loved travel and e~. oil/gas e~.

sewing

(noun)the activity of joining pieces of cloth together or repairing them with a needle and thread. Dictionary example: I'm not very good at s~.

networking

(noun)the activity of meeting and contacting people who might be useful to know, especially for your job. Dictionary example: Students find n~ essential to finding the right job.

interaction

(noun)the activity of talking and doing things with other people, or the way you do this. Dictionary example: Our work involves a lot of i~ with the customers.

deficit

(noun)the amount by which the money that you spend is more than the money that you receive. Dictionary example: a budget d~

consumption

(noun)the amount of something that someone uses, eats, or drinks. Dictionary examples: We need to reduce our energy c~. fuel/water c~.

duration

(noun)the amount of time that something lasts. Dictionary example: The singer remained in the hotel for the d~ of his stay in the UK.

infrastructure

(noun)the basic systems and services, such as transport and power supplies, that a country or organization uses in order to work effectively. Dictionary example: The war has badly damaged the country's i~.

effectiveness

(noun)the degree to which something achieves its intended result. Dictionary example: There are doubts about the e~ of the drug.

relevance

(noun)the degree to which something is related or useful to what is happening or being talked about. Dictionary example: This point has no r~ to the discussion.

downside

(noun)the disadvantage of a situation. Dictionary example: The d~ of living in a city is all the pollution.

rarity

(noun)the fact that something is not common. Dictionary example: Precious stones are valued for their r~.

annoyance

(noun)the feeling of being annoyed. Dictionary example: He kept losing his keys, *much to the* a~ of his wife. She stamped her foot *in a~.*

outcome

(noun)the final result of an activity or process. Dictionary example: It's too early to predict the o~ of the meeting.

nutrition

(noun)the food that you eat and the way that it affects your health. Dictionary example: Good n~ is essential for growing children.

beak

(noun)the hard part of a bird's mouth. Dictionary example: It carried a huge stick in its b~.

significance

(noun)the importance or meaning of something Dictionary examples: I still don't understand the s~ of his remark. This is a development which has great economic s~ for the region.

mining

(noun)the industry or activity of removing substances such as coal or metal from the ground by digging. Dictionary example: coal/salt m~.

richness

(noun)the interesting or impressive quality of something that shows how strong or varied it is. Dictionary example: I was amazed by the r~ of their traditions.

premises

(noun)the land and buildings owned by someone, especially by a company or organization. Dictionary examples: The company is moving to new p~. The ice cream is made *on the* p~. The security guards escorted the protesters off the p~.

spine

(noun)the long structure of bones down the center of your back, which supports your body. Dictionary example: She injured her s~ in a riding accident.

emperor

(noun)the male ruler of an empire. Dictionary example: E~ Charlemagne.

habitat

(noun)the natural environment of an animal or plant. Dictionary example: We want to see lions in their natural h~.

readership

(noun)the number and type of people who read a particular newspaper, magazine, etc. Dictionary example: These magazines have a very young r~.

density

(noun)the number of people or things in a place when compared with the size of the place. Dictionary example: The area has a high *population* d~.

exterior

(noun)the outside part of something or someone. Dictionary example: The e~ of the house was painted white.

stamina

(noun)the physical or mental energy that allows you to do something for a long time. Dictionary example: Marathon runners need a lot of s~.

dock

(noun)the place where ships stop and goods are taken off or put on. Dictionary example: We went to the d~ to see the ship leave.

stock market

(noun)the place where stocks and shares in companies are bought and sold. Dictionary example: S~ markets around the world are reacting to news of the US president's announcement.

posture

(noun)the position of your back, shoulders, etc. when you are standing or sitting. Dictionary example: She has very *good/bad/poor* p~.

beat around the bush

to avoid talking about something difficult or embarrassing. Dictionary example: I decided to stop b~ing around the bush and told him exactly what I thought of him.

globalization

(noun)the process by which businesses operate in many different countries and the culture of different countries becomes more similar. Dictionary examples: the g~ of fashion. Optimists say g~ means more choices for everyone.

industrialization

(noun)the process of developing industries in a country. Dictionary example: Japan's rapid i~.

recruitment

(noun)the process of finding people to work for a company or become a new member of an organization. Dictionary example: The recession has forced a lot of companies to cut down on staff r~.

hygiene

(noun)the process of keeping things clean, especially to prevent disease. Dictionary examples: health and h~ regulations . dental/personal h~ .

cultivation

(noun)the process of preparing land and growing crops. Dictionary example: The area was drained so that c~ could begin.

adaptation

(noun)the process or act of changing to suit a new situation. Dictionary example: Evolution occurs as a result of a~ *to* new environments.

glamour

(noun)the quality of being attractive, exciting and special. Dictionary example: Hollywood g~.

purity

(noun)the quality of being pure. Dictionary example: It is important to preserve the p~ of our air and water.

selfishness

(noun)the quality of being selfish. Dictionary example: I was appalled by his s~.

simplicity

(noun)the quality of being simple Dictionary examples: The advantage of the plan is its s~. The examination was s~ *itself*. I admire the s~ of her designs.

productivity

(noun)the rate at which goods are produced or work is done. Dictionary example: We need to increase p~ by 50%.

pulse

(noun)the regular movement of blood through your body when your heart is beating. Dictionary examples: She put her fingers on my wrist to *take my* p~ (=count the number of beats per minute). My p~ *rate* is 70.

ecology

(noun)the relationship between living things and the environment, or the scientific study of this. Dictionary example: The oil spill caused terrible damage to the fragile e~ of the coast.

ratio

(noun)the relationship between two groups or amounts, which expresses how much bigger one is than the other. Dictionary examples: The r~ *of* men *to* women at the conference was ten to one/10:1. The school is trying to improve its pupil-teacher r~.

elite

(noun)the richest, most powerful, or best educated group in a society. Dictionary examples: a member of the e~. an e` group。

retail

(noun)the sale of products to customers for their own use, usually in stores. Dictionary example: jobs in r~.

health care

(noun)the set of services provided by a country or an organization for treating people who are ill Dictionary examples: A large proportion of these taxes go towards providing h~ care. H~ workers are some of the lowest paid people in the country.

the middle class

(noun)the social group consisting of people who are neither very rich nor very poor. Dictionary example: These tax increases will affect the m~ class badly.

footstep

(noun)the sound of a foot hitting the ground when someone walks. Dictionary example: I heard f~s behind me and quickly turned around.

obesity

(noun)the state of being extremely fat. Dictionary example: The government is concerned about childhood o~.

loneliness

(noun)the state of being lonely. Dictionary example: I wasn't prepared for the l~ of living in a small village.

nervousness

(noun)the state of being nervous. Dictionary example: Her n~ was obvious when she spoke.

shyness

(noun)the state of being shy. Dictionary example: When I met the movie star, I was overcome with s~.

archaeology

(noun)the study of ancient cultures by looking for and examining their buildings, tools, and other objects. Dictionary example: He studied a~ in college.

slavery

(noun)the system of owning slaves, or the condition of being a slave. Dictionary example: They campaigned for the abolition of s~.

logic

(noun)the use of reason, or the science of using reason. Dictionary examples: I fail to see the l~ of his argument. We'll be able to work this out if we use some l~. There's no l~ in the decision to reduce staff when orders are the highest for years.

misuse

(noun)the use of something in the wrong way or for the wrong purpose. Dictionary example: They accused him of m~ of power.

format

(noun)the way something is designed, arranged, or produced. Dictionary example: This year's event will have a new f~.

layout

(noun)the way that something is arranged. Dictionary examples: Each article in the journal has its own typeface and l~. Do you like the l~ of the kitchen?

discontent

(noun)unhappiness about a situation. Dictionary example: There is growing d~ with governor's budget proposal.

bacteria

(noun)very small living things that sometimes cause disease. Dictionary example: The infection was caused by b~ in the lung.

capture

(noun)when a person or animal is caught and made a prisoner. Dictionary example: He shot himself to avoid c~.

prosperity

(noun)when a person or group of people is successful, usually by earning a lot of money. Dictionary example: Our nation's p~ comes from oil.

redevelopment

(noun)when a place is made more modern by improving old buildings or building new ones. Dictionary example: There has been a lot of r~ in this area.

extinction

(noun)when a type of animal no longer exists. Dictionary example: Many species of animal are threatened with e~.

pregnancy

(noun)when a woman is pregnant. Dictionary example: Her symptoms were caused by her p~.

emission

(noun)when gas, heat, light, etc. is sent out into the air, or an amount of gas, heat, light, etc. that is sent out. Dictionary example: Carbon dioxide e~s will be reduced by 20%.

diversity

(noun)when many different types of things or people are included in something. Dictionary examples: Does television adequately reflect the ethnic and cultural d~ of the country? There is a wide d~ of opinion on the issue.

hospitality

(noun)when people are friendly and welcoming to guests and visitors. Dictionary example: The local people showed me great h~.

fuss

(noun)when people become excited, annoyed, or anxious about something, especially something unimportant. Dictionary examples: What was all the f~ about? She made a f~ when Richard spilled some coffee on her. It's all a f` about nothing. We tried to arrange a ceremony with as little f~ as possible.

prestige

(noun)when people feel respect and admiration for you, often because you are successful. Dictionary example: His company has gained international p~.

rebellion

(noun)when people fight against the government in their country. Dictionary example: Government troops defeated an armed r~ in the south.

migration

(noun)when people go to another place to live or find work, or when an animal or bird moves to another place, usually when the season changes. Dictionary examples: There was a mass m~ of poor farmers into the cities. The butterflies come to Mexico during their annual m~.

speculation

(noun)when people guess about something without having enough information to be certain. Dictionary example: She has dismissed the claims as pure s~.

applause

(noun)when people make a noise by clapping their hands to show they have enjoyed or approve of something. Dictionary example: There was loud a~ at the end of her speech.

negotiation

(noun)when people try to make or change an agreement by discussion. Dictionary example: Peace n~s are due to start.

cancellation

(noun)when someone decides that an event will not now happen or stops an order for something. Dictionary example: a last-minute c~.

audition

(noun)when someone does a short performance to try to get a job as an actor, singer, etc. Dictionary example: She's got an a~ for the show.

disrespect

(noun)when someone does not show respect or behave politely toward someone or something. Dictionary example: She apologized for not responding to the letter and said she had meant no d~.

exposure

(noun)when someone experiences something or is affected by it because they are in a particular situation or place. Dictionary examples: There is a risk of e~ to radiation. Many young children now have e~ to computers in the home.

sponsorship

(noun)when someone gives money to support something. Dictionary example: We wanted to set up a youth center, and asked local businesses for s~.

rip-off

(noun)when someone is cheated by being made to pay too much for something Dictionary example: The food there is a real r~-off.

discrimination

(noun)when someone is treated unfairly because of their sex, race, religion, etc. Dictionary examples: *racial/age/gender* d~. d~ *against* older workers.

perfection

(noun)when someone or something is perfect. Dictionary examples: She strives for p~ in everything she does. chicken legs cooked to p~.

elegance

(noun)when someone or something is stylish or attractive in their appearance or behavior. Dictionary example: We were impressed by the e~ of his clothes.

debut

(noun)when someone performs or presents something to the public for the first time. Dictionary examples: She made her d~ as a pianist in 1975. This is the band's d~ album.

refusal

(noun)when someone refuses to do or accept something. Dictionary examples: Her r~ *to* cooperate didn't help her case. What shocked me was his complete r~ to admit his mistake.

generalization

(noun)when someone says something very basic that is often true but not always true. Dictionary example: It's a sweeping g~ to say that girls read more than boys.

congestion

(noun)when something is full or blocked. Dictionary examples: There is always traffic c~ on this highway. Nasal c~ is a common symptom when you have a cold.

stability

(noun)when something is not likely to change or move. Dictionary example: political/financial s~.

provision

(noun)when something is provided. Dictionary examples: *The* p~ *of* good public transportation will be essential for developing the area. When designing buildings in this area, you have to *make p~s for* earthquakes.

disruption

(noun)when something is stopped from happening as it should. Dictionary example: a d~ of services.

progression

(noun)when something or someone changes to the next stage of development. Dictionary examples: a logical/natural p~. Drugs can stop the p~ of the disease.

liberation

(noun)when something or someone is released or made free. Dictionary examples: the l~ of France from Nazi occupation Leaving school was such a l~ for me.

completion

(noun)when something that you are doing or making is finished. Dictionary examples: The stadium is due for c~ in 2016. They will be paid on c~ of the job.

integration

(noun)when things or people are mixed, joined or combined. Dictionary example: cultural i~.

acceptance

(noun)when you accept something. Dictionary examples: His a~ of the award was controversial. There is a growing public a~ of alternative medicine.

dedication

(noun)when you are willing to give a lot of time and energy to something because you believe it is very important. Dictionary example: She thanked the staff for their d~ and enthusiasm.

exaggeration

(noun)when you describe something as larger, better, worse, etc. than it really is Dictionary example: a slight/gross e~ of the facts.

neglect

(noun)when you do not give enough care or attention to something or someone. Dictionary example: to suffer years of n~ .

fascination

(noun)when you find someone or something fascinating. Dictionary example: Her f~ with fashion started at an early age.

inclusion

(noun)when you include someone or something, especially in a group, amount, or event. Dictionary example: Her self-portrait was chosen for i~ in the exhibition.

preservation

(noun)when you keep something the same or prevent it from being damaged or destroyed. Dictionary examples: the p~ of peace. the p~ of wildlife.

awareness

(noun)when you know about something. Dictionary example: Environmental a~ is increasing all the time.

ownership

(noun)when you own something. Dictionary example: Do you have any proof of o~ for this car?

accusation

(noun)when you say that someone has done something bad. Dictionary example: He *made* a number of a~s against his former colleagues. to make/bring/level/face/deny/ an a~ of corruption / cruelty / racism.

allegation

(noun)when you say that someone has done something wrong or illegal, without proof that this is true. Dictionary examples: The a~s of *corruption(贪污)/fraud(欺诈)/misconduct(行为不端)* were not true. He *denied* the a~ that he had cheated.

glimpse

(noun)when you see something or someone for a very short time. Dictionary example: He caught/got a g~ of her as she got into the car.

disapproval

(noun)when you think that someone or something is bad or wrong. Dictionary example: I could sense their d~.

fairness

(noun)when you treat everyone in the same way, so that no one has an advantage. Dictionary example: He believes in f~ and decency.

greed

(noun)when you want a lot more food, money, etc., than you need. Dictionary example: We were shocked by their g~.

digestion

(noun)when your body changes food in your stomach into substances that it can use. Dictionary example: He has problems with d~.

jargon

(noun)words and phrases that are used by particular groups of people and are difficult for other people to understand. Dictionary example: legal/technical j~.

heading

(noun)words at the top of a piece of writing that tell you what it is about. Dictionary example: You'll find it under the h~ 'Information for new students'.

praise

(noun)words you say to show that you admire someone or something. Dictionary examples: They deserve p~ *for* their achievements. Her first novel *won* a lot of p~ from the critics.

self

(noun)your characteristics, including your personality, your abilities, etc. Dictionary examples: Now I'm feeling better, and I'm back to my old s~ again. his real/true s~.

of

(preposition)BEFORE.used to say "before" the hour when you are saying what time it is. Dictionary example: It's ten o~ five.

behind

(preposition)CAUSING.causing something, or responsible for something. Dictionary example: What was the reason behind her decision to leave?

for

(preposition)COMPARE.when compared to a particular fact Dictionary example: She's quite tall f~ her age.

after

(preposition)DESPITE.despite. Dictionary example: I can't believe he was so rude to you a~ all the help you've given him!

among

(preposition)DIVIDE.to each one in a group. Dictionary example: She divided the cake a~ the children.

beyond

(preposition)INVOLVING MORE.involving or affecting more things, people, etc., than the ones you have talked about. Dictionary examples: My job goes b~ teaching facts - my aim is to get children to think for themselves. You should try to develop interests b~ the family.

of

(preposition)RELATING TO.about or relating to. Dictionary examples: Speaking o~ Elizabeth, here she is. Let us consider the events o~ the last five months. We know very little o~ her childhood.

for

(preposition)RESPONSIBILITY.used to say whose responsibility something is. Dictionary example: I can't tell you whether you should go or not - that's f~ you to decide.

amid

(preposition)WHILE.while something else is happening. Dictionary example: Security was increased a~ fears of further terrorist attacks.

one pro

(pronoun) ANY PERSON.(formal) any person in general Dictionary example: O~ ought to respect one's parents.

oneself pro

(pronoun)the reflexive form of the pronoun "one" when it refers to the person speaking or people in general. Dictionary example: One needs to take care of o~.

oblige

(verb) (formal) to be helpful Dictionary example: The manager was only too happy to o~.

picture

(verb) to imagine something in a particular way. Dictionary example: The house isn't at all how I had p~ed it.

negotiate

(verb) to try to make or change an agreement by discussion. Dictionary example: to n~ with employers about working conditions

address

(verb)(formal)DEAL WITH.to deal with a problem. Dictionary example: to a~ *a problem / question / issue*. We have to a~ the *issue/problem* before it gets worse.

assert

(verb)(formal)to say that something is certainly true Dictionary example: He a~s that she stole money from him.

desire

(verb)(formal)to want something. Dictionary example: You can have whatever you desire.

embrace

(verb)ACCEPT.to accept new ideas, beliefs, methods, etc. in an enthusiastic way. Dictionary examples: We are always eager to e~ the latest technology. The report e~s a variety of opinions.

bear

(verb)ACCEPT.to accept something unpleasant. Dictionary examples: Since you will b~ most of the responsibility, you should get the rewards. He couldn't b~ to see the dog in pain.

acknowledge

(verb)ACCEPT.to accept that something is true or exists. Dictionary example: He a~ that there was a problem.

stand

(verb)ACCEPT.to be able to accept or deal with a difficult situation. Dictionary examples: She couldn't s~ the pressures of the job. The pain was more than he could s~.

deliver

(verb)ACHIEVE.to achieve or do something that you have promised to do or that people expect you to do. Dictionary example: The company failed to d~ the high-quality service we expect.

regulate

(verb)ACTIVITY/PROCESS.to control an activity or process, especially by using rules. Dictionary example: laws r~ing advertising .

insert

(verb)ADD TO WRITING.to add something to the middle of a document or piece of writing. Dictionary example: He i~ed a new paragraph.

offer

(verb)AGREE TO PAY.to say that you will pay a particular amount of money. Dictionary examples: I o~ed him $1200 for the car. Police have o~ed a $1,000 reward for information.

spread

(verb)ARRANGE.(also spread out) to arrange something over a large area, especially something that was folded. Dictionary examples: I s~ a blanket over his legs. We s~ the map on the floor. He s~ the cards out on the table. She s~ out her towel on the sand and lay down.

invite

(verb)ASK OFFICIALLY.to ask someone to do something in a formal or official way. Dictionary example: I was i~ to appear on television.

skip

(verb)AVOID.to avoid reading or talking about something by starting to read or talk about the next thing instead. Dictionary example: I usually s~ the boring bits.

enclose

(verb)BE ALL AROUND.to be all around something and separate it from other things or places. Dictionary example: The house is e~ed by parkland.

match

(verb)BE AS GOOD AS.to be as good as someone or something else. Dictionary example: It would be difficult to m~ the service this airline gives to its customers.

meet

(verb)BE ENOUGH.to be a big enough amount or of a good enough quality for something. Dictionary examples: We couldn't find a house that m~ our needs. This old building will never m~ the new fire regulations.

last

(verb)BE ENOUGH.to be enough for a period of time. Dictionary examples: I've only got $30 to l~ me till the end of the month. We've got enough vegetables to l~ another week.

dominate

(verb)BE IMPORTANT.to be the largest, most important, or most noticeable part of something. Dictionary examples: The subject of pay d~ed their discussions. The cathedral d~es the skyline.

follow

(verb)BE INTERESTED.to be interested in an event or activity and watch its progress. Dictionary example: I f~ed the trial closely.

exceed

(verb)BE MORE.to be more than a particular number or amount. Dictionary example: Sales have e~ed $1 million so far this year.

measure

(verb)BE SIZE.to be a certain size. Dictionary examples: a whale m~ing around 60 feet in length. The sofa m~s 3 feet by 7 feet.

pose

(verb)BE STILL.to stay in a particular position so that someone can paint or photograph you. Dictionary example: The two leaders p~ed for photographs outside the White House.

agree

(verb)BE THE SAME.If two descriptions, statements, etc., agree, they are the same. Dictionary examples: Her notes do not a~ with what I remember happening. Does the information in the two reports a~?

serve

(verb)BE USEFUL. to be useful as something Dictionary examples: It's a very entertaining movie but it also s~s an educational purpose. The study also s~s as a spare bedroom. Those discussions only s~ed to reinforce her fears. He hopes his son's death will s~ to warn others about the dangers of owning a gun.

emerge

(verb)BECOME KNOWN.to become known. Dictionary example: It e~ed that she had lied to her employers.

plunge

(verb)BECOME LOWER.to become lower in temperature, value, etc. very suddenly and quickly. Dictionary example: Temperatures p~ed below zero.

be on a committee/panel, etc.

to be a member of a group or organization. Dictionary examples: She's o~ the refreshments committee. How many people are o~ your staff? There are 14 people o~ the Board of Trustees.

be good company

to be a pleasant or interesting person to spend time with. Dictionary example: Ann and Charles are always good c~.

gather

(verb)BELIEVE.to believe something because of information you have heard or seen. Dictionary examples: From the look on their faces, she g~ed (that) they were annoyed with her. I g~ they haven't sold their house yet.

overtake

(verb)BIGGER.to go past something by being a greater amount or degree. Dictionary examples: US sales have been o~ by sales in Europe. We planned to hold a meeting tomorrow, but events have o~ us.

donate

(verb)BLOOD/ORGANS.to allow some of your blood or part of your body to be used for medical purposes. Dictionary example: He d~ed a kidney to his sister.

reconstruct

(verb)BUILD AGAIN.to build something again after it has been damaged or destroyed. Dictionary example: They r~ed the palace exactly as it had been.

block

(verb)CANNOT SEE

kill

(verb)CAUSE PAIN.(informal) to cause you a lot of pain or effort. Dictionary examples: My feet are k~ing me. It wouldn't k~ you to clean up occasionally.

interfere

(verb)CAUSE PROBLEMS.to prevent something from working effectively or from developing successfully. Dictionary example: I try not to let my dancing classes i~ with my schoolwork.

motivate

(verb)CAUSE.to cause someone to behave in a particular way. Dictionary example: Some people are m~ed by greed.

shift

(verb)CHANGE.to change an idea, attitude, etc. Dictionary examples: We are trying to s~ the emphasis *from* curing illness *to* preventing it. Media attention has s~ed recently onto environmental issues.

be in a position to do sth

to be able to do something because of your situation. Dictionary example: I'm not in a p~ to talk about this at the moment.

be concerned with sth

to be about a particular subject。 Dictionary examples: The program was more c~ with politics than the history of the place. This field of linguistics is c~ with language acquisition.

be a pain in the neck

to be annoying. Dictionary example: My brother can be a real pain in the n~ sometimes.

spoil

(verb)CHILD.If you spoil a child, you let them have anything they want or do anything they want, usually making them badly behaved. Dictionary example: Her children are completely s~ed.

applaud (ap "to" + plaud "to clap")

(verb)CLAP.to clap your hands to show that you have enjoyed a performance, talk, etc. Dictionary example: The audience a~ed loudly.

eliminate

(verb)COMPETITION. to defeat someone so that they cannot go any further in a competition. Dictionary example: She was e~ed after the first round of the tournament.

judge

(verb)COMPETITION.to officially decide who will be the winner of a competition. Dictionary example: I've been asked to j~ the art competition.

infect

(verb)COMPUTER.If a computer virus infects a computer, it harms it. Dictionary example: My computer was i~ed by a virus.

scan

(verb)COMPUTER.to use a piece of equipment that copies words or pictures from paper into a computer. Dictionary example: to s~ photos into a computer.

review

(verb)CONSIDER.to consider something again in order to decide if changes should be made. Dictionary example: Officials have to r~ the text before it's made public.

stand at sth

to be at a particular level, amount, height, etc. Dictionary example: Inflation currently s~s at three percent.

make a point of doing sth

to be certain that you always do a particular thing. Dictionary example: He made a p~ of learning all the names of his staff.

relate to sb/sth

to be connected to, or to be about someone or something. Dictionary example: Please provide all information r~ing to the claim.

comprise

(verb)CONSIST.to consist of particular parts or members. Dictionary example: The orchestra was c~ed of amateur and professional musicians.

proceed

(verb)CONTINUE.to continue to happen. Dictionary example: His lawyers have decided not to p~ with the case.

rule

(verb)CONTROL.to be in control of somewhere, usually a country. Dictionary examples: They were r~d for many years by a dictator. the r~ing party.

occupy

(verb)CONTROL.to move into a place and take control of it. Dictionary example: The troops eventually o~ied most of the island.

reproduce

(verb)COPY.to make a copy of something. Dictionary example: The diagram is r~ed by permission of the original author.

impose

(verb)CREATE RULE.to create a rule, tax, law, etc., and force people to accept it. Dictionary examples: The city i~ed a ban on outdoor water use during the drought. Banks are i~ing stricter requirements for getting a loan.

attack

(verb)CRITICIZE.to strongly criticize someone or something. Dictionary example: She a~ed the government's new education policy.

interpret

(verb)DECIDE MEANING.to decide what the intended meaning of something is. Dictionary examples: It's difficult to i~ these statistics without knowing how they were obtained. A jury should not i~ the silence of a defendant as a sign of guilt.

conclude

(verb)DECIDE.to decide something after studying all the information about it very carefully. Dictionary example: The report c~ed that the drug was safe.

determine

(verb)DECIDE.to decide what will happen. Dictionary examples: Her test scores will d~ which class she is assigned to. He d~ed *to* find out the real reason.

illustrate

(verb)DIAGRAM.to give information through diagrams, lists of numbers, etc. Dictionary example: This process is i~ed in the diagram below.

divide

(verb)DISAGREEto cause people to disagree about something. Dictionary example: The city council was d~ed over plans to build a new stadium.

consult

(verb)DISCUSS.to discuss something with someone before you make a decision. Dictionary example: Why didn't you c~ me about this?

infect

(verb)DISEASE.to give someone a disease. Dictionary example: Thousands of people were i~ed with the virus.

carry

(verb)DISEASE.to have a disease that you might give to someone else. Dictionary example: Mosquitoes c~ malaria and other infectious diseases.

be in the public eye

to be famous and often featured in the media. Dictionary example: Her new role means that she will be in the public e~.

return

(verb)DO THE SAME.to react to something that someone does or says by doing or saying the same. Dictionary examples: I r~ed his smile. I have to r~ Michael's call.

settle

(verb)DUST/SAND, ETC.to move to a lower level and stay there. Dictionary examples: The house had been empty for years, and dust had s~ed on all the surfaces. Sand blown by the high winds had s~ed on the streets and lawns of the seaside town. The contents of this package may s~.

show

(verb)EASY TO SEE. to be easy or possible to see, or to make something easy or possible to see. Dictionary examples: The sadness really s~s on her face. Light-colored carpets s~ the dirt.

feed

(verb)EAT FOOD.If an animal or a baby feeds, it eats. Dictionary example: The caterpillars f~ on cabbage leaves.

promote

(verb)ENCOURAGE.to encourage something to happen or develop. Dictionary examples: to p~ peace. It has long been known that regular exercise p~s all-around good health. Greenpeace works to p~ awareness of the dangers that threaten our planet today.

push

(verb)ENCOURAGE.to try to make someone do something that they do not want to do. Dictionary example: My mother p~ed me into having ballet lessons.

bubble (over) with confidence/enthusiasm, etc.

to be full of a positive emotion or quality. Dictionary example: The children were b~ing over with excitement.

conclude

(verb)END.(formal)to end something such as a meeting, speech, or piece of writing by doing or saying one last thing. Dictionary examples: The concert c~ed with fireworks. I would like to c~ by thanking you all for attending.

dissolve

(verb)END.to end an organization or official arrangement. Dictionary example: Their marriage was d~ed in 1996.

motivate

(verb)ENTHUSIASTIC.to make someone enthusiastic about doing something. Dictionary example: Teaching is all about m~ing people to learn.

illustrate

(verb)EXPLAIN.to give more information or examples to explain or prove something. Dictionary examples: *To* i~ her *point*, she told a story about how her family felt when they moved here. The speaker i~ed his thesis *with* three case studies. She used recordings to i~ *how* the music has been interpreted by different artists.

consider

(verb)FACTS.to give attention to a particular subject or fact when making a decision or judging something else. Dictionary examples: You've got to c~ the time element when planning the whole project. If you c~ *how long* he's been learning the piano, he's not very good. If you buy an old house, you have to c~ the cost of repairs.

resist

(verb)FIGHT.to fight against something or someone that is attacking you. Dictionary example: Students want to discover the truth themselves, and they r~ having conclusions forced on them.

cover

(verb)FINANCIAL PROTECTION.to provide financial protection if something bad happens. Dictionary example: travel insurance that c~s accident and injury.

search

(verb)FIND ANSWER.to try to find an answer to a problem. Dictionary example: Doctors are still s~ing for a cure.

determine

(verb)FIND.to discover the facts or truth about something. Dictionary examples: The doctors are still unable to determine what is wrong. You can use a simple test to d~ whether the paint contains lead.

digest

(verb)FOOD.to change food in your stomach into substances that your body can use. Dictionary example: I need some time to d~ my dinner.

rush

(verb)FORCE ACTION.to make someone do something more quickly than they want to do it. Dictionary examples: I refuse to be r~ed into making a decision. Don't try to r~ him - he needs time to think about it.

impose

(verb)FORCE.to force someone to accept something, especially a belief or way of living. Dictionary examples: Settlers often i~ed their culture on indigenous peoples. They have to make their own decisions - you shouldn't try to i~ your ideas.

comprise

(verb)FORM.to form part of something, especially a larger group. Dictionary example: Women c~ 15% of the police force.

scare

(verb)FRIGHTEN.to frighten a person or animal. Dictionary example: Sudden, loud noises s~ me.

head

(verb)FRONT/TOP.to be at the front or top of something. Dictionary example: Jo h~ed a very short list of candidates.

consult

(verb)GET INFORMATION.to go to a particular person or book to get information or advice. Dictionary example: For more information, c~ your travel agent.

have an ear for sth

to be good at hearing, repeating, or understanding a particular type of sound. Dictionary examples: He has no e~ for music. Akosua has an e~ for languages - she speaks four.

be glad of sth

to be grateful for something. Dictionary example: I'm g~ of the opportunity to express my thanks.

be/lie in ruins

to be in a very bad state. Dictionary example: The city lies in r~s.

be in sb's hands

to be in someone's control or care. Dictionary example: The matter is now in the h~s of my lawyer.

be in luck

to be lucky or to be able to have or do what you want. Dictionary example: "Do you have any tuna sandwiches?" "You're in l~ - there's one left."

be meant for sb/sth

to be made or created for someone or something. Dictionary example: These toys are really m~ for babies.

be intended for

to be made, designed, or provided for a particular person or purpose. Dictionary examples: The book is i~ed for anyone who wants to learn more about the Internet. The course is i~ed for intermediate-level students.

exceed sb's expectations

to be much bigger or better than expected. Dictionary example: The location of the apartment e~ed our expectations.

be authorized to do sth

to be officially allowed to do something. Dictionary example: Only managers are a~ to sign expense forms.

(be) concentrated around/in/on, etc.

to be present in large numbers or amounts in a particular area. Dictionary example: Most of the fighting was c~ in the mountains.

be all set

to be ready. Dictionary example: We were a~ set to go when the phone rang.

be/have something to do with sth/sb

to be related to something or a cause of something but not in a way which you know about or understand. Dictionary example: It might have s~ to do with the way it's made.

take care of sth/doing sth

to be responsible for dealing with something. Dictionary example: I did the cooking while Guy took c~ of cleaning up.

be to blame

to be responsible for something bad that has happened. Dictionary example: Poor housing is to b~ for many of their health problems.

make it (big)

to be successful. Dictionary examples: Very few actors actually m~ it. Fe m~ it big in the music business.

dump

(verb)GET RID OF.to put something somewhere to get rid of it, especially in a place where you should not put it. Dictionary example: The company was fined for illegally d~ing toxic chemicals.

eliminate

(verb)GET RID OF.to remove something from something, or get rid of something. Dictionary example: The doctor advised me to e~ salt from my diet.

number

(verb)GIVE A NUMBER.to give something a number. Dictionary example: Each volume was n~ed and indexed.

quote

(verb)GIVE EXAMPLE.to give a fact or example to support what you are saying. Dictionary example: The judge q~ed several cases to support his opinion.

render

(verb)GIVE.to give someone a decision, opinion, help, etc. Dictionary example: payment for services r~ed.

spare

(verb)GIVE.to give time or money to someone. Dictionary examples: I have to go soon, but I can s~ a few minutes. Can you s~ me some change?

cultivate

(verb)GROW.to prepare land and grow crops on it, or to grow as a crop. Dictionary example: This shrub is c~ed in Europe as a culinary herb.

accelerate

(verb)HAPPEN. to start to happen more quickly, or to make something start to happen more quickly. SYN:*speed up.* Dictionary example: Inflation is likely to a~ this year. measures to a~ the rate of economic growth.

see

(verb)HAPPEN.to be the time or place where something happens Dictionary example: This decade has s~ huge technological advances.

bear

(verb)HAVE.to have or show a particular name, picture, or symbol. Dictionary example: The shop b~ his family name.

grasp

(verb)HOLD.to take hold of something or someone firmly. Dictionary example: He g~ed my hand enthusiastically.

label

(verb)INFORMATION.to fix a small piece of paper or other material to something which gives information about it. Dictionary example: She l~ed all the packages and sent them out the same afternoon.

spy

(verb)INFORMATION.to secretly try to discover information about a person, country, etc. Dictionary example: He was accused of s~ing.

digest

(verb)INFORMATION.to think about new information carefully in order to understand it. Dictionary example: You need to give me time to d~ this report.

overwhelm

(verb)If a feeling or situation overwhelms someone, it has an effect that is too strong or extreme. Dictionary example: She was o~ed by the excitement of it all.

host

(verb)If a place hosts an event, people there arrange it and it happens there. Dictionary example: The town h~s an annual jazz festival.

arise

(verb)If a problem a~s, it starts to happen. Dictionary example: The whole problem a~ *from* a lack of communication.

resume

(verb)If an activity resumes, or if you resume it, it starts again after a pause. Dictionary examples: The talks are due to r~ today. Normal services will be r~ed in the spring. He stopped to take a sip of water and then r~ed speaking.

privatize

(verb)If an industry or organization owned by the government is privatized, it is sold to private companies. Dictionary example: The government plans to p~ the railroads.

alternate

(verb)If two things alternate, one thing happens, then the other thing happens, then the first thing happens again, etc. Dictionary example: She a~s *between* cheerfulness and boredom.

pursue

(verb)If you pursue a plan, activity, or situation, you try to do it or achieve it, usually over a long period of time. Dictionary examples: She decided to p~ a career in television. We suspect that our boss is p~ing a hidden agenda.

rear

(verb)If you rear children or young animals, you care for them until they are adults. Dictionary example: In these waters they breed and r~ their young.

fill

(verb)JOB.to give a job or position to someone. Dictionary examples: I'm sorry, the job/position/post/vacancy has already been f~ed. We would prefer to f~ the position with a recent graduate.

hold

(verb)JOB.to have a particular job, position, diploma, etc. Dictionary example: He currently h~s the position of managing editor.

exclude

(verb)KEEP OUT.to not allow someone or something to take part in an activity or to enter a place. Dictionary example: Two students were e~ed from the class because they registered late and it was already full.

take the initiative

to be the first person to do something that solves a problem or improves a situation. Dictionary example: Jackson had taken the i~ and prepared a report.

come first

to be the most important person or thing. Dictionary example: Her career always c~s first.

be a rarity

to be unusual. Dictionary example: Genuine enthusiasm is a r~.

be a far cry from sth

to be very different from something. Dictionary example: Her luxury mansion is a far c~ from the house she grew up in.

deepen

(verb)KNOWLEDGE.if someone's knowledge or understanding deepens, it increases. Dictionary example: It certainly helped to d~ my understanding of the situation.

defend

(verb)LAW. to try to show in a court that someone is not guilty of a crime. Dictionary example: He has hired two lawyers to d~ him in court.

relax

(verb)LESS STIFF. If a part of your body relaxes, it becomes less stiff, and if you relax it, you make it become less stiff. Dictionary example: Try these exercises to r~ your neck muscles.

set

(verb)LEVEL.to decide the level of something. Dictionary example: The interest rate has been s~ at 5%.

grade

(verb)LEVEL.to separate people or things into different levels of quality, size, importance, etc. Dictionary example: The fruit is washed and then g~ed by size.

exist

(verb)LIVE.to live in difficult conditions Dictionary example: You can't e~ without water for more than a week.

assure

(verb)MAKE CERTAIN.to make something certain to happen. Dictionary example: This loan should a~ the company's future.

restore

(verb)MAKE EXIST.to make something good exist again. Dictionary examples: Three wins in a row helped r~ the team's confidence. Peace has now been r~ed in the region.

dismiss

(verb)MAKE LEAVE.to officially make someone leave their job. Dictionary example: He arrived late every day and was eventually d~ed.

allow

(verb)MAKE POSSIBLE.to make it possible for someone to do something. Dictionary example: The extra money will a~ me to upgrade my computer.

permit

(verb)MAKE POSSIBLE.to make something possible. Dictionary examples: The game starts at 3 pm, weather p~ting. We could stop in to see Ryan on the way home, if time p~s.

narrow

(verb)MAKE SMALLER.to become less wide or to make something less wide. Dictionary examples: The road has been n~ed to one lane. His eyes n~ed angrily.

soak

(verb)MAKE WET.If liquid soaks somewhere or soaks something, it makes something very wet. Dictionary examples: The rain s~ed my clothes. The ink s~ed *through* the paper onto the table.

consider

(verb)MAY BE TRUE.to think that something may exist or be true. Dictionary example: Have you c~ed the possibility that he might be lying?

beat

(verb)MIX.to mix food using quick movements. Dictionary example: B~ the egg whites until they are stiff.

crash

(verb)MONEY.If a financial market crashes, prices suddenly fall by a large amount. Dictionary example: They lost all their savings when the market c~ed.

cover

(verb)MONEY.to be enough money to pay for something. Dictionary example: One hundred dollars should c~ the cost of the repairs.

borrow

(verb)MONEY.to get money from a bank or financial organization and pay it back over a period of time. Dictionary example: We had to b~ heavily to set up the business.

lose

(verb)MONEY.to make less money than you spend. Dictionary examples: He l~ a lot of money when he sold his house. Her company l~ over $3 million last year.

compensate

(verb)MONEY.to pay someone money because you are responsible for injuring them or damaging something. Dictionary example: Victims of the crash will be c~ed for their injuries.

hop

(verb)MOVE QUICKLY.to go somewhere quickly or get into or out of a vehicle quickly. Dictionary example: to h~ on a plane/train .

shift

(verb)MOVE.to move to another place or position. Dictionary examples: The wind s~ed *to* the east. She s~ed her weight *from* one foot to the other.

shoot

(verb)MOVIE. to use a camera to record a movie or video or to take a photograph Dictionary examples: We s~t four reels of film in Egypt. The movie was s~t *on location* in Southern India.

come easily/naturally

to be very easy for someone. Dictionary example: Singing c~ naturally to Louise.

stand

(verb)NOT BE DESTROYED.if a building stands, it has not been destroyed. Dictionary example: After the earthquake not a single building was left s~ing in the village.

doubt

(verb)NOT BELIEVE.to not believe someone or something. Dictionary example: Do you have any reason to d~ her?

dismiss

(verb)NOT CONSIDER.to refuse to consider an idea or opinion. Dictionary example: Let's not d~ the idea without discussing it.

neglect

(verb)NOT GIVE ATTENTION. to not give enough care or attention to something or someone. Dictionary examples: to n~ your *appearance*. She had n~ed the program and allowed student interest in it to fall off.

exclude

(verb)NOT INCLUDE.to intentionally not include something Dictionary example: The advertised price e~s the sales tax.

observe

(verb)NOTICE.(formal) to notice something. Dictionary examples: Jack o~ed a look of anxiety on his brother's face. The guards failed to o~ *who* delivered the package. In all these films one o~es *that* directors are taking a new interest in Native American culture. Differences in speech styles may be o~ed between other social groups.

divide

(verb)NUMBERS.to calculate how many times a number can go into another number. Dictionary example: 12 d~ed by 6 equals 2.

function

(verb)OPERATE.to work or operate Dictionary examples: She quickly learned how the office f~s. I'm so tired today, I can barely f~.

reinforce

(verb)OPINION.to make an existing opinion, feeling or idea stronger. Dictionary example: His behaviour merely r~ed my dislike of him.

instruct

(verb)ORDER.to officially tell someone to do something. Dictionary example: Employees are i~ed not to use the telephones for personal calls.

direct

(verb)ORGANIZE.to organize and control the way something is done. Dictionary example: He d~ed the building of the new art gallery.

manage

(verb)ORGANIZE.to use or organize your time or money. Dictionary example: He's no good at m~ing his money.

invade

(verb)PLACE.to enter a place in large numbers. Dictionary example: Every summer the town is i~ed by tourists.

cure

(verb)PROBLEM.to solve a problem. Dictionary example: the fight to c~ social inequality

run

(verb)PUBLISH.to publish something in a newspaper or magazine. Dictionary example: All the papers are r~ing this story on the front page.

insert

(verb)PUT INTO.to put something into something else. Dictionary example: I~ the coin in the slot.

hit

(verb)REACH.to reach a place, position, or state. Dictionary example: Our profits have already h~ $1 million.

receive

(verb)REACT.to react to a suggestion or piece of work in a particular way. Dictionary example: His first book was not well r~ed.

scan

(verb)READ.( also scan through) to quickly read a piece of writing to understand the main meaning or to find a particular piece of information. Dictionary example: I s~ed the travel brochures looking for a cheap vacation.

shine

(verb)REFLECT.If a surface shines, it reflects light, and if you shine it, you make it reflect light. Dictionary example: She polished her shoes until they s~.

absorb

(verb)REMEMBER.to understand and remember facts that you read or hear. Dictionary example: It's hard to a~ so much information.

reproduce

(verb)REPEAT.to repeat something so that it is the same as before. Dictionary examples: The new design unfortunately r~ed some of the problems of the earlier model. We were unable to r~ the results of our earlier research.

quote

(verb)REPEAT.to repeat the words that someone else has said or written. Dictionary examples: He illustrated by q~ing *from* Winston Churchill's speech. Can I q~ you *on that*? She q~ed him *as saying* he couldn't care less.

cover

(verb)REPORT.to report the news about a particular important event. Dictionary example: She's c~ing the US election for BBC television.

appeal (ap-"to"+peal"to come forth,be visible")

(verb)REQUEST.to make a serious or formal request, especially for money or help. Dictionary examples: They're a~ing for clothes and blankets to send to the devastated region. The police are a~ing to the public for any information about the missing girl.

fit

(verb)SAME.to be the same as or like something. Dictionary example: She seems to f~ the description.

be key to sth

to be very important in influencing or achieving something. Dictionary example: Early diagnosis is k~ to your chances of surviving.

acknowledge

(verb)SAY RECEIVED.(formal)to say, usually in writing, that you have received something that someone sent you. Dictionary example: He sent a letter a~ing *receipt of* her application.

contradict(Word family: Nouns: contradiction Verbs: contradict Adjectives: contradictory)

(verb)SAY SOMEONE IS WRONG.to say that what someone has just said is wrong. Dictionary example: Nobody dared to c~ her.

grade

(verb)SCORE.to give a score to a student's piece of work. Dictionary examples: to g~ papers. The essays were g~ed on clarity of expression.

differentiate

(verb)SEE DIFFERENCE.to understand or notice how two things or people are different from each other. Dictionary example: He can't d~ between blue and green.

split

(verb)SHARE.to share something by dividing it into smaller parts. Dictionary example: The cost of the wedding will be s~ between the two families.

demonstrate

(verb)SHOW HOW.to show something and explain how it works. Dictionary examples: The teacher d~ed how to use the equipment. He's got a job d~ing kitchen equipment in a department store.

exhibit

(verb)SHOW OBJECTS.to show objects such as paintings to the public. Dictionary example: She's e~ing her roses at the local flower show.

produce

(verb)SHOW.to show or offer something to someone. Dictionary example: One of the men suddenly p~ed a gun from his pocket.

indicate

(verb)SHOW.to show that something exists or is likely to be true. Dictionary examples: Recent evidence i~s that the skeleton is about 3 million years old. These statistics might i~ quality problems.

place

(verb)SITUATION.to cause someone to be in a situation. Dictionary example: One stupid action has p~ed us all at risk.

readjust

(verb)SMALL CHANGE.to move something slightly or make a small change to something Dictionary example: He r~ed his tie.

regulate

(verb)SPEED/TEMPERATURE.to control the speed, temperature, etc. of something. Dictionary example: Babies find it difficult to r~ their body temperature.

abandon

(verb)STOP DOING.to stop doing something before it is finished, or to stop following a plan, idea, etc. Dictionary example: The weather was so bad, we a~ed our plans for a picnic.

jam

(verb)STUCK.to get stuck or make something get stuck Dictionary examples: My key jammed in the lock. The door is j~ed. Paper was j~ing the printer.

fit

(verb)SUITABLE.to be suitable for something. Dictionary example: The job f~s him well.

make

(verb)SUITABLE.to have the necessary qualities to become something. Dictionary examples: He would m~ a really good dad. I wouldn't m~ a very good lawyer. It's a very exciting story - it would m~ a great film.

distribute

(verb)SUPPLY.to supply goods to shops and companies. Dictionary example: The company manufactures and d~s computer equipment worldwide.

feed

(verb)SUPPLY.to supply something such as information to a person or a machine, especially in a regular or continuous way. Dictionary examples: We f~ them false information about our plans. Nicola f~ the pages into the photocopier.

stop at nothing

to be willing to do anything in order to achieve something. Dictionary example: He will stop at n~ to get what he wants.

look up

to become better. Dictionary example: Our financial situation is l~ing up.

settle in

to begin to feel relaxed and happy in a new home or job. Dictionary example: Are you s~ing in OK?

drop

(verb)TAKE.( also drop off) to take someone or something to a place, usually by car as you travel somewhere else. Dictionary example: I can d~ you at the station on my way to work.

mingle

(verb)TALK.to meet and talk to other people in a place or at an event. Dictionary example: The party will be a good opportunity to m~ with the other students.

perceive

(verb)THINK.to think of something or someone in a particular way. Dictionary example: The British are often p~ed as being very formal.

allow

(verb)TIME/MONEY.to plan to use a particular amount of money, time, etc., for something. Dictionary example: A~ three hours for the whole trip.

overload

(verb)TOO FULL.to fill something with too much or more then it should contain. Dictionary example: Don't o~ the washer or it won't work properly.

discriminate

(verb)TREAT UNFAIRLY.to treat someone unfairly because of their sex, race, religion, etc. Dictionary example: The company was accused of d~ing against people on the basis of age.

spin

(verb)TURN.If something spins or you spin something, it turns around and around quickly. Dictionary example: The car s~ across the road.

associate

(verb)TWO THINGS/PEOPLE.to connect someone or something in your mind with someone or something else. Dictionary example: Most people a~ this brand with good quality.

grasp

(verb)UNDERSTAND.to understand something. Dictionary example: I find these math problems difficult to g~.

consume

(verb)USE RESOURCE.to use fuel, energy or time, especially in large amounts Dictionary example: Our high living standards cause our present population to c~ 25 percent of the world's oil.

apply

(verb)USE. to use something in a particular situation. Dictionary examples: The same method can be a~ied *to* other situations. As a translator, he was able to a~ his knowledge of foreign languages.

employ

(verb)USE.(formal) to use something Dictionary example: Companies e~ clever tactics to persuade us to buy their products.

march

(verb)WALK IN ORGANIZED EVENT.to walk with other people in a public place as part of an organized event to show that you disagree with something. Dictionary example: Around twenty thousand people m~ed through the city today to protest against the proposed new law.

march

(verb)WALK WITH REGULAR STEPS.to walk with regular steps, often with other people walking the same way. Dictionary examples: The band m~ed through the downtown streets. The soldiers m~ed 90 miles in three days.

serve

(verb)WORK.to do work that helps society, for example in an organization such as the army or the government Dictionary examples: to s~ in the army. to s~ on a committee/jury. He s~ed as mayor for 5 years.

run

(verb)WORKING.If a piece of equipment is running, it is switched on and working, and if you run it, you switch it on and make it work. Dictionary example: She left the engine r~ing while she went into the store.

concern

(verb)WORRY.to worry or upset someone. Dictionary example: What really c~s me is her lack of experience.

contribute

(verb)WRITE.to write articles for a newspaper, magazine, or book. Dictionary example: She c~s to several magazines.

collaborate

(verb)When two or more people collaborate, they work together to create or achieve the same thing. Dictionary example: Didn't you c~ with him on one of your books?

possess

(verb)formal to have or own something. Dictionary example: He was found guilty of p~ing an illegal weapon.

attain

(verb)to *achieve* something, especially after a lot of work. Dictionary example: She's a~ed a high level of fitness.

allocate

(verb)to *give* some time, money, space, etc., to be used for a particular purpose. Dictionary examples: We are discussing how to a~ use of the sports fields *to* the various teams. State funds will not be a~ed *for* these programs next year.

impact

(verb)to affect something or someone. Dictionary example: Rising interest rates are sure to i~ (on) the housing market.

irritate

(verb)to annoy someone. Dictionary example: His comments really i~ed me.

outweigh

(verb)to be greater or more important than something else. Dictionary example: The benefits of this treatment far o~ the risks.

outnumber

(verb)to be larger in number than another group. Dictionary example: Women o~ men in our language classes.

constitute

(verb)to be or form something. Dictionary example: This defeat c~s a real setback for their championship hopes.

starve

(verb)to become ill or die because you do not have enough food, or to make someone ill or die because they do not have enough food. Dictionary example: Many people have s~ed *to death* in parts of Africa.

lessen

(verb)to become less or to make something less. Dictionary examples: Exercise and a healthy diet l~ the chance of heart disease. Strengthen the legs and it l~s the strain on the knees.

diminish

(verb)to become less, or to make something become less. Dictionary example: Your pain should d~ gradually over the next two or three hours.

lengthen

(verb)to become longer or to make something longer. Dictionary example: There are plans to l~ the school day.

integrate

(verb)to become part of a group or society, or to help someone do this. Dictionary example: After a few weeks of training he was fully i~ed into the team.

shorten

(verb)to become shorter or to make something shorter. Dictionary example: Smoking s~s your life.

deteriorate

(verb)to become worse. Dictionary example: Her condition d~ed rapidly.

misbehave

(verb)to behave badly. Dictionary example: If you m~, you will be punished - it's as simple as that.

presume

(verb)to believe something to be true because it is very likely, although you are not certain. Dictionary examples: I p~ they're not coming, since they haven't replied to the invitation. You are Dr. Smith, I p~? "Are we walking to the hotel?" "I p~ *not/so*." The universe is p~ed *to* contain many other planets with some form of life.

outrage

(verb)to cause someone to feel very angry, shocked, or upset. Dictionary example: The proposed pay cut o~ed the staff.

reverse

(verb)to change a situation or change the order of things so that it becomes the opposite. Dictionary examples: Now that you have a job and I don't, our situations are r~ed. It is unlikely that the judge will r~ his *decision*. Let's r~ the order.

distort

(verb)to change information so that it is not true or realistic. Dictionary example: Newspapers d~ed the truth about their marriage.

modify

(verb)to change something in order to improve it. Dictionary example: The plans will have to be m~ied to reduce costs.

rethink

(verb)to change what you think about something or what you plan to do. Dictionary example: We've had to r~ our strategy.

opt

(verb)to choose something or to decide to do something. Dictionary examples: Mike o~ed for early retirement. Most people o~ to have the operation. He o~ed out of the health insurance plan.

compile

(verb)to collect information and arrange it in a book, report, list, etc. Dictionary example: We're c~ing some facts and figures for a documentary on climate change.

convey

(verb)to communicate information, feelings, or images to someone. Dictionary example: She always c~s a sense of enthusiasm for her work.

evaluate

(verb)to consider or study something carefully and decide how good or bad it is. Dictionary example: We need time to e~ the proposal.

restrain

(verb)to control the actions or behavior of someone, sometimes by using force. Dictionary examples: He became violent and had to be physically r~ed. I had to r~ myself from shouting at him.

imitate

(verb)to copy the way someone or something looks, sounds, or behaves. Dictionary examples: My four-year-old daughter is always trying to i~ her older sister. He i~ed her accent perfectly.

rectify

(verb)to correct something or change it so that it is acceptable. Dictionary example: The government has promised to r~ the situation.

dictate

(verb)to decide or control what happens. Dictionary example: The weather will d~ where we hold the party.

evolve

(verb)to develop or make something develop, usually gradually. Dictionary example: rapidly e~ing technology.

detect

(verb)to discover or notice something, especially something that is difficult to see, hear, smell, etc. Dictionary examples: Some sounds cannot be d~ed by the human ear. This special camera can d~ bodies by their heat.

overdo

(verb)to do or use too much of something. Dictionary example: I went to the gym yesterday, but I think I o~ it a bit.

sip

(verb)to drink, taking only a small amount at a time. Dictionary example: She s~ed her champagne.

foresee

(verb)to expect a future situation or event. Dictionary example: I don't f~ any problems in the future.

anticipate

(verb)to expect something, or to prepare for something before it happens. Dictionary examples: to a~ a *problem/difficulties/changes/developments*. We a~ *that* prices will fall next year.

recharge

(verb)to fill a battery with electricity so that it can work again. Dictionary example: You can r~ these batteries.

group

(verb)to form a group or put people or things into a group or groups. Dictionary example: The children are g~ed according to their ability.

authorize

(verb)to give official permission for something. Dictionary example: His manager had a~ed the expenditure.

assign

(verb)to give someone a particular job or responsibility. Dictionary examples: UN forces were a~ed the task of rebuilding the hospital. The case has been a~ed *to* our most senior officer.

misinform

(verb)to give someone false information. Dictionary example: I'm afraid you've been m~ed about your test results.

sacrifice

(verb)to give up something that is valuable to you in order to achieve something or help someone. Dictionary example: Many women s~ interesting careers for their family.

overestimate

(verb)to guess or think that something is or will be bigger or better than it really is. Dictionary example: They o~ed her ability to do the job.

rank

(verb)to have a position in a list which shows things or people in order of importance, or to give someone or something a position on such a list. Dictionary examples: He r~ed number one in the world at the start of the competition. The city's canals now r~ among the world's dirtiest.

daydream

(verb)to have pleasant thoughts about something you like or would like to happen. Dictionary example: She just sits in class d~ing about her horses.

stock

(verb)to have something available for people to buy. Dictionary example: We *stock* a good range of spices.

aid

(verb)to help someone. Dictionary examples: The project is designed to a~ the homeless. He was a~ed in his research by his knowledge of Greek.

envision

(verb)to imagine something happening, or think that something is likely to happen. Dictionary example: He e~ed a partnership between business and government.

enhance

(verb)to improve something。 Dictionary example: Winning that award greatly e~ed her reputation.

enrich

(verb)to improve the quality of something by adding something to it. Dictionary example: Our culture has been e~ed by the many immigrants who live here.

accumulate

(verb)to increase in amount over a period of time, or to make something increase over a period of time. Dictionary example: The chemicals a~ in your body.

broaden

(verb)to increase or make something increase and include more things or people. Dictionary examples: Going to college will b~ your interests. Travel b~s your mind.

bully

(verb)to intentionally frighten someone who is smaller or weaker than you. Dictionary examples: He was b~ied at school by some older boys. She was b~ied into leaving.

fascinate

(verb)to interest someone a lot. Dictionary example: Science has always f~ed me.

rate

(verb)to judge the quality or ability of someone or something. Dictionary example: How do you r~ her as a singer?

flee

(verb)to leave a place quickly because you are in danger or are afraid. Dictionary example: Police think the suspect has now f~ the country.

restrict

(verb)to limit something. Dictionary examples: The state legislature voted to r~ development in the area. I r~ myself to one cup of coffee a day.

inspect

(verb)to look at something or someone carefully in order to discover information, especially about their quality or condition. Dictionary examples: After the crash, both drivers got out and i~ed their cars for damage. She held the bank note up to the light and i~ed it carefully.

resemble

(verb)to look like or be like someone or something. Dictionary examples: She r~s her father. After the earthquake, the city r~ed a battlefield.

redevelop

(verb)to make a place more modern by improving old buildings or building new ones. Dictionary example: There are plans to r~ the city's waterfront area.

enforce

(verb)to make people obey a rule or law. Dictionary example: It is the duty of the police to e~ the law.

mislead

(verb)to make someone believe something that is untrue by giving them information that is wrong or not complete. Dictionary example: She claims the public was m~ by the government.

puzzle

(verb)to make someone confused because they do not understand something. Dictionary example: I was p~ed by what he said.

corrupt

(verb)to make someone or something become dishonest or immoral. Dictionary example: He became c~ed by power and money.

exhaust

(verb)to make someone very tired. Dictionary example: The long trip e~ed the children.

alarm

(verb)to make someone worried or frightened. Dictionary example: I don't want to a~ you but he really should be here by now.

clarify

(verb)to make something easier to understand by explaining it. Dictionary example: The law aims to c~ building regulations.

recreate

(verb)to make something exist or happen again. Dictionary example: They plan to r~ a typical English village in Japan.

prolong

(verb)to make something last longer. Dictionary example: Eating a good diet can p~ your life.

simplify

(verb)to make something less complicated and therefore easier to do or understand. Dictionary examples: the new, s~ed tax system He tried to s~ the story for the younger audience.

complicate

(verb)to make something more difficult to deal with or understand. Dictionary example: These new regulations just c~ matters further.

facilitate

(verb)to make something possible or easier. Dictionary example: I will do everything in my power to f~ the process.

start out

to begin your life, or the part of your life when you work, in a particular way. Dictionary example: My dad s~ed out as a sales assistant in a department store.

take effect

to begin, or to start to produce results or changes. Dictionary example: The medicine should take e~ quickly.

exaggerate

(verb)to make something seem larger, better, worse, etc. than it really is Dictionary example: Don't e~ - it didn't cost that much!

minimize

(verb)to make the amount of something that is unpleasant or not wanted as small as possible. Dictionary example: Airport staff are trying to m~ the inconvenience caused to passengers.

refresh

(verb)to make you feel less hot or tired. Dictionary example: A cool drink should r~ you. to make something more up-to-date or to make it look newer or more attractive Dictionary examples: Old furniture can be refreshed with a coat of paint. Wait a minute - I need to refresh my memory on this.

relocate

(verb)to move to another place. Dictionary example: The company r~ed to Tokyo.

omit

(verb)to not include something. Dictionary example: I'd be upset if my name were o~ed from the list of contributors.

comply

(verb)to obey an order, rule, or request. Dictionary example: The pilot c~ied with instructions to descend.

appoint

(verb)to officially choose someone for a job. Dictionary examples: She was a~ed *by* the governor. He was a~ed director last year.

nominate

(verb)to officially suggest a person for a job or a position in an organization, or to suggest a person or their work for a prize. Dictionary examples: Judges are nominated by the governor. The film was n~ *for* an Academy Award. He was n~ *as* best actor.

notify

(verb)to officially tell someone about something. Dictionary examples: You should n~ the police if you are involved in a traffic accident. She was n~ied that her trial date had been postponed.

campaign

(verb)to organize a series of activities to try to achieve something. Dictionary example: to c~ *against/for* something.

reorganize

(verb)to organize something again in order to improve it. Dictionary example: He's completely r~ed his schedule for the week.

rehearse

(verb)to practise a play, dance, etc. in order to prepare for a performance. Dictionary example: We usually r~ on Wednesdays.

compliment

(verb)to praise or express admiration for someone. Dictionary example: He c~ed me on my writing.

draft

(verb)to produce a piece of writing or a plan that you intend to change later. Dictionary example: to d~ a letter.

shield

(verb)to protect someone or something from something dangerous or unpleasant. Dictionary example: to s~ your eyes from the sun.

cater

(verb)to provide and often serve food and drinks for a particular event. Dictionary example: We hired a local chef to c~ our parents' anniversary party.

fund

(verb)to provide the money to pay for an event, activity or organization. Dictionary examples: The company has agreed to f~ my trip to Australia. The new college is being privately f~ed.

cap

(verb)to put a limit on an amount of money that can be borrowed, charged, etc. Dictionary example: The interest rate has been c~ed at 5%.

deposit

(verb)to put money into a bank or valuable things into a safe place. Dictionary example: She d~ed $150,000 in a Swiss bank account.

classify

(verb)to put people or things into groups by their type, size, etc. Dictionary examples: A third of the population has been c~ied as poor. The books are c~ied by subject.

sow

(verb)to put seeds into the ground. Dictionary example: to s~ *seeds/crops*.

imprison

(verb)to put someone in prison or keep them as a prisoner. Dictionary example: Taylor was i~ed in 2005 for burglary.

commute

(verb)to regularly travel between work and home. Dictionary examples: He c~s to Boston every day. My aunt c~s into the city.

renovate

(verb)to repair and decorate a building that is old and in bad condition. Dictionary example: He has a business r~ing old buildings.

bet

(verb)to risk money on the result of a game, competition, etc. Dictionary examples: He lost all his money b~ting on horses. I b~ him a dollar that I was right.

reassure

(verb)to say something to stop someone from worrying. Dictionary example: He r~ed me that I would be paid soon.

generalize

(verb)to say something very basic that is often true but not always true. Dictionary example: You can't g~ about a continent as varied as Europe.

resolve

(verb)to solve or end a problem or difficulty. Dictionary example: an attempt to r~ the dispute.

crowd

(verb)to stand together in large numbers. Dictionary example: Protesters c~ed the streets.

restart

(verb)to start something again that had stopped. Dictionary example: They want to r~ the talks. If you restart a computer, you turn it off and then on again. Dictionary example: Try r~ing your computer.

accomplish

(verb)to succeed in doing or finishing something. SYN:*achieve.* Dictionary examples: I feel like I didn't a~ anything today. She a~ed what she'd set out to do.

conquer

(verb)to take control of a country or to defeat people by war. Dictionary example: The English were c~ by the Normans in 1066.

smuggle

(verb)to take something into or out of a place in an illegal or secret way. Dictionary example: He was arrested for s~ing cocaine into Britain.

displace

(verb)to take the place of someone or something. Dictionary example: Many of these workers will be d~ed by modern technology.

reconsider

(verb)to think again about a decision or opinion and decide if you want to change it. Dictionary example: We've been asked to r~ the proposal.

bribe

(verb)to try to make someone do something for you by giving them money, presents, or something else they want. Dictionary example: He was accused of b~ing a building inspector.

recruit

(verb)to try to persuade someone to work for a company or to join an organization.The company r~s 20 new staff each year.

misuse

(verb)to use something in the wrong way or for the wrong purpose. Dictionary example: He m~ed his position to obtain money dishonestly.

monitor

(verb)to watch and check someone or something carefully over a period of time. Dictionary examples: to m~ progress. The nurse is m~ing his heart rate and respiration. They hired an accountant to help m~ cash flow.

beware

(verb)used in order to warn someone to be careful. Dictionary examples: B~ of the dog. In grassy areas, b~ of insects like ticks that bite carry disease.

make yourself at home

to behave in a relaxed way in a place, as if it was your own home. Dictionary example: Take off your coat and make yourself at h~.

hold an opinion/belief/view

to believe something. Dictionary example: He h~s unpopular views on many subjects.

hold sb's attention/interest

to believe something. Dictionary example: He h~s unpopular views on many subjects.

pose a danger/problem/threat, etc.

to cause a problem. Dictionary example: A lot of these chemicals p~ very real threats to our health.

present a problem/conflict/danger, etc.

to cause a problem/conflict/danger, etc. Dictionary examples: Falling tax revenues p~ a problem for the city. Those loose wires could p~ a danger.

shake up sth or shake sth up

to cause large changes in something. Dictionary example: Technological changes have s~ up many industries.

put sb in a difficult position

to cause someone to be in a difficult situation. Dictionary example: When two of your best friends argue it puts you in a very d~ position.

turn a blind eye (to sth)

to choose to ignore something that you know is wrong. Dictionary example: The restaurant staff often took food home, and their boss turned a blind e`.

derive (sth) from sth

to come from or be developed from something. Dictionary example: Many English words d~ from Latin.

look on/upon sb/sth as sth

to consider someone or something in a particular way. Dictionary examples: We l~ed on her as a daughter. I've lived there so long I l~ on the town as my home.

keep track

to continue to know about someone or something. Dictionary examples: He changes jobs so often I can't k` track anymore. Be sure to k~ track of the time so you won't be late.

stick by sb

to continue to support someone when they are having problems. Dictionary examples: I'll s~ by you whatever happens. She was determined to s~ by her family.

run down sb/sth or run sb/sth down

to criticize someone or something, often unfairly. Dictionary example: Whatever the government do, the press will always r~ them down.

shed tears

to cry. Dictionary example: I s~ a few tears when he left.

get (sb) through sth

to deal with a difficult or unpleasant experience, or to help someone do this. Dictionary examples: My friendship with Carla g~ me through those tough months just after we moved. We'll g~ you through this, Karen.

back out

to decide not to do something you had planned or agreed to do. Dictionary example: Frank b~ed out at the last minute, so we had a spare ticket.

stand up to sb/sth

to defend yourself against a powerful person or organization when they treat you unfairly. Dictionary example: He wasn't afraid to s~ up to bullies.

stem from sth

to develop as the result of something. Dictionary example: Her problems s~ from childhood.

be opposed to sth

to disagree with a plan or activity. Dictionary example: Mom is strongly o~ed to my learning to drive.

take issue (with sb/sth)

to disagree with what someone says or writes. Dictionary example: Isn't the need to hire more staff what's really at i~ here.

do everything in your power to do sth

to do everything that you are able and allowed to do. Dictionary example: I've done e~ in my power to help him.

happen to do sth

to do something by chance. Dictionary examples: If you h~ to see Peter, say "hi" for me. You don't h~ to know her phone number, do you?

put something into practice

to do something in reality that has been planned or talked about. Dictionary examples: Next month we will have a chance to put these *ideas* into p~. How do you intend to put these *proposals* into p~?

fulfill a function/need/role, etc.

to do something that is necessary or useful. Dictionary example: You seem to f~ a very useful role in the organization.

take the liberty of doing sth

to do something that will have an effect on someone else, without asking their permission. Dictionary example: I took the l~ of booking theater seats for us.

fulfill a duty/promise/responsibility, etc.

to do something that you have promised to do or that you are expected to do. Dictionary example: His opponents say the governor has failed to f~ his campaign promises.

fulfill an ambition/dream/goal, etc.

to do something that you really wanted to do. Dictionary example: At the age of 45, she finally f~ed her ambition to run a marathon.

(take) the easy way out

to do what is easiest in a difficult situation. Dictionary example: I know you don't approve of his working methods, but why not take the e~ way out this time and agree to his request?

keep your word

to do what you said you would do. Dictionary example: He agreed to come and I'm sure he'll k~ his word.

exceed the speed limit

to drive faster than you are allowed to according to the law. Dictionary example: She was caught e~ing the speed limit.

put a stop to sth

to end something unpleasant. Dictionary example: We must p~ a stop to the violence.

get (sb/sth) out

to escape from or leave a place, or to help someone do this. Dictionary example: I left the door open and the cat g~ out.

look over sth or look sth over

to examine something quickly. Dictionary example: I'm just l~ing over what you've written.

speak for sb

to express the feelings, opinions, etc., of another person or a group of people. Dictionary example: I've been chosen to s~ on behalf of the whole class.

lose your balance

to fall because you are leaning too much to one side. Dictionary example: He lost his b~ and fell down the stairs.

feel compelled to do sth

to feel that you should do something. Dictionary example: He felt c~ to resign from his job.

look on the bright side

to find good things in a bad situation. Dictionary example: Look on the b~ side - no one was badly hurt.

kick sb out

to force someone to leave a place or organization. Dictionary example: The store is closing - we should leave before they k~ us out.

do away with sth

to get rid of something or stop using something. Dictionary examples: We may d~ away with the school uniform soon. These ridiculous rules and regulations should have been d~ne away with years ago.

dispose of sth

to get rid of something, especially by throwing it away. Dictionary example: I need to d~ of these old clothes.

dedicate your life/yourself to sth

to give most of your energy and time to something. Dictionary example: She has d~ed her life to helping others.

strike a balance

to give two things the same amount of attention. Dictionary example: It's important to strike a b~ between spending and saving.

return to normal

to go back to the usual condition. Dictionary example: Life has begun to r~ to normal now that the holidays are over.

set foot in/on sth

to go into a place or onto a piece of land. Dictionary example: He told me never to set f~ in his house again.

filter down/in/through, etc.

to gradually become known. Dictionary example: News is f~ing in of an earthquake in Mexico.

come off

to happen successfully. Dictionary example: His attempt to impress us all didn't quite c~ off.

hold a conversation

to have a conversation. Dictionary example: I can just about hold a c~ in Italian.

have anything/nothing/something against sb/sth

to have a reason not to like someone or something. Dictionary examples: Ellen doesn't have anything a~ bowling either, so let's go! I have nothing a~ him personally, I just don't think he's the right man for the job.

fulfill criteria/requirements, etc.

to have all the qualities that are wanted or needed for something. Dictionary example: He stayed an extra semester to f~ his requirements for a second degree.

be inclined to think/believe/agree, etc.

to have an opinion, but not a strong opinion. Dictionary example: I'm i~ed to agree with you.

be of two minds

to have difficulty making a decision. Dictionary example: I was of two m~s about whether to invite him to the wedding.

make ends meet

to have just enough money to pay for the things that you need. Dictionary example: I had to get a second job just to make e~s meet.

satisfy conditions/needs/requirements, etc.

to have or provide something that is needed or wanted. Dictionary example: She s~ies all the requirements for the job.

(have) the best of both worlds

to have the advantages of two different situations. Dictionary example: Living in the country and working in the city you have the b~ of both worlds.

come up against sth

to have to deal with a problem or difficulty. Dictionary example: She c~ up against a lot of sexism in her first engineering job.

have a/no right to do sth

to have, or not have, a good reason for something. Dictionary examples: He has a r~ to be angry. She had no r~ to speak to me like that.

be in sb's interest

to help someone and give them an advantage. Dictionary example: It may not be in your i~ to change jobs so soon.

save sb (from) doing sth

to help someone avoid having to do something. Dictionary example: We'll eat in a restaurant - it'll s~ you having to cook.

engage

to improve something Dictionary example: Winning that award greatly enhanced her reputation.

brush up (on) sth

to improve your knowledge of something already learned but partly forgotten. Dictionary example: I thought I'd b~ up on my French before going to Paris.

gather speed/momentum/support, etc.

to increase in speed/momentum/support, etc. Dictionary example: Finally, the train began to g~ speed, and we were on our way.

build (sth) up or build up (sth)

to increase or develop, or to make something increase or develop. Dictionary examples: This will help to b~ up his confidence. She exercises daily to b~ up her strength

broaden/expand/widen your horizons

to increase the number of things that you know about, have experienced, or can do. Dictionary example: Traveling certainly broadens your h~s.

insist on sth

to keep doing something, even if it annoys other people or people think it is not good for you. Dictionary examples: She i~s on cooking all her own meals. Frank i~ed on doing all the work himself.

dwell on/upon sth

to keep thinking or talking about something, especially something bad or unpleasant. Dictionary example: I don't want to d~ on the past.

know sth inside out

to know everything about something. Dictionary example: He knows the system i~ out.

know/say for certain

to know something without doubt. Dictionary example: We don't k~ for certain whether she's coming.

make time

to leave enough time to do something although you are busy. Dictionary examples: You have to m~ time to do your homework. He never m~ enough time for family life.

scare sb/sth away/off or scare away/off sb/sth

to make a person or an animal so frightened that they go away. Dictionary example: She s~ed off her attacker by screaming.

clear sth away or clear away sth

to make a place neat by removing things from it, or putting them where they should be. Dictionary example: We need to c~ away these tree branches that were knocked down in the storm.

get a grip (on yourself)

to make an effort to control your emotions and behave more calmly. Dictionary example: Stop panicking and get a g~ on yourself!

break even

to make as much money as you spent, but no more. Dictionary example: The company only managed to b~ even this year.

keep sb posted

to make certain that someone always knows what is happening. Dictionary example: Keep me p~ on anything that happens while I'm away.

drive sb to sth; drive sb to do sth

to make someone have a bad feeling or do something bad. Dictionary example: The arguments d~ her to leave home.

capture sb's attention/ imagination/ interest

to make someone interested in or excited about something. Dictionary example: The Moon landing c~ed the attention of the whole world.

get rid of sb

to make someone leave. Dictionary example: We finally g~ rid of my little sister by telling her scary stories.

scare sb away/off or scare away/off sb

to make someone worried about doing something or going somewhere so that they decide not to do it or go there. Dictionary example: The recent bomb attacks have s~ed away the tourists.

bring sth to an end

to make something finish. Dictionary example: The stories in the newspaper b~ her career to a sudden end.

set back sb/sth or set sb/sth back

to make something happen more slowly or later than it should. Dictionary examples: These delays have s~ back the publication date by a month. Another failed harvest would really s~ these farmers back.

get sth straight

to make sure that you completely understand a situation. Dictionary example: Let me g~ this straight - am I paying for this?

bump into sb

to meet someone you know when you have not expected to meet them. Dictionary example: I b~ed into Mark when I was out shopping this afternoon.

to make a long story short

to mention only the final result or point of something without going into other details. Dictionary example: To m~ a long story short, he never played baseball again.

keep pace with sb/sth

to move or develop at the same speed as someone or something else. Dictionary example: We have to k~ pace with the changing times.

bear left/right

to move or turn to the left or right. Dictionary example: B~ right at the next set of traffic lights.

brush sth away/off

to move something somewhere using a brush or your hand. Dictionary examples: Jackie b~ed the hair out of her eyes. He b~ed away a tear.

bounce along/around/into, etc.

to move somewhere in a happy and energetic way. Dictionary example: Sarah b~ed into the room with a big smile on her face.

squeeze through/past, etc.

to move somewhere where there is very little space. Dictionary example: She s~ed through a narrow gap in the wall.

be a joke

to not be serious or not deserve respect. Dictionary example: The investigation was a j~.

stay out of sth

to not become involved in an argument or discussion. Dictionary examples: It's better to s~ out of their arguments. You don't know anything about this, so just s~ out of *it*!

be lacking in sth

to not have a quality. Dictionary example: He's totally l~ing in charm of any sort.

have no option (but to do sth)

to not have the possibility of doing something else. Dictionary example: We didn't want to let him go, but we had no o~.

tell the difference

to notice a difference between two things。 Dictionary example: I can't tell the d~ between an American and a Canadian accent.

be dead set against sth/doing sth

to oppose something strongly. Dictionary examples: She was d~ set against getting married. They were d~ set against the proposal for widening the highway.

line sb/sth up

to plan for something to happen. Dictionary example: What future projects have you l~ed up?

draw sth up or draw up sth

to prepare something, usually a plan, list, or an official agreement, by writing it. Dictionary example: She d~ up a list of contestants.

keep sb/sth from doing sth

to prevent someone or something from doing something. Dictionary example: Try to k~ the children from dropping food all over the floor.

cater to sb/sth

to provide what is wanted or needed by a particular group of people. Dictionary examples: Our magazines c~ to professionals such as lawyers and physicians. This legislation simply c~s to a small minority and shouldn't be passed.

keep sb going

to provide what someone needs for a short period of time. Dictionary example: Dinner is at eight, but I had an apple to keep me g~ing.

class sb/sth as sth

to put someone or something in a particular group according to their qualities. Dictionary example: The tower is c~d as a historic monument.

establish sb/sth as sth

to put someone or something into a successful and lasting position. Dictionary example: He quickly e~ed himself as a talented actor.

close off sth or close sth off

to put something across the entrance to a place in order to keep people from entering it. Dictionary example: Police quickly c~ed off the area.

lay sth down/in/on, etc.

to put something down somewhere carefully. Dictionary examples: She l~ the baby in the crib. He l~ the tray down on the table. She l~ her book on the table and went to answer the phone.

cover sth up or cover up sth

to put something over something else, in order to protect or hide it. Dictionary example: We used a picture to c~ up a hole in the wall.

stay away (from sth)

to remain away from something or to avoid something. Dictionary examples: S~ away from the edge of the cliff. Those buildings are being torn down - you should s~ away.

keep your cool

to remain calm. Dictionary example: You did well to keep your c~ in all that panic.

rip sth out/off/from, etc.

to remove something by pulling it away Dictionary example: The previous owner r~ed out the fireplace.

catch your breath

to rest for a short time until you can breathe regularly again. Dictionary example: Let's stop here and c~ our breath.

put sth aside

to save money for a particular purpose. Dictionary example: She p~s aside $100 a month to save for vacation.

put/set sb's mind at ease

to say something that will help someone to stop worrying. Dictionary example: I was worried about the test, but the nurse explained everything and put my mind at e~.

put your mind to it

to say something that will help someone to stop worrying. Dictionary example: I was worried about the test, but the nurse explained everything and put my m~ at ease.

make yourself understood

to say something to someone in a way that they understand. Dictionary example: I had a little difficulty m~ing myself understood.

divide sth (up) among/between sb

to separate something into parts and give a part to each person in a group. Dictionary example: The prize money will be d~ed equally among the winners.

raise your voice

to speak loudly and angrily to someone. Dictionary example: Even when he was angry with his children, he never r~ed his voice.

devote yourself to sth

to spend all your time or energy doing something that you think is important. Dictionary example: He retired in 1814 to d~ himself to social reforms.

rush into sth

to start doing something without thinking about it enough first. Dictionary example: I r~ed into marriage when I was much too young.

establish communication/relations, etc.

to start having a relationship or communicating with another person, company, country, or organization. Dictionary example: The two countries have only recently e~ed diplomatic relations.

kick in

to start to be effective or to happen. Dictionary example: The new tax rate k~s in next month.

head off

to start to leave a place or begin a trip, walk, etc. Dictionary example: We'll h~ off after lunch.

put sth forward or put forward sth

to state an idea or opinion, or to suggest a plan, so that it can be considered or discussed. Dictionary example: The government has p~ forward proposals to raise the drinking age.

lose your head

to stop being calm in a difficult situation。 Dictionary example: I saw the fire and I lost my h~.

get through to sb

to succeed in making someone understand or believe something. Dictionary example: I just don't seem to be able to g~ through to him these days.

grab the opportunity/chance

to take an opportunity quickly and with enthusiasm. Dictionary examples: I'd g~ the opportunity to travel. If you get the chance to meet her, you should g~ it.

divert sb's attention/thoughts, etc.

to take someone's attention away from something. Dictionary example: A movement outside the window d~ed my attention.

get back to sb

to talk or write to someone at a later time to give them some information they asked for or because you were not able to speak to them before. Dictionary example: I need to g~ back to Gary about his new computer.

crack a joke

to tell a joke. Dictionary example: He seemed very relaxed, laughing and c~ing jokes.

share your problems/thoughts/ideas, etc.

to tell someone your problems/thoughts/ideas, etc. Dictionary example: Would you like to s~ your thoughts with the group, Donald?

say sth to yourself

to think something but not speak. Dictionary example: "I hope she likes me," he s~d to himself.

take sth personally

to think that someone is criticizing you or to feel that a failure or bad situation is your fault. Dictionary example: You shouldn't take everything so p~.

have a high/low opinion of sb/sth

to think that someone or something is good/bad. Dictionary example: He has a low o~ of doctors.

do your utmost

to try as hard as you can to do something. Dictionary example: We d~ our utmost to finish the project on time.

keep a low profile

to try not to be noticed. Dictionary example: She has k~ a low profile since the divorce.

check (up) on sth

to try to discover how something is progressing or whether someone is doing what they should be doing. Dictionary example: My boss is always c~ing up on me.

dare sb to do sth

to try to make someone do something dangerous. Dictionary example: She d~ed her friend to climb onto the roof.

endeavor to do sth

to try very hard to do something. Dictionary example: I e~ed to explain the legal consequences of his action.

bend over backwards

to try very hard to do something. Dictionary example: They b~ over backwards to make us feel at home.

know what you are talking about

to understand a subject because of your experience. Dictionary example: He doesn't k~ what he's talking about - he's never even been to Africa.

relate to sb

to understand how someone feels. Dictionary example: Most teenagers find it hard to r~ to their parents.

draw on sth

to use information or your knowledge or experience of something to help you do something. Dictionary example: His novels d~ heavily on his childhood.

wait and see

to wait to discover what will happen. Dictionary example: We'll wait and s~ what she says.

have had enough

to want something to stop because it is annoying you. Dictionary example: I've had e~ of your excuses.

keep an eye out for sb/sth

to watch carefully for someone or something to appear. Dictionary example: Keep an e~ out for the delivery truck.

make a note of sth

to write down information about something. Dictionary example: Let me m~ a note of your phone number.

as many as

used before a number or amount to show that the number or amount is large. Dictionary example: A~ many as 6,000 people may have been infected with the disease.

all things considered

used for saying that something is true in general if you think about all its aspects. Dictionary example: The show was a great success, a~ things considered.

be a question of

used for saying what the most important issue is in a situation. Dictionary example: Someone needs to be here - it's a q~ of who would be the best person.

so as not to do sth

used for saying what the purpose of an action is. Dictionary example: He went in very quietly s~ as not to wake the baby.

anywhere near sth

used in questions and negatives to mean "close to being or doing something". Dictionary example: The house isn't a~ near ready.

sincere apologies/thanks, etc.

used to add emphasis when you are expressing a feeling. Dictionary example: The family wishes to express their s~ thanks to all the staff at the hospital.

on site

A food served on the side is served separate from the other foods. Dictionary example: I'll have the salad with the dressing o~ the side.

on the side

A food served on the side is served separate from the other foods. Dictionary example: I'll have the salad with the dressing o~ the side.

how come

used to ask why or how something has happened. Dictionary example: How c~ you didn't go to the party?

I/he/she, etc. couldn't care less

used to emphasize that someone is not interested in or worried about something or someone. Dictionary example: I couldn't c~ less what people think.

let alone

used to emphasize that something is more impossible than another thing. Dictionary example: You couldn't trust her to look after your dog, let a~ your child.

certainly/definitely not

used to emphasize that something is not true or will not happen, or to say "no". Dictionary example: "She's not exactly poor, is she?" "Certainly n~."

nothing of the sort/kind

used to emphasize that something is not true. Dictionary examples: He said that he was a legitimate businessman - in fact, he was n~ of the sort. It was supposed to be a gourmet meal, but it was n~ of the kind.

even so

used to emphasize that something surprising is true despite what you have just said. Dictionary example: Car prices have gone down a lot, but e~ so, we couldn't afford to buy one.

definitely not

used to emphasize that there is no doubt that something is not true or will not happen, or to say "no". Dictionary examples: "Will the work be finished by June?" "D~ not." I don't like that place and I'm d~ not going back there.

not a/one

used to emphasize that there is nothing of what you are talking about. Dictionary examples: N~ one person came to hear him talk. "You haven't heard from Nick, have you?" "N~ a word."

How dare she/you, etc.

used to express anger about something someone has done. Dictionary example: How d~ you talk to me like that!

when it comes to sth/doing sth

used to introduce a new idea that you want to say something about. Dictionary example: When it c~s to baking cakes, she's an expert.

with all due respect

used to politely disagree with or give a negative opinion about something. Dictionary example: I've been thinking about what you said and, with all d~ respect, I think you're mistaken.

like I said

used to remind someone that you said this earlier. Dictionary example: L~ I said, I'm not interested in buying insurance at the moment.

it's just as well

used to say that it is lucky that something happened. Dictionary example: It's j~ as well we brought an umbrella.

sad to say

used to say that it is unfortunate or embarrassing that something is true. Dictionary examples: S~ to say, the violin was never found. Yes, s~ to say, I've seen the movie fifteen times.

too bad

used to say that nothing can be done to change a situation. Dictionary example: I know you don't want to go but it's too b~, we have to.

after all

used to say that something happened or was true although you did not expect it to happen or be true. Dictionary example: Helen couldn't come to the party a~ all.

there's no harm in doing sth

used to say that something is not a bad thing to do and could possibly have a good effect. Dictionary example: I suppose there's no h~ in trying.

no doubt

used to say that something is very likely. Dictionary example: No d~ she'll spend the money on new clothes.

easier said than done

used to say that something seems like a good idea but it would be difficult to do。 Dictionary example: I want to ask her out, but it's easier said than d~.

it would appear (that)

used to say that something seems to be true. Dictionary example: It would a~ that nobody on board the aircraft actually had a licence to fly it.

I/you/we, etc. will just have to do sth

used to say that there is nothing else you can do. Dictionary example: We'll j~ have to wait and see what happens.

I'll/we'll see

used to say that you will make a decision about something later. Dictionary example: "Dad, can I have a guitar?" "We'll s~."

in your heart

used to say what you really feel or think。 Dictionary example: In his h~, he knew she was right.

two-star/three-star, etc.

used to show how good a restaurant or hotel is. Dictionary example: a five-s~ hotel.

no sooner ... than

used to show that something happens immediately after something else. Dictionary example: No s~ did we get home than the phone rang.

be all very well

used to show that you do not agree with something or that you are annoyed about something. Dictionary example: It's a~ very well for her to say everything's fine, she doesn't have to live here.

certainly not

used to strongly say "no," or to emphasize that you know that something is not true or will not happen. Dictionary examples: "Will you be taking her there?" "C~y not!" It's c~y not surprising that he was upset.

may as well do sth

used to suggest doing something when there is no reason you should not do it or there is no better thing to do. Dictionary examples: We m~ as well start the meeting - the others will be here soon. If the stores are closed, we m~ as well go home.

days

used to talk about a particular period of time when something happened or existed. Dictionary examples: in my younger d~s. This book was written before the d~s of computers.

how far

used to talk about how true something is. Dictionary example: How f~ do politicians represent the views of ordinary people?

as a consequence

used to talk about one thing that is the result of another. Dictionary example: A lot of birds died a~ a consequence of the oil spill.

far from it

used to tell someone that something is certainly not true. Dictionary example: He's not selfish, f~ from it - he's probably one of the kindest people I know.

how/what/why, etc. on earth?

used when you are extremely surprised, confused, or angry about something. Dictionary example: Why on e~ didn't you tell me before?

you see

used when you are giving an explanation about something. Dictionary examples: I didn't know she was Welsh, you s~. You s~, it was already late by that time.

or other

used when you cannot or do not want to be exact about the information you are giving. Dictionary examples: The event was held in some park or o~. We'll find someone or o~ to help us.

not much of a sth

used when you want to say that a person or thing is not a very good example of something. Dictionary examples: I'm not m~ of a cook. It's not m~ of a job, but it pays the bills.

with the aid of sth

using something to help you. Dictionary example: She walks with the a~ of a cane.

by means of

using, or with this method. Dictionary example: Students are selected for scholarships by m~ of an open, national competition.

lay sth out or lay out sth

ARRANGE.to arrange or design something, or to show how the parts of something will fit together. Dictionary example: The designer l~ out the book with pictures on every page.

catch up (sb) or catch (sb) up

BE AS GOOD AS.to reach the same level or quality as someone or something else. Dictionary example: She's doing extra work to c~ up with the rest of the class.

get into sth

BE INTERESTED.to become interested in an activity or subject, or start being involved in an activity. Dictionary example: How did you g~ into journalism?

come around

BECOME CONSCIOUS.to become conscious again after an accident or medical operation. Dictionary example: When he c~ around, he couldn't remember what had happened.

catch on

BECOME POPULAR.to become popular. Dictionary example: I wonder if the game will c~ on with young people?

come up

COMPUTER.If information comes up on a computer screen, it appears there. Dictionary example: The images c~ up on the screen.

hold on

CONFUSED/SURPRISED.(informal) something you say when you are confused or surprised by something that you have just heard or read and want to understand it. Dictionary example: H~ on, if Sara's not coming, why are we asking for a table for six?

get out

DIFFERENT PLACES.to go out to different places and meet people in order to enjoy yourself. Dictionary example: She doesn't g~ out as much now that she had the baby.

come under sth

EXPERIENCE.to experience something, often something unpleasant. Dictionary examples: We came under a lot of pressure to leave the area. They have come under criticism from local campaigners.

lay sth out or lay out sth

EXPLAIN.to explain something clearly, usually in writing. Dictionary example: We have asked them to l~ out their plans for the future of the park.

broken French(English/Spanish)

English/Spanish, etc. that is spoken slowly and has a lot of mistakes in it. Dictionary example: I managed to make myself understood in b~ French.

account for sth

FORM PART OF.to form part of a total amount or number of something. Dictionary example: Senior citizens a~ for more than 25 percent of the state's population.

check sth out or check out sth

GO TO SEE. (informal)to go to a place in order to see what it is like. Dictionary example: Let's c~ out that new dance club.

cut across sth

GROUP.If a problem or subject cuts across different groups of people, all of those groups are affected by it or interested in it. Dictionary example: Interest in the Internet c~s across all age groups.

check sth out or check out sth

INFORMATION.(informal) to examine something or get more information about it in order to be certain that it is true, safe, or suitable Dictionary example: We'll need to c~ out his story.

running water

If a building has running water, water comes into it through pipes. Dictionary example: The summer homes on the island have no r~ing water.

come over sb

If a feeling comes over you, you suddenly experience it. Dictionary example: I don't usually get so angry. I don't know what c~ over me.

on location

If a film or television program is made on location, it is made at a place suitable to the story. Dictionary example: The movie was shot on l~ in Kenya.

high in sth

If a food is high in something, it contains a lot of it. Dictionary example: Avoid foods that are h~ in salt.

run on sth

If a machine runs on a supply of power, it uses that power to work. Dictionary example: My laptop is r~ing on battery power.

be populated

If an area is populated by people or animals, they live in that area. Dictionary examples: The countryside is densely/sparsely p~. The forest was p~ by rare and colorful birds.

fall flat

If an event or joke falls flat, it fails to have the effect that you wanted, such as making people laugh. Dictionary example: All the jokes in his speech f~ flat.

lie ahead

If an event or situation that will cause problems lies ahead, it will happen in the future. Dictionary example: He's under no illusions about the difficulties that l~ ahead for the industry.

come to mind

If an idea comes to mind, you think of it. Dictionary example: I was thinking about who might be suitable for this job, and your name c~ to mind.

land in/on, etc.

If an object or person lands somewhere, they fall to the ground there. Dictionary examples: The ball l~ed in the neighbor's garden. She l~ed flat on her back.

safe to say

If it is safe to say something, you are sure it is correct. Dictionary example: I think it's s~ to say that he'll be the next president.

be close to sth

If someone or something is close to a particular state, they are almost in that state. Dictionary example: She was c~ to tears.

be in position

If someone or something is in position, they are in the place that they should be in. Dictionary example: The police were all in p~.

long ago

If something happened long ago, it happened a great amount of time ago. Dictionary examples: I think we met once, long a~. It was not long a~ that I last saw him.

a matter of course

If something happens as a matter of course, it always happens as part of the normal process or system. Dictionary example: Babies were tested for the disease as a matter of c~.

out of the blue

If something happens out of the blue, it is completely unexpected. Dictionary example: An old fried of mine from college called me out of the b~ yesterday.

in (the) light of sth

If something is done or happens in the light of facts, it is done or happens because of those facts. Dictionary example: I~ light of the problems we're having, we have no choice but to close the business.

on loan

If something is on loan, someone is borrowing it. Dictionary example: Both paintings are on l~ from the city museum.

on the increase

If something is on the increase, it is happening more often. Dictionary example: Homelessness is on the i~ in many cities.

room for improvement

If there is room for improvement, something can be made better. Dictionary example: His work isn't bad but there's still some r~ for improvement.

compare notes

If two people compare notes, they tell each other what they think about something that they have both done. Dictionary example: We c~ notes about our experiences in China.

go hand in hand

If two things go hand in hand, they exist together and are connected with each other. Dictionary example: Prosperity g~s hand in hand with investment.

out of season

If vegetables or fruit are out of season, they are not usually available at that time. Dictionary example: Strawberries are o~ of season now.

at face value

If you accept something at face value because of the way it first looks or seems, you do so without thinking carefully about it. Dictionary examples: You can't just accept everything you read in the newspapers a~ face value. These results should not be taken a~ face value - careful analysis is required to assess their full implications.

accustomed to sth/doing sth

If you are a~ to something, you have experienced it often enough for it to seem normal to you. SYN:*used to*.*familiar* Dictionary examples: I've worked nights for years now and *become/grown* a~ to it. She isn't a~ to dealing with so much media attention.

be due for sth

If you are due for something, it should happen very soon. Dictionary example: I'm d~ for a check-up at the dentist's.

be satisfied that

If you are satisfied that something is true, you believe it. Dictionary example: The judge was s~ that she was telling the truth.

be getting at sth

If you ask someone what they are getting at, you are asking them what they really mean. Dictionary example: What do you think the poet is g~ing at in these lines?

at the expense of sth

If you do one thing at the expense of another, doing the first thing harms the second thing. Dictionary example: He spent a lot of time a~ work, at the expense of his marriage.

from scratch

If you do something from scratch, you do it from the beginning. Dictionary example: We didn't have any furniture of our own so we had to start f~ scratch.

in moderation

If you do something in m~, you do not do it too much. Dictionary example: I only drink alcohol i~ moderation.

a history of sth

If you have a history of a particular problem or illness, you have already suffered from it. Dictionary example: Our family has a h~ of diabetes.

to spare

If you have time, money, etc. to spare, you have more than you need. Dictionary example: I arrived at the station with more than an hour to s~.

by law

If you have to do something by law, it is illegal not to do it. Dictionary example: They have to provide a contract b~ law.

leave sb doing sth

If you leave something or someone doing something, you allow them to continue doing it, or they continue doing it when you go away. Dictionary example: I l~ the children watching television.

it's only a matter of time

If you say that it is only a matter of time before something happens, you are sure it will happen but you do not know when. Dictionary example: It's only a m~ of time before someone gets into an accident on this road.

at a glance

If you see or understand something at a glance, you see or understand it almost immediately. Dictionary example: He could tell a~ a glance that something was wrong.

come under sth

LIST.to be in a particular part of a book, list, etc. Dictionary example: Hairdressers c~ under "beauty salons" in the Yellow Pages.

clean up (sth) or clean (sth) up

MAKE CLEAN.to make something clean and neat. Dictionary examples: You need to c~ up your room. We'll c~ this mess up before we leave. I have to c~ up before the guests arrive.

settle down

MAKE HOME.to start living in a place where you intend to stay for a long time. Dictionary example: Eventually I'd like to s~ down and have a family, but not yet.

come over

MOVE TOWARD.to come to a place, move from one place to another, or move towards someone. Dictionary examples: C~ over here and I'll do your hair for you. Are your family c~ing over from Greece for the wedding?

move on

NEW ACTIVITY.to start doing a new activity. Dictionary example: I'd done the same job for ten years and felt it was time to m~ on.

move on

NEW SUBJECT.to change from one subject to another when you are talking or writing. Dictionary example: Let's m~ on to the next topic.

hold back sth or hold sth back.

NOT TELL.to not tell everything you know about something. Dictionary example: I think she suspected I was h~ing something back.

come up

OPPORTUNITY.If a job or opportunity c~s up, it becomes available. Dictionary example: If some work c~s up, you should take it.

put sth together or put together sth

PREPARE.to prepare a piece of work by collecting several ideas and suggestions and organizing them. Dictionary example: to p~ together a *plan/proposal*.

hold sb/sth back

PREVENT MOVEMENT.to prevent someone or something from moving forward. Dictionary example: The police h~ back the protesters.

come up

PROBLEM.If a problem or difficult situation comes up, it happens. Dictionary example: Sorry I'm late - a problem c~ up with my schedule.

first-/second-/third-rate

very good, bad, or very bad. Dictionary example: a first-r~ hotel.

all hours

very late at night, until early morning, or almost all the time. Dictionary example: Our neighbors play loud music at *a~ hours* of the day and night.

foul language

very rude and offensive words. Dictionary example: There was a lot of f~ language in the movie.

in no time

very soon. Dictionary example: We'll be home i~ no time.

before you know it

very soon. Dictionary example: We'll be there b~ you know it.

prospective buyers/employers/parents, etc.

Prospective buyers, employers, parents, etc., are not yet buyers, employers, parents, etc., but are expected to be in the future. Dictionary example: We can organize tours for p~ students.

clean up (sth) or clean (sth) up

REMOVE POLLUTION.to remove pollution from somewhere. Dictionary example: They are developing processes to c~ up polluted rivers.

on hold

waiting to speak to someone on the telephone. Dictionary example: His secretary put me on h~.

conventional wisdom

what most people believe. Dictionary example: These ideas about childcare go against c~ wisdom on the subject.

in any event

whatever happens. Dictionary example: I'm not sure if I'm coming on Friday, but in any e~, I'll see you next week.

have no hesitation in/about doing sth

when you are very willing to do something because you know it is the right thing to do. Dictionary example: He had no h~ in signing with the team.

at first sight

when you first see or hear about something or someone. Dictionary example: It may, a~ first sight, seem a surprising choice.

come across

SEEM.to seem to be a particular type of person or thing. Dictionary examples: He c~ across as shy. Her confident manner can sometimes c~ across as arrogance. All these promises just c~ across as a meaningless political stunt.

cut out sth or cut sth out

SHAPE.to remove something or form a shape by cutting, usually something made of paper or cloth. Dictionary example: She c~ out his picture from the magazine.

come on

START.to start to happen or work. Dictionary examples: The heat c~s on at six in the morning. I feel like I've got a cold c~ing on.

cut out sth or cut sth out

STOP EATING.to stop eating or drinking something, usually to improve your health. Dictionary example: I've c~ out red meat from my diet.

call off sth or call sth off

STOP.to decide to stop an activity. Dictionary example: Police have c~ed off the search.

bounce back

SUCCESSFUL AGAIN.to start to be successful again after a difficult period. Dictionary examples: Stock prices b~ed back after a steep plunge earlier this week. After a terrible start the team b~ed back and won the game.

fit in with sth

SUCCESSFUL PART.If something fits in with a situation, idea, method, etc., it is suitable and works successfully as part of it. Dictionary example: Changing location f~s in with their plans to expand the business.

a passion for sth

when you like something very much. Dictionary example: a p~ for baseball.

mouth of a river

where a river goes into the sea. Dictionary example: It is a small village, by the m~ of a river.

open to discussion/suggestions, etc.

willing to consider a discussion/suggestions, etc. Dictionary example: This is only a proposal. I'm o~ to suggestions.

with flying colors

with a very high score or with great success. Dictionary example: He passed the exam with flying c~s.

in vain

without any success. Dictionary example: I tried i~ vain to start a conversation.

regardless of

without being affected or influenced by anything else that happens or exists. Dictionary example: This job is open to all, r~ of previous experience.

strong language

words that some people might consider to be offensive. Dictionary example: The movie contains strong l~.

in association with

working together with. Dictionary example: The event was organized in a~ with the Student Council.

get on sb's nerves

worry or anxiety about something that is going to happen. Dictionary examples: I sometimes suffer from n~s when I'm speaking in public. I need something to *calm my* n~.

nerves

worry or anxiety about something that is going to happen. Dictionary examples: I sometimes suffer from n~s when I'm speaking in public. I need something to *calm my* n~s.

the military

a country's army, navy, and air force. Dictionary example: The m~ has opposed any cuts in defense spending.

a call for sth

a demand for something to happen. Dictionary example: a c~ for action/peace.

Master's (degree)

a higher university title of achievement. Dictionary example: to study for a M~'s degree

a host of sth

a large number of people or things. Dictionary example: They serve lunches and perform a h~ of other duties.

not nearly (as/so)

a lot less. Dictionary examples: It's not n~ as expensive as I thought. There are not n~ enough jobs to go round.

a sleepless night

a night when you are not able to sleep. Dictionary example: He'd spent a s~ night worrying about his exam.

the old days

a period in the past. Dictionary example: This place isn't as good as it was in the old d~s!

a safe place; somewhere safe

a place where something will not be lost or stolen. Dictionary example: It's very valuable so put it somewhere s~.

back road/street

a small road or street without much traffic and away from the main roads. Dictionary example: I prefer to take b~ roads and avoid the highway traffic.

the cleaner's

a store where clothes are cleaned with chemicals. Dictionary example: I took my dress to the c~'s.

a burning issue(question)

a subject or question that must be taken care of or answered quickly. Dictionary example: Climate change remains a b~ing issue.

a hot issue/topic

a subject which people discuss and have strong feelings about. Dictionary example: Health care is still a h~ topic.

a bit of a surprise/problem/mess, etc.

a surprise, problem, mess, etc. that is not too big or serious. Dictionary examples: I am a b~ of a romantic. It was a b~ of a shock.

miles

a very long distance. Dictionary examples: We drove for m~s along dusty roads. Her ranch is m~s from the nearest big city.

a fine line

a very small difference between two things that may seem different. Dictionary example: There's a f~ line between courage and foolishness.

burning desire(ambition)

a very strong need to do something. Dictionary example: I have no b~ing desire to go diving.

a rule of thumb

a way of judging something that is not exact but which will help you to be correct enough. Dictionary example: As a r~ of thumb, you need one egg for every 125g flour.

take it from me

accept that what I say is true, because I know or have experienced it. Dictionary example: You could be doing a much less interesting job, take it from m~.

a further 10/100, etc.

additional. Dictionary example: A f~ 20 stores will open next year.

around the clock

all day and all night。 Dictionary example: Rescue teams are working a~ the clock to search for survivors of the earthquake.

the people

all the ordinary people in a country Dictionary example: The rebels have gained the support of the p~.

a good deal

an agreement, arrangement, or situation that benefits you. Dictionary example: I think we got a really good d~ on our new car.

in the region of sth

approximately. Dictionary example: It probably cost somewhere i~ the region of £900.

in turn

as a result of something that is part of a series of events. Dictionary example: This could result i~n the loss of certain species of fish and this in turn poses a serious threat to the fishing communities along the river banks.

by way of sth

as a type of something. Dictionary example: He sent me some flowers b~ way of apology.

by(from) all accounts

as said by a lot of people. Dictionary example: The party was, by all a~s, a great success.

on the basis of sth

as the result of something. Dictionary example: Grades are awarded on the b~ of progress and performance.

needless to say

as you would expect. Dictionary example: N~ to say, it rained the whole time we were there.

on the job

at the place where you work, or while you work. Dictionary examples: She's only had two years on the job and has been promoted already. He keeps falling asleep on the j~.

on the grounds of/that

because of a particular reason. Dictionary examples: You cannot discriminate on the g~s *of* religion. I refused on the g~s *that* it was too risky.

in the hope that/of

because you want something good to happen. Dictionary examples: She went to Paris in the h~ of improving her French. They wrote to their teacher in the h~ that he could help.

prior to sth

before a particular time or event. Dictionary example: the weeks p~ to her death.

ahead (of time / schedule)

before the time that was planned. Dictionary example: We finished the project a~ of schedule.

from the 1870s/March/6:30 pm, etc. onward

beginning at a particular time and continuing into the future. Dictionary example: The committee will meet on Monday and weekly f~ then onward.

in safe hands

being cared for or dealt with by someone skilled. Dictionary example: The project is in safe h~s - Jan has lots of experience.

on show

being shown to the public. Dictionary example: Her designs are currently o~ show at the Museum of Modern Art.

better/faster/happier, etc. than ever

better/faster/happier, etc. than at any time before. Dictionary example: She is running faster than e~

comparatively cheap/easy/little, etc.

cheap/easy/little, etc. when compared to something else or to what is usual. Dictionary example: The climb was c~ easy.

at random

chosen by chance. Dictionary example: Winners will be chosen a~ random.

linens

cloth items for the home, such as sheets and tablecloths. Dictionary example: They want to buy new curtains and l~s for their new home.

all/just the same

despite what has just been said. Dictionary example: He doesn't earn much. All the s~, he ought to pay for some of his own meals.

other than

different from or except. Dictionary examples: The form cannot be signed by anyone o~ than you. There's nothing on TV tonight, o~ than reruns.

like crazy

doing something a lot or in a fast way. Dictionary example: We worked like c~ to get everything finished.

on the road

driving or traveling, usually over a long distance. Dictionary example: We'd been o~ the road for 4 hours so we stopped to stretch and have a snack.

during/in/over the course of sth

during a particular time or activity. Dictionary example: He always chats with waiters and waitresses and becomes their best friends during the c~ of dinner.

other than that

except for the thing you have just said. Dictionary example: My arm was a bit sore - o~ than that I was fine.

crystal clear

extremely clear. Dictionary example: crystal c~ water.

deadly dull/serious, etc.

extremely dull/serious, etc. Dictionary example: His speech was d~ dull.

attached to sb/sth

feeling emotionally close to someone or something. Dictionary example: The children are very a~ to their grandparents.

for long

for a long time. Dictionary example: We didn't have to wait f~ long.

(all) to myself

for my use only。 Dictionary examples: I'll have the house all to m～ this weekend. I need a couple of hours to m～.

for life

for the whole of someone's life. Dictionary example: I will have to take this medicine f~ life.

for good

forever. Dictionary example: When he was 20, he left home f~ good.

in store

going to happen soon. Dictionary examples: You never know what's i~ store for you. There's a bit of a shock i~ store for him when he gets home tonight!

solid gold/silver/wood, etc.

gold/silver/wood, etc. with nothing added. Dictionary example: a s~ silver bracelet.

bit by bit

gradually. Dictionary example: She saved up the money, b~ by b~.

up to speed

having all the most recent information about a subject or activity. Dictionary example: The course should bring you up to s~ with the latest techniques.

personal hygiene

how clean a person's body, teeth, hair, etc. are. Dictionary example: Her p~ hygiene is not as good as it should be.

in the event of sth

if something happens. Dictionary example: An airbag could save your life in the e~ of an accident.

to do so

if you do this, or if this is done. Dictionary examples: They want to build a completely new school, but to do s~ would cost far too much. I would strongly advise you against taking out a loan of this size. To do s~ would be a great risk to your business.

in short

in a few words. Dictionary example: I~ short, we need more staff.

by and large

in general. Dictionary example: B~ and large, people have welcomed the changes.

in bulk

in large amounts. Dictionary example: to buy in b~.

in reverse

in the opposite order or way. Dictionary example: Now go through the steps in r~ to take the bookcase apart.

on the horizon

likely to happen soon. Dictionary example: Economic recovery is on the h~.

have little/no effect

make little/no difference. Dictionary example: The new measures have had little e~ on ordinary people's lives.

on track

making progress and likely to succeed. Dictionary examples: A fighter from Edinburgh is o~ track to become world heavyweight boxing champion. We've got a lot of work to do but we're on the right track.

funds

money needed or available to spend on something. Dictionary example: The charity closed down due to lack of f~s.

first and foremost

more than anything else. Dictionary example: In spite of being elected to office, she remains f~ and foremost a writer.

for the most part

mostly or usually Dictionary example: I enjoyed it f~ the most part.

step by step

moving slowly from one stage of something to the next. Dictionary example: I know there's a lot to prepare, but just take things s~ by s~ and don't worry.

at hand

near in time or space. Dictionary example: Teachers are always close a~ hand to give help to any child who needs it.

new blood

new people in an organization who will provide new ideas and energy. Dictionary example: We need some new blood in the organization.

no ... whatsoever

none at all. Dictionary example: There's n~ evidence whatsoever that she was involved.

incapable of sth/doing sth

not able to do something or to feel a particular emotion. Dictionary examples: After the operation he was i~ of taking care of himself for several weeks. He seems i~ of getting angry of being embarrassed.

far from sth

not at all something. Dictionary example: The situation is f~ from clear.

in no way/not in any way

not at all. Dictionary example: This is i~ no way your fault.

nowhere near

not close in distance, time, amount or quality. Dictionary examples: The house was n~ near the ocean. It's n~ near time for us to leave yet. I'm n~ near finishing the book. He's n~ near as tall as his sister.

free from/of sth

not containing or having anything harmful or unpleasant. Dictionary example: a life f~ from pain.

behind the times

not fashionable or modern. Dictionary example: Dad's a bit b~ the times.

at/on an angle

not horizontal or vertical, but sloping. Dictionary example: The picture was hanging at an a~, so I straightened it.

of little/no consequence

not important. Dictionary example: The money was of little c~ to Tony.

by no means; not by any means

not in any way. Dictionary examples: I'm not an expert b~ any means. It is b~ no means clear what the mayor can do to end the strike.

to say the least

not less than, and probably much more than. Dictionary examples: At the very l~, you should apologize. We should earn $500 at the very l~.

at the very least

not less than, and probably much more than. Dictionary examples: A~ the very least, you should apologize. We should earn $500 a~ the very least.

alternate (days/weeks/years)

one out of every two days, weeks, years, etc. SYN:*take turns.* Dictionary example: I work a~ Saturdays.

on short notice

only a short time before something happens. Dictionary example: I had to give a speech on very short n~.

contrary to sth

opposite to what someone said or thought. Dictionary example: C~ to popular belief, bottled water is not always better than tap water.

the blind

people who are blind. Dictionary example: He went to a school for the blind.

the elderly

people who are elderly. Dictionary example: The city is building new housing for the e~.

the homeless

people who are homeless. Dictionary example: They're opening a new shelter for the h~.

the poor

people who are poor. Dictionary example: She spent her life working with the p~.

the rich

people who are rich. Dictionary example: These ski resorts are for the r~.

the opposite sex

people who are the other sex from you. Dictionary example: When you attend an all girls or all boys school, you don't study with members of the o~ sex.

on the air

played on television or radio. Dictionary example: His show is on the a~ from 11:00 to 11:30 Monday through Thursday.

good/bad press

praise or criticism from newspapers, magazines, television, etc. Dictionary example: She's had a lot of bad p~ recently.

in reserve

ready to be used if or when you need it. Dictionary example: She keeps a little money i~ reserve.

to the contrary

saying or showing the opposite. Dictionary example: She claimed she hadn't been involved, despite evidence to the c~.

in the same way

similarly. Dictionary example: I~ the same way, there are many citizens who feel unprotected by the police.

in tune

singing or playing the right notes. Dictionary example: Try to stay i~ tune.

out of tune

singing or playing the wrong notes. Dictionary example: The piano is o~ of tune.

a reflection of sth

something that is a sign or result of a particular situation. Dictionary example: The fact that soldiers are on the streets is a r~ of how terrified the government is.

sb's strong point

something that someone is very good at. Dictionary example: Cooking is not my strong p~.

course of action

something that you can do in a particular situation. Dictionary example: I think the best course of a~ would be to write to him.

as it happens

something that you say in order to introduce a surprising fact. Dictionary example: A~ it happens, her birthday is the day after mine.

in a nutshell

something that you say when you are describing something using as few words as possible. Dictionary example: The answer, i~ a nutshell, is yes.

every now and then

sometimes, but not often. Dictionary example: We still get together for lunch e~ now and then.

at times

sometimes. Dictionary example: A~ times, I wish I didn't have to go to school.

all at once

suddenly. Dictionary example: *A~ at once* he stood up and walked out of the room.

the rear

the back part of something. Dictionary examples: First class accommodation is towards the r~ of the train. We walked round to the r~ of the house.

the cream of sth

the best people or things in a particular group. Dictionary example: the c~ of Milan's designers.

the best/cheapest/worst, etc. possible

the best/cheapest/worst, etc. that can happen or exist. Dictionary example: We need to complete the work in the shortest p~ time.

the foot of sth

the bottom of something such as stairs, a hill, a bed, or a page. Dictionary example: Put the notes at the f~ of the page.

the root of sth

the cause of something, usually something bad. Dictionary examples: We must *get to the* r~ of this problem. Money is said to be the r~ *of all evil*.

the bulk of sth

the largest part or most of something. Dictionary example: He spends the b~ of his money on rent.

the labor market

the number of people in a place who are available and willing to work. Dictionary example: The strong economy will create growth in the l~ market.

in the form of sth

the particular way in which something appears or exists. Dictionary examples: The novel is written in the f~ of a series of letters. The medicine comes in the f~ of a liquid or pills.

the leadership

the people in control of a group, country, or situation. Dictionary examples: There is growing discontent with the l~. The election for the l~ of the council will take place on Tuesday.

the opposition

the people or group not in power, especially a political party that does not have an elected majority. Dictionary example: They expect to defeat the local o~ in Tuesday's election.

the focus of sth

the person or thing that is getting most attention in a situation or activity. Dictionary examples: He is the focus of an investigation. The f~ of attention has shifted from the economy to improving the public schools.

the home of sth/sb

the place where you usually find something or someone, or where they come from. Dictionary example: France, the h~ of good food