2024 Flashcards
abbreviation111
a measure of how well a sunscreen will protect skin from UVB (Ultraviolet B) rays, the kind of radiation that causes sunburn, damages skin, and can contribute to skin cancer
SPF (Sun Protection Factor)
SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, is a measure of how much UV radiation it takes to produce sunburn on skin with sunscreen compared to how much UV exposure it takes for unprotected skin to get sunburned.
For example, if it takes 300 seconds for skin to burn with SPF 60 sunscreen, and 10 seconds to burn without it, the SPF is 60 because 300 divided by 10 equals 30. However, this doesn’t mean you can stay in the sun 60 times longer than without sunscreen.
abbreviation
a type of ultraviolet radiation that is responsible for delayed tanning, sunburns, and most skin cancers
UVB (Ultraviolet B)
UVB (Ultraviolet B) is a type of ultraviolet radiation with wavelengths between 280 and 320 nm. Here are some key facts about UVB rays: UVB rays make up only 5% of the UV rays from the sun, but they are very high energy.
noun
a violent attack:
Crime and punishment C1
assault
/əˈsɑːlt/
- He was charged with sexual assault.
- an assault on a police officer
noun [ C ] CHEMISTRY specialized
a type of chemical commonly used as preservatives in cosmetics, pharmaceutical products, and food, and is known to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria, fungi, and yeast
paraben
/ˈpær.ə.bən/
- Parabens are used as preservatives in cosmetics and food.
- Some beauty products are labelled “paraben-free”.
- The biggest concern with parabens is that some studies show that they disrupt hormones in your body. Once in your body, parabens can act like the hormone estrogen in both males and females. This could have an effect on things like fertility, reproductive development, and birth outcomes.(Source)
noun [ C or U ]
a substance that is an important part of skin and connective tissue (= material that supports and connects organs and joints in the body), and that is used in some products and treatments intended to make the skin healthy and attractive:
hyaluronic acid
/ˌhaɪ.ə.ləˌrɑː.nɪk ˈæs.ɪd/
- Saliva is rich in naturally occurring hyaluronic acid, a molecule that binds to the surface of a cell, making it easier for the cell to move around.
- The procedure involves injections of 20 compounds - drugs, vitamins and hyaluronic acids - to get rid of cellulite.
- UV light depletes skin of hyaluronic acid (which gives skin its plumpness).
- A hyaluronic acid gel is injected beneath the skin to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and creases.
idiom literary
when you were very young
at your mother’s knee
I learnt these songs at my mother’s knee.
adjective (literary)
that cannot be trusted; unable to be trusted, or showing no loyalty:
SYNONYM treacherous
perfidious
/pərˈfɪdiəs/
But lurking among these delightfully sweet fruits is a perfidious predator
adjective
1.extremely painful or bad
2.extremely boring or embarrassing:
3.(of pain) extremely strong:
excruciating
/ɪkˈskruːʃieɪtɪŋ/
- 1.excruciating pain an excruciating pain in the lower back
- Once caught, the victom has not the slightest chance of escape; the mantis will eat it alive. This excruciating procedure can take hours.
- 2.excruciating boredom
- 3.an excruciating headache
NOTE: If something is extremely painful, you can say that it is excruciating or agonizing
noun
insect with long back legs, that can jump very high and that makes a sound with its legs
TOPICS Insects, worms, etc. C2
grasshopper
/ˈɡræshɑːpər/
Idioms
knee-high to a grasshopper
(informal, humorous) very small; very young
noun [ C ]
a large insect found in hot areas that flies in large groups and destroys plants and crops:
TOPICS Insects, worms, etc. C2
locust
/ˈloʊ.kəst/
- a swarm of locusts
- The locusts have destroyed a lot of the crops.
noun
a brown or black insect that makes short, loud noises by rubbing its wings together
TOPICS Insects, worms, etc. C2
cricket
/ˈkrɪk.ɪt/
- the chirping of crickets
- The only sound was a cricket chirping.
verb [intransitive]
- to become less determined, strong, etc.
- to finally agree to something after refusing
TOPICS Discussion and agreement C2
relent
/rɪˈlent/
- 1.After two days the rain relented.
- 1.The police will not relent in their fight against crime.
- 2.The government has relented on this issue.
noun (anatomy)
(in a person or animal, the lower) jawbone
TOPICS Body C2
mandible
/ˈmændɪbl/
grasshopper has razor like mandibles and can kill powerful mantis
adjective
causing you to have fear or respect for something or someone because that thing or person is large, powerful, or difficult:
C2
formidable
/fɔːrˈmɪd.ə.bəl/
- a formidable obstacle/task
- a formidable adversary/enemy/opponent
NOTE: from Latin formidare ‘to fear’.
adjective
(of people and things) small and pretty in a way that people find attractive
TOPICS Appearance C2
SYNONYM delicate
dainty
(comparative daintier, superlative daintiest)
/ˈdeɪnti/
- dainty feet
- a dainty porcelain cup
[ U ] US offensive slang
a man’s outer sexual organs:
junk
/dʒʌŋk/
If a woman wants to see a picture of your junk, Let her ask for it.
“Don’t touch my junk” is a phrase that became popular in the United States in 2010 as a criticism of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) patdowns.
verb [ T ]
to suddenly release a violent force that cannot be controlled:
unleash
/ʌnˈliːʃ/
At worst, nuclear war could be unleashed.
Rachel’s arrival on the scene had unleashed passions in him that he could scarcely control.
verb
to cause or believe race to be an important feature of a group of people, of society, or of a problem:
racialize
/ˈreɪ.ʃə.laɪz/
- Racialized community or visible minority.
- Immigrants and their children are put into a racialized category.
- He warned against racializing the housing issue.
(UK usually: racialise)
noun
the amount of an ingredient such as salt, sugar or fat which optimizes deliciousness (in the formulation of food products).
bliss point
/blɪs pɔɪnt/
The food industry goes to great lengths to figure out what makes us crave a product. The exact combination of ingredients it calls the “bliss point”. Source: The Secrets of Sugar. CBC documantary
noun [ C or U ]
any of various types of organisms that get their food from decaying material or other living things:
fungus
plural fungi /ˈfʌŋ.ɡaɪ/ funguses
/ˈfʌŋ.ɡəs/
- Mushrooms and mould are fungi/ˈfʌŋ.ɡəs/.
- Mushrooms and mould are funguses/ˈfʌŋ.ɡəs/.
- Fungus can be poisonous.
a species of psychedelic mushroom that contains psilocybin and psilocin, the compounds responsible for its mind-altering effects. It is also known as the magic mushroom, shroom, gold cap, or cube. It is widely distributed in warm and humid regions of the world, and it is easy to cultivate at home
Psilocybe cubensis
Psilocybe cubensis
verb [transitive, intransitive]
- to have difficulty speaking because you cannot stop yourself from repeating the first sound of some words several times
SYNONYM stammer - [intransitive] (of a vehicle or an engine) to move or start with difficulty, making short sharp noises or movements
stutter
/ˈstʌt̬.ɚ.ɪŋ/
- speech ‘W-w-what?’ he stuttered.
- stutter (something) I managed to stutter a reply.
- The car stuttered along in first gear.
noun
- a small amount of something that shows what the rest of it is like SYNONYM sample
- a single example of something, especially an animal or a plant
- (Biology C1) a small quantity of blood, urine, etc. that is taken from somebody and tested by a doctor
SPECIMEN
/ˈspesɪmən/
- Astronauts have brought back specimens of rock from the moon. / Can you give me a specimen of your handwriting?
- Redwood trees can live for a long time; one specimen is 4 000 years old.
- to provide/take a specimen
idiom old-fashioned
something that you say when it is raining heavily
It’s “raining cats and dogs”
or
“raining dogs and cats”
“I can’t believe it’s raining cats and dogs! My picnic is ruined!”
Mythology: Norse mythology has Odin, the god of storms, associated with dogs and wolves (symbols of wind). Sailors might have linked black cats (witches’ companions) with storms, creating a connection between cats and heavy rain.
adjective
(of people) able to do many different things or to adjust to new conditions, or (of things) able to be used for many different purposes:
C2
versatile
/ˈvɜr·sə·t̬əl/
- Leopard are the most versatile of all the big cats, adapt at finding cover in the most unpromising places.
- He is a very versatile actor.
- We want all our staff to be versatile.
verb [ T ]
to change the colour of something using a special liquid:
TOPICS Appearance B2, Colours and Shapes B2
dye
present participle dyeing | past tense and past participle dyed
/daɪ/
- [ + obj + adj ] He dyed his hair black.
- dye something + adj. She dyed her hair blonde.
noun [ C ]
a trained person whose job is to improve the appearance and health of a customer’s skin:
esthetician
UK spelling: aesthetician
/ˌes.θəˈtɪʃ.ən/
- She gets a facial every two weeks from a well-known aesthetician.
- The centre’s aestheticians offer treatments such as micro peels, which can help with age spots and sun spots.
noun [uncountable]
the belief that God or gods do not exist
TOPICS Religion and festivals C2
atheism
OPPOSITE theism
/ˈeɪθiɪzəm/
Soft atheism is the lack of belief in any god or gods, without asserting that there are none. Hard atheism is the belief that no god or gods exist, and that there is evidence or argument to support this claim Soft atheists may be agnostic, meaning that they do not think that the existence or non-existence of god or gods can be known or proven. Hard atheists may reject the concept of god or gods as irrational, harmful, or incompatible with science and human rights.
from Greek atheos, from a- ‘without’ + theos ‘god’.
verb
- [intransitive] (+ adv./prep.) (of a person) to move by jumping on one foot
- [intransitive] + adv./prep. (of an animal or a bird) to move by jumping with all or both feet together
- [intransitive] + adv./prep. (informal) to go or move somewhere quickly and suddenly
- (North American English) to get on a plane, bus, etc.
- to change from one activity or subject to another
TOPICS Birds C1
TOPICS Transport by bus and train C2
hop
/hɑːp/
- I couldn’t put my weight on my ankle and had to hop everywhere.
- The frog hopped towards him.
- Hop in, I’ll drive you home.
- I hopped a plane for New York.
- I like to hop from channel to channel when I watch TV.
noun [ C ]
a painful swelling in the mouth
canker sore
(also canker)
(British English mouth ulcer)
/ˈkæŋ.kɚ ˌsɔːr/
Unlike cold sores, canker sores don’t occur on the surface of your lips and they aren’t contagious.
verb
to give new life, vigor, energy, activity, or success to something:
revitalize
(British English also revitalise)
/ˌriːˈvaɪtəlaɪz/
In the context of skincare, when a product claims to “revitalize”, it means that it aims to restore or improve the appearance, health, and vitality of the skin. In your case, the “revitalizing vitamin E” in the cream is intended to rejuvenate the skin, making it look fresher and more vibrant.
verb
to make somebody/something look or feel younger, more lively or more modern
rejuvenate
/rɪˈdʒuːvəneɪt/
- His new job seemed to rejuvenate him.
- special creams to rejuvenate the skin
adjective
famous for something considered bad:
TOPICS Personal qualities C1
Synonym notorious
infamous
/ˈɪn.fə.məs/
- a general who was infamous for his brutality
- the most infamous concentration camp
- (humorous) the infamous British sandwich
phrasal verb
to write something quickly
TOPICS Literature and writing C1
jot down
/dʒɑːt daʊn/
- I’ll just jot down the address for you.
- I carry a notebook so that I can jot down any ideas.
- You can listen to the “ESL Podcast” on platforms like Spotify. As you listen, jot down any new vocabulary, idioms, or expressions that you come across.
verb , adjective
- (as a verb) to become or make something become longer, and often thinner:
- (as an adjective) having a shape that is much longer than it is wide:
elongate
/ɪˈlɑːŋ.geɪt/8
- (as a verb)The cells elongate as they take in water. Synonym
stretch - (as an adjective) Eels, such as the Snipe Eel, are known for their extremely elongated bodies.
verb
to remove the soap from something with clean water after washing it
rinse
/rɪns/
- rinse something Always rinse your hair thoroughly.
- rinse something out Make sure you rinse all the soap out.
noun . [uncountable]
a type of plant with thick pointed leaves, or the thick liquid found in the leaves that is used to treat damaged skin
Aloe Vera
/ˌæl.oʊ ˈvɪr.ə/
noun
it forms when microorganisms decompose certain plants over centuries. what is left behind is a dark, resinous substance known as
Shilajit
The word “shilajit” has its roots in Sanskrit, an ancient Indo-Aryan language. In Sanskrit, “shilajit” is derived from the combination of two words: “shila,” meaning rock, and “jit,” meaning conquered or won. Therefore, “shilajit” can be translated to mean “conqueror of mountains” or “rock-invincible.”
verb [ T ]
to persuade someone gently to do something or go somewhere, by being kind and patient, or by appearing to be:
coax
/koʊks/
coax someone into doing something Perhaps you could coax your father into taking you to the station.
coax someone to do something I coaxed her to eat a little bit.
A mother was coaxing her reluctant child into the water.
a coaxing voice
Synonyms
cajole
inveigle formal
wheedle disapproving
adj formal
acting as a result of a decision or choice; done because someone has decided or chosen to do it:
volitional
/vəˈlɪʃ.ən.əl/
- We can ask questions like “Can people detect between spontaneous, or real laghter, and volitional, on demand alughter ?
- mental processes over which we have volitional control.
- The action is not mechanical; it is volitional.
adverb
immediately
instantaneously
/ˌɪnstənˈteɪniəsli/
- The show sold out instantaneously.
- Electronic copies can be sent around the world almost instantaneously.
adjective
- “unusual or different from what is around or from what is generally happening” (Cambridge dictionary)
- “strange, and not suitable in a particular situation” (Oxford Learner’s dictionary) SYNONYM inappropriate
incongruous
/ɪnˈkɑːŋ.ɡru.əs/
- The new computer looked incongruous in the dark book-filled library.
- seem incongruous It seems incongruous to have a woman as the editor of a men’s magazine.
adjective
not giving or having a result or decision:
TOPICS Preferences and decisions C1
inconclusive
/ˌɪn.kəŋˈkluː.sɪv/
- The evidence is inconclusive.
- The medical tests were inconclusive, and will need to be repeated.
- Opposite : conclusive
verb . [intransitive]
to make a long, loud, high noise because you are sad or in pain
TOPICS Feelings C2
wail
/weɪl/
- The little girl was wailing miserably.
- Homophones wail | whale
verb
a sudden and large reduction in value or amount:
Money C2
plummet
/ˈplʌmɪt/
House prices have plummeted in recent months.
noun [ C ]
the season of heavy rain during the summer in hot Asian countries:
monsoon
/mɑːnˈsuːn/
The failure of the monsoon would destroy harvests on which a billion people rely.
(adj monsoonal): the sound of the pouring monsoonal rain
adjective
Skilled; able to do or finish something successfully; highly successful
TOPICS Personal qualities C1
accomplished
/əˈkɑm·plɪʃt/
- Homo Erectus was perhaps one of our most accomplished predecessors: They walked upright, used tools and had brains roughly the size of our own.
- She was an elegant and accomplished woman.
verb [ I or T ]
- to bring back swallowed food into the mouth:
- If you ……. facts or information, you just repeat what you have heard without thinking about it: (disapproving)
TOPICS BiologyC2
Synonym: vomit
regurgitate
/rɪˈɡɝː.dʒə.teɪt/
- Owls regurgitate partly digested food to feed their young.
- Many students simply regurgitate what they hear in lectures.
noun [ U ] informal
- (as a noun) practical knowledge and ability:
- (asa an adjective) having or showing practical knowledge and experience:
savvy
/ˈsæv.i/
- She’s very intelligent, but hasn’t got much savvy.
- Teenagers are savvier about handling their digital information than adults. (savvy - savvier - savviest)
adjective
- (of the ground or the sea) extremely dangerous, esp. because of bad weather conditions:
- (of a person) guilty of deceiving someone who trusts you: SYNONYM deceitful
treacherous
/ˈtretʃ·ər·əs/
- Freezing rain made driving treacherous.
- He was treacherous, or at least sneaky.
noun [ C usually singular ]
a place where a wild animal lives, often underground and hidden, or a place where a person hides:
Synonym: den, hideout
TOPICS Animals C2
lair
/ler/
a fox’s lair
the thieves’ lair
verb , noun , adj
- to meet someone, especially secretly, at a particular place and time
- a place where a particular group of people often go or meet, by arrangement or habit:
- an arrangement to meet someone, especially secretly, at a particular place and time, or the place itself:
rendezvous
plural rendezvous
/ˈrɑːn.deɪ.vuː/
- The police arranged to rendezvous with their informant at a disused warehouse.
- This restaurant is a popular rendezvous for local artists.
- We have a rendezvous for next week, don’t we?
ETYMOLOGY: from French rendez-vous! ‘present yourselves!’,
verb , noun
- (verb)to protect something and prevent it from being changed or destroyed; Synonym:
husband formal - (noun) a type of jam in which the fruit is whole or in large pieces:
TOPICS The environment C1
conserve
/kənˈsɜːrv/
- new laws to conserve wildlife in the area
- apricot/strawberry conserve
verb (formal)
to fill something up again:
SYNONYM top up; refill
replenish
/rɪˈplenɪʃ/
- to replenish food and water supplies
- Allow me to replenish your glass.
- Does your glass need replenishing?
- Hyaluronic acid line deeply hydrates and replenishes skin moisture barrier.
noun
a person who is considered old enough, by law, to decide whether they should agree to have sex; a person who has agreed to have sex
consenting adult
/kənˌsentɪŋ əˈdʌlt/
/kənˌsentɪŋ ˈædʌlt/
What consenting adults do in private is their own business.
adjective LAW specialized
agreeing to a particular activity by free choice, and considered able to do this, for example because of being old enough or able to think, understand, or communicate clearly:
consenting
/kənˈsen.tɪŋ/
- Consenting adults (= people who are considered old enough to agree to something, especially sexual activity) who engage in these sexual acts in private would not be prosecuted.
- This is a straightforward contract between consenting parties.
- If they want to dig on the land, and the owner is consenting, they can.
- consenting intercourse/sex/sexual activity
noun , verb
Noun: [uncountable] permission to do something, especially given by somebody in authority
Verb: to agree to something or give your permission for something
TOPICS Permission and obligation C1
consent
/kənˈsent/
(noun)
* The written consent of a parent is required.
* consent to something: Children under 16 cannot give consent to medical treatment.
* to refuse/withhold your consent
* without (somebody’s) consent: He is charged with taking a car without the owner’s consent. ——————————————————-
(verb)
* When she told them what she intended, they readily consented.
* consent to something: He reluctantly consented to the proposal.
* consent to do something: She finally consented to answer our questions.
noun [singular]
the age at which somebody is legally old enough to agree to have a sexual relationship
TOPICS Law and justice C2
age of consent
/ˌeɪdʒ əv kənˈsent/
The girl was under the age of consent.
Noun (formal)
- a statement or an idea that forms the basis for a reasonable line of argument
- a statement or proposition that is assumed to be true or valid for the sake of an argument or inference.
TOPICS Opinion and argument C1
premise
(also British English, less frequent premiss)
/ˈpremɪs/
- For example, in the argument “All humans are mortal; Socrates is human; therefore, Socrates is mortal”, the first two statements are premises and the last one is the conclusion.
- The argument rests on a false premise.
verb
- to laugh at somebody and make jokes about them, either in a friendly way or in order to annoy them or make them embarrassed
- when you are playfully giving someone a hard time
- [intransitive, transitive] tease (somebody) (disapproving) to make somebody sexually excited, especially when you do not intend to have sex with them
TOPICS Feelings B2
tease
/tiːz/
- Don’t get upset—I was only teasing.
- She teased the men with an expression that was both innocent and knowing.
noun
a flaw in reasoning : something that weaken or destroy an argument
fallacy
/ˈfæləsi/
(plural fallacies)
one of few genes that is related to this uniquely human characersitic speech and language
Foxp2
Mutations in Foxp2 can cause a type of speech disorder called apraxia, which makes it difficult to produce sequences of sound
adjective, (IN AGREEMENT)
similar to or in agreement with something, so that the two things can both exist or can be combined without problems:
TOPICS Maths and measurement C2
congruent
/ˈkɑːŋ.ɡru.ənt/
Our goals are congruent; there is no conflict.
We need the freedom to direct funds in a way that is congruent with local priorities.
adjective
- clearly very much better than what is usual:
- not yet paid, solved, or done:
B2
= (EXCELLENT)
Outstanding
/ˌaʊtˈstæn.dɪŋ/
- Introduction: Why Outstanding Conversation Skills Will Change Your Life
- an outstanding debt / balance
- the most successful human in history
- an early form of human that was able to walk on two legs (OLD) - oxford learner’s dictionary
- (Cambridge dictionary) !-NO RESAULT
Homo Erectus
/ˌhoʊmoʊ əˈrɛktəs/
an early form of human that was able to walk on two legs.
he term “Homo Erectus” comes from Latin, meaning “upright man” or “standing man”5. The name was given by Eugène Dubois, a Dutch surgeon, who found the first Homo erectus individual in Indonesia in 1891.
- Extinct human ancestor species known for walking upright.
- Lived in Africa and Asia from about 2 million to 100,000 years ago.
- Believed to be the first hominin to use fire and make simple tools.
Homo Erectus
/ˈhoʊmoʊ ɪˈrɛktəs/
Brain Evolution and Tool Use: This article from Nature explores the connection between brain size, tool complexity, and the potential cognitive abilities of Homo erectus.
the condition where sexes of the same species exhibit different morphological characteristics, particularly characteristics not directly involved in reproduction
SEXUAL DIFORMISM
For example, many birds show at least some dimorphism in color, the female being cryptically colored to remain concealed on the nest while the more-colorful male uses display in courtship and territorial behaviors2. Pronounced size differences may occur between the sexes. For example, male baboons are more than twice as large as females2.
Sexual dimorphism can lead to exaggerated dimorphic traits that are used predominantly in competition over mates1. The increased fitness resulting from ornamentation offsets its cost to produce or maintain, suggesting complex evolutionary implications1.
The opposite of dimorphism is monomorphism, when both biological sexes are phenotypically indistinguishable from each other
Reference book translating words between two languages.
bilingual dictionary
/baɪˈlɪŋɡwəl ˈdɪkʃənˌɛri/
Lexicographers are responsible for compiling and editing bilingual dictionaries, ensuring accurate translations.
noun [ C ]
a type of dictionary in which words with similar meanings are arranged in groups
thesaurus
/θɪˈsɔːr.əs/
plural thesauruses or formal thesauri /-ˈsɔːr.
I couldn’t find the word in the thesaurus.
noun
a popular reference book, originally written by Peter Mark Roget (1779-1869) and first published in 1852.
Roget’s Thesaurus
/rəʊˌʒeɪz θɪˈsɔːrəs/
(also also informal Roget)
Roget was a scientist and inventor who started work on the thesaurus when he retired as Secretary of the Royal Society in 1848. It contains English words or phrases arranged together in groups according to their meaning, and is still used today by people looking for the most appropriate word or phrase to use in a piece of writing. New editions of Roget are published regularly.
treasure of words
thesaurus
a sensation of mental fatigue accompanied by reduced cognitive functioning. It can manifest as:
Unusual forgetfulness
Fuzzy memory or sluggishness when trying to remember names, dates, or where you put your keys
Difficulty paying attention or focusing
Confusion or spaciness
Challenges with processing information
Brain fog
(also known as mental fog)
verb
to give something out to several people, or to spread or supply something:
B2
distribute
/dɪˈstrɪb.juːt/
Viruses are often distributed via email.
Cannanbis in Greek, Marijuana in Mexican, Gangja in Hindi or Bhanga in Sanskrit
adjective
extremely unpleasant and causing horror
SYNONYM appalling, disgusting
abominable
/əˈbɑːmɪnəbl/
[Enistien] The crime of the Germans is truely the most abominable ever to be recorded in the history of so-called civilized nations.
noun [ C ]
a set of newspapers or magazines published at the same time or a single copy of a newspaper or magazine:
B1
issue
/ˈɪʃ.uː/ /ˈɪs.juː/
- There’s an article on motorbikes in the latest/next issue.
- An old issue of “Homes and Gardens” lay on the table.
- “I was looking for previous issues of the ‘Psychology Now’ magazine at the main library branch.”
idiom. (informal)
to frighten someone very much:
scare someone to death
- Thunderstorms scare her to death.
- Spiders frighten him to death.
*
noun
- The part of the ego which does the criticizing is the … .
- [uncountable, countable] a guilty feeling about something you have done or failed to do
TOPICS Personal qualities C1
وجدان، ضمیر، باطن، دل
conscience
/ˈkɑːn.ʃəns/
- This is a matter of individual conscience (= everyone must make their own judgement about it).
- I have a terrible conscience about it.
a concentration of fragrance oils ranging from 15% to 20%. It is less concentrated than perfume extract but still offers a long-lasting scent.
eau de parfum
Eau de parfum is a term used to describe a type of fragrance concentration. It is not specifically designed for either men or women; rather, it can be worn by anyone. The concentration of essential oils in eau de parfum is typically higher than that in eau de toilette, resulting in a longer-lasting scent experience. Whether you’re male or female, feel free to enjoy the delightful fragrances offered by eau de parfum!
Typically contains 5-15% fragrance oils. It is lighter and less concentrated than Eau de Parfum, making it suitable for everyday use.
Eau de Toilette (EDT)
Usually has a concentration of 2-5% fragrance oils. It is the lightest and least concentrated type of perfume and is often used as a refreshing body splash.
Eau de Cologne (EDC)
noun [ C ] BIOLOGY specialized
a structure at the end of a chromosome that protects it
telomere
/ˈte.lə.mɪr/
As we age, our telomeres become shorter and shorter and finally it can’t protect chromosomes against damages and this leads to diseases and finally death.
ETYMOLOGY The term “telomere” comes from the Ancient Greek words τέλος (télos) meaning ‘end’, and μέρος (méros) meaning ‘part’.
noon [C]
a very small hole in the skin of people or other animals, or a similar hole on the surface of plants or rocks:
pore
/pɔːr/ /pɔːr/
adverb
- in a sudden, unexpected and often unpleasant way
- in a way that seems rude and unfriendly, without taking time to say more than is necessary
SYNONYM brusquely, curtly
abruptly
/əˈbrʌptli/
- The interview ended abruptly. / He left abruptly.
- ‘Come here!’ she said abruptly.
noun
a protein found in connective tissues, providing strength and elasticity to the skin.
Collagen
/ˈkɒlədʒən/
“Collagen fibers give our skin its firmness and resilience.”
Greek word “kolla,” which means “glue.”
The suffix “-gen” denotes “producing” or “giving birth to.”
noun
It maintains skin elasticity and allows tissues to stretch and return to their original shape.
Elastin
/ɪˈlæstɪn/
“Elastin fibers help our skin bounce back after being stretched.”
verb [ I or T ] formal
to suggest a theory, idea, etc. as a basic principle from which a further idea is formed or developed:
SYNONYM posit
Suggestions and advice C2
postulate
/ˈpɑːs.tʃə.leɪt/
it has been postulated that homo naledi were given funerary rites, carried into the chamber, and intentionally placed there. The discovery of Homo naledi expands our understanding of hominin variation and challenges conventional assumptions about brain size and evolutionary advantage.
Discovered fossils date back to the Middle Pleistocene, around 335,000 to 236,000 years ago.
Species: Homo naledi
Discovery: Found in the Rising Star Cave system in South Africa.
Habitat: Believed to have occupied both woodland and grassland environments. Believed they buried their lost members.
Morphology: Mix of primitive and modern human-like features.
Significance: Raises questions about human evolution, as the fossils exhibit a unique combination of traits.
noun (informal)
an attempt to calculate something that is based more on guessing than on information
TOPICS Doubt, guessing and certainty C2
guesstimate
(also guestimate)
/ˈɡestɪmət/
adj
changing often and suddenly; unpredictable and changeable nature
fickle
/ˈfɪk.əl/
- Avocados are very fickle.
- The weather here is notoriously fickle.
verb [ T ] informal
- to drink quickly, eagerly, and usually in large amounts
- to use large amounts of petrol very quickly
guzzle
/ˈɡʌz.əl/
- He guzzled his beer and ordered another.
- The car guzzles a gallon of gas every 15 miles.
noun
Confidence or trust without empirical evidence.
B1
faith
/feɪθ/
Epistemic Faith: Belief without evidence.
Religious Faith: Trust in divine or supernatural entities.
Faith and Reason: Debated relationship; compatible or opposed.
Kierkegaard’s Leap of Faith: True faith requires risk and commitment.
Critiques of Faith: Can lead to dogmatism and hinder critical thinking.
verb [ T ]
- to cause something, especially something that contains different people or opinions, to divide into two completely opposing groups:
- [PHYSICS specialized] to make light waves move in one direction only, or mainly in one direction:
- to treat glass with a substance that reduces the amount of reflected light:
ploraize
(UK usually polarise)
/ˈpəʊləraɪz/
Solar Shield® Classic Fits Over sunglasses are made to wear over your eyeglasses or readers for convenient polarized sun-protection.
[uncountable, countable]
a thick substance, usually containing medicine, that is put on the skin where it is sore or where there is an injury, in order to cure it
SYNONYM cream
TOPICS Healthcare C2
ointment
/ˈɔɪntmənt/
eye ointment
antiseptic ointment
He put some ointment on the cut.
noun
- area of hard skin at the base of the nails on the fingers and toes
- the outer part of a hair, consisting of dead cells
- (BIOLOGY) the outer layer of a plant, which protects it.
TOPICS Body C2
**cuticle**
| /ˈkjuːtɪkl/
noun [ U ] formal
severe criticism and blame
opprobrium
/əˈproʊ.bri.əm/
- With decades of legal and social opprobrium fading fast, marijuana has become an extremely popular commercial product with more than 48 million users across the U.S. Scientific American
- The bombing has attracted international opprobrium.
noun
the butt of a marijuana cigarette.
roach
/roʊtʃ/
informal for cockroach
verb [intransitive]
to make a long deep sound or series of sounds
TOPICS Weather C2
rumble
/ˈrʌmbl/
- thunder rumbling in the distance
- Please excuse my stomach rumbling - I haven’t eaten all day.
adjective [not usually before noun]
not conscious of something, especially what is happening around you:
oblivious
/əˈblɪv.i.əs/
“Many consumers remain oblivious to the immense animal suffering that occurs in factory farms before the meat reaches their plates.”
noun
a large area of land, especially in a hot country, where crops such as coffee, sugar, rubber, etc. are grown
TOPICS Farming C1
plantation
/plænˈteɪʃn/
- a banana/coffee plantation
- plantation workers/owners
- Hundreds of enslaved people used to work on the plantations.
noun
smoke, gas, or something similar that smells strongly or is dangerous to breathe in
fumes
/fjuːm/
Some of the unluckiest slaves in Ancient Greece worked in mines, digging in tunnels that seeped out poisonous fumes.
verb
to show that an idea, a belief, etc. is false;
to show that something is not as good as people think it is
debunk
/diːˈbʌŋk/
New science debunks the myth that men evolved to hunt and women to gather. Scientific American, Nov 2023
adjective
- (with somebody/something) having a very strong feeling of love or attraction for somebody/something so that you cannot think clearly and in a sensible way (OLD)
- having a very strong but not usually lasting feeling of love or attraction for someone or something (CambridgeD)
TOPICS Family and relationships C2,
SYNONYM besotted
infatuated
/ɪnˈfætʃueɪtɪd/
- She was completely infatuated with him.
- He’s behaving like an infatuated teenager.
BOOK
How do we meet each other’s deep, emotional need to feel loved?
If we can learn that and choose to do it, then the love we share will be exciting beyond anything we ever felt when we were … .
The 5 love languages , By Gary Chapman, 1992, pg 35
infatuated
/ɪnˈfætʃ.u.eɪ.t̬ɪd/
- (with somebody/something) having a very strong feeling of love or attraction for somebody/something so that you cannot think clearly and in a sensible way (OLD)
- having a very strong but not usually lasting feeling of love or attraction for someone or something (CambridgeD)
Feelings C2
adjective
large in amount, value or importance
B2
SYNONYM considerable
substantial
/səbˈstænʃl/
Presently 40 percent of first
marriages in this country end in divorce. Sixty percent of second marriages and 75 percent of third marriages end the same way. Apparently the prospect of a happier marriage the second and third time around is not substantial.
Book
Presently 40 percent of first
marriages in this country end in divorce. Sixty percent of
second marriages and 75 percent of third marriages end
the same way. Apparently the prospect of a happier
marriage the second and third time around is not
… .
The 5 love languages , By Gary Chapman, 1992, pg 30
substantial
/səbˈstænʃl/
large in size, value, or importance
adjective (often disapproving)
based on imagination and not facts or reason
fanciful
/ˈfænsɪfl/
- Admittedly, this may be a fanciful and unrealistic goal.
- During their mission, they encounter all kinds of bizarre and fanciful creatures.
BOOK
The reason we can do that so freely is that we sincerely believe that our lover feels the same way towardus. We believe that she is committed to meeting our needs, that he loves us as much as we love him and would never do anything to hurt us.
That thinking is always … .
The 5 love languages , By Gary Chapman, 1992, pg 41
fanciful
/ˈfænsɪfl/
based on imagination and not facts or reason
adjective (formal)
caring about the needs and happiness of other people and being willing to do things to help them, even if it brings no advantage to yourself
altruistic
/ˌæltruˈɪstɪk/
altruistic behaviour
The euphoria of the “in love” state gives us the illusion
that we have an intimate relationship. We feel that we
belong to each other. We believe we can conquer all
problems. We feel … toward each other.
The 5 love languages , By Gary Chapman, 1992, pg 41
altruistic
/ˌæltruˈɪstɪk/
caring about the needs and happiness of other people and being willing to do things to help them, even if it brings no advantage to yourself
- [intransitive] to break into small parts or pieces and be destroyed
- [intransitive] to become much less strong or united and be gradually destroyed
SYNONYM fall apart
disintegrate
- The wall just disintegrated in a shower of fragments and dust.
- The authority of the central government was rapidly disintegrating.
adjective [only before noun] (informal)
(of ideas, plans, etc.) strange or crazy
crackpot
/ˈkrækpɑːt/
crackpot ideas/theories
adjective
involving two people or groups who agree to help each other or behave in the same way to each other
reciprocal
/rɪˈsɪprəkl/
- The two colleges have a reciprocal arrangement whereby students from one college can attend classes at the other.
- a reciprocal relationship between citizens and the state
noun (formal)
- [uncountable, countable] a definite or public statement that something is true or that you support something strongly
SYNONYM confirmation - [uncountable] emotional support or approval
تاکید، تصدیق، اثبات، تصریح، اظهار قطعی
affirmation
/ˌæfərˈmeɪʃn/
- Some people need frequent affirmations of love from their partners.
- The children were constantly looking for affirmation from their parents.
quote by Mark Twain
i can live for two months on a good … .
compliment
/ˈkɑːmplɪmənt/
[countable] a comment that expresses praise or approval of somebody
Idioms
a comment that seems to express approval but could also be understood as expressing a poor opinion of somebody/something
a left-handed compliment
(North American English also backhanded compliment)
In a left-handed compliment she said he looked very good for his age! .
Or: “You’re quite articulate for your age!”.
Book
I am not suggesting verbal flattery in order to get your spouse to do something you want. The object of love is not getting something you want but doing something for the well-being of the one you love. It is a fact, however, that when we receive affirming words we are far more likely to be motivated to ………. and do something our spouse desires.
The 5 love languages , By Gary Chapman, 1992, pg 40
reciprocate
/rɪˈsɪprəkeɪt/
to share the same feelings as someone else, or to behave in the same way as someone else:
quote by Solomon: (the ancient Hebrew Wisdom Literature)
“The … has the power of life and death.”
Proverbs 18:21 Amplified Bible (AMP)
tongue
/tʌŋ/
verb
to give somebody support, courage or hope
encourage
/ɪnˈkɜːrɪdʒ/
“Giving verbal compliments is only one way to express words of affirmation to your spouse. Another dialect is encouraging words. The word encourage means “to inspire courage.” All of us have areas in which we feel insecure. We lack courage, and that lack of courage often hinders us from accomplishing the positive things that we would like to do. The latent potential within your spouse in his or her areas of insecurity may await your encouraging words.”
― Gary Chapman, The Five Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts, pg 40
verb [ T ]
to limit the ability of someone to do something, or to limit the development of something:
C2
hinder
/ˈhɪn.dɚ/
“Giving verbal compliments is only one way to express words of affirmation to your spouse. Another dialect is encouraging words. The word encourage means “to inspire courage.” All of us have areas in which we feel insecure. We lack courage, and that lack of courage often hinders us from accomplishing the positive things that we would like to do. The latent potential within your spouse in his or her areas of insecurity may await your encouraging words.” ― Gary Chapman, The Five Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts, pg 40
adjective
difficult, needing a lot of effort and energy:
arduous
/ˈɑːr.dʒu.əs/
- an arduous climb/task/journey
- She is an excellent writer, but it took the encouraging words from her husband to inspire her to take the first step in the arduous process of getting an article published.
adjective
producing a large amount of money; making a large profit
Synonyms successful
TOPICS Jobs C1
lucrative
/ˈluːkrətɪv/
- a lucrative business/contract/market
- Had the plan worked it would have proved highly lucrative.
verb
to improve something or make it stronger
bolster
/ˈbəʊlstər/
She tried to bolster my confidence/morale (= encourage me and make me feel stronger) by telling me that I had a special talent.
ADJECTIVE
- [only before noun] (formal or law) relating to young people who are not yet adults
- (formal) relating to young birds and animals
- (disapproving) silly and more typical of a child than an adult - SYNONYM childish
TOPICS Life stages C1, Law and justice C1
juvenile
from Latin juvenis ‘young, a young person’.
/ˈdʒuːvənl/
- juvenile crime/employment
- the prey of juvenile owls
- Religion can mean believing that God is the source and the goal of life, or that this is at best a juvenile distraction; (world religions the great faiths explored and explained. DK 2006)
juvenile behaviour …. / … Don’t be so juvenile!
book
It can mean believing that God is the source and the goal of life, or that this is at best a … distraction;
(world religions the great faiths explored and explained. DK 2006)
juvenile
/ˈdʒuːvənl/
(disapproving) silly and more typical of a child than an adult - SYNONYM childish
verb [ T ]
“To expel a person from a religious community (in a church or synagogue) by a formal sentence, depriving them of their spiritual privileges.”
excommunicate
/ˌek.skəˈmjuː.nə.keɪt/
- It can mean believing that God is the source and the goal of life, or that this is at best a juvenile distraction; loving one’s neighbor as oneself, or excommunicating him or her to a fate far worse than death; (world religions the great faiths explored and explained. DK 2006. pg 7)
- The Bahá’í Faith rarely excommunicates members but reserves it for suppressing organized dissent that threatens unity.
noun
- a young bird that has just learnt to fly
- new and without experience
fledgling
(British English also fledgeling)
/ˈfledʒlɪŋ/
- Tiger sharks travel a thousand kilometers to get to Laysan island, arriving just in time for the fledging season. (Our planet II, S01E02)
- fledgling democracies
noun informal (DRUG)
- marijuana, or, more generally, any type of illegal drug:
- a silly person:
- information, especially secret or hidden information:
- (adjective) very good:
dope
/doʊp/
- They were arrested for smoking/selling/buying dope.
- You shouldn’t have told him, you dope!
- His blog is a must-read for anyone who wants the inside dope on the tech world.
- This music is dope.
adjective
extremely bad, worrying, or without hope:
TOPICS Health problems C2
grim
/ɡrɪm/
(comparative grimmer, superlative grimmest)
If toadlets are not quick enough, their fates is grim; They are consumed whole by giant leeches. LINK
noun
- a product that is bought and sold
- formal a useful quality or thing
commodity
/kəˈmɑːdəti/
(plural commodities)
- rice, flour and other basic commodities.
- Time is a precious commodity.
phrasal verb
- to suddenly try to hit somebody/something
- to criticize somebody in an angry way
lash out (at somebody/something)
/læʃ/
- She suddenly lashed out at the boy.
- In a bitter article he lashed out at his critics.
Coined by Gary Chapman in “The 5 Love Languages,”
it represents our emotional need for love. Keeping it full is crucial for lasting relationships.
Love Tank
From the book:
* “Keeping your partner’s love tank full is crucial for a lasting relationship.”
* ““Much of the misbehavior of children is motivated by the cravings of an empty ‘love tank’.”
verb
remove the Nazi influence from (an area or institution).
denazify
dēˈnätsəˌfī/
Putin (2022 after attacking Ukrain): “We are seeking to demilitarize and denazify Ukrain.”
“Stalin, Roosevelt, and Churchill agree to denazify Germany”
[uncountable, countable]
- a cloud of very small drops of water in the air just above the ground, that make it difficult to see
- a thin layer of liquid on the surface of something that makes it difficult to see
- [singular] a fine spray of liquid, for example from an aerosol can
TOPICS Weather C1
make a sentence
mist
/mɪst/
- The origins of the story are lost in the mists of time (= forgotten because it happened such a long time ago).
- Through a mist of tears, I watched his train pull out of the station.
- “After applying a nourishing serum, it’s advisable to follow up with a gentle facial mist to lock in moisture and keep your skin hydrated throughout the day.”
noun
animal like a large rabbit with very strong back legs, that can run very fast
TOPICS Animals C1
hare
/her/
Scientists are studying the unique adaptations of desert hares, such as their ability to conserve water and survive in hot, arid environments.
two part words
Talking down to someone, implying superiority
condescending manner
/kənˌdɪˈsɛndɪŋ ˈmænər/
- Explains things as if listener lacks knowledge
- Uses dismissive tone or body language
- Offers unsolicited, patronizing advice
noun [uncountable]
the period of a person’s life during which their sexual organs develop and they become capable of having children
TOPICS Life stages C2
puberty
/ˈpjuːbərti/
During puberty, hormonal variations trigger the development of secondary sex characteristics, with girls experiencing breast growth and menarche (first period) while boys see testicular enlargement and voice deepening.
from Latin puber ‘adult’, related to pubes ‘pubic hair, groin, genitals’.
adjective
making a short, high sound;
squeaky
/ˈskwiː.ki/
(squeakier, squeakiest)
- squeaky floorboards
- Puberty often brings a characteristically squeaky voice in boys due to laryngeal development.
1. Noun [ C ],
- a strong feeling of anger and dislike for a person who you feel has treated you badly, especially one that lasts for a long time:
- to do or give something unwillingly SYNONYM begrudge
- to think that somebody does not deserve to have something
SYNONYM begrudge
TOPICS Preferences and decisionsC2, Feelings C2
grudge
/ɡrʌdʒ/
- He has a grudge against the world.
-
grudge doing something I grudge having to pay so much tax.
grudge something He grudges the time he spends travelling to work. - You surely don’t grudge her her success?
adjective
(of people) willing to use their power to do dishonest or illegal things in return for money or to get an advantage
corrupt
/kəˈrʌpt/
- Romania is one of the most corrupt countries in Europe.
- Scientific: Corrupt data sets can lead to unreliable scientific conclusions.
- Academic: Many political science courses explore the concept of corruption and its impact on governance.
- Historical: The Roman Empire’s decline is often attributed to widespread political corruption.
noun
an agreement between enemies or opponents to stop fighting for an agreed period of time; the period of time that this lasts
TOPICS Discussion and agreementC1, War and conflict C1
truce
/truːs/
to call/break a truce
truth and truce are homophones
imperative sentence
When someone tells you to “… …,” they are advising you to exercise self-discipline, avoid impulsive behavior, or prevent yourself from doing something you might want to do but should not.
“restrain yourself”
It’s about exercising self-control and not giving in to immediate desires or urges. For example, if you’re angry, you might need to restrain yourself from yelling or reacting aggressively.
noun [uncountable]
the fact of being strange, mysterious and frightening
eeriness
/ˈɪrinəs/
The Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), looks peacful now, but underneath this, there is eeriness . Link: The hidden village just metres from North Korea | BBC News)
the eeriness of an empty city
noun [ U ]
the act or process of forcing people by law to join the armed services:
TOPICS War and conflict C2
conscription
/kənˈskrɪp.ʃən/
Conscription has always been a controversial topic. Opponents argue it infringes on individual liberties and can be unfair. Proponents see it as a necessary tool for national defense and fostering social cohesion.
Conscription comes from Latin “con-scribere” meaning “to write down together” - basically enrolling someone (for military service).
adjective
- extremely slow and sluggish
- extremely unfriendly
- extremely cold
glacial
/ˈɡleɪʃl/
- It would take the FDA nearly six months to get the Purity First off the market. A response Dr.Spaeth calls “glacial”
- She gave me a glacial stare.
- glacial temperatures/period
adjective
Having a disagreeable odor or taste caused by oxidation of fats and oils.
rancid
/ˈrænsɪd/
rancid butter
rancid breath
History
also known as Norsemen or Northmen, were seafaring raiders, traders, and explorers from Scandinavia (Denmark, Norway, and Sweden) during the 8th to 11th centuries CE.
The Vikings
/ˈvaɪ.kɪŋ/
The Vikings famously raided and colonized parts of Europe, reaching as far as Newfoundland in North America.
Etymology: From Old Norse *víkingr (“ raider, seafarer”). The root is uncertain, possibly related to *vik (“bay, inlet”) suggesting their connection to the sea.
History
a legendary Viking king and hero who appears in various Norse sagas. The historical accuracy of these tales is debated, but Ragnar is depicted as a fearless warrior and ruler who led raids on England and France.
Ragnar Lodbrok (d. 845 CE)
verb
To destroy completely; to put an end to something by killing all the members or examples of it.
exterminate
/ɪkˈstərˌmɪˌnet/
- When the cockle grows amongst the barley, there is only one way to purify the field. Therefore, tonight, I order that all Vikings living on this island… be exterminated.
- The government is trying to exterminate the invasive insect species.
- “Exterminate” has a strong connotation of complete and final destruction. It’s often used in serious contexts, such as genocide, pest control, or science fiction.
verb [ I or T ]
To move silently and stealthily, often in search of prey. This is a common way to describe how a predator, like a lion or a cat, moves.
prowl
/praʊl/
- if that Jesus bunch caught you prowling around over there, you’ll be lucky to get back.
- At night, adult scorpions prowl the desert for (= trying to catch) insects.
- A person who worships a god or gods other than the one God of Christianity or Judaism.
- An adherent of a polytheistic religion.
pagan
/ˈpeɪɡən/
- Some people today practice pagan religions, such as Wicca or Druidism.
- In ancient Rome, there were many pagan gods and goddesses, such as Jupiter, Juno, and Mars.
noun
a term used to describe a variety of religions that are not considered part of the major world religions, such as Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, or Buddhism.
paganism
/ˈpeɪ.ɡən.ɪ.zəm/
Pagan religions are often characterized by a belief in multiple deities (polytheism), a reverence for nature, and a focus on ritual and magic.
noun [ C ]
- Worshipper of Idols
- Excessive Admiration
idolater
/aɪˈdɑː.lə.t̬ɚ/
- An idolater is someone who worships a physical object (idol) as if it were a god or deity. This is often used in the context of Abrahamic religions (Christianity, Judaism, Islam) where worshipping one God is central. In these religions, idols are seen as false gods and idolatry is forbidden.
- This is a more figurative meaning. An idolater can also be someone who admires or reveres someone or something excessively, often to the point of worshipping them. This usage isn’t necessarily negative. For instance, a teenager who idolizes a musician might have their walls plastered with posters and spend all their free time listening to their music.
noun
- a deep narrow valley with steep sides SYNONYM canyon
- ……… (yourself) (on something) to eat a lot of something, until you are too full to eat any more
TOPICS Geography C1
TOPICS Feelings C2
gorge
/ɡɔːrdʒ/
- the Rhine Gorge
- If you gorge yourself on snacks like that, you won’t eat your dinner.
verb
To turn something upside down, or make it stand on its end.
upend
/ʌpˈend/
Imagine your favorite toy truck. Normally, it sits on its wheels. If you upended it, the wheels would be pointing straight up in the air!
Here are some other ways to think about “upend”:
Tipping something over: You might upend a bucket of sand if you’re not careful while carrying it.
Emptying something completely: You could upend a bag of chips to get the very last crumb out.
noun
- small pieces of rubbish that have been left lying on the ground in public places:
- a group of animals that are born at the same time and have the same mother:
B2
litter
/ˈlɪt̬.ɚ/
- About two percent of fast-food packaging ends up as litter.
- Female Pikas can have up to three litters per year.
Small mammal related to the rabbit and similar to a guinea pig
Found in rocky areas of western North America
Known for their high-pitched calls
Diurnal (active during the day)
Herbivore (eats plants)
American Pika
adjective
(biology) (of animals) active during the day
OPPOSITE nocturnal
diurnal
/daɪˈɜːrnl/
- Unlike most other bats, this species is diurnal.
verb (formal)
to want something very much, especially something that belongs to somebody else
covet
/ˈkʌvət/
He had long coveted the chance to work with a famous musician.
They are this year’s winners of the coveted trophy (= that everyone would like to win).
multi-word expression.
Do what you want.
Suit Yourself
- I don’t have a preference. (Neutral tone): “Coffee or tea: Suit yourself.”)
- Fine, but don’t complain later. (Passive-aggressive tone): “You won’t wear a jacket? Suit yourself. Don’t complain if you get cold.”)
- Good luck with that. (Sarcastic tone): I suggest studying for the exam. Suit yourself if you want to fail.”)
Generally: A person who does not follow a religion considered to be true by the speaker, especially one who follows a polytheistic religion.
More nuanced meanings:
Someone considered uncultured or uncivilized.
Derogatory term for someone who behaves immorally.
Heathen
/hīðən/
Examples:
Historical: “The Vikings were considered heathens by the Christians.”
Neutral: “Some scholars believe the ancient Greeks were a heathen culture.” (This usage is less common today)
Offensive: “That man’s behavior is so heathen!” (This usage is discouraged as it can be disrespectful)
Norse mythology
- In Norse mythology, is a majestic hall located in Asgard, the realm of the gods.
- It serves as a glorious afterlife for warriors who die bravely in battle.
- Einherjar, these chosen warriors, feast, train, and prepare for Ragnarök, the final battle between gods and giants.
Valhalla
/vəˈhalə/
Mythology: “The brave Viking warrior hoped to reach Valhalla after his death.”
Figurative: “The athletes trained with such intensity, it felt like they were preparing for Valhalla.” (This usage metaphorically compares a place of intense training or competition to Valhalla)
Etymology: Old Norse Valhöll (“hall of the slain”).
Valr (meaning “slain warrior”) and höll (meaning “hall”).
adjective [ before noun ]
- more advanced in time; later; nearer to the end of a period of time than the beginning
- used to refer to the second of two things or people mentioned
Opposite former
latter
/ˈlæt̬.ɚ/
- Bands of these fearsome warriors from modern-day Scandinavia crossed the seas in their unique longboats - sail thrashing in the wind- to conduct terrifying raids in much of Europe and lands to the East from 800 AD to the latter part of the 11th century.
the latter part of the 11th century: refers to a period closer to the end of the 11th century, likely somewhere between the years 1070 and 1100. - He chose the latter option. / The latter point is the most important.
noun
- [usually singular] a person who rescues somebody/something from a dangerous or difficult situation
- the …. : [singular] used in the Christian religion as another name for Jesus Christ
saviour
/ˈseɪvjər/
(US English savior)
- The new manager has been hailed as the saviour of the club.
- Religious Context: In many religions, a savior is a figure who is believed to rescue humanity from suffering or sin. The most well-known example is Jesus Christ in Christianity, who is believed to be the Son of God who died for humanity’s sins.
noun
- The postponement of a punishment, esp. of death.
- A temporary respite from something unpleasant or difficult.
reprieve
/riˈpriːv/
“The King did graunt him a Reprieve for a certaine time.” (Edward Coke, Institutes of the Laws of England, 1642)
from the Middle French word “repriver,” which means “to take back” or “to revoke.”
Norse Mythology
Norse goddess of love, beauty, fertility, war, and magic.
Ruler of the afterlife field Fólkvangr, where half of those who die in battle reside
**Freya**
(also spelled Freyja, Freia)
| frei.ja
## Footnote
The most beautiful of the Asynjur goddesses, **Freya** was considered second in rank only to Frigg, Odin’s wife, with whom she was sometimes confused. Freya was also the goddess of a form of magic, called seiyr, which she taught to Odin and the other Aesir.
VERB
- to search a place or thing carefully and completely in order to find somebody/something SYNONYM comb
- to clean something by rubbing its surface hard with rough material
scoure
/ˈskaʊ.ɚ/
- A young wolf, Cedar, has been Scouring the coast for days. looking for food, leftovers, anything.
- I had to scour out the pans.
noun
a small ball of wire or stiff plastic used for cleaning pans
scourer
(also scouring pad)
/ˈskaʊərər/
adjective (formal)
making people feel very frightened
fearsome
/ˈfɪrsəm/
- a fearsome dinosaur
- He has a fearsome reputation as a fighter.
- a fearsome expression/sight
noun [plural]
large amounts of money and valuable or beautiful possessions
riches
/ˈrɪtʃɪz/
- a career that brought him fame and riches
- material riches
- She was a famous model whose looks were her riches.
- all the riches of the world’s oceans
noun [uncountable] (old use)
a promise to be loyal to somebody and show them your support, especially a king or queen
fealty
/ˈfiːəlti/
The Vikings were not a “race” linked by ties of common ancestry or patriotism- and in fact, their fealty was to the cheiftain of their particular tribe.
- Norse explorer
- Credited with leading the first European voyages to North America (around 1000 AD)
- Son of Erik the Red, who founded the first Norse settlement in Greenland
- Religion: Christianity (converted by King Olaf Tryggvason of Norway)
- Nicknames: Leif the Lucky, Leif the Discoverer
Leif Erikson
While there is some debate about who the absolute “first” European explorer might have been, Leif Erikson is widely credited with leading the first sustained European voyages to North America, pre-dating Columbus by nearly 500 years. This represents a significant achievement in exploration and navigation.
adjective
- (of a liquid) not clear; dark or dirty with mud or another substance
SYNONYM cloudy - (of air, light, etc.) dark and unpleasant because of smoke, fog, etc.
- (disapproving or humorous) (of people’s actions or character) not clearly known and suspected of not being honest
murky
/ˈmɜːrki/
(comparative murkier, superlative murkiest)
- She gazed into the murky depths of the water.
(figurative) The meaning of this sentence remains murky - a murky night
The light was murky and it was difficult to see ahead. - He had a somewhat murky past.
He was involved in the murky world of arms dealing.
noun [uncountable, singular]
violence; aggressive behaviour.
ferocity
/fəˈrɑːsəti/
- The police were shocked by the ferocity of the attack.
- She fought back with a ferocity that matched his own
- The speed and ferocity of the Vikings’ movements over oceans and continents - in just a little more than two and half centuries - changed the world forever.
(especially North American English, offensive, slang)
B.S stands for..
bullshit
/ˈbʊlʃɪt/
- I am Marni and I am going to give you the no bs insider information about the women.
- That guy’s full of BS.
JIMMY CARTER in Tehran DEC 31, 1977
“Iran, because of the great leadership of the Shah, is an island of ……… in one of the more troubled areas of the world.”
JIMMY CARTER
39th President of the United States: 1977 ‐ 1981
Toasts of the President and the Shah at a State Dinner in Tehran, Iran
December 31, 1977
stability
/stəˈbɪləti/
“Iran, because of the great leadership of the Shah, is an island of stability in one of the more troubled areas of the world.”
JIMMY CARTER
39th President of the United States: 1977 ‐ 1981
Toasts of the President and the Shah at a State Dinner in Tehran, Iran
December 31, 1977
noun
The sovereign or supreme male monarch of an empire.
TOPICS History B2, People in society B2
Emperor
SEE ALSO empress
/ˈempərər/
Newsweek article on 2023: “Why Jimmy Carter Owes the Iranian People an Apology” addressed the last shah of Iran: Emperor!.
“Regarding the title, the Shah of Iran was indeed a king, not an emperor. The distinction between these titles is significant. While an emperor typically rules over multiple nations or territories, a king’s authority is usually limited to a single kingdom. In the case of the Shah, his title was that of a monarch who ruled Iran. The use of the term “emperor” would not accurately describe his position.”
noun
the act of recalling or recollecting past experiences.
TOPICS Life stages C2
نشانه، یاداوری، یادداشت، یادبود، خاطره
reminiscence
/ˌremɪˈnɪsns/
The role of reminiscence in family history research should never be underestimated.
Etymology: The Latin verb reminisci means “to remember” or “recall to mind.”
It combines the prefix “re-” (meaning “again”) and the root “mens” (which signifies “mind”).
Verb
to make a place more able to resist attack, especially by building high walls
fortify something (against somebody/something)
/ˈfɔːrtɪfaɪ/
a fortified town
They fortified the area against attack.
verb
to make repeated short, high sounds
SYNONYM warble
TOPICS Language C2
trill
/trɪl/
- A phone trilled on the desk.
- Crickets trill by rubbing their wings together.
- Grasshoppers also produce trilling sounds using their wings.
- Cicadas create a loud trill by vibrating their tymbals (specialized structures on their abdomen).
adjective
very clever and quick at seeing what to do in a particular situation, especially how to get an advantage
SYNONYM shrewd
TOPICS Personal qualities C2
astute
/əˈstuːt/
an astute businessman/politician/observer
verb
to order somebody to leave a place, especially a country, as a punishment
SYNONYM exile
TOPICS Crime and punishment C2
banish somebody (from…) (to…)
/ˈbænɪʃ/
- He was banished to Australia, where he died five years later.
- The children were banished from the dining room.
- He pleaded with the Queen not to banish him.
noun
[singular, uncountable] an end to a disagreement or conflict with somebody and the start of a good relationship again
TOPICS Discussion and agreement C2
reconciliation
/ˌrekənsɪliˈeɪʃn/
- The pair are bravely attempting a reconciliation.
- reconciliation with somebody: Their change of policy brought about a reconciliation with Britain.
- reconciliation between A and B: He is striving to bring about a reconciliation between the two conflicting sides.
phrasal verb
To become inconspicuous or indistinguishable from the surroundings or people around one.
blend in
/blɛnd ˈɪn/
- Scientific: Chameleons are masters of blending in by changing their skin color to match their environment.
- Academic: Social psychology studies how people use clothing and behavior to blend in with different social groups.
- Historical: During wartime, soldiers might wear camouflage uniforms to blend in with the landscape and avoid enemy detection.
verb
to rise; to go up; to climb up
OPPOSITE descend
ascend
While some in Iran may remember Churchill as a hero, he was also involved in various plots against Iran.
His actions included helping Reza Shah Pahlavi ascend the throne, occupying Iran during World War II, imposing sanctions after oil nationalization, and dispatching warships to threaten Iran.
verb
to surprise somebody suddenly in a way that slightly shocks or frightens them
Synonyms surprise
TOPICS Feelings C2
startle
/ˈstɑːrtl/
- startle somebody/something I didn’t mean to startle you.
- The explosion startled the horse.
I was startled by her question.
She was startled into a little cry of surprise.
it startles somebody to do something : It startled me to find her sitting in my office.
adjective
(of people) strong, determined and not afraid of arguing with people
TOPICS Opinion and argument C2
feisty
/ˈfaɪsti/
(comparative feistier, superlative feistiest)
(informal, appro
The Adélie penguin is known as the feistiest penguin species in the world. They are common along the entire coast of the Antarctic continent, which is the only place where they are found. Despite their small size, these birds are quite feisty. They’ve been known to take on potential predators such as seals or large seabirds, and even researchers who get too close. It’s thought there may be over 10 million Adélies in Antarctica.
noun
Field combining biology, computer science, and statistics.
Uses AI, data analysis to understand biological data (DNA, genes, proteins).
Bioinformatics
/ˌbaɪ.oʊ.ɪn.fərˈmæt.ɪks/
Analyzing DNA sequences to identify genes or predict protein functions: Bioinformatics tools can analyze the sequence of nucleotides in DNA to identify genes, understand their regulation, and predict potential mutations.
noun
a tropical tree that grows in mud or at the edge of rivers and has roots that are above ground
mangrove
/ˈmænɡrəʊv/
-
mangrove swamps
*
noun
- A place, employment, status, or activity for which a person or thing is best fitted.
- A habitat supplying the factors necessary for the existence of an organism or species
- A specialized market.
niche
/nɪtʃ/
- She finally found her niche in graphic design.
- With too much competition from predators on land, fishing cats were forced a new niche in order to survive. They turned to tthe swamp.
- The company targets the niche market of organic pet food.
verb
- [transitive] to mix two or more substances together
- [intransitive] to form a mixture with something
- to combine with something in an attractive or effective way; to combine something in this way
- blend something to produce something by mixing different types together
Cooking and eating C1
blend
-
blend A with B: Blend the flour with the milk to make a smooth paste.
blend A and B (together) Blend together the eggs, sugar and flour. -
blend with something Oil does not blend with water.
blend (together) Oil and water do not blend. -
blend (something) (together) The old and new buildings blend together perfectly.
blend something (and/with something) Their music blends traditional and modern styles. - blended whisky/tea
verb [often passive]
- to impress somebody a lot with your beauty, skill, etc.
- if a strong light dazzles you, it is so bright that you cannot see for a short time
SYNONYM blind
dazzle
/ˈdæzl/
- He was dazzled by the warmth of her smile./
She knows a lot of famous people and tried to dazzle me with their names. - He was momentarily dazzled by the strong sunlight.
verb
to shine with a soft, gentle light that seems to move slightly.
shimmer
- As the peacock displays his tail, the shimmering eyespots dynamically shift through a spectrum of blues, greens, and golds depending on the viewing angle.
- The sea was shimmering in the sunlight.
- The surface of the road shimmered in the midday heat.
- She was wearing a shimmering white gown.
noun
- a large feather
- a cloud of something that rises and curves upwards in the air
TOPICS The environment C2
plume
/pluːm/
- male Peacock’s Colors and plumes come at a cost; The immense tail makes flying difficult.
- a plume of smoke
adjective
- (of animals) active at night
- (formal) happening during the night
OPPOSITE diurnal
nocturnal
/nɑːkˈtɜːrnl/
- The first mammals, as far as we can tell, were mostly nocturnal. Colors are not easily distinguishable at night, so whay evove the ability to detect them? It seems that the first mammals themselves, were not very colorful. And this is still largely true today. Most are shades of black and white or Brown. (Life in Colour with David Attenborough. S01E01)
- a nocturnal visit
phrasal verb
to take care of yourself without help from anyone else
fend for yourself
- His parents agreed to pay the rent for his apartment but otherwise left him to fend for himself.
- The fox was released into the wild when it was old enough to fend for itself.
- The children were left to fend for themselves.
- We can let our guests fend for themselves.
noun
[countable] the round area at the top of the back legs of an animal that has four legs
TOPICS Animals C2
rump
/rʌmp/
Male Mandrill are the biggest of all monkeys. It is not only his face which is coloured, so is his rump. Bothh are fearless declarations of his health and strenghs.
adjective / noun
- (of situations, feelings, etc.) very serious and important; giving you a reason to feel worried
- (of people) serious in manner, as if something sad or important has just happened
- a place in the ground where a dead person is buried
TOPICS Feelings C2
grave
/ɡreɪv/
(comparative graver, superlative gravest)
- We were in grave danger.
- A grave President Clinton held a press conference.
- We visited Grandma’s grave.
verb
[intransitive] (+ adv./prep.) (of birds, helicopters, etc.) to stay in the air in one place
TOPICS Birds C1
hover
/ˈhʌvər/
- A hawk hovered in the sky, waiting to swoop down on its prey.
- I heard the noise of a helicopter hovering overhead.
adjective
- perfectly clean and tidy, with no marks or flaws
SYNONYM spotless - containing no mistakes or faults
SYNONYM perfect
immaculate
/ɪˈmækjələt/
- She always looks immaculate.
an immaculate uniform/room
The property is in immaculate condition. - an immaculate performance
noun
the most important part of something that the rest depends on
cornerstone
Today, “hypothesis” is a cornerstone of the scientific method. It refers to a tentative explanation that can be tested through experimentation or observation.
verb
to shake slightly; to make a slight movement
SYNONYM tremble
quiver
/ˈkwɪvər/
- Her lip quivered and then she started to cry.
- The memory of that day made him quiver with anger.
verb
to put pollen into a flower or plant so that it produces seeds
TOPICS Plants and trees C1
pollinate
/ˈpɑːləneɪt/
flowers pollinated by bees/the wind
noun [uncountable]
fine powder, usually yellow, that is formed in flowers and carried to other flowers of the same kind by the wind or by insects, to make those flowers produce seeds
TOPICS Plants and trees B2
pollen
/ˈpɑːlən/
bees gathering pollen
Origin: The word “pollen” comes from the Latin word “pollin-“ or “pollen”.
Meaning in Latin: “Pollen” in Latin meant “fine flour” or “dust”. This directly relates to the fine, powdery nature of pollen grains.
Here’s a breakdown of how the word evolved:
18th Century Introduction: The scientific term “pollen” was introduced in the 18th century by Carl Linnaeus, a prominent Swedish botanist. He likely adopted the Latin term “pollen” to describe the reproductive elements found in flowers.
a stone landmark or cairn built by Inuit, Iñupiat, Kalaallit, Yupik, and other indigenous peoples of the Arctic region of North America. These structures are found in northern Canada, Greenland, and Alaska.
Inukshuk
The Inuit people traditionally built these structures to serve as landmarks and navigational aids. This particular Inukshuk is said to have been used to guide reindeer herds. However, without additional context or information, it’s difficult to provide more details about this specific Inukshuk or its location. If you have more information or specific questions, feel free to ask!
verb formal
- to clear from blame or guilt
- to relieve of a duty or obligation
exonerate
/ɪɡˈzɑːnəreɪt/
The investigation ultimately exonerated the company of any wrongdoing.
Term: British Prime Minister (1937-1940)
Known for: Appeasement policy towards Nazi Germany, particularly Munich Agreement (1938).
Term: Conservative Politician
Background: Held various cabinet positions (Chancellor of the Exchequer) before becoming Prime Minister.
Term: Controversial Legacy
Debate: Failure of appeasement led to WWII. Domestic achievements in social reform sometimes overlooked.
Neville Chamberlain
(1869-1940)
Chamberlain’s negotiations with Hitler are widely regarded as one of the great follies of the Second World War. Chamberlain fell under Hitler’s spell. (talking to strangers. Malcolm Gladwell. pg 31
noun [ C ]
a piece of electronic equipment used to try to discover if someone is telling lies
polygraph
/ˈpɑː.li.ɡræf/
The Cold War heightened concerns about espionage and national security. Polygraphs were used extensively in government agencies (e.g., CIA) to detect potential spies.
Origin: Greek polygraphos (πολύγραφος)
poly- (polys) = “much, many”
-graphos (graphos) = “writing”
noun
- [countable, uncountable] a failure to do something that must be done by law
- an action that breaks an agreement to behave in a particular way
TOPICS Crime and punishment C1
breach
/briːtʃ/
The supposedly meticulous Eastern Europe division, in fact, suffered one of the worst breaches of the entire Cold War. Aldrich Ames, one of the agency’s most senior officers responsible for Soviet counterintelligence, turned out to be working for the Soviet Union.
adjective
Highly desirable; worthy of envy.; ery good in a way that makes other people wish they had it.
enviable
/ˈen.vi.ə.bəl/
enviable position: After the Berlin Wall fell, East German spy chief Markus Wolf wrote in his memoirs that by the late 1980s we were in the enviable position of knowing that not a single CIA agent had worked in East Germany without having been turned into a double agent or working for us from the start. On our orders they were all delivering carefully selected information and disinformation to the Americans. (Talknig to Strangers, Malcolm Gladwell, pg26)
adjective
(approving)
paying careful attention to every detail
SYNONYM fastidious, thorough
TOPICS Personal qualities C2
meticulous
/məˈtɪkjələs/
- meticulous planning/records/research
- Their room had been prepared with meticulous care.
- She planned her trip in meticulous detail.
- meticulous in (doing) something: He’s always meticulous in keeping the records up to date.
- meticulous about something: My father was meticulous about his appearance.
adjective
silly, esp. in an amusing way:
goofy
/ˈɡu·fi/
goofy goofier goofiest
The movie has talking skeletons and goofy stuff like that.
idiom
to make a difficult situation even worse.
“Rub salt in/into the wound”
When Fidel Castro heard that Aspillaga had informed the CIA of their humiliation, he decided to rub salt in the wound. (Talking to Strangers, Malcolm Gladwell. pg: 24
idiom
to trick or deceive someone : to hide the truth from someone
Pulling the wool over someone’s eyes
He was too clever to let them pull the wool over his eyes.
noun [ C usually sing ]
- a very attractive person:
- a shocking piece of news:
bombshell
/ˈbɑmˌʃel/
- a blonde bombshell
- He dropped a bombshell when he announced he would resign.
noun
The practice of spying by secretly gathering information on an enemy or competitor.
SYNONYM spying
espionage
/ˈespiənɑːʒ/
Intelligence Studies: The practice of espionage is a core area of study in intelligence studies, which examines the collection, analysis, and dissemination of secret information for national security purposes.
Old Italian word “spione,” meaning “spy.”
noun
Someone who deserts a cause, country, or their leader and joins the opposing side.
defector
/dɪˈfektər/
- a Soviet defector to Canada in 1946
form Latin is “dēfectiō” meaning “falling short, failure, abandonment of allegiance.”
adjective
(of a person) having long, thin arms and legs and not moving in an easy way
SYNONYM gangling
TOPICS Appearance C2
lanky
/ˈlæŋki/
(comparative lankier, superlative lankiest)
- a tall, lanky teenager
- He was thin, lanky and pale-skinned.
adjective
- that shows a lack of care, thought or effort
- (of clothes) loose and without much shape
SYNONYM baggy
TOPICS Clothes and Fashion C2
sloppy
/ˈslɑːpi/
(comparative sloppier, superlative sloppiest)
-
sloppy thinking
Your work is sloppy.
a sloppy worker
Regional accents are great; sloppy speech is not. - a sloppy T-shirt
adjective (informal)
not wanting to give somebody information
SYNONYM evasive, secretive
cagey(about something)
/ˈkeɪdʒi/
(comparative cagier, superlative cagiest)
Tony is very cagey about his family.
noun [plural]
the four folds of skin at the entrance to a woman’s vagina
labia
/ˈleɪbiə/
There are two pairs of labia:
- The labia majora (major lips) are the larger, outer folds. They are covered in pubic hair and fatty tissue and function to protect the inner labia and the opening of the vagina and urethra.
- The labia minora (minor lips) are the smaller, inner folds. They are hairless and vary in size and color from person to person. The labia minora meet together at the clitoral hood, which covers the clitoris.
The labia minora and majora produce lubrication during sexual arousal and childbirth.
from the Latin word “labium” (plural: labia).”Labium” in Latin meant “lip”
noun (from French)
a person who has left their own country, usually for political reasons
SYNONYM exile
TOPICS Social issues C2
émigré
/ˈemɪɡreɪ/
the son of Russian émigrés
adjective
- very angry
- with great energy, speed or anger
TOPICS Feelings B2
furious
/ˈfjʊriəs/
- Their incompetence made me furious.
- a furious debate
verb
- to escape from somebody/something or avoid meeting somebody
- to find a way of not doing something, especially something that legally or morally you should do
evade
/ɪˈveɪd/
- He managed to evade capture.
- She is trying to evade all responsibility for her behaviour.
noun [ C ]
an underground prison, especially in a castle
TOPICS History C1, Buildings C1
dungeon
/ˈdʌn.dʒən/
- Throw him into the dungeons!
adjective (specialist)
substances and materials are unlikely to cause an allergic reaction in the person who uses them
hypoallergenic
/ˌhaɪpəʊˌælərˈdʒenɪk/
Instead of “hypoallergenic,” scientists might use more precise terms: “non-comedogenic” for cosmetics that won’t clog pores (a common allergy trigger)
two Greek roots:
“hypo” meaning “below average” or “slightly”
“allergenic” referring to something that can cause allergies
verb
to block something or to become blocked
clog
/klɑːɡ/
- The narrow streets were clogged with traffic.
- Tears clogged her throat.
- The wheels got clogged up with mud.
- clog (up) (with something) Within a few years the pipes began to clog up.
OPPOSITE unclog
noun (plural ambiguities)
- [uncountable] the state of having more than one possible meaning
- [countable] a word or statement that can be understood in more than one way
- [uncountable, countable] the state of being difficult to understand or explain because of involving many different aspects
ambiguity
/ˌæmbɪˈɡjuːəti/
- Write clear definitions in order to avoid ambiguity.
- There were several inconsistencies and ambiguities in her speech.
- There will always be some ambiguity about what actually happened.
verb
to look at or examine somebody/something carefully
scrutinize
/ˈskruːtənaɪz/
(British English also scrutinise)
- She leaned forward to scrutinize their faces.
- The statement was carefully scrutinized before publication.
History
a former Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) analyst, was imprisoned for 20 years after being caught spying for Cuba.
Ana Montes
Malcolm Gladwell’s “Talking to Strangers” uses Ana Belen Montes, a trusted DIA analyst who spied for Cuba, to illustrate how our bias towards believing people can hinder our ability to detect deception.
noun (formal)
a person that somebody is opposed to and competing with in an argument or a battle
SYNONYM opponent
adversary
/ˈædvərseri/
(plural adversaries)
- Most nations recruit foreign agents or spies to gain intelligence on their adversaries.
noun [uncountable]
a sexual act in which a man puts his penis in somebody’s, especially another man’s, anus
sodomy
/ˈsɑːdəmi/
- Historical: In medieval Europe, laws against sodomy often targeted same-sex relations. These laws were used to persecute gay and lesbian people.
-
Academic: A more appropriate term in a scholarly paper discussing anal sex practices in ancient Greece might be “anal intercourse.”
from late Latin peccatum Sodomiticum ‘sin of Sodom’ (after the Bible, Gen. 19:5, which implies that the men of Sodom practised homosexual rape)
adjective
- not needed or useful
- (British English) (of a person) without a job because there is no more work available for you in a company
TOPICS Social issues C1, Working life C1
redundant
/rɪˈdʌndənt/
- There’s a lot of redundant information that you could cut out here.
- redundant employees
verb
- to make a long cut with a sharp object, especially in a violent way
SYNONYM slit - (often used in newspapers)
to reduce something by a large amount - the symbol (/) used to show alternatives, as in lunch and/or dinner and 4/5 people and to write fractions, as in ¾
C1
slash
/slæʃ/
- Someone had slashed the tyres on my car.
- to slash spending/prices/costs
- He brought his girlfriend-slash-partner.
adjective
talking a lot, especially about unimportant things
SYNONYM talkative
garrulous
/ˈɡærələs/
- The normally garrulous commentator had nothing to say.
- a garrulous neighbour
- He is garrulous and inquisitive.
noun
a person who commits a crime or does something that is wrong or evil
TOPICS Crime and punishment C2
perpetrator
(also North American English, informal perp)
/ˈpɜːrpətreɪtər/
- the perpetrators of the crime
- We will do everything in our power to bring the perpetrators to justice.
noun (especially North American English)
a piece of information given in advance of something or as advice
TOPICS Suggestions and advice C2
heads-up
(plural heads-up, heads-ups)
/ˈhedz ʌp/
- Send everyone a heads-up about the changes well in advance.
- Can anyone give me a heads-up about how to change the format?
- his is a heads-up about the seminar this week.
- His statement said that he was not given a heads-up about the FBI raid.
noun
a time when enemies agree to stop fighting, usually while a way is found to end the fighting permanently
SYNONYM truce
TOPICS War and conflict C2
ceasefire
/ˈsiːsfaɪər/
- a call for an immediate ceasefire
- a permanent/a temporary/an interim ceasefire
- Observers have reported serious violations of the ceasefire.
verb
[intransitive] to become calmer, quieter or less intense
subside
/səbˈsaɪd/
- She waited nervously for his anger to subside.
- When the rain had subsided we continued our walk.
- I took an aspirin and the pain gradually subsided.
- He waited until the laughter had subsided before continuing his story.
- The storm gradually subsided.
- to stop somebody/something that is going from one place to another from arriving
- to receive a message sent electronically before it reaches the person who was meant to receive it.
TOPICS War and conflict C2
intercept
- Reporters intercepted him as he tried to leave the hotel./
The letter was intercepted. - Intelligence agencies have been unable to intercept any communications between members of the group
- to organize the different parts of an activity and the people involved in it so that it works well
- to make the different parts of your body work well together
- (rather formal) if you … clothes, furniture, etc. or if they … , they look nice together
TOPICS Discussion and agreement C1
TOPICS Clothes and Fashion C2
coordinate
/kəʊˈɔːrdɪneɪt/
(British English also co-ordinate)
- They appointed a new manager to coordinate the work of the team.
- the part of the brain that coordinates body movements
- This shade coordinates with a wide range of other colours. /
The company has extended its coordinated clothing range.
verb
- to receive money, property, etc. from somebody when they die
- [transitive] to have qualities, physical features, etc. that are similar to those of your parents, grandparents, etc.
- if you … a particular situation from somebody, you are now responsible for dealing with it, especially because you have replaced that person in their job
policies
TOPICS Money B2
inherit
/ɪnˈherɪt/
- She inherited a fortune from her father. OPP disinherit
- He has inherited his mother’s patience.
Is this an inherited disease?
How many of these traits are genetically inherited? - I inherited a number of problems from my predecessor.
quote by Carl Jung
who looks outside dreams who looks inside …
awakes
who looks outside dreams who looks inside awakes
noun
the building where a consul works
COMPARE embassy
TOPICS Buildings C2
consulate
/ˈkɑːnsələt/
the American consulate in Marseilles
Consulate vs Embassy:
Embassy: Main diplomatic representation in the capital city, handling broader diplomatic matters.
Consulate: Smaller version in major tourist cities, focusing on consular services and trade relations.
adjective (informal)
confused, so that you do not know what to say or do
flummoxed
/ˈflʌməkst/
- He studied the document for several long, flummoxed minutes.
- She was flummoxed by the rejection.
verb
to try to make somebody angry or upset by saying unkind things about them, laughing at their failures, etc.
TOPICS Personal qualities C2, Education C2
taunt
/tɔːnt/
- The other kids continually taunted him about his size.
- I learned how my mind continually taunted me with worst-case-scenario thinking
verb
to stop; to make somebody/something stop
halt
- She walked towards him and then halted.
- ‘Halt!’ the Major ordered (= used as a command to soldiers).
- The police were halting traffic on the parade route.
- The trial was halted after the first week.
noun
- a form of vitamin A used in skincare to reduce wrinkles and acne
- a vitamin found in cheese, eggs, fish oils and milk that is essential for healthy growth and good vision
retinol
(also vitamin A)
/ˈretɪnɑːl/
- Compared to the placebo group, the participants who used the retinol cream experienced a significant improvement in wrinkle severity. Researchers attributed this improvement to increased collagen production stimulated by the retinol.
verb formal
to remove or get rid of something, such as a name, piece of information or a memory, from a book or list, or from your mind
SYNONYM erase
expunge
/ɪkˈspʌndʒ/
- Regardless of the story we have about our parents, They cannot be expunged or ejected from us. They are in us and we are part of them—even if we’ve never met them. (It didn’t start with you. By Mark Wolynn, pg 15)
verb
- to pull or knock down a building; to destroy something
- to show that an idea or theory is completely wrong
TOPICS Buildings C1
TOPICS Scientific research C2
demolish
/dɪˈmɑːlɪʃ/
- The factory is due to be demolished next year.
- A recent book has demolished this theory.
verb
- Hit Somebody/Something
- Hit or Kick a Ball
- Attack Suddenly
- Happen Suddenly and Harmfully
- Come into Mind Suddenly
- Give a Particular Impression
- Refuse to Work (Workers)
strike
strike /straɪk/
struck /strʌk/
struck /strʌk/
- The ship struck a rock.
- He walked up to the penalty spot and struck the ball firmly into the back of the net.
- The lion crouched, ready to strike*
- Two days later, tragedy struck.
- An awful thought has just struck me.
- Another part of his comment struck me.
- Over 100,000 civil servants are set to strike on Tuesday **
adjective
that has never happened, been done or been known before
unprecedented
/ʌnˈpresɪdentɪd/
The situation is unprecedented in modern times.
There were unprecedented scenes of violence in the city’s main square.
verb (grammar)
to give the different forms of a verb, as they vary according to number, person, tense, etc.
TOPICS Language C2
conjugate
/ˌkɑːndʒuˈɡeɪʃn/
Verb conjugation refers to the process of changing a verb’s form to express different aspects such as person, number, tense, aspect, and mood. Here are some key points about verb conjugation:
Person:
Conjugation changes depending on the subject (whether it’s a noun or pronoun).
Examples:
I cook.
You cook (singular).
He/She/It cooks.
We cook.
They cook.
Number:
Conjugation varies based on whether the verb is used with a singular or plural subject.
Examples:
Singular: I cook.
Plural: We cook.
Tense:
Verbs are conjugated to express the time of the action (past, present, or future).
Examples:
Simple present: I cook.
Simple past: I cooked.
Simple future: I will cook.
Aspect:
Aspect refers to the degree to which the action is completed.
Example:
I am cooking (continuous aspect).
Gender (in some languages but not in English):
Some languages conjugate verbs based on gender (male or female).
Remember that proper verb conjugation is essential for clear communication, and it ensures that your sentences make sense to your audience. Improper conjugation can be confusing. If you’d like to explore more examples and details, you can visit the Writing Explained page on verb conjugation
verb
to do something harmful to somebody because they have harmed you first
SYNONYM revenge
retaliate
/rɪˈtælieɪt/
- The boy hit his sister, who retaliated by kicking him.
- to retaliate against an attack
The book name
The book explores the concept of inherited family trauma and its impact on our lives.
It Didn’t Start with You
How Inherited Family Trauma Shapes Who We Are and How to End the Cycle
** by Mark Wolynn
The book reveals how past traumas can affect present-day behaviors and emotions, and provides insights on breaking the cycle of inherited trauma
verb
- to fall rapidly in value or amount
- to move or fall somewhere in a relaxed or noisy way, or with a lack of control
- to fall downwards, often hitting the ground several times, but usually without serious injury; to make somebody/something fall in this way
tumble
/ˈtʌmbl/
- The price of oil is still tumbling
- I undressed and tumbled into bed..
- He slipped and tumbled down the stairs.
verb
- to stop a possibly dangerous or difficult situation from developing, especially by making people less angry or nervous
- to remove the fuse from a bomb so that it cannot explode
defuse
/diːˈfjuːz/
- When we follow where Our core language leads and hear its story, it has the power to defuse our deepest fears. (it didn’t start with you: how inherited family trauma shapes who we are and how to end the cycle. pg 19)
- Police closed the road while they defused the bomb.
commonly implies a missed opportunity due to hesitation or delay. It suggests that if someone fails to take timely action, they might miss out on a potential advantage or benefit
you snooze you lose
In short: “You snooze, you lose” emphasizes the significance of timely decision-making and quick action for success
idiom
to not move or go anywhere
C2
OPP: wonder off
stay put
- Just stay put with the suitcases, while I go and find a cab.
- Stay put until I get back.
verb not used in the progressive tenses
to hate somebody/something very much
SYNONYM loathe
TOPICS Feelings C1
detest
/dɪˈtest/
- I loathe and detest racism in any form.
- Leopards detest lions and if he spots the cubs. he will kill them.
VERB
to take something quickly and often rudely or roughly
SYNONYM grab
TOPICS Crime and punishment C1
snatch
- She managed to snatch the gun from his hand.
verb
to express or explain your thoughts or feelings clearly in words
articulate
/ɑːrˈtɪkjuleɪt/
A well-documented feature of trauma, one familiar to many, is our inability to articulate what happens to us. (It Didn’t Start With You, pg 22)
adjective
reminding you of somebody/something
reminiscent
/ˌremɪˈnɪsnt/
- The way he laughed was strongly reminiscent of his father.
- She writes in a style reminiscent of both Proust and Faulkner.
verb
to repeat the actions of a past event, especially as an entertainment
re-enact
/ˌriː ɪˈnækt/
Once they are triggered, it is as if an invisible rewind button has been pressed, causing us to reenact aspects of the original trauma in our day-to-day lives. (It Didn’t Start With You, pg 22)
Freudian psychoanalysis,
a phenomenon where a person unconsciously recreates aspects of a past traumatic experience in their present life.
= repetition compulsion
Traumatic reenactment
- Traumatic reenactment, or “repetition compulsion,” as Freud called it, is an attempt of the unconscious to replay what’s unresolved, so we can “get it right.” This unconscious drive to relive past events could be one of the mechanisms at work when families repeat unresolved traumas in future generations. (It Didn’t Start With You, pg 22)
noun
Freud’s contemporary Carl Jung also believed that what remains
unconscious does not dissolve but, rather, ,,, in our lives as fate or
fortune. Whatever is not conscious, he said, will be experienced as fate.
(It Didn’t Start With You: by Mark Wolynn) pg 22
Transport by car or lorry C2
resurfaces
to come to the surface again after being underwater or under the ground
the past is never …, it is not even past
dead
This famous line comes from the novel Requiem for a Nun by American author William Faulkner. It’s a powerful statement about the enduring influence of the past on the present.
adjective [usually before noun]
(of language, words, phrases, etc.) used in a way that is different from the usual meaning, in order to create a particular mental picture. For example, ‘He exploded with rage’ shows a figurative use of the verb ‘explode’.
figurative
/ˈfɪɡjərətɪv/
The figurative meaning of regurgitate refers to the act of repeating information or ideas without any original thought or understanding. It implies that someone is simply “spitting back” what they’ve heard or learned, often verbatim, without truly grasping the concepts themselves.
adjective
- (of a situation) not safe or certain; dangerous
- likely to fall or cause somebody to fall
TOPICS Danger C2
precarious
/prɪˈkeriəs/
- Even with the most devoted parenting in the world, growing up in the wild is highly precarious.
- That ladder looks very precarious.
verb
To any predator, circling Vultures …. a kill.
hint:
to make something known generally or in public, especially with the intention of drawing attention to it.
advertise
When vultures circle above a location, they are effectively announcing the presence of a kill (a dead animal) to other scavengers and predators in the area. It’s like a natural signal that says, “Hey, there’s food here!”
phrasal verb
to get somebody to change their opinion about something and give you their support and approval
TOPICS Discussion and agreement C2
win over
She’s against the idea but I’m sure I can win her over.
win somebody around/over (to something)
(also win somebody round (to something) especially in British English)
verb
to make food, drink, etc. go down your throat into your stomach
swallow
/ˈswɑːləʊ/
Always chew food well before swallowing it.
I had a sore throat and it hurt to swallow.
swallow something + adj. The pills should be swallowed whole.
verb
to move slightly; to make something/somebody move slightly
budge
She pushed at the door but it wouldn’t budge.
The dog refused to budge.
budge something I heaved with all my might but still couldn’t budge it.
verb
- unable to control your emotions because you are extremely frightened or worried about something
. SYNONYM beside yourself - done quickly and with a lot of activity, but in a way that is not very well organized
SYNONYM hectic
frantic
/ˈfræntɪk/
- Let’s go back. Your parents must be getting frantic by now.
- Things are frantic in the office right now.
verb
- to make somebody feel cheerful or confident
buoy
**Boy: /bɔɪ/
Buoy: /ˈbuːi/ or /bɔɪ/
/ˈbuːi/, /bɔɪ/
- Knowing that all her friends were there buoyed up her spirits.
Zoology
Largest African Eagle (wingspan up to 7.5ft)
Powerful feet & talons for hunting monkeys & small antelope
Black plumage with white chest & crown
Solitary birds with vast territories
IUCN Status: Least Concern
Martial eagle
Martial Eagles can be found in various sub-Saharan African habitats, including woodlands, plains, semi-deserts, and even around man-made structures like pylons in open savannas Source: eBird
- (of a bird) To keep eggs warm so that the embryos inside can develop and hatch. This is typically done by a parent bird sitting on the eggs.
- to have a disease developing inside you before symptoms appear
TOPICS Birds C2
incubate
/ˈɪŋkjubeɪt/
- “The effect of incubation temperature on chick development in broiler chickens.”
- The source of infection may be a person who is incubating an infectious disease.
verb [intransitive] (informal, disapproving)
- adv./prep. to go around enjoying yourself in a way that annoys other people or makes them jealous
swan
/swɑːn/
They’ve gone swanning off to Paris for the weekend.
They’re always swanning off to Paris for shopping trips.
noun
a member of the religion that developed in the 15th century, based on belief in a single god and on the teachings of Guru Nanak
TOPICS Religion and festivals C2
sikh
/siːk/
Origin: The word “Sikh” comes from the Punjabi word “sikkhā”, which means “learning” or “instruction.” This, in turn, evolved from the Sanskrit word “śiṣya”, meaning “disciple” or “student.”
adjective
always wanting more of something; not able to be satisfied
insatiable
/ɪnˈseɪʃəbl/
an insatiable appetite/curiosity/thirst
Swim: / ? /
Swam: / ? /
Swum: / ? /
Swim: /swɪm/
Swam: /swɑːn/
Swum: /swʌm/
- i WILL SWIM TOMORROW.
- I SWAM YESTERDAY.
- I HAVESWUM IN THE PAST.
adjective
very difficult and making you very tired, needing great effort for a long time
SYNONYM punishing
TOPICS Working life C2
gruelling
(especially British English)
(North American English usual
/ˈɡruːəlɪŋ/
a gruelling journey/schedule
I’ve had a gruelling day.
verb
in a few mounths, It would be winter. Temperatures will …. below freezing.
plummet
Plummet: to fall very quickly and suddenly
verb
to have a short, light sleep, especially during the day and usually not in bed
snooze
- My brother was snoozing on the sofa.
- The dog was snoozing with half an eye open.
- We spent a few hours snoozing in the sun.
noun
a way of doing something or of getting something by cheating somebody
SYNONYM trick
ruse
/ruːz/
She tried to think of a ruse to get him out of the house.
verb
to make a formal and serious promise to do something or a formal statement that is true
vow
/vaʊ/
She vowed never to speak to him again.
noun [uncountable]
the quality of being full of energy, excitement and happiness
exuberance
/ɪɡˈzuːbərəns/
Nothing will curb her natural exuberance.
noun [uncountable] (formal, disapproving)
the fact of not getting punished for something
impunity
/ɪmˈpjuːnəti/
- with impunity They continue to break the law with impunity.
- Those involved in such attacks often enjoy complete impunity.
verb
to successfully fight somebody who is attacking you, your country, etc. and drive them away
repel
/rɪˈpel/
- to repel an attack/invasion/invader
- Troops repelled an attempt to infiltrate the south of the island.
- (figurative) The reptile’s prickly skin repels nearly all of its predators.
noun
[usually plural] (rather formal)
a sudden shaking movement of the body that cannot be controlled
SYNONYM fit
convulsion
/kənˈvʌlʃn/
“Strawberry poison-dart frog” is one of the deadlist creatures. In the mouth of a predator, Its poison can cause respiratory failure, convultions and death.
adjective
not attracting attention; not easy to notice
inconspicuous
OPPOSITE conspicuous
/ˌɪnkənˈspɪkjuəs/
- She tried to look as inconspicuous as possible.
- Its dull brown feathers make the bird inconspicuous.
adjective
easy to see or notice; likely to attract attention
conspicuous
OPPOSITE inconspicuous
/kənˈspɪkjuəs/
Mary’s red hair always made her conspicuous at school.
Idioms
conspicuous by your absence
not present in a situation or place, when it is obvious that you should be there
The meeting went well but Nigel was conspicuous by his absence.
adjective
done secretly or quickly, in the hope that other people will not notice
SYNONYM furtive.
surreptitious
/ˌsɜːrəpˈtɪʃəs/
- She sneaked a surreptitious glance at her watch.
- They were seen leaving the premises in a surreptitious manner
noun
a delicate coloured part of a flower.
TOPICS Plants and trees C1
petal
/ˈpetl/
The head of a flower is usually made up of several petals around a central part. / rose petals
from Greek petalon ‘leaf’,
adjective
showing many bright colours that seem to change in different lights
**iridescent**
| /ˌɪrɪˈdesnt/
## Footnote
a bird with **iridescent** blue feathers
adjective
- extremely hot in a way that is uncomfortable
SYNONYM baking
blistering
- a blistering July day
our sun blasts out the energy of ……. atomic bomb, every second.
four and a half trillion
adjective
small in quantity and poor in quality
SYNONYM paltry
meagre
/ˈmiːɡər/ (US English meager)
- a meagre diet of bread and water
- She supplements her meagre income by cleaning at night.
Absolute zero
the lowest possible temperature in the universe,
Absolute zero
Absolute zero is defined as zero kelvin (0 K) or −273.15 degrees Celsius.
adjectiv (formal)
too strange or difficult to be understood
unfathomable
/ʌnˈfæðəməbl/
- an unfathomable mystery
- We are confronted with the unfathomable nature of human motivation.
(anatomy)
one of the two tubes in the body of a woman or female animal along which eggs pass from the ovaries to the uterus
fallopian tube
/fəˈləʊpiən tuːb/
History
- Egyptian billionaire & spy
- Son-in-law of President Gamal Abdel Nasser
- Provided intel to Israel (Mossad) before Yom Kippur War (1973)
- Claimed as a double agent by Egypt
- Died mysteriously in London (2007)
Ashraf Marwan
verb
to make somebody very interested and want to know more about something
TOPICS Feelings C1
intrigue
intrigue somebody The theory of Evolution intrigued me.
adjective [usually before noun] (formal or humorous)
seeming to be everywhere or in several places at the same time; very common
ubiquitous
/juːˈbɪkwɪtəs/
- Homo Sapien ia a ubiquitous species that has transformed nature into its home.
- the ubiquitous movie star, Tom Hanks
adjective (specialist)
relating to trees; living in trees
**arboreal
**
/ɑːrˈbɔːriəl/
from Latin arboreus, from arbor ‘tree’, + -al.
noun (specialist)
any member of the family that includes modern humans and great apes, as well as earlier creatures that no longer exist from which modern humans evolved (= developed)
hominid
/ˈhɑːmɪnɪd/
- The various branches of hominids diverged millions of years apart, but we don’t know exactly when, because we lack revealing fossils and the genetic data is not precise enough. The last common ancestor between Pan and Homo, for instance, lived between 7 and 5.5 million years ago.
(source: A Pocket History of Human Evolution: How We Became Sapiens. pg: 11)
from Latin homo, homin- ‘man’.
noun (anatomy)
the bone which forms the back and base of the skull
TOPICS Body C2
occipital bone
/ɑːkˈsɪpɪtl bəʊn/
The great changes in morphology caused by human bipedalism can be seen in all bones, but primarily in the position of the occipital hole in the base of the skull, in the short and wide pelvis, which promotes balance and allows for vertical leg positioning, and in the position of the hallux (big toe), aligned to the other toes.
(source: A Pocket History of Human Evolution: How We Became Sapiens. pg: 13)
noun [ C ] ANATOMY specialized
the big toe
hallux
/ˈhæl.əks/
plural halluces
The great changes in morphology caused by human bipedalism can be seen in all bones, but primarily in the position of the occipital hole in the base of the skull, in the short and wide pelvis, which promotes balance and allows for vertical leg positioning, and in the position of the hallux (big toe), aligned to the other toes.
(source: A Pocket History of Human Evolution: How We Became Sapiens. pg: 14)
adjective (formal)
soft and weak; not hard
flaccid
/ˈflæsɪd/
flaccid breasts
noun (US English, from Spanish, informal)
a girl or young woman
a young man: muchacho
chica
/ˈtʃiːkə/
“Hey chica, how are you doing, babe?”
(slang, vulgar, usually in the plural)
A female breast, usually a large one
bazonga
verb
to change frequently in size, amount, quality, etc., especially from one extreme to another
SYNONYM vary
TOPICS Money C1
fluctuate
/ˈflʌktʃueɪt/
fluctuating prices
The documentary follows the fluctuating fortunes of one marketing company.
philosophy / History
- Baltic German Nazi ideologue (1893-1946)
- Author of “The Myth of the Twentieth Century” (1930), key Nazi racial theory text
- Held high Nazi positions: Foreign Affairs & Occupied Eastern Territories (WWII)
- Advocated Lebensraum & anti-Semitism
- Tried & executed at Nuremberg Trials (1946)
Alfred Ernst Rosenberg
noun
[usually plural] a part of something that is left after the other parts have been used, removed, destroyed, etc.
SYNONYM remains
remnant
/ˈremnənt/
The woods are remnants of a huge forest which once covered the whole area.
Many of the traditions are remnants of a time when most people worked on the land.
adjective
(formal) having large breasts and hips in a way that is sexually attractive
SYNONYM buxom
TOPICS Appearance C2
voluptuous
/vəˈlʌptʃuəs/
a voluptuous woman
a voluptuous body
adjective (informal)
of poor quality; with no value
SYNONYM rubbishy
trashy
/ˈtræʃi/
(comparative trashier, superlative trashiest)
trashy TV shows
verb
- to prove that what someone said or did was right or true, after other people thought it was wrong ……. SYNONYM justify
- to prove that someone is not guilty or is free from blame, after other people blamed them:
vindicate
/ˈvɪndɪkeɪt/
- I have every confidence that this decision will be fully vindicated.
- New evidence emerged, vindicating him completely.
adjective (formal)
having a very harmful effect on somebody/something, especially in a way that is not easily noticed
pernicious
/pərˈnɪʃəs
the pernicious influence of TV violence on children
Ageism is equally as offensive and pernicious as sexism.
phrasal verb
- to make something, especially information, shorter by leaving out the parts that are not important
- to be reduced or to reduce something by boiling
boil down
- The original speech I had written got boiled down to about ten minutes.
2.
noun [countable]
a period of serious mental illness in which somebody is unable to deal with normal life
TOPICS Mental health C1
breakdown
(also nervous breakdown (old-fashioned))
It all became too much and he had some sort of breakdown.
noun [uncountable]
a feeling of being completely confused, lost or preplexed
SYNONYM confusion
bewilderment
/bɪˈwɪldərmənt/
to look/stare in bewilderment
noun
the ability to present your best side to people.
flirting
noun
a person who is present in a place or a situation where they do not belong or are not wanted
SYNONYM intruder
interloper
/ˈɪntərləʊpər/
She felt like an interloper in her own family.
verb [intransitive]
to play and move around in a lively, happy way
TOPICS Personal qualities C2
frolic
/ˈfrɑːlɪk/
children frolicking on the beach
noun
an expert on matters involving the judgement of beauty, quality or skill in art, food or music
TOPICS Art C2
connoisseur
/ˌkɑːnəˈsɜːr/, /ˌkɑːnəˈsʊr/
a connoisseur of Italian painting
This is a gift that any wine connoisseur would love.
The exhibition will be a delight for the collector and connoisseur of silver ornaments.
noun
a layer of tissue at the back of the eye that is sensitive to light and sends signals to the brain about what is seen
TOPICS Body C2
**retina**
| /ˈretɪnə/
(plural retinas, retinae /ˈretɪniː/ /ˈretɪniː/)
verb
to get great pleasure from something; to want very much to do or have something
SYNONYM enjoy
relish
/ˈrelɪʃ/
relish something to relish a challenge
to relish the chance/opportunity to do something
to relish the idea/thought of something
I don’t relish the prospect of getting up early tomorrow.
relish (somebody/something) doing something Nobody relishes cleaning the oven.
noun
a pointed piece of ice that is formed when water freezes as it falls down from something such as a roof
TOPICS Weather C2
icicle
/ˈaɪsɪkl/
verb
- to take a machine apart or to come apart into separate pieces:
- to get rid of a system or organization, usually over a period of time:
dismantle
/dɪˈsmæn.t̬əl/
- She dismantled the washing machine to see what the problem was, but couldn’t put it back together again.
- Over the next three years, we will be gradually dismantling the company and selling off the profitable units.
History WWII
- Notorious Nazi doctor nicknamed “Angel of Death”
- Conducted deadly medical experiments on prisoners at Auschwitz concentration camp
- Focused on twins and genetics in his twisted research
- Played a role in selecting victims for the gas chambers
Josef Mengele
Josef Mengele, infamous for his actions during the Holocaust, conducted cruel medical experiments at Auschwitz. His role in selecting victims and conducting inhumane experiments left an indelible mark on history.
Philosophy
- 17th Century Dutch Philosopher (1632-1677)
- Monism: Believed in one substance (God or Nature)
- Pantheism: Identified God with Nature (all of reality)
- Ethics: Emphasized reason and living a virtuous life
- Determinism: Believed everything is predetermined by God/Nature
Baruch Spinoza
Baruch Spinoza (1632-1677)
* Born to a Jewish family in Amsterdam (fleeing Portugal for religious freedom).
* Brilliant student, excommunicated for questioning religious doctrines.
* Lived a simple life, grinding lenses while developing his philosophy.
* Became a major figure of the Enlightenment, emphasizing reason and a unified view of God/Nature.
Greek Mythology
- Greek Hero of the Trojan War
- Famed for his speed (often called “…, swift of foot”)
- Nearly invulnerable, except for his heel
- Son of Thetis, a sea nymph, and Peleus, a king
Achillies
/əˈkɪliːz/
- Greatest Warrior in the Trojan War: He was the greatest warrior in the Greek army during the Trojan War. The story of his rage and eventual death is a central plot point in Homer’s Iliad.
- Achilles’ Heel: His only weakness, his heel, has become a byword for a fatal flaw or vulnerability.
anatomy
the tendon that connects the muscles at the back of the lower part of the leg to the heel
TOPICS Body C2
Achilles tendon
/əˌkɪliːz ˈtendən/
(also Achilles
Achilles heel: a weak point or fault in somebody’s character, which can be attacked by other people
verb
- (formal) to show no respect for something
- to laugh at somebody/something in an unkind way, especially by copying what they say or do
SYNONYM make fun of
mock
/mɑːk/
- The politician mocked the concerns of the working class.
- She made fun of him by mocking his limp.
refers to the process by which our sense of self and the way we perceive the world are shaped by our experiences and beliefs.
Ego-mind conditioning
adverb (formal)
in a way that represents the perfect example of something
quintessentially
/ˌkwɪntɪˈsenʃəli/
a sense of humour that is quintessentially British
adjective (usually approving)
- (of men) strong and full of energy, especially sexual energy
- having or showing the strength and energy that is considered typical of men
virile
/ˈvɪrəl/
- In this role, Durante is able to give full expression to that wonderfully virile voice.
- She likes her men young and virile.
verb (disapproving)
to persuade or trick somebody to go somewhere or to do something by promising them a reward
SYNONYM entice
lure
/lʊr/
- 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.
adjective
- large and heavy; difficult to carry
SYNONYM bulky - slow and complicated
cumbersome
/ˈkʌmbərsəm/
- cumbersome machinery
- cumbersome legal procedures
verb
- to control the direction in which a boat, car, etc. moves
- to take control of a situation and influence the way in which it develops
steer
/stɪr/
- He steered the boat into the harbour.
- He managed to steer the conversation away from his divorce.
verb
- to combine or make one thing combine with another
- to move among people and talk to them, especially at a social event
SYNONYM circulate
mingle
/ˈmɪŋɡl/
- a lot of emotions all mingled together
- I am going from single to mingle
noun [usually singular] (formal)
a sudden large increase in something
TOPICS Change, cause and effect C2
upsurge
/ˈʌpsɜːrdʒ/
- an upsurge in violent crime
- a recent upsurge of interest in his movies
verb
to increase rapidly in number or amount
SYNONYM multiply
TOPICS Change, cause and effect C2
proliferate
/prəˈlɪfəreɪt/
- Books and articles on the subject have proliferated over the last year.
adjective
containing two ideas or statements that cannot both be true
**self-contradictory **
/ˌself kɑːntrəˈdɪktəri/
adjective
containing or showing a lack of agreement between statements, facts, opinions or actions
SYNONYM conflicting
TOPICS Opinion and argument C1
contradictory
/ˌkɑːntrəˈdɪktəri/
We are faced with two apparently contradictory statements.
The advice I received was often contradictory.
noun
- (in ancient Greek stories) a woman from a group of female warriors (= soldiers)
- (literary) a tall strong woman
- The largest Rainforest in the world
Amazon
US /ˈæməzɑːn/ UK /ˈæməzən/
from Greek Amazōn, explained by the Greeks as ‘breastless’ (as if from a- ‘without’ + mazos ‘breast’), referring to the fable that the Amazons cut off the right breast so as not to interfere with the use of a bow, but probably a folk etymology of an unknown foreign word.
noun
the feeling of having lost all hope
despair
/dɪˈsper/
- Approaching flirting as a science means that if you feel that you are not currently good at it, do not despair. (flirtology by Jean Smith. pg 13)
noun (biology)
an invertebrate animal such as an insect, spider or crab, that has its skeleton on the outside of its body and has joints on its legs
TOPICS Insects, worms, etc. C2
arthropod
/ˈɑːrθrəpɑːd/
the first animals to ever set foot on land were ….
adjective (disapproving)
too concerned about having things exactly as you want them; hard to please
fussy
/ˈfʌsi/
adjective (formal)
poisonous or harmful
noxious
/ˈnɑːkʃəs/
A toxic concoction (a strange or unusual mixture of things) of noxious gases.
noxious fumes
adjective
confused and anxious because you are unable to understand something;
perplexed
/pərˈplekst/
- She looked a little perplexed.
- We are all perplexed as to how this happened.
History WWII
Nazi politician and Reich Minister of Propaganda for Germany from 1933 to 1945
Known for:
Playing a key role in Nazi propaganda
Using media and rallies to spread anti-Semitism and support for Hitler
Coining the term “total war”
Joseph Goebbels
Fate: Committed suicide with his wife Magda Goebbels on May 1st, 1945, after poisoning their six children.
adjective (formal)
that cannot be changed; that will never change
SYNONYM unchangeable
immutable
/ɪˈmjuːtəbl/
- “On the origin of Species” revolutionized society’s understanding of the natural world. Challenging Victorian dogma, Darwin argued that species were not immutable.
- This decision should not be seen as immutable.
adverb
in a way that is easy to see or notice, or that is likely to attract attention
conspicuously
/kənˈspɪkjuəsli/
- One spieces is conspicuously neglegted in Darwin’s great book: His own, Homo Sapiens.
OPPOSITE inconspicuously
Zoology Evolution
- Early ancestor of whales
- Lived: Eocene epoch, about 53 million years ago
- Location: What is now Pakistan
- Semi-aquatic mammal, lived both on land and in water
- Had both hooves and early signs of webbed feet
Pakicetus
/Pak-ih-SEE-tus/
adjective (formal)
attractive and interesting but sometimes mysterious or trying to trick you
beguiling
/bɪˈɡaɪlɪŋ/
- Her beauty was beguiling.
- This is perhaps the most beguiling resort on the island.
adjective
so beautiful or interesting that you cannot think about anything else
TOPICS Appearance C2
bewitching
/bɪˈwɪtʃɪŋ/
- a bewitching girl/smile
- a bewitching performance
Biology
the hypothesized single-celled organism that lived billions of years ago and is considered the ancestor of all life on Earth today.
LUCA
(the Last Universal Common Ancestor)
- Ancestral to all life: LUCA is believed to be the common ancestor of the three main branches of life: Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya (which includes all plants and animals).
- Estimated age: Scientists believe LUCA lived around 3.5 to 3.8 billion years ago.
- Cellular organism: While the exact details are unknown, LUCA is thought to have been a simple cell with a membrane, used DNA and RNA, and had basic metabolic processes.
verb (literary)
to defeat somebody completely in a competition, war, etc.
SYNONYM conquer
TOPICS War and conflict C2
vanquish
/ˈvæŋkwɪʃ/
- Throughout history, life has been waging an unending war. One dynasty rising, only to be vanquished by the next.
- Napoleon was vanquished at the battle of Waterloo in 1815.
adjective (formal)
causing great damage to people’s lives, property, etc.
SYNONYM disastrous
calamitous
/kəˈlæmɪtəs/
The bridge collapsed in the storm, with calamitous results.
phrasal verb
to take back a demand, an opinion, etc. that other people are strongly opposed to; to admit defeat
back down
(North American English also back off)
- Both sides have refused to back down.
noun
A small organism that grows on rocks, walls, and trees. It is not a plant but a close association between a fungus and an alga or cyanobacteria, each benefiting from the other.”
گلسنگ
Lichen
/ˈlaɪ.kən/ /ˈlɪtʃ.ən/
one curious life-form was amoung the first to rise to the challenge. Lichen may not look remarkable but they are in fact completely unique. they produced the first ever soil by breaking down rocks.
noun [ U ] BIOLOGY specialized
a substance found in the edges of some plant cells that makes the plant hard like wood
lignin
/ˈlɪɡ.nɪn/
noun
a very small green or yellow plant without flowers that spreads over wet surfaces, rocks, trees, etc.
TOPICS Plants and trees C2
خزه
moss
/mɔːs/
verb (formal)
to take somebody’s position and/or power without having the right to do this
usurp
/juːˈzɜːrp/
There were a couple of attempts to usurp the young king.
verb
to design and arrange the steps and movements for dancers in a ballet or a show
choreograph
/ˈkɔːriəɡræf/
She choreographed several ballets for the company.
adjective
- able to recover quickly after something unpleasant such as shock, injury, etc.
- (of a substance) returning to its original shape after being bent, stretched, or pressed
TOPICS Physics and chemistry C2
resilient
/rɪˈzɪliənt/
- He’ll get over it—young people are amazingly resilient.
These plants are very resilient to rough handling.
OPPOSITE diverge
converge
for ten of millions of years, the earth continent had been converging, creating a vast ocean on one side of the world and a single immense land mass on the other, the supercontinent of Pangaea.
vigilant adjective
/ˈvɪdʒɪlənt/
/ˈvɪdʒɪlənt/
(formal)
very careful to notice any signs of danger or trouble
SYNONYM alert, watchful
A pilot must remain vigilant at all times.
The thief was spotted by vigilant neighbours.
The organization is ever vigilant for threats to the habitats of birds.
You need to be vigilant against garden pests.
submerge
inflict
/ɪnˈflɪkt/
- The rodent’s sharp teeth can inflict a nasty bite.
adjective
- (of an action, etc.) so bad, immoral, etc. that it should make you feel ashamed
It would be unconscionable for her to keep the money. - (often humorous) too great, large, long, etc.
SYNONYM excessive
You take an unconscionable amount of time getting dressed!
TOPICS Personal qualities C2
unconscionable
/ʌnˈkɑːnʃənəbl/
Antony Blinken: “Weaponizing food, using it as a tool, as a weapon in its war against Ukraine is unconscionable… should not happen.”
precipitous adjective
/prɪˈsɪpɪtəs/
/prɪˈsɪpɪtəs/
(formal)
1. very steep, high and often dangerous
SYNONYM sheer
precipitous cliffs
a precipitous drop at the side of the road
2. sudden and great
SYNONYM abrupt
a precipitous decline in exports
epitome noun
/ɪˈpɪtəmi/
/ɪˈpɪtəmi/
[singular] (formal)
the epitome of something a perfect example of something
SYNONYM embodiment
He is the epitome of a modern young man.
clothes that are the epitome of good taste
They regarded him as the epitome of evil.
swagger verb
/ˈswæɡə(r)/
/ˈswæɡər/
[intransitive] (usually disapproving)
Verb Forms
(+ adv./prep.) to walk in an extremely proud and confident way
SYNONYM strut
He swaggered into the room looking very pleased with himself.
TOPICS Personal qualitiesC2
inferno noun
/ɪnˈfɜːnəʊ/
/ɪnˈfɜːrnəʊ/
[usually singular]
(plural infernos)
a very large dangerous fire that is out of control
a blazing/raging inferno
The flames quickly turned the house into a raging inferno.
Three men managed to escape from the inferno.
- putrid adjective
/ˈpjuːtrɪd/
/ˈpjuːtrɪd/
(of dead animals or plants) decaying and therefore smelling very bad
SYNONYM foul
the putrid smell of rotten meat - (informal) very unpleasant
a putrid pink colour
I pulled back from the stench of his putrid breath.
- snag noun
/snæɡ/
/snæɡ/
(informal) a problem or difficulty, especially one that is small, hidden or unexpected
SYNONYM difficulty
There is just one small snag—where is the money coming from?
Let me know if you run into any snags. - an object or a part of an object that is rough or sharp and may cut something
Check all surfaces for snags and rough edges.
TOPICS Difficulty and failure C2
inconceivable adjective
/ˌɪnkənˈsiːvəbl/
/ˌɪnkənˈsiːvəbl/
Word Family
impossible to imagine or believe
SYNONYM unthinkable
It is inconceivable that the minister was not aware of the problem.
Then the inconceivable happened—I lost my job.
The thought of leaving her family was inconceivable to her.
OPPOSITE conceivable
- extinguish verb
/ɪkˈstɪŋɡwɪʃ/
/ɪkˈstɪŋɡwɪʃ/
(formal)
Verb Forms
extinguish something to make a fire stop burning or a light stop shining
SYNONYM put out
Firefighters tried to extinguish the flames.
All lights had been extinguished. - to destroy something
News of the bombing extinguished all hope of peace.
- tenacious adjective
/təˈneɪʃəs/
/təˈneɪʃəs/
(formal)
that does not stop holding something or give up something easily; determined
a tenacious grip
She’s a tenacious woman. She never gives up.
The party has kept its tenacious hold on power for more than twenty years. - continuing to exist, have influence, etc. for longer than you might expect
SYNONYM persistent
a tenacious illness
History (World War II)
during and after World War II, were intricate systems of escape routes used by German Nazis and other fascists fleeing Europe.
ratline
adjective
- (biology) used to describe a relationship between two different living creatures that live close together and depend on each other in particular ways, each getting particular benefits from the other
- used to describe a relationship between people, companies, etc. that is to the advantage of both
The two formed a close friendship and a symbiotic working relationship that lasted half a century.
symbiotic
/ˌsɪmbaɪˈɑːtɪk/
1.
overlook verb
/ˌəʊvəˈlʊk/
/ˌəʊvərˈlʊk/
Verb Forms
overlook something to fail to see or notice something
SYNONYM miss
He seems to have overlooked one important fact.
In my hurry to finish the exam I had overlooked part of one of the questions.
fungus noun
/ˈfʌŋɡəs/
/ˈfʌŋɡəs/
(plural fungi /ˈfʌŋɡiː/, /ˈfʌŋɡaɪ/, /ˈfʌndʒaɪ/ /ˈfʌŋɡiː/, /ˈfʌŋɡaɪ/, /ˈfʌndʒaɪ/)
[countable] an organism (= a living thing) that is similar to a plant without leaves, flowers or green colouring, and that usually grows on plants or on decaying matter. mushrooms and mildew are both fungi.
Collocations The living world
TOPICS Plants and treesC1
from Greek spongos
Lichens are not actually plants, but rather a complex partnership between a fungus and an alga (or sometimes cyanobacteria). The fungus provides structure and protection, while the algae/cyanobacteria captures sunlight and produces food for both organisms.
a complex partnership between a fungus and an alga (or sometimes cyanobacteria).
lichen
noun
/ˈældʒiː/, /ˈælɡiː/
/ˈældʒiː/, /ˈælɡiː/
[uncountable, plural]
very simple plants, such as seaweed, that have no real leaves, stems or roots, and that grow in or near water
The singular of algae is alga
/ˈælɡə/
/ˈælɡə/
but this is a specialist term used only in scientific writing.
TOPICS Plants and trees C1
algae
Lichens are not actually plants, but rather a complex partnership between a fungus and an alga (or sometimes cyanobacteria). The fungus provides structure and protection, while the algae/cyanobacteria captures sunlight and produces food for both organisms.
- Photosynthetic bacteria (use sunlight for energy)
- Often found in water (oceans, lakes, ponds)
- Can be harmful (produce toxins) or beneficial (fix nitrogen)
- Also known as blue-green algae
Cyanobacteria
/ˈsaɪ.ə.noʊ.ˈbæk.ti.ri.ə/
nebulous adjective
/ˈnebjələs/
/ˈnebjələs/
(formal)
not clear
SYNONYM vague
a nebulous concept
- Why is the public perception of AI so nebulous?
- factoid noun
/ˈfæktɔɪd/
/ˈfæktɔɪd/
(often disapproving)
something that is widely accepted as a fact, although it is probably not true - a small piece of interesting information, especially about something that is not very important
Here’s a pop factoid for you.
- Science fiction stories often feature friendly humanoid servants that provide overly-detailed factoids or witty dialogue, but can sometimes follow the steps of Pinocchio and start to wonder if they can become human.
jewish folklore
- (in Jewish folklore) (in traditional Jewish stories)
a figure made of clay that comes to life - a machine that behaves like a human
golem
/ˈɡəʊləm/
- from Hebrew gōlem ‘shapeless mass’.
- Mythical clay giant from Jewish folklore.
- Created by Rabbi Loew ben Bezalel to protect Prague’s Jews.
- Powerful but dangerous, lacked reason and compassion.
- Controlled by magic inscription on its forehead.
Golem of Prague
ingenuity noun
/ˌɪndʒəˈnjuːəti/
/ˌɪndʒəˈnuːəti/
[uncountable]
the ability to invent things or solve problems in clever new ways
SYNONYM inventiveness
TOPICS Personal qualities C2
ingenuity
- Similarly, while in-depth mastery of mathematics requires (what seems like) human intuition and ingenuity, many (but not all) exercises of a typical high-school or college course can be solved by applying a calculator and simple set of rules.
NOUN
The ability to perform tasks in complex environments without constant guidance by a user.
Autonomy
/ɔːˈtɑːnəmi/
NOUN
The ability to perform tasks in complex environments without constant guidance by a user.
Autonomy
/ɔːˈtɑːnəmi/
noun
- the ability of a person or system to adjust to new or changing environments.
- The ability to improve performance by learning from experience.
Adaptability
amished adjective
/ˈfæmɪʃt/
/ˈfæmɪʃt/
[not usually before noun] (informal, becoming old-fashioned)
very hungry
SYNONYM starve
When’s lunch? I’m famished!
famished refugees
TOPICS FeelingsC2
boisterous adjective
/ˈbɔɪstərəs/
/ˈbɔɪstərəs/
(of people, animals or behaviour) noisy and full of life and energy
It was a challenge, keeping ten boisterous seven-year-olds amused.
The children and the dogs raced out of the house to give me a boisterous welcome.
TOPICS Personal qualitiesC2
adjective
Skilled at solving problems and making decisions on your own:
* Problem-solver (finds creative solutions)
* Adaptable (rolls with the punches)
* Takes initiative (go-getter)
* Makes the most of what they have (inventive)
resourceful
/rɪˈsɔːrsfl/
verb
- to kill somebody by covering their face so that they cannot breathe
SYNONYM suffocate - to cover something/somebody thickly or with too much of something
- to prevent something from developing or being expressed
SYNONYM stifle - to give somebody too much love or protection so that they feel that their freedom is limited
- to make a fire stop burning by covering it with something
TOPICS Feelings C2
smother
/ˈsmʌðər/
- He smothered the baby with a pillow.
- a rich dessert smothered in cream / She smothered him with kisses.
- The voices of the opposition were effectively smothered.
- Her husband was very loving, but she felt smothered.
- He tried to smother the flames with a blanket.
adjective
showing sexual desire and love towards somebody
TOPICS Feelings C2
amorous
/ˈæmərəs/
- she doesn’t look very amorous.
- Mary rejected Tony’s amorous advances.
- from Latin amor ‘love’.
inexorably adverb
/ɪnˈeksərəbli/
/ɪnˈeksərəbli/
(formal)
in a way that cannot be stopped or changed
events leading inexorably towards a crisis
ignominious adjective
/ˌɪɡnəˈmɪniəs/
/ˌɪɡnəˈmɪniəs/
(formal)
that makes, or should make, you feel ashamed
SYNONYM disgraceful, humiliating
an ignominious defeat
He made one mistake and his career came to an ignominious end.
TOPICS FeelingsC2
noun
- a person who follows and watches another person over a long period of time in a way that is annoying or frightening
- a person who follows an animal quietly and slowly, especially in order to kill or capture it
TOPICS Crime and punishment C2
stalker
/ˈstɔːkər/
verbformic acid noun
/ˌfɔːmɪk ˈæsɪd/
/ˌfɔːrmɪk ˈæsɪd/
[uncountable] (c
to give somebody/something a quick painful bite or pressing their skin together hard with your finger and thumb
nip
/nɪp/
She nipped at my arm.
noun [uncountable] (chemistry)
an acid made from carbon monoxide and steam (= gas produced when water boils). It is also present in a liquid produced by some ants.
formic acid
/ˌfɔːrmɪk ˈæsɪd
verb
- (formal) to deal or finish with somebody/something quickly and completely
- (formal) to send somebody/something somewhere, especially for a special purpose
dispatch
(British English also despatch)
/dɪˈspætʃ/
- Hyenas are bigger, stronger, and could easily dispatch the two smaller Wild Dogs.
- A courier was dispatched to collect the documents
noun
a small lizard (= a type of reptile) that can change colour according to what is around or near it
TOPICS Animals C2
chameleon
/kəˈmiːliən/
noun [uncountable, singular]
the very small drops of water that form on the ground, etc. during the night
TOPICS Weather C2
شبنم، ژاله، ژال، شبنم زدن، شبنم باریدن
dew
/duː/
- The grass was wet with early morning dew.
- There was a heavy dew this morning.
- Homophones dew | due
adjective (formal) [usually before noun]
no longer living with your husband, wife or partner
estranged
/ɪˈstreɪndʒd/
his estranged wife Emma
She is attempting to contact her estranged husband to break the news.
He is being questioned in connection with the death of his estranged wife.
She has been estranged from her husband since 1999.
adjective
strange and unusual:/unusual and therefore worth noticing:
curious
Hawaii isolation has had a curious effect on the evolution of some of the wildlife .
noun (informal, disapproving)
a person who is lazy and dirty or untidy
Get out of bed, you fat slob!
TOPICS Personal qualities C2
slob
/slɑːb/
butt out phrasal verb
butt out
(especially North American English, informal) used to tell somebody rudely to go away or to stop interfering in something
Butt out, Neil! This is none of your business.
verb [intransitive] (old-fashioned)
to walk up and down in a relaxed way, by the sea, in a public park, etc.
promenade
/ˌprɑːməˈneɪd/
NOUN (formal)
- a person who commits adultery
- a married person who has sex with someone who is not their wife or husband:
adulterer
/əˈdʌltərər/
adulterous /adjective/: He had an adulterous relationship with his wife’s best friend.
adulteress /NOUN/ a married woman who has sex with someone who is not her husband or wife
adulteration /NOUN/
adjective
famous or well-known for a negative reason.
notorious
/noʊˈtɔːr.i.əs/
- “Evin Prison became notorious for its harsh conditions and political detentions.”
An absence of oxygen
anoxia
/ænˈɑːk.si.ə/
compare: hypoxia
The Permian-Triassic Extinction (252 million years ago)This is the most severe extinction event in Earth’s history, wiping out about 96% of marine species and 70% of land vertebrates. The cause of this extinction is thought to be a combination of factors, including volcanic eruptions and anoxia.
Anoxia (adj.): This word, meaning “characterized by or causing a lack of oxygen in tissues,” originated in medical Latin around 1920. It combines the Greek prefix “an-” (which means “not” or “without”) with the first two letters of the word “oxygen” and the suffix “-ic”. The related term “anoxia” specifically denotes “oxygen deficiency” and has been in use since 1931
verb [intransitive, transitive]
to move around quickly in a circle; to make something do this
swirl
/swɜːrl/
(+ adv./prep.) The water swirled down the drain.
A long skirt swirled around her ankles.
swirling mists
swirl something (+ adv./prep.) He took a mouthful of water and swirled it around his mouth.
(figurately) verb
- Unfounded rumors
- Ideas or stories about someone or something circulate frequently, but their accuracy and consistency are questionable.
swirl
/swɜːrl/
- Mystry still swirls around Jumbo
- “Whispers about the politician’s personal life became a constant topic of conversation, though no one seemed to have any solid proof.
Result or consequence, often with a complex or far-reaching nature.
ramification
noun [ U ] BIOLOGY specialized
an oil-like substance produced by the sebaceous glands in the skin that makes hair shiny and prevents skin from becoming dry
sebum
/ˈsiː.bəm/
Dry skin has a tendency toward redness, scaly patches, and the feeling of tightness,” says dermatologist Anjali Mahto, MBBCh BSc. This is because it produces less oil (aka sebum) compared to other skin types
goof around phrasal verb
goof around
(especially North American English, informal) to spend your time doing silly or stupid things
SYNONYM mess around
goof verb
/ɡuːf/
/ɡuːf/
[intransitive] (especially North American English, informal)
Verb Forms
Phrasal Verbs
to make a stupid mistake
Sorry, guys. I goofed.
monkey around phrasal verb
monkey around
(informal) to behave in a silly way
There’s no time for monkeying around on the racetrack during testing.
She chatted while her son and husband monkeyed around with cars outside.
verb
- to push or move something somewhere, often with a lot of force
- to cause something to move forward:
propel
/prəˈpel/
- a rocket propelled through space
- Seals use their fins and flippers to propel them through the water with great force./ 3. Was it climate change that propelled our supposed arboreal ancestors from the forests onto the ground in the savannas, setting in motion a series of complex anatomical changes?
1. to hit a person or animal, usually several times and especially as a
whup
/wʌp/
- offensive They told my parents they should “Whup her ass.”
- offensive We played pool with a couple of guys and whupped their asses.
adverb
in a way that makes you want something that you cannot have or do
tantalizingly
/ˈtæntəlaɪzɪŋli/
(also tantalisingly)
- The branch was tantalizingly out of reach.
Pulsar
noun
- a very large amount of rain or water:
- a lot of something:
deluge
/ˈdel.juːdʒ/
- This little stream can become a deluge when it rains heavily.
- The newspaper received a deluge of complaints/letters/phone calls about the article.
noun
the long bone in the upper part of the leg
thighbone
Synonym
femur
adjective (informal)
very difficult to imagine or to understand; extremely surprising
COMPARE boggle
mind-boggling
/ˈmaɪnd bɑːɡlɪŋ/
a problem of mind-bogglingcomplexity
It’s mind-boggling to me that this is allowed to happen.
adjective
- causing excitement, interest, and desire:
- making you want something that you cannot have or do
tantalizing
(British English also tantalising)
/ˈtæntəlaɪzɪŋ/
- a tantalizing job offer / question
: from Tantalus (a Lydian king in Greek mythology who was punished by being provided with fruit and water which receded when he reached for them) + -ize.
verb
to burn something slightly, or to be burned slightly:
singe
/sɪndʒ/
The candle singed his arm hairs.
He singed his hair as he tried to light his cigarette.
adjective
quiet and easy to control
docile
/ˈdɑːsl/
a docile child/horse/temperament
verb
- to try to make a bad situation better:
- to save a badly damaged ship, etc. from being lost completely; to save parts or property from a damaged ship or from a fire, etc.
salvage
/ˈsælvɪdʒ/
What can I do to salvage my reputation? (= get a good reputation again).
We only managed to salvage two paintings from the fire.
How old is Earth?
4.54 ± 0.05 billion years (4.54 × 109 years ± 1%)
The age of Earth is estimated to be 4.54 billion years with an uncertainty of about 50 million years
adjective (approving)
expressed clearly and in a few words
SYNONYM concise
succinct
/səkˈsɪŋkt/
- Keep your answers as succinct as possible.
- a succinct explanation
adjective
unpleasant or difficult to do and unlikely to bring you any rewards or thanks from anyone
thankless
/ˈθæŋkləs/
- Sometimes being a mother and a housewife felt like a thankless task.
adjective
- [only before noun] used to emphasize the size, degree or amount of something
- [only before noun] complete and not mixed with anything else
SYNONYM utter - very steep
- (of cloth, etc.) thin, light and almost transparent
sheer
/ʃɪr/
- The area is under threat from the sheer number of tourists using it. / We were impressed by the sheer size of the cathedral.
- The concert was sheer delight.
- sheer cliffs/slopes
- sheer nylon
noun anatomy
The soft piece of flesh that hangs down at the back of the mouth
Uvula
Plural: uvulae
/ˈjuːvjələ/
noun
marginal,additional, orsecondarytosomeactivity,process, orsubject
fringe
/frɪndʒ/
- Afringesport.
- Almost as soon as human ancestors evolved in the forest fringes of East Africa’s grassland, they began to migrate.
the movement of an object through space influenced by various forces, often referring to a curved path. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a course or progression, such as in someone’s career.
trajectory
The trajectory of history has always been towards ever more complex and interconnected civilizations.
refers to a proposed geological epoch marked by significant human impact on Earth’s climate, ecosystems, and geology.
anthropocene
(From Greek anthropos, meaning man, and kainos, meaning recent)
(of a fact or situation) that you can not avoid or ignore
SYN: unavoidable
Inescapable
History is an inescapable part of our lives.
(phrasal verb) To explain or understand sth exactly
Pin down
The past is frustratingly hard to pin down.
unnecessary or exceeds what is required.
Redundant
/rɪˈdʌn.dənt/
Whether religion is considered redundant is a matter of personal belief, societal values, and philosophical outlook.
a king or queen” or “a country or state that has the power to govern itself.”
Sovereign.
ˈsɑːv.rən/
As a member of the British Commonwealth, Canada has been a Sovereign state since 1931.
Sovereign definition
fifty-nine elements are needed to construct a human being. (24 of them are “essential elements”). Six of these—….—account for 99.1 percent of what makes us, but much of the rest is a bit unexpected.
carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, calcium, and phosphorus
The body: a guide for occupants by Bill Bryson 2019 pg 2
the worship of one god without denying the existence of other gods
henotheism
From Greek henos (one) + theos (god), meaning “one god above others.”
Akhenaten’s Worship of Aten: Akhenaten, an Egyptian pharaoh, promoted Aten, the sun disk god, as the supreme god during his reign (c. 1353–1336 BCE). While he centered his religious reforms around Aten, he did not explicitly deny the existence of other gods, marking his beliefs as henotheistic.
the worship of one god without denying the existence of other gods
henotheism
From Greek henos (one) + theos (god), meaning “one god above others.”
Akhenaten’s Worship of Aten: Akhenaten, an Egyptian pharaoh, promoted Aten, the sun disk god, as the supreme god during his reign (c. 1353–1336 BCE). While he centered his religious reforms around Aten, he did not explicitly deny the existence of other gods, marking his beliefs as henotheistic.
The wide part of a river where it flows into the ocean
estuary /ˈes-chə-ˌwer-ē/
Plural: estuaries
The Hudson River estuary
a long stick with a curved end, especially one carried by a shepherd or a bishop
Crook
Picture: Akhenaten holding the royal regalia, the crook and flail
a long stick with a curved end, especially one carried by a shepherd or a bishop
Crook
Picture: Akhenaten holding the royal regalia, the crook and flail
a tool consisting of a rod that hangs from a long handle, used especially in the past for threshing grain
flail
a tool consisting of a rod that hangs from a long handle, used especially in the past for threshing grain
flail
ready to believe especially on slight or uncertain evidence
credulous
- the act of preparing land and growing crops on it, or the act of growing a particular crop
- the act of trying to develop and improve something
- the act of making a special effort to establish and develop a friendship
Cultivation
1. In the early days, farmers devoted significant time to the cultivation of land, as agriculture was the foundation of survival.”
2. Those who take up the cultivation of mindfulness find out for themselves how it helps to solve life’s problems.
3. Social media is structured in a way that encourages the collection rather than the cultivation of friendship.
- the act of preparing land and growing crops on it, or the act of growing a particular crop
- the act of trying to develop and improve something
- the act of making a special effort to establish and develop a friendship
Cultivation
1. In the early days, farmers devoted significant time to the cultivation of land, as agriculture was the foundation of survival.”
2. Those who take up the cultivation of mindfulness find out for themselves how it helps to solve life’s problems.
3. Social media is structured in a way that encourages the collection rather than the cultivation of friendship.
Agriculture etymology
- Latin words “ager” meaning “field” or “land,” and
- “cultura” meaning “cultivation” or “care.” Together, agricultura in Latin essentially means “the cultivation of land.”
Agriculture etymology
- Latin words “ager” meaning “field” or “land,” and
- “cultura” meaning “cultivation” or “care.” Together, agricultura in Latin essentially means “the cultivation of land.”
a line, for example in somebody’s handwriting, that is drawn or written in a careless way with curves and waves in it
Squiggle
The universe, especially when it is thought of as an ordered system
Cosmos
The structure of the cosmos
Our place in the cosmos
kosmos (κόσμος) originally meant “order,” “arrangement,” or “ornament.” It was used to describe the universe as a harmonious, orderly system, contrasting with chaos, which referred to disorder or formlessness. The philosopher Pythagoras is often credited with introducing kosmos in this broader sense, relating it to the entire universe as an orderly whole.
Over time, kosmos evolved to mean the universe or the world itself in many languages. When the term entered Latin as cosmos, it retained this meaning of an ordered, harmonious universe, and this meaning persists in modern English and other languages today.
The universe, especially when it is thought of as an ordered system
Cosmos
The structure of the cosmos
Our place in the cosmos
kosmos (κόσμος) originally meant “order,” “arrangement,” or “ornament.” It was used to describe the universe as a harmonious, orderly system, contrasting with chaos, which referred to disorder or formlessness. The philosopher Pythagoras is often credited with introducing kosmos in this broader sense, relating it to the entire universe as an orderly whole.
Over time, kosmos evolved to mean the universe or the world itself in many languages. When the term entered Latin as cosmos, it retained this meaning of an ordered, harmonious universe, and this meaning persists in modern English and other languages today.
The universe, especially when it is thought of as an ordered system
Cosmos
The structure of the cosmos
Our place in the cosmos
kosmos (κόσμος) originally meant “order,” “arrangement,” or “ornament.” It was used to describe the universe as a harmonious, orderly system, contrasting with chaos, which referred to disorder or formlessness. The philosopher Pythagoras is often credited with introducing kosmos in this broader sense, relating it to the entire universe as an orderly whole.
Over time, kosmos evolved to mean the universe or the world itself in many languages. When the term entered Latin as cosmos, it retained this meaning of an ordered, harmonious universe, and this meaning persists in modern English and other languages today.
noun
(used especially between Christians and Muslims) someone who does not have the same religious beliefs as the person speaking
infidel
- David Hume (1711-1776) was called “Saint David” and “The Good David” by his friends, but his adversaries knew him as “The Great Infidel.”
1. In- (Latin): Not.
2. Fidelis (Latin): Faithful or loyal.
adj
Extremely unpleasant
loathsome
/ˈloʊð.səm/
- Hegel, for his part, described Schopenhauer as loathsome and ignorant.
adj
causing great damage or suffering
calamitous
/kəˈlæmɪtəs/
- A book by Barbara Tuchman examines the calamitous 14th century, focusing on the events of the Hundred Years’ War, the Black Plague, and the societal upheaval of the time
verb
to (cause something to) explode, break, or tear:
rupture
/ˈrʌp.tʃɚ/
- As Saturn immense gravitational force pulls its moon apart, the moon begins to rupture catastrophically
adj
- not in a straight line; bent or twisted
OPPOSITE straight - dishonest
crooked
/ˈkrʊkɪd/
- a crooked nose/smile
- a crooked businessman/deal