IELTS words, Proficiency Unit 10, CPE wordlist, Cambridge CPE, CPE Unit 9, CPE Unit8, CPE Unit 7, CPE, CPE Unit 10

wanton

(adj.) undisciplined, lewd, lustful (Joanna's wanton demeanor often made the frat guys next door very excited.)

feral

(adj.) wild, savage (That beast looks so feral that I would fear being alone with it.)

truculent

(adj.) ready to fight, cruel (This club doesn't really attract the dangerous types, so why was that bouncer being so truculent?)

impertinent

(adj.) rude, insolent (Most of your comments are so impertinent that I don't wish to dignify them with an answer.)

staid

(adj.) sedate, serious, self-restrained (The staid butler never changed his expression no matter what happened.)

nuance

(n.) a slight variation in meaning, tone, expression (The nuances of the poem were not obvious to the casual reader, but the teacher was able to point them out.)

modicum

(n.) a small amount of something (Refusing to display even a modicum of sensitivity, Magda announced her boss's affair to the entire office.)

aberration

(n.) something that differs from the norm (In 1974, Poland won the World Cup, but the success turned out to be an aberration, and Poland have not won a World Cup since).

fabricate

(v.) to make up, invent (When I arrived an hour late to class, I fabricated some excuse about my car breaking down on the way to work.)

extol

(v.) to praise, revere (Kamila extolled the virtues of a vegetarian diet to her meat-loving boyfriend.)

preclude

A prior engagement precludes my coming to your party.

suspense

If you have seen the marks, please tell me whether I passed or failed; don't keep me in suspense.

iota

If you make the same mistakes again, despite all my warnings, I will not have one iota of sympathy for you.

a fine line between

If you say that there is *** one thing and another, you mean that they are very similar. You often say this when one thing is acceptable and the other is not: As a parent, I knew that there was *** panic and caution.

abhor

Janet is doing her best to pass English because she abhors the thought of having to repeat it in summer school.

provoke:

Jeff's account of his experiences on a farm provoked much laughter. There would have been no fight if you hadn't provoked your brother by calling him names.

propel

Jet-propelled planes travel at very high speeds.

outspoken

Marty sometimes hurts others when he criticizes their work because he is too outspoken.

trespass

The owner erected a "Keep Off" sign to discourage strangers from trespassing on his land.

remiss

The owner of stolen car was himself remiss. He left the keys in the vehicle.

discredit

The parents discredited the child's story since he was in the habit of telling falsehoods.

pendant

The pendant dangling from the chain around her neck looked like a medal, but it was a watch

incise

The letters on the monument had been incised by a chisel.

uproot

The love of liberty is so firmly embedded in men's hearts that no tyrant can hope to uproot it.

apprise

The magazine has apprised its readers of an increase in rates beginning January 1.

inscribe

The name of the winner will be inscribed on the medal.

to have a detrimental effect on sth (ie environment)

to have a negative, bad, harmful effect on sth (ie environment)

to hanker

to have a strong desire for something: I've been *** for a hot dog. I've always *** after getting a college education. [ + to infinitive ] I always *** to go to Nashville.

to touch on

to mention a subject quickly when speaking or writing about another subject: The talk was about educational opportunities for adults, and the speaker also ***sources of finance.

to intersperse

to mix one thing in with another in a way that is not regular: The documentary *** graphical animations with film clips of the actual event. Her handwritten notes were *** throughout the text.

stray

to move away from the place where you should be, without intending to He strayed into the path of an oncoming car.

induce

to move or lead by influence

to oscillate

to move repeatedly from one position to another: The needle on the dial *** between full and empty. ​ formal If you *** between feelings or opinions, you change repeatedly from one to the other: My emotions *** between desperation and hope.

to draw the line

to never do something because you think it is wrong: I swear a lot, but even I *** at saying certain words.

to fork out

to pay an amount of money, especially unwillingly: I *** ten quid for/on the ticket. uk I couldn't persuade him to *** for a new one.

to heed

to pay attention to something, especially advice or a warning: The airline has been criticized for failing to *** advice/warnings about lack of safety routines.

conciliate

to placate, win over

CONGRATULATE

to praise someone and say that you approve of or are pleased about a special or unusual achievement: I was just c............. Ceri .......winning her race.

to keep up appearances

to pretend to be happier, less poor, etc. than you really are, because you do not want people to know how bad your situation is: They were very unhappily married but *** for the sake of their children.

to conceal

to prevent something from being seen or known about: The listening device was *** in a pen. I tried to *** my surprise when she told me her age.

abate

to reduce in amount, degree or severity

to minimize

to reduce something to the least possible level or amount: We must *** the risk of infection.

to stay put

to remain in the same place or position: Just *** with the suitcases, while I go and find a cab.

abdicate

to renounce or relinquish a throne

rejoinder

to reply, retort

remonstrate

to say or plead in protest, objection, or reproof

vilify

to say or write unpleasant things about someone or something, in order to cause other people to have a bad opinion of them: vilify somebody/something (as something) | vilify somebody/something (for something/for doing something) He was vilified by the press as a monster.

propound

to set forth for consideration

expound

to set forth in detail

rerun

to show a television programme, film, etc. again: The James Bond movies are always being rerun on television.

exult

to show or feel triumphant joy

verity

truthfulness

accumulate

v. pile up; collect; mount up; increase

analyse

v. resolve anything complex into its elements; separate into parts for purpose of examination of each separately

awake

v. rouse from sleep;stir the interest of; excite

Reflection:

When a question is complicated, don't give the answer that comes to mind. Take time for reflection Yesterday's defeat was no reflection on our players;they did their very best.

concurrent

When a strike is settled, there will probably be an increase in wages and a concurrent increase in prices.

unshackle

When mutinous sailors were put in irons in the older days, nobody was allowed to unshackle them

flux

When prices are in the state of flux, many buyers delay purchases until the conditions are more settled.

conscript

When there are not enough volunteers for the armed forces, the government conscripts additional men

underscore

When we take notes, the teacher wants us to underscore the items that are especially important.

flabbergasted

When you see your mom come back from the salon with bright green spiky hair and your jaw drops to the floor in total shock, you're ***. You are really, really shocked — pretty much speechless.

eccentric

a person who is considered by other people to be strange or unusual Most people considered him a harmless eccentric.

magnate

a powerful or influential person

doctrine

a principle or body of principles presented for acceptance or belief; dogma

money-spinner

a project that generates a continuous flow of money

a PERTINENT argument/ question

a relevant argument/ question

foregone conclusion

a result that is obvious to everyone even before it happens: The result of the election seems to be a ***. It was a *** that she'd be good at French as her mother is French.

congenital

existing or as such from birth

to thrive

flourish

precursor

forerunner

well-endowed

gut ausgestattet

doleful

sorrowful, mournful

perceptible

that can be seen, heard, or noticed: There was a barely *** movement in his right arm. The past year has seen a *** improvement in working standards.

to alter

to change, to transform

contravene

to come into conflict with

to impair/ hamper our understanding

to affect our understanding

to be adept at

to be good or skillful at

dwindle

to become gradually less or smaller dwindling audiences a dwindling band of supporters

to be going places

to become successful: He's doing so well in his new job and it seems he will ***.

to get off to a good start

to begin an activity successfully: I didn't *** this morning - I'd been at work five minutes and my computer stopped working!

to muck about

to behave in a silly way, or to treat someone or something in a careless way: Stop *** with those ornaments, you'll break something! I'm fed up with them *** me *** and cancelling our arrangements.

to purchase sth.

to buy sth.

to conduct

to carry out

subjugate

to conquer

to make up your mind TO DO sth

to decide: I haven't *** where *** yet (go).

prudence

wisdom, caution or restraint

work on

work on something to try hard to improve or achieve something You need to work on your pronunciation a bit more. 'Have you sorted out a babysitter yet?' 'No, but I'm working on it.'

novice

(n.) a beginner, someone without training or experience (Because we were all novices at archery, our instructor decided to begin with the basics

perusal

(n.) a careful examination, review (The actor agreed to accept the role after a three-month perusal of the movie script.)

maxim

(n.) a common saying expressing a principle of conduct (Ms. Stone's etiquette maxims are both entertaining and instructional.)

predilection

(n.) a preference or inclination for something (James has a predilection for eating toad in the whole with tomato ketchup.)

panacea

(n.) a remedy for all ills or difficulties (Doctors wish there was a single panacea for every disease, but sadly there is not.)

parody

(n.) a satirical imitation (A hush fell over the classroom when the teacher returned to find Magdalena acting out a parody of his teaching style.)

penchant

(n.) a tendency, partiality, preference (Fiona's dinner parties quickly became monotonous on account of her penchant for Indian dishes.)

plethora

(n.) an abundance, excess (The wedding banquet included a plethora of oysters piled almost three feet high.)

maverick

(n.) an independent, nonconformist person (John is a real maverick and always does things his own way.)

alacrity

(n.) eagerness, speed (For some reason, Simon loved to help his girlfriend whenever he could, so when his girlfriend asked him to set the table he did so with alacrity.)

avarice

(n.) excessive greed (The banker's avarice led him to amass an enormous personal fortune.)

candor

(n.) honesty, frankness (We were surprised by the candor of the politician's speech because she is usually rather evasive.)

enmity

(n.) ill will, hatred, hostility (John and Scott have clearly not forgiven each other, because the enmity between them is obvious to anyone in their presence.)

serendipity

(n.) luck, finding good things without looking for them (In an amazing bit of serendipity, penniless Mark found a $50 bill on the back seat of the bus.)

infamy

(n.) notoriety, extreme ill repute (The infamy of his crime will not lessen as time passes.)

sycophant

(n.) one who flatters for self-gain (Some see the people in the cabinet as the Prime Minister's closest advisors, but others see them as sycophants.)

despot

(n.) one who has total power and rules brutally (The despot issued a death sentence for anyone who disobeyed his laws.)

gluttony

(n.) overindulgence in food or drink (Helen's fried chicken tastes so divine, I don't know how anyone can call gluttony a sin.)

hypocrisy

(n.) pretending to believe what one does not (Once the politician began passing legislation that contradicted his campaign promises, his hypocrisy became apparent.)

umbrage

(n.) resentment, offence (He called me a lily-livered coward, and I took umbrage at the insult.)

complacency

(n.) self-satisfied ignorance of danger (Simon tried to shock his friends out of their complacency by painting a frightening picture of what might happen to them.)

empathy

(n.) sensitivity to another's feelings as if they were one's own (I feel such empathy for my dog when she's upset so am I!)

acme

(n.) the best and highest level of something, pinnacle

zenith

(n.) the highest point, culminating point (I was too nice to tell Emily that she had reached the absolute zenith of her career with that one top 10 hit of hers.)

nadir

(n.) the lowest point of something (My day was boring, but the nadir came when my new car was stolen.)

knell

(n.) the solemn sound of a bell, often indicating a death (Echoing throughout our village, the funeral knell made the grey day even more grim.)

all-round

= всесторонний, used to say that a person has many different types of skills and abilities: She's a fantastic *** sportswoman.

to supersede

= вытеснять, заменять; to replace something, especially something older or more old-fashioned: Most of the old road has been *** by the great interstate highways.

to wield

= держать в руках, уметь обращаться; to hold a weapon or tool and look as if you are going to use it: She was confronted by a man *** a knife.

gangly

= долговязый; A person, usually a boy or young man, who is very tall and thin and moves awkwardly: a *** youth

to assure

= заверять; to tell someone confidently that something is true, especially so that they do not worry: The unions *** the new owners of the workers' loyalty to the company. [ + speech ] "Don't worry, your car will be ready tomorrow," the mechanic *** him. [ + (that) ] She *** him (that) the car would be ready the next day.

consistent:

By bringing up an unrelated matter, you are not being consistent with your previous statement that you should stick to the topic.

indigence

By hand work, countless thousands of Americans have raised themselves from indigence to wealth.

contravene

By invading the neutral nation, the dictator contravened his earlier pledge to guarantee its independence.

elicit

By questioning the witness, the attorney elicited that the fact that it was raining at the time of the accident.

imminent

By the sudden darkening of the skies and a thunder in the distance, we could tell that the rain was imminent.

underprivileged

The underprivileged child from the crowded slum tenement has more problems to overcome than a child from the middle-class home.

to reel off

[informal] to say a long list of things quickly and without stopping: The old man *** the names of his 22 grandchildren.

to root sth out

[informal] to search and find something or someone that is difficult to find: I've *** an old pair of shoes that might fit you.

unbidden

[literary] ​not invited or wanted: At night, images would come *** into her mind.

to burgeon

[literary] to develop or grow quickly: Love *** between them.

shattered

[uk informal] extremely tired: By the time I got home, I was ***.

craft

The weavers of the Oriental rugs are famous for their superior craft. The Greek took Troy by craft; they use the trick of the wooden horse.

avowal

The white flag of surrenders is an avowal of defeat.

misdeed:

The wrongdoer was punished for his misdeed by a fine and imprisonment.

lavish

The young heir was warned that he would soon have nothing left if he continued to be lavish with his money. Vera's composition is good, but it doesn't deserve the lavish praise that Linda gave it.

intimidate

The younger boy would not have given the playing field so quickly if the older boys had not intimidated them.

transpose

There is a misspelled word on your paper "strenght". Correct it by transposing the last two letters.

sandwich course

a college course consisting of periods of study with periods of work between them so that students get practical experience: Successful applicants will follow a suitable *** requiring a year industry.

tie-up

a connection or agreement that joins two things or organizations: Cambridge University Press arranged a *** with the German publisher Klett.

drawback

a disadvantage or the negative part of a situation: One of the drawbacks ..................re a bathroom.

effigy

a dummy; a likeness or image, especially of a person.

presentiment

a feeling of anticipation over a future event

compunction

a feeling of uneasiness for doing wrong

dogma

a firmly held opinion, often a religious belief

much as

although: *** I would like to help you, I'm simply too busy at the moment.

albeit

although: The evening was very pleasant, *** a little quiet. He tried, *** without success.

staggering

amazing

output

an amount of something produced by a person, machine, factory, country, etc.: Last year manufacturing o................ fell by 14 percent.

surplus

an amount that is extra or more than you need food surpluses Wheat was in surplus that year.

endeavor

an attempt to do something, especially something new or difficult Please make every endeavour to arrive on time He endeavoured in vain to escape the situation. The buyer should always endeavour to negotiate terms..

stepping stone

an event or experience that helps you achieve something else: I see this job just as a *** to better things.

microbe

an extremely small living thing that you can only see under a microscope and that may cause diseasein

ailment

an illness: If you've got a rash or a persistent cough, you can call that an ***. Some other common *** are allergies or chronic headaches.

presumptuous

arrogant; taking liberties

elocution

art of clear and expressive speaking

aesthetic

artistic; dealing with or capable of appreciating the beautiful

characterless

a *** person or thing is not interesting or has no style or unusual qualities: It's just one of those *** modern cities. a perfect but *** face

a tedious job, journey, conversation

a boring job, journey, conservation

landmark

a building or place that is easily recognized, especially one that you can use to judge where you are: The Rock of Gibraltar is one of Europe's most famous ***.

swing

a change from one opinion or situation to another; the amount by which something changes He is liable to abrupt mood swings (= for example from being very happy to being very sad).

garland

a circle of flowers and leaves that is worn on the head or around the neck or is hung in a room as decoration The office was decked with garlands for the party.

an accredited person, school, organisation to be accredited with sth.

eine zugelassene Person, Schule, Organisation etw. bestätigt bekommen

dismiss

eliminate from consideration; reject

to negotiate sth. with sb.

etw. mit jdm. aushandeln, verhandeln, discuss

to confess sth.

etw. zugeben, gestehen, beichten

call to mind sth/ so

etwas ins Gedächtnis rufen

hyperbole

exaggeration; overstatement

plethora

excess; overabundance

meticulous

excessively careful; painstaking; scrupulous

to be due

expected to happen, arrive, etc. at a particular time: What time is the next bus ***? The next meeting is *** to be held in three months' time. Their first baby is *** in January.

pricey

expensive: It's a bit *** but the food is wonderful.

indigent

experiencing want or need; impoverished.

in stark contrast

extreme difference: In the suburbs the spacious houses stand *** (= extreme) *** to the slums of the city's poor.

painstaking

extremely careful and correct, and involving a lot of effort: It took months of *** research to write the book. He was described by his colleagues as a *** journalist.

petrified

extremely frightened: I stood *** as the most enormous dog I've ever seen came bounding up to me. She's *** of being on her own in the house at night.

revolting

extremely unpleasant: a *** smell of rotting cabbage Picking your nose is a *** habit.

immensely

extremely, enormously He was immensely popular in his day. She's an immensely talented young athlete

plummet

fall sharply

fallacious

false; misleading

familiarize

familiarize yourself/somebody (with something) to learn about something or teach somebody about something, so that you/they start to understand it synonym acquaint You'll need time to familiarize yourself with our procedures. The aim of the course was to familiarize students with the uses of the Internet.

zealot

fanatic; person who shows excessive zeal

contrite

feeling regret and sorrow for one's sins or offenses; penitent

veracity

filled with trust and accuracy

inherent

firmly established by nature or habit

flair

flair for something a natural ability to do something well He has a flair for languages.

afloat

floating on water Somehow we kept the boat afloat. He could not swim and only a life jacket kept him afloat.

all the while

for all of a period of time: There I was thinking you were hard at work and you were upstairs in bed ***!

austere

forbiddingly stern in appearance; severely simple and unornamented

embrace

formal to accept something enthusiastically: This was an opportunity that he would e...............

amity

friendship; peaceful harmony

querulous

full of complaints

porous

full of pores; like a sieve

disparate

fundamentally distinct or different in kind; entirely dissimilar

aggregate

gather; accumulate

magnanimous

generous in forgiving an insult or injury

historic (sth. you will remember) historical (related to history)

geschichtlich (2x)

eloquent

giving a clear, strong message: She made an *** appeal for action. The pictures were an *** reminder of the power of the volcano.

so as to

in order to: I always keep fruit in the fridge *** keep flies off it.

duly

in the correct way or at the correct time; as expected: They *** booked the apartment of their own.

automation

n. act or process of converting the controlling of a machine or device to a more automatic system, such as computer or electronic controls

antagonism

n. active resistance; condition of being an opposing principle, force, or factor

aspiration

n. ambition; longing

annuity

n. annual payment of allowance or income; periodical payment, amounting to a fixed sum in each year

agitation

n. anxiety; extreme emotional disturbance

appraisal

n. assessment; evaluation; the classification of someone or something with respect to its worth

anthology

n. book of literary selections by various authors

applicant

n. candidate

advent

n. coming or arrival, especially of something extremely important

armour

n. defensive covering, as of metal, wood, or leather, worn to protect the body against weapons

aviation

n. design, development, and production of aircraft

appliance

n. durable goods for home or office use; device or instrument for household use

attribute

n. essential quality; reputation; honor

avalanche

n. fall or slide of a large mass, as of snow or rock, down a mountainside

ancestor

n. forefather; forebear; forerunner or predecessor

apex

n. highest point; the vertex; usually pointed end of an object; the tip

autonomy

n. independence; self-government or the right of self-government; self-determination

accommodation

n. living quarters provided for public convenience; something that meets a need; convenience

antenna

n. metallic apparatus for sending or receiving electromagnetic waves

accuser

n. one who accuses; one who brings a charge of crime or fault

astronaut

n. person to pilot, navigate, or as a crew member of spacecraft

attendee

n. person who is present and participates in a meeting

authenticity

n. quality of being genuine or trustworthy

abrasion

n. scratch; friction

accord

n. settlement or compromise of conflicting opinions; written agreement between two states

anecdote

n. short account of amusing or interesting event; short narrative; secret story of history or biography

abbreviation

n. shortening something by omitting parts of it

bacterium

n. single celled organism with no nucleus

ambiguity

n. state of being ambiguous; doubtfulness or uncertainty

adolescence

n. state of growing up from childhood to manhood or womanhood; transitional period between youth and maturity

arsenal

n. stock or supply, usually of weapons

ascent

n. the act of rising or going upward

axis

n. the center around which something rotates; pivot

quiescence

n. the condition of being at rest, still, inactive

avian

n. thin A bird-like or flying creature

antonym

n. word of opposite meaning; counter term

requisite

necessary for a particular purpose She lacks the requisite experience for the job. They were not able to start the meeting until the requisite number of members were present

endless

never finishing, or seeming never to finish: He seems to think that I have an e........... supply of money. The possibilities are e...........

secluded, unspoiled, remote, picturesque, medieval (mittelalterlich), quaint (charming)

nice/ beautiful location, place, surrounding

breathtaking, uninterrupted, splendid, panoramic

nice/ beautiful view

self-righteous

showing that you are too proud of your own moral behaviour or beliefs, especially in a way that annoys other people,sententious

ostentatious

showy; pretentious; trying to attract attention

to be oblivious of/ to sth.

sich etw überhaupt nicht bewusst sein

taciturn

silent, not talkative

reticent

silent; reserved; uncommunicative; inclined to silence

acumen

skill in making correct decisions and judgments in a particular subject, such as business or politics: She has considerable business/financial ***.

soporific

sleep-causing; lethargy; marked by sleepiness

dormant

sleeping; lethargic; latent

paucity

smallness of quantity; scarcity; scantiness

incomparable

so good or great that nothing or no one else could achieve the same standard: *** beauty/skill the *** Mohammed Ali

inconsolably

so sad or disappointed that it is impossible for anyone to make you feel better: The child was crying ***.

to be gobsmacked

so shocked that you cannot speak: He was completely *** when he won the award.

saturate

soak thoroughly

gregarious

sociable

interloper

someone who intrudes in the domain of others

a law-abiding person

someone who respects the law (character trait)

stressor

something that causes stress (= great worry or emotional difficulty): Constant noise can be a stressor.

deterrent

something that discourages; hindrance

token

something that is a symbol of a feeling, a fact, an event, etc. synonym expression, mark Please accept this small gift as a token of our gratitude. We hope you will accept this book as a small token of our appreciation.

hazard

something that is dangerous and likely to cause damage: a health/fire *** The busy traffic entrance was a *** to pedestrians.

boon

something that is very helpful and improves the quality of life: Guide dogs are a great boon to the partially sighted.

pie in the sky

something that you hope will happen but is very unlikely to happen: Their plans to set up their own business are just ***.

knock sb down with a feather

something that you say in order to emphasize how surprised you were when something happened I only entered for a joke and I won first prize You could have ....................

to knock down with a feather

something that you say in order to emphasize how surprised you were when something happened I only entered for a joke and I won first prize. You could have ***.

abstemious

sparing in eating and drinking; temperate

dichotomy

split; branching into two parts (especially contradictory ones)

pervasive

spread throughout

rampant

spreading out of control The epidemic spread with a rampancy that was frightening The rampant spread of epidemic make it difficult to control the disease spread rampantly throughout the region

underpin

support with evidence or authority or make more certain or confirm: The transformation will be "*** by a series of cost management initiatives," Mr. Lewis wrote.

bolster

support; reinforce

abeyance

suspended action

sway

sway somebody to persuade somebody to believe something or do something synonym influence He's easily swayed. She wasn't swayed by his good looks or his clever talk. power or influence over somebody Rebel forces hold sway over much of the island. He was quick to exploit those who fell under his sway.

innate talents

talents you are born with

loquacious

talkative

tuition

teaching, especially when given to a small group or one person, such as in a college or university: All students receive t......... in logic and metaphysics.

prohobitive

tending to prevent the purchase or use of something; inclined to prevent or forbid

indiscernible

that cannot be seen, heard or understood The differences are almost indiscernible.

upside

the advantage of a situation: It's annoying that we can't travel until Thursday, but the upside is that tickets are cheaper then

sedition:

the author of the pamphlet advocating the overthrow of the government was arrested for sedition.

outset

the beginning: I told him at/from the *** I wasn't interested.

cream of the crop

the best of a group of similar things or people: The medical school's graduates are considered to be the *** and can get jobs wherever they want to.

to wane

to become weaker in strength or influence: By the late 70s the band's popularity was beginning to ***.

bemoan

to express pity for

mind-blowing

"irre, astonishing"

duped

= надувать, обманывать, to deceive someone, usually by making that person do something that they did not intend to do: The girls were *** by drug smugglers into carrying heroin for them.

bribery, corruption

Bestechung

dispassionate .

For a dispassionate account of how the fight started, as a neutral observer -not a participant

perplex

I need help the fourth problem; it perplexes me.

precocious

If Nany's three-year-old brother can read, he must be a precocious child.

verity

That smoking is injurious to health is a scientifically established verity.

absorbing

That was an absorbing book. It held my interest from the beginning to end.

menace

an individual or situation that causes problems My neighbor's dog is a menace who seems to enjoy going potty on my porch. In the summer, ants can be a real menace in the kitchen

euphemism

an inoffensive expression that is substituted for one that is considered offensive

gimmick

an unusual trick or unnecessary device that is intended to attract attention or to persuade people to buy something a promotional/publicity/sales gimmick We don't use gimmicks to sell our products. The promise of lower taxation may have been just an election gimmick to gain votes

rage

anger

catching, contagious, infectious

ansteckend

forebear:

ant: descendant; His forebears migrated to American for Ireland.

rodent

any small animal that belongs to a group of animals with strong sharp front teeth. Mice, rats and squirrels are all rodents.

apartheid

any system or caste that separates people according to race

ostensibly

appearing or claiming to be one thing when it is really something else: He has spent the past three months in Florida, *** for medical treatment, but in actual fact to avoid prosecution.

converge

approach; tend to meet; come together

approbation

approval; praise, consideration

sanction

approve; ratify

supercilious

arrogant, haughty, condescending

attribute

attribute something to something to say or believe that something is the result of a particular thing She attributes her success to hard work and a little luck. to say or believe that somebody is responsible for doing something, especially for saying, writing or painting something attribute something The committee refused to attribute blame without further information. attribute something to somebody This play is usually attributed to Shakespeare

to be at stake

auf dem Spiel stehen (risk), zur Debatte stehen (question)

to soak in, fam.: Will it ever soak in?

aufsaugen, fam.: Wird er oder sie es jemals verstehen/ kapieren?

aqueduct

a structure for carrying water across land, especially one like a high bridge with many arches that carries pipes or a canal across a valley

block letters

a style of writing in which each letter of a word is written separately and clearly using the capital letters of the alphabet: Please print your name and address in ***.

a sweeping victory

a supreme victory

heirloom

a valuable object that has belonged to the same family for many years a family heirloom

panoply

a wide-ranging and impressive array or display

dormer window

a window that sticks out from a sloping roof

bay window

a window that sticks out from the outer wall of a house and usually has three sides

adage

a wise saying: He remembered the old *** "Look before you leap".

marvel

a wonderful thing The building is an architectural marvel. The design is a marvel of elegance and simplicity.

subpoena

a writ requiring appearance in court to give testimony

to be for sale

available to buy: Is this painting ***? Our neighbours put their house up *** (= started to advertise that they want to sell it) last week.

disconcerting

having or showing great knowledge that is gained from academic study synonym learned She could turn any conversation into an erudite discussion. She was a well-respected and erudite scholaro

luscious

he watermelon were very luscious. Everyone wanted another slice

elicit

draw out by discussion

an intrinsic value

ein wesentlicher Wert

facilitate

help bring about; make less difficult

recluse

hermit; loner

savor

enjoy; have a distinctive flavor, smell, or quality

inventive

erfinderisch

default

failure to act

bogus

false, not real, or not legal: On investigation, his claim was found to be ***. She produced some *** documents to support her application.

arresting

fascinating

to praise, commend, glorify, extol

loben, empfehlen, feiern

overriding concern

more important than anything else: The government's *** is to reduce inflation.

elevated style

more sophisticated, eloquent style

inordinate

much more than usual or expected: Margot has always spent an *** amount of time on her appearance.

laborious

mühsam

affiliate

n. A person, organization, or establishment associated with another, as a subordinate, subsidiary, or member

badminton

n. game played on a court with light long-handled rackets

abundance

n. great or plentiful amount; fullness to overflowing

apprentice

n. works for an expert to learn a trade; beginner; learner

insularity

narrow-mindedness; isolation

propensity

natural inclination

integral

necessary and important as a part of a whole: He's an integral part of the team and we can't do without him. Bars and terrace cafés are integral to the social life of the city

stale

no longer new or fresh, usually as a result of being kept for too long: The bread/biscuits/cake had gone ***.

obstreperous

noisily defiant, unruly

immutable

not changing, or unable to be changed: Some people regard grammar as an *** set of rules.

precarious

not safe or certain, dangerous

obtuse

not sharp, pointed or acute

inconsistent

not staying the same in behaviour or quality: The teacher said that Alex's schoolwork was very ***.

sporadic

occurring irregularly

permeable

penetrable; porous; allowing liquids or gas to pass through

people from all walks of life

people from all social layers

vicarious

performed, exercised, received or suffered in place of another

hanker

to have a strong wish for something, especially if you cannot or should not have it: What did you h........ ..... most when you were in prison? Even after all these years, I still h....... . a motorbike.

to make ends meet

to have just enough money to pay for the things that you need

to backfire

to have the opposite result from the one you intended: Her plans to make him jealous *** on her when he started dating her best friend.

to give assistance in/ to give a hand with sth. or to do sth.

to help

conceive

to imagine something: I think my uncle still c............ of me as a four-year-old. He couldn't c............. of a time when he would have no job.

to emulate

to imitate

enrich

to improve the quality of something, often by adding something to it enrich something The study of science has enriched all our lives. enrich something with something Most breakfast cereals are enriched with vitamins

enhance

to improve the quality, amount, or strength of something: These scandals will not e................. the organization's reputation.

to feature

to include someone or something as an important part: Fish and plants *** prominently in their diet.

aggrandize

to increase in power, influence and reputation

broaden

to increase the range of something: I hoped that going to college might b............. my horizons (= increase the range of my knowledge and experience).

to be devoid of sth

to lack or be without something that is necessary or usual: Their apartment is *** all comforts. He seems to be *** compassion.

assuage

to make less severe; ease or lessen (pain); satisfy (hunger); soothe (anger)

to render sb speechless/ happy/ furious/...

to make sb ...

with a view to doing sth

with the aim of doing something: These measures have been taken *** increasing the company's profits.

to no avail

without any success or any effect: The students asked the school to help them raise the money, but t***.

guileless

without deceit

impassive

without feeling; imperturbable; showing or feeling no emotion

artless

without guile; open and honest

indolent (person)

without interest, lazy (person)

verbose

wordy

mundane

worldly as opposed to spiritual; everyday

solicitous

worried; concerned

expedient

zweckmässig, ratsam, angebracht

to stumble on sth.

über etw. stolpern

whatsoever --> I don`t have any doubts whatsoever. --> whatsoever you like

überhaupt, was auch immer --> Ich habe überhaupt keine Zweifel. --> was (auch) immer Du magst

broadcast, transmission

übertragene Sendung (ie TV)

It comes as no surprise.

Оно и не удивительно.

to fall into place

Стать на свои места

confused by

в замешательстве из-за

to place the blame

винить

to place hopes

возлагать надежды

loan on sth

заем на что-то

to place restriction

запретить

abundance of

изобилее чего-то

justification for

обоснование для

to be oriented towards

ориентирован на

snap decision

поспешное решение

to have difficulty IN doing sth

сложно что-то делать: People with asthma *** (breathe).

brakes

тормоза

to inflict (upon)

​to force someone to experience something very unpleasant: These new bullets are capable of *** massive injuries. The suffering*** on these children was unimaginable.

to invigorate

​to make someone feel fresher, healthier, and more energetic: We were *** by our walk.

dissolution

disintegration; looseness in morals

refute

disprove

prodigal

lavish; wasteful; reckless with money

erudite

learned, scholarly, bookish

torpor

lethargy; sluggishness; dormancy

qualified

limited; restricted

infusion

liquid extract so obtained

futile

useless; hopeless; ineffectual

rather

vielmehr (im Gegenteil)

transgression

violation of a law; sin

to assume full responsibility for sth.

volle Verantwortung für etw. übernehmen

flabbergasted (AE)

von den Socken (fam.)

to enthuse about sth (-> enthusiastic)

von etw schwärmen, begeistert sein

preventive measures/ steps

vorbeugende Massnahmen

to gather momentum (idea, political statement)

Fahrt aufnehmen, become more important

aggregate

v. gather into a mass, sum, or whole; amount to

withhold

Please don't interrupt me. If you have something to say, withhold it until I have finished speaking.

She is mouthy.

Sie hat ein grosses Maul.

premature

Since just less than a half of the votes have been counted, my opponent's claims of victory are premature.

soluble

Sugar is soluble in water Someone would have found the answer by now if the problem were soluble.

condiment

There is a shelf in our kitchen for pepper, salt, mustard, catsup and other condiments.

intermittent:

There were intervals when the sun broke through the clouds , because the showers were intermittent.

truculence

aggressiveness; ferocity

desultory

aimless; haphazard; digressing at random

ubiquitous /iu`biquitos/, omnipresent

allgegenwärtig

outgoings

amounts of money that regularly have to be spent, for example to pay for heating or rent

Perseverance

continued effort and determination: Through hard work and perseverance, he worked his way up to the top.

cogent

convincing and well reasoned

propriety

correct behavior or conduct, obedience to rules and customs

ascribe

v. inscribe or dedicate; attribute to a specified cause, source, or origin; assign as a quality

augment

v. make greater, as in size, extent, or quantity

accelerate

v. move faster; cause to develop or progress more quickly; occur sooner than expected

alleviate

v. provide physical relief, as from pain; make easier; remove in part

automate

v. replace or enhance human labor with machines

conform:

when a new style of clothes appears, women usually hasten to confrom it.

invariably

= неизменно, always: The train is *** late.

abscond

A wide research is underway for the manager who absconded with $100000 of his employer's funds.

in practice

Actually ; in pen it might be in thing, but in reality another: It seemed like a good idea before we started, but *** it was a disaster. Officially, Robert's in charge, but *** Hannah runs the office. I can't see how your plan is going to work ***.

reconcile:

After our quarrel, my brother and I refused to talk to each other until our Mother reconciled us.

tenacious

After the dog got the ball, I tried to dislodge it from her tenacious jaws, but I couldn't.

impending

After the first flash of lightning, people scurried for the shelter from the impending storm.

Adhere

Apply the stickers according to direction , or it will not adhere

veritable

As the pretended heirs of Peter Wills were disposing of the fortune, the veritable heirs arrived.

adversary

Before the contest began, the champion shook hands with his adversary.

foreboding:

Before the day of the accident, I had a foreboding that something would go wrong.

building block

Baustein

grandeur

Because I wanted to spend the night in a room of grandeur, I paid several thousand dollars to stay in the hotel's presidential suite.

lucrative

Because his gas station did not produce a sufficient profit, the owner decided to go into a more lucrative business.

quintet

Because it has five players, a basketball team is often called a quintet

discord:

Billy Budd put an end to the discord aboard the right-of-man. He was an excellent peacemaker.

dent

Cheap goods from overseas could severely dent the company's sales. The appearance of these cheap goods from abroad has severely dented the company's sales. The car was quite badly dented on one side.

maladjusted

Carlo was maladjusted in the early stages, not because of poor intelligence but because he couldn't speak English.

incipient

Certain serious diseases can be successfully treated if detected in incipient stages.

amicable

Charlotte is an amicable child; everybody likes her.

entail:

Can you family afford the extra expense a larger apartment entails?

Can you call to mind who wrote the music?

Can you remember (colloquial) wo wrote the music?

foregoing:

Carefully review the foreboding chapter before reading any further.

chronic

Carl's sore arm is not a new development, but the return of a chronic ailment. Rhoda is a chronic complainer. She is always dissatisfied.

impose

Cleaning up after the job is the repairman's responsibility. Don't let him impose it on you.

indomitable:

Columbus had an indomitable belief that he would reach the land by sailing west.

covet

Cory coveted his neighborhood's farm but couldn't get her to sell it.

at variance:

Cythia is an independent thinker. Her opinions are often at variance with those of the rest of the class.

You caught me on the wrong foot!

Da haben Sie mich auf dem falschen Fuss erwischt!

misgiving:

Dad has no misgivings when my mother takes the wheels because she is an excellent driver.

discontent

Dan was discontent at his French mark; he had expected at least 10 points more.

malevolent

David Balfour visits his malevolent uncle who tries to kill him.

profuse

Despite a large income, the actor has saved very little because he is a profuse spender.

opulence

Dicken contrasts the opulence of French's nobility with the indigence of her peasants.

depose

Did the king abdicate or was he deposed?

expel

Expelled from the university because of the poor grades, the student applied for readmission the following term.

civilian

Eight of the passengers were soldiers and one was a marine; the rest were civilians.

discrepancy:

Eighty students came to the dance but only seventy-four tickets were collected. Can you account for this discrepancy?

intimidation to intimidate sb. with/ by doing sth. to be cowed by sth./ so.

Einschüchterung jmd. durch etw. einschüchtern von jdm./ etw. eingeschüchtert werden

inhibit

Ellen told the child not to cry, but he could not inhibit his tear.

restore

Enervated by the heat, we rested under a shady tree until our strength was restored.

track record

Erfolgsbilanz

There is a whole host of reasons that...

Es gibt eine ganze Menge an Gründen, dass...

misbelief:

People thought the Earth was flat until Columbus corrected that misbelief.

inflate

Since the football has lost air, we shall need a pump to inflate it.

puny

The building dwarfs the surrounding buildings. By comparison to it, they seem puny.

stealthy

The burglar must have been very stealth if he was able to get past the two watchmen without being noticed.

progenitor

The Bibles states that Adam was a progenitor of human race.

abduct

The Greeks attacked Troy to recover Helen, who had been abducted by the Trojan prince Paris.

insurgent

The King promised to pardon any insurgent who would lay down his arms. General Washington led the insurgent forces in the Revolutionary War.

relent:

The Mayor has banned all lawn sprinkling because of water shortage. However, if the reservoirs fill up, he may relent somewhat.

default

The Royals must be on the playing ground before 4pm. If they do not appear, they will lose the game by default. The finance company took away Gee's car when he defaulted on the payments.

synchronize

The clocks in the library need to be synchronized; one is a minute and a half behind the other.

dissident

The compromise was welcomed by all the strikers except a small dissident group who felt that the raises were too small.

immaculate

The curtains were spotless; the tablecloth was immaculate, too.

decadent

The decadent downtown section was once a flourishing business district.

overwhelm

The department store guards were nearly overwhelmed by the crowds of shoppers waiting for the sale to begin.

influx

The discovery of gold in California in 1848 caused a large influx of settlers from the East.

native

The entire Russo family are natives of New Jersey except their grandparents, who were born in Italy. Tobacco, tomatoes, and potatoes are native American plants that were introduced into European by explorers returning from the New World.

exclusive

The exclusive club does not readily accept newcomers. Before the game, each team had exclusive use of the field for 10-minute practice period.

disintegrate

The explosion disintegrated an entire wing of the factory.

correspond:

The rank of the second leiutenant in the Army corresponds to that of ensign in the Navy.

vigor

The robust young pitcher performed with his usual vigor for seven innings, but he weakened in the eighth and was removed from the game.

pilfer

The shoplifter was apprehended with a number of pilfered articles in his possession.

adequate

The student who arrived ten minutes late did not have adequate time to finish the test.

Cohesion

There can be no real cohesion in an alliance if the parties have little in common.

They gave us directions to the venue.

They gave us directions to the location for the event.

This is a sweeping statement.

This is an over-generalising statement.

Deviate:

This teacher notifies the parents when a student neglects his homework, and he will not deviate his rule in your case.

perverse

Though I had carefully explained the shorter routes to him, the perverse youngster came by the longer way.

solitude

Though I like company, there are times when I prefer solitude.

acquiesce

Though I wasn't enthusiastic about Tom's plan to go fishing, I acquiesced in it because there seemed there was nothing else to do

unabridged

Though an abridged dictionary is convenient to use, it contains far fewer definitions than an unabridged dictionary.

plucky:

Though defeated, our team put up a plucky defense against taller and huskier opponents.

submit

Though he boasted he would never be taken alive, the outlaw submitted without a struggle when the police arrived.

sporadic

Though polio has been practically wiped out, there have been some sporadic cases of the disease.

inadvertent

Unfortunately, I made an inadvertent remark about Irma's failure while he was present.

dilapidated

Up the road was an abandoned farmhouse, partially in ruins, and near it a barn, even more dilapidated.

indispensable:

We can do without luxuries and entertainment. However, food, clothing and, shelter are indispensable.

giveaway, freebie

Werbegeschenk, kostenlos

dissent

When the matter was put to a vote, 29 agreed and 4 dissented.

overbearing

When the monitor gave too many orders, the teacher scolded him for being overbearing

upstart

When the new representative entered the legislature, some older members received him coldly because they regarded him as an upstart.

understudy

When the star is recuperating from her illness,her role will be played by her understudy

inmate

When the warder took charge, the prison had fewer than 100 inmates.

row of ticks

a set of positive responses

subterfuge

an artifice or expedient used to evade a rule

amphibian

a. able to live both on land and in water

adjacent

a. adjoining; neighboring; close to; lying near

alphabetical

a. arranged in customary order of the letters of a language

aboriginal

a. being the first of its kind in a region; primitive; native

appreciable

a. considerable; perceptible

aquatic

a. consisting of, relating to, or being in water

arduous

a. demanding great effort or labor; difficult

arid

a. lacking moisture, especially having insufficient rainfall to support trees or woody plants

apologetic

a. offering or expressing an apology or excuse; serving as or containing a formal justification or defense

antarctic

a. opposite to the northern or arctic pole; relating to the southern pole or to the region near it

audible

a. perceptible; heard or perceptible by the ear

contention

claim; thesis

vociferous

crying out noisily

unwieldy

difficult to manage The first mechanical clocks were large and rather unwieldy. The old car felt cumbersome and unwieldy.

assiduous

diligent, persistent, hardworking

head on

directly: It is reputed to tackle a wide range of health issues ***.

unrest

disagreements or fighting between different groups of people: It is feared that the civil *** we are now witnessing in this country could lead to full-scale civil war.

recant

disclaim or disavow; retract a previous statement; openly confess error

dissonance

discord; opposite of harmony

dissemble

disguise; pretend; to disguise one's real intentions or character

it's no concern of smb's

something that involves or affects you or is important to you:I don't want to hear about it - ***!

apathy

lack of interest or emotion; uncaring; indifference

levity

lack of seriousness or steadiness; frivolity

disjointed

lacking coherence; separated at the joints

pusillanimous

lacking courage or resolution

disingenuous

lacking genuine candor; insincere

under your belt

learned or succeeded in, and now a part of your experience: Now that you've got the required courses ***, you can take some electives.

dirge

lament with music

lassitude

languor; weariness

in droves

large numbers: Local reporters arrived ***.

ingenuity

someone's ability to think of clever new ways of doing something: Drug smugglers constantly use their *** to find new ways of getting drugs into a country.

feat

something difficult needing a lot of skill, strength, courage, etc. to achieve it: The Eiffel Tower is a remarkable *** of engineering. She performed remarkable *** of organization for the company.

perennial

something long-lasting

anachronism

something or someone misplaced in time; an obsolete or archaic form

venerate

revere

impetus

something that encourages a particular activity or makes that activity more energetic or effective: The recent publicity surrounding homelessness has given (a) fresh *** to the cause.

dilettante

someone with an amateurish and superficial interest in a topic

Insulation

the act of covering something to stop heat, sound, or electricity from escaping or entering, or the fact that something is covered in this way: The animal's thick fur provides very good insulation against the arctic cold. Glass fibre is often used as roof insulation.

array

v. set out for display or use; place in orderly arrangement

topiary

the art of cutting bushes into attractive shapes, especially of animals and birds

adhere

v. stick fast; stick to firmly; be compatible or in accordance with

distend

to expand by stretching; swell out

anticipate

to expect something anticipate something We don't anticipate any major problems. Our anticipated arrival time is 8.30

diverge

vary; go in different directions from the same point

stint

to restrict or limit, as in amount or number; be sparing with

to inhibit sth or sb (from doing sth)

to restrict, stop sth or sb

INSIST

to say firmly or demand forcefully, especially when others disagree with or oppose what you say: [ + (that) ] Greg still i.......... (that) he did nothing wrong. She i.............. ...... seeing her lawyer.

alleged, apparent, outwordly, so called, ostensible

vermeintlich, sogenannt

unveil

unveil something to show or introduce a new plan, product, etc. to the public for the first time synonym reveal They will be unveiling their new models at the Motor Show.

impudent, insolent

unverschämt, kind of rude

exigent

urgent; requiring immediate action

Familiarity breeds contempt.

used to say that if you know someone very well you stop respecting them because you have seen all of their bad qualities

to lease a lease

vermieten Mietvertrag

lavish

verschwenderisch

wary

very cautious

inaccessible

very difficult or impossible to travel to: Some of the houses on the hillside are *** to cars.

nondescript

very ordinary, or having no interesting or exciting features or qualities: Their offices are in a *** building on the edge of town.

prodigious

very large or powerful and causing surprise or admiration synonym colossal, enormous a prodigious achievement/memory/talent DVDs can store prodigious amounts of information.

alternate

when one thing comes after another; fluctuate Instead of choosing one pain reliever, Judy decided to alternate between Aspirin and Tylenol.

feral (animal)

wild, not civilized (animal)

tortuous

winding; full of curves

astound

v. affect with wonder; surprise; shock

acclaim

v. applaud; announce with great approval

apt

a. likely; exactly suitable; appropriate; quick to learn or understand

archaic

a. no longer current or applicable; antiquated

analytical

a. of analysis; resolving into elements or parts

debilitate

# invigorate The patient was debilitated by the fever that he lacked the strength to sit up

Pertinent

# irrelevant Stick to the point; don't give the information that is not pertinent.

diurnal

# nocturnal during the day Unlike most other bats, this species is diurnal.

decrepit

# sturdy He went past the redcoats on a horse that looked decrepit and about to collapse.

definitive

# tentative, provisional Remember that your answer will be treated as definitive. You will not be permitted to change it.

persist

#desist The teacher told Eric to stop whispering. When he persisted, she sent him to the dean. The rain was supposed to end in the morning, but it persisted through the afternoon and evening.

inept

(adj.) not suitable or capable, unqualified (She proved how inept she was when she forgot two orders and spilled a pint of cider in a customer's lap.)

erudite

(adj.) learned (My English teacher is such an erudite scholar that he has translated some of the most difficult and abstruse Old

coherent

(adj.) logically consistent, intelligible (William could not figure out what Harold had seen because he was too distraught to deliver a coherent statement.)

to be up your street

(US - alley) to be the type of thing that you are interested in or that you enjoy doing: Carpentry isn't really ***. I'd rather pay someone else to do it. I have a little job for you which is right (= exactly) ***.

clutter

(a lot of objects in) a state of being untidy: Sorry about the *** in the kitchen. My desk is covered in/full of ***.

upturn

(especially in economics) an improvement or a change to a higher level or value: I hope to see a long-awaited *** in my personal finances fairly soon.

drastic

(especially of actions) severe and sudden or having very noticeable effects: *** measures Many employees have had to take *** cuts in pay.

to detract

(from) If you *** from something — like an achievement or an opinion or an object — you take away some of its value or diminish it. That dent in the door of your car may *** from its overall value. It *** from our core values.

to asphyxiate (sb.)

(jdn.) ersticken

confidant

(n.) a person entrusted with secrets (Shortly after we met, he became my chief confidant.)

vex

(v.) to confuse or annoy (My boyfriend vexes me by pinching my bottom for hours on end.)

impassible

(of a road, an area, etc.) impossible to travel on or through, especially because it is in bad condition or it has been blocked by something The mountain roads are totally impassable to cars in winter. After the storm, many roads were made impassable by fallen trees.

rugged

(of land) wild and not even; not easy to travel over: rugged landscape/terrain/hills/cliffs

to slump

(of prices, values, or sales) to fall suddenly: The value of property has ***. Car sales have *** dramatically over the past year.

coarse

(of skin or cloth) rough coarse hands/linen opposite smooth, soft The coarseness of the cloth irritated her skin. I can't stand his coarseness and stupidity.

to swear by sth

(phrasal verb) to believe strongly that something is effective or useful: My dad *** these vitamin pills.

enquiry

(the process of asking) a question: I've been making *** about/into the cost of a round-the-world ticket. [formal] *** into the matter is pointless - no one will tell you anything.

plain sailing

(us also be smooth ***) ​ to be easy and without problems: The roads were busy as we drove out of town, but after that it was ***.

restraint

*** is the act of holding something back. For example, if you exercise *** over your emotions, you won't burst out into tears in public.

sky-high

*** prices or charges are very high: The price of oil went *** when war broke out.

yams

/æ/ a sweet potato

disrepair

The bicycle I lent Tom had been in good condition, but he returned it in disrepair.

Puncture

: My neighbor swept a nail off his curb, and later it punctured one of his own tires.

mislead

: Some traffic signs are so confusing that they mislead the traveler.

compact

: The states bordering the Delaware River have entered into a compact for sharing its water.

to be exempt from

= , to excuse someone or something from a duty, payment, etc.: Small businesses have been *** the tax increase.

untenable

= If a theory or argument is ***, it cannot be supported or defended against criticism. ​Eventually the situation became *** and we decided to call it a day. An *** situation cannot continue as it is: If three people in four no longer support the government, isn't this an *** situation?

flounder

= To *** is to be unsteady or uncertain; to experience great difficulties or be completely unable to decide what to do or say next: He lost the next page of his speech and *** around/about for a few seconds. Although his business was a success, his marriage was ***.

resolve

A witness provided the clue that resolved the mystery.

conspicuous

Among the Manhattan's skyscrapers, the Empire State Building is conspicuous for its superior height.

undersigned

Among the undersigned in the petition to the governor were some of the most prominent persons in the state.

enamoured

An English settler became enamoured of the beautiful princess and married her.

unwary

An unwary pedestrian is more like to be struck by a car than those who looks both ways and crosses with the light,

permeate

At breakfast, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee permeates the kitchen and dining room.

compromise :

At first, the union and the manager were far apart on wages, but they finally came to a compromise.

aggregation

At the airport, the homecoming champions were welcomed by the aggregation of admirers.

cower

Brave men defy tyrants, instead of cowering before them.

intersect

Broadway intersects Seventh Avenue at Times Square.

chronology

Bruce named all the Presidents, but he made an error in chronology,

degenerate

But for the skill of the presiding officer, the debate degenerated into an exchange of insults.

voracious

Chester would not be overweight if he were not a voracious eater.

commodious

Even during changes of classes, there is no crowding because the halls and stairways are commodious.

foresight:

Foresight is better than hindsight.

Dovetail:

Gilbert's skill as a writer dovetailed Sullivan's talent as a composer, resulting in the famous Gilbert and Sullivan operettas.

concur

Good sportsmanship requires you to accept the umpire's decision even if you do not concur with it.

impel

Greg's low mark in the midterm impelled him to study harder for the final.

pending

Has a decision been reached on a date for the game, or is it still pending? Barbara agreed to conduct the meeting pending the election of a permanent president.

Blunder

Have you ever committed the blunder of mailing a letter without a postage stamp

forecast:

Have you listened to the weather forecast for tomorrow?

incumbent:

He felt incumbent on him to pay for the window since he had hit the ball that broke it.

He is a keen cyclist. to be keen to do sth./ on doing sth.

He is an enthusiastic cyclist. etw. unbedingt/ leidenschaftlich gerne tun wollen

docile

He is easy to teach, but his brother is not so docile.

Recoil:

He recoiled at the thought of singing in the amateur show, but he went through it because he had promised to participate

Despise

He was despised by his fellow Americans for betraying his country.

forearm:

Henry protected his face for George's blows by raising his forearms.

Her youngest has been labelled as naughty since I can remember. He is billed as the new Tom Cruise.

Her youngest has been judged (in everyday life) as naughty since I can remember. By the cinema/ theatre program he is judged as the new Tom Cruise.

overwrought

High on drama and lacking any emotional restraint, *** is an adjective that means deeply, excessively agitated or nervous: She was so tired and *** that she burst into tears. He was in an *** state/condition for weeks after the accident.

portrayal

His novel is a vivid portrayal of life in a mining community. Much television news gives a negative portrayal of politics.

imposture, fraud, sham, hypocrisy

Hochstapelei

accord

If both sides to the dispute can be brought to the conference table, they can come to an accord. Check to see if your definition accords with the one in the dictionary.

Economize

Housewives can economize by buying their milk in gallon containers.

Project

Huge streams of water, projected by the fireboat's powerful engine, fell on the blazing pier.

defer

Husbands as a rule do not decide on the colors of home furnishings, but defer to their wives in these matters.

alias

Inspector Javert discovered that Monsieur Madeleine was not the mayor's real name but an alias for Jean Valjean, an ex-convict. Jean Valjean, alias Monsieur Madeleine was arrested by Inspector Javert

enervate

Irma was so enervated by the broiling sun that she nearly fainted.

anachronism

It is an anachronism to say that William Shakespeare "typed" his manuscripts.

interlinear

It is difficult to make interlinear notes if the space between lines is very small.

irreconcilable:

It is doubtful that anyone can make peace between estranged partners. They have become irreconcilable.

opinionated

It is hard to reason with an opinionated person; He won't change his mind even when you give him objective evidence.

dastardly

It was dastardly of the captain to desert the sinking vessel and leave the passengers to fend for themselves.

overburden

It would overburden me to have a piano lesson Thursday because I have so much homework on that day.

adjoin

Mexico adjoins The United States.

compatible:

Miss Evans knows that Authur and I can not be on the same committee. We are not compatible.

upturn

Most merchants report a slowdown in the sales for October, but confidently upturn with the approach of Christmas.

procrastinate

Most of the picnickers took cover when rain seemed imminent. The few procrastinated got drenched.

manifest

My art teacher told my parents that I have failed to manifest any interest in her subject. It is now manifest that, if I do no do my work, I will fall the course.

intercede

My brother would have lost the argument if Dad hadn't interceded for him.

solicitude

My brother's solicitude over getting into college ended when he received the word that he had been accepted.

abstain

My dentist said I would have fewer cavities if I abstained from eating candy.

upkeep

My neighbor traded his own car because the upkeep had become too high.

confirm

My physician thought I had broken my wrist, and an X-ray later confirmed his opinion.

preconceived

My preconceived dislike for the book disappeared when I read a few chapters.

dawdle

My sister dawdles over dishes. Mother gets them done without wasting time.

withdrawal

My uncle paid for his vacation trip by making a withdrawal from his bank account.

avocation

My uncle, an accountant, composes music as an avocation.

downside, drawback, disadvantage

Nachteil

simulate

Nacy was the star of the show; she simulated the bewildered mother effectively.

engender

Name-calling engenders hatred.

edible

Never eat wild mushrooms, even though they look edible. They may be poisonous.

presume

Nineteen of the sailors have been rescued. One is missing and presumed dead.

Nomad

Nomads have no fixed homes, but move from region to region to secure their food supply.

Notwithstanding

Notwithstanding their advantage of height, the visiting players were unable to beat our basketball team.

Apprehend

Now I see how foolish I was to apprehend the outcome of the test. I passed it easily.

infraction

Parking at the bus stop is illegal. Motorists committing this infraction are heavily fined.

inundate

On Election Night, the victor's offices were inundated by congratulatory messages.

incarcerate

On July 14, 1789, the people of Paris freed the prisoners incarcerated in the Bastilles.

slake

On a sultry afternoon, you can see a long line of people at the drinking fountain, waiting to slake their thirst.

Sojourn

On his trip home, Gerald will stop in St. Louis for two -day sojourn with relatives.

underbrush

On its way through the dense jungle, the patrol had to be constantly wary of enemy soldiers concealed in the underbrush.

mishap:

Right after the accident, each driver blamed the other for the mishap.

audacious:

Risking serious injury, the outfielder made an audacious leap against the concrete wall to caught the powerfully hit ball. After we had been waiting for about 20 minutes, an audacious freshman came along and tried to get in at the head of the line.

exploit:

Rober. E. Peary won worldwide fame for his exploits as an Arctatic explorer.

transgress

Ronald's previous record showed he had been an obedient student and had never transgressed school regulations.

superfluous:

Since we have enough food for the picnic, please don't bring any because it will only be superfluous.

veracity

Since you have lied to us in the past, you should not wonder that we doubt your veracity.

verify

So far, the charges have been neither disproved or verified

litigation:

Some business disputes can be settled out the court; others require litigation.

misfire:

The bear escaped when the hunter's rifle misfired.

Rally

Supporters/Opponents of the new shopping development are trying to rally localpeople in favour of/against it. The president has called on the people to rally to/behind the government.

traverse

The Trans-Siberian Railroad completed in 1905, traverse the Asian continent.

advent

The Weather Bureau gave adequate warning of the advent of the hurricane.

implicate

The accused is not only guilty part; two other are were also implicated.

adroit

The adroit passing enabled us to score four touchdowns.

aggregate

The aggregate strength of allies was impressive, though individuals some were quite weak.

abdicate

The aging king abdicated his throne and went into retirement.

Domicile

The announcement read:" The Coppers have moved, and they invite you to visit them at their new domicile, 22 Apple Street.

unconcern

The audience was breathless with anxiety during the daring tightrope act, though the acrobats themselves performed with seeming unconcern for their own safety.

absolve

The fact that you were absent when the assignment was given does not absolve you from doing homework. Of the three suspects, two were found guilty and the third was absolved.

inclusive

The film will be shown from August 22 to 24, inclusive, the total of three days.

magnanimous

The first time I was late, Miss O'Neil excused me with the warning that she would not be magnanimous the next time.

imperil

The fishing vessel was imperiled by high winds, but it managed to reach port safely.

Citadel

The fortified city of Singapore was once considered unconquerable. In 1942, however, this citadel fell to the Japanese.

colossal

The game will be played in a colossal sports arena with a seating capacity of 600000 people

dissimilar

The gloves are not a pair; they look quite dissimilar.

scrutinize

The guard at the gate scrutinized his pass before letting him in, but he just glanced at mine.

deter

The heavy rain did not deter people from coming to the school play. Nearly every seat was occupied.

devour

The hikers were so hungry that they devoured the hamburgers as fast as they were served.

beneficiary

The poor and the needy will be the beneficiaries of your gift to the community fund.

prefabricated

The prefabricated house was quickly erected by putting together large sections previously constructed at a company.

unscramble

The previous secretary had mixed up the files so badly that it took my sister about a week to unscramble them.

upheaval

The prime minister's proposal for new taxes created such an upheaval that his government fell.

succulent

The stake will be dry if you leave it in the oven longer. Take it out now if you want it to be succulent.

malcontent

The stoppage was caused by malcontents who felt they had been ignored when the promotions were made.

counter

The student's plan to drop out of school ran counter to his parents' wishes.

evoke

The suggestion to lengthen the school year evoked the considerable opposition.

fictitious

The suspect said he lived at 234 Green Street, but he later admitted it was a fictitious address.

incontrovertible

The suspect's fingerprints on the safe were considered incontrovertible evidence that he had participated in the robbery.

overt

The teacher didn't believe that Ned was annoying me until she saw him in the overt act of pulling my hair.

essence:

The union and management held a lengthy meeting without getting to the essence of the men's dissatisfaction-low wages.

defiance

The union showed defiance of the court order against the strike by calling the workers off their jobs.

unnerve

The unsportsmanlike noises of the fans so unnerved our star player that he missed two foul shots in a row.

dissent:

The vote approving the amendment was far from unanimous; six members dissented.

withstand

The walls of a dam must be strong enough to withstand tremendous water pressure.

Segregation

The warden believes in segregation from the first offender to hardened criminals

abate

The water shortage is abating, but it is a matter of concern. Mike's close defeat in tennis tournament has not abated his zeal for the game.

accord:

Though we are in accord on what our goals should be, but we differ on the means for achieving them.

Diminutive

To an observer in an airplane high over the city​, the largest buildings seem diminutive

frail

To be an astronaut, you must be in a robust health. It is not an occupation for a frail person.

seclude

To find a quiet place to study, Bruce had to seclude himself in the attic.

means

To own an expensive home, a yacht, and a limousine, you need to be a man of means.

abrupt

Today's art lesson came to an abrupt end when the gongs sounded for a fire drill.

superimpose

Today's snowfall superimposed a fresh two inches on yesterday's accumulation.

withdraw .

Tom is my principal backer. If he withdraws his support, I don't see how I can be elected

insurrection

Troops had to be used in 1794 to put down an insurrection.

aver

Two eyewitnesses averred they had seen the defendant at the scene.

mislay:

Yesterday I mislaid the biology book, it took me about a half of hour to find it.

Divulge

Yesterday our teacher read us a composition without divulging the name of the writer.

adherent

You can count on Martha to support in your campaign for reelection. She is one of your most loyal adherents.

dexterity

You can't expect an apprentice to have the same dexterity as a master craftsman.

Don't count your chickens before they are hatched.

You should not make plans that depend on something good happening before you know that it has actually happened

discreet

You were discreet not to say anything about our plans when Herry was here. He can't keep a secret.

in situ

[formal] ​ in the original place instead of being moved to another place: The rule was that all trash had to be photographed ***, with no human intervention or staging. Every model of planetary formation says these could not have formed ***.

to perpetrate

[formal] ​ to commit a crime or a violent or harmful act: In this country, half of all violent crime is *** by people who have been drinking alcohol. Federal soldiers have been accused of *** atrocities against innocent people.

edifice

[formal] Сооружение ​ a large building, especially an impressive one: The town hall is the only *** surviving from the 15th century.

to my liking

[formal] Is the room ***, Sir (= are you satisfied with it)?

perilous

[formal] extremely dangerous: The country roads are quite ***.

amid

[formal] in the middle of or surrounded by: On the floor, *** mounds of books, were two small envelopes.

deadlock

a situation in which agreement in an argument cannot be reached because neither side will change its demands or accept any of the demands of the other side: Somebody will have to compromise if we are to break (= end) the *** between the two warring factions.

reconciliation

a situation in which two people or groups of people become friendly again after they have argued: It took hours of negotiations to bring about a *** between the two sides.

ramp

a slope that joins two parts of a road, path, building, etc. when one is higher than the other Ramps should be provided for wheelchair users

derby

a sports event between teams in the same area: a local *** between Manchester United and Manchester City

assertion

a statement that you strongly believe is true: I certainly don't agree with his *** that men are better drivers than women.

idiosyncratic

a strange or unusual habit, way of behaving, or feature that someone or something has: The film, three hours long, is directed in his usual *** style.

vested interest

a strong personal interest in something because you could get an advantage from it: As both a teacher and parent, she had a *** in seeing the school remain open. people or organizations who have a financial or personal interest in a business, company, or existing system: A compromise has to be reached between all the powerful *** before any restoration work in the city can take place.

rat race

a way of life in modern society, in which people compete with each other for power and money: He decided to get out of the ***, and went to work on a farm.

seamstress

a woman whose job is sewing and making clothes

ardent

a. displaying or by strong enthusiasm or devotion; passionate

aesthetic

a. elegant or tasteful; of or concerning appreciation of beauty or good taste

adept

a. expert at; very skilled; having or showing knowledge and skill and aptitude

airing

a. exposure to air for freshening or drying; exposure to public attention; radio or television broadcast

affluent

a. generously supplied with money, property, or possessions; prosperous or rich; plentiful; abundant

authoritative

a. having weight of authority; peremptory and dictatorial

auxiliary

a. helper, additional or subsidiary

ambiguous

a. unclear or doubtful in meaning

assorted

a. varied; miscellaneous

plasticity

ability to be molded

at your disposal

able to be used by you; able to help you: I don't have a car ***.

supple

able to change quickly and successfully to suit different conditions: She has shown that she has a supple mind. Regular yoga will help you to keep a supple form.

resilient

able to feel better quickly after something unpleasant such as shock, injury, etc. He'll get over it—young people are amazingly resilient. These plants are very resilient to rough handling.

aberrant

abnormal or deviant

anomalous

abnormal; irregular

maxim

an expression of general truth or principle

hostility

aversion, unfriendliness

antipathy

aversion; dislike

conscious conscientious

bewusst, wach gewissenhaft, pflichtbewusst

denigrate

blacken

relegate

banish to an inferior position; delegate; assign

empirical

based on experience

to come as a blow

be a shock: Unemployment conversely robs them of all that, which may ***.

flattering photograph

beautiful photograph with a person on it

for fear of

because you are worried that a particular thing might happen: They wouldn't let their cat outside *** (that) it would get run over. I didn't want to move *** waking her up.

obsolescent

becoming obsolete

budding

beginning to develop or become successful a budding artist/writer our budding romance The budding young star is now hot property in Hollywood

sportsmanship

behaviour in sport that is fair and shows respect to the other players

androgynous

being both male and female

disparage

belittle

to blink

blinzeln

insolent

boldly rude or disrespectful

tiresome, tedious, dull

boring

banal

boring; commonplace; trite; lacking originality; clichéd; hackneyed

fatuous

brainless; inane; foolish, yet smug

laconic

brief and to the point; using few words

caustic

burning; sarcastically biting

implode

burst inward

tenable

capable of being held, maintained or defended

malleable

capable of being shaped by pounding; impressionable

whimsical

capricious; fanciful

phlegmatic

calm; not easily disturbed

imperturbable

calm; placid

equanimity

calmness of temperament; composure

negate

cancel out; nullify; deny

undaunted

courageous, fearless

supersede

cause to be set aside; replace; make obsolete

discruptive

causing problems, noise, etc. so that something cannot continue normally She had a disruptive influence on the rest of the class.

awe-inspiring

causing you to feel great respect or admiration: Niagara Falls really is an *** sight. Her knowledge of computers is quite ***. The island may not be as *** as Dubai's artificial palm island.

acrimonious

caustic, stinging or bitter in nature

inextricably, inseparably

completely, totally

salubrious

conducive or favorable to health or well-being

confound

confuse; puzzle

bewildering

confusing

craven

cowardly

credentials

credentials (as/for something) the qualities, training or experience that make you suitable to do something She has impeccable credentials as a researcher. He has all the credentials for the job.

curb

curb something to control or limit something, especially something bad synonym check He needs to learn to curb his temper. A range of policies have been introduced aimed at curbing inflation.

contraband

customs officials examined the luggage of the suspected smuggler but found no contraband.

audacious

daring; bold

rudimentary

dealing with only the most basic matters or ideas synonym basic They were given only rudimentary training in the job. His understanding of the language is very rudimentary

deem

deem something + noun/adj. | deem something to be something | deem (that)... (formal) (not usually used in the progressive tenses) to have a particular opinion about something synonym consider The evening was deemed a great success. I deem it an honour to be invited.

profound

deep; not superficial; complete

discredit

defame; destroy confidence in; disbelieve

to strike a balance between two things

den goldenen Mittelweg zwischen zwei Dingen finden

reprehensible

deserving rebuke or censure; blameworthy.

covetable

desirable

benevolent

desiring to do good to others

resolution

determination

encompass

encompass something to include a large number or range of things The job encompasses a wide range of responsibilities. The group encompasses all ages

to evoke (ie emotions)

erwecken (zB Emotionen)

endemic

especially of a disease or a condition, regularly found and very common among a particular group or in a particular area: Malaria is *** in many of the hotter regions of the world. The disease is *** among British sheep/to many British flocks. There is *** racism/poverty/violence in many of the country's cities.

substantiate

establish by evidence; verify; support

to document sth.

etw. dokumentieren

to impose, to implement (a law)

etw. durchsetzen, erlassen (ein Gesetz)

reproach

express disapproval or disappointment

forceful

expressing opinions firmly and clearly in a way that persuades other people to believe them synonym assertive a forceful woman/speaker a forceful personality

eulogy

expression of praise, often on the occasion of someone's death

tirade

extended scolding; denunciation; harangue

volition

free choice, free will; act of choosing

affable

friendly, courteous

magnamity

generosity

concentric

having a common center

voracious

having a great appetite

benign

having a kindly disposition

oblique

having a slanting or sloping direction

to be clued up

having a special and detailed knowledge of something: Shania is more *** on/about movies than I am.

impervious

impenetrable; incapable of being damaged or distressed

impermeable

impervious; not permitting passage through its substance

serious, crucial, decisive, central, meaningful, significant

important

indescribable

impossible to describe, especially because of being extremely good or bad: a scene of *** beauty The pain was ***. *** awful

to put a spell/ curse on sb

jdn verwünschen = verfluchen

to grab/ take sb. by the scruff of the neck (fam.)

jdn. beim Kragen packen (fam.)

to give free rein to sb. to hand over the reins to keep a tight rein on sb./ sth. rein

jmd. freie Hand lassen die Kontrolle jmd. übergeben jdn./ etw. an der kurzen Leine/ kurz halten Zügel

warranted

justified; authorized

lure

lure somebody (+ adv./prep.) (disapproving) to persuade or trick somebody to go somewhere or to do something by promising them a reward synonym entice The child was lured into a car but managed to escape. Young people are lured to the city by the prospect of a job and money.

recumbent

lying down; reclining; leaning

mendacious

lying; habitually dishonest

rarefied

made less dense (of a gas)

to spell out

make explicit; specify in detail: "You should *** your demands"

burnish

make shiny by rubbing; polish

discordant

not harmonious; conflicting

foresee

o know about something before it happens: I don't f................... any difficulties so long as we keep within budget.

recalcitrant

obstinately stubborn; determined to resist authority; unruly

amatory

of or pertaining to lovers or lovemaking

flawed, flawless

of poor quality, imperfect . of good quality, perfect

homogenous

of the same kind

philanderer

one who carries on flirtations

to be up to scratch

reaching an acceptable standard: Your last essay wasn't ***/didn't come ***.

UNDOUBTEDLY, UNQUESTIONABLY

really

maverick

rebel; nonconformist

conciliatory

reconciling; soothing

log

record of a voyage or flight; record of day-to-day activities

convalescent

recovering from illness

to muse about/ on sth.

reflektieren, nachsinnen

intransigence

refusal of any compromise; stubbornness

intransigent

refusing to agree or compromise

satiate

satisfy fully

luminous

shining; issuing light

nascent

starting to develop

indolence

state of being lazy or slothful

strave off

stave somethingoff(staved, staved) to prevent something bad from affecting you for a period of time; to delay something to stave off hunger The company managed to stave off bankruptcy for another few months

sth. has cropped up

sth. has popped/ come up

viscous

sticky, gluey

undeterred

still continuing to do something or enthusiastic about doing it despite a bad situation: After four years of injury problems, Thomas remains ***. The island was destroyed. Yet ***, Richie decided to build another one.

pungent

stinging; sharp in taste or smell; caustic

thatched

straw roof They live in a t...........cottage/a cottage with a thatched roof.

punctilious

strict or exact in the observance of formalities

stringent

stringent air quality regulations very strict and that must be obeyed Licences are only granted under the most stringent conditions

penchant

strong inclination; liking

obdurate

stubborn, hardened in feelings; resistant to persuasion

succumb

succumb to something His career was cut short when he succumbed to cancer. He finally succumbed to Lucy's charms and agreed to her request. She succumbed to the temptation of another drink

dour

sullen, gloomy

perfunctory

superficial; not thorough; lacking interest, care, or enthusiasm; done in a routine way;

buttress

support; prop up

buoyancy

the ability to float: We tested different materials for ***.

excavation

the activity of digging in the ground to look for old buildings or objects that have been buried for a long time

massacre

the killing of a large number of people especially in a cruel way the bloody massacre of innocent civilians Nobody survived the massacre.

slaughter

the killing of animals for their meat cows taken for slaughter the cruel killing of large numbers of people at one time, especially in a war synonym massacre the wholesale slaughter of innocent people

onset of

the moment at which something unpleasant begins: the *** of winter The new treatment can delay the *** of the disease by several years.

centerpiece

the most important item This treaty is the centrepiece of the government's foreign policy. The water lily is obviously the centrepiece of any water garden.

the be all and end all

the most important thing: We all agreed that winning was not ***. It was the period when everyone saw men in space as *** of space exploration.

Affluent

the new wing to the hospital was made possible by a gift of $500.000 from an affluent contributor.

turnout

the number of people who are present at an event, especially the number who go to vote at an election: The *** for the lecture by a visiting professor was quite impressive.

prospect of

the possibility that something good might happen in the future: Is there any *** the weather improving?

ambivalence

the state of having contradictory or conflicting emotional attitudes

philology

the study of literary texts to establish their authenticity and determine their meaning

focal point

the thing that everyone looks at or is interested in: The fireplace is usually the *** of the living room.

daybreak

the time of day when light first appears synonym dawn We left before daybreak.

cognition

the use of conscious mental processes: Young children develop their skills of cognition from their childhood experiences and social interactions

child-rearing

the work of taking care of children until they are old enough to take care of themselves: Why shouldn't a woman have a job after years of ***?

coagulate

thicken; congeal; clot

circumspect

thinking very carefully about something before doing it, because there may be risks involved synonym cautious He was very circumspect in his financial affairs

rigour

thoroughness, strictness, precision

frugality

thrifty; economy

to evolve

to develop, mature, grow up (depending on context)

work out

to discover an answer, develop an idea, or calculate an amount: You can use a calculator to w..... .....the solution.

to atone for

to do something that shows that you are sorry for something bad that you did: The country's leader has expressed a wish to *** his actions in the past.

counteract

to do something to reduce or prevent the bad or harmful effects of something She liked to keep busy all the time to counteract the feelings of uselessness that overcame her whenever she had nothing to do.

circumscribe

to draw a line around

to whet smb's appetite

to increase someone's interest in and wish for something, usually by giving them a small experience of it: I've read an excerpt of the book on the Web and it's ***. That one kiss had ***.

to grate with sb.

to irritate/ annoy

to condemn, to censure

to judge

assess

to judge or decide the amount, value, quality, or importance of something: The insurers will need to assess the flood damage.

stipulate

to lay down as a condition of an agreement; require by contract

to get the hang of it

to learn how to do something, especially if it is not obvious or simple: "I've never used this program before." "Don't worry - you'll soon ***."

prevaricate

to lie or deviate from the truth

to seek out

to look for someone or something, especially for a long time until you find him, her, or it: While he was at the library, Steve decided to *** some information on the history of the area.

to sift through

to make a close examination of all the parts of something in order to find something or to separate what is useful from what is not: After my father's death, I had to *** all his papers.

to tie too close a knot

to make a close link: But we mustn't forget that *** between meaningful activity and paid employment can be perilous.

resolve

to make a firm decision about

to facilitate access/ learning/ economic growth

to make access/ learning/ economic growth possible or/ and to make it easier

vilify

to slander, to defame

mitigate

to soften, to lessen

to discredit

to speak badly of someone and cause harm to their reputation,disparage

malign

to speak harmful untruths about, to slander

to contemplate doing sth

to spend time considering a possible future action, or to consider one particular thing for a long time in a serious and quiet way: I'm *** (go) abroad for a year.

diffuse

to spread widely or thinly

to recoil a recoil

to spring back Rückstoss, Zurückweichen

immutable

unchangeable

without fail

in every case, or for certain: She takes a walk every morning *** .

compulsory:

State law makes attendance at school compulsory for children of certain ages.

adoption

n. accepting with approval; favorable reception

accumulation

n. act of gathering or amassing, as into a heap or pile

forestall

prevent by taking action in advance

hurdle

problem, obstacle, difficulty

innate

(adj.) inborn, native, inherent (His incredible athletic talent is innate, he never trains, lifts weights, or practices.)

culprit

The last time we were late for the party, I was the culprit. I was not ready when you called for me.

ardent

showing strong feelings: an *** supporter of Manchester United an *** feminist

implacable

(adj.) incapable of being appeased or mitigated (Watch out: once you shun Grandmother's cooking, she is totally implacable.)

insatiable

(adj.) incapable of being satisfied (My insatiable appetite for blondes was a real problem on my recent holiday in Japan!)

cumulative

(adj.) increasing, building upon itself (The cumulative effect of hours spent using the World English website was a vast improvement in his vocabulary and general level of English.)

oblivious

(adj.) lacking consciousness or awareness of something (Oblivious to the burning smell emanating from the kitchen, my father did not notice that the rolls in the oven were burned until much too late.)

Dispel

The two officers were commended for their skill in dispelling the mob and preventing violence

obtuse

(adj.) lacking quickness of sensibility or intellect (Political opponents warned that the prime minister's obtuse approach to foreign policy would embroil the nation in mindless war.)

petulant

showing sudden irritation, esp. over some annoyance

deign

to think fit or in accordance with one's dignity

pliable

We tried to get Joe to change his mind, but he was not pliable. Perhaps you can influence him.

presently

We won't have to wait long for our bus. It will be here presently

indolent

(adj.) lazy (Why should my indolent children, who can't even pick themselves up off the sofa to pour their own juice, be rewarded with a trip to Burger King?)

soliloquy

What the actor says in a soliloquy is heard by no one except the audience.

vociferous

(adj.) loud, boisterous (I'm tired of his vociferous whining so I'm breaking up with him.)

taciturn

(adj.) not inclined to talk (Though Magda never seems to stop talking, her brother is quite taciturn.)

arcane

(adj.) obscure, secret, known only by a few (The professor is an expert in arcane Kashubian literature.)

elated

(adj.) overjoyed, thrilled (When he found out he had won the lottery, the postman was elated.)

demure

(adj.) quiet, modest, reserved (Though everyone else at the party was dancing and going crazy, she remained demure.)

clandestine

(adj.) secret (Announcing to her boyfriend that she was going to the library, Maria actually went to meet George for a clandestine liaison.)

furtive

(adj.) secretive, sly (Claudia's placement of her drugs in her sock drawer was not as furtive as she thought, as the sock drawer is the first place most parents look.)

insular

(adj.) separated and narrow-minded; tight-knit, closed off (Because of the sensitive nature of their jobs, those who work for MI5 must remain insular and generally only spend time with each other.)

brusque

(adj.) short, abrupt, dismissive (Simon's brusque manner sometimes offends his colleagues.)

diligent

(adj.) showing care in doing one's work (The diligent researcher made sure to double check her measurements.)

deferential

(adj.) showing respect for another's authority (Donata is always excessively deferential to any kind of authority figure.)

salient

(adj.) significant, conspicuous (One of the salient differences between Alison and Helen is that Alison is a couple of kilos heavier.)

inveterate

(adj.) stubbornly established by habit (I'm the first to admit that I'm an inveterate cider drinker—I drink four pints a day.)

nominal

(adj.) trifling, insignificant (Because he was moving the following week and needed to get rid of his furniture more than he needed money, Kim sold everything for a nominal price.)

fractious

(adj.) troublesome or irritable (Although the child insisted he wasn't tired, his fractious behaviour - especially his decision to crush his jam sandwiches all over the floor - convinced everyone present that it was time to put him to bed.)

gratuitous

(adj.) uncalled for, unwarranted (Every evening the guy at the fish and chip shop gives me a gratuitous helping of vinegar.)

to get a move on

[informal] to hurry: Come on, you two, ***! We need to *** if we're going to catch that train.

embellish

adorn; ornament; enhance, as a story

superfluous

(adj.) exceeding what is necessary (Samantha had already won the campaign so her constant flattery of others was superfluous.)

brazen

(adj.) excessively bold, brash, clear and obvious (Critics condemned the writer's brazen attempt to plagiarise Frankow-Czerwonko's work.)

obsequious

(adj.) excessively compliant or submissive (Donald acted like Susan's servant, obeying her every request in an obsequious manner.)

impeccable

(adj.) exemplary, flawless (If your grades were as impeccable as your brother's, then you too would receive a car for a graduation present.)

eloquent

(adj.) expressive, articulate, moving (The best man gave such an eloquent speech that most guests were crying.)

meticulous

(adj.) extremely careful with details (The ornate needlework in the bride's gown was a product of meticulous handiwork.)

jubilant

(adj.) extremely joyful, happy (The crowd was jubilant when the firefighter carried the woman from the flaming building.)

amiable

(adj.) friendly (An amiable fellow, Neil got along with just about everyone.)

hypocritical

affecting virtues or qualities one does not have

lurid

(adj.) ghastly, sensational (Barry's story, in which he described a character torturing his neighbour's tortoise, was judged too lurid to be published on the English Library's website.)

morose

(adj.) gloomy or sullen (David's morose nature made him very unpleasant to talk to.)

lithe

(adj.) graceful, flexible, supple (Although the dancers were all outstanding, Joanna's control of her lithe body was particularly impressive.)

callous

(adj.) harsh, cold, unfeeling (The murderer's callous lack of remorse shocked the jury.)

rife

(adj.) abundant (Surprisingly, the teacher's writing was rife with spelling errors.)

flabbergasted

(adj.) astounded (Whenever I read an Agatha Christie mystery novel, I am always flabbergasted when I learn the identity of the murderer.)

intrepid

(adj.) brave in the face of danger (After scaling a live volcano prior to its eruption, the explorer was praised for his intrepid attitude.)

impudent

(adj.) casually rude, insolent, impertinent (The impudent young woman looked her teacher up and down and told him he was hot.)

circumspect

(adj.) cautious (Though I promised Marta's father I would bring her home promptly by midnight, it would have been more circumspect not to have specified a time.)

quaint

(adj.) charmingly old-fashioned (Mary was delighted by the quaint bonnets she saw in Romania.)

incisive

(adj.) clear, sharp, direct (The discussion wasn't going anywhere until her incisive comment allowed everyone to see what the true issues were.)

myriad

(adj.) consisting of a very great number (It was difficult to decide what to do on Saturday night because the city presented us with myriad possibilities for fun.)

venerable

(adj.) deserving of respect because of age or achievement (The venerable High Court judge had made several key rulings in landmark cases throughout the years.)

haughty

(adj.) disdainfully proud (The superstar's haughty dismissal of her co-stars will backfire on her someday.)

rash

(adj.) hasty, incautious (It's best to think things over calmly and thoroughly, rather than make rash decisions.)

amend

v. change for the better; improve; remove faults or errors

ascend

v. climb; mount

alloy

v. combine; mix; make less pure; lessen or moderate

abridge

v. condense; shorten; reduce length of written text

acquiesce

v. consent or comply passively or without protest; assent

assert

v. declare or state with confidence; put oneself forward boldly

catalyst

agent that increases the rate of a chemical action; person or thing that causes action

acquiesce

(v.) to agree without protesting (Though Mr. Pospieszny wanted to stay outside and work in his garage, when his wife told him that he had better come in to dinner, he acquiesced to her demands.)

appease

(v.) to calm, satisfy (When Jerry cries, his mother gives him chocolate to appease him.)

decry

(v.) to criticize openly (Andrzej Lepper, the leader of the Polish Self Defence party decried the appaling state of Polish roads.)

forsake

(v.) to give up, renounce (I won't forsake my conservative principles.)

abhor

(v.) to hate, detest (Because he always wound up getting hit in the head when he tried to play cricket, Marcin began to abhor the sport).

deride

(v.) to laugh at mockingly, scorn (The native speaker often derided the other teacher's accent.)

debase

(v.) to lower the quality or esteem of something (The large raise that he gave himself debased his motives for running the charity.)

coerce

(v.) to make somebody do something by force or threat (The court decided that David Beckham did not have to honor the contract because he had been coerced into signing it.)

connive

(v.) to plot, scheme (She connived to get me to give up my plans to start up a new business.)

inhibit

(v.) to prevent, restrain, stop (When I told you I needed the car last night, I certainly never meant to inhibit you from going out.)

repudiate

(v.) to reject, refuse to accept (Tom made a strong case for an extension of his curfew, but his mother repudiated it with a few biting words.)

refurbish

(v.) to restore, clean up (After being refurbished the old Triumph motorcycle commanded the handsome price of $6000.)

embezzle

(v.) to steal money by falsifying records (The accountant was fired for embezzling €10,000 of the company's funds.)

cajole

(v.) to urge, coax (Magda's friends cajoled her into drinking too much.)

chide

(v.) to voice disapproval (Hania chided Gregory for his vulgar habits and sloppy appearance.)

uncluttered

airy, tidy

annihilate

v. destroy completely; reduce to nonexistence

arouse

v. excite; stimulate; awaken from or as if from sleep

affix

v. fasten; append; add on; secure to something

ascertain

v. find out for certain; discover with certainty; make sure of

blip

= a temporary change that does not have any special meaning: Last month's rise in inflation was described by the chancellor as only a***.

to give and take

= balance; willingness to accept suggestions from another person and give up some of your own: In every friendship there has to be some ***. an exchange of ideas or statements: The candidates engaged in a lively ***, witnessed by a huge television audience.

intake

= breath , an act of taking in something, especially breath: I heard a sharp *** of breath behind me.

confidence trickster

= con artist; a person who deceives other people by making them believe something false or making them give money away

get-up-and-go

= energy and enthusiasm; [noun] the quality of being positive and having a lot of new ideas, determination, and energy: This job needs someone with a lot of ***.

covetable

= inordinately desired; used to refer to something that people want to have: It was them who made this dress so ***.

patently

= plain/plainly, in a way that is clear: She was *** lying. It's *** obvious that he doesn't care.

canny

= pleasant, thinking quickly and cleverly, especially in business or financial matters: These salesmen are a *** lot.

to give as good as you get

= stand up for yourself in an argument; to be strong and confident enough to treat people in the same way that they treat you, especially in an argument or a fight: There's a lot of teasing and fighting among the crew, and you have to be able to ***.

omission

= the act of not including something or someone that should have been included, or something or someone that has not been included that should have been: Measures to control child employment are a glaring (= very obvious) *** from new legislation to protect children. There are some serious errors and *** in the book.

to parlay

= to advance; to use or develop money, skills, etc. in a way that makes more money or leads to success: They *** a small inheritance into a vast fortune.

to muddle through

= to get by without a plan, to manage to do something although you are not organized and do not know how to do it: Sorry, but I can't help you - you'll just have to *** on your own.

to collate

= to group [formal] to bring together different pieces of written information so that the similarities and differences can be seen: to *** data/information

beam

= wood; a long, thick piece of wood, metal, or concrete, especially used to support weight in a building or other structure: The sitting room had exposed wooden ***.

pulses

= бобовые, seeds such as beans or peas that are cooked and eaten: *** include peas, lentils, and chickpeas.

to blurt out

= взболтнуть, разболтать, to say something suddenly and without thinking, usually because you are excited or nervous: He *** everything *** about the baby, though we'd agreed to keep it a secret for a while. [ + speech ] She suddenly ***, "I can't do it!" [ + that ] Late one evening, Gianni *** out that he loved her.

to abstain

= воздердиваться, to not do something, especially something enjoyable that you think might be bad: He took a vow to *** from alcohol/smoking/sex.

acquaint

v. inform about; cause to come to know personally; make familiar

to stagger

= идти шатаясь, ошеломлять; to walk or move with difficulty as if you are going to fall: After he was attacked, he managed to *** to the phone and call for help. to cause someone to feel shocked or surprised because of something unexpected or very unusual happening: He *** all his colleagues by suddenly announcing that he was leaving the company at the end of the month.

on the strength

= из-за, под влиянием, If you do something on the strength of something such as advice, you do it because you have been influenced by it or believe it: I invested in the company *** of my brother's advice.

to have designs

= иметь виды, посягать; to want sth for yourself, esp. because it will bring you money: to *** territorial *** (on neighbouring countries) ]humorous] I think Alan *** on your job/wife!

to put into practice

= использовать, задействовать: How do you intend to *** these proposals ***, Mohamed?

at any rate

= как бы то ни было; так или иначе; в любом случае; по меньшей мере; whatever happens: Well, I'm not going home on foot, ***. ​ something you say to show that you are going to say something more exactly: I don't think they liked my idea. ***, they weren't very enthusiastic about it.

in short

= коротко говоря, used before describing something or someone in as few words and as directly as possible: He's disorganized, inefficient, never there when you want him - ***, the man's a pain.

nomad

= кочевник; a member of a group of people who move from one place to another rather than living in one place all of the time: a tribe of Somalian desert ***

on the off-chance

= мало расчитывая на что-то, hoping that something may be possible, although it is not likely: I applied for the job *** that they might like me, but I didn't seriously expect to get it.

to furnish

= меблировать, to put furniture in something: They've *** the room very simply.

afoot

= находящийся в процессе подготовки; happening or being planned or prepared: There are plans *** to launch a new radio station. People frequently say that plans are *** when they've started preparing for a party, an election campaign, a job hunt, or anything else that requires some planning. Plans might be *** for your dad's surprise party, for example, or your sister's wedding.

adverse

= неблагоприятный; having a negative or harmful effect on something: The match has been cancelled because of *** weather conditions. They received a lot of *** publicity/criticism about the changes. So far the drug is thought not to have any *** effects.

inequity

= несправедливость, the fact that a situation is not fair, or something that is not fair in a situation: *** in the healthcare system gender *** in the classroom

alcove

= ниша, a small space in a room, formed by one part of a wall being further back than the parts on each side: We've put some bookshelves in the ***.

to ensure

= обеспечивать; to make something certain to happen: The airline is taking steps to *** safety on its aircraft. [ + (that) ] The role of the police is to *** (that) the law is obeyed.

recourse

= обращение за помощью, using something or someone as a way of getting help, especially in a difficult or dangerous situation: It is hoped that the dispute will be settled without *** to litigation.

in a word

= одним словом, коротко говоря; said when you are going to give your opinion about something quickly and directly: ***, she's lying.

to exert

= оказывать (давление, влияние), проявлять; to use something such as authority, power, influence, etc. in order to make something happen: If you were to *** your influence they might change their decision. Some managers *** considerable pressure on their staff to work extra hours without being paid.

to draw on

= опираться на собственный опыт; to use information or your knowledge of something to help you do something: His novels *** heavily *** his childhood. She had a wealth of experience to ***.

residue

= остаток; *** is anything that's left over when a substance has been removed, like the grease left over on a frying pan. It can also mean, simply, "remainder." She cut off the best meat and threw away the ***.

tangy

= острый, резкий, терпкий, pleasantly strong and sharp: a deliciously *** lemon tart

palpable

= ощутимый, явный, You probably won't see *** used to describe, say, an egg or a doorknob or a motorcycle. *** is usually reserved for situations in which something invisible becomes so intense that it feels as though it has substance or weight. When the towers came down, the sense of sadness was so great, it was *** .

upheaval

= переворот; a great change, especially causing or involving much difficulty, activity, or trouble: Yesterday's coup brought further *** to a country already struggling with famine.

on hand

= под рукой, рядом, near to someone or something, and ready to help or be used if necessary: So much knowledge is *** at the click of the moment. For those of you who don't have an atlas ***, Newcastle is a city in the northeast of England.

to undermine

= подрывать, разрушать; to make someone less confident, less powerful, or less likely to succeed, or to make something weaker, often gradually: The president has accused two cabinet members of working secretly to *** his position/him. Criticism just *** their confidence.

to allay

= успокоить, уменьшить; If you *** a strong emotion felt by someone, such as fear or worry, you cause them to feel it less or to feel calm again: The government is trying to *** public fears/concern about the spread of the disease.

to uphold

= подтверждать, поддерживать, to defend or keep a principle or law, or to say that a decision that has already been made, especially a legal one, is correct: When you *** something, you stick up for or support it. Police officers are paid to *** the law, and crazy Elvis fans *** their belief that he's still alive out there somewhere. As a police officer you are expected to *** the law whether you agree with it or not. The freedom of the press must be ***. A committed socialist, he *** the rights of the voiceless and the underprivileged.

to scout

= подыскивать; to go to look in various places for something you want: She was *** walking through Prague as a young girl. He's *** about/around for somewhere better to live. She's visiting Connecticut to *** out (= discover information about) the east coast housing market.

cross-section

= поперечный разрез общества, ​a small group that represents all of the different types within the total group: The demonstrators seemed to be from a wide *** of society.

to replenish

= пополнять, снова наполнять [formal] to fill something up again: Food stocks were *** by/with imports from abroad. Does your glass need ***ing?

repercussions

= последствия, влияния, the effect that an action, event, or decision has on something, especially a bad effect: Any decrease in tourism could have serious *** for the local economy. President Kennedy's assassination had far-reaching ***. to have *** for economy

abiding

= постоянный, неизменный; An *** feeling or memory is one that you have had for a long time: My *** memory is of him in the garden. That contrast stays with me as an *** image.

to be reputed

= предполагаемый, считаемый, said to be the true situation although this is not known to be certain and may not be likely: She is *** to be 25 years younger than her husband.

lifespan

= продолжительность, срок жизни\работы; the length of time for which a person, animal, or thing exists: The average human *** in the developed countries has increased over the last hundred years. The project's *** is estimated at about five years.

shrewd

= проницательный, практичный, having or based on a clear understanding and good judgment of a situation, resulting in an advantage: [ + to infinitive ] He was *** enough not to take the job when there was the possibility of getting a better one a few months later. She is a *** politician who wants to avoid offending the electorate unnecessarily. It was a *** move to buy your house just before property prices started to rise.

enlightened

= просвещенный, showing understanding, acting in a positive way, and not following old-fashioned or false beliefs: The school has an *** policy of teaching boys to cook. These days she's much more *** in her views on education. ​ knowing the truth about existence: Buddha was an *** being.

to jostle

= проталкивать; to knock or push roughly against someone in order to move past them or get more space when you are in a crowd of people: As we came into the arena, we were *** by fans pushing their way towards the stage. Photographers *** and shoved to get a better view of the royal couple.

prevalent

= распространенный; existing very commonly or happening often: These diseases are more *** among young children. Trees are dying in areas where acid rain is most ***.

to pervade

= распространяться, наполнять, When qualities, characteristics, or smells *** a place or thing, they spread through it and are present in every part of it: The film movie is a reflection of the violence that *** our culture.

outlay

= расходы, затраты, an amount of money spent for a particular purpose, especially as a first investment in something: For a relatively small ***, you can start an online business.

smug

= самодовольный, too pleased or satisfied about something you have achieved or something you know: a *** grin She deserved her promotion, but I wish she wasn't so *** about it. There was a hint of *** self-satisfaction in her voice.

fortitude

= сила духа, стойкость; courage over a long period: I thought she showed remarkable *** during that period.

to savour

= смаковать, to enjoy food or an experience slowly, in order to enjoy it as much as possible: It was the first chocolate he'd tasted for over a year, so he *** every mouthful.

knack

= способность, дар a skill or an ability to do something easily and well: a *** for remembering faces She has the *** of making people feel comfortable. There's a *** to using this corkscrew.

conducive to/for

= способствующий, благоприятный, providing the right conditions for something good to happen or exist: Such a noisy environment was not *** to a good night's sleep. A quiet room is a more *** atmosphere for studying.

appreciable

= существенный, If an amount or change is ***, it is large or noticeable enough to have an important effect: There has been an *** drop in the number of unemployed since the new government came to power. Her health has improved *** since she changed her treatment.

languid

= томный; moving or speaking slowly with little energy, often in an attractive way: a *** manner/voice

hardship

= трудность, лишение, (something that causes) difficult or unpleasant conditions of life, or an example of this: economic *** self-imposed ***

slant

= уклон, a position or direction that is sloping: The car was parked on a ***. It has been replaced by a horizontal ***.

perseverance

= упорство, настойчивость; continued effort and determination: Through hard work and ***, he worked his way up to the top.

backdrop

= фон, the general situation in which particular events happen: Their love affair began against a *** of war. The fund was launched against the *** of research that revealed...

clear-cut

= четкий; clear or obvious without needing any proof: She has *** evidence that the company cheated her.

Catastrophic

=devastating =disastrous causing a lot of problems for peopleSYNONYM disastrousa catastrophic failure/collapse/defeat

foolhardy

=безрассудно смелый; brave in a silly way, taking unnecessary risks: a *** decision Sailing the Atlantic in such a tiny boat wasn't so much brave as ***. It would be *** to try and predict the outcome of the talks at this stage.

endurance

=выносливость; the ability to keep doing something difficult, unpleasant, or painful for a long time: Running a marathon is a test of human ***.

detractor

=недоброжелатель, клеветник, противник, критик; someone who criticizes something or someone, often unfairly: His *** claim that his fierce temper makes him unsuitable for leadership.

prohibitive

=непомерно высокий; If the cost of something is ***, it is too expensive for most people: Hotel prices in the major cities are high but not ***.

stalemate

=ничья; a situation in which neither group involved in an argument can win or get an advantage and no action can be taken: Tomorrow's meeting between the two leaders is expected to break a diplomatic *** that has lasted for ten years.

to herald

=ознаменовать, предвещать; to be a sign that something important, and often good, is starting to happen, or to make something publicly known, especially by celebrating or praising it: The president's speech *** a new era in foreign policy. This drug has been *** as a major breakthrough in the fight against breast cancer.

to ensue

=следовать, являться результатом to happen after something else, especially as a result of it: The police officer said that he had placed the man under arrest and that a scuffle had ***.

to relent

=смягчиться, to act in a less severe way towards someone and allow something that you had refused to allow before: Her parents eventually *** and let her go to the party.

conducive

=способствующи​й; providing the right conditions for something good to happen or exist: Such a noisy environment was not *** to a good night's sleep. A quiet room is a more *** atmosphere for studying.

umpire

=судья в спорте, a person who is present at a sports competition in order to make certain that the rules of that particular game are obeyed and to judge if particular actions are acceptable: a cricket/tennis ***

disquieted

=тревожный, worried: Is there any bloke who would be *** by his job description?

to be fraught with

=чреватый; full of unpleasant things such as problems or dangers: The negotiations have been *** difficulties/problems right from the start.

gamut

After the test,I thought at first I had done very well, then quite well and finally poorly. I ran the gamut from confidence to despair.

aspire

v. seek to attain; long for; strive toward an end

reciprocal

A *** action or arrangement involves two people or groups of people who behave in the same way or agree to help each other and give each other advantages. There is a kind of *** arrangement between them.

thorny

A *** problem or subject is difficult to deal with: the *** issue of taxation

benevolent

A benevolent employer has a sincere interest in the welfare of his employees.

absolute

A democratic ruler is restricted by a constitution and courts, but a dictator has absolute power.

latent

A good education will help you discover and develop your latent talents.

solitary

A hermit leads to a solitary existence.

craven

A hero risks his life to help others, a craven runs from the scene.

allege

v. state without proof; assert to be true

prerequisite:

A mark of a least 75% in Basic Art is a prerequisite for Advanced Art.

estrange:

A quarrel over inheritance estranges brothers for many years.

desolate

After the war, the villagers hope to return their desolate homes. After 5:30am, the normally crowded intersection looks desolate.

fluid

Air, water, molasses and milk are fluids. During November, the military situation remained fluid, with advances and retreated by both sides.

inordinate

Alex kept my book for such an ordinate length of time that I shall never lend him anything again.

animus

Although Howard defeated me in the election, I bear no animus towards him; we are good friends.

avail

v. turn to advantage of; be of service to; profit; promote

vulnerable /`valnräbul/ vulnerability /`valnräbility/

verletzlich Verletzlichkeit

proponent

At the budget hearing, both the proponents and opponents of the tax increase will be able to present their views

friction:

At the budget hearing, there was considerable friction between supporters and opponents of higher taxes.

surmount:

At the end of the third quarter, the visitors were ahead by 18 points, a lead that our team was unable to surmount.

digress

At the point of his talk, the speaker digressed to tell us of his incident in his childhood, but then he got right back to his topic.

pittance

At those low wages, few apply for the job. Who want to work for a pittance.

perennial

Authors have come and gone, but Shakespeare has remained a perennial favorite. Perennials bloom year after year.

depreciate

Automobiles depreciate rapidly; a $2500 car is worth less than $2000 with a year of purchase. The building superintendent feels depreciated if you refer to him as the "janitor".

belligerent

Bert still likes to settle his arguments with his fists. When will he learn that it's childish to be so belligerent ?

interlude

Between World War II and the Korean War, there was a five-year interlude of peace.

clandestine

Before that Revolutionary War, an underground organisation, known as the Sons of Liberty, used to hold clandestine meetings in Boston.

facetious

Bob meant it when he said he was quitting the team. He was not being facetious.

adverse

Because of the adverse reviews, the producer announced that the play will close with tonight's performance.

overgenerous

Because the service was poor; Mom thought Dad was overgenerous in leaving the waiter a 15% tip

affinity

Because they share the same language and ideals, Americans and Englishmen have a deep affinity for one another.

migrate

Because they were persecuted in England,the Puritans migrated to Holland. In winter, many European birds migrate to the British Isles in search of a more temperature climate.

.foreword:

Before Chapter I, there is a brief foreword in which the author explains why he wrote the book.

impregnable

Before World War II, the French regarded their Maginot Line as an impregnable bulwark against a German invasion.

benediction

Before beginning his difficult journey, the young man visited his parents to receive their benediction.

revise

Before handing in your composition , be sure to revise it carefully.

heedless

Before his injury, he used to jump from the stairs, heedless of the "No Jumping" sign. Now he pays attention to it.

pressing:

Before preparing tomorrow's party, I have some more pressing matters to attend to , such as finishing reports.

meticulous

Before signing a contract, one should read carefully, including the fine print. This is one case where it pays to be meticulous.

prescribe

The law prescribes that aliens may not vote. Her physician prescribed some pills, a light diet and plenty of rest.

fleece

If your brother paid $400 for that car, he was fleeced. The mechanic says it is worth $150.

oblige:

If your friend were in trouble, wouldn't you feel oblige to go his help?

Her voice was quiet, but very distinct (clear).

Ihre Stimme war ruhig, aber sehr klar.

to keep a stiff upper lip

Someone who *** does not show their feelings when they are upset: He was taught to ***, whatever happens.

Secession

South Caroline's secession was imitated by ten other states and led to the formation of the Confederacy.

Improvise

Did the entertainer prepare his jokes before the program, or improvise them as he went along

foremost:

Did you know Benjamin Franklin was one of the foremost inventors of the eighteenth century?

precede

Did you report follow or precede Jane's ?

volition

Did your employer dismiss you,or did you leave of your own volition?

The exceptions listed in the table are by no means exhaustive.

Die Ausnahmen, die in der Tabelle aufgelistet sind, sind überhaupt nicht komplett/ vollständig.

She seems to thrive on gardening.

Die Gartenarbeit scheint ihr gutzutun.

Reality is unfounded.

Die Realität ist unbegründet.

The students are overwhelmed with work.

Die Schüler sind mit Arbeit überladen.

The audiences are unconsciously sucked into the mood of the movie.

Die Zuschauer werden unbewusst in die Stimmung des Filmes hineingezogen.

The public has been mislead on this issue.

Die Öffentlichkeit wurde bei diesem Thema irre geführt/ getäuscht.

This book will be invaluable for students - they can`t do without it.

Dieses Buch ist unbezahlbar für Schüler - sie kommen nicht ohne aus.

insubordinate

Do as Mother says. If you are insubordinate, Father will probably hear.

velocity:

Do you know that light travels at a velocity of 186000 miles a second?

unbiased

Don't ask the mother of a contestant to serve as a judge because it may be hard for her to remain unbiased.

overdose

Don't take more medicine the doctor ordered; an overdose may be dangerous.

perennial

Don't think that war only plagued in our times. It has been a perennial curse of man. Some grasses last only a year. Others are perennial.

stamina, staying power

Durchhaltevermögen, Ausdauer

intermission

During the intermission between the first and second acts, you will have a chance to purchase refreshments.

allegiance

Every school day, millions of children "pledge allegiance to the United States of America and the republic for which it stands."

finale

Every skit in our class show was loudly applauded from the opening scene to the finale.

Contend:

Every spring, baseball writers try to predict two teams that will contend in the next world series.

gregarious

Except for hermits and recluses, who shun company, most people are gregarious.

unanimous

Except for one student, who voted "no", the class was unanimous in holding the party.

Cogent

Excuses for not handing work in on time vary. Some are flimsy, as, for example, " I left it at home". Others are more cogent, such as a physician's notes.

raft They presented us with a whole raft of new proposals.

Floss, Schlauchboot Sie präsentierten uns einen ganzen Plan, ein ganzes Modell mit neuen Vorschlägen.

demote

For being absent without leave, the corporal was demoted to private.

bulwark

For centuries the British regarded their navy as their principal bulwark against invasion.

tractable:

For his cabinet, the dictator wanted tractable men. Therefore, he appointed no one whom he could not control.

intermediary

For his role as intermediary in helping to end the Russo-Japanese War, Theodore Roosevelt won the Nobel Peace Prize.

to hinder progress, to hinder sb. from doing sth.

Fortschritt verhindern; jmd. hindern etw. zu tun

understatement

Frank's remark that he was "slightly bruised" in the accident was an understatement, he suffered two fractured ribs.

amorous

From the famous balcony scene, the amorous Romeo expresses undying love for Juliet.

overshadow

Gary's errors in the field overshadowed his good work at the plate.

wary

General Braddock might not have been defeated if he had been wary of an ambush.

lurk

General Braddock's troops, marching in column, were easy targets for the Indians lurking behind trees.

standpoint

He is writing from the standpoint of someone who knows what life is like in prison

forte

I am better than Jack in English and social studies but not in math; that is his forte.

averse

I am in favor of the dance, but I am averse to holding it on May 25.

It slipped my mind.

I can not remember (idiomatically).

reflect:

I could have had given a much better answer if I had had more time to reflect.

I am gravitated towards the study of law.

I feel attracted to the study of law/ I can imagine to study law in the future.

Cohere

I glued together the fragments of the vase, but they did not cohere

glutton

I had a second helping and I would have the third except that I didn't want to be considered as a glutton.

malice

I suspect Ronnie stripped me so that I wouldn't be able to play tomorrow. He did it no as a joke but out of malice.

trepidation

I thought Carol would be nervous when she made the speech, but she delivered it without trepidation.

overconfident

I was sure of passing that I wasn't going to study, but Dad advised me not to be overconfident.

confine

I will confine my remarks to the cause of the War in 1812, the next speak will discuss its results.

I won`t forsake my principles.

I won`t give up my principles.

Inquiry

I've been making inquiries about/into the cost of a round-the-world ticket. Inquiry into the matter is pointless - no one will tell you anything

I don`t agree with the government`s economic policy.

Ich bin mit der Wirtschaftspolitik der Regierung nicht einverstanden.

I find modern images delightful on the eye.

Ich finde moderne Bilder wunderschön fürs Auge.

to come into sth

If a particular emotion or quality comes into a situation, it influences that situation: Some big businesses have *** criticism because of their lack of certain programs.

out of character

If a person's behavior is ***, it is very different from the usual way that person behaves: It was *** for Charles not to offer to help.

to turn the corner

If a situation ***, it starts to improve after a difficult period: After nine months of poor sales we've finally ***.

unfold

If a situation or story unfolds, it develops or becomes clear to other people: Like a lot of people, I've watched the events of the last few days unfold on TV.

to disappear without trace

If people or things ***, they go somewhere where they cannot be seen or found: I don't know how it's possible for a person to ***.

drag on

If something such as a film or performance d... ......it seems to go slowly because it is boring: The first half of the movie was interesting but the second half d..... ......

to trickle

If sth *** somewhere, it moves slowly and without force in a thin line: Blood *** out of the corner of his mouth. The news *** around the championship.

timid

If the other team challenges us, we should accept. Let's not be so timid.

Coherence

If the relationship between the first sentence and what follows it is not clear, the paragraph lacks coherence.

infinitesimal

If there is any salt in this soup, it must be infinitesimal. I can't taste it.

underpayment

If too little deducted from Dad's weekly wages for the income tax, it results in an underpayment at the end of the year.

to see fit

If you *** to do something, you think it is good or necessary to do it: She *** to pull her son out of the school.

to walk on eggshells

If you are ***, you are being very careful not to offend someone or do anything wrong: When my mother is staying at our house, I feel like I'm *** .

invigorate

If you are enervated by the heat, try a swim in the cool ocean. It will invigorate you.

philosophical

If you are philosophical in your reaction to something that is not satisfactory, you accept it calmly and without anger, understanding that failure and disappointment are a part of life.

equanimity

If you become extremely upset when you lose a game, it is a sign that you lack equanimity.

on approval

If you buy something ***, you can return it without payment if it is not satisfactory.

under your own steam

If you do something ***, you do it without help: Do you want a lift or will you get there ***?

Dynamic

If you elect Audrey, you may be sure she will present our views forcefully and energetically. She is a very dynamic speaker.

append

If you hand in your report late, append the note explaining the reason for the delay.

imperative:

If you have failed a subject you need for graduation, it is imperative that you go to summer school.

out of hand

If you refuse something ***, you refuse it completely without thinking about or discussing it: Moving to London is certainly a possibility - I wouldn't dismiss it ***.

in the heat of the moment

If you say or do something ***, you say or do it without thinking because you are very angry or excited: He didn't mean it - he said it ***.

lineage

If you study Franklin D.Roossevelt's lineage, you will find that he was descended from a Dutch ancestor who settled in American in 1638.

undeceive

If you think I can get Mr.Owen to hire you because he is my cousin,let me undeceive you. I have no influence with him.

province

If your brother misbehaves in school, you have no right to punish him; that is your parent's province.

unanimity

In almost every discussion there is bound to some disagreement. Don't expect unanimity.

forefront:

In combat the officer was always standing in the forefront of the attack, leading his men on to victory.

Dormant

In early spring,new buds begin to appear on shrubs and trees that have been dormant all winter

Segregate

In most schools. boys and girls attend the same classes, except in health education, where they are segregated.

infinite

In our science lesson tomorrow, we will consider whether space is infinite and bounded

solvent

In the salt water solution, the water is the solvent, and the salt is the solute. the examiners found the bank solvent, much to the relief of its depositors.

overestimate

Joe underestimated the capacity of the bus when he thought it could hold of 60; it has room for only 48.

flimsy

Judy understands algebra well, but I have only a flimsy grasp of the subject.

obviate.

Karen has agreed to lend me the book I need. This obviates my trip to the library.

protrude

Keep your feet under your desk; do not let them protrude into the aisle.

coast, shore

Küste

preview

Last night, my parents attended a preview of a play scheduled to be open next Tuesday.

vicinity:

Lost: Black cat answering to "Blackie" Vicinity of Main Street and First Avenue.

to exert power over

Macht über ... ausüben

unquenchable

Many teenagers have an unquenchable thirst for adventure stories, they read one after another

deciduous

Maple, elm, birch and other deciduous trees lose their leaves in the fall.

assimilate

The letter n in the prefix in is often assimilated the following letter. For example, "in"plus "legible" becomes "illegible". A bright student assimilates knowledge rapidly.d

undergraduate

Most undergraduates took four years to earn a degree, but some achieve it sooner by attending summer sessions.

embroil:

Motorists who disregard traffic regulations eventually become embroiled with law.

scrupulous

Mr.Brooks refused to be a judge because his wife'nice was a contestant. He is very scrupulous.

necessitate:

Mr.Gans told Helen that her refusal to work necessitates his sending for her parents.

infirmity

On leaving the hospital, the patient felt almost too weak to walk, but he soon overcame this infirmity.

denizen

On the safari, the hunters stalked lions, tigers and other ferocious denizens of the jungle.

chronicle

One of the earliest accounts of King Authur occurs in a 12th-century chronicle of the kings of Britain by Geoffrey of Monmouth

meek

Only two of the girls protested when ordered off the field. The rest were too meek to complain.

superabundance

Our committee does not need any more help. We have a superabundance of helpers.

foreshadow:

Our defeat in the championship game was foreshadowed by the injuries to two of our star players in a previous game.

formidable

Our hopes for an easy victory sank when our opponents took the field. They were much taller, huskier and looked formidable.

abound

Our nation abounds in opportunities for well-educated young men and women. Fish abound in the waters off Newfoundland.

cleavage:

Our party hopes to repair the cleavage in its ranks so that it may present a united front in the coming elections.

heed

Our teacher said that we might have a test but I didn't heed her. That's why I was unprepared.

Avarice

People who suffer avarice spend less and save much more than they should.

adapt

People who work at night have to adapt themselves to sleeping in the daytime Clarence Dạy's book LIFE WITH FATHER was adapted for the stage.

maltreat

The two new photographers were attacked by the mob, and their cameras were smashed. It is disgraceful that they were so maltreated.

invoke

Refusing to answer the question, the witness invoked the Fifth Amendment, which protects a person from being compelled to testify against himself.

ambidextrous

Russ is an ambidextrous hitter; he can bat right-handed or left-handed.

Vocation:

Ruth is going to be a nurse..Bob plans to enter teaching. I, however, have not yet chosen a vocation.

incapacitate

Ruth will be absent today. She is incapacitated by a sore throat.

enigma (`inigma)

Rätsel, mystery

Hoard

Salas Marner had a reputation as a miser who hoarded every penny he could get his hands on.

perturb

Sandra's parents were perturbed when they learned she had failed two subjects.

hinges, to hinge on sth./ sb.

Scharnierstellen, von etw./ jdm. abhängen

insoluble

Scientists are finding solutions to many problems that up to now are insoluble. Salt dissolves in water, but sand is insoluble.

apprehensive

Several apprehensive parents telephoned the school when their children were late in getting home from museum trip.

miniature

She has a miniature stapler in her purse. It takes up a little room

suspend

She wore a green pendant suspended from a silver chain. Train service will be suspended from midnight to 4am to permit repairs.

outwit

Sherlock Homes manages to outwit the cleverest criminals.

magnitude .

Shopping for clothes can be a small matter for some , but a problem of the greatest magnitude for others

malefactor

Shortly after the crime, the malefactor was apprehended and turned over to the police.

cleave:

Some of the inhabitants are hostile to new ways; they cleave to the customs and traditions of the past.

Incense:.

Some of the members were so incensed by the way Jack opened the meeting that they walked right out

neglect

Some of the students of the play neglected their studies during the rehearsals, but after the performance they caught up quickly. For leaving his post, the guard was charged with neglect of duty.

vicariously

Some parents seem to live *** through their children.

animosity

Someday the animosities that led the war will be replaced by amity.

Rummage

Someone must have been rummaged my desk; everything in it is in disorder.

abrasion

The automobile is a total wreck but the driver luckily escaped with minor cuts and abrasion.

Magnify

The bacteria in your textbook are greatly magnified, their real size is considerably smaller.

kleptomania

The billionaire who was caught shoplifting was found to be suffering from kleptomania.

fortitude:

The captain showed remarkable fortitude in continuing to lead their men despite painful wound.

sumptuous

The car with the leather upholstery and thick rugs is beautiful but a bit sumptuous for a person of my simple tastes.

Impoverish

The increase in dues is only 10 cents, it won't impoverish any member

inscription

The inscription on Paul's medal reads " For excellence in English"

adjacent

The island of Cuba is adjacent to Florida.

adjourn

The judge adjourned the court to the following Monday.

premediated

The jury decided that the blow was struck at the time of panic and had been premeditated.

palatable

The main dish had little flavor, but I made it palatable by adding condiments.

upcoming

The management will be glad to email you its " Future Attractions" leaflet which contains news of upcoming films.

avert

The mayor promised to do everything in his power to avert a strike by newspaper employees.

congregation

The minister addressed the congregation on the importance of brotherhood.

benefactor

The museum could not have been built without the gift of a million dollars by a wealthy benefactor.

regenerate

The new manager regenerated the losing team and made it a strong contender for first place.

enlighten

The new student was going to in the wrong direction until someone enlightened him that his room was at the end of the hall.

vigilance

The night watchman who apprehended the thief was praised for his vigilance.

antagonize:

The official antagonized the leader of his party by accusing him of cowardice.

Frugal

The old man had nothing to eat but bread and cheese; yet he offered to share this frugal meal with his visitor. The allowance of $5 a week for lunches and fares is not much, but you can get by on it if you are frugal.

interurban

The only way to get to the next town is by automobile or taxi; there is no interurban bus.

output

The output of the average American factory worker is steadily increasing.

perforate.

The physician said the tack had gone through Baby's shoe and sock without perforating her skin

altercation:

The teacher halted the altercation by separating two opponents before they could come to blows.

countermand

The teacher ordered the students to go to the end of the line, but the teacher countermanded the order.

detect

The tests are designed to detect the disease early. an instrument that can detect small amounts of radiation

Exempt

The three students are exempt from the spelling test, they got 100% in the original test.

impugn

The treasurer should not have been offended when asked for a financial report. No one was impugning his honesty.

picayune

The trouble with your studying is that you spend too much time on picayune details and not enough on the really important matters.

Actions speak louder than words

What you do is more significant than what you say. You keep saying that you'll do your fair share of the housework. Remember that ......................................

Secede

When Abraham Lincoln was elected President in 1860, South Carolina seceded from the Union.

proficient

When I fell behind in French, the teacher asked one of the most proficient students to help me.

wrangle:

When I left, two neighbors were quarreling noisily. When I returned an hour later, they were still wrangling

Infallible

When Phill disputes my answer or I question his,we often take it to our math teacher. We consider her judgement infallible.

dissolution

When President Lincoln took office, the Union faced imminent dissolution.

knack (fam.)

Trick, Dreh, Kniff (fam.)

intercept

We gained possession of the ball when Russ intercepted a forward pass.

protract

We had planned to stay for only lunch but, at the host's insistence, we protracted our visit until after dinner.

oversupply

We have a shortage of unskilled technicians but an oversupply of unskilled workers.

amity

We must look ahead when the dispute is over and amity is restored.

outrun

We scored a touchdown when Joel caught a forward pass and outran his pursuers

withdrawn

We talked to the neighbor's youngster and tried to be friendly, but he didn't say anything; he seemed to be withdrawn.

Capsize:

When Sam's canoe capsized, I swam over to help him turn it right side up

rash:

When a person loses his temper, he may say something rash and regret it afterwards.

undersell

When discount houses tried to undersell the department stores, the latter reduced prices too, and adopted the slogan " We will not be undersold".

upright

When knocked off his feet, the boxer waited till the count of nine before returning to the upright position.

demented

Whoever did this must have been demented, no sane person would have been acted in such a way.

Fatigue

Why not take the elevator? Climbing up the stairs will fatigue you.

excise

With a penknife, he peeled the apple and excised the wormy part.

malediction

With her dying breath, Queen Dido pronounced a malediction on Aeneas and all his descendants.

dowry

With his wife's dowry, the young attorney was able to open a law office.

ungag

With the dictator's downfall, the censorship decrees were abolished and the press was ungagged.

Nomadic

Would you like to give up your permanent residence for the nomadic adventures of trailer living.

addicted

You won't become addicted to smoking if you refuse cigarettes when they are offered.

slovenly

You would not expect anyone so neat in her personal appearance to be slovenly in her housekeeping.

withholding tax.

Your employer is required to deduct a certain amount from your salary as a withholding tax payable to the federal government

vehement

Your protest was too mild. If it had been more vehement, the dealer might have paid attention to it

breakdown

[ C ] a failure to work or be successful: I had a b.................. (= my car stopped working) in the middle of the road. Both sides blamed each other for the b..............of talks.

atrocities

[ C usually plural ] an extremely cruel, violent, or shocking act: They are on trial for committing *** against the civilian population.

to whinge

[UK informal disapproving] to complain, especially about something that does not seem important: Oh stop ***, for heaven's sake! She's always *** (on) about something.

rigorous

[approving] careful to look at or consider every part of something to make certain it is correct or safe: *** testing/checking/methods If you are *** when you do something, you do it extremely carefully and precisely. A *** inspection of your tax records has revealed the government owes you money. Congratulations!

to call on smb

[formal] to ask someone in a formal way to do something: They're *** all men and boys over the age of 14 to join the army. [formal] I now *** everyone to raise a glass to the happy couple.

to reside

[formal] to live, have your home, or stay in a place: The family now r*** in southern France.

half-baked

[informal disapproving] ​ A *** idea or plan has not been considered carefully enough: The government has come up with a *** scheme for training teachers on the job.

to let your hair down

[informal/old]to allow yourself to behave much more freely than usual and enjoy yourself: Oh *** for once!

on a shoestring

[informal] ​ If you do something ***, you do it with a very small amount of money: The film was made ***.

up the creek

[informal] ​ in trouble: If any more people resign, we'll be really ***.

to go off deep end

[informal] ​ to get very angry about something or lose control of yourself

strapped

[informal] not having enough money: I'd love to come to Hawaii with you, but I'm a little *** (for cash).

in that

[informal] because: This research is important *** it confirms the link between aggression and alcohol.

on the rocks

[informal] likely to fail soon: I think their marriage is ***.

to slam

[informal] to criticize: Although the reviewers *** the play, the audience loved it.

frontier

] frontier (of something) the limit of something, especially the limit of what is known about a particular subject or activity to push back the frontiers of science (= to increase knowledge of science) to roll back the frontiers of government (= to limit the powers of the government)

in a shambles

]informal] ​ a state of confusion, bad organization, or untidiness, or something that is in this state: After the party, the house was a total/complete ***. Our economy is ***. The way these files are arranged is the biggest *** I've ever seen.

a barrage of sth

a great number of complaints, criticisms, or questions suddenly directed at someone: The TV station has received *** complaints about the amount of violence in the series. He faced *** questions over his handling of the problem.

incursion

a hostile entrance into a place

niche

a job or position that is very suitable for someone, especially one that they like: He has carved/made a niche for himself as a financial advisor.

disquiet

a lack of calm or peace

conflagration

a large destructive fire

stride

a long step when walking or running: She attributes her record-breaking speed to the length of her s........

heap

a lot of something There's heaps of time before the plane leaves. (North American English) I've got a heap of things to do.

staple

a main product or part of something: Bread. Milk. Gasoline. Xboxes. What do these all have in common? They're all a *** of most people's consumption — basic products for which there will always be a demand. Shortages mean that even *** (= basic foods) like bread are difficult to find.

bloke

a man, often one who is considered to be ordinary: Paul's a really good *** (= I like him a lot).

stigma

a mark of shame or discredit

lunatic /`lu:unatic/

a mentally ill person, an idiot

manoeuver

a movement performed with care and skill a complicated/skilful manoeuvre You will be asked to perform some standard manoeuvres during your driving test. The racecar driver struggled to maneuver his car into first place on the last lap.

a novel concept

a new idea

altruist

a person unselfishly concerned for the welfare of others

sociopath

a person whose behavior is antisocial and who lacks a sense of moral responsibility

enigma

a puzzle; a mystery

loaded question

a question that has particular words chosen to suggest the answer that is wanted: A survey should avoid asking ***.

cycle racks

a row of frames where bicycles can be left

dementia

a serious mental disorder caused by brain disease or injury, that affects the ability to think, remember and behave normally

blur

a shape that you cannot see clearly, often because it is moving too fast His arm was a rapid blur of movement as he struck. Everything is a blur when I take my glasses off.

adverse

a. in opposing direction; harmful or unfavorable; acting or serving to oppose

aerial

a. of the air or atmosphere; produced by or found in the air; performed in the air

arbitrary

a. randomly chosen; determined by chance or impulse, and not by reason or principle

agreeable

a. ready to consent or submit; acceptable

execrable

abominable

anarchy

absence of governing body; state of disorder

to dismiss The placebo effect was dismissed as humbug.

abtun, verwerfen Der Placeboeffekt wurde als Humbuk abgetan.

vituperative

abusive; scolding

appropriate

acquire; take possession of for one's own use

ablution

act of cleansing

backstage

ad. In or toward the area behind the performing space in a theater, especially the area comprising the dressing rooms

amidst

ad. amid; in the middle of; among

aback

ad. by surprise; behind; in the rear

albeit

ad. even though; although; notwithstanding

amid

ad. in the middle of; among; surrounded by

affectionately

ad. with affection; lovingly; fondly; tenderly; kindly

quiescent

adj. at rest; dormant; temporarily inactive; motionless

precipitate

adj. rash, premature, hasty, sudden

to dwell on a subject So we made a mistake, but there is no need to dwell on it.

bei einem Thema verweilen, auf einem Thema herumreiten Also, wir haben einen Fehler gemacht, aber wir brauchen nicht darauf herumzureiten.

intrinsic

being an extremely important and basic characteristic of a person or thing: The strength of a person's intrinsic drive is what determines whether or not that individual will have success in life

communal

belonging to or used by a group of people rather than one single person: *** facilities/food/property We each have a separate bedroom but share a *** kitchen.

interdepartmental

between or involving different departments of a school, university, business, etc.: an *** committee/project

evaluate

bewerten

alteration, modification

change

metamorphosis

change of form

volatile

changeable; explosive; evaporation rapidly

pristine

characteristic of earlier times; primitive; unspoiled

malevolent

characterized by or expressing bad will

philatrophy

charity; a desire or effort to promote goodness

fetching

charming

alacrity

cheerful promptness; eagerness

poultry, fowl

chicken, Geflügel

offspring

child/ children

puerile

childish, immature

circumscribe

circumscribe something (formal) to limit somebody/something's freedom, rights, power, etc. synonym restrict The power of the monarchy was circumscribed by the new law. They are still highly circumscribed in their authority

maladroit

clumsy, tactless

spectrum

colored band produced when a beam of light passes through a prism

amalgamate

combine; unite in one body

imminently

coming or likely to happen very soon: *** disaster/danger A strike is ***. In August, Netflix announced the *** release of eight new specials, bringing the platform's total to over two dozen for 2016.

confer

confer (with somebody) (on/about something) to discuss something with somebody, consulting sb He wanted to confer with colleagues before reaching a decision

derision

contemptuous or jeering laughter; ridicule.

fusillade

continuous discharge of firearms or outburst of criticism

at a stretch

continuously: Sometimes I work for ten hours ***.

disabuse

correct a false impression; to set right; to free from error

commensurate

corresponding in extent, degree, etc.; proportionate

decadent

decaying; deteriorating

guile

deceit or trickery

duplicity

deceitfulness in speech or conduct; double-dealing

abscond

depart secretly and hide

all the same

despite what has just been said: It rained every day of our holiday - but we had a good time ***.

evolve

develop

piety

devoutness; reverence for God

Disparate

different in every way: The two cultures were so utterly disparate that she found it hard to adapt from one to the other.

repudiate

disown; disavow; to reject the validity of

disseminate

distribute; spread widely; scatter (like seeds)

tractable

docile; easily managed or controlled

underhand

done secretly, and sometimes dishonestly, in order to achieve an advantage: What really angered her was the dirty, *** way they had tricked her.

skeptic

doubter; person who suspends judgment until having examined evidence supporting a point of view

problematic

doubtful; unsettled; questionable; perplexing

dramatize

dramatize (something) to make something seem more exciting or important than it really is Don't worry too much about what she said—she tends to dramatize things.

flag

droop; grow feeble; to decline in vigor or strength

lethargic

drowsy; dull

stolid

dull; impassive; unemotional; lacking sensitivity

dump

dump something to get rid of something you do not want, especially in a place which is not suitable Too much toxic waste is being dumped at sea.

murky

düster, finster, dunkel, trüb

levee

earth or stone embankment to prevent flooding

gullible

easily deceived

susceptible

easily influenced or harmed by something: She isn't very susceptible to flattery.

lucid

easily understood; clear; intelligible

omnivorous

eating or absorbing everything

efficacy

effectiveness ; power to produce desired effect

a (magic) spell for a spell

ein (magischer) Bann für ein Weilchen, eine Zeit

a pestle used for grinding food

ein Stössel (Mörser), der für das zermürben von Essen benutzt wird

to be sucked into a mood

in eine Laune hineingezogen, hineinversetzt

sanctimonious

giving the impression that you feel you are better and more moral than other people synonym self-righteous a sanctimonious voice I wish she'd stop being so sanctimonious. I'm fed up with his sanctimonious attitude

to be tantamount to sth.

gleichbedeutend mit etw. sein

fervor

glowing ardor; intensity of feeling

transcendent

going beyond ordinary limits

cursury

going rapidly over something; hasty; superficial

relaxing, delightful, friendly

good atmosphere

delicious, local, tasteful, exquisite

good food

spacious, quaint (charming)

good rooms

freight

goods, but not passengers, that are carried from one place to another, by ship, aircraft, train, or truck, or the system of transporting these goods: The ship carries both freight and passengers.

array

group or collection of things or people, often one that is large or impressive Frank was impressed by the wide array of appetizers at Joe's wedding, although he did not partake of any of them because of his diet.

proliferate

grow rapidly; spread; multiply

acquisitive

habgierig, erwerbssüchtig

dedication

hard work, engagement (Hingabe)

diligent (about)

hard-working, conscientious, careful

arduous

hard; strenuous

innocuous

harmless

constructive

having a useful and helpful effect rather than being negative or with no purpose constructive criticism/suggestions/advice His work involved helping hyperactive children to use their energy in a constructive way.

provident

having or showing foresight

erudite

having or showing great knowledge that is gained from academic study synonym learned She could turn any conversation into an erudite discussion. She was a well-respected and erudite scholar

specious

having the ring of truth or plausibility but actually fallacious)

herald

herald something to be a sign that something is going to happen These talks could herald a new era of peace. She felt a dull ache in her right temple, heralding a migraine. Bringing the baby home heralds the start of a very different lifestyle.

to engender sth. or a child

hervorrufen, erzeugen, zeugen

secrete

hide away or cache; produce and release a substance

impede

hinder; block

insinuate

hint; imply; creep in

tenacious

holding fast; holding or tending to hold persistently to something

probity

honesty; uprightness; incorruptibility

adverse

hostile, unfavourable

inimical

hostile, unfriendly

unassuming, diffident (can also mean shy)

humble, modest

supposition

hypothesis; surmise

formative years

ie for a child: the years that shape his or her personality mostly

complicated

if some of the requirements for graduation seem complicated, see your guidance counsellor. He will be glad to explain them to you.

aggravate

if you sunburn itches, don't scratch; that will aggravate it.

morose

ill-humored; sullen; melancholy

to rein in

im Zaun/ in Schranken halten

emulate

imitate; rival

notable

important and deserving attention, because of being very good or interesting: a *** collection of rare plants Getting both sides to agree was a *** achievement. This attractive building is particularly *** for its woodland setting.

inconceivable

impossible to imagine or think of: The idea that they might not win was *** to them. It would be *** for her to change her mind. ​ extremely unlikely: Another nuclear accident in the same place is virtually/almost inconceivable. It is not inconceivable (= it is possible) that she could be lying.

adamant

impossible to persuade, or unwilling to change an opinion or decision: [ + that ] I've told her she should stay at home and rest but she's *** that she's coming.

irresistible

impossible to refuse, oppose, or avoid because it is too pleasant, attractive, or strong: an *** offer She gave me one of those *** smiles and I just had to agree.

effrontery

impudence; shameless boldness; sheer nerve; presumptuousness

contrary to popular opinion/belief

in a different way from what most people believe: ***, I don't dye my hair!

to be at a disadvantage

in a situation in which you are less likely to succeed than others: He's *** being so shy. This new law places/puts poorer families ***. He was *** because his English was worse than his colleagues'.

to/for all intents and purposes

in all the most important ways: ***, the project is completed.

bulk

in bulk ​ C1 in large amounts: The office buys paper in bulk to keep down costs. the bulk of sth ​ C1 most of something: In fact, the bulk of the book is taken up with criticizing other works.

in doing so

in this way: In all the circumstances, we have decided that we will each wear a black armband for the duration of the World Cup. *** we are mourning the death of democracy in our beloved Zimbabwe.

inert

inactive; lacking power to move

inaugurate

inaugurate something to officially open a building or start an organization with a special ceremony The new theatre was inaugurated by the mayor. The assembly was formally inaugurated in December.

implacable

incapable of being pacified

sedition

incitement of discontent or rebellion against a government

dilatory

inclined to delay or procrastinate

negligible

inconsequential, unimportant

enhance

increase; improve

fledgling

inexperienced

`adamant(-ly), in`transigent

inflexible

to be hooked

informal unable to stop taking a drug: to be h.......... .cocaine

impair

injure; hurt

inquisitive

inquisitiveness wanting to discover as much as you can about things, sometimes in a way that annoys people: an inquisitive child an inquisitive mind She could see inquisitive faces looking out from the windows next door.

inconsequential

insignificant; unimportant

insidious

intended to trap or beguile

daunt

intimidate; frighten

convoluted

intricate and complicated

incorporate

introduce something into a larger whole; combine; unite

preamble

introductory statement

fractious

irritable, peevish

irascible

irritable; easily angered

stem from

is due to, is the result of

to compel sb to do sth to feel compelled to That is a COMPELLING argument! compelling circumstances/ evidence/ reason compelling film/ painting/ performance

jdn. zwingen, etw. zu tun s. zu etw. gezwungen fühlen Das ist ein triftiges Argument! zwingend (Umstände, Beweis, Grund) fesselnd (Film, Gemälde, Darbietung)

to be deferential towards sb.

jmd. gegenüber respektvoll sein

facetious

joking (often inappropriately); humorous

blithe

joyous, careless (fröhlich, unbekümmert)

to keep things in perspective

judge the importance of sth correctly (ie not get too worried about certain things); to think about a situation or problem in a wise and reasonable way: You must *** - the overall situation isn't really that bad.

discrepancy

lack of consistency; difference

incongruity

lack of harmony; absurdity

insipid

lacking in interest or flavor; dull

diffident

lacking or marked by a lack of self-confidence; shy and timid.

to lurk

lauern

equivocate

lie; mislead; attempt to conceal the truth

terrestrial

living on the land or on the ground, rather than in water, in trees or in the air Because of the cool climate, many terrestrial insects live in the soil.

harangue

long, passionate, and vehement speech

garrulous

loquacious; talkative; wordy

devotion of sth. or so.

loyalty, affection (Hingabe)

sobering

making you feel serious or think about serious matters: a *** thought Surviving a car accident is a *** experience.

daunting

making you feel slightly frightened or worried about your ability to achieve something: The country was faced with the *** prospect of overcoming four decades of division.

officious

meddlesome; excessively pushy in offering one's services

discerning

mentally quick and observant; having insight

confluence

merging into one

lenient

milde, nachsichtig

quibble

minor objection or complaint

paragon

model of excellence or perfection

fonds, taxes...

money

monotonous /mon`otonos/

monoton, eintönig

in the same vein

mood: The opening scene is very violent, and the rest of the movie continues ***.

virtuous

morally good,

righteous

morally justified

apparatus

n. a group of parts that work together to perform given function; appliance or device for particular purpose

avenue

n. a method or means by which something may be accomplished

aisle

n. a passageway between rows of seats or shelves

asylum

n. a place offering protection and shelter

peripheral

not as important as the main aim, part, etc. of something peripheral information matters of peripheral concern Do not spend too much time on the peripheral questions because they are only worth ten percent of the test grade. Despite the loss of a few peripheral functions, the airplane will still be able to land safely

insufficient

not enough: *** information/time [ + to infinitive ] There was *** money to fund the project. I felt that the whole project was *** researched.

to be deficient in

not having enough of something ощущающий нехватку: If you have poor night vision you may *** vitamin A.

unfazed

not impressed

illusory

not real and based on sth made up: Their hopes of a peaceful solution turned out to be ***.

valueless

not worth any money: We thought the chair was an antique worth a lot of money, but it turned out to be a *** replica.

CONSPICUOUS

noticeable, striking

for one thing

one reason is: Celluloid film wasn't perfect - ***, it was flammable. A lot of people don't take the time to read contracts. ***, they're often in very tiny print.

malingerer

one who feigns illness to escape duty

partisan

one-sided; prejudiced; committed to a party

dogmatic

opinionated; arbitrary; doctrinal

condone

overlook; forgive; give tacit approval; excuse

obsequious

overly submissive and eager to please; servile; sycophantic

inundate

overwhelm; flood; submerge

appease

pacify or soothe; relieve

placate

pacify; conciliate

paralyze

paralyse somebody to make somebody unable to feel or move all or part of their body The accident left him paralysed from the waist down.

flawless Her piece of writing was flawless.

perfect, without any imperfections or faults Her piece of writing was perfect.

tangential

peripheral; only slightly connected; digressing

consent

permission or agreement: They can't publish your name without your consent. You can only come on the trip if your parents give their consent. by common consent ​ most people agree: Her latest novel, by common consent, is her best yet.

sage

person celebrated for wisdom

conoisseur

person competent to act as a judge of art; a lover of art

reprobate

person hardened in sin; wicked person; devoid of a sense of decency

pertain

pertain to somebody | pertain to something (formal) to be connected with something/somebody the laws pertaining to adoption to exist or to apply in a particular situation or at a particular time Living conditions are vastly different from those pertaining in their country of origin. Those laws no longer pertain.

pathological

pertaining to disease

bilateral

pertaining to or affecting two or both sides

itinerary

plan of a trip

bombastic

pompous in speech and manner ; using inflated language

grandiloquent

pompous or inflated in language; bombastic; using high-sounding language

latent

potential but undeveloped; dormant; hidden

indigence

poverty

pragmatic

practical (as opposed to idealistic); concerned with the practical worth or impact of something

hard-nosed

practical and determined: His *** business approach is combined with a very real concern for the less fortunate in society.

savvy

practical knowledge and ability: business *** She hasn't got much ***. Someone who is *** is shrewd and perceptive.

viable

practical or workable

ascetic

practicing self-denial; austere

laud

praise

approval contempt

praise, benevolence (Anerkennung) disregard, scorn (Verachtung, Geringschätzung)

predilection

preference, liking

preserve

preserve something to keep a particular quality, feature, etc.; to make sure that something is kept He was anxious to preserve his reputation. Efforts to preserve the peace have failed.

endemic

prevailing among a specific group of people or in a specific area or country

proceeds

proceeds (of/from something) the money that you receive when you sell something or organize a performance, etc.; profits She sold her car and bought a piano with the proceeds. The proceeds of the concert will go to charity.

prolific

producing a lof of things producing many works, etc. a prolific author a prolific goalscorer prolific rivers

commodity

product, raw material, goods

salient

prominent or conspicuous

decorum

propriety; orderliness and good taste in manners

defiantly

proudly refusing to obey law, decision, person, situation, etc. : A group of prisoners stood on the roof, *** waving banners.

document

provide written evidence

opprobrium

public disgrace; infamy; vilification

distill

purify; refine; concentrate

contentious

quarrelsome

impetuous

quick to act without thinking

Practice makes perfect

regular exercise of an activity or skill is the way to become proficient in it

flout

reject; mock; show contempt for

tertiary

relating to education in colleges and universities: *** education

spatial

relating to space and the position, size, shape, etc. of things in it changes taking place in the spatial distribution of the population the development of a child's spatial awareness (= the ability to judge the positions and sizes of objects)

aesthetic

relating to the enjoyment or study of beauty: The new building has little *** value/appeal.

monetary

relating to the money in a country: monetary policy monetary control The monetary unit of the UK is the pound The court prescribes monetary penalties for traffic infractions that occur within its jurisdiction

at ease

relaxed: He felt completely ***. She soon put/set me *** (= made me relaxed) .

alleviate

relieve

reroute

reroute something to change the route that a road, vehicle, telephone call, etc. normally follows to reroute a road to reroute traffic The flight was rerouted through Singapore. (figurative) A large proportion of the defence budget has been rerouted to education

deference

respect; courteous regard for another's wishes

deferential

respectful; to yield judgment to

reverent

respectful; worshipful

reprisals

retaliation against an enemy

conundrum

riddle; difficult problem

deride

ridicule; make fun of

circuitous

roundabout, indirect

boorish

rude; insensitive

to fret about sht. Don`t fret yourself about it.

s. Gedanken machen über etw. Mach dir darüber keine Sorgen.

sabotage

sabotage something to prevent something from being successful or being achieved, especially deliberately Protesters failed to sabotage the peace talks. The rise in interest rates sabotaged any chance of the firm's recovery.

mournfully

sadly: He gazed *** out the window.

It's no use crying over spilled milk.

said to emphasize that it is not useful feeling sorry about something that has already happened ................................. - he's spent all the money, and there's nothing you can do about it.

When the going gets tough, the tough get going.

said to emphasize that when conditions become difficult, strong people take action

to draw a line under sth

say that sth is completely finished and you will not think about it or discuss it again

menacing

seeming likely to cause you harm or danger synonym threatening a menacing face/tone At night, the dark streets become menacing.

ubiquitous

seeming to be everywhere: Leather is very much in fashion this season, as is the ubiquitous denim. The Swedes are not alone in finding their language under pressure from the ubiquitous spread of English. The mobile phone, that most ubiquitous of consumer-electronic appliances, is about to enter a new age.

eclectic

selective; composed of elements from a variety of sources

autonomous

self-governing; independent

complacent

self-satisfied, unconcerned

discrete

separate; unconnected; consisting of distinct parts

subside

settle down; descend; grow quiet

repeatedly

several times

penury

severe poverty; stinginess

acrid

sharp or biting to the taste or smell

flabbergasted

shocked by the unexpected: I was absolutely f............at what she was paid.

ephemeral

short-lived; fleeting

ebullient

showing excitement; overflowing with enthusiasm

pedantic

showing off learning; bookish

Carcass

the body of a dead animal, especially a large one that is soon to be cut up as meat or eaten by wild animals: Vultures flew around in the sky waiting to pick at the rotting carcass of the deer

ambiance

the character of a place or the quality it seems to have: Despite being a busy city, Dublin has the *** of a country town.

wear and tear

the damage that happens to an object in ordinary use during a period: Seat covers on buses take a lot of ***.

influx

the fact of a large number of people or things arriving at the same time: Turkey is expecting an *** of several thousand refugees over the next few days.

failure to do sth

the fact of not doing something that you must do or are expected to do: His *** (return) her phone call made her realize that something was wrong.

disregard for

the fact of showing no care or respect for something: What amazes me is her complete *** anyone else's opinion.

ambiguity

the fact of something having more than one possible meaning and therefore possibly causing confusion: We wish to remove any *** concerning our demands.

Dauntless:

the frightened sailors wanted to turn back, but their dauntless leader urged them to sail on.

verdict

the hung jury is one that has been unable to reach a verdict.

empathy

the identification with the feelings or thoughts of others

the grassroots

the ordinary people in a society or an organization, especially a political party: The feeling among *** of the Party is that the leaders are not radical enough.

fringe

the outer edge of an area or a group on the northern fringe of the city fringe something to form a border around something The beach was fringed by coconut palms. Her eyes were grey, fringed by long dark lashes

juvenile deliquency

the problem of young people who are not yet adults committing crime

socialization

the process by which somebody, especially a child, learns to behave in a way that is acceptable in their society: School plays a vital role in the *** of children who have no siblings.

remuneration package

the salary and other benefits (= advantages) such as health insurance or a car that an employer offers to an employee: The incoming president will receive a $60,000 annual ***, including housing and vehicle allowance. (= pay package)

to gather speed

to accelerate

to face up to sth

to accept that a difficult situation exists: She's going to have to *** the fact that he's not going to marry her.

to eat your words

to admit that something you said before was wrong: Sam said it would never sell, but when he sees these sales figures he'll have to ***.

to indulge one`s passion/ desire/ pleasure

to allow one`s passion/ desire/ pleasure

to give free rein

to allow someone or something complete freedom The owners *** the chef *** to create a new menu. She was afraid to *** to her feelings.

spring up

to appear or develop quickly and/or suddenly Play areas for children are springing up all over the place. Opposition groups are springing up like mushrooms

foment

to arouse or incite

to have sth down to a fine art

to be able to do something very well or quickly, often because you have done it so many times: Over the years, she had got her household management skills ***.

to be out of the question

to be an event that cannot possibly happen: A trip to New Zealand is *** this year.

adjoin

to be close or in contact with

to be enthralled by

to be completely interested: They were *** the idea that a result could sit on a knife edge for so long.

to be mislead

to be deceived

to be intent on

to be determined to do or achieve something: I've tried persuading her not to go but she's *** it. He seems *** upsetting everyone in the room!

to be on the edge of your seat

to be extremely excited and interested that you can't sit still

to go by the board

to be forgotten or not used: Does this mean our holiday plans will have to ***?

to be apt to

to be likely to do something or to often do something: The kitchen roof is *** (= likely to) leak when it rains. She's in her eighties now and *** be a little forgetful.

to be liable to do sth.

to be likely to do sth., to be in danger of doing sth.

to outshine

to be much more skillful and successful than someone: Ben Palmer easily *** his rivals in the 200 metre freestyle.

to rest on your laurels

to be satisfied with your achievements and not to make an effort to do anything else: Just because you've got your degree doesn't mean you can ***.

to serve its purpose

to be useful: The Youth Center *** well, becoming only a meeting place for teenagers, but also a venue for social events and local entertainment.

to be dead set on

to be very determined to do or have something: Martha's *** having a new bike.

to go from bad to worse

to become even more difficult or unpleasant: Things from *** in the second game when we lost 38-0.

morale

to boost/raise/improve morale Morale amongst the players is very high at the moment. Staff are suffering from low morale. Another win would be good for the team's morale.

telecast

to broadcast something on television The event will be telecast simultaneously to nearly 150 cities

convoke

to call together

mollify

to calm or make less severe; soothe

to call into question

to cause doubts about something: The fact that a party can be voted into power by a minority of the electorate *** the country's electoral system.

cripple

to cause serious damage to someone or something, making him, her, or it weak and not effective: a global nursing shortage threatens to cripple health care systems

to disabuse

to cause someone no longer to have a wrong idea: He thought that all women liked children, but she soon *** him of that (idea/notion).

to overshadow

to cause someone or something to seem less important or less happy: Karen has always felt *** by her famous elder sister. My happiness was *** by the bad news.

to be overawed

to cause someone to feel a mixture of respect and fear: Some of the players were totally *** by playing their first game at the national stadium. The Houses of Parliament form a fine Gothic building, but every time I have cause to visit I'm not ***.

to liken sth. to sth.

to compare sth. to sth.

to come up trumps

to complete an activity successfully or to produce a good result, especially when you were not expected to: John's uncle ***, finding us a place to stay at the last minute.

acquiesce

to comply, give in

proscribe

to condemn as harmful or odious; ostracize; banish; outlaw

to chalk it up to

to consider that something is caused by a particular thing: Companies blame the economy for the lay offs, while workers *** bad management.

to keep at it

to continue to do or work on something: I *** and finally finished at three this morning.

to rein (sb/sth) in

to control an emotion, activity, or situation to prevent it from becoming too powerful: We tried to*** our excitement and curiosity. Reports today suggest consumers are already ***/back spending.

admonish

to counsel against something; caution; warn; reprove

to carve out sth

to create or obtain something that helps you by skillful activities: She *** a reputation for herself as a high-powered lawyer.

pick on

to criticize, punish, or be unkind to the same person often and unfairly: He gets picked on by the other boys because he's so small.

impair

to damage something or make something worse His age impaired his chances of finding a new job. Emotions can sometimes impair your ability to reason properly.

to hoodwink

to deceive or trick someone: He *** us into agreeing.

dupe

to deceive; a person who is easily deceived

to overpower

to defeat someone by having greater strength or power: The gunman was finally *** by three security guards.

to dispel a myth

to destroy people`s believe in a myth (it is no myth anymore)

outperform

to do well in a particular job or activity compared to others of a similar type: The company has consistently outperformed its rivals this season.

to toe the line

to do what you are expected to do without causing trouble for anyone: If you want to get ahead, you'd better learn to ***.

desiccate

to dry out thoroughly

take on

to employ someone: She was t........ ........ as a laboratory assistant.

to get a foot in the door

to enter a business or organization at a low level, but with a chance of being more successful in the future: Making contacts can help you *** when it comes to getting a job.

EXEMPT

to excuse someone or something from a duty, payment, etc.: Small businesses have been e............ from the tax increase.

to drive a hard bargain

to expect a lot in exchange for what you pay or do: You certainly ***, but I feel that our companies will work very well together.

undergo

to experience something that is unpleasant or something that involves a change After the accident, he underwent reconstructive surgery to rebuild his face

QUESTION

to express doubts about the value or truth of something: I q...............the wisdom of taking so many pills. She gave me a q........... look (= as if she wanted an answer from me).

confront

to face, meet, or deal with a difficult situation or person: As she left the court, she was confronted by angry crowds who tried to block her way. It's an issue we'll have to confront at some point, no matter how unpleasant it is. I thought I would stay calm, but when I was confronted with/by the TV camera, I got very nervous.

to overlook

to fail to notice or consider something or someone: I think there is one key fact that you have ***. No one will be *** when we select players for the team.

OBJECT

to feel or express opposition to or dislike of something or someone: Would anyone o..........if we started the meeting now? He o.......... ........... the label "magician".

REGRET

to feel sorry about a situation, especially something sad or wrong or a mistake that you have made: Is there anything you've done in your life that you r.................? [ + -ing verb ] I have always r............. not having studied harder at school

ascertain

to find out the true or correct information about something ascertain something It can be difficult to ascertain the facts. ascertain that... I ascertained that the driver was not badly hurt.

to flit

to fly or move quickly and lightly: In the fading light we saw bats *** around/about in the garden. figurative She's always *** from one thing to another (= changing her activities).

st up

to formally establish a new company, organization, system, way of working, etc.: A committee has been s......... ...........to organize social events for the students. She plans to s..... ........her own business.

to swindle

to get money dishonestly from someone by deceiving or cheating them: They *** local businesses out of thousands of dollars. This horizontal trust doesn't let people to be ***.

take out

to get money from a bank account: I t......... .......some money for the weekend.

to land sth

to get or achieve something good, especially in a way that seems easy or unexpected: He *** a senior editorial job.

to hypothesise

to give a possible but not yet proved explanation for something: There's no point *** about how the accident happened, since we'll never really know.

to lend weight

to give credibility: This fact *** to the argument that their diet is perfect.

to fill smb in on sth

to give someone extra or missing information: I *** her *** the latest gossip.

to take notice of

to give something your attention: Voters are beginning *** him as a serious candidate.

to overtake

to go past something by being a greater amount or degree: Our US sales have now *** our sales in Europe. We'd planned to hold a meeting tomorrow, but events have *** us (= things have changed).

to lapse into sth

to gradually get into a worse state or condition: He *** a coma and died four days later.

recur

to happen many times or to happen again: Water, a symbol of life, recurs as an image throughout her poems. If the symptoms recur, visit your doctor.

to have your (fair) share of sth

to have a lot or more than enough of something bad: We certainly *** problems at the moment. She's *** her *** tragedies in her life.

allot

v. parcel out in parts or portions; distribute to each individual concerned; assign as a share or lot

ameliorate

to make better; to improve

supplicate

to make humble and earnest entreaty

adulterate

to make impure by adding inferior or tainted substances

cajole

to make somebody do something by talking to them and being very nice to them synonym coax cajole somebody (into something/into doing something) He cajoled me into agreeing to do the work. cajole something out of somebody I managed to cajole his address out of them.

inflict

to make somebody/something suffer something unpleasant inflict something They surveyed the damage inflicted by the storm. The rodent's sharp teeth can inflict a nasty bite

to legitimize

to make something legal or acceptable: The government fears that talking to terrorists might *** their violent actions.

to tone sth down

to make something less forceful or offensive, usually a piece of writing or a speech: Some of the language in the original play has been *** for the television version.

hone

to make something perfect or completely suitable for its purpose The tennis player practices several hours a day to hone her skills. Because Jessica wants to hone her cake baking ability, she can usually be found in the kitchen. The apprentice will hone his mechanical expertise under a mentor and then open his own garage.

to cast doubt on

to make something seem uncertain: Witnesses have *** the accused's innocence.

dilute

to make something weaker or less effective Large classes dilute the quality of education that children receive.

to stay/keep abreast of

to make sure you know all the most recent facts about a subject or situation: I try to *** any developments.

litigate

to make the subject of a lawsuit

to back the wrong horse

to make the wrong decision and support a person or action that is later unsuccessful: In all his years as a book publisher, he rarely ***.

to `leverage

to make use of sth to maximum advantage

to negotiate

to manage to travel along a difficult route: The only way to *** the muddy hillside is on foot.

delude

to mislead the mind of judgment of, deceive

avert

v. prevent; turn or cause to turn off or away

preclude

to prevent the presence of

obviate

to prevent; make unnecessary; get rid of

engender

to produce, cause or bring about

protract

to prolong, draw out, extend

to corroborate evidence

to prove sth., to provide evidence

corroborate

to provide supporting evidence

castigate

to punish or criticize harshly

upgrade

to qualify for better jobs, many employees attend evening courses where they can upgrade their skills.

pugnacious

to quarrel or fight readily

grasp

to quickly take something in your hand(s) and hold it firmly: Rosie suddenly *** my hand. ​ If you *** an opportunity, you take it eagerly: We must *** every opportunity to strengthen economic ties with other countries.

to tread a fine line between sth. and sth.

to see a slight distinction between sth. and sth.

in recognition of

to show respect for: He was presented with a gold watch *** his years as club secretary.

to underpin sth

to support, confirm, corroborate sth.

to be bowled over

to surprise and please someone a lot: She was *** when she heard she'd won the competition. I was *** to be offered a post as a music therapist.

bowled over

to surprise and please someone a lot: She was b.......... . when she heard she'd won the competition.

to be taken aback

to surprise or shock someone so much that they do not know how to behave for a short time: I *** a little *** at the directness of the question. The news really ***.

take aback

to surprise or shock someone so much that they do not know how to behave for a short time: I was a little t....................... a..............at the directness of the question. The news really t................. us a...................

capitulate

to surrender unconditionally or on stipulated terms

to dismantle

to take a machine apart or to come apart into separate pieces: She *** the washing machine to see what the problem was, but couldn't put it back together again.

to make a leap into the unknown, to go out on a limb

to take a risk

to marginalize

to treat someone or something as if they are not important: Now that English has taken over as the main language, the country's native language has been ***.

to bite off more than you can chew

to try to do something that is too difficult for you: We b*** in our original reform proposals.

Bite off more than you can chew.

to try to do something that is too difficult for you: We....................... in our original reform proposals.

to make a go of sth

to try to make something succeed, usually by working hard: She's really *** her new antique shop. I can't see him ever *** accountancy.

to go to great length

to try very hard to achieve something: Some people go *** to make their homes attractive. He'll go *** to get what he wants.

atrophy

to waste away; wither or deteriorate; the wasting away of body tissue

to pull the weight

to work as hard as other people in a group: The others had complained that Sarah wasn't ***.

plod

to work slowly and continuously, but without imagination, enthusiasm, or interest: For years, he's plodded away at the same dull routine job. Alex is just plodding along at school, making very little progress I'll try not to bore you with lots of plodding details.

to scribble

to write or draw something quickly and carelessly: набросать (рисунок или надпись) She *** some notes in her book.

credulous

too trusting; gullible

unequivocal

total, or expressed in a clear and certain way: The prime minister, he said, had the party's *** support. The church has been *** in its condemnation of the violence.

perfidious

treacherous; disloyal; willing to betray one's trust

chicanery

trickery; deception by means of craft or guile

platitude

trite remark; commonplace statement

onerous

troublesome and oppressive; burdensome

naivety

trust based on not having much experience: [disapproving] He demonstrated a worrying *** about political issues. [approving] I think her *** is charming - she's so unspoilt and fresh.

fawning

trying to please by behaving obsequiously, flattering, or cringing

two issues are irrevocably linked

two issues definitely belong together and can not be taken apart (unwiderruflich, unumstösslich, fest entschlossen)

typify

typify something to be a typical example of something clothes that typify the 1960s the new style of politician, typified by the Prime Minister

inexplicable

unable to be explained or understood: For some *** reason, he's decided to cancel the project.

Inexplicable

unable to be explained or understood: For some inexplicable reason, he's decided to cancel the project.

irresolute

uncertain how to act; weak

indeterminate

uncertain; not clearly fixed; indefinite

precarious

uncertain; risky

ambiguous

unclear or doubtful in meaning

insensible

unconscious; unresponsive

implicit

understood but not stated

tacit

understood; not put into words

despondency

unhappy and with no hope or enthusiasm. If you're in a state of ***, you're feeling hopeless and super bummed out: A mood of *** had set in.

inadvertently

unintentionally; by oversight; carelessly

derivative

unoriginal; obtained from another source

capricious

unpredictable; fickle; changing one's mind quickly and often

disinterested

unprejudiced

intractable

unruly; stubborn; unyielding

incongruous

unusual or different from what is around or from what is generally happening: The new computer looked *** in the dark book-filled library. It seems *** to have a woman as the editor of a men's magazine.

precocious

unusually advanced or mature in mental development or talent

goad

urge on

exigency

urgent situation; pressing needs or demands; state of requiring immediate attention

fete

us fair ​/eɪ/ a public event, often held outside, where you can take part in competitions and buy small things and food, often organized to collect money for a particular purpose: a summer *** They're holding the village *** on the green.

it goes without saying ​

used to mean that something is obvious: Of course, *** that you'll be paid for the extra hours you work.

abject

utterly hopeless; humiliating or wretched

attain

v. achieve or accomplish; gain

administrate

v. administer; supply; supervise or be in charge of

anoint

v. apply oil, ointment, or a similar substance to; choose by or as if by divine intervention

approximate

v. approach; come near

affirm

v. assert; confirm

allocate

v. assign; distribute according to plan

append

v. attach; add as supplement or appendix

abound

v. be full of; be plentiful

adjoin

v. be next to; be contiguous to; border on

appease

v. bring peace, quiet, or calm to; satisfy or relieve

amplify

v. broaden or clarify by expanding; intensify; make larger or more powerful; increase

abolish

v. cancel; put an end to; destroy completely

afflict

v. cause pain, suffering or distress

to be liable

very likely to do something: The areas of town near the river are *** to flooding (= are often flooded). [ + to infinitive ] He's *** to make a fuss if you wake him.

oscillate

vibrate; waver

paramount of paramount importance

vorrangig von höchster Wichtigkeit

vouch

vouch for something (formal) to say that you believe that something is true or good because you have evidence for it synonym confirm I was in bed with the flu. My wife can vouch for that.

strut

walk pompously

peripatetic

walking or traveling about; itinerant

digression

wandering away from the subject

belligerent

warlike, given to waging war

threat

warning, potential danger, Drohung

circumspect

watchful and discreet

vacillate

waver; fluctuate

frailty

weakness and poor health Increasing frailty meant that she was more and more confined to bed. Despite her frailty she manages to work hard

little recognition

wenig Anerkennung

gratuitous:

were it not for your gratuitous intervention, the children would have quickly settled their dispute.

valuableless

wertlos

accede:

when I asked my English teacher if I might change my topic, she readily acceded to my request.

below par

worse than usual, or below the expected standard: Customers who were surveyed reported that the company's products are expensive and ***.

exacerbate

worsen; to increase bitterness or violence

idolatry

worship of idols; excessive admiration

compliant

yielding; conforming to requirements

of your own making

your own fault: Any problems she has with that child are ***.

to hint at

намекнуть на

to be no short of sth

не иметь недостатка чего-то: There is *** creativity, but she's lacking in organisational skill.

It doesn't stand up to close inspection.

не соответсвует стандартам\уровню качества при более детальном осмотре

to be/go beyond the capability

непосильный: These tests are *** of an average twelve-year-old. It goes *** many people's ***.

disrespectful

неуважительный: *** behaviour

on no account

ни в коем случае

to feel out of place

чувствовать себя не в своей тарелке: I went along to the meeting but I ***.