5 Flashcards
Lie
(V.)
past tense lay/past participle lain
present participle lying/third person singular lies
To be in a position in which your body is flat on the floor, on a bed etc
lie on/in etc
lie there
lie still/awake etc
(also lie down) To put yourself in a position in which your body is flat on the floor or on a bed
lie on
lie back
To be in a flat position on a surface
lie on/in etc
Lay
(V.)
past tense and past participle laid
To put someone or something down carefully into a flat positionSYN place
Lay bricks/carpet/concrete/cables etc: to put or fasten bricks, a carpet etc in the correct place, especially on the ground or floor
If a bird, insect etc lays eggs, it produces them from its body
(formal) To make a statement, give information etc in an official or public way
SYN put
Bump into somebody
Phrasal verb
To meet someone who you know, when you were not expecting to
SYN run into
Proposed
(Adj.)
A proposed change, plan, development etc is one that has been formally suggested to an official person or group
Principal
(Adj.)
Most important
SYN main
Regard
(N.)
Respect and admiration for someone or something
regard for
(formal) Attention or consideration that is shown towards someone or something
regard for
pay/show regard
little/no/scant regard (for somebody/something)
Housing
(N.)
The houses or conditions that people live in
The work of providing houses for people to live in
A protective cover for a machine
Accompany
(V.)
To go somewhere with someone
To play a musical instrument while someone sings a song or plays the main tune
To happen or exist at the same time as something else
If a book, document etc accompanies something, it comes with it
Pedestrianisation
(N.)
The simplest meaning of it is the removal of vehicular traffic from city streets. For example in Hong Kong, pedestrianisation is defined by the transport department as “to restrict vehicle access to a street or area for exclusive use of pedestrians”.
Dual
(Adj.)
Having two of something or two parts
>single
dual role/purpose/function
dual citizenship/nationality
duality noun
Carriageway
(N.) (BrE)
One of the two sides of a motorway or main road, for vehicles travelling in the same direction
Demolish
(V.)
To completely destroy a building
To prove that an idea or opinion is completely wrong
To end or ruin something completely
To defeat someone very easily
demolition noun
South
(N.) The direction that is at the bottom of a map of the world, below the Equator. It is on the right if you are facing the rising sun from/towards the south to the south (of something) the south: the southern part of a country or area in the south south of
Conjunction
(N.)
In conjunction with somebody/something: working, happening, or being used with someone or something else
A combination of different things that have come together by chance
conjunction of
(technical)
A word such as ‘and’, ‘but’, or ‘because’ which joins parts of a sentence
Undergo
(V.)
past tense underwent / past participle undergone
If you undergo a change, an unpleasant experience etc, it happens to you or is done to you
Sum
(N.) An amount of money sum of large/substantial/considerable etc sum small/modest/trifling etc sum
The sum of something: The total produced when you add two or more numbers or amounts together
Greater/more/better etc than the sum of its parts: Having a quality or effectiveness as a group that you would not expect from the quality of each member
A simple calculation by adding, multiplying, dividing etc, especially one done by children at school
in favour of (BrE)
in favor of (AmE)
Used when something is not chosen or used, because something else seems much better
Homeschool
(V.)
To teach children at home instead of sending them to school
homeschooling noun
homeschool adjective
Abroad
Adverb
In or to a foreign country
(formal) If a feeling, piece of news etc is abroad, a lot of people feel it or know about it
Sneakers (AmE)
Trainers (BrE)
(N.)
(especially AmE)
A type of light soft shoe with a rubber sole (=bottom), used for sport
>splimsoll
(BrE) A type of strong shoe that you wear for sport
SYN tennis shoe (AmE)
Trunk (AmE)
Boot (Eng)
(N.)
(AmE)
The part at the back of a car where you can put bags, tools etc
SYN boot (BrE)
(BrE)
An enclosed space at the back of a car, used for carrying bags etc
SYN trunk (AmE)
Pitcher (AmE)
Jug (BrE)
(N.)
(AmE)
A container for holding and pouring a liquid, with a handle and a shaped part to help the liquid flow out
SYN jug (BrE)
(BrE)
A container with a wide curved opening at the top and a handle, used especially at meals for pouring liquids
SYN pitcher (AmE)
Flashlight (AmE)
Torch (BrE)
(N.)
(AmE)
A small electric light that you can carry in your hand
SYN torch (BrE)
(BrE)
a small electric lamp that you carry in your hand
SYN flashlight (AmE)
Sedan (AmE)
Saloon (BrE)
(N.)
(AmE) A car that has four doors, seats for at least four people, and a boot SYN saloon (BrE)
(also saloon car) (BrE)
A car that has a separate enclosed space for your bags etc
SYN sedan (AmE)
Shopping cart (AmE) Troll (BrE)
(N.)
(AmE)
A large metal basket on wheels that you push around when you are shopping in a supermarket
SYN cart (AmE), shopping trolley (BrE)
(BrE)
A large metal basket on wheels that you push around when you are shopping in a supermarket
SYN trolley (BrE), shopping cart (AmE)
Windshield (AmE)
Windscreen (BrE)
(N.)
(AmE) A windscreen
(BrE) The large window at the front of a car, bus etc SYN windshield (AmE)
Ask out
(V.)
Invite someone out on a date
Fix somebody/something up
Phrasal verb
To arrange a meeting, event etc
To decorate or repair a room or building
SYN do up
To provide someone with something they want
[+ with]
To find a suitable romantic partner for someone
[+ with]
Preposition
(N.)
A word that is used before a noun, pronoun, or gerund to show place, time, direction etc. In the phrase the trees in the park, in is a preposition.
prepositional adjective
Pronoun
(N.)
A word that is used instead of a noun or noun phrase, such as he instead of Peter or the man
Eve
(N.)
The night or day before an important day
eve of
(literary)
Evening
Bonfire
(N.)
A large fire in the open air, often built to celebrate something
Quote
(V.)
To repeat exactly what someone else has said or written
quote from
quote somebody on something
To give a piece of information that is written down somewhere
To give something as an example to support what you are saying
SYN cite
quote something as something
Pallor
(N.)
When someone’s skin is very pale in a way that makes them look weak or unhealthy
Ceremony
(N.) (plural ceremonies)
An important social or religious event, when a traditional set of actions is performed in a formal way
ceremonial
The special actions and formal words traditionally used on particular occasions
without ceremony= in a very informal way, without politeness
Disguise
(V.)
To change someone’s appearance so that people cannot recognize them
disguise yourself as somebody/something
To change the appearance, sound, taste etc of something so that people do not recognize it
disguise something as something
To hide a fact or feeling so that people will not notice it
disguise the fact that
Prosperous
(Adj.) (formal)
Rich and successful
Pour
(V.)
To make a liquid or other substance flow out of or into a container by holding it at an angle
pour something into/out/down etc (something)
pour something away =get rid of something
pour somebody something
If a lot of liquid or smoke pours out, it comes out from somewhere in very large amounts
(also pour down)
To rain heavily without stopping
If a lot of people or things pour into or out of a place, a lot of them arrive or leave at the same time
If light is pouring into or out of a place, a lot of light is coming in or out
Among
Amongst
Preposition
In or through the middle of a group of people or things
With a particular group of people
Used to say that many people in a group have the same feeling or opinion, or that something affects many people in a group
Used to talk about a particular person, thing, or group as belonging to a larger group
Among other things/places/factors etc= used to say that you are only mentioning one or two people or things out of a much larger group
If something is divided or shared among a group of people, each person is given a part of it
Among yourselves/ourselves/themselves= with each other
Superior to
(Adj.)
Better, more powerful, more effective etc than a similar person or thing, especially one that you are competing against
OPP inferior
superior to
Your computer is far superior to mine
Qualified for
(V.)
To have the right to have or do something, or to give someone this right
qualify for
You may qualify for unemployment benefit
Satisfied with
(Adj.)
Feeling that something is as good as it should be, or that something has happened in the way that you want
OPP dissatisfied
satisfied with
Im not satisfied with the way he cut my hair
Regardless of
(Adv.)
Without being affected or influenced by something
regardless of
The law requires equal treatment for all, regardless of race, religion, or sex
Letdown
(N.)
informal
An event, performance etc that is not as good as you expected it to be
SYN disappointment
Let somebody/something down
Phrasal verb
To not do something that someone trusts or expects you to do
To make someone or something less successful or effective
To move something or someone to a lower position
Let your hair down (informal)= to relax and enjoy yourself, especially after working hard
Let your guard/defences down= to relax and stop worrying about what might happen or what someone might find out about you
Let somebody down lightly/gently= to give someone bad news in a way that will not upset them too much
(BrE) To allow the air to escape from something so that it loses its shape and becomes flat
To make a piece of clothing longer by unfolding a folded edge
Let on
Phrasal verb
(informal)
To tell someone something, especially something you have been keeping secret
let on that
let on who/why/how etc
Reveal
(V.)
To make known something that was previously secret or unknown
OPP conceal
reveal (that)
reveal yourself (as/to be something)
To show something that was previously hidden
OPP conceal
Unintentional
(Adj.)
Not done deliberately
OPP deliberate
unintentionally
Let somebody/something off
Phrasal verb
To not punish someone
[+ with]
let somebody off the hook =allow someone to escape punishment or criticism
let somebody off lightly/easily =give someone a less serious punishment than they deserve
Let somebody off (something)= if someone in authority lets you off something you should do, they give you permission not to do it
Let something ↔ off= to make something explode
Let up
Phrasal verb
To become less severe or harmful
To be less severe, unkind, or violent towards someone
To stop working as hard as you were
Vocabulary
(N.) (plural vocabularies)
All the words that someone knows or uses
All the words in a particular language
The words that are typically used when talking about a particular subject
vocabulary of
The range of possible features, effects, actions etc, especially in a type of music or art
(The word) failure/guilt/compromise etc is not in somebody’s vocabulary= used to say that someone never thinks of accepting failure etc
A list of words with explanations of their meanings, especially in a book for learning a foreign language
Mindset
(N.)
Someone’s general attitude, and the way in which they think about things and make decisions
SYN outlook
Impress
(V.)
To make someone feel admiration and respect
impress somebody with by something
To make the importance of something clear to someone
impress something on somebody
To press something into a soft surface so that a mark or pattern appears on it
Examiner
(N.)
Someone from a university, college, or professional institution who tests students knowledge or ability
Hinder
(V.)
To make it difficult for something to develop or succeed
SYN hamper
⚠ Do not confuse with prevent =to make it impossible for someone to do something His poor health prevented him from going to work NOT His poor health hindered him from going to work
RegisterIn everyday English, people often say something gets in the way of something rather than hinders it
This could get in the way of rescue attempts.
Poor English got in the way of his progress
Coherent
(Adj.)
If a piece of writing, set of ideas etc is coherent, it is easy to understand because it is clear and reasonable
If someone is coherent, they are talking in a way that is clear and easy to understand
If a group is coherent, its members are connected or united because they share common aims, qualities, or beliefs
coherently adv
Conditional
(N.)
A sentence or clause that is expressed in a conditional form
(Adj.)
In grammar, a conditional sentence is one that begins with ‘if’ or ‘unless’ and expresses something that must be true or happen before something else can be true or happen
If an offer, agreement etc is conditional, it will only be done if something else happens first
OPP unconditional
conditional on/upon
Cash cow
(N.)
Something that a company sells very successfully and that brings in a lot of money
Lengthly
(Adj.)
comparative lengthier, superlative lengthiest
Continuing for a long time, often too long
OPP brief
A speech, piece of writing etc that is lengthy is long and often contains too many details
Vague
(Adj.)
Unclear because someone does not give enough detailed information or does not say exactly what they mean
vague about
have a vague idea/feeling/recollection etc (that)= to think that something might be true or that you remember something, although you cannot be sure
Not having a clear shape or form
SYN indistinct
vagueness noun
Vaguely
(Adv.)
Slightly
OPP clearly
I vaguely remember a woman in a red dress standing outside the door.
There was something vaguely familiar about him.
I was vaguely aware of another figure by the door.
Not clearly or exactly
His statement was very vaguely worded.
In a way that shows you are not thinking about what you are doing
He smiled vaguely at the ceiling.
Trivial
(Adj.)
Not serious, important, or valuable
trivial problem/matter/complaint etc
Launch
(V.)
To start something, usually something big or important
launch an attack/assault/offensive
To make a new product, book etc available for sale for the first time
To put a boat or ship into the water
To send a weapon or spacecraft into the sky or into space
To make a computer program start
SYN open
launch yourself forwards/up/from etc: to jump up and forwards into the air with a lot of energy
Top-notch
(Adj.) (informal)
Something that is top-notch is of the highest quality or standard
Timid
(Adj.)
Not having courage or confidence
SYN shy
OPP confident
timidly adverb
timidity noun
Register
In everyday English, people usually say that someone is shy rather than timid
Pressing
(Adj.)
Needing to be discussed or dealt with very soon
SYN urgent
pressing problem/matter/need etc
Intervention
(N.)
The act of becoming involved in an argument, fight, or other difficult situation in order to change what happens
Therapeutic
(Adj.)
Making you feel calm and relaxed
Relating to the treatment or cure of an illness
>therapy
therapeutically adverb
Overnight
(Adj.)
Happening during the night or for the night
Happening surprisingly quickly
(Adv.)
For or during the night
Suddenly or surprisingly quickly
happen/appear/change overnight
⚠ Do not talk about an overnight because overnight is never a noun. It is either an adverb or an adjective
Conflict
(N.) A state of disagreement or argument between people, groups, countries etc conflict over conflict between in conflict (with somebody) political/social/industrial conflict
Fighting or a war
armed/military/violent conflict
A situation in which you have to choose between two or more opposite needs, influences etc
conflict between
in conflict (with something)
A situation in which you have two opposite feelings about something
(AmE) Something that you have to do at the same time that someone wants you to do something else
conflict of interest/interests
a) a situation in which you cannot do your job fairly because you will be affected by the decision you make
b) a situation in which different people want different things
Pioneer
(N.)
Someone who is important in the early development of something, and whose work or ideas are later developed by other people
pioneer of
One of the first people to travel to a new country or area and begin living there, farming etc
Inventor
(N.)
Someone who has invented something, or whose job is to invent things
Vacant
(Adj.)
A vacant seat, building, room, or piece of land is empty and available for someone to use
Register
In everyday English, people usually say that a seat or room is free rather than vacant
Is this seat free
(formal) A job or position in an organization that is vacant is available for someone to start doing fall vacant (BrE)= become vacant situations vacant (BrE)= the part of a newspaper where jobs are advertised
vacant expression/look/stare etc (written)= an expression that shows that someone does not seem to be thinking about anything
vacantly adv
Mixed feelings/emotions
If you have mixed feelings or emotions about something, you are not sure whether you like, agree with, or feel happy about it
mixed about
Summarise (BrE)
Summarize (AmE)
(V.)
Make a short statement giving only the main information and not the details of a plan, event, report etc
SYN sum up
to summarize
Asset
(N.)
The things that a company owns, that can be sold to pay debts
in assets
Something or someone that is useful because they help you succeed or deal with problems
OPP liability
be an asset to somebody/something
Assert
(V.)
To state firmly that something is true
assert that
assert your rights/independence/superiority etc: to state very strongly your right to something
assert yourself: to behave in a determined way and say clearly what you think
assert itself: if an idea or belief asserts itself, it begins to influence something
Awful
(Adj.)
Very bad or unpleasant
SYN terrible
(spoken) Used to emphasize how much or how good, bad etc something is
look/feel awful: to look or feel ill
(literary) making you feel great respect or fear
awfulness noun
Unpleasant
(Adj.)
Not pleasant or enjoyable
Not kind or friendly
OPP nice
unpleasantly adverb
Dreadful
(Adj.)
Extremely unpleasant
SYN terrible
Used to emphasize how bad something or someone is
SYN terrible
Demystify
(V.)
demystified, demystifying, demystifies
To make a subject that seems difficult or complicated easier to understand, especially by explaining it in simpler language
demystification noun
Peel
(V.)
To remove the skin from fruit or vegetables
If skin, paper, or paint peels, it comes off, usually in small pieces
peel from/off
To lose an outer layer or surface
to remove the outer layer from something
peel something away/off/back
Boil
(V.)
When a liquid boils, or when you boil it, it becomes hot enough to turn into gas
boil at
To cook something in boiling water
If something containing liquid boils, the liquid inside it is boiling
To wash something, using boiling water
If you are boiling with anger, you are extremely angry
boil with
Mash
(V.) (also mash up)
To crush something, especially a food that has been cooked, until it is soft and smooth
masher noun
Chop
(V.)
(chopped, chopping)
(also chop up) To cut something into smaller pieces
chop something into pieces/chunks etc
(informal) To reduce an amount of money by a large amount
chop and change (BrE) (informal) to keep changing your mind
Fry
(V.)
fried, frying, fries
To cook something in hot fat or oil, or to be cooked in hot fat or oil
(AmE) (informal) To kill someone in an electric chair, or to be killed in an electric chair, as a punishment
Stir
(V.)
stirred, stirring
To move a liquid or substance around with a spoon or stick in order to mix it together
stir something with something
stir something in/into something
To move slightly, or to make something move slightly
To leave or move from a place
a)To make someone have a strong feeling or reaction
stir memories/emotions etc
b)If a feeling stirs in you, you begin to feel it
To make someone start doing something
stir somebody to do something
be stirring (it) (BrE) (informal): to cause trouble between people by spreading false or secret information
Bake
(V.)
To cook something using dry heat, in an oven
To make something become hard by heating it
Retirement
(N.)
When you stop working, usually because of your age
retirement from
retirement as
The period after you have stopped work
in retirement
Brake
(N.) A piece of equipment that makes a vehicle go more slowly or stop apply the brakes (formal) the rear/front brakes
act as a brake on something: to make something develop more slowly, be more difficult to do, or happen less
put the brakes on something: to stop something that is happening
Afford
(V.)
can/could afford:
a)to have enough money to buy or pay for something
afford (to do) something
b)to have enough time to do something
c)if you cannot afford to do something, you must not do it because it could cause serious problems for you
⚠ Afford can be followed by an infinitive with to, but not an ‘-ing’ form: I can’t afford to buy (NOT can’t afford buying) a car.
(formal) to provide something or allow something to happen
afford (somebody) an opportunity/chance
affordable adjective
Vice versa
(Adv.)
Used to say that the opposite of a situation you have just described is also true
Whereas
Conjunction
(formal) Used to say that although something is true of one thing, it is not true of another
(law) Used at the beginning of an official document to mean ‘because of a particular fact
از انجایی که، با در نظر گرفتن این که، نظر به این که، چون، در حالی که، درحقیقت
Summon
(V.) (formal)
To order someone to come to a place
summon somebody to something
summon somebody to do something
To officially order someone to come to a court of law
(also summon something up) To try very hard to have enough of something such as courage, energy, or strength, because you need it
summon a meeting/conference etc: to arrange for a meeting to take place and order people to come to it
SYN convene
Willpower
(N.)
The ability to control your mind and body in order to achieve something that you want to do
Fairly
(Adv.)
More than a little, but much less than very
>quite
In a way that is fair, honest, and reasonable
(BrE) (old-fashioned) Used to emphasize the degree, force etc of an action
Relevent
(Adj.)
Directly relating to the subject or problem being discussed or considered
OPP irrelevant
relevant to
relevance (also relevancy) noun
relevantly adverb
Express
(V.)
To tell or show what you are feeling or thinking by using words, looks, or actions
express your views/opinions
express something in/by/through something
express sympathy/fear/anger etc
express thanks/gratitude (for something) (to somebody)= thank someone in a speech or by writing a letter
express doubts/reservations
express yourself= say what you think or feel
To show or describe a particular feeling
Something expresses itself: if something expresses itself, it becomes noticeable
SYN something reveals itself
(informal) To change an amount or quantity into a different form, especially in mathematics
express something as in something
If a woman expresses milk, she presses milk out of her breast in order to feed it to her baby later
Accept
(V.)
To take something that someone offers you, or to agree to do something that someone asks you to do
OPP refuse
To decide that there is nothing you can do to change a difficult and unpleasant situation or fact and continue with your normal life
To decide that someone has the necessary skill or intelligence for a particular job, course etc or that a piece of work is good enough
OPP reject
To agree to take or deal with something that someone gives you, or to say that it is suitable or good enough
Access
(N.)
The right to enter a place, use something, see someone etc
How easy or difficult it is for people to enter a public building, to reach a place, or talk to someone
The way you use to enter a building or reach a place
have access to a car/a computer etc: to have a car, a computer etc that you can use
gain/get access (to something): to succeed in entering a place or in seeing someone or something
Accent
(N.)
The way someone pronounces the words of a language, showing which country or which part of a country they come from
>dialect
The accent is on something: if the accent is on a particular quality, feeling etc, special importance is given to it
The part of a word that you should emphasize when you say it
SYN stress
A written mark used above or below particular letters in some languages to show how to pronounce that letter
Skim
(V.) skimmed, skimming
To remove something from the surface of a liquid, especially floating fat, solids, or oil
skim something off/from something
To read something quickly to find the main facts or ideas in it
SYN scan
skim/through over
To move along quickly over a surface, never touching it or not touching it often
skim over/along/across
skim stones/pebbles etc (BrE): to throw smooth flat stones into a lake, river etc in a way that makes them jump across the surface SYN skip (AmE)
Gradually
(Adv.)
Slowly, over a long period of time
OPP suddenly
Template
(N.)
A thin sheet of plastic or metal in a special shape or pattern, used to help cut other materials in a similar shape
(technical) A computer document containing some basic information that you use as a model for writing other documents, such as business letters, envelopes etc
(written) Something that is used as a model for another thingtemplate for
Ticked off
(Adj.)
(AmE) angry or annoyed
Throw-in
(N.)
An action in which someone throws the ball back onto the field in a game of football
Substitude
(V.)
To use something new or different instead of something else
substitute something for something
To do someone’s job until the person who usually does it is able to do it again
SYN stand in
substitute for
To replace someone with another person, especially another player
Charge
(N.)
The amount of money you have to pay for goods or services
charge of
charge for
The position of having control or responsibility for a group of people or an activity in charge (of something)
be in/under somebody’s charge: if someone or something is in your charge, you are responsible for looking after them
(formal) Someone that you are responsible for looking after
An official statement by the police that someone may be guilty of a crime
charge against
charge of
on a charge (of something)
A written or spoken statement blaming someone for doing something bad or illegal
SYN allegation
charge that
charge of
deny/counter a charge =say that a charge is untrue
an attack in which soldiers or animals move towards someone or something very quickly
lead the charge: to make a strong effort to do something
Electricity that is put into a piece of electrical equipment such as a battery
on charge =taking in a charge of electricity
An explosive put into something such as a bomb or gun
The power of strong feelings
Attendance
(N.)
The number of people who attend a game, concert, meeting etc
When someone goes to a meeting, class etc, or an occasion when they go attendance at
be in attendance (at something) (formal) to be at a special or important event
be in attendance on somebody (formal)
to look after someone or serve them
Small talk
(N.)
polite friendly conversation about unimportant subjects
Abstract
(Adj.)
Based on general ideas or principles rather than specific examples or real events
SYN theoretical
abstract idea/concept etc
Existing only as an idea or quality rather than as something real that you can see or touch
OPP concrete
Abstract paintings, designs etc consist of shapes and patterns that do not look like real people or things
Ms (BrE)
Ms. (AmE)
Used before a woman’s family name when she does not want to be called Mrs or Miss, or when you do not know
Mrs (BrE)
Mrs. (AmE)
Used before a married woman’s family name to be polite when you are speaking to her, writing to her, or talking about her
⚠ Some married women prefer to be addressed as Ms because it does not draw attention to whether or not they are married.
Mrs Tidy/Mrs Efficient/Mrs Nosy etc (spoken)
used humorously to say that a woman has a particular quality or behaves in a particular way
Miss
(N.)
Used in front of the family name of a woman who is not married to address her politely, to write to her, or to talk about her
Bunch
(N.)
A group of things that are fastened, held, or growing together
bunch of
(informal) A group of people
bunch of
the best/pick of the bunch: the best among a group of people or things
(AmE) (informal) A large number of people or things, or a large amount of something
bunch of
bunches (BrE)
If a girl wears her hair in bunches, she ties it together at each side of her head
Bunch
Bunch up
Bunch together
(V.)
To stay close together in a group, or to make people do this
To make part of your body tight, or to become tight like this
Sean bunched his fists.
To pull material together tightly in folds
To hold or tie things together in a bunch
Extent
(N.)
to… extent: used to say how true something is or how great an effect or change is
to a certain extent/to some extent/to an extent =partly
to a great/large extent
to a lesser/greater extent =less or more
to such an extent that/to the extent that =so much that
Violence increased to the extent that residents were afraid to leave their homes.
How large, important, or serious something is, especially something such as a problem or injury
extent of
The length or size of something
in extent
Go off
Phrasal verb
To leave a place, especially in order to do something
go off to
go off to do something
Geoff went off to play golf.
To explode or fire
The bomb went off at 6.30 this morning.
Make a noise if an alarm goes off, it makes a noise to warn you about something
Ive set the alarm clock to go off at 7 am.
Go off somebody/something (BrE) (informal)
to stop liking something or someone
go off doing something
Ive gone off cooking lately
If a machine or piece of equipment goes off, it stops working
Suddenly, all the lights went off.
Go off well/badly etc
to happen in a particular way
The party went off very well.
(BrE) (spoken) (informal) to happen
SYN go on
There was a blazing row going off next door.
(BrE) if food goes off, it becomes too bad to eat
The milk’s gone off.
To go to sleep
Id just gone off to sleep when the phone rang.
Get worse (BrE informal) to get worse He's a singer whose talent has gone off in recent years.
Pull out
Phrasal verb
a)To drive onto a road from another road or from where you have stopped
b)To drive over to a different part of the road in order to get past a vehicle in front of you
I pulled out to overtake a bus.
If a train pulls out, it leaves a station
OPP pull in
To stop doing or being involved in something, or to make someone do this
pull out of
pull somebody out of something
He threatened to pull his son out of the team.
To get out of a bad situation or dangerous place, or to make someone or something do this
pull somebody something ↔ out
pull out of
Jim saw that the firm was going to be ruined, so he pulled out
Shoot something up
Phrasal verb
To increase very quickly and suddenly
SYN rocket
Demand for water has shot up by 70% over the last 30 years.
If a child shoots up, he or she grows taller very quickly and suddenly
I can’t believe this is Joshua – he’s shot up since we last saw him
Shoot somebody something ↔ up
to cause serious injury or damage to someone or something by shooting them with bullets
Then two men came in and shot up the entire lobby.
Shoot up something (informal)
to put illegal drugs into your blood, using a needle
SYN inject
Kids as young as ten are shooting up heroin
Catastrophe
(N.) A terrible event in which there is a lot of destruction, suffering, or death SYN disaster environmental/nuclear/economic etc catastrophe prevent/avert a catastrophe An event which is very bad for the people involved SYN disaster catastrophe for catastrophic adjective catastrophically adverb
Ominous
(Adj.)
Making you feel that something bad is going to happen
How long will she be ill he asked. There was an ominous silence.
The car is making an ominous rattling sound.
ominously adv
Standout
(Adj.)
(AmE) Used about a person or thing in a group that is much better than all the rest
the standout track on the album
standout noun
He was the standout in last Saturday’s game.
Workout
(N.)
A period of physical exercise, especially as training for a sport
a daily workout in the gym
Work something off
Phrasal verb
To get rid of something, especially a feeling such as anger, nervousness etc, by doing something that uses a lot of your energy
Walking is excellent for working off tension.
I need to go and work off a few of these calories.
To do a job for someone else because you owe them money or because they have helped you in the past
She hasn’t worked off her debts to me yet
Warm-up
(N.)
A set of gentle exercises you do to prepare your body for sport, dancing etc
warm-ups (AmE) (informal)
Clothes that you wear when you are doing exercises to prepare your body for playing a sport or dancing
➔ sweat suit
Tryout
(N.)
A time when people who want to be in a sports team, activity etc are tested, so that the best can be chosen
baseball tryouts
A period of time during which a play, television show etc is shown to find out if people like it
Branch out
Phrasal verb
To start doing something different from the work or activities that you normally do
Don’t be afraid to branch out and try something new.
branch out into (doing) something
Profits were falling until the bookstore branched out into selling CDs
Carry on
Phrasal verb
(especially BrE) To continue doing something
carry on doing something
carry on with
I want to carry on with my course.
To continue moving
Carry on something: if you carry on a particular kind of work or activity, you do it or take part in it
Mr Dean carried on his baking business until he retired.
Spoken to talk in an annoying way
carry on about
I wish everyone would stop carrying on about it.
(old-fashioned) To have a sexual relationship with someone, when you should not
carry on with
She was carrying on with a neighbour
Close down
Phrasal verb
Close something ↔ down: if a company, shop etc closes down or is closed down, it stops operating permanently
Paramount closed down its London office in 1968.
(BrE) To stop broadcasting radio or television programmes at the end of the day
BBC 2 closes down at 1245 tonight
Look forward to something
Phrasal verb
To be excited and pleased about something that is going to happen
Im really looking forward to our vacation.
look forward to doing something
My mother says she’s looking forward to meeting you
Note something down
Phrasal verb
To write something down so that you will remember it
Note down the main points you want to include in your essay
Step down (also Step aside)
Phrasal verb
Leave your job or official position, because you want to or because you think you should
Morris should step aside until the investigation is completed.
step down as
Eve Johnson has stepped down as chairperson.
step down from
He was forced to step down from his post
Carry something out
Phrasal verb
To do something that needs to be organized and planned
We need to carry out more research.
(Register
In written English, people often use conduct when writing about research, experiments etc, because this sounds more formal than carry out
They conducted experiments to test this theory.)
To do something that you have said you will do or that someone has asked you to do
Nicholson didn’t carry out his threat to take legal action.
Take off
Phrasal verb
to suddenly start being successful
Mimi became jealous when Jack’s career started taking off
Chore
(N.)
A small job that you have to do regularly, especially work that you do to keep a house clean
everyday chores like shopping and housework
Something you have to do that is very boring and unpleasant
I find driving a real chore
Catch up
Phrasal verb
To improve and reach the same standard as other people in your class, group etc
catch up with
At the moment our technology is more advanced, but other countries are catching up with us.
To come from behind and reach someone in front of you by going faster
catch up with
catch somebody up (BrE)
You go on ahead. Ill catch you up in a minute.
To do what needs to be done because you have not been able to do it until now
catch up on
I have some work to catch up on.
To spend time finding out what has been happening while you have been away or during the time you have not seen someone
catch up on
When I got home I phoned Jo to catch up on all the gossip.
Be get caught up in something: to be or get involved in something, especially something bad
I didn’t want to get caught up in endless petty arguments
Salty
(Adj.)
Tasting of or containing salta slightly salty taste
salty foods
(AmE)(old-fashioned) Language, a story, or a joke that is salty is amusing and often about sex
Bitter
(Adj.)
Feeling angry, jealous, and upset because you think you have been treated unfairly
>bitterly
bitter about
I feel very bitter about it.
Making you feel very unhappy and upset➔ bitterly
a bitter disappointment/blow
If he failed, it would be a bitter disappointment to his parents.
A bitter argument, battle etc is one in which people oppose or criticize each other with strong feelings of hate and anger
bitter dispute/battle/struggle etc
The couple are locked in a bitter battle for custody of the children.
Having a strong sharp taste, like black coffee without sugar
➔ sour, sweet
Enjoy the beer’s bitter taste as you slowly drink it.
bitter chocolate
Unpleasantly cold ➔ bitterly a bitter wind bitterness noun
Spicy
(Adj.)
Food that is spicy has a pleasantly strong taste, and gives you a pleasant burning feeling in your mouth
SYN hot
spice
a spicy tomato sauce
A story or picture that is spicy is slightly shocking or rude because it tells about or shows something relating to sex
Sour
(Adj.)
Having a sharp acid taste, like the taste of a lemon or a fruit that is not ready to be eaten
OPP sweet
Rachel sampled the wine. It was sour.
sour cherries
Milk or other food that is sour is not fresh and has a bad taste
turn/go sour =become sour
(Register
In everyday English, people usually say milk goes bad or, in British English, goes off, rather than goes sour.)
Unfriendly or looking bad-tempered
sour look face smile etc
Eliza was tall and thin, with a rather sour face.
(informal) If a relationship or plan turns or goes sour, it becomes less enjoyable, pleasant, or satisfactory
As time went by, their marriage turned sour.
The meeting ended on a sour note, with neither side able to reach agreement.
sourly adverb
sourness noun
Sweet
(Adj.)
(comparative sweeter, superlative sweetest)
Containing or having a taste like sugar >sour, bitter, dry This tea is too sweet. sweet juicy peaches sweet wine
Kind, gentle, and friendly
a sweet smile
How sweet of you to remember my birthday
➔ sweet-tempered
(especially BrE) Looking pretty and attractive
SYN cute
Your little boy looks very sweet in his new coat.
Making you feel pleased, happy, and satisfied Revenge is sweet. the sweet smell of success the sweet taste of victory Goodnight, Becky. Sweet dreams.
Having a pleasant smell
SYN fragrant
sweet-smelling flowers
the sickly sweet =unpleasantly sweet smell of rotting fruit
Pleasant to listen to
OPP harsh
She has a very sweet singing voice.
Have a sweet tooth: to like things that taste of sugar
If you describe water or air as sweet, you mean that it is fresh and clean
OPP stale
She hurried to the door and took great gulps of the sweet air
Tasteless
(Adj.)
Food or drink that is tasteless is unpleasant because it has no particular taste
Slightly offensive
a tasteless remark
Made, decorated, or chosen with bad taste
a tasteless outfit
ugly and tasteless housing
Chaotic
(Adj.)
Chaotic situation is one in which everything is happening in a confused way
a chaotic mixture of images
Chaos
(N.)
A situation in which everything is happening in a confused way and nothing is organized or arranged in order
The country was plunged into economic chaos.
•complete/utter/absolute etc chaos
There was total chaos on the roads.
•in chaos
The kitchen was in chaos.
The state of the universe before there was any order
Disorganized
also -ised BrE
(Adj.)
Not arranged or planned in a clear order, or lacking any kind of plan or system
OPP well-organized
The conference was completely disorganized.
Someone who is disorganized is very bad at arranging or planning things
OPP organized
He’s an extremely disorganized person
Eloquent
(Adj.)
Able to express your ideas and opinions well, especially in a way that influences people
an eloquent appeal for support
Showing a feeling or meaning without using words
The photographs are an eloquent reminder of the horrors of war.
eloquently adverb
eloquence noun
Stagnate
(V.)
To stop developing or making progress
Growth is expected to stagnate next year.
His career had stagnated.
stagnation noun
Stagnant
(Adj.)
Stagnant water or air does not move or flow and often smells bad
a stagnant pond
Not changing or making progress, and continuing to be in a bad condition
a government plan to revive the stagnant economy
Driver’s license (AmE)
Driving licence (BrE)
(N.)
An official document or card that says that you are legally allowed to drive
Fine
(N.)
Money that you have to pay as a punishment
a £40 fine
pay a fine/pay £100/$50 etc in fines
She was ordered to pay £150 in parking fines, plus court costs.
Councils will get sweeping powers to impose fines on drivers who park illegally.
heavy/hefty fine (=a large fine)
If convicted, the men face heavy fines
Speed bump
also speed hump BrE
(N.)
A narrow raised area put across a road to force traffic to go slowly
SYN sleeping policeman
Car crash
(N.)
An accident in which a vehicle violently hits something else
>collision
Toll
(N.)
The number of people killed or injured in a particular accident, by a particular illness etc
The death toll has risen to 83.
The bombings took a heavy toll, killing hundreds of Londoners.
A very bad effect that something has on something or someone over a long period of time
toll on
Years of smoking have taken their toll on his health.
a heavy toll on the environment
The money you have to pay to use a particular road, bridge etc عوارض
The sound of a large bell ringing slowly
Magnify
(V.)
(magnified, magnifying, magnifies)
To make something seem bigger or louder, especially using special equipment
At the Sheffield arena, the speakers were magnified ten times on a giant screen.
A public address system magnifies all the little noises and coughs.
To make something seem more important than it really is
SYN exaggerate
The report tends to magnify the risks involved.
(formal)To make something much worse or more serious
The results of economic mismanagement were magnified by a series of natural disasters
Magnificent
(Adj.)
Very good or beautiful, and very impressive
a magnificent performance
The twelve-mile coastline has magnificent scenery.
She looked magnificent in a long red dress.
magnificently adverb
magnificence noun
Magnification
(N.)
The process of making something look bigger than it is
•at high/low etc magnification
When viewed at high magnification it is clear that the crystals are quite different.
greater levels of magnification
•under magnification
The colour is evident even under low magnification.
The degree to which something is able to make things look bigger
binoculars with a magnification of x12 (=which make things look 12 times as big)
Magnitude
(N.)
The great size or importance of something
•magnitude of
They didn’t seem to appreciate the magnitude of the problem.
of such this similar etc magnitude
We did not think the cuts would be of this magnitude.
an increase of this order of magnitude =size
(technical) The degree of brightness of a star
(technical) The force of an earthquake
Periodic table
(N.)
the periodic tablea list of elements (=simple chemical substances) arranged according to their atomic structure
Atom
(N.)
The smallest part of an element that can exist alone or can combine with other substances to form a molecule
carbon atoms
atom of
two atoms of hydrogen
A very small amount of something – used for emphasis
atom of
There isn’t an atom of truth in it
Molecule
(N.)
The smallest unit into which any substance can be divided without losing its own chemical nature, usually consisting of two or more atoms
The molecules of oxygen gas contain just two atoms.
molecular adjective
molecular structure
Chemical reaction
(N.)
A natural process in which the atoms of chemicals mix and arrange themselves differently to form new substances
the chemical reaction between ozone and chlorine
Chemical properties
(N.)
They grouped the known elements by chemical properties.
خواص شیمیایی
Tranquil
(Adj.)
Pleasantly calm, quiet, and peaceful
A small tranquil village
tranquilly adverb
tranquillity(BrE), tranquility (AmE) noun
the tranquillity of the Tuscan countryside
Tranquilize
(V.)
To make a person or animal calm or unconscious by using a drug
Amphibian
(N.)
An animal such as a frog that can live both on land and in water
Sea animals
(N.)
جانوران دریایی
Reptile
(N.)
A type of animal, such as a snake or lizard, whose body temperature changes according to the temperature around it, and that usually lays eggs to have babies
(informal) Someone who is unpleasant or cannot be trusted
reptilian adjective
Rodent
(N.)
Any small animal of the type that has long sharp front teeth, such as a rat or a rabbit
Mammal
(N.)
A type of animal that drinks milk from its mother’s body when it is young. Humans, dogs, and whales are mammals.
mammalian adjective
Bird
(N.)
A creature with wings and feathers that can usually fly. Many birds sing and build nests, and female birds lay eggs
wild birds
The dawn was filled with the sound of birds.
a flock of birds (=a group of birds flying together)
a wooden bird cage
Deplete
(V.)
To reduce the amount of something that is present or available
Salmon populations have been severely depleted.
depletion noun
the depletion of the ozone layer
Dimension
(N.)
A part of a situation or a quality involved in it
SYN aspect
•dimension of
the moral dimension of world politics
•add a new/an extra/another etc dimension to something
His coaching has added another dimension to my game.
•political/social/economic etc dimension
It is important to keep in mind the historical dimension to these issues.
You can have a spiritual dimension to your life without being religious.
length, height, width, depth, or diameter of something
SYN measurement
a rectangle with the dimensions 5cm x 2cm
•dimension of
Well need to know the exact dimensions of the room.
A direction in space that is at an angle of 90 degrees to two other directions
A diagram represents things in only two dimensions.
Dimensions:How great or serious a problem is
a catastrophe of enormous dimensions
Merit
(N.)
An advantage or good feature of somethingmerit of
The film has the merit of being short.
The merit of the report is its realistic assessment of the changes required.
The great merit of the project is its flexibility and low cost.
Each of these approaches to teaching has its merits.
Tonight’s meeting will weigh up the relative merits of the two candidates.
(Register
Merit is used especially in formal contexts. In everyday English, people usually talk about the good points of something
The book does have its good points.)
(formal) A good quality that makes someone or something deserve praise
There is never any merit in being second best.
•have (some) merit/be of merit =be good
The suggestion has some merit.
on merit
Students are selected solely on merit =because they are good.
•artistic/literary merit
a film lacking any artistic merit
Ox
(N.)
(plural oxen’ɒksən $ ˈaːk-)
A bull whose sex organs have been removed, often used for working on farms
A large cow or bull
Goose
(N.)
(plural geese giːs)
A bird that is like a duck but is larger and makes loud noises
A female goose
➔ gander
The cooked meat of this bird
(old-fashioned) (informal)
A silly person
Caretaker (BrE)
(N.)
(BrE)
Someone whose job is to look after a building, especially a school
SYN janitor (AmE)
Someone who looks after a house or land while the person who owns it is not there
•caretaker manager/government/boss etc
a manager, government etc that is in charge for a short period of time until another manager or government is chosen
(AmE) Someone who looks after other people, especially a teacher, parent, nurse etc SYN carer (BrE)
Draughts (BrE)
(N.)
Game played by two people, each with 12 round pieces, on a board of 64 squares SYN checkers (AmE)
One of the round pieces used in the game of draughts SYN checker (AmE)
Draw (BrE)
(N.)
The final result of a game or competition in which both teams or players have the same number of points SYN tie (AmE) The match ended in a draw
Fire Brigade (BrE)
(N.)
The fire service
SYN fire department (AmE)
(AmE) A group of people who work together to stop fires burning, but are not paid to do this
Lass
(N.)
(also las‧sie ˈlæsi)
A girl or young woman – used especially in Scotland and the north of England
➔ lad
Jumble Sale (BrE)
(N.)
A sale of used clothes, books etc in order to get money for a local church, school etc
SYN rummage sale (AmE)
Kit (BrE)
(N.)
A set of clothes and equipment that you use for a particular purpose such as playing a sport:
sports kit
football kits
A set of clothes and equipment used by soldiers, sailors, etc:
The soldiers are trained to jump from the planes with full kit on.
SYN uniform (AmE)
Loo (BrE)
(N.)
(informal)
(plural loos)
A toilet:
I need to go to the loo (=use the toilet).
Noughts and Crosses (BrE)
(N.)
A game in which two players write 0 or X in a pattern of nine squares, trying to win with a row of three 0’s or three X’s
SYN tick-tack-toe (AmE)
Parcel (BrE)
(N.)
An object that has been wrapped in paper or put in a special envelope, especially so that it can be sent by post
SYN package
The parcel was delivered last week.
He sends regular food parcels to his family in Libya.
•parcel of
a parcel of clothes and blankets
An area of land that is part of a larger area which has been divided up:
parcel of
a parcel of farmland
(BrE)
A small quantity of food that has been wrapped up, usually in pastry
Phone Box (BrE)
(N.)
A small structure that is partly or completely enclosed, containing a public telephone
SYN phone booth (AmE)
Plaster (BrE)
(N.)
A piece of thin material that is stuck on to the skin to cover a small wound SYN bandaid (AmE)
Pitch (BrE)
(N.)
A marked out area of ground on which a sport is played
SYN field
•football/ cricket/ rugby etc pitch
the world-famous Wembley football pitch
He ran the length of the pitch and scored.
•on the pitch (=playing a sport)
Jack was on the pitch for his school in the Senior Cup Final.
Navel
(N.)
The small hollow or raised place in the middle of your stomach
SYN belly button,
tummy button
gaze at/contemplate your navel
to spend too much time thinking about your own problems – used humorously
Groin
(N.)
The place where the tops of your legs meet the front of your body
BUILDING
A groyne
Calf
(N.)
(plural calves kɑːvz $ kævz)
The part of the back of your leg between your knee and your ankle
The baby of a cow, or of some other large animals, such as an elephant
be in/with calf
if a cow is in or with calf, it is going to have a baby
Instep
(N.)
The raised part of your foot between your toes and your ankle
The part of a shoe that covers your instep
Armpit
(N.)
The hollow place under your arm where it joins your body
the armpit of something (AmE) (informal):
the ugliest or worst place in a particular city or area:
Dale says Butte is the armpit of Montana.
Delicate
(N.)
Needing to be dealt with carefully or sensitively in order to avoid problems or failure
There’s something I have to speak to you about – it’s a delicate matter.
delicate negotiations
Easily damaged or broken
SYN fragile
delicate hand-cut glass
The sun can easily damage a child’s delicate skin.
(old-fashioned) Someone who is delicate is hurt easily or easily becomes ill:
a delicate child
A part of the body that is delicate is attractive and graceful
Her wrists and ankles were slim and delicate.
her delicate features
Made skilfully and with attention to the smallest details
a plate with a delicate pattern of leaves
A taste, smell, or colour that is delicate is pleasant and not strong
The wine has a dry delicate flavour.
a delicate pink
delicately adverb
Atrocious
(Adj.)
Extremely bad
SYN awful
atrocious weather
Her singing was atrocious.
atrociously adverb
Grave
(Adj.)
Grave problems, situations, or worries are very great or bad➔ serious:
Matthew’s life is in grave danger.
(Register
In everyday English, people usually use serious rather than grave, and seriously rather than gravely:
I have serious doubts about whether he’s up to the job.
I’m seriously worried about her.)
Looking or sounding quiet and serious, especially because something important or worrying has happened
SYN sombre
Turnbull’s face was grave as he told them about the accident.
gravely adv:
Adam nodded gravely.
We are gravely concerned (=very concerned) about these developments
Appalling
(Adj.)
Very unpleasant and shocking
SYN terrible
She suffered appalling injuries.
Very bad
SYN atrocious
The weather was absolutely appalling.
appallingly adv:
He behaved appallingly.
an appallingly difficult job
