English vocab

take (something) in stride

(US) or Brit take (something) in your stride : to deal with (something difficult or upsetting) in a calm way ▪ I thought she'd be upset, but she has taken the news in stride.

shamrock

/ˈʃæmˌrɑ:k/ noun plural sham·rocks [count] : a small plant with three leaves on each stem that is the national symbol of Ireland

terminus a quo

1: a point of origin 2: a first limiting point in time Scholars have established a terminus a quo for this text.

epigraph

1: an engraved inscription 2: a quotation set at the beginning of a literary work or one of its divisions to suggest its theme

meteorite

=meteor /ˈmi:tijəˌraɪt/ noun plural me·te·or·ites [count] : a piece of rock or metal that has fallen to the ground from outer space : a meteor that reaches the surface of the Earth without burning up entirely

fogy

Brit fo·gey /ˈfoʊgi/ noun plural fo·gies [count] : a person with old-fashioned ideas — usually used with old ▪ Maybe I'm just an old fogy, but I don't think this kind of music is appropriate for children. — fo·gy·ish (chiefly US) or chiefly Brit fo·gey·ish /ˈfoʊgijɪʃ/ adjective ▪ a fogyish old man

tacky

Listen to audio/ˈtæki/ adjective tack·i·er; tack·i·est [also more tacky; most tacky] 1 : slightly wet and sticky ▪ The paint is still a little tacky. 2 informal a : having a cheap and ugly appearance : not tasteful or stylish ▪ We got rid of that tacky old furniture/wallpaper. ▪ bright, tacky clothes ▪ tacky souvenirs b chiefly US : not socially proper or acceptable ▪ tacky behavior ▪ a very tacky comment — tack·i·ness Listen to audio /ˈtækinəs/ noun [noncount] ▪ the tackiness of the newly painted walls ▪ the tackiness of his bright clothes

whisk

[+ obj] 1 : to stir or beat (eggs, sauces, etc.) with a whisk or fork▪ Whisk the eggs with the cream until the mixture thickens. 2 always followed by an adverb or preposition : to move or take (someone or something) to another place very quickly ▪ She whisked the children off to bed. ▪ The taxi whisked me to the airport. ▪ The waitress whisked my plate away before I was finished eating.

stipulate

[+ object] : to demand or require (something) as part of an agreement The cease-fire was stipulated by the treaty. The rules stipulate that players must wear uniforms.

hew to (something)

US : to follow or obey (something) ▪ Everyone must hew to the rules/standards. ▪ He is a politician who has always hewed [=adhered] closely to the party line.

bloviate

Verb: Talk at length, esp. in an inflated or empty way.

pericope

[ pə ríkəpee ] passage from book: an extract from a book, especially a passage from the Bible selected for reading during a Roman Catholic Mass

the pot calling the kettle black

a person is guilty of the very thing of which they accuse another.

tart

adjective tart·er; tart·est [also more tart; most tart] 1 : having a sharp or sour taste ▪ a tart apple/cherry ▪ The wine is rather tart. 2 : having a sharp and unkind quality ▪ a tart reply ▪ tart criticism — tart·ly adverb ▪ "Be quiet," she told him tartly. — tart·ness noun [noncount]

lost on

not appreciated or understood by (someone) ▪ The jokes were lost on me. [=I didn't understand the jokes] ▪ The meaning of her remark wasn't lost on him. ▪ The message was lost on those for whom it was intended.

autodidact

noun a person who has learned a subject without the benefit of a teacher or formal education; a self-taught person.

trophy wife

noun plural ∼ wives [count] informal + disapproving : an attractive young woman who is married to an older successful man ▪ a millionaire and his young trophy wife

paean

pae·an /ˈpi:jən/ noun plural pae·ans [count] literary : a song of joy, praise, or victory

pore over

pore over (something) : to read or study (something) very carefully ▪ He pored over the map for hours.

arctic

the regions north of the Arctic Circle centered on the North Pole,

contend with

to deal with (something difficult or unpleasant) ▪ Customers should not have to contend with the problems caused by these delays. ▪ He's had a lot to contend with recently. [=he's had many problems to deal with]

lock horns

to disagree about how something should be done : to fight or argue ▪ They've locked horns (with each other) over this issue a number of times.

fend for oneself

to do things without help : to do basic activities by yourself ▪ They had to fend for themselves while their mother was away.▪ He's been fending for himself since his wife died.

in the wake of

used to say what happens after and often as a result of something ▪ Safety regulations were improved in the wake of the oil spill.

hoard

verb [+ obj] : to collect and hide a large amount of (something valuable) ▪ hoarding money/food — hoard·er noun, plural hoard·ers [count]

bristle

verb bristles; bris·tled; bris·tling [no obj] 1 of hair : to rise up and become stiff ▪ Electricity makes your hair bristle. 2 : to show signs of anger : to become angry — usually + at ▪ He bristled at the insult. ▪ She bristled at their criticism. bristle with [phrasal verb] bristle with (something) 1 : to be covered with (something) ▪ a bush bristling with thorns ▪ The hillside bristled with soldiers. 2 : to be full of (something) ▪ The movie bristles with excitement. [=the movie is very exciting] ▪ He bristles with energy.

flying saucer

飛碟

out of kilter

— used to describe something that is not in the exactly right position or condition, is not working in the usual or proper way, etc. ▪ Unexpected expenses threw the budget out of kilter. ▪ Our schedule has been knocked off kilter. — see also off-kilter

stomach growling

肚子叫

sedan chair

轎子 noun plural ∼ chairs [count] : a covered chair that is carried on poles by two people and that was used in the past for carrying a passenger through the streets of a city

hedgehog

刺猬

blasé

/blɑˈzeɪ, Brit ˈblɑ:ˌzeɪ/ adjective [more blasé; most blasé] : having or showing a lack of excitement or interest in something especially because it is very familiar ▪ a blasé traveler ▪ People get blasé about their hometown. ▪ a blasé reaction

demise

/dɪˈmaɪz/ noun [singular] formal 1 : an end of life : death ▪ She had/owned no property at the time of her demise. ▪ The musician met an untimely demise. ▪ There are several theories about what caused the demise [=extinction] of the dinosaurs. 2 : the end of something that is thought of as being like a death ▪ We have not had truly local news coverage since the town newspaper's demise three years ago. ▪ the company's imminent demise ▪ Losing this game will mean/spell the team's demise.

demean

/dɪˈmi:n/ verb de·means; de·meaned; de·mean·ing [+ obj] : to cause (someone or something) to seem less important or less worthy of respect ▪ He was careful not to demean [=debase, put down] his opponent, choosing instead to show him respect. ▪ Her statement demeans the hard work the group has done. ▪ Their casual reaction demeans the seriousness of the problem. [=fails to treat the problem in an appropriately serious way] ▪ I refuse to demean myself by replying to these unjust accusations. — demeaning adjective [more demeaning; most demeaning] ▪ Our petty arguments are demeaning to us both. ▪ His comment is demeaning to women. ▪ He found the work demeaning. [=degrading] ▪ demeaning stereotypes

demeanor

/dɪˈmi:nɚ/ noun plural de·mean·ors [count] : a person's appearance and behavior : the way someone seems to be to other people — usually singular ▪ She has a shy/friendly/warm demeanor. ▪ His quiet demeanor [=manner, bearing] had a calming effect on us. ▪ They maintained a solemn demeanor as they told us the bad news.

dementia

/dɪˈmɛnʃə/ noun plural de·men·tias a slowly progressive decline in mental abilities, including memory, thinking, and judgment, that is often accompanied by personality changes

deplete

/dɪˈpli:t/ verb de·pletes; de·plet·ed; de·plet·ing [+ obj] : to use most or all of (something important) : to greatly reduce the amount of (something) ▪ Activities such as logging and mining deplete our natural resources. ▪ We completely depleted our life savings when we bought our new house. — often used as (be) depleted ▪ The soil has been depleted by years of drought. ▪ lakes and rivers that are depleted of fish ▪ depleted soil ▪ the country's badly depleted resources — de·ple·tion /dɪˈpli:ʃən/ noun, plural de·ple·tions [count] ▪ a depletion of the water supply [noncount] ▪ the depletion of the ozone layer = ozone depletion

deplore

/dɪˈploɚ/ verb de·plores; de·plored; de·plor·ing [+ obj] : to hate or dislike (something) very much : to strongly disapprove of (something) ▪ We deplore the development of nuclear weapons. ▪ Many people deplored the change. ▪ Although deplored by many, her decisions have greatly benefited the company.

deploy

/dɪˈploɪ/verb de·ploys; de·ployed; de·ploy·ing 1 [+ obj] : to organize and send out (people or things) to be used for a particular purpose ▪ The troops were deployed for battle.▪ They plan to deploy more American soldiers over the next six months.▪ Two scientists were deployed to study the problem.▪ Both campaigns are deploying volunteers to the cities to encourage people to vote.▪ Equipment and supplies have been deployed across the country.▪ He deploys several arguments to prove his point. 2: to open up and spread out the parts of (something, such as a parachute) [+ obj] ▪ Wait several seconds before deploying the parachute.▪ The boat's sails were not fully deployed. [no obj] ▪ The parachute failed to deploy properly. — de·ploy·ment /dɪˈploɪmənt/noun, plural de·ploy·ments [count] ▪ additional troop deployments▪ a monthlong deployment [noncount] ▪ the deployment of ground troops

deride

/dɪˈraɪd/ verb de·rides; de·rid·ed; de·rid·ing [+ obj] formal : to talk or write about (someone or something) in a very critical or insulting way : to say that (someone or something) is ridiculous or has no value ▪ politicians attempting to win votes by deriding [=belittling] their opponents — often + as ▪ One critic derides the book as dull and predictable. — often used as (be) derided ▪ For years women were derided as the weaker sex.

disseminate

/dɪˈsɛməˌneɪt/ verb dis·sem·i·nates; dis·sem·i·nat·ed; dis·sem·i·nat·ing [+ obj] formal : to cause (something, such as information) to go to many people ▪ The Internet allows us to disseminate information/news/ideas faster. ▪ The findings were widely disseminated. — dis·sem·i·na·tion Listen to audio /dɪˌsɛməˈneɪʃən/ noun [noncount] ▪ the dissemination of information — dis·sem·i·na·tor Listen to audio /dɪˈsɛməˌneɪtɚ/ noun, plural dis·sem·i·na·tors [count] ▪ disseminators of information

detractor

/dɪˈtræktɚ/ noun plural de·trac·tors [count] formal : a person who criticizes something or someone ▪ Despite his popularity, his many detractors [=critics] still think his work is overrated. ▪ Even her detractors had to admit that she had made the company successful.

conglomerate

/kənˈglɑ:mərət/ noun plural con·glom·er·ates 1 [count] : a large business that is made of different kinds of companies ▪ a news and entertainment conglomerate ▪ Our small company must compete with the big conglomerates. 2 [count, noncount] technical : a kind of rock that is made from many stones of different sizes held together with hardened clay

congruent

/kənˈgru:wənt, ˈkɑ:ŋgru:wənt/ adjective [more congruent; most congruent] 1 mathematics : having the same size and shape ▪ congruent triangles 2 formal : matching or in agreement with something ▪ Their goals are not congruent with the goals of the team.

concur

/kənˈkɚ/ verb con·curs; con·curred; con·cur·ring [no obj] formal : to agree with someone or something ▪ We concur that more money should be spent on education. ▪ "I think more time is needed." "I concur." — often + with ▪ She concurred with the judge's ruling. = She concurred with the judge.

contort

/kənˈtoɚt/ verb con·torts; con·tort·ed; con·tort·ing : to twist into an unusual appearance or shape [no obj] ▪ His body contorted with/in pain. [+ obj] ▪ The boy contorted his body to squeeze through the gate. ▪ Her face was contorted with/in rage/anger. — contorted adjective [more contorted; most contorted] ▪ the fossil's contorted limbs ▪ We could not follow her contorted [=twisted, convoluted] reasoning/logic.

contrivance

/kənˈtraɪvəns/noun plural con·triv·anc·es 1usually disapprovinga [count] : something that causes things to happen in a story in a way that does not seem natural or believable ▪ The story is filled with plot contrivances that do not fit the ending. b [noncount] : the use of contrivances in a story ▪ He told the story honestly and without contrivance. 2 [count] : a machine or piece of equipment made with skill and cleverness ▪ modern contrivances [=devices] to cook food faster▪ a clever contrivance 3: a clever plan or trick [count] ▪ a contrivance to get out of doing the work [noncount] ▪ He convinced her to go without using contrivance.

convulsion

/kənˈvʌlʃən/ noun plural con·vul·sions [count] 1 a medical : a sudden violent shaking of the muscles in your body that you are unable to control — usually plural ▪ The patient suffers from convulsions. ▪ He suddenly went into convulsions. b : a sudden experience of something (such as laughter) that shakes or moves your body — usually plural ▪ The joke sent the audience into convulsions of laughter. 2 : a sudden change or disturbance that affects a country, organization, etc. — usually plural ▪ an era of political convulsions [=upheavals] ▪ The controversial exhibit caused convulsions in the artistic community.

oblique

/oʊˈbli:k/ adjective [more oblique; most oblique] 1 : not direct : not stated directly ▪ She made only oblique [=indirect] references to the scandal in her speech. 2 of a line : having a slanting direction or position : neither perpendicular nor parallel ▪ The short lines of the letter "k" are oblique lines. — oblique·ly adverb ▪ She referred to the scandal obliquely in her speech. — oblique·ness noun [noncount] ▪ The poem's obliqueness is what interests me.

precursor

/prɪˈkɚsɚ/ noun plural pre·cur·sors [count] somewhat formal : something that comes before something else and that often leads to or influences its development — often + of or to ▪ Rhythm and blues was a precursor of rock music. ▪ Small tremors may be precursors to big earthquakes.

replete

/rɪˈpli:t/ adjective not used before a noun formal 1 : having much or plenty of something : filled with something ▪ The book is replete with photographs. ▪ The country's history is replete with stories of people who became successful by working hard. 2 : having had plenty to eat : pleasantly full ▪ feeling replete

reprieve

/rɪˈpri:v/ noun 缓刑 plural re·prieves [count] 1 : an official order that delays the punishment of a prisoner who is sentenced to death ▪ He won/got a (temporary) reprieve from his death sentence. 2 a : a delay that keeps something bad from happening ▪ They wanted to close the library, but we managed to get/secure a reprieve for it. b : a period of relief from pain, trouble, etc. ▪ This warm spell has given us a reprieve from the winter cold.

sequester

/sɪˈkwɛstɚ/ verb se·ques·ters; se·ques·tered; se·ques·ter·ing [+ obj] 1 formal : to keep (a person or group) apart from other people ▪ The jury was sequestered until a verdict was reached. ▪ He was sequestered in his room. 2 law : to take (property) until a debt has been paid ▪ Their property was sequestered.

en bloc

/ɑnˈblɑ:k/ adverb chiefly Brit : as or in a united group : all together ▪ The amendments were accepted en bloc.

imperious

/ɪmˈpirijəs/ adjective [more imperious; most imperious] formal : having or showing the proud and unpleasant attitude of someone who gives orders and expects other people to obey them ▪ an imperious manner/tone/gesture ▪ imperious bureaucrats — im·pe·ri·ous·ly adverb — im·pe·ri·ous·ness noun [noncount]

evict

/ɪˈvɪkt/ verb evicts; evict·ed; evict·ing [+ obj] : to force (someone) to leave a place ▪ His landlord has threatened to evict him if he doesn't pay the rent soon. ▪ They were evicted from their apartment. — evic·tion /ɪˈvɪkʃən/ noun, plural evic·tions [noncount] ▪ He was threatened with eviction for failing to pay the rent. [count] ▪ unlawful evictions

browbeat

/ˈbraʊˌbi:t/ verb brow·beats; brow·beat; brow·beat·en Listen to audio/-ˌbi:tn̩/ brow·beat·ing [+ obj] : to use threats or angry speech to make (someone) do or accept something ▪ His father likes to browbeat waiters and waitresses. — often + into ▪ He refuses to be browbeaten into making changes he thinks are not necessary.

brazen

/ˈbreɪzn̩/ adjective [more brazen; most brazen] : acting or done in a very open and shocking way without shame or embarrassment ▪ He exhibited a brazen disregard for other people's feelings. ▪ a brazen lie — bra·zen·ly adverb ▪ She brazenly ignored his orders. — bra·zen·ness noun [noncount]

broach

/ˈbroʊtʃ/ verb broach·es; broached; broach·ing [+ obj] : to introduce (a subject, issue, etc.) for discussion ▪ She broached the idea of getting another cat. Zanning begins by broaching the topics of the body, self, and life.

batter

/ˈbætɚ/ verb bat·ters; bat·tered; bat·ter·ing [+ obj] : to hit (something or someone) forcefully many times in a way that causes much damage or injury ▪ Storms battered the shore. ▪ He forced his opponent into the corner and battered him with a series of hard punches. — often used figuratively ▪ Businesses in the area have been battered [=badly damaged] by the bad economy.

doyen

/ˈdojən/ noun plural doy·ens female: doyenne /doɪˈɛn/ [count] formal : a person who has a lot of experience in or knowledge about a particular profession, subject, etc. ▪ a fashion doyen ▪ He is considered the doyen of political journalists/journalism.

despot

/ˈdɛspət/ noun plural des·pots [count] 1 : a ruler who has total power and who often uses that power in cruel and unfair ways ▪ medieval despots [=tyrants] 2 formal : a person who has a lot of power over other people ▪ He was a successful basketball coach, but many people regarded him as a petty despot. ▪ The company is run by a benevolent despot. — des·pot·ic /dɛˈspɑ:tɪk/ adjective [more despotic; most despotic] ▪ a despotic government

dilettante

/ˈdɪləˌtɑ:nt, Brit ˌdɪləˈtænti/ noun plural dil·et·tantes also dil·et·tantan·ti /ˌdɪləˈtɑ:nti, Brit ˌdɪləˈtænti/ [count] : a person whose interest in an art or in an area of knowledge is not very deep or serious ▪ You can always tell a true expert from a dilettante. — dil·et·tant·ish /ˈdɪləˌtɑ:ntɪʃ/ adjective [more dilettantish; most dilettantish] ▪ a dilettantish interest in the arts — dil·et·tan·tism /ˈdɪləˌtɑ:nˌtɪzəm, Brit ˌdɪləˈtæntɪzəm/ noun [noncount]

disparate

/ˈdɪspərət/ adjective [more disparate; most disparate] formal : different from each other ▪ The conversation covered topics as disparate [=diverse] as fashion and biology. ▪ disparate cultures ▪ music that combines/blends disparate [=dissimilar] elements

dissident

/ˈdɪsədənt/ noun plural dis·si·dents [count] : someone who strongly and publicly disagrees with and criticizes the government ▪ Many political dissidents were arrested. — dis·si·dence /ˈdɪsədəns/ noun [noncount] ▪ political/religious dissidence [=dissent] — dissident adjective always used before a noun ▪ dissident scholars/students ▪ the dissident movement

dub

/ˈdʌb/ verb dubs; dubbed; dub·bing [+ obj] 1 : to give (someone or something) a name or title ▪ The actress was dubbed "America's sweetheart." ▪ Critics dubbed him the new king of rock 'n' roll. 2 : to give (someone) the title of a knight ▪ The queen dubbed him Sir Philip. [+ obj] 1 : to replace the original recorded speech in a movie or television show with speech recorded in another language ▪ He was hired to dub the dialogue for a foreign film. — often used as (be) dubbed ▪ The film was dubbed in/into French and Spanish. 2 : to add (speech or other sounds) to a movie or television show — usually + in ▪ They dubbed in the music. = They dubbed the music in. 3 : to make a copy of (a movie, piece of music, etc.) that has already been recorded ▪ dub a CD

arid

/ˈerəd/ adjective [more arid; most arid] 1 : very dry : having very little rain or water ▪ an arid desert ▪ arid lands/regions 2 : lacking in interest and life ▪ a dull and arid textbook — arid·i·ty /əˈrɪdəti/ noun [noncount] ▪ the aridity of the land

anal-retentive

/ˈeɪnl̟rɪˈtɛntɪv/ adjective [more anal-retentive; most anal-retentive] : extremely or overly neat, careful, or precise ▪ My anal-retentive brother keeps records of everything that happens in his life.

atrium

/ˈeɪtrijəm/ noun plural atria /ˈeɪtrijə/ also atriums [count] 1 : an open area inside a tall building that has windows to let light in from above

feisty

/ˈfaɪsti/ adjective feist·i·er; feist·i·est [also more feisty; most feisty] : not afraid to fight or argue : very lively and aggressive ▪ The novel features a feisty heroine. ▪ Even her opponents admire her feisty spirit. — feist·i·ness noun [noncount] ▪ They admire her feistiness.

faze

/ˈfeɪz/ verb faz·es; fazed; faz·ing [+ obj] : to cause (someone) to feel afraid or uncertain ▪ Nothing fazes [=daunts] her. ▪ You'll never succeed as a writer if you let a little bit of criticism faze you.

feat

/ˈfi:t/ noun plural feats [count] : an act or achievement that shows courage, strength, or skill ▪ a performer known for her astonishing acrobatic feats ▪ feats of strength ▪ an exceptional feat of the human intellect ▪ Writing that whole report in one night was quite a feat. ▪ It was no mean/small/easy feat.

flout

/ˈflaʊt/ verb flouts; flout·ed; flout·ing [+ obj] : to break or ignore (a law, rule, etc.) without hiding what you are doing or showing fear or shame ▪ Despite repeated warnings, they have continued to flout the law. ▪ flouting authority ▪ flouting convention

flinty

/ˈflɪnti/ adjective flint·i·er; flint·i·est : not soft or gentle in manner or appearance : having a very serious quality or manner ▪ a flinty and determined hero ▪ flinty determination ▪ flinty eyes ▪ a flinty-eyed bureaucrat — flint·i·ness noun [noncount]

flinch

/ˈflɪntʃ/ verb flinch·es; flinched; flinch·ing [no obj] 1 : to move suddenly because you are afraid of being hit or hurt ▪ He flinched when I tapped him on the shoulder. 2 : to show fear : to hesitate from doing something unpleasant or dangerous ▪ She met danger without flinching. ▪ The bill was much higher than expected, but he paid it without flinching. — often + at or from ▪ He didn't flinch at paying the bill. ▪ She never flinched from danger. — flinch noun [singular] ▪ She met danger without a flinch.

fluster

/ˈflʌstɚ/ verb flus·ters; flus·tered; flus·ter·ing : to make (someone) nervous and confused [+ obj] ▪ The interruption flustered the speaker. ▪ Nothing flusters her. [no obj] ▪ Some speakers fluster more easily than others.

faux pas

/ˈfoʊˌpɑ:/ noun plural faux pas /ˈfoʊˌpɑ:z/ [count] : an embarrassing social mistake ▪ Arriving too early would be a serious/major faux pas. ▪ making/committing a faux pas

frail

/ˈfreɪl/ adjective frail·er; frail·est 1 : having less than a normal amount of strength or force : very weak ▪ a frail child ▪ a frail old man ▪ I could barely hear her frail [=weak] voice. ▪ In his old age his health became increasingly frail. synonyms weak 2 : easily damaged or destroyed ▪ a small and frail ship — frail·ness noun [noncount] ▪ the frailness [=(more commonly) frailty] of his health

famished

/ˈfæmɪʃt/ adjective [more famished; most famished] informal : very hungry ▪ What's for supper? I'm famished.

grueling

/ˈgru:wəlɪŋ/ adjective [more grueling; most grueling] : very difficult : requiring great effort ▪ a grueling race ▪ His schedule is grueling.

gabfest

/ˈgæbˌfɛst/ noun plural gab·fests [count] US, informal 1 : a long conversation ▪ a gabfest between friends 2 : a gathering for people to talk ▪ the group's annual gabfest

hoodlum

/ˈhu:dləm, ˈhʊdləm/ noun plural hood·lums [count] : a tough and violent criminal : thug ▪ a small-time hoodlum

aegis

/ˈi:ʤəs/ noun [singular] formal : the power to protect, control, or support something or someone — used in the phrase under the aegis of ▪ Their rights are protected under the aegis [=authority] of the law. ▪ The issue will be decided under the aegis of an international organization.

crotchety

/ˈkrɑ:tʃəti/ adjective [more crotchety; most crotchety] : often annoyed and angry : grouchy ▪ None of the students dared to talk back to the crotchety old teacher.

castigate

/ˈkæstəˌgeɪt/ verb cas·ti·gates; cas·ti·gat·ed; cas·ti·gat·ing [+ obj] formal : to criticize (someone) harshly ▪ The author castigated the prime minister as an ineffective leader. — often + for ▪ The judge castigated the lawyers for their lack of preparation. ▪ He was castigated in the media for making millions of dollars while the company went bankrupt. — cas·ti·ga·tion Listen to audio /ˌkæstəˈgeɪʃən/ noun [noncount]

cavernous

/ˈkævɚnəs/ adjective [more cavernous; most cavernous] of a building or room : resembling a large cave : very large ▪ We toured the cavernous airplane hangar. ▪ The dance was held in a cavernous hall. ▪ a cavernous auditorium

covet

/ˈkʌvət/ verb cov·ets; cov·et·ed; cov·et·ing [+ obj] : to want (something that you do not have) very much ▪ All his life he has coveted [=craved, desired] success. ▪ a coveted prize ▪ His religion warns against coveting material goods.

leitmotiv/f

/ˈlaɪtmoʊˌti:f/ noun plural leit·mo·tivs or leit·mo·tifs [count] : something (such as a short piece of music, an idea, or a phrase) that is repeated many times throughout an opera, book, story, etc. ▪ Troubled relationships are the leitmotiv of this novel.

lethal

/ˈli:θəl/ adjective [more lethal; most lethal] : causing or able to cause death ▪ lethal chemicals/weapons ▪ a potentially lethal dose of a drug ▪ He was sentenced to death by lethal injection. ▪ In rare instances, the disease can be lethal. [=(more commonly) fatal] — often used figuratively ▪ a pitcher with a lethal fastball [=a very powerful or effective fastball] ▪ a lethal [=very damaging] attack on her reputation synonyms 1deadly — le·thal·ly adverb ▪ lethally poisonous

lewd

/ˈluːd/ adjective [more lewd; most lewd] : sexual in an offensive or rude way He made lewd remarks/comments to the woman at the bar. lewd behavior lewd and lascivious acts — lewdly adverb — lewdness noun [noncount] He was arrested for public lewdness.

leprechaun

/ˈlɛprəˌkɑ:n/ noun plural lep·re·chauns [count] : a creature in old Irish stories that looks like a very small man ◊According to legend, if you catch a leprechaun he will show you where treasure is hidden.

putative

/ˈpju:tətɪv/ adjective always used before a noun formal : generally believed to be something ▪ a putative expert ▪ the child's putative father [=the man who is believed to be the child's father] — pu·ta·tive·ly adverb

platitude

/ˈplætəˌtu:d, Brit ˈplætəˌtju:d/ noun plural plat·i·tudes [count] disapproving : a statement that expresses an idea that is not new ▪ His speech was filled with familiar platitudes about the value of hard work and dedication. — plat·i·tu·di·nous Listen to audio /ˌplætəˈtu:dnəs, Brit ˌplætəˈtju:dnəs/ adjective [more platitudinous; most platitudinous] formal ▪ platitudinous remarks

progeny

/ˈprɑ:ʤəni/ noun plural progeny [count] 1 a : a person who comes from a particular parent or family : the child or descendant of someone ▪ Many Americans are the progeny of immigrants. b : the young of an animal or plant ▪ The small plants are the progeny of an oak tree. 2 : something that is the product of something else ▪ Their work is the progeny of many earlier studies.

prism

/ˈprɪzəm/ noun plural prisms [count] : a transparent glass or plastic object that usually has three sides and that separates the light that passes through it into different colors — often used figuratively to describe a way of looking at or thinking about something that causes you to see or understand it in a different way ▪ The novel is a history of early 19th-century America told through the prism of one life. it's a vision filtered through the prism of the 1 percent — the characters lodge in grandiose baroque-style rooms in five-star hotels and enjoy grand vistas from terraces the average Roman can only dream about.

pact

/ˈpækt/ noun plural pacts [count] : a formal agreement between two countries, people, or groups especially to help each other or to stop fighting ▪ We supported a peace/free-trade/nonaggression pact between the two countries. ▪ They made a pact to go to the gym together three times a week. — see also suicide pact

palpable

/ˈpælpəbəl/ adjective [more palpable; most palpable] formal : obvious and noticeable ▪ I felt a palpable sense of relief. ▪ The attraction between them was palpable. ▪ There was a palpable excitement in the air as the town prepared for the festival. — pal·pa·bly Listen to audio /ˈpælpəbli/ adverb ▪ the palpably real danger

pander

/ˈpændɚ/ verb [no obj] disapproving : to do or provide what someone wants or demands even though it is not proper, good, or reasonable — usually + to ▪ The film panders to the popular taste for violence in entertainment.

pesky

/ˈpɛski/ adjective pes·ki·er; pes·ki·est US, informal : making someone annoyed or irritated ▪ I've been trying to get rid of this pesky cold for weeks. ▪ pesky insects ▪ pesky reporters

pillage

/ˈpɪlɪʤ/verb pil·lag·es; pil·laged; pil·lag·ing : to take things from (a place, such as a city or town) by force especially during a war : to loot or plunder (a place) [+ obj] ▪ The enemy pillaged the town.▪ The town was pillaged and burned. [no obj] ▪ barbarians known for looting and pillaging — pillage noun [noncount] ▪ The town suffered pillage and destruction. — pil·lag·er noun, plural pil·lag·ers [count] ▪ The museum's artwork was stolen by pillagers.

renegade

/ˈrɛnɪˌgeɪd/ noun plural ren·e·gades [count] 1 : a person who leaves one group, religion, etc., and joins another that opposes it ▪ renegades from the Republican/Democratic Party — usually used before another noun ▪ a renegade Republican/Democrat 2 : someone or something that causes trouble and cannot be controlled ▪ stories about pirates and renegades on the high seas — often used before another noun ▪ drugs that attack renegade cells in cancer patients

writ

/ˈrɪt/ noun plural writs [count] law : a document from a court ordering someone to do something or not to do something ▪ The judge issued a writ of habeas corpus. ▪ He was served with a writ.

smug

/ˈsmʌg/ adjective smug·ger; smug·gest disapproving : having or showing the annoying quality of people who feel very pleased or satisfied with their abilities, achievements, etc. ▪ It's OK to celebrate your success, but try not to be too smug about it. ▪ You can wipe that smug look off your face. ▪ a smug smile/expression — smug·ly adverb [more smugly; most smugly] ▪ She smiled smugly. — smug·ness noun [noncount]

snazzy

/ˈsnæzi/ adjective snaz·zi·er; snaz·zi·est [also more snazzy; most snazzy] informal : attractive and stylish ▪ a snazzy new computer/car/stereo ▪ a snazzy dresser/hotel/party/tie

juncture

/ˈʤʌŋktʃɚ/ noun plural junc·tures [count] 1 : an important point in a process or activity ▪ Negotiations between the countries reached a critical juncture. ▪ At this juncture it looks like they are going to get a divorce. 2 : a place where things join : junction ▪ the juncture of two rivers

preppy

[count] US, informal + often disapproving : someone who dresses or acts like a student at a prep school (such as by wearing neat, somewhat formal clothing or by using particular words and phrases) ▪ a rich preppy — preppy or preppie adjective ▪ preppy clothes

prescient

adjective /ˈprɛʃijənt, Brit ˈprɛsiənt/ [more prescient; most prescient] formal : having or showing an ability to know what will happen before it does ▪ She was remarkably prescient about the outcome of the elections. ▪ a prescient remark — pre·scient·ly adverb

fraught with

full of (something bad or unwanted) ▪ The situation was fraught with danger. [=very dangerous] ▪ The paper was poorly researched and fraught with errors.

hinge on

hinge on also hinge upon [phrasal verb] hinge on/upon (something) : to be determined or decided by (something) : to depend on (something) ▪ The outcome of the election hinges on how the candidates perform in the debate.

stagger

stag·ger /ˈstægɚ/ verb stag·gers; stag·gered; stag·ger·ing 1 : to move or cause (someone) to move unsteadily from side to side [no obj] ▪ The drunk staggered away/off. ▪ She staggered over to the sofa. [+ obj] ▪ A hard slap on the back staggered him. 2 [+ obj] : to shock or surprise (someone) very much ▪ Their indifference staggers me. ▪ It staggers me to see how much money they've spent on this project. 3 [+ obj] : to arrange (things) in a series of different positions or times ▪ They staggered the runners' starting positions. ▪ stagger work shifts — see also staggered

nuts and bolts

the basic parts or details of an activity, job, etc. ▪ She's still learning the nuts and bolts of the business. ▪ Tell me what the nuts and bolts of the plan involve.

smattering

ˈsmætərɪŋ/ noun [singular] : a small amount of something ▪ She only knows a smattering of German. ▪ a smattering of applause

Antarctica

南极洲

add fuel to the fire

火上浇油

sub specie aeternitatis

in its essential or universal form or nature Lauren Hutton is considered as the nation's fashion model sub specie aeternitatis

in spades

in spades : to a great degree : in large amounts ▪ We've been having problems in spades. ▪ His hard work and dedication were rewarded in spades.

faute de mieux

for lack of something better or more desirable Sherry made him dopey but he drank it faute de mieux.

scramble

scram·bles; scram·bled; scram·bling 1 [no obj] a always followed by an adverb or preposition : to move or climb over something quickly especially while also using your hands ▪ We scrambled over the boulders and kept climbing up the mountain. ▪ He scrambled up the ramp. b : to move or act quickly to do, find, or get something often before someone else does ▪ reporters scrambling to finish stories by deadline ▪ Both players scrambled for the ball. ▪ News of the factory closing found workers scrambling to find jobs. ▪ It started to rain, and we all scrambled for cover. 2 [+ obj] : to prepare (eggs) by mixing the white and yellow parts together and then stirring the mixture in a hot pan ▪ I'll scramble some eggs for breakfast. 3 [+ obj] : to put (parts of something) in the wrong order — often used as (be) scrambled ▪ The letters of the words are scrambled. [=mixed up] 4 [+ obj] : to change (a radio or electronic signal) so that whoever receives it will not be able to understand it ▪ We will have to scramble our radio communications. ▪ The cable company scrambles the channels that you do not pay for. 5 [no obj] American football, of a quarterback : to run with the ball while being chased by defensive players ▪ The quarterback scrambled for a 5-yard gain. — scrambled adjective ▪ scrambled eggs and toast ▪ a scrambled signal

fin de siècle

end of the century \ˌfan-də-sē-ˈe-kəl; faⁿ-də-ˈsyeklə\

blaspheme

/blæsˈfi:m/ verb blas·phemes; blas·phemed; blas·phem·ing formal : to talk about God or religion in a way that does not show respect [no obj] ▪ He did not curse or blaspheme. ▪ people who have blasphemed against God [+ obj] ▪ people who have blasphemed God — blas·phem·er noun, plural blas·phem·ers [count]

jeremiad

a prolonged lamentation or complaint; also : a cautionary or angry harangue He offered an alphabetically organized jeremiad against everything in this country "that many Americans can be persuaded is genuine, graceful, bright or fascinating."

betwixt and between

in the middle : not completely one thing and not completely the other thing ▪ Politically, my parents are betwixt and between. They're neither liberal nor conservative in their views.

wistful

adjective [more wistful; most wistful] : having or showing sad thoughts and feelings about something that you want to have or do and especially about something that made you happy in the past ▪ She was wistful for a moment, then asked, "Do you remember the old playground?" ▪ He had a wistful look on his face. — wist·ful·ly adverb ▪ He gazed at her wistfully. — wist·ful·ness noun [noncount]

bien-pensant

adjective: 1. Right-thinking; conservative; conformist. 2. Self-righteous. noun: 1. A right-thinking person. 2. A self-righteous person.

delaying tactic

noun [count] : something that is done in order to delay a decision, an occurrence, etc. —called also (chiefly US) delay tactic

perk

noun plural perks [count] 1 : something extra that someone receives in addition to regular pay for doing a job — usually plural ▪ The job came with several perks, including use of a company car. 2 : a good thing that you have or get because of your situation — usually plural ▪ One of the perks of being a celebrity is that people often want to give you things.

ripple effect

noun plural ∼ -fects [count] : a situation in which one event causes a series of other events to happen ▪ These kinds of crimes create a ripple effect throughout the city. [=they cause more crimes, problems, etc.] ▪ These costs will have a huge/major ripple effect on the economy. [=the costs will cause important changes in the economy]

rallying point

noun plural ∼ points [count] : someone or something that makes people join together to support a person, cause, etc. ▪ His promise to improve education has become a rallying point for his supporters. See also "rallying cry"

fete

or fête verb /ˈfeɪt, ˈfɛt/ fetes or fêtes; fet·ed or fêt·ed; fet·ing or fêt·ing [+ obj] : to honor (a person) or celebrate (something) with a large party or public celebration ▪ They feted the winning team with banquets and parades. — often used as (be) feted ▪ She was feted for her contributions to science.

trump card

something that gives you an advantage ▪ The prosecution's trump card is the evidence linking the defendant to the murder weapon. ▪ He played/used his trump card during the negotiations. Its final chapters were supposed to finally upend "last trump card of the theologian."

interfere with

to stop or slow (something) : to make (something) slower or more difficult ▪ The drug might interfere with a child's physical development. ▪ All of the noise was interfering with my concentration. [=was making it hard for me to concentrate]

off the cuff

without being prepared in advance : without planning or preparation ▪ He talked/spoke off the cuff about his work on the project. ▪ I had to give the speech off the cuff.

buffoon

/bəˈfu:n/ noun plural buf·foons [count] : a stupid or foolish person who tries to be funny ▪ Stop acting like a buffoon. ▪ a ridiculous buffoon — buf·foon·ery Listen to audio /bəˈfu:nəri/ noun [noncount] ▪ silly buffoonery [=foolish behavior that is meant to be funny]

belligerent

/bəˈlɪʤərənt/ adjective 1 [more belligerent; most belligerent] : angry and aggressive : feeling or showing readiness to fight ▪ a belligerent remark ▪ He was drunk and belligerent. 2 always used before a noun, formal : fighting a war : engaged in a war ▪ belligerent nations/states

barrage

/bəˈrɑ:ʒ, Brit ˈbæˌrɑ:ʒ/ noun plural bar·rag·es 1 [count] : a heavy and continuous firing of weapons during a battle ▪ The enemy laid down a barrage of machine-gun fire as our platoon approached the bridge. ▪ artillery barrages 2 [singular] : a great amount of something that comes quickly and continuously — + of ▪ He unleashed a barrage of insults. ▪ The reports overwhelmed her with a barrage of questions. ▪ a barrage [=flood] of phone calls verb barrages; barraged; barrag·ing [+ obj] chiefly US : to cause (someone) to receive a great amount of something : to direct a barrage of questions, comments, etc., at (someone) — usually used as (be) barraged with ▪ The public was barraged with campaign ads in the months leading up to the election. ▪ They were barraged [=inundated, swamped] with inquiries about the job. ▪ The office has been barraged [=flooded, inundated] with phone calls. /ˈbɑrɪʤ/ noun plural bar·rag·es [count] : a barrier (such as a cement wall) that is built across a river or stream especially to increase the depth of water or change its direction

behemoth

/bɪˈhi:məθ/ noun plural be·he·moths [count] : something very big and powerful ▪ a corporate behemoth [=a giant corporation]

behest

/bɪˈhɛst/ noun at the behest of someone or at someone's behest formal : because of being asked or ordered by someone ▪ A special meeting will be held at the senator's behest.

berate

/bɪˈreɪt/ verb be·rates; be·rat·ed; be·rat·ing [+ obj] formal : to yell at (someone) : to criticize (someone) in a loud and angry way ▪ She berated [=scolded] her son for coming home late.

bereft

/bɪˈrɛft/ adjective : sad because a family member or friend has died ▪ the young soldier's bereft [=(more commonly) bereaved] mother bereft of : not having (something that is needed, wanted, or expected) ▪ They appear to be completely bereft of new ideas. [=to be completely without new ideas] ▪ He was bereft of all hope. ▪ a man bereft of reason

besotted

/bɪˈsɑ:təd/ adjective [more besotted; most besotted] : loving someone or something so much that you cannot think clearly ▪ her besotted lover ▪ He was completely besotted with/by her. [=infatuated with her]

digress

/daɪˈgrɛs/ verb di·gress·es; di·gressed; di·gress·ing [no obj] : to speak or write about something that is different from the main subject being discussed ▪ He digressed so often that it was hard to follow what he was saying. ▪ If I can digress for a moment, I'd like to briefly mention her earlier films. ▪ I had to remove extended discussions of Buddhism—which I digressed into because of my academic background in that area. — di·gres·sion Listen to audio /daɪˈgrɛʃən/ noun, plural di·gres·sions [count] ▪ The story is filled with humorous digressions.

dilute

/daɪˈlu:t/ verb di·lutes; di·lut·ed; di·lut·ing [+ obj] 1 : to make (a liquid) thinner or less strong by adding water or another liquid ▪ You can dilute the medicine with water. 2 : to lessen the strength of (something) ▪ The hiring of the new CEO diluted the power of the company's president. ▪ diluting the quality of our products — diluted adjective ▪ diluted wine — di·lu·tion /daɪˈlu:ʃən/ noun, plural di·lu·tions [count] ▪ lower dilutions of the medicine [noncount] ▪ There's been some dilution in the stock's value.

debacle

/diˈbɑ:kəl, Brit deɪˈbɑ:kəl/ noun plural de·ba·cles [count] : a great disaster or complete failure ▪ After the debacle of his first novel, he had trouble getting a publisher for his next book. ▪ a military debacle ▪ an economic debacle

dissimulate

/diˈsimyəˌlāt/ Verb: Conceal or disguise (one's thoughts, feelings, or character): "he dissimulates his wealth beneath ragged pullovers".

draconian

/dreɪˈkoʊnijən/ adjective [more draconian; most draconian] formal + disapproving : very severe or cruel ▪ The editorial criticizes the draconian measures being taken to control the spread of the disease. ▪ draconian punishments

du jour

/duˈʒɚ/ adjective not used before a noun 1 : served in a restaurant as a special item on a particular day ▪ Our soup du jour is chicken noodle. ▪ the vegetable/dessert du jour 2 formal : happening or popular at a particular time ▪ Long hair was the style du jour. ▪ the crisis du jour ◊Du jour is a French phrase that means "of the day."

debris

/dəˈbri:, Brit ˈdɛˌbri:/ noun [noncount] 1 : the pieces that are left after something has been destroyed ▪ After the earthquake, rescuers began digging through the debris in search of survivors. ▪ Everything was covered by dust and debris. — sometimes used figuratively ▪ She sifted through the debris of her broken marriage. 2 : things (such as broken pieces and old objects) that are lying where they fell or that have been left somewhere because they are not wanted ▪ The crew cleaned up cigarette butts and other debris. [=trash, rubbish]

diminutive

/dəˈmɪnjətɪv/ adjective 1 [more diminutive; most diminutive] : very small ▪ a diminutive actor ▪ a radio with a diminutive set of speakers 2 linguistics : indicating small size ▪ the diminutive suffixes "-ette" and "-ling" ▪ the diminutive noun "duckling" ◊

divulge

/dəˈvʌlʤ/ verb di·vulg·es; di·vulged; di·vulg·ing [+ obj] formal : to make (information) known : to give (information) to someone ▪ She refused to divulge [=reveal, tell] the name of her informant. ▪ The company will not divulge its sales figures.

dexterity

/dɛkˈsterəti/ noun [noncount] 1 a : the ability to use your hands skillfully ▪ The job requires manual dexterity. ▪ He has the dexterity needed to deal cards quickly. b : the ability to easily move in a way that is graceful ▪ The amazing dexterity of the acrobat. 2 formal : clever skill : the ability to think and act quickly and cleverly ▪ He's a teacher known for his imagination and verbal dexterity. ▪ political dexterity [=adroitness]

discomfit

/dɪsˈkʌmfət/ verb dis·com·fits; dis·com·fit·ed; dis·com·fit·ing [+ obj] formal : to make (someone) confused or upset — often used as (be) discomfited ▪ The governor was clearly discomfited [=disconcerted] by the question. — discomfiting adjective [more discomfiting; most discomfiting] ▪ She bears a discomfiting resemblance to one of my old teachers. — dis·com·fi·ture /dɪsˈkʌmfətʃɚ/ noun [noncount] ▪ His discomfiture was obvious.

debauchery

/dɪˈbɑ:tʃəri/ noun plural de·bauch·er·ies formal : bad or immoral behavior that involves sex, drugs, alcohol, etc. [noncount] ▪ He later regretted the debauchery of his youth. ▪ drunken debauchery [count] ▪ He recalled the evening's debaucheries with regret.

debilitate

/dɪˈbɪləˌteɪt/ verb de·bil·i·tates; de·bil·i·tat·ed; de·bil·i·tat·ing [+ obj] formal + technical : to make (someone or something) weak : to reduce the strength of (someone or something) ▪ The virus debilitates the body's immune system. — usually used as (be) debilitated ▪ His body was debilitated [=weakened] by the disease. ▪ The country's economy has been debilitated by years of civil war. — debilitating adjective [more debilitating; most debilitating] ▪ a debilitating condition/disease/illness ▪ The symptoms can be debilitating. — de·bil·i·ta·tion /dɪˌbɪləˈteɪʃən/ noun [noncount] ▪ physical debilitation

deflect

/dɪˈflɛkt/ verb de·flects; de·flect·ed; de·flect·ing 1 a [+ obj] : to cause (something that is moving) to change direction ▪ armor that can deflect bullets ▪ The goalie deflected the ball with his hands. b [no obj] : to hit something and suddenly change direction ▪ The ball deflected off the goalie's shoulder. 2 [+ obj] : to keep (something, such as a question) from affecting or being directed at a person or thing ▪ She's skilled at deflecting [=avoiding] questions/criticism. ▪ They are trying to deflect attention from the troubled economy. ▪ The blame was deflected from the chairman. — de·flec·tor /dɪˈflɛktɚ/ noun, plural de·flec·tors [count] ▪ a wind deflector

defer to

/dɪˈfɚ/ verb de·fers; de·ferred; de·fer·ring [+ obj] : to choose to do (something) at a later time ▪ She deferred work on her book. ▪ The accountant advised us not to defer our taxes. [=not to pay our taxes later] ▪ She'll defer her decision. — see also tax-deferred defer to [phrasal verb] 1 defer to (someone) : to allow (someone else) to decide or choose something ▪ You have more experience with this, so I'm going to defer to you. ▪ deferring to the experts 2 defer to (something) : to agree to follow (someone else's decision, a tradition, etc.) ▪ The court defers to precedent in cases like these. ▪ He deferred to his parents' wishes.

decry

/dɪˈkraɪ/ verb de·cries; de·cried; de·cry·ing [+ obj] formal : to say publicly and forcefully that you regard (something) as bad, wrong, etc. ▪ In her article, she decries the pollution of the environment by manufacturers. ▪ Parents decried [=condemned] the movie's emphasis on sex. ▪ Violence on television is generally decried as harmful to children.

decant

/dɪˈkænt/ verb de·cants; de·cant·ed; de·cant·ing [+ obj] formal : to pour (a liquid, especially wine) from one container into another ▪ The bottles were uncorked and the wine was decanted an hour before the meal.

delirious

/dɪˈlirijəs/ adjective [more delirious; most delirious] 1 : not able to think or speak clearly especially because of fever or other illness ▪ As the child's temperature went up, he became delirious and didn't know where he was. ▪ He was delirious with fever. 2 : very excited ▪ a group of delirious fans celebrating the team's victory — often + with ▪ We were delirious with happiness when we heard the news. — de·lir·i·ous·ly adverb ▪ deliriously happy ▪ deliriously in love ▪ He spoke deliriously.

disparage

/dɪˈsperɪʤ/ verb dis·par·ag·es; dis·par·aged; dis·par·ag·ing [+ obj] formal : to describe (someone or something) as unimportant, weak, bad, etc. ▪ Voters don't like political advertisements in which opponents disparage one another. ▪ It's a mistake to disparage their achievements. ▪ The article disparaged polo as a game for the wealthy. — dis·par·age·ment /dɪˈsperɪʤmənt/ noun [noncount] ▪ a term of disparagement ▪ the author's relentless disparagement of politicians — disparaging adjective [more disparaging; most disparaging] ▪ I heard her making disparaging remarks about her coworkers. — dis·par·ag·ing·ly adverb ▪ He referred disparagingly to his car as "an old clunker."

dispenser

/dɪˈspɛnsɚ/ noun plural dis·pens·ers [count] 1 : a machine or container that lets you take small amounts of something ▪ a paper towel dispenser ▪ a soap/tape dispenser 2 : a person or organization that gives or provides something to people ▪ hospitals and other health-care dispensers — often + of ▪ A teacher should be more than a dispenser of knowledge.

deterrent

/dɪˈtɚrənt/ noun plural de·ter·rents [count] : something that makes someone decide not to do something ▪ We would like to go, but cost is a major deterrent. ▪ The security alarm is a theft deterrent. ▪ a crime deterrent — often + to or against ▪ They argued over whether the death penalty is an effective deterrent to murder. ▪ They hope that the new law will be a deterrent against false advertising. — deterrent /dɪˈtɚrənt/ adjective [more deterrent; most deterrent] ▪ They hope that the new law will have a deterrent effect.

forgo

/foɚˈgoʊ/ verb for·goes; -went /-ˈwɛnt/ for·gone/-ˈgɑ:n/ for·go·ing [+ obj] : to give up the use or enjoyment of (something) ▪ forgo an opportunity ▪ She is planning to forgo her right to a trial and simply plead guilty. ◊The past tense forwent is now rare or formal.

forswear

/foɚˈsweɚ/ verb for·swears; for·swore /-ˈswoɚ/ for·sworn Listen to audio/-ˈswoɚn/ for·swear·ing [+ obj] formal : to promise to give up (something) or to stop doing (something) ▪ She forswore her allegiance to the old regime. ▪ He foreswore cigarettes/smoking as his New Year's resolution.

philanderer

/fəˈlændɚrɚ/ noun plural phi·lan·der·ers [count] old-fashioned + disapproving : a man who has sexual relations with many women and especially with women who are not his wife — phi·lan·der·ing Listen to audio /fɪˈlændɚrɪŋ/ adjective always used before a noun ▪ a philandering husband — philandering noun [noncount] ▪ She refused to tolerate his philandering.

fanatic

/fəˈnætɪk/ noun plural fa·nat·ics [count] 1 : a person who is very enthusiastic about something ▪ I became a boating fanatic. 2 disapproving : someone who has extreme ideas about politics, religion, etc. ▪ a religious fanatic [=extremist] — fanatic or fa·nat·i·cal /fəˈnætɪkəl/ adjective [more fanatic; most fanatic] ▪ a fanatic supporter ▪ fanatical zeal/devotion/loyalty — often + about ▪ She's fanatical about her job. ▪ He is fanatical about boating. — fa·nat·i·cal·ly /fəˈnætɪkli/ adverb ▪ She was fanatically devoted to her job. — fa·nat·i·cism /fəˈnætəˌsɪzəm/ noun [noncount] ▪ religious fanaticism

facetious

/fəˈsi:ʃəs/ adjective [more facetious; most facetious] — used to describe speech that is meant to be funny but that is usually regarded as annoying, silly, or not proper ▪ I was just being facetious. ▪ a facetious remark — fa·ce·tious·ly adverb ▪ She was speaking facetiously. — fa·ce·tious·ness noun [noncount]

facade

/fəˈsɑ:d/ noun plural fa·cades or fa·çades [count] 1 : the front of a building ▪ the facade of the bank ▪ the windowless façade of the skyscraper ▪ a brick facade 2 : a way of behaving or appearing that gives other people a false idea of your true feelings or situation ▪ They were trying to preserve the facade of a happy marriage. ▪ I could sense the hostility lurking behind her polite facade.

gratuitous

/grəˈtu:wətəs, Brit grəˈtju:ətəs/ adjective [more gratuitous; most gratuitous] formal : not necessary or appropriate ▪ The film was criticized for its gratuitous violence. ▪ gratuitous insults — gra·tu·i·tous·ly adverb ▪ a gratuitously violent film — gra·tu·i·tous·ness noun [noncount]

gregarious

/grɪˈgerijəs/ adjective [more gregarious; most gregarious] 1 : enjoying the company of other people ▪ She is outgoing and gregarious. ▪ a gregarious personality 2 biology : tending to live in groups ▪ gregarious animals — gre·gar·i·ous·ly adverb — gre·gar·i·ous·ness noun [noncount]

hiatus

/haɪˈeɪtəs/ noun plural hi·a·tus·es : a period of time when something (such as an activity or program) is stopped [count] ▪ The band is making an album again after a five-year hiatus. [noncount] ▪ (US) The television network put the show on hiatus [=it stopped broadcasting the show] for several months. = The show went on hiatus for several months.

harangue

/həˈræŋ/ noun plural ha·rangues [count] : a forceful or angry speech ▪ He delivered a long harangue about the evils of popular culture. verb harangues; harangued; harangu·ing [+ obj] : to speak to (someone) in a forceful or angry way : to deliver a harangue to (someone) ▪ He harangued us for hours about the evils of popular culture.

hypnotic

/hɪpˈnɑ:tɪk/ adjective 1 always used before a noun : of or relating to hypnosis ▪ The psychologist put her into a hypnotic state. 2 [more hypnotic; most hypnotic] : having an effect like hypnosis: such as a : tending to cause sleep or relaxation ▪ Riding in a car often has a hypnotic effect on babies. ▪ the steady, hypnotic rhythm of the train b : attractive or interesting in a powerful or mysterious way ▪ Her voice is powerful and hypnotic. [=spellbinding, fascinating] ▪ a hypnotic personality — hyp·not·i·cal·ly /hɪpˈnɑ:tɪkli/ adverb ▪ chanting hypnotically

ubiquitous

/juˈbɪkwətəs/ adjective [more ubiquitous; most ubiquitous] : seeming to be seen everywhere ▪ ubiquitous celebrities ▪ The company's advertisements are ubiquitous. — ubiq·ui·tous·ly adverb — ubiq·ui·tous·ness noun [noncount] — ubiq·ui·ty /juˈbɪkwəti/ noun [noncount] formal ▪ the ubiquity of the company's ads

usurp

/jʊˈsɚp, Brit jʊˈzə:p/ verb usurps; usurp·ing; usurped [+ obj] formal : to take and keep (something, such as power) in a forceful or violent way and especially without the right to do so ▪ Some people have accused city council members of trying to usurp the mayor's power. ▪ attempting to usurp the throne — sometimes used figuratively ▪ Have we allowed their lies to usurp the truth? — usur·pa·tion Listen to audio /ˌju:sɚˈpeɪʃən, Brit ˌju:zə:ˈpeɪʃən/ noun [noncount] ▪ the usurpation of power/authority — usurp·er Listen to audio /jʊˈsɚpɚ, Brit jʊˈzə:pə/ noun, plural usurp·ers [count]

quixotic

/kwɪkˈsɑ:tɪk/ adjective [more quixotic; most quixotic] formal : hopeful or romantic in a way that is not practical ▪ a quixotic solution/pursuit ▪ They had quixotic dreams/visions about the future.

cantankerous

/kænˈtæŋkərəs/ adjective [more cantankerous; most cantankerous] : often angry and annoyed ▪ a cantankerous [=cranky] old man

compliance

/kəmˈplajəns/ noun [noncount] formal : the act or process of doing what you have been asked or ordered to do : the act or process of complying ▪ She was rewarded for her compliance. ▪ There has been a low/high rate of compliance with the new law. in compliance with : in the way that is required by (a rule, law, etc.) ▪ In compliance with a court order, the company has ceased operations. ▪ The workers were not in full compliance with the rules. [=were not following the rules exactly]

comply

/kəmˈplaɪ/ verb com·plies; com·plied; com·ply·ing [no obj] : to do what you have been asked or ordered to do ▪ I asked the waitress to refill my coffee cup and she happily complied. ▪ There will be penalties against individuals who fail to comply. — often + with ▪ You still have not complied with our request. [=have not done what we requested you to do] ▪ We have scrupulously complied with federal law [=we have done what federal law requires] every step of the way. ▪ The devices comply with [=are in agreement with] industry standards.

complicit

/kəmˈplɪsət/ adjective formal : helping to commit a crime or do wrong in some way ▪ He was complicit in the cover-up. [=he helped with the cover-up]

munificent

/mjʊˈnɪfəsənt/ adjective [more munificent; most munificent] formal : very generous ▪ a munificent gift/donation ▪ a munificent benefactor — mu·nif·i·cence Listen to audio /mjʊˈnɪfəsəns/ noun [noncount] ▪ the munificence of their donation

montage

/mɑnˈtɑ:ʒ/ noun plural mon·tag·es 1 : a work of art that is made up of several different kinds of things (such as strips of newspaper, pictures, or pieces of wood) [count] ▪ a photographic montage [noncount] ▪ a photographer who often uses montage in her pictures 2 [count] : a mixture of different things — usually + of ▪ a montage of emotions/sounds/images

compartmentalize

/kəmˌpɑɚtˈmɛntəˌlaɪz/verb com·part·men·tal·iz·es; com·part·men·tal·ized; com·part·men·tal·iz·ing [+ obj] somewhat formal1: to separate (something) into sections or categories ▪ He compartmentalizes his life by keeping his job and his personal life separate. 2: to separate (two or more things) from each other ▪ The company has compartmentalized its services. 3: to put (something) in a place that is separate from other things ▪ A soldier must be able to compartmentalize [=isolate] his emotions to focus on the mission. — com·part·men·tal·i·za·tion also Brit com·part·men·tal·i·sa·tion /kəmˌpɑɚtˌmɛntələˈzeɪʃən, Brit kəmˌpɑ:tˌmɛntəˌlaɪˈzeɪʃən/noun [noncount] ▪ the compartmentalization of ideas/responsibilities — com·part·men·tal·izedadjective [more compartmentalized; most compartmentalized] ▪ a compartmentalized box▪ a compartmentalized life

condone

/kənˈdoʊn/verb con·dones; con·doned; con·don·ing [+ obj] : to forgive or approve (something that is considered wrong) : to allow (something that is considered wrong) to continue ▪ a government that has been accused of condoning racism— often used in negative statements ▪ We cannot condone [=excuse] that kind of behavior.

conducive

/kənˈdu:sɪv, Brit kənˈdju:sɪv/ adjective not used before a noun [more conducive; most conducive] formal : making it easy, possible, or likely for something to happen or exist — + to ▪ The school tries to create an atmosphere (that is) conducive to learning. [=an atmosphere that makes learning easier] ▪ Hot, dry weather is conducive to the spread of forest fires.

confide

/kənˈfaɪd/ verb con·fides; con·fid·ed; con·fid·ing [+ obj] : to tell (something that is secret or private) to someone you trust ▪ He confided that he was very unhappy with his job. — often + to ▪ She confided to me that she couldn't read. ▪ He confided his secret to a friend. — see also confiding confide in [phrasal verb] confide in (someone) : to tell personal and private things to (someone) ▪ She often confides in me. ▪ He had no one to confide in.

confound

/kənˈfaʊnd/ verb con·founds; con·found·ed; con·found·ing [+ obj] 1 : to surprise and confuse (someone or something) ▪ The strategy confounded our opponents. ▪ The murder case has confounded investigators. — often used as (be) confounded ▪ Investors were confounded by the conflicting reports. 2 : to prove (someone or something) wrong ▪ The school's team confounded all predictions and won the game. ▪ The success of the show confounded critics. 3 informal + old-fashioned — used as an interjection to express anger or annoyance ▪ Confound it! I can't find my keys!

concurrent

/kənˈkɚrənt/ adjective formal : happening at the same time ▪ the concurrent use of two medications ▪ He's currently serving two concurrent life sentences for murder. — con·cur·rent·ly adverb ▪ The two sentences will be served concurrently.

concede

/kənˈsi:d/ verb con·cedes; con·ced·ed; con·ced·ing 1 [+ obj] : to say that you accept or do not deny the truth or existence of (something) : to admit (something) usually in an unwilling way ▪ I concede that the work has been slow so far, but it should speed up soon. ▪ When she noted that the economy was actually improving, he grudgingly/reluctantly conceded the point. [=he admitted that she was right] ▪ "Your plan might work," she conceded, "but I still think mine is better." ▪ It is generally conceded [=acknowledged, agreed] that they are the superior team. [=most people agree that they are the superior team] 2 : to admit that you have been defeated and stop trying to win [no obj] ▪ Although it seems clear that he has lost the election, he still refuses to concede. [+ obj] ▪ He's not ready to concede the election. ▪ They were forced to concede defeat. [=to admit that they were defeated] 3 [+ obj] : to give away (something) usually in an unwilling way ▪ The former ruler was forced to concede power to a new government. ▪ The company says that workers are not conceding enough in negotiations. 4 [+ obj] sports : to allow an opponent to score (a point, goal, etc.) ▪ The team has not conceded [=allowed] a goal this half.

consecutive

/kənˈsɛkjətɪv/ adjective : following one after the other in a series : following each other without interruption ▪ We had unusually cold temperatures for five consecutive [=successive] days. ▪ The team has lost three consecutive games. [=three games in a row] — con·sec·u·tive·ly adverb ▪ The prints are signed by the artist and numbered consecutively. [=the prints are each given a number 1, 2, 3, 4, etc.]

contention

/kənˈtɛnʃən/ noun plural con·ten·tions 1 [count] : something (such as a belief, opinion, or idea) that is argued or stated ▪ It is her contention [=she believes and says] that the new law will only benefit the wealthy. ▪ Evidence supports the contention [=claim] that the island was uninhabited before the 18th century. 2 [noncount] : anger and disagreement ▪ There has been too much contention [=discord] in this family in recent years. ▪ The main point of contention [=the point that is being argued over] is who has the rights to the land. ▪ That has been a source of contention for years. ▪ an issue that is still in contention [=that is still being argued about; that has not yet been decided] ◊A bone of contention is something that causes anger and disagreement. ▪ The tariffs have been a bone of contention between the two nations. 3 [noncount] : a situation in which you have a chance to win something that you are trying to win ▪ This latest defeat means that she's now out of contention for the world title. [=there is no longer a chance that she will win the world title] ▪ He is in contention for the Olympic medal.

congeal

/kənˈʤi:l/ verb con·geals; con·gealed; con·geal·ing [no obj] of a liquid : to become thick or solid ▪ The gravy began to congeal in the pan. — often used figuratively ▪ His anger congealed into bitterness. — congealed adjective ▪ congealed fat/blood

congenial

/kənˈʤi:nijəl/ adjective [more congenial; most congenial] somewhat formal 1 a : suitable or appropriate ▪ The town is a congenial place for raising children. ▪ We studied in the congenial atmosphere of the library. — often + to ▪ a style congenial to modern tastes ▪ The library offers an atmosphere congenial to learning. b : pleasant and enjoyable ▪ He found the work to be congenial. 2 : very friendly ▪ a congenial [=genial] host/companion ▪ She was congenial and easygoing. — con·ge·ni·al·i·ty /kənˌʤi:niˈæləti/ noun [noncount] ▪ The club encouraged congeniality among its members. ◊Someone who is described as Miss Congeniality or Mr. Congeniality is a very friendly person who could win a contest for having the best personality. These phrases are often used in a negative or ironic way to say that someone is not friendly. ▪ The teacher wasn't exactly Miss Congeniality. [=she was very unfriendly]

conjecture

/kənˈʤɛktʃɚ/ noun plural con·jec·tures formal : an opinion or idea formed without proof or sufficient evidence : guess [count] ▪ The biography includes conjectures about the writer's earliest ambitions. ▪ a conjecture about the extent of the injury [noncount] ▪ Your plan is based on (nothing more than) conjecture. ▪ Most of the book is conjecture, not fact. ▪ The criminal's motive remains a matter of conjecture. [=people can only guess about the criminal's motive; no one knows the criminal's motive] — con·jec·tur·al /kənˈʤɛktʃərəl/ adjective [more conjectural; most conjectural] ▪ Most of the book is conjectural. verb conjectures; conjectured; conjectur·ing formal : to form an opinion or idea without proof or sufficient evidence [+ obj] ▪ Some have conjectured that the distant planet could sustain life. [no obj] ▪ We only conjecture about his motives.

collate

/kəˈleɪt, ˈkoʊˌleɪt/ verb[+ obj] 1 : to gather together information from different sources in order to study it carefully ▪ They are still collating the data. 2 : to arrange (sheets of paper) in the correct order ▪ The photocopier will collate the pages of the report. — col·la·tion /kəˈleɪʃən/ noun, plural col·la·tions [count, noncount]

collusion

/kəˈlu:ʒən/ noun [noncount] : secret cooperation for an illegal or dishonest purpose ▪ The company was acting in collusion with manufacturers to inflate prices. — often + between ▪ She uncovered collusion between city officials and certain local businesses. /kəˈlu:d/ verb col·ludes; col·lud·ed; col·lud·ing [no obj] : to work with others secretly especially in order to do something illegal or dishonest ▪ The two companies had colluded to fix prices. — often + in or with ▪ She colluded in misleading the public. ▪ He is accused of colluding with criminals.

commend

/kəˈmɛnd/ verb com·mends; com·mend·ed; com·mend·ing [+ obj] formal 1 : to praise (someone or something) in a serious and often public way ▪ He commended her honesty. ▪ His poetry is highly commended by other writers. — often + for ▪ He commended her for her honesty. ▪ They should be commended for their bravery. 2 : to mention (someone or something) as deserving attention or approval : recommend ▪ I commend this book to anyone interested in learning more about American history. ▪ Their theory has much to commend it. [=there are many good things about it] ▪ His ideas are not likely to commend themselves to most voters. [=most voters will not like and approve of his ideas]

commiserate

/kəˈmɪzəˌreɪt/ verb com·mis·er·ates; com·mis·er·at·ed; com·mis·er·at·ing [no obj] formal : to express sadness or sympathy for someone who has experienced something unpleasant ▪ Friends called to commiserate [=sympathize] when they heard that he had to cancel the trip. ▪ The players commiserated over/about their loss in the championship game. — often + with ▪ The players commiserated with each other. — com·mis·er·a·tion /kəˌmɪzəˈreɪʃən/ noun, plural com·mis·er·a·tions [noncount] ▪ Friends offered words of commiseration. [plural] ▪ It's still not clear whether congratulations or commiserations are in order.

commiserate

/kəˈmɪzəˌreɪt/ verb com·mis·er·ates; com·mis·er·at·ed; com·mis·er·at·ing [no obj] formal : to express sadness or sympathy for someone who has experienced something unpleasant ▪ Friends called to commiserate [=sympathize] when they heard that he had to cancel the trip. ▪ The players commiserated over/about their loss in the championship game. — often + with ▪ The players commiserated with each other. — com·mis·er·a·tion Listen to audio /kəˌmɪzəˈreɪʃən/ noun, plural com·mis·er·a·tions [noncount] ▪ Friends offered words of commiseration. [plural] ▪ It's still not clear whether congratulations or commiserations are in order.

conundrum

/kəˈnʌndrəm/ noun plural co·nun·drums [count] : a confusing or difficult problem ▪ He is faced with the conundrum [=dilemma] of trying to find a job without experience. ▪ an ethical conundrum

caprice

/kəˈpri:s/ noun plural ca·pric·es : a sudden change [count] ▪ the caprices of the weather ; especially : a sudden change in someone's mood or behavior [count] ▪ Employees have complained of being at the mercy of the manager's every whim and caprice. [noncount] ▪ policy changes that seem to be motivated by nothing more than caprice

capitulate

/kəˈpɪtʃəˌleɪt/ verb ca·pit·u·lates; ca·pit·u·lat·ed; ca·pit·u·lat·ing [no obj] formal 1 : to stop fighting an enemy or opponent : to admit that an enemy or opponent has won : surrender ▪ The country still refuses to capitulate despite its weakening army and dwindling resources. 2 : to stop trying to fight or resist something : to agree to do or accept something that you have been resisting or opposing ▪ The teacher refused to capitulate: no calculators were to be used during the exam. — often + to ▪ The company capitulated [=gave in] to the labor union to avoid a strike. ▪ Officials eventually capitulated to the protesters' demands. — ca·pit·u·la·tion /kəˌpɪtʃəˈleɪʃən/ noun, plural ca·pit·u·la·tions [count, noncount]

cajole

/kəˈʤoʊl/ verb ca·joles; ca·joled; ca·jol·ing [+ obj] : to persuade someone to do something or to give you something by making promises or saying nice things — often + into ▪ She had to cajole [=coax] her husband into going with her. ▪ My roommate cajoled me into lending him money for pizza. — often + from ▪ My roommate cajoled [=wheedled] money from me. ▪ The reporter cajoled information from the hospital staff.

curmudgeon

/kɚˈmʌʤən/ noun plural cur·mud·geons [count] old-fashioned : a person (especially an old man) who is easily annoyed or angered and who often complains ▪ a lonely old curmudgeon — cur·mud·geon·ly adjective [more curmudgeonly; most curmudgeonly] ▪ a curmudgeonly [=bad-tempered] old man

lampoon

/læmˈpu:n/ verb lam·poons; lam·pooned; lam·poon·ing [+ obj] : to publicly criticize (someone or something) in a way that causes laughter : to mock or make fun of (someone or something) ▪ The politician was lampooned in cartoons.

largesse

/lɑɚˈʒɛs/ noun [noncount] somewhat formal : the act of giving away money or the quality of a person who gives away money ▪ He relied on the largesse of friends after he lost his job. ▪ a philanthropist known for his largesse [=generosity] ; also : money that is given away ▪ projects depending on a flow of federal largesse [=money from the federal government]

miasma

/maɪˈæzmə/ noun plural mi·as·mas [count] formal + literary : a heavy cloud of something unpleasant or unhealthy — usually singular ▪ A miasma of smog settled over the city. ▪ a miasma of smoke ▪ a miasma of foul odors

machismo

/mɑˈtʃi:zmoʊ, Brit məˈtʃɪzməʊ/ noun [noncount] often disapproving : an attitude, quality, or way of behaving that agrees with traditional ideas about men being very strong and aggressive ▪ athletes displaying their machismo ▪ a culture of machismo

malign

/məˈlaɪn/ verb ma·ligns; ma·ligned; ma·lign·ing [+ obj] formal : to say bad things about (someone or something) publicly : to criticize (someone or something) harshly or unfairly ▪ Her supporters say she is being unfairly maligned in the press. ▪ I did not intend to malign [=impugn] his motives. ▪ They have given up their much-maligned [=widely criticized] attempt to reform tax policy.

malarkey

/məˈlɑɚki/ noun [noncount] informal : foolish words or ideas : nonsense ▪ He thinks everything politicians say is just a bunch of malarkey.

minutiae

/məˈnu:ʃiˌi:, Brit məˈnju:ʃiˌi:/ noun [plural] : small or minor details ▪ the minutiae of daily life ▪ He was bewildered by the contract's minutiae.

morose

/məˈroʊs/ adjective [more morose; most morose] 1 of a person : very serious, unhappy, and quiet ▪ He became morose and withdrawn and would not talk to anyone. 2 : very sad or unhappy ▪ morose song lyrics ▪ morose thoughts — mo·rose·ly adverb ▪ gazing/staring morosely at the sad scene ▪ "I lost," she said morosely. — mo·rose·ness noun [noncount]

Hors d'oeuvre

/oɚˈdɚv/ noun plural hors d'oeuvres [count] : a food served in small portions before the main part of a meal ▪ a tray of assorted hors d'oeuvres

obituary

/oʊˈbɪtʃəˌweri, Brit əˈbɪtʃuəri/ noun plural obit·u·ar·ies [count] : an article in a newspaper about the life of someone who has died recently ▪ I read/saw her obituary in the newspaper. ▪ an obituary writer/notice — sometimes used figuratively ▪ The company is not doing well, but it's too soon to write an/its obituary. [=too soon to think that the company will fail]

ovation

/oʊˈveɪʃən/ noun plural ova·tions [count] : an occurrence in which a group of people at a play, speech, sporting event, etc., show enthusiastic approval or appreciation by clapping their hands together over and over ▪ They gave her a long ovation. [=they applauded her for a long time] ▪ He was welcomed by/with a warm ovation when he came out onto the stage. — see also standing ovation

overt

/oʊˈvɚt/ adjective [more overt; most overt] : easily seen : not secret or hidden : obvious ▪ overt hostility — opposite covert — overt·ly adverb ▪ an overtly religious reference

portentous

/poɚˈtɛntəs/ adjective [more portentous; most portentous] 1 formal + literary : giving a sign or warning that something usually bad or unpleasant is going to happen ▪ a portentous dream/event 2 formal + disapproving : trying to seem important, serious, or impressive : pompous ▪ a portentous manner/tone — por·ten·tous·ly adverb

privation

/praɪˈveɪʃən/ noun plural pri·va·tions formal : a lack or loss of the basic things that people need to live properly [noncount] ▪ The country has suffered through long periods of economic privation. [count] ▪ the privations of poverty Augustine argued that evil is a privation of good.

preemptive

/priˈɛmptɪv/ adjective : done to stop an unwanted act by another group, country, etc., from happening ▪ The country took preemptive action against the perceived enemy. ▪ a preemptive attack/strike by the army — pre·emp·tive·ly adverb

propitiate

/proʊˈpɪʃiˌeɪt/verb pro·pi·ti·ates; pro·pi·ti·at·ed; pro·pi·ti·at·ing [+ obj] formal: to make (someone) pleased or less angry by giving or saying something desired :appease ▪ He made an offering to propitiate the angry gods. — pro·pi·ti·a·tion /proʊˌpɪʃiˈeɪʃən/noun [noncount] — pro·pi·tia·to·ry/proʊˈpɪʃijəˌtori, Brit prəʊˈpɪʃiətri/adjective ▪ a propitiatory offering to the gods

proscribe

/proʊˈskraɪb/ verb pro·scribes; pro·scribed; pro·scrib·ing [+ obj] formal : to make (something) illegal : to not allow (something) ▪ The principal proscribed [=banned, prohibited] the use of cell phones in school. ▪ acts that are proscribed by law ▪ proscribed conduct — pro·scrip·tion Listen to audio /proʊˈskrɪpʃən/ noun, plural pro·scrip·tions [count, noncount]

prognostication

/prɑgˌnɑ:stəˈkeɪʃən/ noun plural prog·nos·ti·ca·tions [count] formal : a statement about what is going to happen in the future ▪ His prognostications [=predictions] are usually right. — prog·nos·ti·ca·tor /prɑgˈnɑ:stəˈkeɪtɚ/ noun, plural prog·nos·ti·ca·tors [count] formal ▪ Political prognosticators believe she will lose the election.

prosthesis

/prɑsˈθi:səs/ noun plural pros·the·ses Listen to audio/-ˌsi:z/ [count] medical : an artificial device that replaces a missing or injured part of the body ▪ She was fitted with a prosthesis to replace her missing leg. ▪ a dental/optical prosthesis — pros·thet·ic Listen to audio /prɑsˈθɛtɪk/ adjective ▪ She wears a prosthetic leg.

prodigious

/prəˈdɪʤəs/ adjective formal 1 : amazing or wonderful : very impressive ▪ a prodigious achievement/effort/talent 2 : very big ▪ a prodigious amount — pro·di·gious·ly adverb, formal ▪ He is prodigiously talented/wealthy.

profuse

/prəˈfju:s/adjective [more profuse; most profuse] : given, produced, or existing in large amounts ▪ He offered profuse apologies for being late.▪ They were profuse in their thanks.▪ profuse bleeding/sweating — pro·fuse·lyadverb ▪ He apologized profusely.▪ She was bleeding profusely when she was brought to the hospital.

promiscuous

/prəˈmɪskjəwəs/ adjective [more promiscuous; most promiscuous] disapproving 1 : having or involving many sexual partners ▪ a promiscuous man/woman ▪ promiscuous behavior ▪ promiscuous sex 2 formal : including or involving too many people or things : not limited in a careful or proper way ▪ He was promiscuous with his apologies. [=he apologized often for many different reasons] ▪ a promiscuous selection of poems — pro·mis·cu·i·ty /ˌprɑ:məˈskju:wəti/ noun [noncount] ▪ sexual promiscuity — pro·mis·cu·ous·ly adverb

propound

/prəˈpaʊnd/ verb pro·pounds; pro·pound·ed; pro·pound·ing [+ obj] formal : to suggest (an idea, theory, etc.) to a person or group of people to consider : propose ▪ Her new book expands upon the theory propounded in her first book. — pro·pound·er noun, plural pro·pound·ers [count]

propensity

/prəˈpɛnsəti/ noun plural pro·pen·si·ties [count] formal : a strong natural tendency to do something ▪ Why do some people have a propensity for/toward violence? [=why are some people violent?; why do some people have a tendency to be violent?] ▪ He had a propensity for crime. ▪ She has a propensity to assume the worst. [=she tends to assume the worst]

precarious

/prɪˈkerijəs/ adjective [more precarious; most precarious] : not safe, strong, or steady ▪ He earned a precarious livelihood/living by gambling. ▪ She was in a state of precarious [=delicate] health. ▪ The government is in a precarious position. [=a dangerous position that must be dealt with carefully] ▪ The strong wind almost knocked him off of his precarious perch on the edge of the cliff. — pre·car·i·ous·ly adverb ▪ The vase was placed precariously close to the edge of the table. — pre·car·i·ous·ness noun [noncount]

precocious

/prɪˈkoʊʃəs/ adjective [more precocious; most precocious] of a child : having or showing the qualities or abilities of an adult at an unusually early age ▪ She was a precocious child who could read before she went to school. ▪ A precocious musician, he was giving concerts when he was seven. — pre·co·cious·ly adverb ▪ a precociously mature child — pre·co·cious·ness noun [noncount] ▪ the child's precociousness — pre·coc·i·ty Listen to audio /prɪˈkɑ:səti/ noun [noncount] ▪ the child's precocity

preposterous

/prɪˈpɑ:stərəs/ adjective : contrary to nature, reason or common sense; very foolish or silly ▪ a preposterous excuse ▪ The whole idea is preposterous! — pre·pos·ter·ous·ly adverb ▪ The prices are preposterously [=absurdly] high. — pre·pos·ter·ous·ness noun [noncount] ▪ She laughed at the preposterousness [=absurdity] of my suggestion.

prerogative

/prɪˈrɑ:gətɪv/ noun plural pre·rog·a·tives [count] formal : a right or privilege ▪ If you'd rather sell the tickets than use them, that's your prerogative. ▪ It's a writer's prerogative to decide the fate of her characters. ; especially : a special right or privilege that some people have ▪ presidential prerogatives [=the rights or privileges a president has] — often + of ▪ Education was once only the prerogative of the wealthy.

prevaricate

/prɪˈverəˌkeɪt/ verb pre·var·i·cates; pre·var·i·cat·ed; pre·var·i·cat·ing [no obj] formal : to avoid telling the truth by not directly answering a question ▪ Government officials prevaricated about the real costs of the project. — pre·var·i·ca·tion Listen to audio /prɪˌverəˈkeɪʃən/ noun, plural pre·var·i·ca·tions [noncount] ▪ Please answer clearly, without prevarication. [count] ▪ You've answered with nothing but half-truths and prevarications.

presumptuous

/prɪˈzʌmpʃəwəs/ adjective [more presumptuous; most presumptuous] formal : too confident especially in a way that is rude ▪ It would be presumptuous (of me) to tell the manager how to do things. : done or made without permission, right, or good reason ▪ a presumptuous question — pre·sump·tu·ous·ly adverb — pre·sump·tu·ous·ness noun [noncount]

pastiche

/pæˈsti:ʃ/ noun 模仿作品 plural pas·tich·es 1 : something (such as a piece of writing, music, etc.) that imitates the style of someone or something else [count] ▪ His earlier building designs were pastiches based on classical forms. [noncount] ▪ With this work she goes beyond pastiche. After several peripatetic years during which he mainly wrote pastiches, ..... 2 [count] a : a piece of writing, music, etc., that is made up of selections from different works ▪ The research paper was essentially a pastiche made up of passages from different sources. b : a mixture of different things ▪ The house is decorated in a pastiche of Asian styles.

pontificate

/pɑnˈtɪfəˌkeɪt/ verb pon·tif·i·cates; pon·tif·i·cat·ed; pon·tif·i·cat·ing [no obj] disapproving : to speak or express your opinion about something in a way that shows that you think you are always right ▪ We had to listen to her pontificate about/on the best way to raise children. /pɑnˈtɪfəkət/ noun plural pon·tif·i·cates [count] 1 : the position of a pope ▪ He was elected to the pontificate last year. 2 : the period of time during which a particular person is pope ▪ during the pontificate of Pope John Paul II

posterity

/pɑˈsterəti/ noun [noncount] formal : people in the future ▪ Posterity will remember her as a woman of courage and integrity. ▪ A record of the events was preserved for posterity. ▪ The truth about what happened will be known/lost to posterity.

polemicist

/pəˈlɛməsɪst/ noun plural po·lem·i·cists [count] : a person who is good at making forceful arguments in speech or writing ▪ She has a reputation as a fierce polemicist.

pariah

/pəˈrajə/ noun plural pa·ri·ahs [count] : a person who is hated and rejected by other people ▪ He's a talented player but his angry outbursts have made him a pariah in the sport of baseball. ▪ a social pariah

parole

/pəˈroʊl/ noun/verb [noncount] : permission given to a prisoner to leave prison before the end of a sentence usually as a reward for behaving well ▪ The prisoner will be eligible for parole after three years. ▪ He was given a life sentence without (the possibility of) parole. ▪ He was granted/denied parole. ▪ a parole hearing ▪ She robbed a bank while out on parole. ▪ The prisoner was released on parole.

perennial

/pəˈrɛnijəl/ adjective 1 of a plant : living for several years or for many years : having a life cycle that is more than two years long ▪ a perennial plant ▪ This variety of oregano is perennial. — compare 1annual, 1biennial 2 a : existing or continuing in the same way for a long time ▪ Hot dogs are a perennial favorite at barbecues. [=people always like to eat hot dogs at barbecues] b : happening again and again ▪ Flooding is a perennial problem for people living by the river. — pe·ren·ni·al·ly adverb ▪ a perennially popular restaurant

accost

/əˈkɑ:st/ verb ac·costs; ac·cost·ed; ac·cost·ing [+ obj] : to approach and speak to (someone) often in an angry, aggressive, or unwanted way ▪ He was accosted by three gang members on the subway. ▪ She was so famous that people would accost her on the street and ask for an autograph.

periphery

/pəˈrɪfəri/ noun plural pe·riph·er·ies [count] formal : the outside edge of an area : the area that surrounds a place or thing — often + of ▪ A fence was built around the periphery of the site. ▪ The factory is located on the periphery of the city. — often used figuratively ▪ the periphery of society ▪ There was little we could do as we watched the case unfold from the periphery. [=we were not actively involved so there was little we could do] adj: peripheral

perfunctory

/pɚˈfʌŋktəri/ adjective [more perfunctory; most perfunctory] formal — used to describe something that is done without energy or enthusiasm because of habit or because it is expected ▪ a perfunctory smile/nod/salute ▪ He made/issued a perfunctory statement supporting the mayor. — per·func·to·ri·ly Listen to audio /pɚˈfʌŋktərəli/ adverb ▪ She smiled/nodded perfunctorily.

pernicious

/pɚˈnɪʃəs/ adjective [more pernicious; most pernicious] formal : causing great harm or damage often in a way that is not easily seen or noticed ▪ More pernicious still has been the acceptance of the author's controversial ideas by the general public. ▪ the pernicious effects of jealousy ▪ She thinks television has a pernicious influence on our children. — per·ni·cious·ly adverb

pertain

/pɚˈteɪn/ verb per·tains; per·tained; per·tain·ing [no obj] formal : to relate to someone or something : to have a connection to a person or thing ▪ The law pertains [=applies] only to people who were born in this country. ▪ The questions pertained to [=the questions were about] the role of religion in society. ▪ books pertaining to the country's history

purvey

/pɚˈveɪ/ verb pur·veys; pur·veyed; pur·vey·ing [+ obj] formal : to make (something, such a product) available : to supply or provide (something) for use ▪ a shop purveying handmade merchandise ▪ purvey information

pejorative

/pɪˈʤorətɪv/adjective [more pejorative; most pejorative] formal: insulting to someone or something : expressing criticism ▪ a pejorative term▪ a word with pejorative connotations — pejorative noun, plural pejoratives [count] ▪ a word that is used as a pejorative [=an insulting word] — pe·jo·ra·tive·lyadverb ▪ The word is often used pejoratively.

rebut

/riˈbʌt/ verb re·buts; re·but·ted; re·but·ting [+ obj] formal : to prove (something) is false by using arguments or evidence ▪ Her lawyer attempted to rebut the witness's testimony. — re·but·tal /rɪˈbʌtl̟/ noun, plural re·but·tals formal [count] ▪ Her report is a rebuttal of some common misconceptions. ▪ In an angry rebuttal, the researchers claimed they were being unfairly scrutinized. [noncount] ▪ He said in rebuttal that he hadn't cheated.

rehash

/riˈhæʃ/ verb [+ obj] disapproving 1 : to present (something) again in a slightly different form ▪ You're just rehashing the same argument all over again. 2 : to talk about or discuss (something) again ▪ rehashing old memories /ˈri:ˌhæʃ/ noun, plural re·hash·es [count] ▪ The newest book is just a rehash of her earlier work.

repatriate

/riˈpeɪtriˌeɪt, Brit riˈpætriˌeɪt/ verb re·pa·tri·ates; re·pa·tri·at·ed; re·pa·tri·at·ing [+ obj] 1 : to return (someone) to his or her own country ▪ Countries are required to repatriate prisoners of war when conflict has ended. ▪ repatriated refugees 2 business : to send (money) back to your own country ▪ repatriate capital/profits — re·pa·tri·a·tion Listen to audio /riˌpeɪtriˈeɪʃən, Brit riˌpætriˈeɪʃən/ noun, plural re·pa·tri·a·tions [count] ▪ forced repatriations of political refugees [noncount] ▪ displaced persons seeking repatriation

rapport

/ræˈpoɚ/ noun formal : a friendly relationship [singular] ▪ He quickly developed a good rapport with the other teachers. [noncount] ▪ She works hard to build rapport with her patients. ▪ There is a lack of rapport between the members of the group.

refract

/rɪˈfrækt/ verb re·fracts; re·fract·ed; re·fract·ing [+ obj] technical, of an object or substance : to make (light) change direction when it goes through at an angle ▪ Prisms refract light. ▪ Light is refracted when it hits water. — re·frac·tion Listen to audio /rɪˈfrækʃən/ noun, plural re·frac·tions [count, noncount] ▪ the refraction of light through water — re·frac·tive Listen to audio /rɪˈfræktɪv/ adjective ▪ the refractive properties of the glass

recoil

/rɪˈkojəl/ verb re·coils; re·coiled; re·coil·ing [no obj] 1 : to quickly move away from something that is shocking, frightening, or disgusting : to react to something with shock or fear ▪ We recoiled in horror at the sight of his wounded arm. ▪ He recoiled from her touch. — often used figuratively ▪ We recoiled at the prospect of having to spend that much money to fix the car. 2 of a gun : to move back suddenly when fired ▪ The rifle recoiled and bruised my shoulder.

recalcitrant

/rɪˈkælsətrənt/ adjective [more recalcitrant; most recalcitrant] formal : stubbornly refusing to obey rules or orders ▪ a recalcitrant prisoner — re·cal·ci·trance Listen to audio /rɪˈkælsətrəns/ noun [noncount]

recant

/rɪˈkænt/ verb re·cants; re·cant·ed; re·cant·ing formal : to publicly say that you no longer have an opinion or belief that you once had [no obj] ▪ Church officials asked the minister/priest to recant. [+ obj] ▪ Witnesses threatened to recant their testimony when the court released their names to the paper. — re·can·ta·tion /ˌri:ˌkænˈteɪʃən/ noun, plural re·can·ta·tions [count, noncount]

relent

/rɪˈlɛnt/ verb re·lents; re·lent·ed; re·lent·ing [no obj] somewhat formal 1 : to agree to do or accept something that you have been resisting or opposing ▪ Our application was initially refused, but the city relented in the end and the permit was issued. ▪ They had refused to pay and relented only after being threatened with a lawsuit. 2 : to become less severe, harsh, strong, determined, etc. ▪ He will not relent [=give up] in his effort to clear his name. ▪ The winds would not relent.

remunerate

/rɪˈmju:nəˌreɪt/ verb re·mu·ner·ates; re·mu·ner·at·ed; re·mu·ner·at·ing [+ obj] formal : to pay someone for work that has been done ▪ They were remunerated for their services. = Their services were remunerated.

renege

/rɪˈnɛg, Brit rɪˈni:g/ verb re·neges; re·neged; re·neg·ing [no obj] : to refuse to do something that you promised or agreed to do ▪ They had promised to pay her tuition but later reneged. — usually + on ▪ They reneged on their promise to pay her tuition.

repudiate

/rɪˈpju:diˌeɪt/ verb re·pu·di·ates; re·pu·di·at·ed; re·pu·di·at·ing [+ obj] formal 1 : to refuse to accept or support (something) : to reject (something or someone) ▪ a generation that has repudiated the values of the past ▪ He has publicly repudiated the government's policies. 2 : to say or show that (something) is not true ▪ He published an article that repudiates the study's claims. ▪ She says she has evidence which repudiates the allegations. — re·pu·di·a·tion Listen to audio /rɪˌpju:diˈeɪʃən/ noun, plural re·pu·di·a·tions [count, noncount] ▪ His statements are a repudiation of the government's policies.

repugnant

/rɪˈpʌgnənt/ adjective [more repugnant; most repugnant] formal : causing a strong feeling of dislike or disgust : repulsive ▪ a morally repugnant act — often + to ▪ The idea was completely repugnant to us.

rescind

/rɪˈsɪnd/ verb re·scinds; re·scind·ed; re·scind·ing [+ obj] formal : to end (a law, contract, agreement, etc.) officially : to say officially that (something) is no longer valid ▪ The navy rescinded its ban on women sailors. ▪ The company later rescinded its offer/decision.

retort

/rɪˈtoɚt/ verb re·torts; re·tort·ed; re·tort·ing [+ obj] : to reply to something in a quick and often angry way ▪ "That's not true!" she retorted. ▪ She retorted angrily that it wasn't true.

revile

/rɪˈvajəl/ verb re·viles; re·viled; re·vil·ing [+ obj] formal : to speak about (someone or something) in a very critical or insulting way ▪ Many people reviled him for his callous behavior. — usually used as (be) reviled ▪ The committee's decision was reviled by reporters. ▪ The policy was reviled as racist. [=people said that the policy was racist]

resultant

/rɪˈzʌltn̩t/ adjective always used before a noun formal : coming from or caused by something else ▪ She deserves credit for the increase in sales and the resultant increase in profit.

rejoinder

/rɪˈʤoɪndɚ/ noun plural re·join·ders [count] formal : a usually rude or angry reply to something written or said ▪ The article was a stinging rejoinder to her critics. ▪ a witty rejoinder

recrimination

/rɪˌkrɪməˈneɪʃən/ noun plural re·crim·i·na·tions : an angry statement in which you accuse or criticize a person who has accused or criticized you [count] ▪ The discussion turned into a heated debate with recriminations flying back and forth. [noncount] ▪ The meeting ended with bitterness and recrimination. ▪ words of recrimination

skedaddle

/skɪˈdædl̟/ verb ske·dad·dles; ske·dad·dled; ske·dad·dling [no obj] informal + humorous : to leave a place very quickly ▪ I've got to skedaddle or I'll be late.

sardonic

/sɑɚˈdɑ:nɪk/ adjective [more sardonic; most sardonic] formal : showing that you disapprove of or do not like someone or something : showing disrespect or scorn for someone or something ▪ The movie is a sardonic look at modern life. ▪ sardonic humor/comments ▪ a sardonic expression/smile — sar·don·i·cal·ly /sɑɚˈdɑ:nɪkli/ adverb ▪ She smiled sardonically when she heard what had happened.

subservient

/səbˈsɚvijənt/ adjective [more subservient; most subservient] 1 : very willing or too willing to obey someone else ▪ She left her first husband because he wanted a subservient [=submissive] wife. ▪ She refused to take/accept/play a subservient role in their marriage. — often + to ▪ She refused to be subservient to her husband. 2 formal : less important than something or someone else — usually + to ▪ He believes that rights of individuals should be subservient to the rights of society as a whole. — sub·ser·vi·ence /səbˈsɚvijəns/ noun [noncount]

suborn

/səˈboɚn/ verb sub·orns; sub·orned; sub·orn·ing [+ obj] law 1 : to persuade (someone) to do something illegal (such as to lie in a court of law) ▪ He's accused of suborning a witness. 2 : to get (false testimony) from a witness ▪ The lawyer suborned (false) testimony. ▪ suborn perjury

sagacious

/səˈgeɪʃəs/ adjective [more sagacious; most sagacious] formal : having or showing an ability to understand difficult ideas and situations and to make good decisions : wise ▪ a sagacious old man ▪ sagacious advice/counsel — sa·ga·cious·ly adverb — sa·gac·i·ty /səˈgæsəti/ noun [noncount] ▪ The old man was respected for his sagacity. [=wisdom]

succumb

/səˈkʌm/verb suc·cumbs; suc·cumbed; suc·cumb·ing [no obj] somewhat formal1: to stop trying to resist something ▪ They will pressure you, and you must try not to succumb.— often + to▪ Try not to succumb to the pressure.▪ It's easy to succumb [=give in] to the temptation to oversimplify this kind of problem. 2: to die ▪ The patient eventually succumbed.— usually + to▪ He succumbed to his injuries. [=he died because of his injuries]▪ She fought a good fight but finally succumbed to cancer.

solicit

/səˈlɪsət/verb so·lic·its; it·ed; -it·ing formal1 a: to ask for (something, such as money or help) from people, companies, etc. [+ obj] ▪ The center is soliciting donations to help victims of the earthquake.▪ The company is soliciting bids from various firms.▪ The organization is soliciting new memberships/subscriptions.▪ The newspaper's editors want to solicit opinions/comments from readers. [no obj] ▪ The organization is soliciting for donations. b [+ obj] : to ask (a person or group) for money, help, etc. ▪ Special interest groups are soliciting Congress for funds. 2 [+ obj] : to offer to have sex with (someone) in return for money ▪ The prostitutes were arrested for soliciting customers. — so·lic·i·ta·tion /səˌlɪsəˈteɪʃən/noun, plural so·lic·i·ta·tionsformal [count] ▪ E-mail solicitations for comments didn't generate much response. [noncount] ▪ the solicitation of funds▪ Solicitation is not allowed in the store or its parking lot. — soliciting noun [noncount] ▪ No soliciting is allowed on store property.▪ He was arrested for soliciting.

solicitous

/səˈlɪsətəs/ adjective [more solicitous; most solicitous] formal : showing concern or care for someone's health, happiness, etc. ▪ I appreciated his solicitous inquiry about my health. ▪ He had always been solicitous for the welfare of his family.

sorority

/səˈrorəti/ noun plural so·ror·i·ties [count] : an organization of female students at a U.S. college ▪ She wanted to pledge/join a sorority. — compare fraternity

susceptible

/səˈsɛptəbəl/ adjective [more susceptible; most susceptible] 1 : easily affected, influenced, or harmed by something ▪ The virus can infect susceptible individuals. — often + to ▪ He is very susceptible to colds. [=he catches colds easily] ▪ a surface highly susceptible to scratches ▪ He is susceptible to flattery. 2 formal : capable of being affected by a specified action or process — + of ▪ a contract that is susceptible of modification [=a contract that can be modified]

surveillance

/sɚˈveɪləns/ noun [noncount] : the act of carefully watching someone or something especially in order to prevent or detect a crime ▪ government surveillance of suspected terrorists ▪ The bank robbery was recorded by surveillance video cameras. ▪ electronic surveillance [=the act of using electronic devices to watch people or things] ▪ The police kept her under surveillance. [=watched her closely]

sedate

/sɪˈdeɪt/ adjective [more sedate; most sedate] 1 : slow and relaxed ▪ We walked the beach at a sedate pace. 2 : quiet and peaceful : calm ▪ a sedate neighborhood/town ▪ the sedate countryside ▪ He remained sedate under pressure. ▪ a sedate horse

transpose

/trænsˈpoʊz/ verb trans·pos·es; trans·posed; trans·pos·ing [+ obj] 1 : to change the position or order of (two things) ▪ I must have accidentally transposed the numbers when I dialed his phone number. 2 : to change (something) by giving it a different form, using it in a different place or situation, etc. ▪ a story originally set in London that has been transposed to Paris for this film

transvestite

/trænsˈvɛˌstaɪt/ noun plural trans·ves·tites [count] : a person who likes to dress like a person of the opposite sex ▪ transvestites dressed in drag — compare transsexual — trans·ves·tism /trænsˈvɛˌstɪzəm/ noun [noncount] — transvestite adjective ▪ a transvestite magazine/show

transpire

/trænˈspajɚ/ verb tran·spires; tran·spired; tran·spir·ing 1 [no obj] formal : to happen ▪ They wouldn't say what had transpired [=taken place] at the meeting. ▪ No one will soon forget the historic events that transpired on that day. 2 [no obj] formal : to become known — usually used with it ▪ Her name, it transpired, was false. [=(less formally) it turned out that her name was false] ▪ It transpired that they had met previously. [=we found out that they had met previously] 3 technical, of a plant : to have water evaporate from the surface of leaves [no obj] ▪ A plant transpires more freely on a hot dry day. [+ obj] ▪ Trees transpire water at a rapid rate.

tenacious

/təˈneɪʃəs/ adjective [more tenacious; most tenacious] 1 a : not easily stopped or pulled apart : firm or strong ▪ The company has a tenacious hold on the market. ▪ a tenacious grip b : continuing for a long time ▪ tenacious myths/traditions ▪ a tenacious effort/battle 2 : very determined to do something ▪ He is a tenacious [=persistent] negotiator/competitor. ▪ She is quite tenacious. — te·na·cious·ly adverb ▪ She clung tenaciously to her beliefs. ▪ He fought tenaciously. — te·nac·i·ty /təˈnæsəti/ noun [noncount] ▪ I am impressed by their tenacity. ▪ She fought with great tenacity.

chastise

/tʃæˈstaɪz/ verb chas·tis·es; chas·tised; chas·tis·ing [+ obj] formal : to criticize (someone) harshly for doing something wrong ▪ The waiter was chastised for forgetting the customer's order. ▪ The coach is always chastising the players for minor mistakes. — chas·tise·ment /tʃæˈstaɪzmənt/ noun [noncount]

tumultuous

/tʊˈmʌltʃəwəs, Brit tjʊˈmʌltʃəwəs/adjective [more tumultuous; most tumultuous] 1: loud, excited, and emotional ▪ The returning astronauts were given a tumultuous welcome.▪ The room filled with tumultuous applause. 2: involving a lot of violence, confusion, or disorder ▪ the nation's tumultuous past — tu·mul·tu·ous·ly adverb — tu·mul·tu·ous·ness noun [noncount]

outré

/uˈtreɪ, Brit ˈu:treɪ/ adjective [more outré; most outré] formal : very strange, unusual, or shocking : bizarre ▪ His art is a bit too outré for most people to enjoy.

vicarious

/vaɪˈkerijəs/ adjective : experienced or felt by watching, hearing about, or reading about someone else rather than by doing something yourself ▪ a vicarious experience ▪ vicarious joy/suffering ▪ a vicarious thrill — vi·car·i·ous·ly adverb ▪ She lived vicariously through her children. — vi·car·i·ous·ness noun [noncount]

voyeur

/voɪˈɚ/ noun plural voy·eurs [count] 1 : a person who gets sexual pleasure from secretly watching other people have sex 2 : a person who likes seeing and talking or writing about something that is considered to be private ▪ political voyeurs — voy·eur·ism /voɪˈɚrɪzəm/ noun [noncount] ▪ the cheap voyeurism of reality television shows — voy·eur·is·tic /ˌvojɚˈɪstɪk/ adjective [more voyeuristic; most voyeuristic] ▪ voyeuristic pleasures

voluptuous

/vəˈlʌptʃəwəs/ adjective [more voluptuous; most voluptuous] 1 of a woman : very attractive because of having large hips and breasts ▪ a voluptuous movie star 2 literary : giving pleasure to the senses ▪ a voluptuous meal ▪ voluptuous prose — vo·lup·tuous·ly adverb — vo·lup·tu·ous·ness noun [noncount]

voracious

/vəˈreɪʃəs/ adjective [more voracious; most voracious] : having or showing a tendency to eat very large amounts of food ▪ a voracious eater/predator ▪ He has a voracious appetite. — often used figuratively ▪ I'm a voracious reader. ▪ She has a voracious appetite for knowledge. — vo·ra·cious·ly adverb ▪ She ate voraciously. — vo·rac·i·ty /vəˈræsəti/ noun [noncount]

vignette

/vɪnˈjɛt/ noun plural vi·gnettes [count] 1 : a short written description ▪ The play's program features a little vignette about each member of the cast. 2 : a short scene in a movie or play ▪ The film is a series of vignettes about living with cancer. 3 : a picture or engraving in a book

abscond

/æbˈskɑ:nd/ verb ab·sconds; ab·scond·ed; ab·scond·ing [no obj] formal 1 : to go away or escape from a place secretly ▪ The suspect absconded to Canada. ▪ Several prisoners absconded from the jail. 2 : to go away and take something that does not belong to you — + with ▪ a banker who absconded with all the money — ab·scond·er noun, plural ab·scond·ers [count]

abjure

/æbˈʤuɚ/verb ab·jures; ab·jured; ab·jur·ing [+ obj] formal: to reject (something) formally ▪ He abjured [=renounced] allegiance to his native country. Afoka is not entirely abjuring the use of violence.

admonish

/ædˈmɑ:nɪʃ/ verb ad·mon·ish·es; ad·mon·ished; ad·mon·ish·ing [+ obj] formal 1 : to speak to (someone) in a way that expresses disapproval or criticism — often + for ▪ His mother admonished him for shouting. ▪ We were admonished for arriving late. 2 : to tell or urge (someone) to do something ▪ She admonished [=urged] them to keep trying. ▪ They admonished [=encouraged] her to control her spending. ▪ They were admonished to take advantage of the opportunity. — ad·mon·ish·ment Listen to audio /ædˈmɑ:nɪʃmənt/ noun, plural ad·mon·ish·ments [count, noncount]

alma mater

/ælməˈmɑ:tɚ/ noun plural ∼ -ters [count] : the school, college, or university that someone attended ▪ I visited my old alma mater last week.

obnoxious

/ɑbˈnɑ:kʃəs/adjective [more obnoxious; most obnoxious] : unpleasant in a way that makes people feel offended, annoyed, or disgusted ▪ He said some really obnoxious things about his ex-girlfriend at the party.▪ Some teenagers were being loud and obnoxious.▪ an obnoxious smell — ob·nox·ious·ly adverb ▪ obnoxiously loud music — ob·nox·ious·ness noun [noncount]

obscene

/ɑbˈsi:n/ adjective [more obscene; most obscene] 1 a : relating to sex in an indecent or offensive way ▪ The book is filled with obscene [=(informal) dirty] pictures. ▪ He was accused of making obscene phone calls. b : very offensive in usually a shocking way ▪ obscene lyrics/language ▪ He made an obscene gesture at the driver who cut him off. 2 : so large an amount or size as to be very shocking or unfair ▪ The company's executives earn obscene salaries. ▪ He spends an obscene amount of money on clothes. 3 : morally disturbing or upsetting ▪ What an obscene [=disgusting] waste of money! — ob·scene·ly adverb ▪ obscenely wealthy/rich

arcane

/ɑɚˈkeɪn/ adjective [more arcane; most arcane] : secret or mysterious : known or understood by only a few people ▪ an arcane scientific puzzle ▪ an arcane ritual ▪ a theory filled with arcane details

audacious

/ɑˈdeɪʃəs/ adjective [more audacious; most audacious] : very confident and daring : very bold and surprising or shocking ▪ They have audacious plans for the new school. ▪ This is her most audacious film so far. ▪ She made an audacious decision to quit her job. ▪ shockingly audacious behavior — au·da·cious·ly adverb ▪ He audaciously disregarded all of their concerns. — au·da·cious·ness noun [noncount] ▪ the audaciousness [=(more commonly) audacity] of their plans

abhorrent

/əbˈhorənt/ adjective [more abhorrent; most abhorrent] formal : causing or deserving strong dislike or hatred ▪ She finds violence in films abhorrent. ▪ It was an abhorrent crime. [=a contemptible crime] — sometimes + to ▪ The thought of failing is abhorrent to him. [=he hates the thought of failing]

abstruse

/əbˈstru:s/ adjective [more abstruse; most abstruse] formal : hard to understand ▪ Her subject matter is abstruse. ▪ abstruse [=obscure] concepts/ideas/theories — ab·struse·ly adverb — ab·struse·ness noun [noncount]

abound

/əˈbaʊnd/ verb abounds; abound·ed; abound·ing [no obj] : to be present in large numbers or in great quantity ▪ a business in which opportunities abound [=a business in which there are many opportunities] ▪ They live in a region where oil abounds. abound in/with [phrasal verb] abound in/with (something) : to be filled with (something) : to contain a very large amount of (something) ▪ They live in a region that abounds in/with oil. ▪ a stream abounding in/with fish

obliterate

/əˈblɪtəˌreɪt/ verb oblit·er·ates; oblit·er·at·ed; oblit·er·at·ing [+ obj] : to destroy (something) completely so that nothing is left ▪ The tide eventually obliterated [=wiped out] all evidence of our sand castles. — often used as (be) obliterated ▪ The garden was obliterated in the hurricane. — oblit·er·a·tion Listen to audio /əˌblɪtəˈreɪʃən/ noun [noncount]

abreast

/əˈbrɛst/ adverb — used to describe two or more people or things that are next to each other in a line ▪ columns/rows of five men abreast = columns/rows of men five abreast ▪ with seats two abreast on each side of the aisle abreast of 1 : next to (someone or something) ▪ Another runner drew abreast of her. [=drew alongside her] 2 : aware of or informed about (new occurrences, facts, etc.) ▪ She is always abreast of the latest political news. ▪ He likes to keep/stay abreast of the news.

adroit

/əˈdroɪt/ adjective [more adroit; most adroit] : very clever or skillful ▪ an adroit negotiator ▪ She is adroit at handling problems. — adroit·ly adverb ▪ She managed the situation adroitly. — adroit·ness noun [noncount] maladroit: not skillful, not adroit

adduce

/əˈdu:s, Brit əˈdju:s/ verb ad·duc·es; ad·duced; ad·duc·ing [+ obj] formal : to mention or provide (something, such as a fact or example) as evidence or proof to support an argument ▪ The evidence the author has adduced [=put forth] is rather weak.

afoot

/əˈfʊt/ adjective not used before a noun : developing or happening now : in progress ▪ Plans were afoot to begin construction on the bridge. ▪ Something strange was afoot. ▪ There's trouble afoot.

accretion

/əˈkri:ʃən/ noun plural ac·cre·tions 1 [noncount] : a gradual process in which layers of a material are formed as small amounts are added over time ▪ rocks formed by the slow accretion of limestone — often used figuratively ▪ The gradual accretion of detail creates a complex and moving story. 2 [count] : something that has grown or accumulated slowly : a product or result of gradual growth ▪ strangely shaped limestone accretions ▪ There was an accretion of ice on the car's windshield.

acquit

/əˈkwɪt/ verb ac·quits; ac·quit·ted; ac·quit·ting [+ obj] : to decide that someone is not guilty of a crime ▪ The jury acquitted the defendant because there wasn't enough evidence to convict him of the crime. ▪ She was acquitted of the murder of her husband. = She was acquitted of murdering her husband. — compare 1convict acquit yourself : to act or behave in a specified way — used to express approval or (less commonly) disapproval of someone's behavior or performance ▪ The soldiers acquitted themselves well/honorably in battle. ▪ The young actress acquitted herself extremely well/capably in her first film. ▪ He acquitted himself poorly in handling the controversy.

acquisitive

/əˈkwɪzətɪv/ adjective formal + disapproving : having a strong desire to own or acquire more things ▪ our increasingly competitive and acquisitive [=greedy] society — ac·quis·i·tive·ness noun [noncount]

ameliorate

/əˈmi:ljəˌreɪt/ verb ame·lio·rates; ame·lio·rat·ed; ame·lio·rat·ing [+ obj] formal : to make (something, such as a problem) better, less painful, etc. ▪ trying to ameliorate the suffering of people who have lost their jobs ▪ This medicine should help ameliorate the pain.

amenable

/əˈmi:nəbəl/ adjective 1 [more amenable; most amenable] : willing to agree or to accept something that is wanted or asked for ▪ an amenable child — usually + to ▪ The children are generally amenable to our wishes. ▪ a government that is not amenable to change [=a government that resists change] 2 formal : able to be controlled, organized, or affected by something — + to ▪ The disease is not amenable to surgery. [=it cannot be fixed by surgery] ▪ data amenable to analysis [=data that can be analyzed]

anathema

/əˈnæθəmə/ noun formal : someone or something that is very strongly disliked — usually + to [noncount] ▪ ideas that are anathema to me [=ideas that I strongly dislike] ▪ a politician who is anathema to conservatives/liberals [singular] ▪ ideas that are an anathema to me

anomaly

/əˈnɑ:məli/ noun plural anom·a·lies [count] somewhat formal : something that is unusual or unexpected : something anomalous ▪ A storm like that is an anomaly for this area. [=a storm like that does not usually happen in this area] ▪ We couldn't explain the anomalies in the test results. ▪ The doctor detected an anomaly [=irregularity] in my heartbeat.

apportion

/əˈpoɚʃən/ verb ap·por·tions; ap·por·tioned; ap·por·tion·ing [+ obj] formal : to divide (something) among or between people ▪ The proceeds from the auction will be apportioned among the descendents. ▪ Apportion the expenses between the parties involved. : to give (a part of something) to a number of people ▪ The agency apportions water from the lake to residents. ▪ Any attempt to apportion blame [=to say who should be blamed] so many years after the incident is pointless. He is usually venomous in apportioning accusations of sexism. — ap·por·tion·ment /əˈpoɚʃənmənt/ noun, plural ap·por·tion·ments [noncount] ▪ The apportionment of the expenses will take some time. [count] ▪ an apportionment of blame.

appraisal

/əˈpreɪzəl/ noun plural ap·prais·als 1 : the act of judging the value, condition, or importance of something : the act of appraising something [noncount] ▪ the appraisal of some jewelry [count] ▪ real estate appraisals ▪ I made a quick appraisal of the situation and decided to leave right away. ▪ Your annual job/performance appraisal [=review, evaluation] will be in July. [=your boss will meet with you to tell you if you are doing a good or bad job in July] 2 [count] : something that states an opinion about the value, condition, or importance of something ▪ The book is an excellent appraisal of the influences that have shaped our government.

opprobrium

/əˈproʊbrijəm/ noun [noncount] formal : very strong disapproval or criticism of a person or thing especially by a large number of people ▪ They're going ahead with the plan despite public opprobrium. ▪ a group of critics who use "romanticism" as a term of opprobrium [=a word that is used to show disapproval]

array

/əˈreɪ/ noun plural ar·rays 1 [count] : a large group or number of things — usually singular ▪ They offer a wide/vast/bewildering array of products and services. ▪ The car is available in an array of colors. [=in many different colors] ▪ We encountered a whole array of problems. [=many problems] 2 [count] technical a : a group of numbers, symbols, etc., that are arranged in rows and columns b : a way of organizing pieces of information in the memory of a computer so that similar kinds of information are together 3 [count] technical : a group of devices that together form a unit ▪ an antenna array ▪ an array of solar panels 4 [noncount] formal + literary : rich or beautiful clothing ▪ She was dressed in grand/glorious array. verb arrays; arrayed; array·ing [+ obj] formal 1 : to place (a group of things) in a particular position so that they are in order or so that they look attractive — usually used as (be) arrayed ▪ The layers consist of bricks arrayed [=arranged] in regular patterns. ▪ The table was arrayed with all sorts of delicacies. [=there were all sorts of delicacies placed attractively on the table] 2 literary : to dress (someone, especially yourself) in fine clothing ▪ She arrayed herself in rich velvets and satins. 3 : to put (soldiers) in a place or position so that they are ready to attack ▪ They arrayed [=deployed] the troops along the hilltop. — usually used as (be) arrayed ▪ The troops were arrayed along the hilltop. ▪ The general surveyed the forces arrayed against him.

asylum

/əˈsaɪləm/ noun plural asy·lums 1 [noncount] : protection given by a government to someone who has left another country in order to escape being harmed ▪ She asked for political asylum. ▪ She was granted asylum after it was made clear that she would be killed if she returned to her native country. ▪ asylum seekers 2 [count] old-fashioned : a hospital where people who are mentally ill are cared for especially for long periods of time : a mental hospital

aspersions

/əˈspɚʒənz/ noun Meaning: cast aspersions formal : to say critical things about (someone or someone's character) : to criticize (someone) harshly or unfairly ▪ He tried to discuss his political opponents respectfully, without casting aspersions. — usually + on ▪ He tried to avoid casting aspersions on (the motives/integrity of) his political opponents.

astringent

/əˈstrɪnʤənt/ adjective [more astringent; most astringent] 1 medical : causing body tissues (such as skin) to tighten — used to describe a liquid or lotion that makes the skin less oily or that helps to stop a cut from bleeding ▪ astringent lotions 2 : having a sharp or bitter quality ▪ an astringent taste 3 : very critical in a sharp and often clever way ▪ Her speech included some astringent [=caustic, biting] comments about the other candidate. ▪ an astringent critic of modern movies — as·trin·gen·cy Listen to audio /əˈstrɪnʤənsi/ noun [noncount] ▪ the astringency of her comments — astringent noun, plural astringents [count] medical ▪ She used an astringent on her face. — as·trin·gent·ly adverb ▪ an astringently ironic writer

assuage

/əˈsweɪʤ/ verb as·suag·es; as·suaged; as·suag·ing [+ obj] formal : to make (something, such as an unpleasant feeling) less painful, severe, etc. ▪ The company tried to assuage [=soothe, calm, ease] investors' fears. ▪ City officials needed to assuage [=lessen, relieve] neighbors' concerns about the new factory. ▪ He couldn't assuage his guilt over the divorce. ▪ trying to assuage [=alleviate] his hunger/thirst

acerbic

/əˈsɚbɪk/ adjective [more acerbic; most acerbic] somewhat formal : expressing harsh or sharp criticism in a clever way ▪ acerbic comedy ▪ an acerbic playwright ▪ the film's most acerbic critics ▪ his acerbic wit — acer·bi·cal·ly Listen to audio /əˈsɚbɪkli/ adverb

atrocity

/əˈtrɑ:səti/noun plural atroc·i·ties : a very cruel or terrible act or action [count] ▪ the atrocities of war▪ Atrocities were committed by forces on both sides of the conflict. [noncount] ▪ Who could be capable of such atrocity?

attenuate

/əˈtɛnjəˌweɪt/ verb at·ten·u·ates; at·ten·u·at·ed; at·ten·u·at·ing [+ obj] formal : to make (something) weaker or less in amount, effect, or force ▪ Earplugs will attenuate the loud sounds of the machinery. ▪ an attenuated virus — at·ten·u·a·tion /əˌtɛnjəˈweɪʃən/ noun [noncount]

aversion

/əˈvɚʒən/ noun plural aver·sions : a strong feeling of not liking something [count] ▪ deep aversions — often + to ▪ He seems to have an aversion to exercise. [noncount] ▪ They regarded war with aversion.

adjure

/əˈʤuɚ/ verb ad·jures; ad·jured; ad·jur·ing [+ obj] formal : to urge or command (someone) to do something ▪ He adjured his followers to remain faithful to the cause.

aficionado

/əˌfɪʃijəˈnɑ:doʊ/ noun plural afi·cio·na·dos [count] : a person who likes and knows a lot about something ▪ an aficionado of poetry ▪ sports aficionados

ecumenical

/ɛkjəˈmɛnɪkəl/ adjective : involving people from different kinds of Christian churches ▪ an ecumenical council/service — ec·u·men·i·cal·ly Listen to audio /ɛkjəˈmɛnɪkli/ adverb

expatriate

/ɛkˈspeɪtrijət, Brit ɛkˈspætriət/ noun plural ex·pa·tri·ates [count] : a person who lives in a foreign country ▪ American expatriates living in Paris — expatriate adjective always used before a noun ▪ expatriate writers

explicable

/ɛkˈsplɪkəbəl, ˈɛksplɪkəbəl/ adjective formal : possible to explain : explainable ▪ phenomena explicable by the laws of physics ▪ his least explicable mistake — opposite inexplicable

endemic

/ɛnˈdɛmɪk/ adjective 1 : growing or existing in a certain place or region ▪ endemic diseases ▪ endemic wildlife — often + to or in ▪ A wide variety of animal and plant species are endemic to this area. ▪ The disease is endemic in parts of northern Europe. 2 : common in a particular area or field — often + to or in ▪ A distrust of strangers is endemic in/to this community. ▪ Sentimentality is endemic to that style of writing.

exorbitant

/ɪgˈzoɚbətənt/ adjective [more exorbitant; most exorbitant] : going far beyond what is fair, reasonable, or expected : too high, expensive, etc. ▪ exorbitant fees/costs/prices/expenses ▪ They were charged exorbitant rates for phone calls. — ex·or·bi·tant·ly adverb ▪ exorbitantly expensive meals ▪ exorbitantly high prices

exude

/ɪgˈzu:d/verb exudes; ex·ud·ed; ex·ud·ing 1 a [+ obj] : to produce a liquid or smell that flows out slowly ▪ Pine trees exude a sticky substance.▪ The flowers exuded a sweet fragrance. b [no obj] : to flow out slowly — usually + from▪ Moisture exuded from the walls of the cave.▪ A sticky substance exuded [=oozed] from the pine tree. 2 [+ obj] : to show (a quality, emotion, etc.) very clearly or strongly ▪ She exudes authority/charm. [=she has a great deal of authority/charm]▪ They exuded elegance/confidence.

exasperate

/ɪgˈzæspəˌreɪt, Brit ɪgˈzɑ:spəreɪt/ verb ex·as·per·ates; ex·as·per·at·ed; ex·as·per·at·ing [+ obj] : to make (someone) very angry or annoyed ▪ The criticism of his latest movie is sure to exasperate his admirers. ▪ We were exasperated by the delays. — exasperated adjective [more exasperated; most exasperated] ▪ The delays left us feeling tired and exasperated. ▪ an exasperated smile — ex·as·per·at·ed·ly adverb ▪ smiling/sighing exasperatedly — exasperating adjective [more exasperating; most exasperating] ▪ exasperating delays ▪ He wants everyone to know how exasperating his job can be. — ex·as·per·at·ing·ly adverb ▪ His lectures were exasperatingly dull.

exacerbate

/ɪgˈzæsɚˌbeɪt/ verb ex·ac·er·bates; ex·ac·er·bat·ed; ex·ac·er·bat·ing [+ obj] : to make (a bad situation, a problem, etc.) worse ▪ The proposed factory shutdown would only exacerbate our unemployment problems. ▪ His angry comments have exacerbated tensions in the negotiation process. — ex·ac·er·ba·tion /ɪgˌzæsɚˈbeɪʃən/ noun [noncount] ▪ the exacerbation of symptoms/problems/tensions

exonerate

/ɪgˈzɑ:nəˌreɪt/ verb ex·on·er·ates; ex·on·er·at·ed; ex·on·er·at·ing [+ obj] formal : to prove that someone is not guilty of a crime or responsible for a problem, bad situation, etc. ▪ Her attorney claims that this new evidence will exonerate [=clear] the defendant completely. — sometimes + of or from ▪ evidence that will exonerate her of/from the charges — ex·on·er·a·tion /ɪgˌzɑ:nəˈreɪʃən/ noun [noncount] ▪ A review of the evidence led to her complete exoneration.

exemplar

/ɪgˈzɛmˌplɑɚ/ noun plural ex·em·plars [count] formal 1 : an admired person or thing that is considered an example that deserves to be copied ▪ cited Joan of Arc as the exemplar of courage 2 : a typical example ▪ He is an exemplar of this new breed of politician.

exhilarate

/ɪgˈzɪləˌreɪt/ verb ex·hil·a·rates; ex·hil·a·rat·ed; ex·hil·a·rat·ing [+ obj] : to cause (someone) to feel very happy and excited — usually used as (be) exhilarated ▪ We were exhilarated by the news of his success. — exhilarated adjective [more exhilarated; most exhilarated] ▪ I feel exhilarated! — exhilarating adjective [more exhilarating; most exhilarating] ▪ an exhilarating ski trip ▪ exhilarating news

excruciating

/ɪkˈskru:ʃiˌeɪtɪŋ/ adjective [more excruciating; most excruciating] 1 : very painful : causing great mental or physical pain ▪ I have an excruciating headache. ▪ an excruciating moment of embarrassment 2 a : very severe ▪ excruciating shyness b : extreme or excessive ▪ They described their vacation in excruciating detail. — ex·cru·ci·at·ing·ly adverb ▪ an excruciatingly painful condition ▪ The speech was excruciatingly long. ▪ excruciatingly slow

expulsion

/ɪkˈspʌlʃən/noun plural ex·pul·sions 1: the act of forcing someone to leave a place (such as a country or a school) : the act of expelling someone [count] ▪ The government engaged in mass expulsions. [noncount] ▪ He was threatened with expulsion (from the school) if his grades didn't improve. 2 [noncount] : the act of forcing something out : the act of expelling something ▪ the expulsion of air from the lungs

imbue

/ɪmˈbju:/ verb im·bues; im·bued; im·bu·ing [+ obj] : to cause (someone or something) to be deeply affected by a feeling or to have a certain quality ▪ A feeling of optimism imbues her works. ▪ His war experiences imbued in him [=caused him to feel] a strong sense of patriotism. — usually + with ▪ His war experiences imbued him with a strong sense of patriotism. — often used as (be) imbued ▪ He was imbued with a strong sense of patriotism. [=he felt very patriotic]

impugn

/ɪmˈpju:n/ verb im·pugns; im·pugned; im·pugn·ing [+ obj] formal : to criticize (a person's character, intentions, etc.) by suggesting that someone is not honest and should not to be trusted ▪ He impugned his rival's character. ▪ Her motives have been scrutinized and impugned.

implore

/ɪmˈploɚ/ verb im·plores; im·plored; im·plor·ing [+ obj] formal 1 a : to make a very serious or emotional request to (someone) : beg ▪ Don't go. I implore you. — usually followed by to + verb ▪ She implored her son not to go. ▪ He implored her to think of the children. b : to say (something) as a serious or emotional request ▪ "Think of the children!" he implored. 2 : to ask or beg for (something) in a very serious or emotional way ▪ He implored their help. — imploring adjective [more imploring; most imploring] ▪ an imploring look ▪ an imploring request for help — im·plor·ing·ly adverb ▪ "Don't go!" she said imploringly.

implode

/ɪmˈploʊd/ verb im·plodes; im·plod·ed; im·plod·ing [no obj] : to collapse inward in a very sudden and violent way ▪ an imploding star — often used figuratively ▪ He warns that the nation's economy is about to implode under the weight of its debt. — compare explode — im·plo·sion /ɪmˈploʊʒən/ noun, plural im·plo·sions [count, noncount]

improvident

/ɪmˈprɑ:vədənt/ adjective [more improvident; most improvident] formal : not providing or saving for the future : not wise or sensible regarding money ▪ Her improvident habits left her with no retirement savings. ▪ an improvident [=irresponsible, unwise] use of public money My mom would praise me improvidently, exorbitantly. — im·prov·i·dence Listen to audio /ɪmˈprɑ:vədəns/ noun [noncount] ▪ financial improvidence

impetuous

/ɪmˈpɛtʃəwəs/ adjective 冲动的，感情用事的 [more impetuous; most impetuous] : acting or done quickly and without thought : controlled by emotion rather than thought : impulsive ▪ He's always been an impetuous young man. ▪ an impetuous decision — im·pet·u·os·i·ty /ɪmˌpɛtʃəˈwɑ:səti/ noun [noncount] — im·pet·u·ous·ly adverb — im·pet·u·ous·ness noun [noncount]

indubitable

/ɪnˈdu:bətəbəl, Brit ɪnˈdju:bətəbəl/ adjective formal : certainly true : not able to be doubted ▪ an indubitable truth — in·du·bi·ta·bly Listen to audio /ɪnˈdu:bətəbli, Brit ɪnˈdju:bətəbli/ adverb ▪ He was indubitably [=undoubtedly] the most capable officer on the staff.

indelible

/ɪnˈdɛləbəl/ adjective [more indelible; most indelible] 1 : impossible to remove or forget ▪ Her performance made an indelible [=unforgettable] impression on me. ▪ His achievements left an indelible [=enduring] mark on the era. ▪ an indelible image 2 : producing marks that cannot be erased ▪ an indelible pencil ▪ indelible [=permanent] ink — in·del·i·bly Listen to audio /ɪnˈdɛləbli/ adverb ▪ scenes/images indelibly captured on film ▪ two names indelibly [=permanently] linked in the public mind

induct

/ɪnˈdʌkt/ verb in·ducts; in·duct·ed; in·duct·ing [+ obj] 1 : to have (someone) officially begin a new job, position, or government office — usually used as (be) inducted — usually + into ▪ The new president was inducted into office last year. 2 a : to officially make (someone) a member of a group or organization ▪ The club will induct six new members this year. — usually used as (be) inducted — usually + into ▪ She was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. b US : to enroll (someone) for military training or service — usually used as (be) inducted — usually + into ▪ He was inducted into the army. — in·duct·ee /ɪnˌdʌkˈti:/ noun, plural in·duct·ees [count] chiefly US ▪ After the ceremony, we met the new inductees. [=the people who had just been inducted]

inflict

/ɪnˈflɪkt/ verb in·flicts; in·flict·ed; in·flict·ing [+ obj] : to cause someone to experience or be affected by (something unpleasant or harmful) ▪ These insects are capable of inflicting a painful sting. ▪ inflict a wound ▪ inflict pain/injury/punishment/damage — often + on or upon ▪ He shows no regret for the suffering he has inflicted on/upon these innocent people. ▪ They continue to inflict their strange ideas about nutrition on/upon their children. — in·flic·tion Listen to audio /ɪnˈflɪkʃən/ noun [noncount] ▪ the infliction of a knife wound ▪ the infliction of pain/guilt/humiliation

infringe

/ɪnˈfrɪnʤ/ verb in·fring·es; in·fringed; in·fring·ing 1 : to do something that does not obey or follow (a rule, law, etc.) [+ obj] ▪ infringe [=violate] a treaty/patent ▪ They claim that his use of the name infringes their copyright. [no obj] (chiefly US) — + on or upon ▪ They claim that his use of the name infringes on their copyright. 2 : to wrongly limit or restrict (something, such as another person's rights) [+ obj] ▪ Her rights must not be infringed. [no obj] — + on or upon ▪ He argues that the proposed law infringes upon our guaranteed right of free speech. — in·fringe·ment Listen to audio /ɪnˈfrɪnʤmənt/ noun, plural in·fringe·ments [count] ▪ repeated infringements of our rights [noncount] ▪ He faces charges of copyright infringement. — in·fring·er noun, plural in·fring·ers [count] ▪ a copyright infringer

infest

/ɪnˈfɛst/ verb in·fests; in·fest·ed; in·fest·ing [+ obj] of something harmful or unwanted : to be in or over (a place, an animal, etc.) in large numbers ▪ Lice infested his scalp. — often used as (be) infested ▪ The area was infested with snakes/insects. [=there was a very large number of snake/insects in the area] ▪ The trees were infested by/with caterpillars. ▪ a neighborhood infested with crime ▪ shark-infested waters — in·fes·ta·tion Listen to audio /ˌɪnˌfɛˈsteɪʃən/ noun, plural in·fes·ta·tions [count] ▪ an infestation of caterpillars [noncount] ▪ There were signs of insect infestation.

infiltrate

/ɪnˈfɪlˌtreɪt, ˈɪnfɪlˌtreɪt/ verb 渗透 in·fil·trates; in·fil·trat·ed; in·fil·trat·ing [+ obj] 1 a : to secretly enter or join (something, such as a group or an organization) in order to get information or do harm ▪ The gang was infiltrated by undercover agents. — sometimes used figuratively ▪ An attitude of cynicism has infiltrated the staff. [=the staff has become cynical] b : to cause (someone) to secretly enter or join a group, organization, etc. ▪ Attempts to infiltrate undercover agents into the gang have failed. 2 technical : to pass into or through (something) ▪ Water can easily infiltrate the soil. — in·fil·tra·tion /ˌɪnfɪlˈtreɪʃən/ noun [noncount] ▪ the infiltration of undercover agents into the gang — in·fil·tra·tor /ɪnˈfɪlˌtreɪtɚ, ˈɪnfɪlˌtreɪtɚ/ noun, plural in·fil·tra·tors [count] ▪ The gang discovered an infiltrator among its members.

incorrigible

/ɪnˈkorəʤəbəl/ adjective : not able to be corrected or changed ▪ an incorrigible gambler/optimist/prankster ▪ an incorrigible habit of playing practical jokes ▪ He is always the class clown and his teachers say he is incorrigible.

encroach

/ɪnˈkroʊtʃ/ verb en·croach·es; en·croached; en·croach·ing [no obj] 1 : to gradually move or go into an area that is beyond the usual or desired limits ▪ The suburbs encroach further into the rural areas each year. — usually + on or upon ▪ People are encroaching on the animal's habitat. ▪ The ocean is slowly encroaching upon the shoreline. 2 : to gradually take or begin to use or affect something that belongs to someone else or that someone else is using — usually + on or upon ▪ He argues that the law would encroach on/upon states' authority. ▪ The new company is encroaching on their traditional market. — en·croach·ment Listen to audio /ɪnˈkroʊtʃmənt/ noun, plural en·croach·ments [noncount] ▪ the gradual encroachment of the ocean [count] ▪ the encroachments of neighboring countries

incarcerate

/ɪnˈkɑɚsəˌreɪt/ verb in·car·cer·ates; in·car·cer·at·ed; in·car·cer·at·ing [+ obj] formal : to put (someone) in prison : imprison — usually used as (be) incarcerated ▪ They were both incarcerated for armed robbery. — in·car·cer·a·tion Listen to audio /ɪnˌkɑɚsəˈreɪʃən/ noun [noncount] ▪ They were each sentenced to six months' incarceration. [=imprisonment]

insatiable

/ɪnˈseɪʃəbəl/ adjective [more insatiable; most insatiable] : always wanting more : not able to be satisfied ▪ an insatiable appetite/thirst ▪ Her desire for knowledge was insatiable. — in·sa·tia·bly /ɪnˈseɪʃəbli/ adverb ▪ an insatiably curious student

inscrutable

/ɪnˈskru:təbəl/ adjective [more inscrutable; most inscrutable] formal : difficult to understand : causing people to feel curious or confused ▪ an inscrutable [=mysterious] expression/smile ▪ an inscrutable work of art ▪ He was a quiet, inscrutable man. — in·scru·ta·bil·i·ty Listen to audio /ɪnˌskru:təˈbɪləti/ noun [noncount] — in·scru·ta·bly Listen to audio /ɪnˈskru:təbli/ adverb

installment

/ɪnˈstɑ:lmənt/ noun plural in·stall·ments 1 : any one of a series of small payments that you make over a long time until you have paid the total cost of something [count] ▪ He just paid the last installment of a $20,000 loan. ▪ We are paying for the computer in installments. [noncount] ▪ (US) We are paying on installment. 2 [count] : any one of several parts of a long book, television program, etc., that are published or shown over a period of time ▪ The first installment of the five-part series will appear tonight at ten o'clock.

ensue

/ɪnˈsu:, Brit ɪnˈsju:/verb en·sues; en·sued; en·su·ing [no obj] : to come at a later time : to happen as a result ▪ When the news broke, a long period of chaos ensued. [=followed] — ensuing adjective ▪ In the ensuing weeks, [=in the weeks afterward] her health gradually improved.

insouciance

/ɪnˈsu:sijəns/ noun [noncount] formal : a relaxed and calm state : a feeling of not worrying about anything ▪ her youthful insouciance [=nonchalance] — in·sou·ci·ant /ɪnˈsu:sijənt/ adjective [more insouciant; most insouciant] ▪ his insouciant [=(less formally) carefree] charm

insurgent

/ɪnˈsɚʤənt/ noun plural in·sur·gents [count] : a person who fights against an established government or authority ▪ Insurgents are trying to gain control of the country's transportation system. — often used before another noun ▪ an insurgent group ▪ insurgent attacks

insinuate

/ɪnˈsɪnjəˌweɪt/ verb in·sin·u·ates; in·sin·u·at·ed; in·sin·u·at·ing [+ obj] 1 : to say (something, especially something bad or insulting) in an indirect way ▪ Just what are you insinuating? [=implying] — often + that ▪ Are you insinuating that I cheated!? 2 formal : to gradually make (yourself) a part of a group, a person's life, etc., often by behaving in a dishonest way — usually + into ▪ He gradually insinuated himself into her life. ▪ She has managed to insinuate herself into the city's highest social circles. — insinuating adjective [more insinuating; most insinuating] ▪ He made an insinuating remark/comment about my weight.

incipient

/ɪnˈsɪpijənt/ adjective always used before a noun formal : beginning to develop or exist ▪ The project is still in its incipient stages. ▪ an incipient romance [=a romance that is just beginning]

insipid

/ɪnˈsɪpəd/ adjective [more insipid; most insipid] formal 1 : not interesting or exciting : dull or boring ▪ an insipid movie/novel 2 : lacking strong flavor : bland ▪ The soup was rather insipid. — in·sip·id·ly adverb — in·si·pid·i·ty Listen to audio /ˌɪnsəˈpɪdəti/ noun [noncount]

entreat

/ɪnˈtriːt/ verb entreats; entreated; entreating [+ object] formal : to ask (someone) in a serious and emotional way I entreat you to help me. His parents entreated [=implored, begged] him to return to school.

intransigent

/ɪnˈtrænsəʤənt/ adjective [more intransigent; most intransigent] formal : completely unwilling to change : very stubborn ▪ intransigent enemies/opponents ▪ He has remained intransigent in his opposition to the proposal. — in·tran·si·gence /ɪnˈtrænsəʤəns/ noun [noncount] ▪ fighting bureaucratic intransigence

erratic

/ɪˈrætɪk/ adjective [more erratic; most erratic] : acting, moving, or changing in ways that are not expected or usual : not consistent or regular ▪ His behavior seemed erratic. ▪ The light flashes at erratic [=irregular, random] intervals. ▪ He's an erratic [=inconsistent] shooter. ▪ erratic [=fluctuating] oil prices — er·rat·i·cal·ly /ɪˈrætɪkli/ adverb ▪ behaving/moving/acting erratically

interpolate

/ɪnˈtɚpəˌleɪt/ verb in·ter·po·lates; in·ter·po·lat·ed; in·ter·po·lat·ing [+ obj] formal : to put (something) between other things or parts ▪ He smoothly interpolates fragments from other songs into his own. ; especially : to put (words) into a piece of writing or a conversation ▪ He interpolated a very critical comment in/into the discussion. — in·ter·po·la·tion Listen to audio /ɪnˌtɚpəˈleɪʃən/ noun, plural in·ter·po·la·tions [count, noncount]

inveigh

/ɪnˈveɪ/ verb in·veighs; in·veighed; in·veigh·ing Meaning: inveigh against [phrasal verb] inveigh against (someone or something) formal : to protest or complain about (something or someone) very strongly ▪ Employees inveighed against mandatory overtime.

inveterate

/ɪnˈvɛtərət/ adjective [more inveterate; most inveterate] formal + often disapproving 1 : always or often doing something specified ▪ She's an inveterate reader/traveler. ▪ an inveterate liar 2 : always or often happening or existing ▪ her inveterate optimism ▪ his inveterate tendency to overlook the obvious — in·vet·er·ate·ly adverb ▪ inveterately optimistic

inexorable

/ɪnˈɛksərəbəl/ adjective formal : not able to be stopped or changed ▪ an inexorable conclusion ▪ the inexorable rise of a political movement — in·ex·o·ra·bi·li·ty /ɪnˌɛksərəˈbɪləti/ noun [noncount] — in·ex·o·ra·bly Listen to audio /ɪnˈɛksərəbli/ adverb ▪ We are inexorably linked to the past. ▪ Will a break in negotiations lead inexorably to conflict?

ebullient

/ɪˈbʊljənt/ adjective [more ebullient; most ebullient] : lively and enthusiastic ▪ her ebullient charm ▪ an ebullient entertainer — ebul·lience /ɪˈbʊljəns/ noun [noncount] ▪ her delightful ebullience — ebul·lient·ly adverb ▪ speaking ebulliently

ephemeral

/ɪˈfɛmərəl/ adjective [more ephemeral; most ephemeral] : lasting a very short time ▪ His fame turned out to be ephemeral. [=short-lived]

egregious

/ɪˈgri:ʤəs/ adjective [more egregious; most egregious] formal : very bad and easily noticed ▪ The article contains a number of egregious [=glaring, obvious] errors. ▪ an egregious example of political bias ▪ egregious misconduct — egre·gious·ly adverb — egre·gious·ness noun [noncount]

eclectic

/ɪˈklɛktɪk/ adjective [more eclectic; most eclectic] : including things taken from many different sources ▪ The collection includes an eclectic mix of historical artifacts. ▪ a person with eclectic tastes [=a person who likes many different kinds of things] — eclec·ti·cal·ly Listen to audio /ɪˈklɛktɪkli/ adverb ▪ an eclectically decorated room — eclec·ti·cism Listen to audio /ɪˈklɛktəˌsɪzəm/ noun [noncount] ▪ the eclecticism of her tastes

equivocal

/ɪˈkwɪvəkəl/ adjective [more equivocal; most equivocal] formal 1 : having two or more possible meanings : ambiguous ▪ an equivocal term ▪ He responded to reporters' questions with equivocal answers. — opposite unequivocal 2 : not easily understood or explained ▪ The experiment produced equivocal results. ▪ equivocal evidence ▪ equivocal behavior

elope

/ɪˈloʊp/ verb elopes; eloped; elop·ing [no obj] : to run away secretly to get married ▪ The couple eloped in the middle of the night. — elope·ment /ɪˈloʊpmənt/ noun, plural elope·ments [count, noncount]

elicit

/ɪˈlɪsət/ verb elic·its; elicit·ed; elicit·ing [+ obj] formal : to get (a response, information, etc.) from someone ▪ She's been trying to elicit the support of other committee members. ▪ My question elicited no response. ▪ She's been unable to elicit much sympathy from the public.

inure

/ɪˈnuɚ, ɪˈnjuɚ/ verb in·ures; in·ured; in·ur·ing [+ obj] formal : to cause (someone) to be less affected by something unpleasant : to cause (someone) to be less sensitive to something unpleasant ▪ Does violence on television inure children to violence in real life? — inured adjective — + to ▪ Are children inured to violence? ▪ We quickly became inured to his sarcasm.

innocuous

/ɪˈnɑ:kjəwəs/ adjective [more innocuous; most innocuous] 1 : not likely to bother or offend anyone : inoffensive ▪ He told a few innocuous jokes. ▪ an innocuous question 2 : causing no injury : harmless ▪ an innocuous gas — in·noc·u·ous·ly adverb — in·noc·u·ous·ness noun [noncount]

inertia

/ɪˈnɚʃə/ noun [noncount] 1 a : lack of movement or activity especially when movement or activity is wanted or needed ▪ He blames governmental/bureaucratic inertia for the holdup. b : a feeling of not having the energy or desire that is needed to move, change, etc. ▪ After 10 years in an unsatisfying job she overcame her inertia and went back to school. 2 physics : a property of matter by which something that is not moving remains still and something that is moving goes at the same speed and in the same direction until another thing or force affects it — in·er·tial /ɪˈnɚʃəl/ adjective, physics ▪ an inertial sensor

inimical

/ɪˈnɪmɪkəl/ adjective [more inimical; most inimical] formal 1 : likely to cause damage or have a bad effect : harmful — usually + to ▪ habits inimical to health ▪ Dry conditions can be inimical to plant life. 2 : not friendly ▪ the judge's inimical glare

inimical

/ɪˈnɪmɪkəl/adjective [more inimical; most inimical] formal1: likely to cause damage or have a bad effect :harmful— usually + to▪ habits inimical to health▪ Dry conditions can be inimical to plant life. 2: not friendly ▪ the judge's inimical glare

enunciate

/ɪˈnʌnsiˌeɪt/ verb enun·ci·ates; enun·ci·at·ed; enun·ci·at·ing 1 [+ obj] formal : to make a clear statement of (ideas, beliefs, etc.) ▪ He set out to enunciate the basic principles of his system. ▪ enunciate a basic set of beliefs 2 : to pronounce words or parts of words clearly [+ obj] ▪ Be sure to enunciate [=articulate] every syllable. [no obj] ▪ Children should be taught to enunciate clearly. — enun·ci·a·tion /ɪˌnʌnsiˈeɪʃən/ noun [noncount] ▪ the enunciation of principles ▪ precise enunciation — enun·ci·a·tor /ɪˈnʌnsiˌeɪtɚ/ noun, plural enun·ci·a·tors [count] ▪ a careful enunciator

epitomize

/ɪˈpɪtəˌmaɪz/ verb epit·o·miz·es; epit·o·mized; epit·o·miz·ing [+ obj] : to be a perfect example or representation of (something) : to be the epitome of (something) ▪ He epitomizes laziness. ▪ This student's struggles epitomize the trouble with our schools.

irrevocable

/ɪˈrɛvəkəbəl/ adjective formal : not capable of being changed : impossible to revoke ▪ She has made an irrevocable decision. ▪ an irrevocable change — ir·rev·o·ca·bly Listen to audio /ɪˈrɛvəkəbli/ adverb ▪ Her life has been irrevocably changed.

espouse

/ɪˈspaʊz/ verb es·pous·es; es·poused; es·pous·ing [+ obj] formal : to express support for (a cause, belief, etc.) ▪ The new theory has been espoused by many leading physicists. ▪ Those espousing unpopular views were often excluded. — es·pous·er noun, plural es·pous·ers [count] ▪ an espouser [=supporter, proponent] of liberal causes

evince

/ɪˈvɪns/ verb evinc·es; evinced; evinc·ing [+ obj] formal : to show (something) clearly ▪ She evinced an interest in art at an early age.

ire

/ˈajɚ/ noun [noncount] : intense anger ▪ He directed his ire at the coworkers who reported the incident. ▪ The proposal has raised/roused/provoked the ire of environmentalists. [=has made environmentalists angry]

oust

/ˈaʊst/ verb ousts; oust·ed; oust·ing [+ obj] 1 : to cause or force (someone or something) to leave a position of power, a competition, etc. ▪ The rebels ousted the dictator from power. — often used as (be) ousted ▪ He was ousted as chairman. ▪ The team was ousted from the tournament in the first round of the play-offs. 2 : to take the place of (someone or something) ▪ Large national banks are ousting local banks in many communities.

bifurcate

/ˈbaɪfɚˌkeɪt/ verb bi·fur·cates; bi·fur·cat·ed; cat·ing formal : to divide into two parts [no obj] ▪ The stream bifurcated into two narrow winding channels. [+ obj] ▪ bifurcate a beam of light — bifurcated adjective ▪ a bifurcated stream — bi·fur·ca·tion /ˌbaɪfɚˈkeɪʃən/ noun, plural bi·fur·ca·tions [count, noncount]

baleful

/ˈbeɪlfəl/ adjective [more baleful; most baleful] formal 1 : threatening harm or evil ▪ He turned and gave us a baleful [=sinister] glance/glare/look. 2 : harmful or deadly ▪ the baleful effects/consequences of water pollution — bale·ful·ly adverb ▪ He stared balefully at his opponent.

blatant

/ˈbleɪtn̩t/ adjective [more blatant; most blatant] : very obvious and offensive ▪ a blatant lie ▪ He showed a blatant disregard for the safety of other drivers. ▪ a blatant [=flagrant] attempt to bribe the judge ▪ blatant racial discrimination — bla·tant·ly adverb ▪ She had blatantly copied the text from another book. ▪ a blatantly false statement

blurt

/ˈblɚt/ verb blurts; blurt·ed; blurt·ing [+ obj] : to say (something) suddenly and without thinking about how people will react ▪ "Gosh, you look awful!" she blurted. — usually + out ▪ He accidentally blurted out an obscenity. ▪ She blurted out the answer.

blip

/ˈblɪp/ noun plural blips [count] 1 : a bright dot on the screen of an electronic device (such as a radar) ▪ The approaching ship appeared as a blip on the screen. — often used figuratively ▪ At that time, the organization was only a blip on the political radar screen. ▪ As a football player he wasn't even a blip on the radar screen. [=he was not important; no one had noticed that he was or could become a good player] 2 : a very short high sound made by an electronic device ▪ the blips, buzzes, and bleeps of a video game 3 : something that is small or unimportant or that does not last a long time ▪ The company's financial problems were just a temporary blip.

blistering

/ˈblɪstɚrɪŋ/ adjective [more blistering; most blistering] : very harsh or powerful ▪ blistering heat/sun ▪ He received a blistering [=scathing] letter from his ex-wife. ▪ a hockey player with a blistering slap shot — blistering adverb ▪ a blistering hot day — blis·ter·ing·ly adverb ▪ a blisteringly hot day

bluster

/ˈblʌstɚ/verb blus·ters; blus·tered; blus·ter·ing 1: to speak in a loud and aggressive or threatening way [no obj] ▪ He brags and blusters, but he never really does what he says he'll do. [+ obj] ▪ "I don't want to hear it!" he blustered. 2 [no obj] of wind: to blow loudly and violently ▪ The wind blustered through the valley. — blusteringadjective ▪ The storm brought blustering [=blustery] winds.▪ a blustering bully noun [noncount] : words that are loud and aggressive ▪ We were all tired of his macho bluster.

boisterous

/ˈboɪstrəs/ adjective [more boisterous; most boisterous] : very noisy and active in a lively way ▪ A large and boisterous crowd attended the concert. ▪ a boisterous drinking party ▪ He had a big, boisterous [=hearty] laugh. — bois·ter·ous·ly adverb ▪ They laughed boisterously.

bowdlerize

/ˈboʊdləˌraɪz, Brit ˈbaʊdləˌraɪz/ verb bowd·ler·iz·es; bowd·ler·ized; bowd·ler·iz·ing [+ obj] usually disapproving : to change (a book, play, movie, etc.) by removing parts that could offend people ▪ bowdlerize a classic novel by removing offensive language — bowdlerized also Brit bowdlerised adjective ▪ a bowdlerized version of the novel

bogus

/ˈboʊgəs/adjective informal: not real or genuine : fake or false ▪ It was just a bogus claim.▪ They conducted bogus experiments.▪ The evidence was completely bogus.

bromide

/ˈbroʊˌmaɪd/ noun plural bro·mides 1 [count, noncount] : a drug that makes a person calm 2 [count] : a statement that is intended to make people feel happier or calmer but that is not original or effective ▪ His speech had nothing more to offer than the usual bromides about how everyone needs to work together.

brouhaha

/ˈbru:ˌhɑ:ˌhɑ:/ noun informal + usually disapproving : great excitement or concern about something [singular] ▪ A brouhaha erupted over her statements about the president. [noncount] ▪ There's been a lot of brouhaha about her statements.

brag

/ˈbræg/ verb brags; bragged; brag·ging : to talk about yourself, your achievements, your family, etc., in a way that shows too much pride [no obj] ▪ After winning the race, she couldn't stop bragging. ▪ "I don't mean to brag," he said, "but I'm an excellent cook." — often + about ▪ She bragged about winning the race. ▪ They're always bragging about their son's accomplishments. [+ obj] ▪ He bragged that his daughter was the best student in her class. ▪ "I'm the fastest runner on the team," she bragged.

brash

/ˈbræʃ/ adjective brash·er; brash·est 1 : confident and aggressive in usually a rude or unpleasant way ▪ a brash young executive ▪ She asks such brash questions. 2 : very strong or harsh ▪ brash colors ▪ brash lighting — brash·ly adverb ▪ He brashly confronted his boss about a raise. — brash·ness noun [noncount]

brawl

/ˈbrɑ:l/ verb brawls; brawled; brawl·ing [no obj] : to fight noisily in usually a public place ▪ Fans were brawling in the streets after the game. — brawl noun, plural brawls [count] ▪ A brawl broke out among the fans after the hockey game. ▪ a drunken street brawl ▪ He was in a barroom brawl. [=a fight in a bar] — brawl·er noun, plural brawl·ers [count] ▪ Police arrested two of the brawlers.

brisk

/ˈbrɪsk/ adjective brisk·er; brisk·est 1 : moving or speaking quickly : quick and efficient ▪ a brisk, no-nonsense manager ▪ She answered the phone in a brisk voice. 2 : pleasantly cool or cold ▪ brisk autumn weather ▪ The wind was brisk. 3 a : done with quickness and energy ▪ They went for a brisk walk in the woods. ▪ She walked at a brisk pace. b : very active and steady ▪ Business is brisk at the store. ▪ brisk economic growth ▪ There is a brisk market in old movie posters. — brisk·ly adverb ▪ The wind was blowing briskly off the ocean. ▪ The flowers have been selling briskly. — brisk·ness noun [noncount]

brittle

/ˈbrɪtl̟/ adjective 脆弱的 brit·tler; brit·tlest [or more brittle; most brittle] 1 : easily broken or cracked ▪ brittle glass ▪ brittle bones 2 : not strong : easily damaged ▪ The countries formed a brittle [=fragile] alliance. 3 : sharp in sound ▪ a brittle laugh ▪ a high, brittle voice — brit·tle·ness /ˈbrɪtl̟nəs/ noun [noncount]

ballast

/ˈbæləst/ noun [noncount] : heavy material (such as rocks or water) that is put on a ship to make it steady or on a balloon to control its height in the air — often used figuratively ▪ His wife provided the ballast he needed in times of stress. [=his wife helped to keep him steady/stable in times of stress]

bastion

/ˈbæstʃən, Brit ˈbæstiən/ noun plural bas·tions [count] : a place or system in which something (such as an old-fashioned idea) continues to survive ▪ The neighborhood is considered by many to be the city's last liberal/conservative bastion. [=the only place left in the city where liberal/conservative ideas are still accepted] ▪ a bastion of racial inequality [=a system in which people of different races still do not have equal rights] ▪ bastions of democracy

badge

/ˈbæʤ/ noun plural badg·es [count] 1 : a small object (such as a tag, pin, or metal shield) that is worn or held up by a person so that it can be easily seen, that has writing (such as a person's name) and often a picture on it, and that shows who the person is ▪ The policeman flashed his badge. ▪ Don't forget to wear your name badge. ▪ The receptionist glanced at my visitor's badge. 2 : a cloth patch that can be sewn onto clothing and that is awarded to a person (such as a Boy Scout or Girl Scout) for doing something ▪ She earned 10 merit badges in scouting. 3 Brit : 1button 2 ▪ She was wearing a badge that read "Support your local library." 4 : something that represents or is a sign of something else ▪ She viewed her failures as a badge of humanity. ▪ He wore his ethnic heritage as a badge of honor/pride. [=he was proud of his ethnic heritage and did not try to hide it]

boggle

/ˈbɑ:gəl/ verb bog·gles; bog·gled; bog·gling informal 1 [no obj] : to be unable to think clearly : to be amazed or overwhelmed ▪ The mind boggles at what he has accomplished. = When I think of what he has accomplished, my mind boggles. [=I am amazed by what he has accomplished] 2 [+ obj] : to make (the mind) unable to think clearly : to amaze or overwhelm (the mind) ▪ It boggles the mind to think of what he has accomplished. = His accomplishments boggle my mind. — see also mind-boggling

balk

/ˈbɑ:k/ verb balks; balked; balk·ing [no obj] 1 : to suddenly show that you do not want to do something : to refuse to do what someone else wants you to do ▪ If this witness balks [=refuses to cooperate in court], our lawyers will not have enough evidence to win the case. — often + at ▪ The public balked at the President's new tax plan. ▪ He balks at sending his children to expensive private schools. [=he won't send his children to expensive private schools] 2 a of a horse, mule, etc. : to stop quickly and refuse to continue going ▪ The horse balked and would not jump the fence. b of an engine : to fail to work in the usual or expected way ▪ I turned the key, but the car's engine balked. [=refused to start] 3 baseball, of a pitcher : to stop suddenly after starting to throw a pitch : to commit a balk ▪ The runner on third base tried to make the pitcher balk.

botch

/ˈbɑːtʃ/ verb botches; botched; botching [+ object] : to do (something) badly : to ruin (something) because of carelessness or a lack of skill The store botched the order—I received only half the books I paid for. They clearly botched the investigation. a botched robbery/experiment — sometimes + up He really botched up [=messed up] the speech. 2 botch /ˈbɑːtʃ/ noun plural botches [count] : a bad job : a poorly done piece of work a botch job The plumbers made a botch of the pipes. [=the plumbers did a poor job with the pipes]

burnish

/ˈbɚnɪʃ/ verb bur·nish·es; bur·nished; bur·nish·ing [+ obj] formal : to make (something, such as metal or leather) smooth and shiny by rubbing it : polish — often used figuratively ▪ She started a publicity campaign to help burnish [=improve] her image/reputation. — burnished adjective ▪ burnished gold/leather

at someone's beck and call

/ˈbɛk/ noun Meaning: at someone's beck and call or at the beck and call of someone : always ready to do whatever someone asks ▪ He expects his employees to be at his beck and call day and night. ▪ She is at the beck and call of the committee.

beckon

/ˈbɛkən/ verb beck·ons; beck·oned; beck·on·ing 1 : to signal (someone) with your arm or hand in order to tell that person to come closer or follow [+ obj] ▪ She was beckoning them in to shore. ▪ He beckoned them over (to where he was). ▪ She beckoned the waiter to come over. [no obj] ▪ She beckoned to the waiter to come over. 2 a [no obj] : to appear attractive or inviting ▪ From the time he was a child, the wilderness beckoned to him. ▪ New adventures were beckoning. ▪ a beckoning smile b [+ obj] : to attract (someone or something) ▪ The nature preserve beckons bird-watchers, who visit from around the world. — beck·on·ing·ly adverb [more beckoningly; most beckoningly] ▪ She smiled beckoningly.

bigoted

/ˈbɪgətəd/ adjective [more bigoted; most bigoted] disapproving : having or showing a strong and unfair dislike of other people, ideas, etc. ; especially : hating or refusing to accept the members of a particular group ▪ a bigoted neighbor ▪ Many people found his bigoted comments offensive. bigotry /ˈbɪgətri/noun [noncount] : bigoted acts or beliefs ▪ a protest against bigotry▪ religious/racial bigotry

bicker

/ˈbɪkɚ/ verb bick·ers; bick·ered; bick·er·ing [no obj] : to argue in a way that is annoying about things that are not important ▪ She is always bickering with her mother. ▪ They bickered about/over how to decorate the room. — bickering noun [noncount] ▪ I can't stand their constant bickering.

bulwark

/ˈbʊlˌwɚk/ noun plural bul·warks [count] 1 formal : something that provides protection for or against something ▪ democratic principles that stand as a bulwark against tyranny ▪ a bulwark of freedom [=something that protects freedom] 2 : a wall that is built for protection : rampart 3 : a wall that is part of a ship's sides and that is above the ship's upper deck — usually plural ▪ the ship's high bulwarks

bugaboo

/ˈbʌgəˌbu:/ noun plural bug·a·boos [count] US, often disapproving : something that makes people very worried or upset ▪ politicians complaining about that old bugaboo, high oil prices

diatribe

/ˈdajəˌtraɪb/ noun plural di·a·tribes [count] formal : an angry and usually long speech or piece of writing that strongly criticizes someone or something ▪ The article is a diatribe against mainstream media. ▪ a bitter diatribe about/on how unfair the tax system is

douse

/ˈdaʊs/ verb dous·es; doused; dous·ing [+ obj] 1 a : to cause (a fire) to stop burning by pouring or spraying water on it : to extinguish (a fire) with water ▪ It took firefighters 15 minutes to douse the blaze. ▪ She managed to douse the flames with water. b : to turn off (a light) ▪ Don't forget to douse the lights before coming to bed. 2 : to cover (someone or something) with a liquid — usually + in or with ▪ The books were doused in gasoline and set on fire. ▪ She doused herself with perfume.

droop

/ˈdru:p/ verb droops; drooped; droop·ing [no obj] 1 : to sink, bend, or hang down ▪ The flowers were drooping in the hot sun. ▪ Her eyelids drooped as she grew tired. ▪ The tree's branches drooped under the weight of the snow. 2 : to become sad or weak ▪ His spirits drooped when he didn't get the job. — droop noun [singular] ▪ the sad droop of the dog's tail — droopy Listen to audio /ˈdru:pi/ adjective, droop·i·er; droop·i·est ▪ a droopy mustache

drivel

/ˈdrɪvəl/ noun [noncount] : foolish writing or speech ▪ I'm not going to waste my time reading this drivel. [=nonsense] verb drivels; US driveled or British drivelled; US drivel·ing or British drivel·ling [no obj] informal : to talk in a very foolish or silly way ▪ What is he driveling about now? — driveling (US) or Brit drivelling adjective ▪ a driveling idiot

drudge

/ˈdrʌʤ/noun plural drudg·es [count] : a person who does boring, difficult, or unpleasant work ▪ She was tired of working as an office drudge.— often used before another noun ▪ drudge work▪ a drudge job

dubious

/ˈdu:bijəs, Brit ˈdju:bijəs/adjective [more dubious; most dubious] 1not used before a noun: unsure or uncertain : feeling doubt about something — usually + about▪ I was dubious [=doubtful] about our chances for success. 2: causing doubt, uncertainty, or suspicion : likely to be bad or wrong ▪ Her conclusions are pretty dubious, if you ask me. [=her conclusions are probably wrong]▪ He made the highly dubious claim that Elvis is still alive and living in Hawaii.▪ She was a dubious choice for the job. [=she was not a good choice for the job]▪ They got their money through dubious means/methods. [=methods that were probably dishonest or illegal]▪ a man of dubious character 3— used ironically in phrases like dubious honor and dubious distinction to describe something bad or undesirable as if it were an honor or achievement ▪ He is the lawyer with the dubious honor of having lost the most cases in the firm.▪ We had the dubious distinction of losing 12 games in a row. — du·bi·ous·lyadverb ▪ He looked at me dubiously when I explained why I was late. — du·bi·ous·nessnoun [noncount]

dupe

/ˈdu:p, Brit ˈdju:p/ verb dupes; duped; dup·ing [+ obj] : to deceive or trick (someone) into believing or doing something ▪ They duped her out of $300. — usually used as (be) duped ▪ He was duped into buying a phony watch. ▪ We were duped by the con artist.

dour

/ˈduɚ, ˈdawɚ/ adjective dour·er; dour·est [also more dour; most dour] formal : serious and unfriendly ▪ a dour politician ▪ a dour manner ▪ She had a dour expression on her face. : silent and gloomy ▪ the dour mood of the crowd — dour·ly adverb [more dourly; most dourly] — dour·ness noun [noncount]

dwindle

/ˈdwɪndl̟/ verb dwin·dles; dwin·dled; dwin·dling [no obj] : to gradually become smaller ▪ Our energy dwindled as the meeting dragged on. ▪ The town's population is dwindling away. ▪ dwindling resources/numbers

daft

/ˈdæft, Brit ˈdɑ:ft/ adjective daft·er; daft·est [also more daft; most daft] Brit, informal 1 : strange often in a way that is funny ▪ He's got a daft [=silly, daffy] sense of humor. 2 : crazy or foolish ▪ Don't be daft! ▪ Your idea seems a bit daft to me. ▪ She looked at us as if we'd gone daft. (as) daft as a brush : very silly or somewhat crazy ▪ The professor is perfectly nice but she's daft as a brush. — daft·ly adverb — daft·ness noun [noncount]

domicile

/ˈdɑ:məˌsajəl/ noun plural dom·i·ciles law : the place where you live : your home [noncount] ▪ You will need to report your change of domicile to your insurance company. [count] ▪ Students must establish a domicile in the state to be eligible for reduced tuition.

dearth

/ˈdɚθ/ noun [singular] formal : the state or condition of not having enough of something : lack — + of ▪ The dearth [=scarcity] of jobs in the city forced many families to leave the area. ▪ a dearth of evidence

deadpan

/ˈdɛdˌpæn/ adjective [more deadpan; most deadpan] : showing no feeling or emotion — used to describe humor that is done or said in a serious way ▪ deadpan humor ▪ a deadpan comedian ▪ the deadpan delivery of his jokes — deadpan adverb ▪ "We're not interested," she said deadpan.

deft

/ˈdɛft/ adjective deft·er; deft·est [or more deft; most deft] 1 : skillful and clever ▪ a deft politician ▪ The photographer is known for her deft use of lighting. 2 : able to do something quickly and accurately ▪ the trumpeter's deft fingers — deft·ly adverb ▪ a deftly played symphony — deft·ness /ˈdɛftnəs/ noun [noncount] ▪ political deftness ▪ the deftness of the surgeon

decadence

/ˈdɛkədəns/ noun [noncount] disapproving : behavior that shows low morals and a great love of pleasure, money, fame, etc. ▪ The book condemns the decadence of modern society. ▪ Western decadence

decorous

/ˈdɛkərəs/ adjective [more decorous; most decorous] formal : correct and polite in a particular situation ▪ We expect decorous [=proper] behavior/conduct from our students. ▪ a decorous [=civilized, respectable] young woman — dec·o·rous·ly adverb

deprecate

/ˈdɛprɪˌkeɪt/ verb dep·re·cates; dep·re·cat·ed; dep·re·cat·ing [+ obj] formal : to criticize or express disapproval of (someone or something) ▪ I don't mean to deprecate [=belittle, minimize] his accomplishments. — deprecating adjective [more deprecating; most deprecating] ▪ Her office issued an apology after she made some deprecating remarks about her opponent. — see also self-deprecating — dep·re·ca·tion /ˌdɛprɪˈkeɪʃən/ noun [noncount] ▪ the deprecation of old methods — dep·re·ca·to·ry /ˈdɛprɪˌkeɪtəri, ˈdɛprɪkəˌtori, Brit ˈdɛprɪkeɪtri/ adjective [more deprecatory; most deprecatory] ▪ She had made some deprecatory remarks about her opponent. self-deprecating 自嘲 /ˌsɛlfˈdɛprɪˌkeɪtɪŋ/ adjective [more self-deprecating; most self-deprecating] formal : meant to make yourself or the things you do seem unimportant ▪ He spoke in a self-deprecating tone. ▪ self-deprecating humor — self-dep·re·ca·tion Listen to audio /ˌsɛlfˌdɛprɪˈkeɪʃən/ noun [noncount] ▪ his humble self-deprecation

detriment

/ˈdɛtrəmənt/ noun, detrimental (to sth.) formal 1 [count] : something that will cause damage or injury to something or someone — usually singular — often + to ▪ He saw the new regulations as a detriment to progress. 2 [noncount] : the act of causing damage or injury to something or someone ▪ He puts all his time into his career, to the detriment of [=in a way that is harmful to] his personal life. ▪ relying on bad advice, much to your detriment [=in a way that is harmful to you] — often + to ▪ She was able to work long hours without detriment to her health. [=without harming her health]

dissolute

/ˈdɪsəˌlu:t/ adjective [more dissolute; most dissolute] formal + disapproving — used to describe someone (such as a person who often gets drunk) whose way of living is considered morally wrong ▪ a dissolute drunk ▪ She has led a dissolute life.

fare

/ˈfeɚ/ verb fares; fared; far·ing [no obj] : to do something well or badly ▪ How did you fare [=do] on your exam? ▪ The team hasn't fared [=done] well in recent weeks. How do spelling bee champions fare later in life?

feasible

/ˈfi:zəbəl/ adjective [more feasible; most feasible] : possible to do ▪ This plan for a new town library is not economically feasible. [=it costs too much money] ▪ looking for a feasible way to create new jobs ▪ a feasible goal — fea·si·bil·i·ty Listen to audio /ˌfi:zəˈbɪləti/ noun [noncount] ▪ She questions the feasibility of the plan. ▪ a feasibility study [=a study to show if something can be done] — fea·si·bly Listen to audio /ˈfi:zəbli/ adverb

fledgling

/ˈflɛʤlɪŋ/ noun plural fledg·lings [count] 1 : a young bird that has just become able to fly ▪ a female bird feeding her fledglings ▪ a fledgling robin 2 : someone or something that is getting started in a new activity — usually used before another noun ▪ a fledgling company with only four employees ▪ a fledgling novelist ▪ the fledgling Obamacare

flimsy

/ˈflɪmzi/ adjective flim·si·er; flim·si·est [also more flimsy; most flimsy] 1 : easily broken, torn, etc. : not strong or solid ▪ a flimsy building ▪ flimsy construction ▪ a flimsy piece of material 2 : not likely to be true or to be believed ▪ a flimsy [=weak] excuse ▪ They have only the flimsiest of evidence against him. ▪ a movie with a flimsy plot — flim·si·ly Listen to audio /ˈflɪmzəli/ adverb [more flimsily; most flimsily] ▪ flimsily [=weakly] constructed — flim·si·ness Listen to audio /ˈflɪmzinəs/ noun [noncount]

fluctuate

/ˈflʌktʃəˌweɪt/ verb fluc·tu·ates; fluc·tu·at·ed; fluc·tu·at·ing [no obj] : to change level, strength, or value frequently ▪ Oil prices fluctuated [=became higher, lower, etc.] throughout the year. ▪ fluctuating prices ▪ His popularity has fluctuated during his term in office. ▪ In the desert, the temperature fluctuates dramatically. — fluc·tu·a·tion /ˌflʌktʃəˈweɪʃən/ noun, plural fluc·tu·a·tions [count] ▪ Small fluctuations in prices are to be expected. [noncount] ▪ He reported some fluctuation in/of real estate values.

formidable

/ˈfoɚmədəbəl, foɚˈmɪdəbəl/ adjective [more formidable; most formidable] 1 : very powerful or strong : deserving serious attention and respect ▪ a formidable enemy/opponent/weapon 2 : very difficult to deal with ▪ The mountains were a formidable barrier. ▪ a formidable challenge/task 3 : large or impressive in size or amount ▪ He has mastered a formidable amount of material. — for·mi·da·bly /ˈfoɚmədəbli, foɚˈmɪdəbli/ adverb ▪ a formidably long list

foray

/ˈfoɚˌeɪ/ noun plural for·ays [count] 1 : a sudden invasion or attack : raid ▪ a foray into enemy territory 2 : an attempt to do something especially for the first time ▪ This book marks the novelist's first foray into nonfiction. [=his first attempt at writing nonfiction] 3 : a short journey ▪ We made a quick foray into town for some supplies.

forthright

/ˈfoɚθˌraɪt/adjective [more forthright; most forthright] : honest and direct : providing answers or information in a very clear and direct way ▪ a forthright answer/person — forth·right·lyadverb ▪ He explained his opinions publicly and forthrightly. — forth·right·nessnoun [noncount]

foist

/ˈfoɪst/ verb foists; foist·ed; foist·ing [+ obj] : to force someone to accept (something that is not good or not wanted) — usually + on or upon ▪ scams that foist high funeral expenses on grieving customers ▪ He foisted his prejudices upon his young students. ▪ phony paintings foisted (off) on naïve buyers

fraudulent

/ˈfrɑ:ʤələnt/ adjective [more fraudulent; most fraudulent] : done to trick someone for the purpose of getting something valuable ▪ Corrupt leaders were chosen in a fraudulent election. ▪ fraudulent use of a credit card ▪ a fraudulent claim ▪ the victim of a fraudulent scheme — fraud·u·lence /ˈfrɑ:ʤələns/ noun [noncount] — fraud·u·lent·ly adverb

fret

/ˈfrɛt/ verb frets; fret·ted; fret·ting [no obj] : to worry or be concerned ▪ I was sure we wouldn't get there in time, but she told me not to fret. ▪ Don't fret. We won't miss the plane. ▪ It turned out that it was nothing to fret about/over.

frisk

/ˈfrɪsk/ verb frisks; frisked; frisk·ing [+ obj] : to pass your hands over (someone) to search for something that may be hidden in clothing ▪ All visitors to the prison are frisked (for weapons) before they're allowed to enter.

frivolous

/ˈfrɪvələs/ adjective [more frivolous; most frivolous] 1 : not important : not deserving serious attention ▪ She thinks window shopping is a frivolous activity. ▪ a frivolous lawsuit [=a lawsuit about something that is not important] 2 : silly and not serious ▪ a frivolous conversation — friv·o·lous·ly adverb ▪ She was spending money frivolously. — friv·o·lous·ness noun [noncount]

fad

/ˈfæd/ noun plural fads [count] : something (such as an interest or fashion) that is very popular for a short time ▪ She's always interested in the latest fads. ▪ a fad diet — fad·dish Listen to audio /ˈfædɪʃ/ adjective [more faddish; most faddish] ▪ a faddish psychological treatment

fanfare

/ˈfænˌfeɚ/ noun plural fan·fares 1 [noncount] : a lot of talk or activity showing that people are excited about something ▪ The new jet was introduced with great fanfare. 2 [count] : a short piece of music played loudly with trumpets especially to announce that someone is arriving

fodder

/ˈfɑ:dɚ/ noun [noncount] 1 : food given to horses, cows, etc. ▪ grain used for fodder 2 : material that is used for a particular purpose ▪ His antics always make good fodder for the gossip columnists. ▪ She often used her friends' problems as fodder for her novels.

fondle

/ˈfɑ:ndl̟/ verb fon·dles; fon·dled; fon·dling [+ obj] 1 : to touch or handle (something) in a gentle way ▪ fondle a coin ▪ She fondled [=caressed] the dog's ear. 2 : to touch (someone) in a sexual way ▪ She claims that her boss tried to fondle her at the office Christmas party.

fauna

/ˈfɑ:nə/ noun plural fau·nas also fau·nae /ˈfɑ:ˌni:/ biology : all the animals that live in a particular area, time period, or environment [noncount] ▪ studying the diverse fauna of the island ▪ aquatic fauna ▪ prehistoric fauna [count] ▪ studying the faunas of different islands — compare flora — fau·nal /ˈfɑ:nl̟/ adjective ▪ faunal diversity

farce

/ˈfɑɚs/ noun plural farc·es 1 a [count] : a funny play or movie about ridiculous situations and events b [noncount] : the style of humor that occurs in a farce ▪ an actor with a talent for farce 2 [count] disapproving : something that is so bad that it is seen as ridiculous ▪ This trial is a farce. [=travesty] ▪ The election turned out to be a complete/utter farce. [=fiasco] — far·ci·cal Listen to audio /ˈfɑɚsɪkəl/ adjective [more farcical; most farcical] ▪ a farcical [=ludicrous, ridiculous] situation

furtive

/ˈfɚtɪv/ adjective [more furtive; most furtive] : done in a quiet and secret way to avoid being noticed ▪ He cast a furtive glance in our direction. ▪ We exchanged furtive smiles across the table. ▪ furtive movements — fur·tive·ly adverb ▪ He looked furtively at the clock. ▪ She slipped furtively out of the room. — fur·tive·ness noun [noncount]

felony

/ˈfɛləni/ noun plural fel·o·nies [count] law : a serious crime (such as murder or rape) ▪ The crime is considered a felony under state law. ▪ He received a felony conviction. = He was convicted of committing a felony. ▪ He was convicted of felony murder/theft. — compare misdemeanor — fe·lo·ni·ous /fɛˈloʊnijəs/ adjective ▪ felonious assault — fe·lo·ni·ous·ly adverb ▪ charged with feloniously assaulting a police officer felon /ˈfɛlən/ noun plural fel·ons [count] : a criminal who has committed a serious crime (called a felony) ▪ a convicted felon

fixate

/ˈfɪkˌseɪt/ verb fix·ates; fix·at·ed; fix·at·ing [no obj] : to look at or think about something constantly : to give all of your attention to something — usually + on or upon ▪ Why do journalists fixate on scandals? — fixated adjective [more fixated; most fixated] ▪ Why are journalists are so fixated on scandals? — fix·a·tion Listen to audio /fɪkˈseɪʃən/ noun, plural fix·a·tions [count] ▪ The band is my latest music fixation. [=the music I am thinking about constantly most recently] ▪ the media's fixation on scandals ▪ society's fixation on [=obsession with] race

filibuster

/ˈfɪləˌbʌstɚ/ noun plural fil·i·bus·ters [count] chiefly US : an effort to prevent action in a legislature (such as the U.S. Senate or House of Representatives) by making a long speech or series of speeches ▪ They engaged in a filibuster that lasted for over a week. — filibuster /ˈfɪləˌbʌstɚ/ verb, filibusters; filibustered; filibuster·ing [no obj] ▪ They are filibustering to delay the vote. [+ obj] ▪ They filibustered the bill for over a week.

philistine

/ˈfɪləˌsti:n, Brit ˈfɪləˌstaɪn/ noun plural phi·lis·tines [count] formal + disapproving : a person who does not understand or care about art or culture ▪ They're just a bunch of philistines who don't care if the city's orchestra goes bankrupt. — philistine adjective ▪ a philistine public concerned only with celebrities — phi·lis·tin·ism Listen to audio /ˈfɪləstəˌnɪzəm/ noun [noncount]

fulminate

/ˈfʊlməˌneɪt, ˈfʌlməˌneɪt/ verb ful·mi·nates; ful·mi·nat·ed; ful·mi·nat·ing [no obj] formal : to complain loudly or angrily ▪ She was fulminating about/over/at the dangers of smoking. ▪ The editorial fulminated against the proposed tax increase. — ful·mi·na·tion /ˌfʊlməˈneɪʃən, ˌfʌlməˈneɪʃən/ noun, plural ful·mi·na·tions [count] ▪ a fulmination against the proposed tax increase [noncount] ▪ The proposed tax increase has been the subject of much anger and fulmination.

ligament

/ˈlɪgəmənt/ noun plural lig·a·ments [count] : a tough piece of tissue in your body that holds bones together or keeps an organ in place ▪ He sprained/tore ligaments in his knee. — compare tendon

fumble

/ˈfʌmbəl/ verb fum·bles; fum·bled; fum·bling 1 [no obj] : to search for something by reaching or touching with your fingers in an awkward or clumsy way ▪ She fumbled in her pocket for her keys. ▪ He fumbled (around) for the light switch. — often used figuratively ▪ She fumbled for an answer but couldn't think of one. 2 : to handle something in an awkward or clumsy way [no obj] — usually + with ▪ She fumbled with her keys as she tried to unlock the door. [+ obj] ▪ They fumbled a good opportunity to take control of the market. 3 sports : to fail to catch or hold the ball [no obj] ▪ He was hit hard and fumbled on the 20-yard line. [+ obj] ▪ He fumbled the ball on the 20-yard line. — fumble noun, plural fumbles [count] ▪ (American football) He had one fumble during last week's game. — fum·bler noun, plural fum·blers [count] — fumbling adjective ▪ He made a fumbling attempt to explain his behavior.

guile

/ˈgajəl/ noun [noncount] : the use of clever and usually dishonest methods to achieve something ▪ When they couldn't win by honest means, they resorted to guile. [=duplicity]

gouge

/ˈgaʊʤ/ verb goug·es; gouged; goug·ing [+ obj] 1 a : to cut a deep hole in (something) ▪ The lamp fell and gouged the table. b : to make (a deep hole) in something ▪ A bomb had gouged a large crater in the street. 2 US, informal : to make (someone) pay too much money for something ▪ They feel that they are being gouged by the oil companies. ▪ The company has been gouging [=overcharging] its customers for years. ▪ They have been accused of price gouging. [=making their customers pay too much money] gouge out [phrasal verb] gouge out (something) or gouge (something) out 1 : to remove (something) by digging or cutting ▪ The impact of the accident gouged a big piece out of the wall. ▪ He threatened to gouge my eyes out. 2 : to make (a hole or path) by digging or cutting ▪ The river gouged out a wide path between the mountains. — goug·er noun, plural goug·ers [count] chiefly US ▪ a price gouger

garish

/ˈgerɪʃ/ adjective [more garish; most garish] : too bright or colorful ▪ a garish [=gaudy] dress covered with sequins ▪ garish neon signs — gar·ish·ly adverb ▪ a garishly decorated room ▪ garishly dressed — gar·ish·ness noun [noncount]

glean

/ˈgli:n/ verb gleans; gleaned; glean·ing 1 [+ obj] a : to gather or collect (something) in a gradual way ▪ She gleaned her data from various studies. ▪ He has a collection of antique tools gleaned from flea markets and garage sales. b : to search (something) carefully ▪ They spent days gleaning the files for information. 2 : to gather grain or other material that is left after the main crop has been gathered [no obj] ▪ They spent hours gleaning in the wheat fields. [+ obj] ▪ gleaning stray ears of corn ▪ gleaning a vineyard — glean·er noun, plural glean·ers [count]

glib

/ˈglɪb/ adjective glib·ber; glib·best [also more glib; most glib] disapproving 1 : said or done too easily or carelessly : showing little preparation or thought ▪ Politicians need to do more than provide glib answers to difficult questions. ▪ glib generalizations ▪ the actor's glib portrayal of a drug addict 2 : speaking in a smooth, easy way that is not sincere ▪ glib politicians — glib·ly adverb ▪ He talks glibly of returning to school, but I know he doesn't have the discipline. — glib·ness noun [noncount]

glitch

/ˈglɪtʃ/ noun plural glitch·es [count] informal : an unexpected and usually minor problem ▪ Glitches in the speaker's schedule caused some delays. ; especially : a minor problem with a machine or device (such as a computer) ▪ A technical glitch caused a temporary shutdown. ▪ computer/software glitches

gory

/ˈgori/ adjective from "gore" gor·i·er; gor·i·est : having or showing a lot of violence and blood ▪ a gory crime scene ▪ gory horror movies gory detail(s) informal ◊To describe something in gory detail or to give (all) the gory details about something is to tell all the small details about something that is unpleasant or interesting in a shocking way. ▪ The murder was described in gory detail. ▪ Please, spare us the gory details. [=do not tell us all the unpleasant facts]

gauche

/ˈgoʊʃ/ adjective gauch·er; gauch·est [also more gauche; most gauche] : having or showing a lack of awareness about the proper way to behave : socially awkward ▪ a gauche young man ▪ He has gauche manners. ▪ Would it be gauche of me to ask her how old she is? — gauche·ness noun [noncount] chiefly Brit ▪ the gaucheness of his manner

gripe

/ˈgraɪp/ verb gripes; griped; grip·ing informal : to complain about something [no obj] ▪ All of the workers were griping about the new regulations. [+ obj] ▪ The students griped that they had too much homework. — gripe noun, plural gripes [count] ▪ I'm sick of listening to their gripes. [=complaints]

grope

/ˈgroʊp/ verb gropes; groped; grop·ing 1 [no obj] : to search for something by reaching or touching usually with your fingers in an awkward way ▪ I groped for the light switch. ▪ She groped around in her purse, looking for her comb. — often used figuratively ▪ He was groping for a tactful way to break the news. 2 : to move forward carefully by putting your hands in front of you so that you can feel anything that blocks you [no obj] ▪ We groped along the dark passage. [+ obj] ▪ We groped our way [=felt our way] along the dark passage. 3 [+ obj] : to touch (someone) in an unwanted and unexpected sexual way ▪ She claims that her boss tried to grope her.

grapple

/ˈgræpəl/ verb [no obj] 1 : to hold and fight with another person ▪ The wrestlers grappled [=wrestled] on the mat. — usually + with ▪ The wrestlers grappled with each other. 2 : to try to solve a problem : to deal with a problem — + with ▪ Every parent has to grapple with [=cope with] a variety of serious issues. ▪ The company has been grappling with supply problems.

gridlock

/ˈgrɪdˌlɑ:k/ noun 1 : a situation in which streets are so full that vehicles cannot move [noncount] ▪ An accident caused gridlock at rush hour yesterday. [singular] ▪ We were caught in a gridlock. 2 : a situation in which no progress can be made [noncount] ▪ Disagreements about funding have caused legislative gridlock in Congress. [singular] ▪ a legislative gridlock — grid·locked /ˈgrɪdˌlɑ:kt/ adjective ▪ gridlocked streets ▪ Congress remains gridlocked.

grumpy

/ˈgrʌmpi/ adjective grump·i·er; grump·i·est informal : easily annoyed or angered : having a bad temper or complaining often ▪ Our neighbor is a grumpy old man. ▪ I was feeling grumpy after my long flight. — grump·i·ly /ˈgrʌmpəli/ adverb ▪ "Leave me alone," he said grumpily. — grump·i·ness /ˈgrʌmpinəs/ noun [noncount]

galvanize

/ˈgælvəˌnaɪz/ verb gal·va·niz·es; gal·va·nized; gal·va·niz·ing [+ obj] 1 a : to cause (people) to become so excited or concerned about an issue, idea, etc., that they want to do something about it ▪ an issue that galvanized the public (to take action) b : to cause (a force that is capable of causing change) to become active ▪ The group is hoping to galvanize public opinion against the proposed law. ▪ The Web site has galvanized support for the project. 2 technical : to cover (steel or iron) with a layer of zinc to prevent it from rusting ▪ a factory where steel is galvanized — galvanized adjective ▪ galvanized nails ▪ galvanized steel

gambit

/ˈgæmbət/ noun plural gam·bits [count] 1 : a planned series of moves at the beginning of a game of chess ◊A gambit usually involves losing a piece, such as a pawn, in order to gain an advantage later in the game. 2 : something done or said in order to gain an advantage or to produce a desired result ▪ a conversational gambit ▪ Their opening gambit [=their first move] in the negotiations was to demand a wage hike.

gangbusters

/ˈgæŋˌbʌstɚz/ noun Meaning: like gangbusters US, informal 1 : very well or successfully ▪ The team got off to a slow start, but recently they have been coming on like gangbusters. [=they have been doing very well] 2 : very quickly ▪ The company has been growing like gangbusters.

gaudy

/ˈgɑ:di/ adjective gaud·i·er; gaud·i·est 1 : too bright and heavily decorated ▪ gaudy jewelry/colors ▪ The showgirls wore gaudy costumes. 2 informal : very large or impressive ▪ They bought the house for a gaudy sum. ▪ (disapproving) He collected fancy cars and other gaudy symbols of wealth. ▪ The team had a gaudy [=dazzling] 10-0 record at the start of the season. — gaud·i·ly Listen to audio /ˈgɑ:dəli/ adverb ▪ gaudily dressed clowns ▪ gaudily painted statues — gaud·i·ness Listen to audio /ˈgɑ:dinəs/ noun [noncount] ▪ the gaudiness of the mansion

gawk

/ˈgɑ:k/ verb gawks; gawked; gawk·ing [no obj] informal : to stare at someone or something in a rude or stupid way ▪ a crowd of gawking tourists — often + at ▪ She just stood there gawking at the celebrities as they arrived for the ceremony. ▪ Celebrities are used to being gawked at. — gawk·er noun, plural gawk·ers [count] ▪ a crowd of gawkers

galling

/ˈgɑ:lɪŋ/ adjective [more galling; most galling] : causing someone to feel angry or annoyed ▪ Their refusal to meet with me was extremely galling. [=annoying] ▪ This is a galling defeat.

gaunt

/ˈgɑ:nt/ adjective gaunt·er; gaunt·est 1 : very thin usually because of illness or suffering ▪ a small gaunt man ▪ He left the hospital looking tired and gaunt. 2 literary : plain and unpleasant in appearance : desolate and gloomy ▪ gaunt leafless trees ▪ a gaunt factory on the edge of town — gaunt·ness noun [noncount]

garner

/ˈgɑɚnɚ/ verb gar·ners; gar·nered; gar·ner·ing [+ obj] formal 1 : to collect or gather (something) ▪ She garnered more evidence to support her theory. ▪ The senator has spent much time garnering financial support for his upcoming campaign. 2 : to get or receive (something wanted or valued) ▪ The novel has garnered much praise and several awards. ▪ The band has garnered [=gained] a large following.

gulley

/ˈgʌli/ noun plural gul·lies also gul·leys [count] : a long, narrow cut or low area in the ground that water moves through when it rains

gusto

/ˈgʌstoʊ/ noun [noncount] : great enjoyment, energy, and enthusiasm — usually used in the phrase with gusto ▪ She ate her dinner with gusto. ▪ He played the role of the villain with gusto.

hijack

/ˈhaɪˌʤæk/ verb hi·jacks; hi·jacked; hi·jack·ing [+ obj] 1 a : to stop and steal (a moving vehicle) ▪ He hijacked a truck, threatening the driver at gunpoint. b : to steal (something) from a moving vehicle that you have stopped ▪ A band of robbers hijacked the load of furs from the truck. 2 : to take control of (an aircraft) by force ▪ A group of terrorists hijacked the plane. 3 : to take or take control of (something) for your own purposes ▪ The organization has been hijacked by radicals. — hijack noun, plural hijacks [count] ▪ recent airline hijacks — hi·jack·er noun, plural hi·jack·ers [count] ▪ airline hijackers — hijacking noun, plural hijackings [count] ▪ recent airline hijackings

herald

/ˈherəld/ verb her·alds; her·ald·ed; her·ald·ing [+ obj] 1 : 标志着 to be a sign of (something that is beginning to happen or will happen soon) ▪ Rain heralds the arrival of spring. ▪ The technology heralded a new age of space exploration. 2 : to greet (someone or something) with enthusiasm — usually used as (be) heralded ▪ This achievement will be heralded all over the world. ▪ She is being heralded as the year's best new author. ◊Someone or something that is much-heralded receives a large amount of praise or admiration. ▪ a much-heralded film

hazing

/ˈheɪzɪŋ/ noun [noncount] US : the practice of playing unpleasant tricks on someone or forcing someone to do unpleasant things ◊Hazing is done as part of a ritual that people (such as college students) must go through before they are allowed to become members of a group (such as a fraternity). — haze /ˈheɪz/ verb, haz·es; hazing; hazed [+ obj] ▪ Varsity team members hazed the new players by leading them around campus on leashes.

heretofore

/ˈhiɚtəˌfoɚ/ adverb formal : until this time : before now ▪ Heretofore her writing has never displayed such depth of feeling. ▪ This technology has created heretofore unimaginable possibilities.

hoary

/ˈhori/adjective hoar·i·er; hoar·i·est 1 a: very old ▪ hoary [=ancient] legends▪ a hoary tale of revenge b: not interesting, funny, etc., because of being used too often : not fresh or original ▪ a hoary cliché/joke 2literary: having gray or white hair ▪ He bowed his hoary head.▪ a man hoary with age

hoax

/ˈhoʊks/ noun plural hoax·es [count] : an act that is meant to trick or deceive people ▪ The bomb threat is probably a hoax, but we should still evacuate the building. ▪ She was the victim of a cruel hoax.

havoc

/ˈhævək/ noun [noncount] : a situation in which there is much destruction or confusion ▪ the havoc of war ▪ A powerful tornado wreaked havoc on [=caused great destruction to] the small village. ▪ The disease can play havoc with the body's immune system. ▪ Several small children can create/cause havoc in a house.

hurdle

/ˈhɚdl̟/ noun plural hur·dles 1 a [count] : one of a series of barriers to be jumped over in a race b the hurdles : a race in which runners must jump over hurdles ▪ He won a medal in the high hurdles. — usually used with a singular verb ▪ The hurdles is his best event. 2 [count] : something that makes an achievement difficult ▪ The company faces severe financial hurdles this year. ▪ She overcame many hurdles [=obstacles] on her way to earning a college diploma. verb hur·dles; hur·dled; hur·dling [+ obj] 1 : to jump over (something) while running ▪ The horse hurdled the fence. 2 : to deal with (a problem or difficulty) successfully ▪ She hurdled [=overcame] many obstacles on her way to earning a college diploma. — hur·dler /ˈhɚdl̟ɚ/ noun, plural hur·dlers [count]

hemorrhage

/ˈhɛmərɪʤ/ noun plural hem·or·rhag·es medical : a condition in which a person bleeds too much and cannot stop the flow of blood [count] ▪ The patient suffered a cerebral hemorrhage. [noncount] ▪ There is a possibility of hemorrhage with the procedure. — sometimes used figuratively ▪ The company has suffered a financial hemorrhage. [=the company has lost large amounts of money] — hem·or·rhag·ic (US) or Brit haem·or·rhag·ic Listen to audio/ˌhɛməˈræʤɪk/ adjective, medical ▪ a hemorrhagic fever [=a fever that causes hemorrhaging]

huddle

/ˈhʌdl̟/ verb hud·dles; hud·dled; hud·dling [no obj] 1 always followed by an adverb or preposition : to come close together in a group ▪ People were huddling (together) in doorways to get out of the rain. ▪ We huddled around the campfire. ▪ The sheep huddled together for warmth. ▪ "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free..." — Emma Lazarus, "The New Colossus" (1883) 2 always followed by an adverb or preposition : to sit or lie in a curled or bent position ▪ The students huddled over their desks. 3 a : to come together to talk about something privately ▪ Union representatives are huddling to discuss the proposal. b American football : to gather in a huddle — often + up ▪ The players huddled up.

hustle

/ˈhʌsəl/ verb hus·tles; hus·tled; hus·tling Listen to audio/ˈhʌsəlɪŋ/ 1 [+ obj] : to quickly move or push (someone) often in a rough way ▪ The guards hustled the prisoners into the jail. ▪ The star's manager hustled him out the back door of the theater to avoid the throngs of fans. ▪ She hustled the children (off) to school. 2 [no obj] chiefly US a : to move or work in a quick and energetic way ▪ If we want to catch that bus, we're going to have to hustle. [=rush] b : to play a sport with a lot of energy and effort ▪ He's not the most talented player on the team, but he always hustles. 3 US, informal a : to get (something, such as money) in an illegal or improper way [+ obj] ▪ She spent her mornings hustling change [=asking people for money] on the sidewalk. [no obj] ▪ hustling for money b [+ obj] : to sell (something illegal, such as drugs) ▪ He's been hustling drugs for a few years. : to sell (something) in an illegal or improper way ▪ They hustle diamonds, furs—whatever people are buying. 4 [+ obj] informal a : to take something and especially money from (someone) by lying or doing something unfair : to swindle or cheat (someone) ▪ She's accused of running an elaborate scam to hustle elderly people. b chiefly US : to earn money by playing (a gambling game) and especially by playing against people who are less skillful than you are ▪ He made a living by hustling pool. 5 [no obj] US, informal : to work as a prostitute hustle up [phrasal verb] hustle up (something) or hustle (something) up US, informal : to quickly get or find (something) ▪ I'll try to hustle up [=rustle up] some tickets to tonight's game. ▪ Let's see if we can hustle up some grub. [=find something to eat] noun plural hustles 1 [noncount] a : energetic activity ▪ I enjoy the hustle and bustle of the city. b chiefly US : effort and energy in playing a sport ▪ The fans admire him for his hustle. 2 [count] informal : a dishonest plan for getting money ▪ She's always trying some kind of hustle [=scam] on the street.

euphemism

/ˈju:fəˌmɪzəm/noun plural eu·phe·misms [count] : a mild or pleasant word or phrase that is used instead of one that is unpleasant or offensive ▪ using "eliminate" as a euphemism for "kill" — eu·phe·mis·tic /ˌju:fəˈmɪstɪk/adjective [more euphemistic; most euphemistic] ▪ euphemistic language — eu·phe·mis·ti·cal·ly /ˌju:fəˈmɪstɪkli/adverb ▪ The prison was euphemistically referred to as a "correctional facility."

eulogize

/ˈju:ləˌʤaɪz/ verb eu·lo·giz·es; eu·lo·gized; eu·lo·giz·ing [+ obj] : to say or write good things about (someone or something) ; especially : to praise (someone who has died) in a eulogy ▪ He was eulogized at his funeral as a great actor and a good friend. — eu·lo·gist Listen to audio /ˈju:ləʤɪst/ noun, plural eu·lo·gists [count] ▪ described by his eulogist as a great actor

cower

/ˈkawɚ/ verb cow·ers; cow·ered; cow·er·ing [no obj] : to move back or bend your body down because you are afraid ▪ They cowered at the sight of the gun. ▪ She was cowering in the closet. ▪ I cowered behind the door. ▪ cowering before a bully

countenance

/ˈkaʊntn̩əns/ noun plural coun·te·nanc·es [count] formal + literary : the appearance of a person's face : a person's expression ▪ The photograph showed his somber countenance. verb countenances; countenanced; countenanc·ing [+ obj] formal : to accept, support, or approve of (something) ▪ The city would not countenance [=permit] a rock concert in the park. ▪ The leader did not officially countenance [=encourage] negotiations with the rebels.

counterpoint

/ˈkaʊntɚˌpoɪnt/ noun plural coun·ter·points 1 music a : a combination of two or more melodies that are played together [count] ▪ a two-person counterpoint [noncount] ▪ The guitar and bass are played in counterpoint. b [count] : a melody played in combination with another 2 formal : something that is different from something else in usually a pleasing way [count] ▪ The dressing is a refreshing counterpoint to the spicy chicken. ▪ The painting is a pleasant counterpoint to his earlier works. [noncount] ▪ The music works in counterpoint to the images on the screen. verb counterpoints; counterpoint·ed; counterpoint·ing [+ obj] formal : to put two things together in a way that shows how different they are from each other : contrast ▪ The violence of the movie is counterpointed by/with ironic humor.

caravan

/ˈkerəˌvæn/ noun plural car·a·vans [count] 1 a : a group of people or animals traveling together on a long journey especially through the desert b : a group of vehicles (such as cars or wagons) traveling together

cadence

/ˈkeɪdn̩s/ noun plural ca·denc·es 1 : a regular beat or rhythm [count] ▪ the steady cadence of the drums [noncount] ▪ Oars moved back and forth in smooth cadence. He addresses the camera in the histrionic cadence of a Baptist preacher. 2 [count] : the way a person's voice changes by gently rising and falling while he or she is speaking ▪ He speaks with a soft Southern cadence. 3 [count] : an ending part of a piece of music

cumulative

/ˈkju:mjələtɪv/ adjective [more cumulative; most cumulative] 1 : increasing or becoming better or worse over time through a series of additions ▪ the cumulative effect(s) of smoking on the body [=the effect(s) produced by smoking over a long period of time] 2 : including or adding together all of the things that came before ▪ Their cumulative [=total, overall] scores will determine the winner. — cu·mu·la·tive·ly adverb ▪ They have cumulatively spent more than a million dollars on the renovations.

clique

/ˈklɪk, ˈkli:k/ noun plural cliques [count] disapproving : a small group of people who spend time together and who are not friendly to other people ▪ high school cliques — cliqu·ish Listen to audio /ˈklɪkɪʃ, ˈkli:kɪʃ/ also cliqu·ey Listen to audio/ˈklɪki, ˈkli:ki/ adjective [more cliquish; most cliquish] ▪ The students in the high school are very cliquish and unfriendly. ▪ cliquish attitudes

clunker

/ˈklʌŋkɚ/ noun plural clunk·ers [count] chiefly US, informal 1 : an old car or machine that does not work well ▪ My first car was an old clunker that kept breaking down. 2 : something that is a complete failure ▪ That joke was a real clunker. ▪ The director's recent films have all been clunkers.

coroner

/ˈkorənɚ/ noun plural cor·o·ners [count] : a public official whose job is to find out the cause of death when people die in ways that are violent, sudden, etc. ▪ The coroner examined the body but found no evidence of foul play.

corollary

/ˈkorəˌleri, Brit kəˈrɒləri/ noun plural cor·ol·lar·ies [count] formal : something that naturally follows or results from another thing ▪ A corollary [=result, by-product] of increased poverty is more crime. — corollary adjective ▪ a corollary assumption

cretin

/ˈkri:tn̩, Brit ˈkrɛtn̩/ noun plural cre·tins [count] informal + offensive : a stupid or annoying person ▪ Let me know if these cretins [=jerks, idiots] bother you. — cre·tin·ous Listen to audio /ˈkri:tn̩əs/ adjective [more cretinous; most cretinous] ▪ a cretinous lout

cringe

/ˈkrɪnʤ/ verb cring·es; cringed; cring·ing [no obj] 1 : to feel disgust or embarrassment and often to show this feeling by a movement of your face or body ▪ Many English teachers cringe when their students use the word "ain't." ▪ I always cringe when I hear that song. ▪ Just the thought of eating broccoli makes me cringe. 2 : to make a sudden movement from fear of being hit or hurt ▪ The dog cringed at the noise.

kvetch

/ˈkvɛtʃ/ verb kvetch·es; kvetched; kvetch·ing chiefly US, informal : to complain often or constantly [no obj] ▪ They're always kvetching about something. [+ obj] ▪ They're always kvetching (to us) that nothing is any good. — kvetch·er noun, plural kvetch·ers [count]

quaint

/ˈkweɪnt/ adjective quaint·er; quaint·est [or more quaint; most quaint] : having an old-fashioned or unusual quality or appearance that is usually attractive or appealing ▪ The fishing village was very quaint. ▪ The writer talks about the quaint customs of the natives. ▪ They have some quaint [=outdated] notions about how women should behave. — quaint·ly adverb ▪ The town is quaintly old-fashioned.

quorum

/ˈkworəm/ noun [singular] : the smallest number of people who must be present at a meeting in order for decisions to be made ▪ We need five people to make a quorum.

quagmire

/ˈkwægˌmajɚ/ noun plural quag·mires [count] 1 : an area of soft, wet ground — usually singular ▪ After a lot of rain, the dirt road becomes a quagmire. 2 : a situation that is hard to deal with or get out of : a situation that is full of problems — usually singular ▪ The trial became a legal quagmire. ▪ She's caught in a quagmire of debt.

qualm

/ˈkwɑ:m/ noun plural qualms [count] : a feeling of doubt or uncertainty about whether you are doing the right thing ▪ He accepted their offer without a qualm. — usually plural — often + about ▪ She had/felt some qualms about moving to the big city. ▪ He had no qualms about accepting their offer.

quibble

/ˈkwɪbəl/ verb quib·bles; quib·bled; quib·bling [no obj] : to argue or complain about small, unimportant things — usually + about or over ▪ People ignored the main point of the speech and quibbled about its length. ▪ Why are you quibbling over such a small amount of money? noun plural quibbles [count] : a small complaint or criticism usually about something unimportant ▪ Our only quibble about the trip was that it rained a lot. ▪ a minor quibble

quip

/ˈkwɪp/ noun plural quips [count] : a clever remark ▪ witty/amusing quips ▪ They traded quips over a beer. verb quips; quipped; quip·ping [+ obj] : to make (a clever remark)

callous

/ˈkæləs/ adjective [more callous; most callous] disapproving : not feeling or showing any concern about the problems or suffering of other people ▪ a selfish and callous young man ▪ a callous refusal to help the poor ▪ a very callous remark — cal·lous·ly adverb ▪ Some of us were treated callously. — cal·lous·ness noun [noncount] ▪ callousness toward the poor

calibrate

/ˈkæləˌbreɪt/ verb cal·i·brates; cal·i·brat·ed; cal·i·brat·ing [+ obj] 1 : to adjust or mark (something, such as a measuring device) so that it can be used in an accurate and exact way ▪ calibrate a thermometer 2 : to measure (something) in an exact and precise way ▪ carefully calibrate the dosage of a medicine — cal·i·bra·tion /ˌkæləˈbreɪʃən/ noun, plural cal·i·bra·tions [count, noncount]

cameo

/ˈkæmiˌoʊ/ noun plural cam·eos [count] 1 : a small role in a movie, play, etc., that is performed by a well-known actor ▪ He has a brief cameo in the film. ▪ a cameo role 2 : a piece of jewelry that has a carved design shown against a background of a different color — see color picture

candor

/ˈkændɚ/ noun [noncount] : the quality of being open, sincere, and honest ▪ She spoke with candor about racism. ▪ I was impressed by the candor of his statement.

caveat

/ˈkæviˌɑ:t, Brit ˈkæviæt/noun plural ca·ve·ats [count] formal: an explanation or warning that should be remembered when you are doing or thinking about something ▪ His investment advice comes with a caveat: that the stock market is impossible to predict with absolute accuracy. The key caveat is...

cache

/ˈkæʃ/ noun plural cach·es [count] 1 : a group of things that have been hidden in a secret place because they are illegal or have been stolen ▪ a weapons cache used by terrorists ▪ Police found a cache of stolen cars in the woods. 2 technical : a part of a computer's memory where information is kept so that the computer can find it very quickly ▪ Her new laptop has one megabyte of cache. —called also cache memory

lynch

/ˈlɪntʃ/ verb lynch·es; lynched; lynch·ing [+ obj] : to kill (someone) illegally as punishment for a crime ▪ The accused killer was lynched by an angry mob.

cobble

/ˈkɑ:bəl/ verb cob·bles; cob·bled; cob·bling [+ obj] 1 : to make (something) by putting together different parts in a quick way — usually + together or up ▪ The diplomats rushed to cobble together a treaty. ▪ The speech was cobbled together from papers and lectures. ▪ They worked quickly to cobble up a temporary solution.

cocksure

/ˈkɑ:kˈʃuɚ/ adjective [more cocksure; most cocksure] : having or showing confidence in a way that is annoying to other people ▪ a cocksure, know-it-all attitude ▪ cocksure arrogance

contretemps

/ˈkɑ:ntrəˌtɑ:n/ noun plural con·tre·temps Listen to audio/ˈkɑ:ntrəˌtɑ:nz/ [count] : an unfortunate or embarrassing event, argument, or disagreement ▪ The senator dismissed his disagreement with the President as a minor contretemps.

conjugal

/ˈkɑ:nʤɪgəl/ adjective [more conjugal; most conjugal] formal : relating to marriage or to a married couple ▪ conjugal bliss/happiness ◊Conjugal is often used to refer to the sexual relationship between a married couple. ▪ conjugal relations ▪ The prisoner is allowed conjugal visits from his wife. [=visits in which he is able to have sexual relations with his wife]

cosset

/ˈkɑ:sət/ verb cos·sets; cos·set·ed; cos·set·ing [+ obj] formal : to give (someone) a lot of care and attention or too much care and attention : pamper ▪ The hotel cossets its guests with friendly service. ▪ She had a safe, cosseted childhood.

cushy

/ˈkʊʃi/ adjective cush·i·er; cush·i·est [also more cushy; most cushy] informal : very easy and pleasant : involving little difficulty or effort ▪ His uncle got him a cushy job in the city government.

culprit

/ˈkʌlprət/ noun plural cul·prits [count] : a person who has committed a crime or done something wrong ▪ The police eventually located the culprits. — often used figuratively ▪ Lack of exercise and poor diet are the chief/main/real culprits in heart disease.

culinary

/ˈkʌləˌneri, Brit ˈkʌlənri/ adjective always used before a noun : used in or relating to cooking ▪ culinary herbs ▪ the culinary arts ▪ They serve a variety of culinary delights.

cumbersome

/ˈkʌmbɚsəm/ adjective 1 : hard to handle or manage because of size or weight ▪ a cumbersome package 2 : complicated and hard to do ▪ The application process is cumbersome and time-consuming. 3 : long and difficult to read, say, etc. ▪ a cumbersome name ▪ Her expanded job title is really cumbersome.

lithe

/ˈlaɪð/ adjective [more lithe; most lithe] : moving in an easy and graceful way ▪ a lithe, muscular athlete ▪ the lithe body of a dancer — lithe·ly adverb — lithe·ness noun [noncount]

lethal

/ˈliːθəl/ [more lethal; most lethal] : causing or able to cause death lethal chemicals/weapons a potentially lethal dose of a drug He was sentenced to death by lethal injection. In rare instances, the disease can be lethal. [=(more commonly) fatal] — often used figuratively a pitcher with a lethal fastball [=a very powerful or effective fastball] a lethal [=very damaging] attack on her reputation Synonyms see: 1deadly — lethally adverb lethally poisonous

lowdown

/ˈloʊˌdaʊn/ noun Meaning: the lowdown : important information or facts about something ▪ Reporters are trying to get the lowdown on what caused the accident. [=trying to find out the truth about what caused the accident] ▪ He gave me the lowdown about the company's vice president.

ludicrous

/ˈlu:dəkrəs/ adjective [more ludicrous; most ludicrous] : very foolish : ridiculous ▪ ludicrous ideas/thoughts ▪ a ludicrous statement/suggestion ▪ It's ludicrous [=absurd] to think that he can solve these problems himself. — lu·di·crous·ly adverb ▪ a ludicrously improbable idea — lu·di·crous·ness noun [noncount]

languor

/ˈlæŋgɚ/ noun 慵懒 literary : a state of feeling tired and relaxed [noncount] ▪ They enjoyed the languor brought on by a hot summer afternoon. [singular] ▪ They felt an indefinable languor. — lan·guor·ous /ˈlæŋgərəs/ adjective ▪ a long languorous afternoon — lan·guor·ous·ly adverb

lurid

/ˈlɚrəd/adjective [more lurid; most lurid] disapproving1: causing shock or disgust : involving sex or violence in a way that is meant to be shocking ▪ lurid [=sensational] tabloid headlines▪ a lurid front-page story▪ a lurid tale of violence and betrayal▪ the lurid [=gruesome] details of the crime 2: shining or glowing with a bright and unpleasant color ▪ a lurid neon sign▪ the lurid lighting of a nightclub▪ The light from the fire cast a lurid glow on everything. — lu·rid·ly adverb ▪ luridly sensational headlines▪ a scene luridly lit by smoky sunlight — lu·rid·ness noun [noncount]

lurch

/ˈlɚtʃ/ verb lurch·es; lurched; lurch·ing [no obj] 1 : to make a sudden sideways or forward motion ▪ The boat lurched in the rough seas. ▪ The bus lurched along/down the highway. ▪ The jeep lurched to a stop. 2 : to move or walk in an awkward or unsteady way ▪ She lost her balance and lurched into the counter. ▪ He lurched to his feet. — often used figuratively ▪ Investors worry as the economy lurches towards recession. ▪ He always seems to be lurching from one crisis to another. ▪ The movie lurches from one car chase scene to the next.

leverage

/ˈlɛvərɪʤ, ˈli:vərɪʤ/ noun [noncount] 1 : influence or power used to achieve a desired result ▪ The union's size gave it leverage in the labor contract negotiations. ▪ The player's popularity has given him a great deal of leverage with the owners of the team. 2 : the increase in force gained by using a lever ▪ I used the leverage of the bar and a wooden block to pry the rock out of the hole. verb leverag·es; leveraged; leverag·ing [+ obj] chiefly US : to use (something valuable) to achieve a desired result ▪ The company wants to leverage its brands more effectively.

levity

/ˈlɛvəti/ noun [noncount] somewhat formal 1 : a lack of seriousness ▪ She would not tolerate any levity [=frivolity] in the classroom. 2 : an amusing quality ▪ They managed to find some levity in the situation.

libertine

/ˈlɪbɚˌti:n/ noun 浪荡子 plural lib·er·tines [count] literary : a person (especially a man) who leads an immoral life and is mainly interested in sexual pleasure ▪ libertines of the royal court — libertine adjective [more libertine; most libertine] ▪ libertine behavior

litmus test

/ˈlɪtməs-/ [count] : something (such as an opinion about a political or moral issue) that is used to make a judgment about whether someone or something is acceptable ▪ The party is using attitudes about gun control as a litmus test for political candidates. "The word 'hopefully' has become the litmus test to determine whether one is a language snob or a language slob" — compare acid test

livid

/ˈlɪvəd/ adjective [more livid; most livid] 1 : very angry : furious ▪ My father was livid (with rage) when I came home three hours late. 2 literary : having a dark purplish color ▪ a livid bruise

maim

/ˈmeɪm/ verb maims; maimed; maim·ing [+ obj] : to injure (someone) very badly by violence ▪ The bomb killed 16 people and maimed several others. ▪ The accident left him (badly) maimed for life. — sometimes used figuratively ▪ a career maimed by scandal

maniac

/ˈmeɪniˌæk/ noun plural ma·ni·acs [count] 1 : someone who is violent and mentally ill ▪ The movie he rented was about a maniac [=madman, lunatic] who goes on a murderous rampage. ▪ a homicidal maniac 2 informal : a person who behaves in a very wild way ▪ He's a complete maniac when he's playing football. ▪ She drives like a maniac. [=she drives in a very reckless and dangerous way] 3 informal : a person who is extremely enthusiastic about something ▪ His friends are all sports maniacs. [=fanatics] ▪ a movie maniac [=freak] — maniac adjective always used before a noun [more maniac; most maniac] ▪ maniac killers/fans — ma·ni·a·cal /məˈnajəkəl/ adjective [more maniacal; most maniacal] ▪ a maniacal killer/fan ▪ She let out a maniacal laugh. ▪ maniacal sports fans — ma·ni·a·cal·ly /məˈnajəkli/ adverb ▪ laughing maniacally

mutilate

/ˈmju:təˌleɪt/ verb mu·ti·lates; mu·ti·lat·ed; mu·ti·lat·ing [+ obj] 1 : to cause severe damage to (the body of a person or animal) ▪ traps that mutilate animals — usually used as (be) mutilated ▪ Her arm was mutilated in a car accident. ▪ the mutilated body of a murder victim 2 : to ruin the beauty of (something) : to severely damage or spoil (something) ▪ a painting mutilated by vandals ▪ mutilated books — mu·ti·la·tion Listen to audio /ˌmju:təˈleɪʃən/ noun, plural mu·ti·la·tions [noncount] ▪ a victim of mutilation [count] ▪ facial mutilations

moribund

/ˈmorəˌbʌnd/ adjective formal 1 : no longer active or effective : close to failure ▪ an actor who is trying to revive his moribund career ▪ a moribund economy/industry ▪ The peace talks are moribund. 2 : very sick : close to death ▪ The patient was moribund. ▪ moribund [=dying] trees

moot

/ˈmu:t/ adjective 1 : not certain : argued about but not possible for people to prove ▪ He says that they should have foreseen the accident, but that point is moot. [=debatable] 2 US : not worth talking about : no longer important or worth discussing ▪ The court ruled that the issue is now moot because the people involved in the dispute have died. ▪ I think they were wrong, but the point is moot. Their decision has been made and it can't be changed now. The author rendered moot all other variations on this theme.

mantle

/ˈmæntl̟/ noun plural man·tles [count] 1 : a loose piece of clothing without sleeves that was worn over other clothes especially in the past : cloak 2 literary : something that covers or surrounds something else — + of ▪ The ground was covered/cloaked in a mantle of leaves. ▪ mountains blanketed/wrapped in a mantle of snow ▪ A mantle of secrecy surrounded the family's past. [=the family's past was kept secret] 3 formal : the position of someone who has responsibility or authority ▪ He took on the mantle of director. [=he took on the job of being the director] ▪ She accepted/assumed the mantle of leadership. 4 technical : the middle layer of the Earth that is between the top crust and the inner core verb mantles; man·tled; man·tling [+ obj] formal + literary : to cover or surround (something) — usually used as (be) mantled ▪ The mountains were mantled with/in snow.

mannequins

/ˈmænɪkən/ noun plural man·ne·quins [count] : a figure shaped like a human body that is used for making or displaying clothes

mongrel

/ˈmɑ:ŋgrəl/ noun plural mon·grels [count] : a dog with parents of different breeds ▪ She owns several dogs, including a mongrel named Stella. — often used before another noun ▪ a mongrel dog — sometimes used figuratively ▪ The new house was a mongrel, with a mix of styles from different times and places.

meddle

/ˈmɛdl̟/ verb 搀和，捣乱 med·dles; med·dled; med·dling [no obj] 1 : to become involved in the activities and concerns of other people when your involvement is not wanted : interfere — usually + in ▪ He was always meddling in other people's personal lives. — sometimes + with ▪ They are meddling with things that don't concern them. 2 : to change or handle something in a way that is unwanted or harmful — + with ▪ Don't meddle with my stuff. — med·dler Listen to audio /ˈmɛdl̟ɚ/ noun, plural med·dlers [count] ▪ She thought she was being helpful, but her neighbors saw her as a meddler. — meddling noun [noncount] ▪ He was annoyed by his neighbor's meddling. — meddling adjective always used before a noun ▪ meddling neighbors

mesmerize

/ˈmɛzməˌraɪz/ verb mes·mer·iz·es; mes·mer·ized; mes·mer·iz·ing [+ obj] : to hold the attention of (someone) entirely : to interest or amaze (someone) so much that nothing else is seen or noticed — usually used as (be) mesmerized ▪ The crowd was mesmerized by the acrobats. — mesmerizing also Brit mesmerising adjective [more mesmerizing; most mesmerizing] ▪ a mesmerizing voice/performance/beat

minion

/ˈmɪnjən/ noun plural min·ions [count] : someone who is not powerful or important and who obeys the orders of a powerful leader or boss ▪ one of the boss's minions

miscreant

/ˈmɪskrijənt/ noun plural mis·cre·ants [count] formal : a person who does something that is illegal or morally wrong ▪ He supports tough penalties against corporate miscreants.

orchestrate

/ˈoɚkəˌstreɪt/ verb or·ches·trates; or·ches·trat·ed; or·ches·trat·ing [+ obj] 1 : to write or change (a piece of music) so that it can be played by an orchestra ▪ He recently orchestrated a musical. 2 : to organize or plan (something that is complicated) ▪ She orchestrated the entire event. ▪ It's still unclear who was responsible for orchestrating the attack. ▪ A strike was orchestrated by union members. ▪ a carefully orchestrated campaign/plot — or·ches·tra·tion /ˌoɚkəˈstreɪʃən/ noun, plural or·ches·tra·tions [count, noncount] ▪ the orchestration of the music/attack

muddle

/ˈmʌdl̟/ verb mud·dles; mud·dled; mud·dling [+ obj] 1 : to cause confusion in (someone or someone's mind) — often used as (be) muddled ▪ a mind muddled by too much advice 2 : to mix up (something) in a confused way ▪ muddle the household accounts ▪ I always get their names muddled (up) [=mixed up] in my mind. muddle along [phrasal verb] informal : to think, act, or proceed in a confused way or without a plan ▪ She muddled along for a few years before going to college. muddle through [phrasal verb] informal : to do something without doing it very well or easily ▪ I had a hard time with the class, but somehow I muddled through. [=got by] ▪ We won't have much money but we'll muddle through [=manage] somehow. — muddled adjective [more muddled; most muddled] ▪ a muddled story ▪ The instructions were so muddled [=confused, confusing] that we couldn't follow them.

muster

/ˈmʌstɚ/ verb 1 [+ obj] : to work hard to find or get (courage, support, etc.) ▪ They pushed the car with all the strength they could muster. ▪ He finally mustered (up) the courage to ask her on a date. ▪ The country's leaders have been trying to muster (up) support for the war. ▪ They mustered (up) the 20 votes needed to pass the law. 2 : to gather together (a group of people, soldiers, etc.) especially for battle or war [+ obj] ▪ muster an army [no obj] ▪ The soldiers mustered [=gathered] in the center of town.

gnomic

/ˈnoʊmɪk/ adjective [more gnomic; most gnomic] formal : said or written using few words that are difficult to understand ▪ He made gnomic utterances concerning death. ▪ gnomic writing/wisdom

newfangled

/ˈnu:ˈfæŋgəld, Brit ˈnju:ˈfæŋgəld/ adjective always used before a noun : recently invented or developed and hard to understand ▪ His grandson owns all of the latest newfangled electronics. ▪ newfangled gadgets ▪ the newfangled speech used by teenagers

nag

/ˈnæg/ verb nags; nagged; nag·ging 1 a : to annoy (someone) by often complaining about his or her behavior, appearance, etc. [+ obj] — + about ▪ My wife nags me about my busy work schedule. ▪ Mom's always nagging me about my hair. [no obj] ▪ All you ever do is nag. b : to annoy (someone) with repeated questions, requests, or orders [+ obj] ▪ My parents are always nagging me to clean my room. ▪ He kept nagging her until she agreed to see the movie. [no obj] ▪ Quit nagging! I already said I'm not going. 2 : to cause (someone) to feel annoyed or worried for a long period of time [+ obj] ▪ She's still nagged [=bothered] by the thought that she could have done better. [no obj] — often + at ▪ The problem has been nagging at me for weeks. — nagging /ˈnægɪŋ/ adjective always used before a noun [more nagging; most nagging] ▪ A few nagging questions/problems remain. ▪ I have this nagging doubt/feeling/fear/suspicion that our troubles aren't over yet. ▪ a nagging headache/cough/pain ▪ nagging injuries that just won't heal

knack

/ˈnæk/ noun [singular] : an ability, talent, or special skill needed to do something — usually + for or of ▪ They have a knack for telling interesting stories. ▪ Once you get the knack of riding a bicycle [=once you learn how to ride a bicycle], you'll never lose it.

knockoff

/ˈnɑ:kˌɑ:f/ noun plural knock·offs [count] : a cheap or inferior copy of something ▪ That purse is a knockoff.

non sequitur

/ˈnɑ:nˈsɛkwətɚ/ noun plural ∼ -turs [count] : a statement that is not connected in a logical or clear way to anything said before it ▪ We were talking about the new restaurant when she threw in some non sequitur about her dog. ◊Non sequitur is a Latin phrase that literally means "it does not follow."

nebulous

/ˈnɛbjələs/ adjective formal : not clear : difficult to see, understand, describe, etc. ▪ These philosophical concepts can be nebulous. ▪ She gave a nebulous [=vague] answer to the question.

negligence

/ˈnɛglɪʤəns/ noun [noncount] formal : failure to take the care that a responsible person usually takes : lack of normal care or attention ▪ Medical negligence may be the cause of death. [=the patient's death may have happened because the doctor did not do something that should have been done] ▪ The company was charged with negligence in the manufacturing of the defective tires.

nexus

/ˈnɛksəs/ noun [singular] formal : a relationship or connection between people or things — often + between or of ▪ the nexus between teachers and students ▪ the nexus between drugs, guns, and crime ▪ a nexus of money and politics

nemesis

/ˈnɛməsəs/ noun plural nem·e·sises /-ˌsi:z/ [count] : an opponent or enemy that is very difficult to defeat ▪ He will be playing his old nemesis for the championship.

nitty-gritty

/ˈnɪtiˌgrɪti/ noun Meaning: the nitty-gritty informal : the most important and basic facts or details about something ▪ He deals with the nitty-gritty of running the department. ▪ We finally got down to the nitty-gritty of the problem. ▪ Let's get down to the nitty-gritty and find out what happened.

nub

/ˈnʌb/ noun plural nubs [count] : a small piece or end ▪ The dog chewed his bone down to a nub. : a small part that sticks out ▪ The shoes have little nubs on the bottom that prevent you from slipping. the nub : the main part or point of something ▪ the nub of the story/problem/matter/argument

in a nutshell

/ˈnʌtˌʃɛl/ noun very briefly ▪ And that, in a nutshell, is what happened. ▪ To put it in a nutshell, the party was a disaster.

nudge

/ˈnʌʤ/ verb nudg·es; nudged; nudg·ing 1 [+ obj] a : to touch or push (someone or something) gently ▪ I nudged the plate closer to him. ▪ The guard nudged the prisoner forward. ▪ The dog nudged the ball with his nose. ▪ We nudged our way (through the crowd) to the exit. b : to push (someone) gently with your elbow in order to get that person's attention ▪ He nudged me and pointed to the deer. 2 [+ obj] : to encourage (someone) to do something ▪ He was nudged (by his parents) towards a career in law. ▪ The salesman nudged her into testing out the car. 3 a [+ obj] : to come close to (a particular level or amount) ▪ Album sales are nudging the one million mark. b always followed by an adverb or preposition [no obj] : to move slightly to a different level or amount ▪ The price of gold has nudged a little higher. — nudge noun, plural nudges [count] ▪ He gave me a nudge in the ribs.

stamina

/ˈstæmənə/ noun [noncount] : great physical or mental strength that allows you to continue doing something for a long time ▪ Do you have the/enough stamina to finish the job?

ornery

/ˈoɚnəri/ adjective or·neri·er; or·neri·est [or more ornery; most ornery] US, informal + often humorous 1 : easily annoyed or angered ▪ I'm getting more and more ornery in my old age. 2 : difficult to deal with or control ▪ an ornery mule — or·neri·ness noun [noncount] ▪ She has a reputation for orneriness. [=people know that she gets annoyed easily]

onus

/ˈoʊnəs/ noun [singular] formal : the responsibility for something — usually used with the ▪ The onus is on parents to teach their children not to use drugs.

paragon

/ˈperəˌgɑ:n, Brit ˈpærəgən/ noun plural par·a·gons [count] formal : a person or thing that is perfect or excellent in some way and should be considered a model or example to be copied ▪ He's no moral paragon. — often + of ▪ The company is a paragon of modern manufacturing techniques. ▪ He is a paragon of virtue. [=he is a very virtuous person]

pare

/ˈpeɚ/ verb pares; pared; par·ing [+ obj] 1 : to carefully cut off the outside or the ends of (something) ▪ pare an apple ▪ She was paring [=(more commonly) trimming] her fingernails. — often + away ▪ Pare away any brown spots on the avocado. — see also paring knife 2 : to make (something) smaller : to reduce (something) in size, amount, or number ▪ The company has to find a way to pare expenses. ▪ The budget has been pared to the bone. [=reduced as much as possible] — often + down ▪ The book was pared down to 200 pages. ▪ The company has to pare down the office staff. ▪ The pared-down staff was forced to work longer hours.

punitive

/ˈpju:nətɪv/ adjective 1 : intended to punish someone or something ▪ The federal government will take punitive action against the company that polluted the river. ▪ punitive measures ▪ The plaintiff will receive $50,000 in compensatory damages and $300,000 in punitive damages. [=money that someone is ordered to pay as a punishment for causing harm] 2 [more punitive; most punitive] : extremely or unfairly severe or high ▪ Lobbyists complain that the bill would impose punitive taxes on the industry. — pu·ni·tive·ly adverb

placate

/ˈpleɪˌkeɪt, Brit pləˈkeɪt/ verb pla·cates; pla·cat·ed; pla·cat·ing [+ obj] formal : to cause (someone) to feel less angry about something ▪ The administration placated protesters by agreeing to consider their demands. ▪ The angry customer was not placated by the clerk's apology.

placard

/ˈplækɚd/ noun plural plac·ards [count] : a large notice or sign put up in a public place or carried by people ▪ The placard on the door says that the church was built in the late 1600s. ▪ protesters carrying placards

plethora

/ˈplɛθərə/ noun [singular] formal : a very large amount or number : an amount that is much greater than what is necessary ▪ A plethora of books have been written on the subject. ▪ a plethora of information

preen

/ˈpri:n/ verb preens; preened; preen·ing 1 of a bird : to use the beak to clean and arrange feathers [+ obj] ▪ The bird was preening its feathers. = The bird was preening itself. [no obj] ▪ The bird was preening. 2 : to make (yourself) neat and tidy [+ obj] ▪ She stood preening herself in front of the mirror. [no obj] ▪ She stood preening in front of the mirror. 3 disapproving : to act in a way that shows you are very proud about something or pleased with yourself [no obj] ▪ The award-winners were preening backstage. [+ obj] ▪ They are preening themselves on their success.

preamble

/ˈpri:ˌæmbəl/ noun plural pre·am·bles somewhat formal 1 : a statement that is made at the beginning of something (such as a legal document) and usually gives the reasons for the parts that follow [count] ▪ The preamble to the U.S. Constitution begins by saying "We the People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, ..." [noncount] ▪ He told us the news without preamble. [=without saying anything else first] 2 [count] : something that comes before and leads to something else ▪ His early travels were just a preamble to his later adventures.

protean

/ˈproʊtijən/ adjective [more protean; most protean] literary + formal : able to change into many different forms or able to do many different things ▪ a protean organism ▪ a protean actor

protégé

/ˈproʊtəˌʒeɪ/ noun plural pro·té·gés [count] : a young person who is taught and helped by someone who has a lot of knowledge and experience ▪ He was a protégé of the great composer.

prudent

/ˈpru:dn̩t/ adjective [more prudent; most prudent] : having or showing careful good judgment ▪ He always listened to her prudent advice. ▪ You made a prudent choice/decision. ▪ She's a prudent investor. — opposite imprudent — pru·dent·ly adverb ▪ The money was prudently invested.

prodigy

/ˈprɑ:dəʤi/ noun plural prod·i·gies [count] : a young person who is unusually talented in some way ▪ child prodigies ▪ a chess/tennis/math prodigy

prodigal

/ˈprɑ:dɪgəl/ adjective always used before a noun formal : carelessly and foolishly spending money, time, etc. ▪ a prodigal spender ▪ a prodigal lifestyle prodigal son/daughter : a son/daughter who leaves his or her parents to do things that they do not approve of but then feels sorry and returns home — often used figuratively ▪ He left the company several years ago, but now the prodigal son has returned. — prodigal noun, plural prodigals [count] ▪ The prodigal [=prodigal son/daughter] has returned.

profligate

/ˈprɑ:flɪgət/ adjective [more profligate; most profligate] formal : carelessly and foolishly wasting money, materials, etc. : very wasteful ▪ She was very profligate in her spending. ▪ profligate energy use — profligate noun, plural profligates [count] — prof·li·ga·cy /ˈprɑ:flɪgəsi/ noun [noncount]

proffer

/ˈprɑ:fɚ/ verb prof·fers; prof·fered; prof·fer·ing [+ obj] formal : to offer or give (something) to someone ▪ He proffered advice on how best to proceed. ▪ Many explanations were proffered. ▪ the proffered testimony/evidence

proselytize

/ˈprɑ:sələˌtaɪz/ verb pros·e·ly·tiz·es; pros·e·ly·tized; pros·e·ly·tiz·ing formal + often disapproving : to try to persuade people to join a religion, cause, or group [no obj] ▪ He uses his position to proselytize for the causes that he supports. [+ obj] ▪ proselytize a faith/religion

provenance

/ˈprɑ:vənəns/ noun plural prov·e·nanc·es formal : the origin or source of something [count] ▪ Has anyone traced the provenances of these paintings? ▪ The saying has its provenance in [=comes from] Greek myth. [noncount] ▪ The artifact is of unknown provenance. Dubious provenance.

prurient

/ˈprɚrijənt/adjective [more prurient; most prurient] formal + usually disapproving: having or showing too much interest in sex ▪ He took a prurient interest in her personal life.▪ a book that appealed to the prurient curiosity of its readers — pru·ri·ence /ˈprɚrijəns/noun [noncount] — pru·ri·ent·lyadverb

predicate

/ˈprɛdəˌkeɪt/ verb pred·i·cates; pred·i·cat·ed; pred·i·cat·ing [+ obj] formal : to base (something) on or upon something else — usually used as (be) predicated ▪ His theory is predicated on faulty assumptions.

premises

/ˈprɛməs/ noun plural prem·is·es 1 premises [plural] : a building and the area of land that it is on ▪ They were asked to leave the premises. ▪ The company leases part of the premises to smaller businesses. ▪ The premises were searched by the police. 2 also Brit pre·miss [count] formal : a statement or idea that is accepted as being true and that is used as the basis of an argument ▪ He disagreed with her premise. ▪ the basic premises of the argument ▪ a theory based on the simple premise that what goes up must come down off the premises also off premises : away from or outside of a building or on the area of land that it is on ▪ Police escorted her off the premises. ▪ The printing of the books is done off the premises. [=at another place] on the premises also on premises : inside a building or on the area of land that it is on ▪ The hotel has a restaurant on the premises. [=inside the hotel] ▪ No smoking is allowed on the premises.

prim

/ˈprɪm/ adjective prim·mer; prim·mest [or more prim; most prim] 1 sometimes disapproving a : very formal and proper ▪ a prim manner ▪ He has prim views on religion. b : easily shocked or upset by rude behavior, comments, etc. ▪ a prim [=prudish] young lady ▪ Her aunts were very prim and proper. 2 : very neat in appearance ▪ a prim little house — prim·ly adverb ▪ She was primly dressed. ▪ She spoke to him primly. — prim·ness noun [noncount]

be privy to

/ˈprɪvi/ : allowed to know about (something secret) ▪ I wasn't privy to their plans. [=I didn't know about their plans]

palliative

/ˈpæliˌeɪtɪv, Brit ˈpæliətɪv/ noun plural pal·li·a·tives [count] 1 medical : something that reduces the effects or symptoms of a medical condition without curing it ▪ The disease has no cure, but a number of palliatives exist. ▪ Travel is like a palliative against depression for him. 2 formal : something that is intended to make a bad situation seem better but that does not really improve the situation ▪ symbolic palliatives for inner-city troubles — palliative adjective ▪ palliative care/treatment

palatable

/ˈpælətəbəl/ adjective [more palatable; most palatable] somewhat formal 1 : having a pleasant or agreeable taste ▪ palatable food ▪ a less than palatable beer 2 : pleasant or acceptable to someone — usually + to ▪ The play has been rewritten in an attempt to make it more palatable to modern audiences. ▪ Traveling by train is a palatable alternative to driving. — pal·at·abil·i·ty Listen to audio /ˌpælətəˈbɪləti/ noun [noncount]

patter

/ˈpætɚ/ noun [singular] : fast, continuous talk that is used to sell something or to entertain people ▪ sales patter ▪ The band leader kept up a running patter between songs.

pageant

/ˈpæʤənt/ noun plural pag·eants [count] 1 US : beauty contest ▪ She entered a (beauty) pageant. ▪ They disagreed with the pageant judges. 2 : a play or performance made of scenes from a historical event or a legend ▪ Their church puts on an annual Christmas pageant. — sometimes used figuratively ▪ The museum celebrates the rich pageant of the town's history. [=celebrates all the interesting things that have happened in the town's history]

paltry

/ˈpɑ:ltri/ adjective pal·tri·er; pal·tri·est [also more paltry; most paltry] formal 1 : very small or too small in amount ▪ They're offering a paltry [=meager] salary for the position. ▪ Sales have increased by a paltry [=measly] two percent. 2 : having little meaning, importance, or worth ▪ a paltry excuse ▪ paltry work

paltry

/ˈpɑ:ltri/ adjective pal·tri·er; pal·tri·est [also more paltry; most paltry] formal 1 : very small or too small in amount ▪ They're offering a paltry [=meager] salary for the position. ▪ Sales have increased by a paltry [=measly] two percent. 2 : having little meaning, importance, or worth ▪ a paltry excuse ▪ paltry work

pompous

/ˈpɑ:mpəs/ adjective [more pompous; most pompous] disapproving : having or showing the attitude of people who speak and behave in a very formal and serious way because they believe that they are better, smarter, or more important than other people ▪ a pompous [=self-important] politician ▪ a pompous remark ▪ She found it difficult to talk about her achievements without sounding pompous. — pom·pos·i·ty Listen to audio /ˌpɑ:mˈpɑ:səti/ noun, plural pom·pos·i·ties [noncount] ▪ theatrical pomposity [count] ▪ the pomposities [=pompous remarks and actions] of elected officials — pomp·ous·ly adverb ▪ a suggestion she had pompously dismissed

postulate

/ˈpɑ:stʃəˌleɪt/ verb pos·tu·lates; pos·tu·lat·ed; pos·tu·lat·ing [+ obj] formal : to suggest (something, such as an idea or theory) especially in order to start a discussion ▪ The theory postulates [=claims, posits] that carbon dioxide emissions contribute to global warming. ▪ Scientists have postulated the existence of water on the planet.

parvenu

/ˈpɑɚvəˌnu:, Brit ˈpɑ:vəˌnju:/ noun plural par·ve·nus [count] formal + disapproving : a person from usually a low social position who has recently or suddenly become wealthy, powerful, or successful but who is not accepted by other wealthy, powerful, and successful people

parlay

/ˈpɑɚˌleɪ, Brit ˈpɑɚli/ verb par·lays; par·layed; par·lay·ing [+ obj] US : to use or develop (something) to get something else that has greater value — + into ▪ He hoped to parlay his basketball skills into a college scholarship. ▪ She parlayed $5,000 and years of hard work into a multimillion-dollar company.

solecism

/ˈsɑ:ləˌsɪzəm/ noun plural so·le·cisms [count] formal 1 : a mistake in speech or writing ▪ a verbal solecism 2 : an impolite or improper way of behaving ▪ a stylistic solecism

pertinent

/ˈpɚtənənt/ adjective [more pertinent; most pertinent] formal : relating to the thing that is being thought about or discussed : relevant ▪ a pertinent question ▪ His comments weren't pertinent (to the discussion). — per·ti·nence /ˈpɚtənəns/ noun [noncount] ▪ the pertinence [=relevance] of the question — per·ti·nent·ly adverb

peddle

/ˈpɛdl̟/ verb ped·dles; ped·dled; ped·dling [+ obj] 1 : to sell (something) usually in small amounts and often by traveling to different places ▪ They peddled fruits and vegetables out of their truck on the side of the road. ▪ She now peddles her wares [=sells her products] on the Internet. 2 : to try to get people to accept or believe (something) ▪ He peddled his idea for a new movie to every executive in Hollywood. ▪ The mayor's aides tried to peddle his innocence to reporters. ▪ peddling gossip

pedestal

/ˈpɛdəstl̟/ noun plural ped·es·tals [count] 1 : the base of a column or other tall object ▪ the pedestal of a vase/lamp/statue 2 — used to describe the position of someone who is admired, successful, etc. ▪ Her boyfriend put/placed her on a pedestal. [=thought of her as a perfect person with no faults] ▪ He wanted a career as an actor, but he didn't want to be put on a pedestal. [=to be treated like a big star] ▪ They're trying to knock the champions off their pedestal. [=to defeat the champions]

pedigree

/ˈpɛdəˌgri:/ noun 血统，【光荣】传统 plural ped·i·grees 1 : the history of the family members in a person's or animal's past especially when it is good or impressive [count] ▪ That horse has an impressive pedigree. ▪ Her husband has a noble/aristocratic pedigree. [=the people in his family were noble/aristocratic] ▪ What is the dog's pedigree? [noncount] ▪ The puppy came with papers proving its pedigree. 2 : the origin and history of something especially when it is good or impressive [count] ▪ a painting's pedigree ▪ Democracy is an idea with a pedigree stretching back to ancient Greece. ▪ The company has an excellent pedigree with over a century in the business. [noncount] ▪ She wants to go to a school with pedigree. [=a school that has a long and impressive history] — ped·i·greed Listen to audio /ˈpɛdəˌgri:d/ or pedigree adjective ▪ a pedigreed horse/school/family

penury

/ˈpɛnjəri/ noun [noncount] formal : the state of being very poor : extreme poverty ▪ struggling with penury ▪ living in penury

penchant

/ˈpɛntʃənt/ noun plural pen·chants [count] : a strong liking for something or a strong tendency to behave in a certain way — usually + for ▪ He has a penchant for asking stupid questions. [=he asks a lot of stupid questions] ▪ Her penchant for mathematics helped her to become an engineer.

pinch

/ˈpɪntʃ/ verb pinch·es; pinched; pinch·ing 掐 1 [+ obj] a : to squeeze (someone's skin) between your thumb and finger often in a painful way ▪ My little brother is always trying to pinch me. ▪ He pinched her cheeks and told her how cute she was. — often used figuratively ▪ It was all so beautiful I had to pinch myself [=I had to remind myself that it was real] to be sure I wasn't dreaming. ▪ Pinch me. [=I can't believe this is happening] b : to squeeze or press (something) together with your thumb and finger ▪ Pinch together the edges of the dough. ▪ He pinched the top of his nose to stop the bleeding and leaned forward. c : to remove (part of a plant) by squeezing with your thumb and finger ▪ He pinched off/out the top of the shoots. ▪ She pinched back the new growth. 2 : to press against or squeeze (a part of the body) in a painful way [+ obj] ▪ These new shoes are pinching my toes. ▪ I pinched my fingers in the door. ▪ He had a pinched nerve [=a nerve pressed against a bone in the neck in a painful way] in his neck. [no obj] ▪ These shoes pinch. 3 [no obj] : to be very careful about spending money : to spend as little money as possible ▪ By pinching and scraping, she managed to save enough money to buy a new car. — see also pinch pennies (below) 4 [+ obj] chiefly Brit, informal : to steal (something) ▪ Someone pinched her purse. ▪ The material was pinched [=lifted] from another book. 5 [+ obj] informal + old-fashioned : to arrest (someone) — often + for ▪ He was pinched for speeding. 6 [+ obj] chiefly US, informal a : to cause financial problems for (someone or something) ▪ Many people are now being/feeling pinched [=squeezed] by high gasoline prices. ▪ The recession is pinching the pocketbooks of many people. b : to reduce or limit (something) in a way that causes problems ▪ The trade embargo drove up prices and pinched supplies. pinch pennies informal : to be very careful about spending money : to spend as little money as possible ▪ He pinched pennies to live on his small paycheck. noun plural pinches [count] 1 : the act of pinching someone or something — usually singular ▪ He gave me a pinch on the cheek. [=he pinched my cheek] 2 : the amount of something that can be held between your finger and thumb — often + of ▪ Add a pinch of salt to the soup. ▪ He took a pinch of snuff. feel the pinch : to experience the problems caused by not having enough money or by paying higher costs ▪ The family began to feel the pinch after the mother lost her job. ▪ We are starting to feel the pinch of high fuel costs. in a pinch (US) or Brit at a pinch : in a bad situation when help is needed ▪ I can help out in a pinch if you need a babysitter. ▪ In a pinch, you can substitute another ingredient in the recipe. ▪ She can be resourceful in a pinch. [=in an emergency] take (something) with a pinch of salt

pinnacle

/ˈpɪnɪkəl/ noun plural pin·na·cles [count] 1 : a high mountain top ▪ a lofty pinnacle 2 : the best or most important part of something : the point of greatest success or achievement — usually singular ▪ His career reached its pinnacle when he won the championship. — often + of ▪ Winning the championship was the pinnacle of his career. ▪ She stands at the pinnacle of the fashion industry. ▪ She has achieved/reached the pinnacle of success. 3 : a tower on the roof of a building that comes to a narrow point at the top

put-down

/ˈpʊtˌdaʊn/ noun plural put-downs [count] : a statement that criticizes or insults someone ▪ humiliating put-downs — see also put down at 1put

pudgy

/ˈpʌʤi/ adjective pudg·i·er; pudg·i·est [also more pudgy; most pudgy] informal : somewhat fat ▪ The baby wrapped its pudgy [=plump, (Brit) podgy] little hand around my finger. ▪ a pudgy little man

rile

/ˈrajəl/ verb riles; riled; ril·ing [+ obj] 1 : to make (someone) angry : to irritate or annoy (someone) ▪ Her comments riled the professor. — usually + up ▪ It doesn't take much to get him riled up. [=angry] 2 US, informal : to make (someone) very excited — usually + up ▪ His antics got the kids all riled up.

wry

/ˈraɪ/adjective wry·er; wry·est [or more wry; most wry] 1: humorous in a clever and often ironic way ▪ His books are noted for their wry humor. 2: showing both amusement and a feeling of being tired, annoyed, etc. ▪ When I asked her how she felt after winning the race, she gave me a wry smile/grin and said, "Pretty tired." — wry·lyadverb ▪ She smiled wryly. — wry·nessnoun [noncount]

rife

/ˈraɪf/ adjective not used before a noun : very common and often bad or unpleasant ▪ She visited a country where malaria was rife. [=widespread] ▪ Speculation about who would be fired ran rife for weeks. rife with : having a large amount of (something bad or unpleasant) : full of (something bad or unpleasant) ▪ The school was rife with rumors. ▪ a history rife with scandal

writhe

/ˈraɪð/ verb writhes; writhed; writh·ing [no obj] : to twist your body from side to side ▪ She lay on the floor, writhing in pain. ▪ a nest of writhing snakes

rowdy

/ˈraʊdi/ adjective row·di·er; row·di·est [also more rowdy; most rowdy] : rough or noisy ▪ a rowdy crowd ▪ rowdy children ▪ a rowdy game of basketball — row·di·ness Listen to audio /ˈraʊdinəs/ noun [noncount] noun plural rowdies [count] : a person who causes trouble in a noisy way — usually plural ▪ a gang of young rowdies — row·dy·ism Listen to audio /ˈraʊdiˌɪzəm/ noun [noncount] ▪ rowdyism among sports fans

rarefied

/ˈrerəˌfaɪd/ adjective [more rarefied; most rarefied] 1 often disapproving : understood by only a small group of people : only for people who know about a particular thing ▪ She has never been comfortable in the rarefied [=esoteric] world of art dealers. 2 technical, of air : not having much oxygen because of being high up in the atmosphere ▪ It's difficult to breathe in the rarefied air near the mountain's peak.

raze

/ˈreɪz/ verb raz·es; razed; raz·ing [+ obj] : to destroy (something, such as a building) completely : demolish — often used as (be) razed ▪ The old factory was razed to make room for a parking lot.

rote

/ˈroʊt/ noun [noncount] : the process of learning something by repeating it many times without thinking about it or fully understanding it ▪ The children learned the words to the poem by rote. — rote adjective always used before a noun ▪ rote learning/memorization

ramble

/ˈræmbəl/ verb ram·bles; ram·bled; ram·bling [no obj] 1 always followed by an adverb or preposition : to walk or go from one place to another place without a specific goal, purpose, or direction ▪ He often rambled [=roamed] around/about the countryside in an old truck. ▪ She rambled [=wandered] along the riverbank. — sometimes used figuratively ▪ The trail rambles [=meanders] through the woods for miles. 2 : to go from one subject to another without any clear purpose or direction ▪ She rambled for several minutes before introducing the main speaker. ▪ He's funny, but he tends to ramble. — often + on ▪ The novel's first chapter rambles on for about 100 pages. noun plural rambles [count] 1 chiefly Brit : a long walk for pleasure ▪ We went for a ramble along the beach. ▪ He encountered many interesting people in his rambles in the country. 2 : a long speech or piece of writing that goes from one subject to another without any clear purpose or direction ▪ The first chapter is a 100-page ramble. ▪ We had to listen to another one of his long rambles about politics and religion.

rampant

/ˈræmpənt/ adjective [more rampant; most rampant] 1 usually disapproving — used to describe something that is very common or that is spreading very quickly and in a way that is difficult to control ▪ There is evidence of rampant corruption in the local government. ▪ rampant crime/disease ▪ Rumors of her engagement were rampant. = Rumors of her engagement ran rampant. [=there were many rumors that she was engaged to be married] 2 : growing quickly and in a way that is difficult to control ▪ a weed that's rampant in this area — ram·pant·ly adverb

rampage

/ˈræmˌpeɪʤ/ noun/verb plural ram·pag·es [count] : an occurrence of wild and usually destructive behavior ▪ a murderous rampage ▪ (chiefly US) Rioters were/went on a rampage, looting shops and setting fires. = (chiefly Brit) Rioters were/went on the rampage.

rant

/ˈrænt/ verb rants; rant·ed; rant·ing : to talk loudly and in a way that shows anger : to complain in a way that is unreasonable [no obj] ▪ "You can rant and rave all you want," she said, "but it's not going to change things." — often + about ▪ He always rants about the evils of the film industry. — often + on ▪ She ranted on for hours about the smoking ban. [+ obj] ▪ He ranted that they were out to get him. — rant noun, plural rants [count] ▪ We had to listen to his rant about the evils of the film industry.

rapt

/ˈræpt/ adjective literary + formal : showing complete interest in something ▪ The students listened with rapt attention. ▪ rapt audiences ▪ The children sat rapt as the puppets danced. — rapt·ly adverb ▪ The students listened raptly.

ratify

/ˈrætəˌfaɪ/ verb rat·i·fies; rat·i·fied; rat·i·fy·ing [+ obj] : to make (a treaty, agreement, etc.) official by signing it or voting for it ▪ A number of countries have refused to ratify the treaty. — rat·i·fi·ca·tion Listen to audio /ˌrætəfəˈkeɪʃən/ noun [noncount] ▪ ratification of the treaty

ravage

/ˈrævɪʤ/ verb rav·ag·es; rav·aged; rav·ag·ing [+ obj] formal : to damage or harm (something) very badly ▪ The enemy ravaged [=plundered] the village. — often used as (be) ravaged ▪ The village was ravaged [=devastated] by the plague. ▪ The forest was ravaged by fire. ▪ the ravaged people/city/land

rankle

/ˈræŋkəl/ verb to cause (someone) to feel angry or irritated especially for a long time [+ obj] ▪ The joke about her family rankled her. [no obj] ▪ The fact that he never repaid the money still rankles (with her) years later.

rancor

/ˈræŋkɚ/ noun [noncount] formal : an angry feeling of hatred or dislike for someone who has treated you unfairly ▪ She answered her accusers calmly and without rancor. ▪ In the end, the debate created a degree of rancor among the committee members. — ran·cor·ous (US) or Brit ran·cour·ous Listen to audio/ˈræŋkərəs/ adjective [more rancorous; most rancorous] ▪ a rancorous debate

raucous

/ˈrɑ:kəs/ adjective [more raucous; most raucous] 1 : loud and unpleasant to listen to ▪ raucous shouts/laughter 2 : behaving in a very rough and noisy way ▪ a raucous crowd — rau·cous·ly adverb — rau·cous·ness noun [noncount]

romp

/ˈrɑ:mp/ noun plural romps [count] informal 1 : an enjoyable time of rough and noisy play ▪ The dogs love a good romp through the woods. 2 : an easy victory ▪ The game turned into a romp in the second half. 3 : an enjoyable and lively movie, book, play, etc. ▪ His latest film is a wildly amusing romp. 4 often humorous : an act of sexual intercourse ▪ a movie about a businessman having a romp with his secretary

raunchy

/ˈrɑ:ntʃi/ adjective raun·chi·er; raun·chi·est [also more raunchy; most raunchy] informal 1 : dealing with or suggesting sex in a way that is somewhat shocking ▪ a raunchy [=dirty] magazine/movie/joke 2 US, disapproving : very dirty, smelly, etc. ▪ raunchy old sneakers ▪ a raunchy smell — raun·chi·ness Listen to audio /ˈrɑ:ntʃinəs/ noun [noncount]

recondite

/ˈrɛkənˌdaɪt/ adjective formal : not understood or known by many people ▪ a recondite subject/fact; There is surely a competition about who listens to the most recondite bands.

relegate

/ˈrɛləˌgeɪt/ verb rel·e·gates; rel·e·gat·ed; rel·e·gat·ing [+ obj] 1 formal : to put (someone or something) in a lower or less important position, rank, etc. — usually used as (be) relegated — usually + to ▪ an important historical figure who is usually relegated to footnote status ▪ The team's best player has been relegated to a backup role because of injuries. ▪ old books relegated to the attic 2 formal : to give (something, such as a job or responsibility) to another person or group ▪ The bill has been relegated to committee for discussion.

reprimand

/ˈrɛprəˌmænd, Brit ˈrɛprəˌmɑ:nd/ verb rep·ri·mands; rep·ri·mand·ed; rep·ri·mand·ing [+ obj] : to speak in an angry and critical way to (someone who has done something wrong, disobeyed an order, etc.) ▪ The soldiers were severely reprimanded. — often + for ▪ She was reprimanded for being late. ▪ The boss reprimanded us for talking too much. — reprimand noun, plural reprimands [count] ▪ a severe/mild reprimand [noncount] ▪ a letter of reprimand

respite

/ˈrɛspət, Brit ˈrɛˌspaɪt/ noun plural re·spites : a short period of time when you are able to stop doing something that is difficult or unpleasant or when something difficult or unpleasant stops or is delayed [count] — usually singular ▪ The weekend provided a nice respite from the pressures of her job. ▪ a temporary respite [noncount] ▪ The bad weather has continued without respite.

revel

/ˈrɛvəl/ verb rev·els; US rev·eled or British rev·elled; US rev·el·ing or British rev·el·ling Meaning: revel in [phrasal verb] revel in (something) : to enjoy (something) very much ▪ She reveled in her success. ▪ He reveled in other people's misfortune.

riffraff

/ˈrɪfˌræf/ noun [noncount] disapproving : people who are not respectable : people who have very low social status ▪ Try not to associate with that riffraff. — often used in a humorous or exaggerated way to suggest the attitudes of wealthy and powerful people ▪ The doorman kept the riffraff out of the hotel.

rivet

/ˈrɪvət/ verb rivets; rivet·ed; rivet·ing [+ obj] 1 : to attract and hold all of someone's attention — usually used as (be) riveted ▪ I was riveted by her story. [=her story was so interesting that I was giving all of my attention to it] ▪ All eyes were riveted on her as she walked past. [=everyone watched her as she walked past] ▪ the kind of performance that keeps an audience riveted 2 : to make (someone) unable to move because of fear, shock, etc. — usually used as (be) riveted ▪ He was riveted to the spot with fright/amazement. ▪ She stood riveted in place, staring straight ahead. 3 : to fasten (something) with rivets ▪ The iron plates are riveted rather than welded. — riv·et·er noun, plural riv·et·ers [count] ▪ He worked as a riveter in an airplane factory.

wring

/ˈrɪŋ/ verb wrings; wrung Listen to audio/ˈrʌŋ/; wring·ing Listen to audio/ˈrɪŋɪŋ/ [+ obj] 1 : to twist and squeeze (wet cloth, hair, etc.) to remove water ▪ I wrung the towel and hung it up to dry. ▪ I wrung my hair and wrapped it in a towel. ▪ The rag was wrung dry. [=squeezed until almost all of the liquid was gone] — often + out ▪ wring a sponge out ▪ I wrung out my wet bathing suit. — sometimes used figuratively ▪ She has been wrung dry by bills. [=she has no money left because she used all of it to pay bills] 2 : to get (something) out of someone or something with a lot of effort — + out of or from ▪ They tried to wring [=squeeze] every last dollar of profit out of the failing company. ▪ I finally managed to wring an apology from her. 3 : to twist and break (an animal's neck) in order to kill the animal ▪ wring a chicken's neck wringing wet : very wet ▪ His clothes were wringing wet from the rain. wring someone's neck informal — used to say that you are very angry with someone ▪ He makes me so mad! I could wring his neck! wring your hands : to twist and rub your hands together because you are nervous or upset ▪ She was wringing her hands and pacing back and forth while waiting for her son to call. — see also hand-wringing

scion

/ˈsajən/noun plural sci·ons [count] 1formal: a person who was born into a rich, famous, or important family ▪ He's a scion of a powerful family. 2botany: a piece of a plant that is attached to part of another plant

sidestep

/ˈsaɪdˌstɛp/ verb side·steps; side·stepped; side·step·ping 1 : to avoid walking into or being hit by (someone or something) by stepping to the right or left [+ obj] ▪ She sidestepped the puddle. [no obj] ▪ He sidestepped to avoid (being hit by) his opponent. 2 [+ obj] : to avoid answering or dealing with (something) directly ▪ She sidestepped the reporter's question. ▪ They're sidestepping the real issue.

seismic

/ˈsaɪzmɪk/ adjective always used before a noun 1 technical : of, relating to, or caused by an earthquake ▪ seismic activity/data/waves/zones 2 [more seismic; most seismic] : very great or important ▪ Seismic social changes have occurred. ▪ The discovery caused a seismic shift [=a great change] in public attitudes. — seis·mi·cal·ly Listen to audio /ˈsaɪzmɪkli/ adverb ▪ a seismically active region [=a region where many earthquakes occur]

salient

/ˈseɪljənt/ adjective [more salient; most salient] formal : very important or noticeable ▪ the salient facts ▪ a salient characteristic/feature — salience noun [noncount]

seethe

/ˈsi:ð/verb seethes; seethed; seeth·ing [no obj] 1: to feel or show strong emotion (such as anger) even though you try to control it ▪ He seethed at his brother's success.— often + with▪ He seethed with anger/jealousy.▪ The letter seethes with resentment.▪ a seething letter 2: to be in a state of constant activity ▪ We found ourselves in the middle of a seething crowd.— often used as (be) seething with▪ The island is seething with tourists. [=there are very many tourists moving around on the island]▪ The field was seething with crickets.▪ His brain was seething with ideas.

searing

/ˈsirɪŋ/ adjective [more searing; most searing] 1 : very hot ▪ the searing heat of the fire 2 : extremely intense, severe, etc. ▪ She felt a searing pain in her foot. ▪ (chiefly US) It was a searing experience. 3 of writing or speech : very strong and critical ▪ a searing review ▪ She made/launched a searing attack on her political enemies. — sear·ing·ly adverb ▪ searingly hot food

screed

/ˈskri:d/ noun plural screeds [count] disapproving : a long and often angry piece of writing that usually accuses someone of something or complains about something ▪ In her screed against the recording industry, she blamed her producer for ruining her career.

scrupulous

/ˈskru:pjələs/ adjective [more scrupulous; most scrupulous] 1 : very careful about doing something correctly ▪ She was always scrupulous about her work. ▪ The work requires scrupulous attention to detail. ▪ They were scrupulous [=meticulous] in their testing. 2 : careful about doing what is honest and morally right ▪ Less scrupulous companies find ways to evade the law. — scru·pu·lous·ly adverb ▪ a scrupulously clean house

scruple

/ˈskru:pəl/noun plural scruples : a feeling that prevents you from doing something that you think is wrong [count] — usually plural ▪ They seem to have no scruples [=qualms] about distorting the truth.▪ moral/religious scruples▪ a woman without scruples [noncount] ▪ She acted without scruple. verb scruples; scru·pled; scru·pling [+ obj] formal: to be unwilling to do something because you think it is improper, morally wrong, etc. — usually used in negative statements ▪ He did not scruple to lie about it. [=he was willing to lie about it; lying about it did not bother him]

scrum

/ˈskrʌm/ noun plural scrums [count] 1 rugby a : a way of starting play again in which players from each team come together and try to get control of the ball by pushing against each other and using their feet when the ball is thrown in between them b : the group of players who are involved in a scrum 2 : a large group of people who are close together in one place ▪ He pushed through the scrum [=crowd, throng] of holiday shoppers. ▪ The actress was caught in a media scrum. [=a crowd of reporters, photographers, etc.]

squeamish

/ˈskwi:mɪʃ/ adjective [more squeamish; most squeamish] 1 a : afraid to deal with or do things that might hurt or offend people — often used in negative statements ▪ Journalists can't be squeamish. ▪ My parents are not squeamish about talking about sex. ▪ As a supervisor, you can't be squeamish about firing people. b : having an unpleasantly nervous or doubtful feeling ▪ I used to be squeamish about eating raw fish. 2 : easily shocked, offended, or disgusted by unpleasant things ▪ I'm too squeamish to watch horror movies. 3 : having a sick feeling in the stomach : suffering from nausea ▪ She gets squeamish [=queasy] at the sight of blood. the squeamish : squeamish people : people who are easily shocked or offended by unpleasant things ▪ The movie is not for the squeamish. — squea·mish·ness noun [noncount] ▪ You'll have to get over your squeamishness about firing people.

squabble

/ˈskwɑ:bəl/ verb squab·bles; squab·bled; squab·bling [no obj] : to argue loudly about things that are not important ▪ The children were squabbling over the toys. — squabble noun, plural squabbles [count] ▪ A squabble broke out among the children.

squalid

/ˈskwɑ:ləd/ adjective [more squalid; most squalid] 1 : very dirty and unpleasant ▪ The family lived in squalid conditions. ▪ a squalid [=run-down] apartment building 2 : immoral or dishonest ▪ a squalid affair ▪ squalid behavior — squal·id·ness noun [noncount]

squalor

/ˈskwɑ:lɚ/ noun [noncount] : very bad and dirty conditions ▪ The family was living in squalor. ▪ I was shocked by the squalor of their surroundings.

squelch

/ˈskwɛltʃ/ verb squelch·es; squelched; squelch·ing [+ obj] US : to stop (something) from continuing by doing or saying something ▪ A statement was made to squelch [=squash, scotch, quash] the rumors. ▪ Police squelched [=quelled] the protest. = The protest was squelched by police. The aristocracy appropriated fairy tales, thereby squelching folklore's revolutionary soul.

squint

/ˈskwɪnt/ verb squints; squint·ed; squint·ing 1 [no obj] : to look at something with your eyes partly closed ▪ She had to squint to read the small print. ▪ They were squinting into the sun. [=looking toward the sun with their eyes partly closed] ▪ He squinted through the haze of smoke. 2 [+ obj] : to cause (your eyes) to partly close ▪ I had to squint my eyes to focus on the tiny letters. 3 [no obj] chiefly Brit : to have a medical condition that makes your eyes unable to look in the same direction ▪ I noticed that he squints.

scaffold

/ˈskæfəld/ noun 脚手架，绞刑架 plural scaf·folds [count] 1 : a temporary or movable platform or structure on which a person stands or sits while working high above the floor or ground 2 : a platform or structure on which criminals are killed by being hanged or beheaded ▪ The condemned man was led to the scaffold.

skirmish

/ˈskɚmɪʃ/ noun plural skir·mish·es [count] 1 : a brief and usually unplanned fight during a war ▪ Skirmishes broke out between rebel groups. ▪ Violent skirmishes with the enemy continue despite talks of peace. 2 : a minor or brief argument or disagreement ▪ a political skirmish verb skirmishes; skirmished; skirmish·ing [no obj] : to be involved in a skirmish ▪ Rebel groups are skirmishing with military forces. ▪ The presidential candidates skirmished over their economic plans.

scurrilous

/ˈskɚrələs/ adjective [more scurrilous; most scurrilous] formal : said or done unfairly to make people have a bad opinion of someone ▪ scurrilous attacks on the senator ▪ scurrilous rumors — scur·ri·lous·ly adverb

scourge

/ˈskɚʤ/ noun plural scourg·es [count] 1 formal + literary : someone or something that causes a great amount of trouble or suffering ▪ a city ravaged by the scourge of unemployment/poverty ▪ The disease continues to be a scourge in the developing world. ▪ Spelling is the scourge of learners of English. [=spelling is very difficult for people who are learning English] 2 : a whip that was used to punish people in the past

skittish

/ˈskɪtɪʃ/ adjective [more skittish; most skittish] 1 of an animal : easily frightened or excited ▪ a skittish horse 2 : nervous or fearful about doing something ▪ We've been skittish about taking on such a large mortgage. ▪ skittish consumers/investors 3 chiefly US : tending to change often : not dependable or stable ▪ a skittish stock market — skit·tish·ly adverb — skit·tish·ness noun [noncount]

schizoid

/ˈskɪtˌsoɪd/adjective 1technical: relating to or having schizophrenia ▪ schizoid symptoms/patients 2: changing frequently between opposite states ▪ With his schizoid nature, you never know whether he will disagree or agree with you.▪ The biography shows how schizoid [=changeable, varied] his career has been.

tawdry

/ˈtɑ:dri/ adjective taw·dri·er; taw·dri·est disapproving 1 : having a cheap and ugly appearance ▪ tawdry [=tacky] decorations 2 : morally low or bad ▪ The scandal was a tawdry affair. — taw·dri·ness /ˈtɑ:drinəs/ noun [noncount]

sly

/ˈslaɪ/ adjective sli·er or sly·er; sli·est or sly·est [also more sly; most sly] 1 : clever in a dishonest way ▪ a sly con man ▪ a sly scheme 2 : showing that you know a secret ▪ a sly wink/glance/smile on the sly informal : in a secret way ▪ They've been meeting each other on the sly. [=secretly] — sly·ly adverb ▪ He winked slyly. — sly·ness noun [noncount]

slouch

/ˈslaʊtʃ/ verb slouch·es; slouched; slouch·ing [no obj] : to walk, sit, or stand lazily with your head and shoulders bent forward ▪ Sit up straight. Please don't slouch. ▪ She slouched into the room. ▪ The boy was slouching over his school books.

slacker

/ˈslækɚ/ noun plural slack·ers [count] informal : a person who avoids work and responsibilities ▪ The people I work with are a bunch of slackers.

slant

/ˈslænt/ verb slants; slant·ed; slant·ing 1 : to not be level or straight up and down [no obj] ▪ The floor slants [=slopes] down slightly. ▪ a slanting table ▪ His handwriting slants [=leans] to the left. ▪ The sunlight slanted down through the leaves and branches of the trees. [+ obj] ▪ She slanted her hat a little to the right. 2 [+ obj] : to present (something, such as a news story) in a way that favors a particular group, opinion, etc. ▪ They deliberately slanted the story to make themselves look good. — often used as (be) slanted ▪ The media coverage of the strike was slanted against the union. — slanted adjective [more slanted; most slanted] ▪ Her attic bedroom has slanted ceilings. ▪ a slanted roof/floor ▪ The news program claimed to be objective but was very slanted. [=biased] noun plural slants 1 [singular] : a direction, line, or surface that is not level or straight up and down ▪ The computer keyboard is positioned at a slant so that typing is more comfortable for the wrists. ▪ He sliced the carrots on a/the slant. 2 [count] : a way of thinking about, describing, or discussing something — usually singular ▪ The book offers a new slant on the history of the country. ▪ The latest evidence puts an entirely different slant on the case. ▪ His writings have a liberal/religious slant.

sloshed

/ˈslɑ:ʃt/ adjective [more sloshed; most sloshed] slang : very drunk ▪ They were/got totally sloshed last night.

smorgasbord

/ˈsmoɚgəsˌboɚd/ noun [singular] 1 : a meal with many different foods that are placed on a large table so that people can serve themselves : buffet 2 : a large mixture of many different things ▪ We were presented with a smorgasbord [=variety] of options.

smolder

/ˈsmoʊldɚ/ verb smol·ders; smol·dered; smol·der·ing [no obj] 1 : to burn slowly without flames but usually with smoke ▪ The remains of the campfire smoldered. ▪ smoldering ruins ▪ a smoldering fire 2 literary a : to feel a strong emotion but keep it hidden ▪ He smoldered with lust. ▪ Her eyes smoldered with anger. b : to be felt strongly by someone without being directly shown or expressed ▪ Anger smoldered in my heart. ▪ Their discontent smoldered [=simmered] for years. 3 : to be attractive in a sexy way ▪ He gave her a smoldering look. [=he looked at her in a very sexy way]

smirk

/ˈsmɚk/ verb 冷笑 [no obj] : to smile in an unpleasant way because you are pleased with yourself, glad about someone else's trouble, etc. ▪ She tried not to smirk when they announced the winner. — often + at ▪ She smirked at the thought of how this would hurt him. — smirk noun, plural smirks [count] ▪ He had a big smirk on his face when he told me the news.

smitten

/ˈsmɪtn̩/ adjective [more smitten; most smitten] 1 : in love with someone or something ▪ From the moment he saw her, he was smitten. — usually + by or with ▪ He was smitten with her from the moment he laid eyes on her. ▪ I was smitten by his good looks. ▪ consumers smitten with the latest gadgets 2 : suddenly affected by something (such as a strong emotion or a serious illness) — usually + by or with ▪ He was smitten by disaster. ▪ She was smitten with terror.

smuggle

/ˈsmʌgəl/ verb smug·gles; smug·gled; smug·gling [+ obj] 1 : to move (someone or something) from one country into another illegally and secretly ▪ He was arrested for smuggling drugs into the country. ▪ They smuggled immigrants across the border. ▪ The paintings had been smuggled out of the country before the war. ▪ smuggled goods 2 informal : to take or bring (something) secretly ▪ We smuggled his favorite sandwich past the nurse. — smug·gler Listen to audio /ˈsmʌglɚ/ noun, plural smug·glers [count] ▪ drug smugglers

smother

/ˈsmʌðɚ/ verb smoth·ers; smoth·ered; smoth·er·ing [+ obj] 1 : to kill (someone) by covering the face so that breathing is not possible ▪ He tried to smother her with a pillow. 2 : to cover (something) in order to keep it from growing or spreading ▪ She smothered the fire with a blanket. — often used figuratively ▪ She smothered her son with love/affection. [=she gave her son a lot of love and affection in a way that prevented him from feeling free to live his own life] 3 : to try to keep (something) from happening : to try to stop doing (something) ▪ I tried to smother [=stifle, suppress] a yawn. 4 : to cover (something or someone) thickly or completely ▪ She smothers her pancakes in/with syrup. [=she puts a lot of syrup on her pancakes] ▪ The potatoes were smothered in gravy. ▪ She smothered him with/in kisses. [=she kissed him many times]

snipe

/ˈsnaɪp/ verb snipes; sniped; snip·ing 1 [no obj] : to shoot at someone from a hidden place ▪ Enemy fighters sniped at them from vacant buildings. 2 : to criticize someone or something in a harsh or unfair way [no obj] — usually + at ▪ The candidates have been sniping at each other in speeches. [+ obj] ▪ One of the senators sniped, "What does he think this is, a monarchy?" — sniping noun [noncount] ▪ Soldiers took cover when the sniping started. ▪ There has been a lot of sniping between the candidates.

snag

/ˈsnæg/ noun plural snags [count] 1 : an unexpected problem or difficulty ▪ We hit a snag with our travel plans. = We ran into a snag with our travel plans. [=we had a problem with our travel plans] 2 : a sharp or broken part of something that sticks out from a smooth surface ▪ I caught my sleeve on a snag and tore it. 3 : a thread that sticks out from a piece of cloth ▪ My sweater has a snag where I caught it on a nail. 4 : a dead tree or tree stump that is still standing up ▪ After the fire, there were a few snags still smoldering.

saunter

/ˈsɑ:ntɚ/ verb saun·ters; saun·tered; saun·ter·ing always followed by an adverb or preposition [no obj] : to walk along in a slow and relaxed manner : stroll ▪ They sauntered slowly down the street. ▪ Some girls sauntered by. ▪ He sauntered into the store. — saunter noun [singular] ▪ We took a saunter around the town.

snappy

/ˈsnæpi/ adjective snap·pi·er; snap·pi·est [also more snappy; most snappy] informal 1 a : exciting or lively ▪ snappy colors ▪ a snappy tune b : moving or able to move quickly ▪ a snappy pace ▪ a car with a snappy engine 2 : fashionable or stylish ▪ a snappy [=sharp] dresser ▪ a snappy [=snazzy] bow tie 3 : clever and funny ▪ a snappy [=witty] joke/remark ▪ The show is well-acted, and the dialogue is snappy. 4 : feeling or showing irritation : snappish ▪ He got pretty snappy about it. ▪ She was awfully snappy with me. make it snappy or Brit look snappy informal : to act, move, or go quickly : hurry up ▪ Clean your room, and make it snappy! [=do it quickly] — snap·pi·ly Listen to audio /ˈsnæpəli/ adverb ▪ snappily written essays ▪ snappily dressed

sordid

/ˈsoɚdəd/ adjective [more sordid; most sordid] formal 1 : very bad or dishonest ▪ He shared the sordid details of his past. ▪ sordid business deals ▪ a sordid scandal/affair 2 : very dirty : filthy ▪ sordid living conditions the viewer can't help but feel implicated in the sordid business of turning a triple homicide into an entertainment.

spearhead

/ˈspiɚˌhɛd/ noun plural spear·heads [count] : a person, thing, or group that organizes or leads something (such as a movement or attack) ▪ Her book was the spearhead of the clean water movement. verb spearheads; spearhead·ed; spearhead·ing [+ obj] : to be the leader of (something, such as a political movement) ▪ She spearheaded the campaign for better schools. ▪ The movement was spearheaded by the teachers' union.

spurious

/ˈspjɚrijəs/ adjective 1 : not genuine, sincere, or authentic ▪ spurious [=fake] gems ▪ spurious [=insincere] kindness 2 : based on false ideas or bad reasoning ▪ spurious claims/justifications — spu·ri·ous·ly adverb — spu·ri·ous·ness noun [noncount]

spasm

/ˈspæzəm/ noun plural spasms [count] 1 : a sudden uncontrolled and often painful tightening of a muscle ▪ violent back spasms ▪ a disease that causes muscle spasms 2 : a sudden and usually brief occurrence of something you cannot control ▪ He was racked with coughing spasms. ▪ She was suffering spasms of guilt. ▪ spasms of joy/rage

spur

/ˈspɚ/noun plural spurs 1 [count] : a sharp pointed object that is attached to the heel of a horse rider's boot and that is pressed into the horse's side to make the horse go faster 2 [singular] : something that makes you want to do something or that causes something to happen :incentive— often + to▪ The reward was offered as a spur to greater work/achievement.▪ a spur to the imagination 3 [count] : a mass of sharp rock on the side of a mountain 4 [count] : a short section of railway track that leads from the main line on/at the spur of the moment ◊If something is done on/at the spur of the moment, it is done immediately without planning. ▪ We decided on the spur of the moment to go to the beach. — see also spur-of-the-moment win/earn your spurs : to do something which shows that you deserve to be respected or noticed ▪ He earned/won his spurs by doubling the company's profits in the past year. verb spurs; spurred; spur·ring [+ obj] 1: to encourage (someone) to do or achieve something ▪ The reward spurred them to work harder.— often + on▪ His encouragement spurred them on to finish the project. 2: to cause (something) to happen or to happen more quickly ▪ Lower interest rates should spur economic growth. 3: to urge (a horse) to go faster by pushing spurs into its sides ▪ He spurred the horse onward.

spiffy

/ˈspɪfi/ adjective spiff·i·er; spiff·i·est chiefly US, informal : neat, stylish, and attractive ▪ a spiffy new uniform ▪ She looked very spiffy in her new dress.

spinster

/ˈspɪnstɚ/ noun plural spin·sters [count] old-fashioned + often disapproving : an unmarried woman who is past the usual age for marrying and is considered unlikely to marry — now often considered an insulting word ▪ She was afraid of becoming a spinster. ▪ my spinster aunts — spin·ster·hood Listen to audio /ˈspɪnstɚˌhʊd/ noun [noncount]

stymie

/ˈstaɪmi/ verb sty·mies; sty·mied; sty·mie·ing [+ obj] : to stop (someone) from doing something or to stop (something) from happening ▪ The bad weather has stymied [=thwarted] the police in their investigations. ▪ Progress on the project has been stymied by lack of money.

sterile

/ˈsterəl, Brit ˈstɛˌrajəl/ adjective (antonym: fertile) [more sterile; most sterile] 1 : not able to produce crops or plants ▪ sterile soil/fields 2 a : not able to produce children, young animals, etc. ▪ Mules are sterile. ▪ sterile offspring b : not able to grow or develop ▪ sterile eggs 3 : clean and free of bacteria and germs ▪ a sterile dressing for a wound ▪ sterile needles 4 : not producing or containing new ideas, useful results, etc. ▪ a sterile debate/subject 5 : very plain and not interesting or attractive ▪ a sterile building/room — ste·ril·i·ty Listen to audio /stəˈrɪləti/ noun [noncount] ▪ a disease that causes sterility ▪ emotional/creative sterility

stale

/ˈsteɪl/ adjective stal·er; stal·est [more stale; most stale] 1 a of food : no longer good or appealing : no longer fresh ▪ stale food ▪ stale bread b : not clean, clear, or pure : having an unpleasant taste or smell ▪ stale air/water ▪ a room filled with stale smoke 2 : not interesting or new : boring or unoriginal ▪ stale news/jokes ▪ Their relationship went stale. [=became dull or predictable] 3 : not as strong, effective, or energetic as before ▪ She felt stale [=bored] in her job.

stalemate

/ˈsteɪlˌmeɪt/ noun plural stale·mates 1 : a contest, dispute, competition, etc., in which neither side can gain an advantage or win [count] ▪ The budget debate ended in a stalemate. ▪ The new agreement could break the stalemate. [noncount] ▪ The budget debate ended in stalemate. 2 [count, noncount] : a situation in chess in which a player cannot successfully move any of the pieces and neither player can win ▪ The game ended in (a) stalemate. — compare checkmate — stalemate verb, stalemates; stalemat·ed; stalemat·ing [+ obj] ▪ He was stalemated by the opposition.

strenuous

/ˈstrɛnjəwəs/ adjective [more strenuous; most strenuous] : requiring or showing great energy and effort ▪ Avoid all strenuous exercise until the sprain heals. ▪ a strenuous climb ▪ Today has been a very strenuous day. ▪ strenuous efforts ▪ The proposal has faced strenuous opposition. — stren·u·ous·ly adverb

stagnate

/ˈstægˌneɪt/verb stag·nates; stag·nat·ed; stag·nat·ing [no obj] : to stop developing, progressing, moving, etc. : to be or become stagnant ▪ Wages have stagnated recently.▪ Their relationship is stagnating.▪ a puddle of stagnating water — stag·na·tion /stægˈneɪʃən/noun [noncount]

stash

/ˈstæʃ/ verb stash·es; stashed; stash·ing [+ obj] informal : to put (something) in a secret or hidden place ▪ The police found where he had stashed the drugs. ▪ The gifts were stashed in the closet. ▪ He stashed the equipment under the bed. ▪ We wondered what they had stashed in their backpacks. — often + away ▪ She kept her money stashed safely away. ▪ The papers were stashed away in a box.

stomp

/ˈstɑ:mp/ verb stomps; stomped; stomp·ing 1 always followed by an adverb or preposition [no obj] : to walk or move with very heavy or noisy steps ▪ He stomped angrily out of the room. ▪ She stomped [=stamped] around the yard in her muddy boots. 2 [+ obj] chiefly US : to put (your foot) down forcefully and noisily ▪ He angrily stomped [=stamped] his foot. ▪ The fans were stomping their feet and shouting. stomp on [phrasal verb] stomp on (someone or something) : to step on (something or someone) very forcefully ▪ He stomped on the bug. ▪ The elephant almost stomped on them. ▪ I stomped on the brakes. stomp out [phrasal verb] stomp out (something) 1 : to stop or destroy (something bad) ▪ They are determined to stomp out [=stamp out] corruption. 2 : to stop (something) from burning by stepping on it forcefully with your feet ▪ She stomped out her cigarette.

staunch

/ˈstɑ:ntʃ/ adjective staunch·er; staunch·est always used before a noun [also more staunch; most staunch] : very devoted or loyal to a person, belief, or cause ▪ She is a staunch advocate of women's rights. ▪ He's a staunch believer in the value of regular exercise. ▪ I'm one of his staunchest supporters. — staunch·ly adverb ▪ She is staunchly opposed to the death penalty.

stanch

/ˈstɑ:ntʃ/verb stanch·es or staunch·es; stanched or staunched; stanch·ing or staunch·ing [+ obj] : to stop something (especially blood) from flowing ▪ He used a towel to try to stanch the (flow of) blood.▪ I applied pressure to stanch the wound. [=to stop the flow of blood from the wound]

stealthy

/ˈstɛlθi/ adjective stealth·i·er; stealth·i·est [also more stealthy; most stealthy] : quiet and secret in order to avoid being noticed ▪ the stealthy movements of the crocodile ▪ a stealthy burglar — stealth·i·ly Listen to audio /ˈstɛlθəli/ adverb ▪ She moved stealthily from room to room.

stench

/ˈstɛntʃ/ noun [singular] : a very bad smell : stink ▪ the stench of rotting meat — sometimes used figuratively ▪ the stench of corruption/fear

stint

/ˈstɪnt/ noun plural stints [count] : a period of time spent doing a certain job or activity ▪ He had a brief stint as a mail carrier. ▪ a four-year stint in the army verb stints; stint·ed; stint·ing [no obj] : to use or give something in limited amounts — usually + on or with ▪ She doesn't stint on spices in her cooking. [=she uses a lot of spices] ▪ He can be stinting with praise. [=he tends not to praise people very often]

stubble

/ˈstʌbəl/noun [noncount] 1: short hairs growing from the face of a man who has not shaved very recently ▪ He ran his hand over his stubble. — see picture at beard 2: the short ends of crops left in the ground after the crops have been cut down — stub·bled /ˈstʌbəld/adjective ▪ his stubbled chin▪ We drove past stubbled fields. — stub·bly /ˈstʌbəli/adjective ▪ a stubbly beard

svelte

/ˈsvɛlt/ adjective [more svelte; most svelte] : thin in an attractive or graceful way : slender ▪ She has a svelte figure. ▪ a svelte young actor ▪ a svelte aircraft

sabotage

/ˈsæbəˌtɑ:ʒ/ noun and verb [noncount] : the act of destroying or damaging something deliberately so that it does not work correctly ▪ Angry workers were responsible for the sabotage of the machines. ▪ terrorists engaging in (deliberate) acts of sabotage ▪ Officials have not yet ruled out sabotage as a possible cause of the crash. ▪ industrial sabotage verb sabotag·es; sabotaged; sabotag·ing [+ obj] 1 : to destroy or damage (something) deliberately so that it does not work correctly ▪ They sabotaged the enemy's oil fields. ▪ The airplane crashed because it was sabotaged. 2 : to cause the failure of (something) deliberately ▪ The lawyer is trying to sabotage the case by creating confusion. ▪ The deal was sabotaged by an angry employee. — sometimes used figuratively ▪ Bad weather sabotaged [=ruined] our plans.

sapphic

/ˈsæfɪk/ adjective always used before a noun formal + literary : of or relating to sexual relations between women : lesbian ▪ a sapphic relationship ▪ sapphic lovers

salvage

/ˈsælvɪʤ/ noun and verb [noncount] 1 : the act of saving something (such as a building, a ship, or cargo) that is in danger of being completely destroyed ▪ The ship was beyond salvage. ▪ salvage attempts/efforts/operations 2 : something (such as cargo) that is saved from a wreck, fire, etc. ▪ the salvage from the wrecked ship ▪ (US) I got the part from an auto salvage place. [=from a junkyard; from a place where broken cars are taken so that their parts can be removed and sold] verb salvag·es; salvaged; salvag·ing [+ obj] 1 : to remove (something) from a place so that it will not be damaged, destroyed, or lost ▪ Divers salvaged some of the sunken ship's cargo. ▪ Few of their possessions were salvaged from the fire. 2 : to save (something valuable or important) : to prevent the loss of (something) ▪ He is trying to salvage his marriage/reputation. — sal·vage·able /ˈsælvɪʤəbəl/ adjective ▪ The marriage was not salvageable.

saturnine

/ˈsætɚˌnaɪn/ adjective [more saturnine; most saturnine] literary : very serious and unhappy ▪ his saturnine [=sullen] looks ▪ He is saturnine in temperament.

sanguine

/ˈsæŋgwən/ adjective [more sanguine; most sanguine] formal : confident and hopeful ▪ She has a sanguine disposition/temperament. ▪ He is sanguine about the company's future.

solstice

/ˈsɑ:lstəs/ noun plural sol·stic·es [count] : one of the two times during the year when the sun is farthest north or south of the equator ◊The summer solstice occurs around June 22 and the winter solstice occurs around December 22. — compare equinox

solace

/ˈsɑ:ləs/ noun formal : someone or something that gives a feeling of comfort to a person who is sad, depressed, etc. : a source of comfort [singular] ▪ Her presence was a great solace for/to me. [noncount] — often + in ▪ We took/found solace in the knowledge that she hadn't been alone at the end. ▪ I urged him not to seek solace in alcohol. [=I urged him not to drink to feel better]

sift

/ˈsɪft/ verb sifts; sift·ed; sift·ing 1 [+ obj] a : to put (flour, sugar, etc.) through a sifter or sieve ▪ Sift the flour into a mixing bowl. ▪ sifted flour b : to separate or remove (something) by using a sifter or sieve ▪ Sift the lumps from the sugar. — often + out ▪ Sift out the rocks from the sand. — often used figuratively ▪ The lawyer sifted out the relevant facts of the case. 2 : to go through (something) very carefully in order to find something useful or valuable [+ obj] ▪ The police sifted the evidence in hopes of finding a clue. [no obj] ▪ The police sifted for clues. ▪ The lawyer sifted through the hundreds of pages of testimony. ▪ Firefighters sifted through the debris.

sycophant

/ˈsɪkəfənt/ noun 马屁精 plural sy·co·phants [count] formal + disapproving : a person who praises powerful people in order to get their approval — sy·co·phan·cy /ˈsɪkəfənsi/ noun [noncount] ▪ Her praise was obvious sycophancy. — sy·co·phan·tic /ˌsɪkəˈfæntɪk/ adjective [more sycophantic; most sycophantic] ▪ sycophantic praise/flattery

sinuous

/ˈsɪnjəwəs/ adjective [more sinuous; most sinuous] formal + literary 1 : having many twists and turns ▪ a sinuous [=winding] road ▪ sinuous vines 2 : moving and bending in a smooth and attractive way ▪ a sinuous dancer ▪ She moved with sinuous grace. — sin·u·ous·ly adverb

scintillating

/ˈsɪntəˌleɪtɪŋ/ adjective [more scintillating; most scintillating] : very clever, amusing, and interesting ▪ a scintillating lecture/discussion

sublimate

/ˈsʌbləˌmeɪt/ verb sub·li·mates; sub·li·mat·ed; sub·li·mat·ing [+ obj] psychology : to express a desire or feeling by changing it into a form that is socially acceptable ▪ She sublimated her erotic feelings into a series of paintings. ▪ I sublimated my grief at the death of my mother by throwing myself into my work. — sub·li·ma·tion Listen to audio /ˌsʌbləˈmeɪʃən/ noun [noncount]

suffrage

/ˈsʌfrɪʤ/ noun [noncount] : the right to vote in an election ▪ women who fought for suffrage ▪ universal suffrage [=the right of all adult citizens to vote in an election]

teeter

/ˈti:tɚ/ verb tee·ters; tee·tered; tee·ter·ing [no obj] : to move in an unsteady way back and forth or from side to side ▪ The pile of books teetered and fell to the floor. ▪ She teetered down the street in her high heels. — often used figuratively ▪ Our relationship teeters between friendship and romance. ▪ The bird is teetering on the edge of extinction. [=the bird is almost extinct] ▪ The countries are teetering on the brink of war. [=the countries are close to going to war]

troubadour

/ˈtru:bəˌdoɚ/ noun plural trou·ba·dours [count] : a writer and performer of songs or poetry in the Middle Ages

transient

/ˈtrænzijənt/ adjective [more transient; most transient] formal 1 : not lasting long ▪ transient joys 2 : staying somewhere only a short time ▪ a transient population ▪ transient guests — tran·sience Listen to audio /ˈtrænzijəns/ noun [noncount] ▪ the transience of fame/joy — transiently adverb

tryst

/ˈtrɪst/ noun plural trysts [count] literary : a meeting by lovers at a secret time or place

tweedy

/ˈtwi:di/ adjective tweed·i·er; tweed·i·est [also more tweedy; most tweedy] 1 : made of tweed or resembling tweed ▪ The fabric is a tweedy blend of wool and mohair. ▪ a tweedy jacket 2 informal : wearing tweed clothing or tending to wear tweed clothing — used to describe members of the British upper class, college professors, etc. ▪ The new laws banning fox hunting caused outrage in tweedy circles. ▪ a tweedy English gentleman ▪ a tweedy professor

tweak

/ˈtwi:k/ verb tweaks; tweaked; tweak·ing [+ obj] 1 : to change (something) slightly in order to improve it : to make small adjustments to (something) ▪ The company may have to tweak [=adjust] its image. ▪ Our software developers are tweaking [=fine-tuning] the program. ▪ We just wanted to tweak his original idea a bit. 2 : to injure (a part of your body) slightly ▪ He tweaked his ankle playing soccer. 3 : to pinch and pull (something) with a sudden movement ▪ My brother hates it when our grandmother tweaks his cheek. 4 chiefly US : to criticize or make fun of (someone or something) ▪ His friends tweaked [=teased] him for gaining weight.

taxidermy

/ˈtæksəˌdɚmi/ noun [noncount] : the skill, activity, or job of preparing, stuffing, and mounting the skins of dead animals so that they look like they did when they were alive — taxi·der·mist /ˈtæksəˌdɚmɪst/ noun, plural taxi·der·mists [count]

tandem

/ˈtændəm/ noun plural tan·dems [count] 1 : tandem bicycle 2 chiefly US : a group of two people or things that work together or are associated with each other ▪ The team has a tandem of talented guards. ▪ He and his partner make/form quite a tandem. [=duo] in tandem of two people, groups, or things : working or happening together or at the same time ▪ They moved in tandem. ▪ The two products can be used alone or in tandem. ▪ They're working in tandem with scientists from England to find a cure.

tantrum

/ˈtæntrəm/ noun plural tan·trums [count] : an uncontrolled expression of childish anger : an angry outburst by a child or by someone who is behaving like a child ▪ When he doesn't get his way, he has/throws a tantrum. [=he gets very angry and upset and behaves like a child] ▪ a temper tantrum

tantamount

/ˈtæntəˌmaʊnt/adjective : equal to something in value, meaning, or effect ▪ His statement was tantamount to an admission of guilt.▪ They see any criticism of the President as tantamount to treason.

tapestry

/ˈtæpəstri/ noun plural tap·es·tries [count] 1 : a heavy cloth that has designs or pictures woven into it and that is used for wall hangings, curtains, etc. ▪ an ancient/medieval tapestry 2 : something made up of different things, people, colors, etc. — often + of ▪ a tapestry of ideas ▪ the rich tapestry of life in the city ▪ (chiefly Brit) Whether you win or lose, it's all part of life's rich tapestry. — tap·es·tried Listen to audio /ˈtæpəstrid/ adjective ▪ tapestried halls

tacit

/ˈtæsət/ adjective formal : expressed or understood without being directly stated ▪ She felt that she had her parents' tacit approval to borrow the car. ▪ There was a tacit agreement that he would pay off the loan. — tac·it·ly adverb ▪ They felt that he had tacitly agreed to their proposal by not objecting to it.

taunt

/ˈtɑ:nt/verb taunts; taunt·ed; taunt·ing [+ obj] : to say insulting things to (someone) in order to make that person angry ▪ The boys continually taunted each other. — taunt noun, plural taunts [count] ▪ He suffered the taunts of the other children. — taunt·er noun, plural taunt·ers [count] — taunt·ing·ly /ˈtɑ:ntɪŋli/adverb

topple

/ˈtɑ:pəl/ verb top·ples; top·pled; top·pling 1 : to cause (something) to become unsteady and fall [+ obj] ▪ The strong winds toppled many trees. ▪ The earthquake toppled the buildings. [no obj] ▪ The tree toppled into the river. — often + over ▪ The pile of books toppled over. 2 [+ obj] a : to remove (a government or a leader) from power : overthrow ▪ The rebels tried to topple the dictator. b US : to win a victory over (someone or something) in a war, contest, etc. ▪ The team was toppled [=beaten, defeated] in the first round. ▪ The phone company has toppled its local competition.

terse

/ˈtɚs/ adjective : brief and direct in a way that may seem rude or unfriendly ▪ a terse statement/sentence/summary ▪ She gave me a few terse instructions and promptly left the room. synonyms concise — terse·ly adverb ▪ a tersely worded reply — terse·ness noun [noncount]

tenuous

/ˈtɛnjəwəs/ adjective [more tenuous; most tenuous] 1 : not certain, definite, or strong : flimsy, weak, or uncertain ▪ He has a tenuous grasp/grip/hold on reality. ▪ a tenuous hypothesis/relationship ▪ The local theater has had a tenuous existence in recent years. ▪ He could demonstrate only a tenuous claim to ownership. ▪ The connection between his absence and the robbery is tenuous [=shaky] at best. 2 literary : very thin ▪ the silkworm's tenuous threads — ten·u·ous·ly adverb ▪ He was tenuously linked to the crime.

tenable

/ˈtɛnəbəl/ adjective [more tenable; most tenable] formal : capable of being defended against attack or criticism ▪ The theory is no longer tenable. [=defensible] ▪ a tenable argument

tepid

/ˈtɛpəd/ adjective [more tepid; most tepid] 1 : not hot and not cold : warm ▪ a tepid [=lukewarm] bath 2 : not energetic or excited ▪ He gave a tepid performance. ▪ My suggestion was given a tepid response.

titillate

/ˈtɪtəˌleɪt/ verb tit·il·lates; tit·il·lat·ed; tit·il·lat·ing : to interest or excite (someone) in an enjoyable and often sexual way [+ obj] ▪ a film made to titillate the audience [no obj] ▪ writing that titillates and provokes — titillating adjective [more titillating; most titillating] ▪ titillating gossip ▪ an intentionally titillating movie — tit·il·la·tion Listen to audio /ˌtɪtəˈleɪʃən/ noun [noncount] ▪ sexual titillation

tizzy

/ˈtɪzi/ noun [singular] informal : a state in which you feel very worried, upset, and confused ▪ She's always getting in/into a tizzy over minor things. —called also (Brit) tizz

chide

/ˈtʃaɪd/ verb chides; chid·ed /ˈtʃaɪdəd/; chid·ing /ˈtʃaɪdɪŋ/ [+ obj] : to express mild disapproval of (someone) : to scold (someone) gently ▪ She chided us for arriving late. ▪ "You really should have been here on time," she chided.

chore

/ˈtʃoɚ/ noun plural chores [count] 1 : a small job that is done regularly ▪ The children were each assigned different household chores. ▪ farm chores ▪ I liked the simple chore of bringing in the firewood. synonyms 1task 2 : a dull, unpleasant, or difficult job or experience ▪ Doing taxes can be a real chore. ▪ That movie is a chore to sit through.

chortle

/ˈtʃoɚtl̟/verb chor·tles; chor·tled; chor·tling : to laugh because you are amused or pleased by something [no obj] ▪ She chortled [=chuckled] with delight. [+ obj] ▪ He chortled, "You're going to love this." — chortle noun, plural chortles [count] ▪ The gift was received with chortles of delight.

checkered

/ˈtʃɛkɚd/ adjective 1 : having a pattern made up of squares of different colors ▪ a checkered [=checked] pattern/fabric/tablecloth 2 a : including good parts and bad parts ▪ He has had a checkered career with many ups and downs. b [more checkered; most checkered] : including many problems or failures ▪ The senator has a checkered past. [=he has done bad things or been in trouble in the past] ▪ When it comes to labor relations, the company has a somewhat checkered history. [=the company has sometimes had problems with labor relations]

tussle

/ˈtʌsəl/ verb tus·sles; tus·sled; tus·sling [no obj] 1 : to fight or struggle with (someone) by grabbing or pushing ▪ The two basketball players tussled for the ball. ▪ Some guy tussled [=scuffled] with a security guard for a few minutes before he was arrested. 2 : to argue or compete with (someone) ▪ The residents of the neighborhood tussled with city hall for years about the broken parking meters. noun plural tussles [count] 1 : a short fight or struggle ▪ The suspect was arrested after a tussle with a security guard. 2 : an argument or a dispute ▪ a tussle for control of the company ▪ The President is in for another tussle with Congress.

valorize

/ˈvaləˌrīz/ verb Give or ascribe value or validity to (something): "the culture valorizes the man". Raise or fix the price or value of (a commodity or currency) by artificial means, esp. by government action.

vie

/ˈvaɪ/ verb vies; vied; vy·ing Listen to audio/ˈvajɪŋ/ [no obj] : to compete with others in an attempt to get or win something ▪ They are vying to win the championship for the third year in a row. — often + for or with ▪ Two young men were vying for her attention. ▪ They vied with each other for first place.

vagaries

/ˈveɪgəriz/ noun [plural] formal : changes that are difficult to predict or control — usually + of ▪ Our plans are subject to the vagaries of the weather. ▪ the vagaries of the heart

virile

/ˈvirəl, Brit ˈvɪˌraɪl/ adjective [more virile; most virile] : having or suggesting qualities (such as strength and sexual energy) that are associated with men and that are usually considered attractive in men ▪ virile young athletes ▪ a virile writing style — vi·ril·i·ty Listen to audio /vəˈrɪləti/ noun [noncount] ▪ an actor admired for his virility

ad hoc

/ˈædˈhɑ:k/ adjective 1 : formed or used for a special purpose ▪ The mayor appointed an ad hoc committee to study the project. 2 : made or done without planning because of an immediate need ▪ We had to make some ad hoc changes to the plans. ▪ We'll hire more staff on an ad hoc basis. — ad hoc adverb ▪ The decisions were made ad hoc.

virulent

/ˈvirələnt/ adjective [more virulent; most virulent] 1 a : full of hate or anger ▪ virulent racists/racism b : extremely or excessively harsh or strong ▪ virulent criticism/remarks ▪ The country seemed to be returning to the virulent nationalism of its past. 2 : extremely dangerous and deadly and usually spreading very quickly ▪ a virulent disease/infection — vir·u·lence Listen to audio /ˈvirələns/ noun [noncount] ▪ the virulence of a particular strain of the disease ▪ The virulence of the protest was surprising. — vir·u·lent·ly adverb ▪ a virulently racist comment ▪ She virulently opposes the proposed new law.

vortex

/ˈvoɚˌtɛks/ noun plural vor·ti·ces Listen to audio/ˈvoɚtəˌsi:z/ also vor·tex·es Listen to audio/ˈvoɚˌtɛksəz/ [count] technical : a mass of spinning air, liquid, etc., that pulls things into its center — sometimes used figuratively ▪ He was caught in a swirling vortex of terror. Shin Buddhism stood squarely at the vortex of these events of the Meiji period.

valiant

/ˈvæljənt/ adjective [more valiant; most valiant] somewhat formal : having or showing courage : very brave or courageous ▪ a valiant soldier ▪ She died last year after a valiant battle with cancer. ▪ Despite their valiant efforts, they lost the game. ▪ She made a valiant attempt to fix the problem. — val·iant·ly adverb ▪ They fought valiantly.

vandal

/ˈvændl̟/ noun plural van·dals [count] : a person who deliberately destroys or damages property : a person who vandalizes something ▪ Vandals defaced the school's walls.

versatile

/ˈvɚsətl̟, Brit ˈvə:səˌtajəl/ adjective [more versatile; most versatile] 1 : able to do many different things ▪ She is a versatile athlete who participates in many different sports. 2 : having many different uses ▪ A pocketknife is a versatile tool. — ver·sa·til·i·ty Listen to audio /ˌvɚsəˈtɪləti/ noun [noncount]

vector

/ˈvɛktɚ/ noun plural vec·tors [count] 1 mathematics : a quantity (such as velocity) that has size and direction 2 technical : the course or direction of an airplane Eltahawy said women are "vectors" of culture and religion. 3 biology : an insect, animal, etc., that carries germs that cause disease ▪ a mosquito that is the principal vector of yellow fever

ventilate

/ˈvɛntəˌleɪt/ verb ven·ti·lates; ven·ti·lat·ed; ven·ti·lat·ing [+ obj] 1 : to allow fresh air to enter and move through (a room, building, etc.) ▪ She opened the windows to ventilate the room. ▪ The room was adequately/poorly ventilated. 2 formal : to express or discuss (something) openly or publicly ▪ ventilate feelings/opinions — ven·ti·la·tion Listen to audio /ˌvɛntəˈleɪʃən/ noun [noncount] ▪ The room has adequate/poor ventilation. ▪ They installed a new ventilation system in the building.

venom

/ˈvɛnəm/ noun [noncount] 1 : poison that is produced by an animal (such as a snake) and used to kill or injure another animal usually through biting or stinging 2 : a very strong feeling of anger or hatred ▪ She spoke of him with venom in her voice. ▪ He spewed venom against his rival.

venomous

/ˈvɛnəməs/ adjective [more venomous; most venomous] 1 a : capable of putting poison or venom into another animal's body usually by biting or stinging it ▪ The cobra is a venomous snake. ▪ a venomous spider b : containing venom ▪ a venomous sting/bite 2 : expressing very strong hatred or anger ▪ a venomous attack on his character ▪ venomous comments

villain

/ˈvɪlən/ noun plural vil·lains [count] 1 : a character in a story, movie, etc., who does bad things ▪ comic-book heroes and villains ▪ He plays the villain in most of his movies. 2 somewhat old-fashioned : a person who does bad things ▪ She describes her first husband as a villain who treated her terribly. 3 : someone or something that is blamed for a particular problem or difficulty ▪ Don't try to make me the villain. It's your own fault that you're having these problems. ▪ The article makes the government out to be the villain. = It portrays the government as the villain of the piece. 4 Brit, informal : criminal

vilify

/ˈvɪləˌfaɪ/ verb vil·i·fies; vil·i·fied; vil·i·fy·ing [+ obj] formal : to say or write very harsh and critical things about (someone or something) ▪ He was vilified in the press for his comments. — vil·i·fi·ca·tion /ˌvɪləfəˈkeɪʃən/ noun [noncount]

vindicate

/ˈvɪndəˌkeɪt/ verb vin·di·cates; vin·di·cat·ed; vin·di·cat·ing [+ obj] 1 : to show that (someone) should not be blamed for a crime, mistake, etc. : to show that (someone) is not guilty ▪ They have evidence that will vindicate [=exonerate] her. ▪ She will be completely vindicated by the evidence. 2 : to show that (someone or something that has been criticized or doubted) is correct, true, or reasonable ▪ These discoveries vindicate their theory. ▪ Their approach to the problem has been vindicated by the positive results. ▪ He felt vindicated when the truth became known. — vin·di·ca·tion /ˌvɪndəˈkeɪʃən/ noun [noncount] ▪ She didn't need any further vindication. [singular] ▪ The positive results are a vindication of their approach. For Obama, being re-elected is vindication, but not a mandate.

visceral

/ˈvɪsərəl/ adjective 1 [more visceral; most visceral] literary : coming from strong emotions and not from logic or reason ▪ visceral hatred ▪ Her visceral reaction was to curse at the other driver. 2 medical : of or relating to the viscera ▪ visceral tissues — vis·cer·al·ly adverb ▪ They responded viscerally to the criticism.

wherewithal

/ˈweɚwɪˌðɑ:l, ˈweɚwɪˌθɑ:l/ noun [noncount] : the money, skill, etc., that is needed to get or do something ▪ A project as big as this requires a lot of financial wherewithal. ▪ He doesn't have the wherewithal to finish what he started.

wayward

/ˈweɪˌwɚd/ adjective [more wayward; most wayward] 1 : tending to behave in ways that are not socially acceptable ▪ parents of a wayward teenager 2 : not going or moving in the intended direction ▪ a wayward throw ▪ wayward rockets — way·ward·ly adverb — way·ward·ness noun [noncount]

wield

/ˈwi:ld/ verb wields; wield·ed; wield·ing [+ obj] 1 : to hold (something, such as a tool or weapon) in your hands so that you are ready to use it ▪ The man was wielding a gun/knife. ▪ Can he wield a hammer? 2 : to have and use (power, influence, etc.) ▪ He wields a great deal of influence over his students. ▪ wield clout/power — wield·er noun, plural wield·ers [count] ▪ wielders of power

wean

/ˈwi:n/ verb weans; weaned; wean·ing [+ obj] : to start feeding (a child or young animal) food other than its mother's milk ▪ The calves are weaned at an early age. wean from/off [phrasal verb] wean (someone or something) from/off (something) : to make (someone or something) stop doing or using (something) ▪ efforts to wean the country from its dependence on foreign oil ▪ I'm gradually weaning myself off cigarettes. wean on [phrasal verb] wean (someone) on (something) : to have (someone) see, use, or experience (something) often especially from a young age — usually used as (be) weaned on ▪ a generation of kids weaned on television [=a generation of kids who have watched television a lot since they were very young] ▪ Although born in the 1970s, the singer says she was weaned on the music of the 1940s.

wobble

/ˈwɑ:bəl/ verb wob·bles; wob·bled; wob·bling [no obj] 1 : to move with an unsteady side-to-side motion ▪ The vase wobbled but didn't fall over. ▪ The boy was wobbling along on his bicycle. ▪ The table wobbles a little. 2 : to be or become unsteady or unsure ▪ They have been wobbling in their support of the president's policies. — wobble noun [singular] ▪ The table has a slight wobble.

wallow

/ˈwɑ:loʊ/ verb [no obj] 1 : to spend time experiencing or enjoying something without making any effort to change your situation, feelings, etc. — usually + in ▪ wallowing in luxury ▪ (disapproving) I know she's hurt, but she should try to get on with her life instead of just wallowing in her misery/self-pity. 2 : to roll about in deep mud or water ▪ elephants wallowing in the river ▪ Buffalo wallow in mud to keep away flies.

wont

/ˈwɑ:nt, Brit ˈwəʊnt/ adjective not used before a noun formal : likely to do something : having a tendency to do something ▪ Some people are wont to blame others [=some people have the habit of blaming others] for their faults. ▪ He played with his collar, as he is wont to do [=as he often does] when he is nervous.

wiggle

/ˈwɪgəl/ verb wig·gles; wig·gled; wig·gling : to move up and down or from side to side with short quick motions [+ obj] ▪ He wiggled his fingers/toes. ▪ She wiggled her hips. [no obj] ▪ His toes were wiggling. ▪ The puppy wiggled with excitement. — wiggle noun, plural wiggles [count] ▪ She gave her hips a wiggle.

whim

/ˈwɪm/ noun plural whims [count] : a sudden wish, desire, decision, etc. ▪ the whims of fashion ▪ It's hard to predict voters' whims. ▪ Her husband tries to satisfy her every whim. [=make her happy by doing everything that she wants] ▪ He quit his job on a whim. [=because of a sudden decision] ▪ The shop is only open at the whim of the owner. [=the shop is only open when the owner wants it to be open]

wimp

/ˈwɪmp/ noun [count] informal : a weak person who lacks confidence, courage, etc. ▪ I was too much of a wimp [=coward] to confront him. wimp out [phrasal verb] informal : to fail to do something because you are too afraid, weak, etc. ▪ He wanted to ask her to the dance but he wimped out.

whimsical

/ˈwɪmzɪkəl/ adjective [more whimsical; most whimsical] : unusual in a playful or amusing way : not serious ▪ whimsical behavior ▪ whimsical decorations ▪ She has a whimsical sense of humor. — whim·si·cal·ly Listen to audio /ˈwɪmzɪkli/ adverb ▪ The streets in the village are whimsically named.

winnow

/ˈwɪnoʊ/ verb win·nows; win·nowed; win·now·ing [+ obj] 1 : to remove (people or things that are less important, desirable, etc.) from a larger group or list ▪ The least qualified applicants were winnowed out of the initial pool. : to make (a list of possible choices) smaller by removing the less desirable choices ▪ The list of candidates has been winnowed [=narrowed down, whittled down] to five. — often + down ▪ He needs to winnow down his options. 2 : to remove (the unwanted coverings of seeds) from grain by throwing the grain up in the air and letting the wind blow the unwanted parts away ▪ Harvesters winnowed the chaff from the wheat.

wince

/ˈwɪns/ verb winc·es; winced; winc·ing [no obj] : to have an expression on your face for a very short time which shows that you are embarrassed or in pain ▪ She winced [=grimaced] (in pain) when she hit her elbow. ▪ I wince [=cringe] with embarrassment whenever I think of that day. — wince noun, plural winces [count]

withering

/ˈwɪðərɪŋ/ adjective [more withering; most withering] : very harsh, severe, or damaging ▪ The book has been the subject of withering criticism. ▪ She gave me a withering look.

wunderkind

/ˈwʊndɚˌkɪnt/ noun plural wun·der·kinds also wun·der·kind·er /-ˌkɪndɚ/ [count] : someone who achieves success or shows great talent at a young age — usually singular ▪ a musical wunderkind

zany

/ˈzeɪni/ adjective za·ni·er; za·ni·est [also more zany; most zany] informal : very strange and silly ▪ my zany [=wacky] aunt ▪ He has a zany [=crazy] sense of humor. — za·ni·ness /ˈzeɪninəs/ noun [noncount]

zealot

/ˈzɛlət/ noun plural zeal·ots [count] often disapproving : a person who has very strong feelings about something (such as religion or politics) and who wants other people to have those feelings : a zealous person ▪ religious zealots [=fanatics] ▪ Her father is an exercise zealot. [=he is very serious about exercising] — zeal·ot·ry Listen to audio /ˈzɛlətri/ noun [noncount] ▪ religious zealotry

zilch

/ˈzɪltʃ/ noun [noncount] informal : nothing at all ▪ I know zilch about him. ▪ She's done zilch [=nada] to help me out.

abdicate

/ˈæbdɪˌkeɪt/ verb ab·di·cates; ab·di·cat·ed; ab·di·cat·ing 1 : to leave the position of being a king or queen [no obj] ▪ The king was forced to abdicate. [+ obj] ▪ The king abdicated the throne. 2 [+ obj] formal : to fail to do what is required by (a duty or responsibility) ▪ The government abdicated [=abandoned] its responsibility to provide a good education to all citizens. — ab·di·ca·tion Listen to audio /ˌæbdɪˈkeɪʃən/ noun, plural ab·di·ca·tions [count, noncount]

abject

/ˈæbˌʤɛkt/ adjective [more abject; most abject] 1 : extremely bad or severe ▪ They live in abject misery/poverty. ▪ The project ended in abject [=complete, utter] failure. Jīvaka provides a long list of abject sinners.... 2 a : very humble : feeling or showing shame ▪ He offered an abject apology. b : very weak : lacking courage or strength ▪ She thought he was an abject coward. — ab·ject·ly Listen to audio /ˈæbˌʤɛktli/ adverb ▪ abjectly apologetic

affable

/ˈæfəbə/ adjective [more affable; most affable] formal : friendly and easy to talk to ▪ a lively, affable young fellow ▪ an affable host — af·fa·bil·i·ty /ˌæfəˈbɪləti/ noun [noncount] — af·fa·bly /ˈæfəbli/ adverb ▪ We were greeted affably by our host.

acme

/ˈækmi/ noun [singular] : the highest point of something ▪ He was struck down by illness at the acme [=height] of his fame. [=when he was most famous] ▪ His fame was at its acme.

acolyte

/ˈækəˌlaɪt/ noun plural ac·o·lytes [count] 1 formal : someone who follows and admires a leader ▪ a popular professor dining with a few of her acolytes 2 : someone who helps the person who leads a church service

accolade

/ˈækəˌleɪd/ noun plural ac·co·lades [count] : an award or an expression of praise ▪ There is no higher accolade at this school than an honorary degree. — often plural ▪ She has been winning accolades [=she has been receiving praise] for her performances in small plays. ▪ The movie's special effects have drawn accolades from both fans and critics. [=have been praised by both fans and critics]

algorithm

/ˈælgəˌrɪðəm/ noun plural al·go·rithms [count] technical : a set of steps that are followed in order to solve a mathematical problem or to complete a computer process

alibi

/ˈæləˌbaɪ/ noun plural al·i·bis [count] 1 : a claim that you cannot be guilty of a crime because you were somewhere else when the crime was committed ▪ Nobody could confirm his alibi that he was at the movies. ▪ He has an ironclad/perfect alibi. [=an alibi that cannot be proved false] ; also : evidence which shows that such a claim is true ▪ Her doctor is her alibi: she was in surgery at the time of the murder. 2 : an excuse for not being somewhere or doing something ▪ She made up an alibi for why she missed the meeting.

amnesty

/ˈæmnəsti/ noun plural am·nes·ties : a decision that a group of people will not be punished or that a group of prisoners will be allowed to go free [noncount] ▪ The government gave/granted amnesty to/for all political prisoners. ▪ Illegal immigrants who came into the country before 1982 were granted/given amnesty. [count] — usually singular ▪ The government gave/granted a general amnesty to/for all political prisoners. ▪ The library declared an amnesty from fines for all books that are returned on Thursday. — amnesty verb, amnesties; amnestied; amnesty·ing [+ obj] ▪ The government amnestied all political prisoners.

amputate

/ˈæmpjəˌteɪt/ verb am·pu·tates; am·pu·tat·ed; am·pu·tat·ing [+ obj] medical : to cut off (part of a person's body) ▪ His arm/leg was badly injured and had to be amputated.

amicable

/ˈæmɪkəbəl/ adjective [more amicable; most amicable] : showing a polite and friendly desire to avoid disagreement and argument ▪ The discussions were amicable. ▪ They reached an amicable agreement. — am·i·ca·bil·i·ty/ˌæmɪkəˈbɪləti/ noun [noncount] — am·i·ca·bly /ˈæmɪkəbli/ adverb ▪ They met and settled the problem amicably.

antics

/ˈæntɪks/ noun [plural] often disapproving : funny or playful actions or behavior ▪ I'm tired of his childish antics.

animus

/ˈænəməs/ noun formal : a strong feeling of dislike or hatred [noncount] ▪ my animus [=(more commonly) animosity] towards/against the organization [singular] ▪ She felt an animus against them.

apt

/ˈæpt/ adjective apt·er; apt·est [or more apt; most apt] 1 : likely to do something : having a tendency to do something — followed by to + verb ▪ Don't wake him; he's apt to become angry. ▪ Adolescents are more apt to take risks than adults are. 2 : appropriate or suitable ▪ an apt remark ▪ "Stripe" is an apt name for the cat, since she has striped fur. 3 : quick to learn ▪ a very apt student/pupil — apt·ly adverb ▪ The cat is aptly named "Stripe." — apt·ness noun [noncount] ▪ the aptness of the remarks

aptitude

/ˈæptəˌtu:d, Brit ˈæptəˌtju:d/ noun plural ap·ti·tudes : a natural ability to do something or to learn something [count] ▪ The new test is supposed to measure the aptitudes of the students. ▪ Anyone who can speak five languages obviously has a great natural aptitude for (learning) languages. [noncount] ▪ She's shown great natural aptitude for (learning) languages. ▪ a test of aptitude = an aptitude test [=a test that is designed to show how easily someone will be able to learn certain skills]

apposite

/ˈæpəzət/ adjective [more apposite; most apposite] formal : very appropriate : suitable for the occasion or situation ▪ an apposite quotation ▪ The poem was an apposite [=(more commonly) apt] choice for the ceremony. — often + to ▪ Each panel member made remarks apposite [=relevant, germane] to the discussion. — ap·po·site·ly adverb

avalanche

/ˈævəˌlæntʃ/ noun plural av·a·lanch·es 1 [count] : a large amount of snow and ice or of dirt and rocks that slides suddenly down the side of a mountain ▪ He was buried/trapped by an avalanche. 2 [singular] : a sudden great amount of something ▪ an avalanche of words ▪ an avalanche of praise/publicity

asset

/ˈæˌsɛt/ noun plural as·sets [count] 1 : a valuable person or thing ▪ Good looks can be an asset [=advantage] in an acting career. ▪ The state's natural assets include mountains and beautiful lakes. — often + to ▪ Good looks can be an asset to an actor. ▪ She is a great asset to the team. [=she's a valuable member of the team] 2 : something that is owned by a person, company, etc. — usually plural ▪ The company had to sell some of its assets to avoid bankruptcy. ▪ a bank with billions of dollars in assets ▪ business assets and liabilities ▪ They bought the company and stripped it of its assets. [=they sold the property owned by the company]

obfuscate

/ˈɑ:bfəˌskeɪt/ verb ob·fus·cates; ob·fus·cat·ed; ob·fus·cat·ing formal : to make (something) more difficult to understand [+ obj] ▪ Politicians keep obfuscating the issues. [no obj] ▪ Their explanations only serve to obfuscate and confuse. — ob·fus·ca·tion /ˌɑ:bfəˈskeɪʃən/ noun [noncount]

encore

/ˈɑ:nˌkoɚ/ interjection — used by an audience to call for another song, dance, etc., when a performance has ended ▪ The audience shouted "Encore!" as the singer left the stage.

onslaught

/ˈɑ:nˌslɑ:t/ noun plural on·slaughts [count] : a violent attack ▪ an onslaught by the enemy — often used figuratively ▪ The article recommends several things you can do to prevent the onslaught of the disease. ▪ Employers are expecting an onslaught of recent college graduates [=a very large number of recent college graduates] looking for jobs.

optimize

/ˈɑ:ptəˌmaɪz/ verb op·ti·miz·es; op·ti·mized; op·ti·miz·ing [+ obj] formal : to make (something) as good or as effective as possible ▪ The new system will optimize the efficiency with which water is used. ▪ efforts to optimize service/performance — often used as (be) optimized ▪ The car's design is optimized for speed. [=the car has been specially made to go as fast as possible]

ostracize

/ˈɑ:strəˌsaɪz/ verb os·tra·ciz·es; os·tra·cized; os·tra·ciz·ing [+ obj] : to not allow (someone) to be included in a group : to exclude (someone) from a group ▪ She was ostracized from/by the scientific community for many years because of her radical political beliefs. ▪ The other girls ostracized her because of the way she dressed. — os·tra·cism Listen to audio /ˈɑ:strəˌsɪzəm/ noun [noncount] ▪ She suffered years of ostracism from the scientific community.

argot

/ˈɑɚgət, ˈɑɚgoʊ/ noun plural ar·gots : the language used by a particular type or group of people [noncount] ▪ people communicating in criminal argot [=the language used by criminals] [count] ▪ groups communicating in their own secret argots

arson

/ˈɑɚsn̩/ noun plural ar·sons : the illegal burning of a building or other property : the crime of setting fire to something [noncount] ▪ The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, but investigators suspect arson. ▪ The town has suffered a rash of arson attacks. [count] ▪ The town has suffered a rash of arsons. — ar·son·ist Listen to audio /ˈɑɚsn̩ɪst/ noun, plural ar·son·ists [count] ▪ Investigators suspect that the fire was set by an arsonist.

arsenal

/ˈɑɚsənəl/ noun plural ar·se·nals [count] 1 a : a collection of weapons ▪ the nation's nuclear arsenal [=the nuclear weapons that the nation has] b : a place where weapons are made or stored ▪ The city is home to a federal arsenal. 2 : a group of things or people that are available to be used ▪ The computer comes equipped with an arsenal [=battery, array] of features. ▪ Doctors have a broad arsenal of medicines to choose from. ▪ the team's arsenal of veteran players

edify

/ˈɛdəˌfaɪ/ verb ed·i·fies; ed·i·fied; ed·i·fy·ing [+ obj] : to teach (someone) in a way that improves the mind or character ▪ These books will both entertain and edify readers. — ed·i·fi·ca·tion /ˌɛdəfəˈkeɪʃən/ noun [noncount] ▪ books that provide both entertainment and edification — edifying adjective [more edifying; most edifying] ▪ an edifying sermon/experience ▪ The books are both entertaining and edifying.

expurgate

/ˈɛkspɚˌgeɪt/ verb ex·pur·gates; ex·pur·gat·ed; ex·pur·gat·ing [+ obj] formal : to change (a written work) by removing parts that might offend people ▪ They felt it was necessary to expurgate his letters before publishing them. — expurgated adjective ▪ an expurgated edition of his letters — ex·pur·ga·tion /ˌɛkspɚˈgeɪʃən/ noun [count, noncount]

execrable

/ˈɛksɪkrəbəl/ adjective [more execrable; most execrable] formal : very bad ▪ Living conditions in the slums were execrable. ▪ execrable taste — ex·e·cra·bly /ˈɛksɪkrəbli/ adverb ▪ an execrably written novel

elegy

/ˈɛləʤi/ noun plural el·e·gies [count] literary : a sad poem or song : a poem or song that expresses sorrow for someone who is dead — compare eulogy — el·e·gi·ac /ˌɛləˈʤajək/ adjective [more elegiac; most elegiac] ▪ elegiac poetry ▪ The passage has an elegiac tone.

enclave

/ˈɛnˌkleɪv, ˈɑ:nˌkleɪv/ noun plural en·claves [count] : an area with people who are different in some way from the people in the areas around it ▪ The city has a large Chinese enclave. [=an area where many Chinese people live] ▪ one of the city's wealthy enclaves [=one of the areas in the city where only wealthy people can afford to live]

escapade

/ˈɛskəˌpeɪd/ noun plural es·ca·pades [count] : an exciting, foolish, or dangerous experience or adventure ▪ a madcap/drunken/comic escapade ▪ As a teenager he embarked on a series of ill-advised escapades. ▪ sexual/erotic escapades

etiquette

/ˈɛtɪkət/ noun [noncount] : the rules indicating the proper and polite way to behave ▪ Her failure to respond to the invitation was a serious breach of etiquette. ▪ a book of etiquette ▪ telephone etiquette [=the proper way to behave when speaking on the telephone]

imbecile

/ˈɪmbəsəl, Brit ˈɪmbəˌsi:l/ noun plural im·be·ciles [count] : a very stupid person : an idiot or fool ▪ He drank too much and started acting like a complete imbecile. — imbecile or im·be·cil·ic /ˌɪmbəˈsɪlɪk/ adjective [more imbecile; most imbecile] ▪ imbecilic behavior — im·be·cil·i·ty /ˌɪmbəˈsɪləti/ noun, plural im·be·cil·i·ties [noncount] ▪ the imbecility of his behavior [count] ▪ He was repeating all his usual imbecilities about politics.

implicate

/ˈɪmpləˌkeɪt/ verb im·pli·cates; im·pli·cat·ed; im·pli·cat·ing [+ obj] : to show that someone or something is closely connected to or involved in something (such as a crime) ▪ The evidence implicated many government officials in the conspiracy. [=the evidence showed that many government officials were involved in the conspiracy] ▪ His business partner was implicated in the theft. ▪ Scientists have discovered a gene that is implicated [=involved] in the development of Alzheimer's disease.

joust

/ˈʤaʊst/ verb jousts; joust·ed; joust·ing [no obj] of knights in the Middle Ages : to fight on horseback with lances ▪ The knights jousted against each other. — often used figuratively ▪ The two teams jousted [=competed] for first place. ▪ There was a lot of verbal jousting between the lawyers. — joust noun, plural jousts [count] ▪ a joust between two knights — joust·er noun, plural joust·ers [count] ▪ an armored jouster ▪ a skilled verbal jouster

jaded

/ˈʤeɪdəd/ adjective [more jaded; most jaded] : feeling or showing a lack of interest and excitement caused by having done or experienced too much of something ▪ He became jaded from years of work as a police officer. ▪ a public jaded by political scandals ▪ a jaded attitude

improvise

/ˈɪmprəˌvaɪz/ verb im·pro·vis·es; im·pro·vised; im·pro·vis·ing 1 : to speak or perform without preparation [no obj] ▪ If you forget any of your lines, try to improvise. ▪ Good jazz musicians know how to improvise. [+ obj] ▪ He had to improvise his opening speech when he forgot his notes. ▪ The trumpet player performed an improvised solo. 2 [+ obj] : to make or create (something) by using whatever is available ▪ I wasn't expecting guests, so I had to improvise a meal with what I had in my refrigerator. — im·pro·vi·sa·tion Listen to audio /ɪmˌprɑ:vəˈzeɪʃən/ noun, plural im·pro·vi·sa·tions [noncount] ▪ an actor who is good at improvisation [count] ▪ His performance featured several clever improvisations. — im·pro·vi·sa·tion·al Listen to audio /ɪmˌprɑ:vəˈzeɪʃənl̟/ also im·pro·vi·sa·to·ry Listen to audio/ˌɪmprəˈvaɪzəˌtori, Brit ˌɪmprəˈvaɪzətri/ adjective ▪ an improvisational performance ▪ improvisational theater — im·pro·vis·er also chiefly US im·pro·vis·or /ˈɪmprəˌvaɪzɚ/ noun, plural im·pro·vis·ers also im·prors [count] ▪ jazz improvisers

indigent

/ˈɪndɪʤənt/ adjective [more indigent; most indigent] formal : lacking money : very poor ▪ Because he was indigent, the court appointed a lawyer to defend him. ▪ The clinic provides free care for indigent patients.

instigate

/ˈɪnstəˌgeɪt/ verb in·sti·gates; in·sti·gat·ed; in·sti·gat·ing [+ obj] : to cause (something) to happen or begin ▪ There has been an increase in the amount of violence instigated by gangs. ▪ She blamed him for instigating [=starting] the argument. ▪ The government has instigated an investigation into the cause of the accident. — in·sti·ga·tor Listen to audio /ˈɪnstəˌgeɪtɚ/ noun, plural in·sti·ga·tors [count] ▪ the instigators of the violence

insolent

/ˈɪnsələnt/ adjective [more insolent; most insolent] somewhat formal : rude or impolite : having or showing a lack of respect for other people ▪ an insolent [=impudent, disrespectful] child ▪ Insolent behavior will not be tolerated. Some are made modest by great praise, others insolent. — in·so·lence Listen to audio /ˈɪnsələns/ noun [noncount] ▪ The boy was punished for his insolence. — in·so·lent·ly adverb

insulate

/ˈɪnsəˌleɪt, Brit ˈɪnsjʊˌleɪt/ verb in·su·lates; in·su·lat·ed; in·su·lat·ing 1 : to add a material or substance to (something) in order to stop heat, electricity, or sound from going into or out of it [+ obj] ▪ They used a special type of fiberglass to insulate the attic. [no obj] ▪ a material that is able to insulate against cold 2 [+ obj] : to prevent (someone or something) from dealing with or experiencing something : to keep (someone or something) separate from something unpleasant, dangerous, etc. ▪ The company has tried to insulate itself from the region's political turmoil. ▪ I wish I could insulate my children from/against painful experiences. — insulated adjective ▪ insulated windows and doors ▪ an insulated ceiling ▪ insulated wires ▪ Our heating bills are high because our house is poorly insulated. The novel begins as many horror stories do, in an idyllic setting seemingly insulated from any danger.

intricate

/ˈɪntrəkət/ adjective [more intricate; most intricate] : having many parts ▪ intricate machinery ▪ an intricate [=complex] design/pattern ▪ The movie has an intricate plot. There is an intricate nexus between ... — in·tri·cate·ly adverb ▪ intricately woven fabric ▪ an intricately carved mantel

ingrained

/ˈɪnˌgreɪnd/ adjective [more ingrained; most ingrained] : existing for a long time and very difficult to change : firmly established ▪ an ingrained habit/tradition ▪ These attitudes are very deeply ingrained in the culture.

inmate

/ˈɪnˌmeɪt/ noun plural in·mates [count] : a person who is kept in a prison or mental hospital ▪ prison inmates

schlep

/ˈʃlɛp/ verb schleps or schlepps; schlepped; schlep·ping [+ obj] US, informal : to carry or pull (something) with difficulty : to drag or haul (something) ▪ We schlepped our luggage through the airport.

shroud

/ˈʃraʊd/ noun plural shrouds [count] 1 : a cloth that is used to wrap a dead body 2 literary : something that covers or hides something — usually + of ▪ covered in a shroud of secrecy/fog verb shrouds; shroud·ed; shroud·ing [+ obj] literary : to cover or hide (something) ▪ Fog shrouded the land. ▪ The mountains were shrouded in fog. ▪ Their work is shrouded in secrecy.

shrill

/ˈʃrɪl/ adjective shrill·er; shrill·est [also more shrill; most shrill] 1 : having a very loud, high-pitched sound ▪ a shrill whistle/scream 2 : loud and difficult to ignore but often unreasonable ▪ shrill protests/accusations — shrill·ness noun [noncount] — shril·ly adverb ▪ He whistled shrilly.

chaperon

/ˈʃæpəˌroʊn/ noun plural chap·er·ones also chap·er·ons [count] 1 US : someone (such as a teacher or parent) who goes with children on a trip or to a school dance to make sure that the children behave properly ▪ I was a chaperone on one of my son's school trips. 2 : a person in the past who went with a young unmarried woman to social events in order to make sure that the woman behaved properly

charlatan

/ˈʃɑɚlətən/noun plural char·la·tans [count] : a person who falsely pretends to know or be something in order to deceive people ▪ Some people thought he was a great leader, but others saw him as just a charlatan. [=fake, fraud]

shirk

/ˈʃɚk/ verb shirks; shirked; shirk·ing : to avoid doing something that you are supposed to do [+ obj] ▪ He's too conscientious to shirk his duty/responsibility. [no obj] ▪ He never shirked from doing his duty. ▪ They did their duty without shirking or complaining. — shirk·er noun, plural shirk·ers [count] ▪ She's no shirker.

shunt

/ˈʃʌnt/ verb shunts; shunt·ed; shunt·ing [+ obj] 1 : to move (someone or something) to a different and usually less important or noticeable place or position ▪ The company shunted him (off) to the mail room. — often used figuratively ▪ Her suggestions were shunted aside. [=ignored] 2 : to move (a train or railway car) from one track to another

oeuvre

/ˈʊvrə, Brit ˈə:vrə/ noun plural oeu·vres [count] formal : all the works that a writer, an artist, or a composer has created — usually singular ▪ Her oeuvre consists mostly of landscapes.

ulcer

/ˈʌlsɚ/ noun plural ul·cers [count] medical : a painful, sore area inside or outside the body ▪ a stomach ulcer ▪ a skin ulcer — see also peptic ulcer

jolt

/ˈʤoʊlt/ verb jolts; jolt·ed; jolt·ing 1 a [+ obj] : to cause (something or someone) to move in a quick and sudden way ▪ The explosion jolted the ship. ▪ He was jolted forward when the bus stopped suddenly. ▪ The loud bang jolted me awake. ▪ The attack jolted the country into action. b [no obj] : to move with a quick and sudden motion ▪ The car jolted [=jerked] forward when he let the clutch out too quickly. 2 [+ obj] : to surprise or shock (someone) ▪ She jolted the medical world with her announcement. — jolting adjective [more jolting; most jolting] ▪ a jolting ride ▪ a jolting experience noun plural jolts [count] 1 : a sudden, rough movement ▪ the initial jolt [=shock] of the earthquake ▪ I sprang out of bed with a jolt. ▪ The car stopped with a jolt. 2 : a sudden shock or surprise ▪ I got/had quite a jolt when I heard the door slam. ▪ The defeat was quite a jolt to the team. ▪ a severe financial jolt ▪ The stock market suffered a major jolt yesterday. 3 : a small but powerful amount of something ▪ She needed a jolt of caffeine to start her day. ▪ a jolt of electricity ▪ The unexpected praise he received gave him a jolt of confidence.

jaunty

/ˈʤɑ:nti/ adjective jaun·ti·er; jaun·ti·est [also more jaunty; most jaunty] : lively in manner or appearance ▪ jaunty tunes ▪ a jaunty greeting : having or suggesting a lively and confident quality ▪ He struck a jaunty pose for the camera. ▪ She was wearing a jaunty white cap. — jaunt·i·ly /ˈʤɑ:ntəli/ adverb ▪ She posed jauntily for the camera. — jaunt·i·ness /ˈʤɑ:ntinəs/ noun [noncount]

jostle

/ˈʤɑ:səl/ verb jos·tles; jos·tled; jos·tling : to push against (someone) while moving forward in a crowd of people [+ obj] ▪ Everyone in the crowd was jostling each other trying to get a better view. [no obj] — often + for ▪ Everyone in the crowd was jostling for room/space. — sometimes used figuratively ▪ political candidates jostling for position as the election nears

jettison

/ˈʤɛtəsən/ verb jet·ti·sons; jet·ti·soned; jet·ti·son·ing [+ obj] 1 : to drop (something) from a moving ship, airplane, etc. ▪ The captain gave orders to jettison the cargo. ▪ They jettisoned the fuel and made an emergency landing. 2 : to get rid of (something) ▪ We should jettison these old computers and get new ones. : to reject (something, such as a plan or idea) ▪ They jettisoned plans for a vacation.

jingoism

/ˈʤɪŋgoʊˌɪzəm/ noun [noncount] disapproving : the feelings and beliefs of people who think that their country is always right and who are in favor of aggressive acts against other countries ▪ When the war began many people were caught up in a wave of jingoism. — jin·go·is·tic Listen to audio /ˌʤɪŋgoʊˈɪstɪk/ adjective ▪ jingoistic attitudes

braggadocio

/ˌbrægəˈdoʊsiˌoʊ, ˌ/ noun [noncount] literary : the annoying or exaggerated talk of someone who is trying to sound very proud or brave ▪ a loudmouthed braggart who hid his cowardice with braggadocio

bon vivant

/ˌbɑ:nviˈvɑ:nt/noun plural bons vi·vants or bon vi·vants /ˌbɑ:nviˈvɑnts/ [count] formal: a person who likes going to parties and other social occasions and who enjoys good food, wine, etc. —called also (Brit) bon viveur

bon mot

/ˌbɑ:nˈmoʊ/ noun plural bons mots or bon mots /ˌbɑ:nˈmoʊ/ [count] formal : a clever remark : witticism ▪ She had a sparkling bon mot for every occasion. ◊This term is from French and literally means "good word."

bête noire

/ˌbɛtˈnwɑɚ/ noun plural bêtes noires Listen to audio/ˌbɛtˈnwɑɚz/ [count] : a person or thing that someone dislikes very much ▪ a politician who is the bête noire of liberal/conservative groups ◊Bête noire is a French phrase that means "black beast."

diabolical

/ˌdajəˈbɑ:lɪk/ adjective [more diabolical; most diabolical] 1 also di·a·bol·ic /ˌdajəˈbɑ:lɪk/ : extremely evil ▪ a diabolical [=fiendish, devilish] enemy ◊Diabolical often describes a plot, scheme, etc., that is very clever and that is intended for an evil purpose. ▪ a diabolical plot to overthrow the government 2 Brit, informal : very unpleasant, bad, or annoying ▪ The party was awful: the guests were boring and the food was diabolical. [=awful, terrible] — di·a·bol·i·cal·ly /ˌdajəˈbɑ:lɪkli/ adverb ▪ a diabolically clever plan

hypochondriac

/ˌhaɪpəˈkɑ:ndriˌæk/ noun plural hy·po·chon·dri·acs [count] : a person who is often or always worried about being ill ▪ My brother is a real hypochondriac. Every time he reads about some new disease, he thinks he has it.

histrionic

/ˌhɪstriˈɑ:nɪk/ adjective [more histrionic; most histrionic] disapproving : too emotional or dramatic ▪ histrionic behavior/gestures — his·tri·on·i·cal·ly Listen to audio /ˌhɪstriˈɑ:nɪkli/ adverb

euthanasia

/ˌju:θəˈneɪʒə/ noun [noncount] : the act or practice of killing someone who is very sick or injured in order to prevent any more suffering ▪ a physician who refuses to practice euthanasia —called also mercy killing

coalesce

/ˌkowəˈlɛs/ verb co·a·lesc·es; co·a·lesced; co·a·lesc·ing [no obj] formal : to come together to form one group or mass ▪ a group of young reformers who gradually coalesced into a political movement ▪ The ice masses coalesced into a glacier over time. — co·ales·cence /ˌkowəˈlɛsn̩s/ noun [noncount] ▪ a glacier formed by coalescence of ice masses [singular] ▪ a coalescence of forces

coup de grâce

/ˌku:dəˈgrɑ:s/ noun plural coups de grâce or coups de grace /ˌku:dəˈgrɑ:s/ [count] formal 1 : an action or event that finally ends or destroys something that has been getting weaker or worse ▪ The legislature's decision to cut funding has administered the coup de grâce to the governor's proposal. 2 : a hit or shot that kills a person or animal that is suffering

cavalier

/ˌkævəˈliɚ/ adjective [more cavalier; most cavalier] disapproving : having or showing no concern for something that is important or serious ▪ They are too cavalier in their treatment of others. ▪ The writer is very cavalier [=careless] about the truth. ▪ She has a cavalier attitude about/towards spending money. ▪ He has a cavalier disregard for the rights of others. — cav·a·lier·ly adverb ▪ He cavalierly disregarded their advice.

ineluctable

/ˌɪnɪˈlʌktəbəl/ adjective formal : not able to be avoided or changed ▪ You cannot escape an ineluctable [=unavoidable] fate. ▪ an ineluctable conclusion — in·eluc·ta·bly Listen to audio /ˌɪnɪˈlʌktəbli/ adverb

consternation

/ˌkɑ:nstɚˈneɪʃən/ noun [noncount] formal : a strong feeling of surprise or sudden disappointment that causes confusion ▪ The candidate caused consternation among his supporters by changing positions on a key issue. ▪ Much to her parents' consternation, she had decided to not go to college. ▪ They stared at each other in consternation [=dismay], not knowing what to do.

convolution

/ˌkɑ:nvəˈlu:ʃən/noun plural con·vo·lu·tions formal1: something that is very complicated and difficult to understand [count] ▪ I found it hard to follow the convolutions of the book's plot. [noncount] ▪ a plot full of convolution and confusion 2 [count] : a twist or curve — usually plural ▪ the convolutions of the road

connoisseur

/ˌkɑ:nəˈsɚ/ noun plural con·nois·seurs [count] : a person who knows a lot about something (such as art, wine, food, etc.) : an expert in a particular subject ▪ wine connoisseurs ▪ She is a connoisseur of African art. — con·nois·seur·ship /ˌkɑ:nəˈsɚˌʃɪp/ noun [noncount]

lackadaisical

/ˌlækəˈdeɪzɪkəl/ adjective [more lackadaisical; most lackadaisical] : feeling or showing a lack of interest or enthusiasm ▪ a lackadaisical student ▪ His teachers did not approve of his lackadaisical approach to homework. — lack·a·dai·si·cal·ly Listen to audio /ˌlækəˈdeɪzɪkli/ adverb

lambaste

/ˌlæmˈbeɪst, ˌlæmˈbæst/ verb lam·bastes or lam·basts; lam·bast·ed; lam·bast·ing [+ obj] : to criticize (someone or something) very harshly ▪ The coach lambasted the team for its poor play. ▪ They wrote several letters lambasting the new law.

mea culpa

/ˌmejəˈkʊlpə/ noun plural mea cul·pas [count] : a statement in which you say that something is your fault ▪ The mayor's public mea culpa didn't satisfy his critics. ▪ (humorous) Okay, so maybe I misjudged you. Mea culpa!

machinations

/ˌmækəˈneɪʃənz/ noun [plural] formal + usually disapproving : deceptive actions or methods that are used to get or achieve something ▪ His plans were defeated by the machinations of his enemies.

malfeasance

/ˌmælˈfi:zn̩s/ noun [noncount] law : illegal or dishonest activity especially by a public official or a corporation ▪ The investigation has uncovered evidence of corporate malfeasance.

minaret

/ˌmɪnəˈrɛt/ noun plural min·a·rets [count] : a tall, thin tower of a mosque with a balcony from which the people are called to prayer

misgiving

/ˌmɪsˈgɪvɪŋ/ noun plural mis·giv·ings : a feeling of doubt about something : a feeling that something might not be right or might not work as planned — often + about [count] — usually plural ▪ Many people have expressed (deep/serious/grave) misgivings about her qualifications for the job. ▪ I felt some misgivings about his ability to do the job. [noncount] ▪ I felt some misgiving about his ability to do the job. ▪ They regarded the plan with misgiving.

mumbo-jumbo

/ˌmʌmboʊˈʤʌmboʊ/ noun [noncount] informal : confusing or meaningless words or activity : nonsense ▪ We were confused by all the legal mumbo jumbo. ▪ His explanation was just a lot of mumbo jumbo.

nouveau riche

/ˌnu:voʊˈri:ʃ/ noun plural nou·veaux riches Listen to audio/ˌnu:voʊˈri:ʃ/ [count] disapproving : a person who has recently become rich and who likes to spend a lot of money — nouveau riche adjective ▪ Our nouveau riche neighbors just bought some expensive but tacky furniture.

nom de plume

/ˌnɑ:mdɪˈplu:m/ noun plural noms de plume Listen to audio/ˌnɑ:mzdɪˈplu:m/ [count] formal : a name used by a writer instead of the writer's real name : pen name ▪ He wrote under a nom de plume.

nonchalant

/ˌnɑ:nʃəˈlɑ:nt/ adjective [more nonchalant; most nonchalant] : relaxed and calm in a way that shows that you do not care or are not worried about anything ▪ He was surprisingly nonchalant about winning the award. ▪ She faced the crowd with the nonchalant ease of an experienced speaker. ▪ The team may have been somewhat nonchalant at the beginning of the season, but they now know that they need to work hard. — non·cha·lance /ˌnɑ:nʃəˈlɑ:ns/ noun [noncount] ▪ She faced the crowd with the nonchalance of an experienced speaker. ▪ His nonchalance about winning the award is a little surprising. — non·cha·lant·ly adverb

overkill

/ˌoʊvɚˈkɪl/ noun [noncount] disapproving : something that is much larger, greater, etc., than what is needed for a particular purpose ▪ Yes, we need a new car, but this huge truck seems like overkill. ▪ The incident got blown out of proportion because of media overkill. [=the media gave it much more attention than it deserved]

overweening

/ˌoʊvɚˈwi:nɪŋ/ adjective formal + disapproving 1 : too confident or proud ▪ speeches by overweening politicians 2 : too great : excessive and unpleasant ▪ overweening ambition/pride

peripatetic

/ˌperəpəˈtɛtɪk/ adjective formal : going from place to place usually as part of your job ▪ She worked as a peripatetic journalist for most of her life. ▪ He had a peripatetic career as a salesman.

paraplegic

/ˌperəˈpli:ʤɪk/ noun plural para·ple·gics [count] medical : a person who is permanently unable to move or feel the legs or lower half of the body because of injury or illness ▪ Although she is a paraplegic, she is an accomplished athlete. — compare quadriplegic — paraplegic adjective always used before a noun ▪ a paraplegic war veteran

puritanical

/ˌpjɚrəˈtænɪkəl/ adjective [more puritanical; most puritanical] disapproving : very strict especially concerning morals and religion ▪ puritanical rules ▪ puritanical attitudes about sex

prima facie

/ˌpraɪməˈfeɪʃə, Brit ˌpraɪməˈfeɪʃi/ adjective always used before a noun law : based on what is known or seen when something is first considered or dealt with ▪ a prima facie case ▪ There is strong prima facie evidence that she committed perjury. [=when we look at the situation now, there is strong evidence that she committed perjury, although it is possible that we will find out that she did not commit perjury when we learn more]

ulterior

/ˌʌlˈtirijɚ/ adjective : kept hidden in order to get a particular result ▪ I think she has an ulterior motive for helping us. [=she has a secret reason for wanting to help us]

predilection

/ˌprɛdəˈlɛkʃən, Brit ˌpri:dəˈlɛkʃən/ noun 倾向 plural pre·di·lec·tions [count] formal : a natural liking for something : a tendency to do or to be attracted to something ▪ She followed her own predilections. [=she did the things she liked/wanted to do] — often + for ▪ They shared a predilection for adventure stories. ▪ He has a predilection for trouble. [=he often gets into trouble]

prima donna

/ˌprɪməˈdɑ:nə, Brit ˌpri:məˈdɒnə/noun plural ∼ -nas [count] 1: the main female singer in an opera company :diva 2disapproving: a person who thinks she or he is better than everyone else and who does not work well as part of a team or group ▪ The actress is a temperamental prima donna.▪ We are looking for team players, not prima donnas.

pedophilia

/ˌpɛdəˈfɪlijə, Brit ˌpi:dəˈfɪlijə/ noun [noncount] : sexual feelings or activities that involve children

raison d'être

/ˌreɪˌzoʊnˈdɛtrə/ noun plural rai·sons d'être /ˌreɪˌzoʊnzˈdɛtrə/ [count] formal : the thing that is most important to someone or something : the reason for which a person or organization exists ▪ Art is his raison d'être.

repercussion

/ˌri:pɚˈkʌʃən/ noun plural re·per·cus·sions [count] : something usually bad or unpleasant that happens as a result of an action, statement, etc., and that usually affects people for a long time — usually plural ▪ We didn't expect the decision to have such serious/enormous/tremendous repercussions. [=consequences] ▪ We did not consider the possible repercussions of our actions.

reparation

/ˌrɛpəˈreɪʃən/noun plural rep·a·ra·tions 1reparations [plural] : money that a country or group that loses a war pays because of the damage, injury, deaths, etc., it has caused ▪ The country paid millions in reparations. 2formal: something that is done or given as a way of correcting a mistake that you have made or a bad situation that you have caused [noncount] ▪ They've offered no apologies and seem to have no thoughts of reparation. [plural] ▪ She says she's sorry and wants to make reparations.

run-of-the-mill

/ˌrʌnɚvðəˈmɪl/ adjective often disapproving : average or ordinary ▪ a run-of-the-mill performance

serendipity

/ˌserənˈdɪpəti/ noun [noncount] literary : luck that takes the form of finding valuable or pleasant things that are not looked for ▪ They found each other by pure serendipity. — ser·en·dip·i·tous Listen to audio /ˌserənˈdɪpətəs/ adjective ▪ a serendipitous discovery

supersede

/ˌsu:pɚˈsi:d/ verb su·per·sedes; su·per·sed·ed; su·per·sed·ing [+ obj] : to take the place of (someone or something that is old, no longer useful, etc.) : to replace (someone or something) ▪ This edition supersedes the previous one. ▪ Former stars were being superseded by younger actors.

sanatorium

/ˌsænəˈtorijəm/ noun plural san·a·to·ri·ums or san·a·to·ria /-ˈtorijə/ [count] old-fashioned : a place for the care and treatment of people who are recovering from illness or who have a disease that will last a long time —called also (US) sanitarium (US) sanitorium

sanctimonious

/ˌsæŋktəˈmoʊnijəs/ adjective [more sanctimonious; most sanctimonious] formal + disapproving : pretending to be morally better than other people ▪ sanctimonious politicians ▪ a sanctimonious speech/lecture — sanc·ti·mo·nious·ly adverb ▪ She sanctimoniously criticized our plans.

circumstantial

/ˌsɚkəmˈstænʃəl/ adjective [more circumstantial; most circumstantial] 1 law : based on information which suggests that something is true but does not prove that it is true ▪ The evidence is purely circumstantial. ▪ The case against him is circumstantial. 2 formal : providing or including the details of a particular situation or event ▪ a circumstantial account of the meeting

surreptitious

/ˌsɚrəpˈtɪʃəs/ adjective : done in a secret way ▪ She had a surreptitious relationship with her employee. ▪ a surreptitious glance — sur·rep·ti·tious·ly adverb ▪ He contacted her surreptitiously. — sur·rep·ti·tious·ness noun [noncount]

sine qua non

/ˌsɪnɪˌkwɑ:ˈnɑ:n/ noun; adj plural ∼ nons [count] formal : something that is absolutely needed ▪ Patience is a sine qua non for this job. With adjectival force: Indispensable, absolutely necessary or essential. Publication‥is a sine qua non condition for the generation of literature.

trepidation

/ˌtrɛpəˈdeɪʃən/ noun [noncount] formal : a feeling of fear that causes you to hesitate because you think something bad or unpleasant is going to happen ▪ He had/felt some trepidation about agreeing to their proposal.

topsy-turvy

/ˌtɑ:psiˈtɚvi/ adverb : in or into great disorder or confusion ▪ Her life was turned topsy-turvy when her husband left her. — topsy-turvy adjective ▪ this topsy-turvy world we live in

valedictorian

/ˌvæləˌdɪkˈtorijən/ noun plural val·e·dic·to·ri·ans [count] US : the student who has the highest grades in a graduating class and who gives a speech at graduation ceremonies ▪ She was the valedictorian of her class in 1985. — compare salutatorian

virtuoso

/ˌvɚtʃuˈoʊsoʊ/ noun plural vir·tu·o·sos or vir·tu·o·si Listen to audio/-si/ [count] : a person who does something in a very skillful way ▪ He's a real virtuoso in the kitchen. ; especially : a very skillful musician ▪ She's a piano virtuoso. — virtuoso adjective always used before a noun ▪ She gave a virtuoso performance.

willy-nilly

/ˌwɪliˈnɪli/ adverb 1 : in a careless and unplanned way ▪ They decided willy-nilly to change the rules. 2 : in a way that does not allow any choices or planning ▪ We are being forced willy-nilly to accept whatever the government decides.

xenophobia

/ˌzɛnəˈfoʊbijə, ˌzi:nəˈfoʊbijə/ noun [noncount] : fear or hatred of strangers or foreigners — xe·no·phobe /ˈzɛnəˌfoʊb, ˈzi:nəˌfoʊb/ noun, plural xe·no·phobes [count] — xe·no·pho·bic /ˌzɛnəˈfoʊbɪk, ˌzi:nəˈfoʊbɪk/ adjective [more xenophobic; most xenophobic]

undergird

/ˌʌndɚˈgɚd/ verb un·der·girds; un·der·gird·ed; un·der·gird·ing [+ obj] chiefly US : to strengthen or support (something) from below — usually used figuratively ▪ Their way of life is undergirded by religious faith.

ammunition

/ˌæmjəˈnɪʃən/ noun [noncount] : the objects (such as bullets and shells) that are shot from weapons ▪ The troops were supplied with weapons and ammunition. — often used figuratively ▪ She had the ammunition to prove her case. [=she had the evidence she needed to prove her case] ▪ His foolish statements provided his opponents with more ammunition to use against him in the campaign.

anorexia

/ˌænəˈrɛksijə/ noun [noncount] : a serious physical and emotional illness in which an abnormal fear of being fat leads to very poor eating habits and dangerous weight loss ◊Anorexia most commonly affects teenage girls and young women. —called also anorexia nervosa; — compare bulimia — an·orex·ic Listen to audio /ˌænəˈrɛksɪk/ adjective ▪ an anorexic young woman — anorexic noun, plural anorexics [count] ▪ She's an anorexic. [=a person suffering from anorexia]

adulation

/ˌæʤəˈleɪʃən/ noun [noncount] : extreme admiration or praise ▪ The rugby player enjoyed the adulation of his fans. ▪ a writer who inspires adulation in her readers

obsolete

/ˌɑ:bsəˈli:t/ adjective 1 : no longer used because something newer exists ▪ obsolete [=outdated] computers ▪ The system was made/rendered obsolete by their invention. : replaced by something newer ▪ obsolete mills and factories 2 : no longer used by anyone ▪ an obsolete word

oxymoron

/ˌɑ:ksɪˈmoɚˌɑ:n/ noun plural ox·y·mo·rons [count] : a combination of words that have opposite or very different meanings ▪ The phrase "cruel kindness" is an oxymoron. — ox·y·mo·ron·ic Listen to audio /ˌɑ:ksɪməˈrɑ:nɪk/ adjective ▪ an oxymoronic statement/concept

octogenarian

/ˌɑ:ktəʤəˈnerijən/ noun plural oc·to·ge·nar·i·ans [count] : a person who is between 80 and 89 years old

ennui

/ˌɑ:nˈwi:/ noun [noncount] : a lack of spirit, enthusiasm, or interest ▪ He suffered from a general sense of ennui. [=boredom]

ostentatious

/ˌɑ:stənˈteɪʃəs/ adjective [more ostentatious; most ostentatious] disapproving : displaying wealth, knowledge, etc., in a way that is meant to attract attention, admiration, or envy ▪ the ostentatious [=very large and expensive] summer homes of the rich ▪ the ostentatious [=pretentious] use of foreign phrases in conversation ▪ an ostentatious display of knowledge — os·ten·ta·tious·ly adverb ▪ He dresses ostentatiously. ▪ Her ring had an ostentatiously large diamond.

exponential

/ˌɛkspəˈnɛntʃəl/ adjective 1 [more exponential; most exponential] : very fast : increasingly rapid ▪ The business has experienced several years of exponential growth. ▪ Prices have increased at an exponential rate. ◊Exponential growth is literally growth that becomes faster and faster as it continues. In ordinary use, however, exponential is understood to mean simply "very fast" when it is used with words like growth and increase. 2 mathematics : including or using an exponent ▪ 103 is an exponential expression. — ex·po·nen·tial·ly /ˌɛkspəˈnɛntʃəli/ adverb ▪ Prices have increased exponentially. ▪ exponentially rapid growth

embryonic

/ˌɛmbriˈɑ:nɪk/ adjective 1 : of or relating to an embryo ▪ human embryonic development ▪ embryonic tissue/cells 2 : in an early or undeveloped stage ▪ an embryonic plan ▪ The tourism industry there is still in/at an embryonic stage.

epidemic

/ˌɛpəˈdɛmɪk/ noun plural ep·i·dem·ics [count] 1 medical : an occurrence in which a disease spreads very quickly and affects a large number of people ▪ a flu epidemic ▪ the AIDS epidemic 2 : a sudden quickly spreading occurrence of something harmful or unwanted ▪ a crime epidemic ▪ an epidemic of bankruptcies — epidemic adjective ▪ an epidemic disease ▪ The violence has now reached epidemic proportions.

impresario

/ˌɪmprəˈsɑriˌoʊ/ noun plural im·pre·sa·ri·os [count] : a person who manages a performance (such as a concert or play)

innuendo

/ˌɪnjəˈwɛndoʊ/ noun plural in·nu·en·dos or in·nu·en·does : a statement which indirectly suggests that someone has done something immoral, improper, etc. [count] ▪ His reputation has been damaged by innuendos about his drinking and gambling. [noncount] ▪ His reputation has been damaged by innuendo. ▪ The movie relies on sexual innuendo for its humor.

insurrection

/ˌɪnsəˈrɛkʃən/ noun plural in·sur·rec·tions : a usually violent attempt to take control of a government [count] ▪ He led an armed insurrection [=rebellion, uprising] against the elected government. [noncount] ▪ acts of insurrection — in·sur·rec·tion·ary /ˌɪnsəˈrɛkʃəˌneri, Brit ˌɪnsəˈrɛkʃn̩ri/ adjective ▪ insurrectionary violence ▪ an insurrectionary group — in·sur·rec·tion·ist /ˌɪnsəˈrɛkʃənɪst/ noun, plural in·sur·rec·tion·ists [count] ▪ a group of armed insurrectionists

intramural

/ˌɪntrəˈmjɚrəl/ adjective US : existing or occurring within a particular group or organization (such as a school) ▪ intramural sports [=sports in which the students of one school compete against each other instead of competing against other schools]

inter alia

/ˌɪntɚˈeɪlijə/ adverb formal : among other things ▪ The collection of paintings included, inter alia, several Rembrandts and several Picassos. [=the collection included several Rembrandts, several Picassos, and other things as well]

interfere

/ˌɪntɚˈfiɚ/ verb in·ter·feres; in·ter·fered; in·ter·fer·ing [no obj] : to become involved in the activities and concerns of other people when your involvement is not wanted ▪ I tried to offer advice without interfering. — often + in ▪ I'm sick and tired of the way he's always interfering in my life. ▪ We shouldn't interfere [=meddle] in the affairs of other countries.

internecine

/ˌɪntɚˈnɛˌsi:n, Brit ˌɪntəˈni:ˌsaɪn/ adjective always used before a noun formal : occurring between members of the same country, group, or organization ▪ a brutal internecine war/battle ▪ internecine feuds ▪ a political party that has suffered because of bitter internecine rivalries

inadvertent

/ˌɪnədˈvɚtənt/ adjective : not intended or planned : accidental ▪ an inadvertent error/omission — in·ad·ver·tence /ˌɪnədˈvɚtəns/ noun [noncount] ▪ mistakes made by/through inadvertence — in·ad·ver·tent·ly adverb ▪ I inadvertently [=accidentally, mistakenly] dialed the wrong number.

unabashed

/ˌʌnəˈbæʃt/ adjective [more unabashed; most unabashed] : not embarrassed or ashamed about openly expressing strong feelings or opinions ▪ She is an unabashed supporter/admirer of the president's policies. — un·abash·ed·ly Listen to audio /ˌʌnəˈbæʃədli/ adverb ▪ They're unabashedly proud of their son's accomplishments.

unalloyed

/ˌʌnəˈloɪd/adjective : not mixed with something else :pure ▪ (technical) unalloyed metals▪ (literary) unalloyed happiness

unassuming

/ˌʌnəˈsu:mɪŋ, Brit ˌʌnəˈsju:mɪŋ/ adjective [more unassuming; most unassuming] approving : not having or showing a desire to be noticed, praised, etc. : modest ▪ He's just an unassuming guy. ▪ They lived in an unassuming home/neighborhood. — un·as·sum·ing·ly adverb

unruly

/ˌʌnˈru:li/ adjective [more unruly; most unruly] disapproving : difficult to control ▪ unruly children ▪ The bus driver called in the police to deal with an unruly [=disruptive] passenger. ▪ his unruly hair — un·rul·i·ness noun [noncount]

unravel

/ˌʌnˈrævəl/ verb un·rav·els; US un·rav·eled or British un·rav·elled; US un·rav·el·ing or British un·rav·el·ling 1 : to cause the separate threads of something to come apart [+ obj] ▪ unravel the yarn ▪ unravel a rope [no obj] ▪ This will keep the ends of the rope from unraveling. [=fraying] 2 [+ obj] : to find the correct explanation for (something that is difficult to understand) ▪ Scientists are still unraveling the secrets/mysteries of DNA. 3 [no obj] : to fail or begin to fail ▪ Their plans unraveled when she lost her job. ▪ His frequent absences from home caused his marriage to unravel. ▪ I feel like my life is unraveling.

untoward

/ˌʌnˈtowɚd, ˌʌnˈtoɚd/ adjective formal 1 : bad or unfavorable : not good ▪ untoward side effects ▪ disadvantages and untoward circumstances 2 : not proper or appropriate ▪ There was nothing untoward about his appearance.

upheaval

/ˌʌpˈhi:vəl/ noun plural up·heav·als 1 : a major change or period of change that causes a lot of conflict, confusion, anger, etc. [noncount] ▪ The civil rights movement marked a period of social upheaval in the U.S. ▪ the emotional upheaval of divorce [count] ▪ a period of cultural and social upheavals 2 technical : an occurrence in which a part of the Earth's surface moves up forcefully [count] ▪ The island was created by an upheaval of the ocean floor. [noncount] ▪ The lake was formed by geologic upheaval.

upend

/ˌʌpˈɛnd/ verb up·ends; up·end·ed; up·end·ing [+ obj] 1 : to cause (something) to be upside down : to turn (something) over ▪ He upended the bicycle to fix its flat tire. ▪ I upended the bucket to use as a stool. ▪ The security inspector upended my bag and dumped everything out. 2 : to cause (someone) to fall down or be turned over ▪ A giant wave upended the surfers. ▪ The midfielder was upended before he got the ball. — sometimes used figuratively especially in U.S. English ▪ The new regulations could upend the entire industry. ▪ The team was upended [=defeated] in the second round of the play-offs.

jurisdiction

/ˌʤɚrəsˈdɪkʃən/ noun plural ju·ris·dic·tions 1 [noncount] : the power or right to make judgments about the law, to arrest and punish criminals, etc. ▪ The court has jurisdiction over most criminal offenses. ▪ His attorney claimed the court lacked jurisdiction in this matter. ▪ The matter falls outside/within the jurisdiction of this court. synonyms 1power 2 [noncount] : the power or right to govern an area ▪ territory under the jurisdiction of the federal government 3 [count] : an area within which a particular system of laws is used ▪ He was arrested in another jurisdiction. — ju·ris·dic·tion·al Listen to audio /ˌʤɚrəsˈdɪkʃənl̟/ adjective

unbecoming

1 : not attractive : not becoming ▪ an unbecoming dress ▪ That color is very unbecoming on her. 2 formal : not appropriate or acceptable for a person in a particular job or position ▪ conduct unbecoming an officer [=conduct/behavior that is not appropriate for an officer] — often + of or to ▪ behavior unbecoming of/to a public official

stall

1 : to avoid doing something or to delay someone in a deliberate way because you need more time, do not want to do something, etc. [no obj] ▪ Please stop stalling and answer the question. [+ obj] ▪ Try to stall them until I get the place cleaned up. 2 : to stop progressing or developing [no obj] ▪ The economic recovery has stalled. ▪ His career has stalled in recent years. [+ obj] ▪ Budget problems have stalled the project.

hit the jackpot

1 : to win all the money that can be won in a game of chance ▪ He hit the jackpot on the slot machine. 2 : to have unexpected success or good luck ▪ He really hit the jackpot with his new restaurant. [=he became very successful with his new restaurant] ▪ They hit the jackpot when they hired her. [=she is a very valuable employee]

stump

1 [+ obj] : to be too difficult for (someone) to answer ▪ The question completely stumped the contestant. [=the contestant did not know the answer to the question] ▪ This problem has me stumped. [=I do not know the solution to this problem] 2 US : to go to different places and make speeches during a political campaign [no obj] ▪ She will be stumping in our district this week. [+ obj] ▪ Several candidates have been stumping the state for the past month.

cram

1 [+ obj] : to fill (something) so that there is no room for anything else : to fill (something) completely ▪ He crammed the suitcase with his clothes. — often used as (be) crammed ▪ With so many guests, the house was really crammed. [=packed] 2 — usually + into or in ▪ He tried to cram all his clothes in/into one suitcase. [no obj] : to push or force yourself into a space that is tight or crowded — usually + into ▪ We all crammed into one car. ▪ 3 a [no obj] : to prepare for a test, exam, etc., by learning a lot of information quickly — usually + for ▪ He's cramming for the exam tomorrow.

poised

1 not used before a noun : not moving but ready to move ▪ The actors were poised on the stage, ready for the curtain to come up. ▪ She held the pencil poised over/above the paper. 2 not used before a noun : ready or prepared for something ▪ The company is poised for success. ▪ She seemed poised to take on the leadership of the country. ▪ He is now poised to become the next big star in country music. 3 not used before a noun : in a state, place, or situation that is between two different or opposite things ▪ a city poised between the mountains and the sea ▪ a group of people poised between hope and fear 4 [more poised; most poised] : having or showing a calm, confident manner ▪ a very poised young woman

dispose of

1 to throw (something) away : to get rid of (something) ▪ The waste was not properly disposed of. ▪ Please dispose of your cigarette butts in one of the ashtrays available. b formal : to deal with and finish (something) ▪ I have some business to dispose of [=(less formally) wrap up, take care of] before we meet. c law : to give control or ownership of (land, possessions, etc.) to someone ▪ A will is a legal document that is used to dispose of property. 2 to defeat (a person or team) in a game, contest, etc. ▪ She easily disposed of her opponent. b : to kill (a person or animal) ▪ The article includes a list of the weapons the soldiers used to dispose of their enemies.

subsidize

Brit sub·si·dise Listen to audio/ˈsʌbsəˌdaɪz/ verb sub·si·diz·es; sub·si·dized; sub·si·diz·ing [+ obj] : to help someone or something pay for the costs of (something) ▪ The state subsidizes housing for low-income families. ▪ She feels that private businesses should not be subsidized by taxpayers. ▪ The company subsidizes health insurance for its employees. ▪ subsidized agriculture/housing — sub·si·di·za·tion also Brit sub·si·di·sa·tion Listen to audio/ˌsʌbsədəˈzeɪʃən, Brit ˌsʌbsəˌdaɪˈzeɪʃən/ noun [noncount] ▪ the government's subsidization of agriculture

Plus ça change (plus c'est la même chose)

The more things change, the more they stay the same. Used when a change does not result in an improvement in a situation. What's the point in voting? Plus ça change...

play it by ear

To act according to the circumstances; improvise: "He plays his negotiations by ear, going into them with no clear or fixed plan" (George F. Kennan).

ambush

[+ obj] : to attack (someone or something) by surprise from a hidden place ▪ We have reports of enemy soldiers ambushing civilians on this road. — often used as (be) ambushed ▪ He was ambushed and killed by robbers on his way home. — often used figuratively ▪ As she left the courthouse, she was ambushed by a group of reporters. ▪ Her book was ambushed [=criticized in a harsh and unfair way] by the critics.

throw sth into sharp relief

[for something] to make something plainly evident or clearly visible. The dull, plain background threw the ornate settee into sharp relief. The red vase was thrown into sharp relief against the black background.

carcass

also Brit car·case /ˈkɑɚkəs/ noun plural car·cass·es [count] 1 : the body of a dead animal 2 informal + humorous : a person's body ▪ It was almost noon before he finally hauled his carcass out of bed. [=before he finally got out of bed] 3 : the remaining parts of an old vehicle, structure, etc. ▪ the rusting carcass of an old truck

ferret

ferret out [phrasal verb] ferret out (something) or ferret (something) out : to find (something, such as information) by careful searching ▪ He's good at ferreting out the facts. ▪ ferret out answers/problems

ruffle feathers

informal : to upset or offend someone ▪ His critical remarks ruffled some feathers. = His critical remarks ruffled a few feathers. ▪ His critical remarks ruffled the feathers of the board members. ▪ Her research has been ruffling feathers [=upsetting people] for years. ▪ I agreed to do what they wanted because I didn't want to ruffle any feathers.

jar

jars; jarred; jar·ring 1 : to have a harsh or unpleasant effect on someone or something [no obj] — usually + on ▪ The loud music jarred on my ears. [+ obj] ▪ The attack jarred [=shook, rattled] her sense of security. ▪ The loss jarred his confidence in the team. 2 : to hit or shake (something) forcefully [+ obj] ▪ The earthquake jarred the tiles loose. ▪ He jarred [=knocked] the ball from his opponent's hands. [no obj] ▪ The tiles jarred loose in the earthquake. 3 [+ obj] : to make (someone) feel uneasy ▪ Visitors are often jarred [=unsettled] by the conditions at the hospital. 4 [no obj] chiefly Brit : to look bad or ugly together ▪ The two colors of the wallpaper jar [=clash] (with each other). — jarring adjective [more jarring; most jarring] ▪ It was jarring to see how frail she was. ▪ a jarring contrast

in thrall

literary : in a state of being controlled or strongly influenced by someone or something ▪ He was completely in thrall to her. = He was completely in her thrall. Mailer drafted his first novel in the thrall of Hemingway's sentences and bravura.

short shrift

little or no attention or thought ▪ He gives short shrift to the author's later works. ▪ The lower classes have gotten/received short shrift from the city government. [=the city government has not paid attention to the problems of the people in the lower classes]

jab

noun and verb plural jabs [count] 1 : a quick or sudden hit with something sharp or hard ▪ She gave him a jab in the ribs. — sometimes used figuratively ▪ In his speech, he took a jab at [=criticized] the senator. 2 boxing : a short, straight punch ▪ He threw a right/left jab to his opponent's body. — compare hook, uppercut 3 Brit, informal : an injection of something (such as medicine) into your body with a needle ▪ a flu jab [=(chiefly US) shot]

prey

prey on/upon [phrasal verb] 1 prey on/upon (something) : to hunt and kill (something) for food ▪ The wolves prey on small animals. 2 prey on/upon (someone) : to hurt, cheat, or steal from (someone) ▪ criminals who prey on lonely elderly people ▪ Gangs are known to prey on tourists in the city. 3 prey on/upon someone's mind : to make someone worry : to be constantly on someone's mind ▪ Her growing debts preyed on her mind. [=she worried about her growing debts] ▪ The thought that he could have done better preyed on his mind. ▪ a question that preys on the minds of many of us

pulverize

pul·ver·ise Listen to audio/ˈpʌlvəˌraɪz/ verb pul·ver·iz·es; pul·ver·ized; pul·ver·iz·ing [+ obj] 1 technical : to crush, beat, or grind (something) into powder or dust ▪ The mower pulverizes grass clippings. ▪ Bits of pulverized rock filled the air. 2 informal : to destroy or defeat (someone or something) completely ▪ They pulverized the opposition.

snug

snug·ger; snug·gest [also more snug; most snug] 1 : fitting closely and often too tightly ▪ a snug coat ▪ The shoes were too snug. ▪ These jeans are snug around the hips. 2 : providing or enjoying warmth, shelter, and comfort : cozy ▪ a snug little apartment/room ▪ We were snug in the cabin. ▪ She felt snug under the warm blanket. ▪ The children were snug in their beds. — snug·ly adverb ▪ The coat fits snugly. ▪ The children slept snugly in bed.

badger

verb bad·gers; bad·gered; bad·ger·ing [+ obj] 1 : to bother or annoy (someone) with many comments or questions ▪ The celebrity was being badgered [=pestered] by reporters. 2 : to ask or tell someone again and again to do something ▪ He's been badgering [=nagging, pestering] me to clean the garage for months. ▪ She finally badgered me into cutting my hair.

billow

verb billows; billowed; billow·ing [no obj] 1 : to move as a large cloud or mass ▪ Clouds of smoke billowed (up) from the chimney. 2 : to be pushed outward by air ▪ sails billowing (out) in the breeze 3 literary + old-fashioned : to rise or roll in waves ▪ the billowing ocean

blast

verb blasts; blast·ed; blast·ing 1 a : to destroy, break apart, or remove (something) with an explosive [+ obj] ▪ Workers were blasting rock where the new highway will go. ▪ The rock has been blasted away. [no obj] ▪ Workers were blasting (away) at the rock. b [+ obj] : to create (a space or opening) with explosives ▪ The explosion blasted a hole in the side of the ship. ▪ blast a tunnel 2 [+ obj] : to strongly criticize (someone or something) especially in public ▪ The mayor was blasted by the local press. ▪ The judge blasted the lawyers for delaying the trial. ▪ Human rights groups have blasted the government for its treatment of political prisoners. 3 : to shoot (something or someone) with a weapon [+ obj] ▪ He blasted his rival with a pistol. ▪ A gunship blasted enemy headquarters. ▪ They blasted the enemy plane out of the sky. [no obj] ▪ Machine guns were blasting. ▪ The soldiers were blasting (away) at the advancing enemy. 4 [+ obj] : to hit (something or someone) with a mass of water, air, etc., that is moving forcefully ▪ She blasted us with water from the hose. ▪ They used an air hose to blast dust off the machine. 5 [+ obj] : to hit or kick (something) with great force ▪ He blasted the puck past the goalie. ▪ She blasted the ball over the fence for a home run. 6 : to make a loud and usually unpleasant sound : blare [no obj] ▪ Their music was blasting all night. ▪ The television was blasting in the other room. [+ obj] ▪ A radio was blasting music in the next room. blast off [phrasal verb] of a missile, rocket, or spacecraft : to leave the ground and begin flight ▪ The rocket will blast off tomorrow morning. — see also blastoff — blast·er noun, plural blast·ers [count] ▪ Blasters were hired to remove the rock. — blasting noun [noncount] ▪ The actual construction of the road will begin after blasting is completed.

chime

verb chimes; chimed; chim·ing 1 [no obj] : to make the sound of a ringing bell ▪ The door bell chimed. 2 of a clock : to make a ringing sound that indicates the time [+ obj] ▪ The clock chimed midnight. [no obj] ▪ The clock chimed. 3 [no obj] : to agree : to be in harmony ▪ The music and the mood chimed well together. — often + with ▪ His opinion doesn't chime with mine. chime in [phrasal verb] 1 : to add your comment or opinion to a conversation or discussion that you have been listening to ▪ He kept chiming in with his opinions. ▪ "He left hours ago," Janet chimed in. 2 : to be in agreement or harmony with something ▪ The illustrations chimed in perfectly with the story.

harness

verb harnesses; harnessed; harness·ing [+ obj] 1 a : to put a harness on (an animal) ▪ harness the horses b : to attach (an animal) to something with a harness ▪ The horses were harnessed to the wagon. 2 : to use (something) for a particular purpose ▪ Engineers are finding new ways to harness the sun's energy to heat homes. ▪ The company is harnessing technology to provide better service to its customers. ▪ They harnessed the power of the waterfall to create electricity. ▪ harness anger to fight injustice 3 : to connect or join (things) together ▪ She harnessed several computers (together) to work as one large computer.

lapse

verb lapses; lapsed; laps·ing [no obj] 1 : to stop for usually a brief time ▪ After a few polite words the conversation lapsed. ▪ Her interest in politics lapsed while she was in medical school. 2 : to become no longer effective or valid ▪ She didn't pay the premium and her life insurance policy lapsed. ▪ He forgot to renew his driver's license, so it lapsed. ▪ She allowed the magazine subscription to lapse. lapse into [phrasal verb] lapse into (something) 1 : to begin using or doing (something that should be avoided) for a short period of time ▪ He's a good writer, but he occasionally lapses into jargon. 2 : to begin to be in (a worse or less active state or condition) ▪ The crowd lapsed into silence. ▪ The patient lapsed into [=slipped into] a coma. ▪ He lapsed into unconsciousness. ▪ The society lapsed into decline. adjective always used before a noun 1 : no longer believing or following the teachings of a religion ▪ a lapsed Catholic/Mormon 2 : no longer effective or valid ▪ a lapsed insurance policy

loot

verb loots; loot·ed; loot·ing : to steal things from (a place, such as a store or house) during a war or after destruction has been caused by fire, rioting, etc. [+ obj] ▪ Rioters looted the stores. ▪ The soldiers were looting every house that they came to. ▪ The supplies had been looted [=stolen] from the warehouse. [no obj] ▪ Soldiers swept through the territory, looting, burning, and killing. — loot·er noun, plural loot·ers [count] — looting noun [noncount] ▪ There has been widespread looting throughout the city.

maneuver

verb maneuvers; maneuvered; maneuver·ing 1 always followed by an adverb or preposition : to move (something or someone) in a careful and usually skillful way [+ obj] ▪ She maneuvered her car into the tiny garage. ▪ It took seven people to maneuver the tiger out of its cage. ▪ We had a hard time maneuvering our furniture through the doorway. [no obj] ▪ The giant ships maneuvered into their docks. ▪ The vehicle easily maneuvered through rocky terrain. ▪ They held hands while maneuvering through the crowd. 2 : to do something in an effort to get an advantage, get out of a difficult situation, etc. [no obj] ▪ The companies are maneuvering for position in the limited market. ▪ The strict requirements left us very little room to maneuver. [=opportunity to make changes or to do things differently in order to produce a better result] [+ obj] ▪ Somehow, she always manages to maneuver herself out of difficult situations. ▪ He maneuvered his way into her heart. [=he did things to make her love him] — see also outmaneuver 3 : to move (soldiers, ships, etc.) where they are needed for battle [+ obj] ▪ We maneuvered our troops to the south. [no obj] ▪ The opposing forces maneuvered quickly. — maneuvering noun, plural maneuverings [noncount] ▪ It took a lot of legal maneuvering for the defense lawyer to keep her client out of jail. [count] ▪ political maneuverings

maroon

verb maroons; marooned; maroon·ing [+ obj] : to leave (someone) in a place (such as an island) that is difficult or impossible to get away from — usually used as (be) marooned ▪ The sailors were marooned [=stranded] on the island for six months. ▪ She was marooned [=stuck] at the office without a ride home.

swagger

verb swaggers; swaggered; swagger·ing [no obj] : to walk in a very confident way : to walk with a swagger ▪ He swaggered [=strutted] into the shop like he owned the place.

sneer

verb sneers; sneered; sneer·ing 1 [no obj] : to smile or laugh at someone or something with an expression on your face that shows dislike and a lack of respect — usually + at ▪ She sneered at me in disgust. 2 : to express dislike and a lack of respect for someone or something in a very open way [no obj] — usually + at ▪ an academic who sneers at anyone who doesn't have a PhD ▪ Critics sneered at his first novel. [+ obj] ▪ "You obviously don't know what you're talking about," she sneered. — sneering adjective always used before a noun ▪ the sneering villain of the comic book ▪ sneering contempt — sneer·ing·ly adverb ▪ Critics sneeringly referred to the novel as "juvenile."

tally

verb /ˈtæli/ tal·lies; tal·lied; tal·ly·ing 1 [+ obj] : to record and count or calculate (something) ▪ He tallied his expenses every day. — often + up ▪ They carefully tallied up the cost of the repairs. ▪ They tallied up the results of the vote. 2 [no obj] : to agree or match ▪ The numbers on the old list and the new list don't tally. — usually + with ▪ The old numbers don't tally with the new numbers. 3 [+ obj] US, informal : to score (a goal, point, etc.) in a game or sport ▪ She tallied [=scored] her second goal just before the end of the period.

abrasive

əˈbreɪsɪv/ adjective [more abrasive; most abrasive] 1 a : causing damage or wear by rubbing, grinding, or scraping : of or relating to abrasion ▪ The waves had an abrasive action on the rocks. b : having a rough quality ▪ an abrasive surface : used for rubbing something to make it smooth or shiny ▪ an abrasive material ▪ an abrasive cleaner 2 : very unpleasant or irritating ▪ He offended people with his abrasive [=irritating, grating] manner/personality. ▪ abrasive [=rude, offensive] comments

caricature

ˈkerɪkəˌtʃɚ/ noun plural car·i·ca·tures [count] 1 : a drawing that makes someone look funny or foolish because some part of the person's appearance is exaggerated ▪ An artist was doing caricatures in the park. 2 : someone or something that is very exaggerated in a funny or foolish way ▪ His performance in the film was a caricature of a hard-boiled detective. ▪ The interview made her into a caricature of a struggling artist. — car·i·ca·tur·ist Listen to audio /ˈkerɪkəˌtʃɚrɪst/ noun, plural car·i·ca·tur·ists [count] ▪ an artist who's a talented caricaturist verb caricatures; caricatured; caricatur·ing [+ obj] : to do a caricature of (someone or something) : to draw or describe (someone or something) in a funny or exaggerated way. ▪ The press caricatured him as clumsy and forgetful.

pensive

ˈpɛnsɪv/ adjective [more pensive; most pensive] : quietly sad or thoughtful ▪ The child sat by himself, looking pensive. ▪ a pensive young poet ▪ a pensive mood/expression/sigh — pen·sive·ly adverb ▪ She stared pensively out the window. — pen·sive·ness noun [noncount]

disembowel

ˌdɪsəmˈbawəl/ verb dis·em·bow·els; US dis·em·bow·eled or British dis·em·bow·elled; US dis·em·bow·el·ing or British dis·em·bow·el·ling [+ obj] : to take the stomach, intestines, etc., out of (an animal or person) : to remove the bowels of (an animal or person) ▪ The fierce cat uses its claws to disembowel its prey. — sometimes used figuratively ▪ Critics say that the spending cuts will disembowel the program. — dis·em·bow·el·ment /ˌdɪsəmˈbawəlmənt/ noun [noncount]

complacent

不思进取 /kəmˈpleɪsn̩t/ adjective [more complacent; most complacent] disapproving : satisfied with how things are and not wanting to change them ▪ The strong economy has made people complacent. ▪ We have grown too complacent over the years. ▪ a complacent [=self-satisfied] smirk ▪ We can't afford to be complacent about illiteracy. — com·pla·cent·ly adverb

manicure

修（指甲，草坪等） verb and noun manicures; manicured; manicur·ing [+ obj] 1 : to give a beauty treatment to (someone's hands and fingernails) : to give a manicure to (someone's hands and fingernails) ▪ She manicured her nails. 2 : to make (something, such as a lawn or a garden) look neat, smooth, and attractive ▪ She spends her weekends working in her garden and manicuring her lawn. — manicured adjective ▪ manicured hands ▪ carefully manicured gardens ▪ a well-manicured lawn

petri dish

培養皿 The blogosphere is a petri dish of amateur semiology.

menopause

更年期/ˈmɛnəˌpɑ:z/ adj menopausal /ˌmɛnəˈpɑ:zəl/

gadfly

牛虻 /ˈgædˌflaɪ/ noun plural gad·flies [count] : someone who annoys people by being very critical ▪ a political gadfly [=a person who criticizes politicians, political decisions, etc.]

without further ado

闲话少说

double whammy

雪上加霜 /-ˈwæmi/ noun plural ∼ -mies [count] informal : a situation that is bad in two different ways : a situation in which two bad conditions exist at the same time or two bad things happen one after the other ▪ With the cold weather and the high cost of heating fuel, homeowners were hit with a double whammy this winter.

ostrich

鸵鸟 /ˈɑ:strɪtʃ/