Advanced English Vocabulary Set 3 Flashcards
She said she’d seen him last week and he was ______ __ ________.
to continue to live or exist and be full of energy
alive and kicking
Marriage isn’t all _______ ___ ______. It can be hard work keeping a relationship together.
it’s not always pleasant
moonlight and roses
Be careful you don’t _________ yourself.
to make someone do more than they are really able to do， so that they become very tired
overtax
a person who lends money in exchange for items which they can sell if the person leaving them does not pay an agreed amount of money in an agreed time
pawnbroker
They captured the last _____________ of the presidential guard.
a building or position which is strongly defended
stronghold
The ___________ appearance of the building has not changed at all in 200 years.
relating to how people， situations or things seem to be， rather than how they are inside
outward
Hebron has been a _________ for years.
a place where trouble or violence might easily develop suddenly and be hard to control
flashpoint
Many of Hitchcock’s films are real _________.
a story or a situation which is exciting because its ending or result is uncertain until it happens
cliffhangers
Susannah put down the paintbrush and stood back to admire her __________.
work done skilfully with the hands
handiwork
A qualified teacher， he ___________ as a cabbie in the evenings to pay the rent.
to work at an additional job， especially without telling your main employer
moonlighted
an _________ sense of humour
unusual and strange and therefore surprising or noticeable
offbeat
The latest 500 cc road bike easily __________ all the competition.
to be much better than someone or something
outclasses
someone who has a lot of knowledge about many different subjects
polymath
a small car for short journeys
runabout
a _________ imagination
full of nervous excitement or activity
febrile
It is a widely held ________ that governments should not negotiate with terrorists.
a statement or principle which is generally accepted to be true， but is not necessarily so
axiom
She won’t _________ any criticism of her work.
to not allow or accept something， especially difference of opinion or intention
brook
He’s the author of an ________ book on Scottish history.
having or containing a lot of specialist knowledge
erudite
The Government has been __________ in the fight against inflation.
showing hard work， care and attention to detail
assiduous
Her approval was the highest __________ he could have received.
praise and approval
accolade
Are you __________ my competence as a professional designer?
to cause people to doubt someone’s character， qualities or reputation by criticizing them
impugning
He was considered as something of a __________ in the publishing world.
a person who thinks and acts in an independent， unusual way
maverick
having the habit of talking a lot， especially about unimportant things
garrulous
In a moment of __________， she agreed to go with him.
a temporary change from the typical or usual way of behaving
aberration
She accepted the money with _________.
speed and eagerness
alacrity
laziness and moral __________
very immoral behaviour
turpitude
__________ rates of interest
much higher than it should be
exorbitant
the _________ of our purpose on earth
a confusing and difficult problem
conundrum
Water from the Great Lakes is pumped to _______ regions.
very dry because it has very little rain
arid
the _________ properties of natural remedies
helping people， or resulting in something good
beneficent
poetry that is silly or funny and not intended to be serious
doggerel
the practice of using too many words to express an idea， instead of saying it directly
circumlocution
You should __________ the same amount of time to each question.
to use something for a particular purpose， give something to a particular person etc
allocate
I have always found Bentner to be a model of _______ in our dealings.
complete honesty
probity
Years of easy success had ___________ the company’s thinking.
become fixed and unable to change
ossified
too careless to save any money or to plan for the future
improvident
Johnson was ________ in the press for refusing to resign.
to say or write bad things about someone or something
vilified
If she had only _________ my warnings， none of this would have happened.
to pay attention to someone’s advice or warning
heeded
I came back from holiday feeling __________.
to make someone look or feel young and strong again
rejuvenated
No one was more __________ than Neil in supporting the proposal.
someone who does or supports something with great energy
zealous
The magician _________ a rabbit out of his hat.
to perform clever tricks in which you seem to make things appear， disappear， or change by magic
conjured
The headteacher is very ________
friendly and pleasant
genial
He interpreted her comments as an _________ criticism of the government.
suggested but not communicated directly
implicit
She has published a fierce anti-war _________.
a piece of writing or a speech in which a person strongly attacks or defends a particular opinion， person， idea or set of beliefs
polemic
Many prisons， even today， are overcrowded and _________ places.
extremely dirty and unpleasant， often because of lack of money
squalid
He was always rather _________ at sport.
not skilled or effective
inept
The minister is calling for ____________ prison sentences for people who assault police officers.
describes something which must be done， or which is demanded by law
mandatory
an __________ taste in literature
including a mixture of many different elements， especially so that you can use the best of all of them
eclectic
The charges are false， and we are sure we will be ___________ in court.
to prove that someone who was blamed for something is in fact not guilty
vindicated
This issue looks likely to continue to ______ the government.
to cause difficulty to someone， or to cause someone to feel angry， annoyed or upset
vex
to take a claim or complaint against someone to a court of law
litigate
I can’t believe he had the _________ to ask me for more money!
the quality of having enough courage to take risks or say impolite things
audacity
She __________ down the stairs and into the hall.
to walk confidently while moving your hips from side to side in a way that attracts attention
sashayed
Lloyd has carved a ________ for himself as a professional tennis player.
a job or position which is very suitable for someone， especially one that they like
niche
She said she preferred _________ to brains
physical strength and big muscles
brawn
The fund was increased by the _________ of new shareholders.
gradual increase or growth by the addition of new layers or parts
accretion
A friend of the victim was _________ as a witness by lawyers representing the accused.
to order someone to go to a court of law to answer questions
subpoenaed
News of the arrest ________ her greatly.
to worry someone
perturbed
The tour operator will arrange transport and plan your _________.
a detailed plan or route of a journey
itinerary
It is misleading to see the legal system as a ________.
a large， powerful organization that cannot change quickly and does not consider the ideas or feelings of the people it affects
monolith
There has been a _________ of interest in religion over the last ten years.
the reappearance and growth of something that was common in the past
resurgence
Nigeria’s Nobel ________， Wole Soyinka
someone who has been given an important prize or honour， especially the Nobel Prize
laureate
The film was a complete ______.
a film， play， product etc that is not successful
flop
the enormous _____ of the tree
the size of something or someone large when you measure around them
girth
the _________ of housework
hard boring work
drudgery
the _____ system
one of the fixed social classes， which cannot be changed， into which people are born in India
caste
a very long， boring piece of writing - used to show disapproval
screed
Our Science Shop is a treasure ______ of curiosities and gadgets.
a group of valuable or interesting things or pieces of information， or the place where they are
trove
What are you ________ on about， George?
to talk or complain about something for a long time in a boring way
maundering
Wear a T-shirt under your wetsuit to stop it ________.
become sore because of something rubbing against it
chafing
Some hunters are ________ under the new restrictions.
to feel impatient or annoyed
chafing
They _________ politely， but finally agreed to stay.
to express doubt about or opposition to a plan or suggestion
demurred
to rub something so hard that the surface becomes damaged
abrade
Commerce was the town’s ________ _____.
the reason why something exists， why someone does something etc
raison d’être
This man， in fact， was \_\_\_\_ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_， a true original. the only example of its kind; constituting a class of its own; unique
sui generis
recommendations that were adopted ___ _____
in all; completely; entirely; wholly
in toto
The remark was uttered _______ ______.
in a quiet voice so that only people near can hear
sotto voce
too great to be described in words
ineffable
The witness was _________ for failing to answer the question.
to tell someone severely that they have done something wrong
admonished
The men were using ____________ language
intended or likely to cause anger or hate
inflammatory
The army planned to attack enemy _________.
a building where weapons and military equipment are stored
arsenals
Financial aid is being provided to the country under the ________ of the International Monetary Fund.
with the protection or support of someone or something， especially an organization
auspices
As he left the meeting， he was _______ by angry demonstrators.
to criticize or speak in an angry manner to someone
berated
Once again the talks have ended in ________.
when agreement cannot be reached because neither side will change its demands
deadlock
bushes， small trees etc growing under and around larger trees in a forest
underbrush
a ________ fighting force
not tidy or properly organized
ragtag
The company was originally an ________ of Bell Telephones.
something such as an organization which has developed from a larger or earlier one
offshoot
So why does one company survive a recession while its competitors fall by the _______?
fail to finish an activity
wayside
Her words had a _______ effect.
making you feel calm
soothing
They set about their work with youthful _____ and enthusiasm.
strength， energy or enthusiasm
vigour
Two prisoners _______ last night.
to go away suddenly and secretly in order to escape from somewhere
absconded
a _______ substance can be dissolved in a liquid
soluble
Many children are _______ victims of this war.
unlucky and usually unhappy
hapless
the very thin thread that spiders produce to make webs
gossamer
a _______ architectural style
with too much decoration or detail
florid
She gazed into the _________ depths of his brown eyes.
too deep to be measured
fathomless
We have some __________ parish records from the sixteenth century.
describes something very old that is still existing
extant
His words to the press were deliberately __________ - he didn’t deny the reports but neither did he confirm them.
unclear and seeming to have two opposing meanings
equivocal
_________ desires
relating to the body
corporeal
Katie and Carmella had a _________ agreement that they would not mention the dented fender to their parents.
unspoken
tacit
a _________ climate
neither very hot nor very cold
temperate
a _______ for money-making
great enthusiasm or eagerness
zeal
I’m afraid my concentration began to ______ as lunch approached.
to lose strength， determination or purpose， especially temporarily
waver
Recent developments in the area have brought ________ ethnic tension out into the open.
present but needing particular conditions to become active
latent
the _______ world of the law
interested in your own group， country， way of life etc and no others
insular
Local newspapers tend to be very __________.
only interested in things that affect your local area
parochial
Mrs. Grebelski was ________， owning a huge house and three cars.
rich， wealthy
affluent
The carpenter ________ his assistant to fetch wood.
send off to accomplish a duty
dispatched
He was so angry at his wife for leaving him that he __________ all evidence of her presence.
wipe out
effaced
My friend is so ___________ that she makes everyone smile.
bubbly， lively
effervescent
Such __________ comments are unusual from someone who is usually so reserved in his opinions.
expressing admiration or praise
laudatory
In the Old Testament， God __________ that no one should steal
command authoratively
mandates
The teacher's \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ demeanor helped the class remain calm after the experiment exploded soothing
pacific
He feared that Lucy’s _______ complexion was due to an unexplained loss of blood
lacking color
palid
The mythical Helen of Troy was considered a _______ of female beauty
a model of excellence or perfection
paragon
It was _____________ that the bomb squad disconnect the blue wire before removing the fuse
greatest in importance
paramount
After Tom applied a __________ to his brilliant red sunburn， he soon felt better
a soothing balm
salve
The __________ cat did little but loll in the sun
sitting， settled
sedentary
Water is sometimes called the universal ___________ because almost all other substances can dissolve into it.
solvent
The _______ butler never changed his expression no matter what happened
sedate， serious， self-restrained
staid
The other kids referred to the teacher’s pet as the Tenth Grade ________
one who flatters in the hope of gaining favors
Toady
I didn’t want to wittness the neighbor’s ______ affair through the window
giving off intense heat， passionate
torrid
The professor’s comments about the poem were surprisingly _______ and dull
lacking liveliness
vapid
The guards remained ______ throughout the night， but the enemy never launched the expected attack
watchful， alert
vigilant
When angry， the woman would spew _________ insults
having a caustic quality
vitriolic
My friend can’t get over her breakup with her boyfriend and now just ________ in self-pity
to become or remain helpless
wallows
After such a long， frustrating day， I was grateful for Chris’s _________ attitude and childich naivete
charming， pleasing
winsome
We ________ together the logs by tying a string around them
to join， link
yoked
During the debate， the politician made several __________ about the sexual activities of his opponent
an insinuation
innuendos
My ________ appetite for melons can be a problem in the winter
incapable of being satisfied
insatiable
The director told the actor he had to ________， or else the audience would have no idea what his character was going through
to express emotion
emote
The _________ tree bore enough apples to last up through the entire season
fruitful， fertile
fecund
The dog was ________ to the parking meter.
to chain， restrain
fettered
Guard dogs are known for the great _______ they show toward their masters
loyalty， devotion
fidelity
If a plant is not watered enough， its leaves become droopy and _______.
limp， not firm or strong
flaccid
I ________ the school’s dress code by wearing a tie-dyed tank top and a pair of cut-off jeans
to disregard or disobey openly
flouted
When we got lost on our hiking trip， we ________ for berries and nuts in order to survive
to graze， rummage for food
foraged
I ________ the cold I was getting by taking plenty of vitamin C pills
to prevent， delay
forestalled
Everyone had heard the teacher's \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ about gum chewing in class before a ranting speech
harangue
The superstar’s _______ dismissal of her costars will backfire on her someday
disdainfully proud
haughty
The fourth-grader learned many ______ words from a pomphlet that was being passed around school
forbidden， not permitted
illicit
If your grades were as _______ as your sister’s， then you too would receive a car for a graduation present
exemplary， flawless
impeccable
Because of their thick layer of fur， many seals are almost ___________ to the cold
incapable of being affected
impervious
The interior designer admired my __________ of the yellow couch and green table
the act of placing two things next to each other for implicit comparison
juxtaposition
Echoing throughout our village， the funeral ______ made the stormy day even more grim.
the solemn sound of a bell， often indicating a death
knell
Because he fell off his bike into a rosebush， the boy’s skin was covered with ______________
a cut， tear
lacerations
The author’s _______ style has won him many followers who dislike wordiness
terse in speech or writing
laconic
In the summer months， the great heat makes people ________ and lazy
sluggish from fatigue or weakness
languid
My brilliant paper was only in its ________ form on the morning that it was due
vaguely defined， cloudy
nascent
As a _________ in the literary world， he had trouble finding a publisher for his first novel
someone who is young or inexperienced
neophyte
Jackie was a _______ person; she would study until dawn and sleep until the evening.
relating to or occuring during the night
nocturnal
Nobody would enter the stalls until the horse’s ________ leavings were taken away
unpleasant， esp. to the sense of smell
noisome
The detective didn’t want to answer the questions， so he ________ the truth
to render incomprehensible
obfuscated
Martin’s _______ language confused those who listened to him
not straightforward
oblique
The ________ child refused to leave the store until his mother bought him a candy bar.
stubborn
obstinate
Despite the unpleasant smell， the exotic cheese was quite _______.
agreeable to the taste
palatable
Carlos found himself in a _______: should he choose mint chocolate chip or cookie dough?
a perplexed， unresolvable state
quandary
The skilled leader deftly _________ the rebellion.
to control or diffuse a potentially explosive situation
quelled
Rob was dared to eat the ________ egg salad sandwich
having a terrible taste or smell
rancid
When Eileen challenged me to a fight， I could see the _______ in her eyes.
deep， bitter resentment
rancor
It’s best to think things over calmly and thoroughly， rather than make _______ decisions
hasty， incautiuos
rash
Sarah’s neighbors called the cops when her house party got too ________.
loud， boisterous
raucous
The old tenement house was ________ to make room for the large chain store.
to demolish， level
razed
When the cops showed up at Sarah’s party， they __________ her for disturbing the peace.
to scold， criticize
rebuked
When Tom gave Sarah a sweater for Christmas， she _________ by giving him a kiss.
to give in return
reciprocated
The priest’s ________ gave him the moral authority to counsel his parishioners.
uprightness， extreme morality
rectitude
The policeman had _______ that Marshall comitted the crime.
to assert， usually without proof
alleged
This drug will _________ the symptoms of the disease， but only for a while.
to relieve， make more bearable
alleviate
The scientist could sometimes seem ______， as if he didn’t care about his friends or family.
reserved， distant
aloof
Because of his charisma， the candidate was able to __________ all democrats and republicans under his banner.
to bring together， unite
amalgamate
The tense situation was _______ when Sam proposed a solution everyone could agree upon.
to improve
ameliorated
Advanced physics is the _____ of many students’ academic lives.
a burden
bane
Frankie’s mother told him not to be ________ when he refused to attend the birthday party.
shy， excessively timid
bashful
The thief _______ his partners into surrendering all of their money to him.
to trick， deceive
beguiled
The new aircraft carrier is among several ________ that the Air Force has added to its fleet.
something of tremendous power or size
behemoths
His family was ________ of food and shelter following the tornado.
devoid of， without
bereft
The pianist used the foot pedal to emphasize the ______ of the sonata
a rhythm， progression of sound
cadence
The murderer’s _______ lack of remorse shocked the jury.
harsh， cold， unfeeling
callous
Fred’s buddies ______ him into attending the bachelor party.
to urge， coax
cajoled
The workers delighted in their new ___________ office space.
very spacious
capacious
The tobacco industry has long denied that cigarette smoke is __________
causing cancer
carcinogenic
One lie often ________ another lie.
give birth to
begets
Melvin’s smile ________ the grief he was feeling
to contradict
belied
An __________ of football is a football fan.
aficionado
An ___ ______ meal is a picnic.
outside
al fresco
To be __ _______ is to know all the latest information
au courant
If you absolutely despised your landlord， you might say that he was your ____ ______
bete noire
To give someone _____ _____ is to give them the licence to do anything
carte blanche
To believe in _______-_____ is to believe the government should exert no control over business.
laissez-faire
After the rebels had driven out the president， the country was ruled by a _______ of army officers.
a small group that rules a country after its government is overthrown
junta
An _____ _____ is an idea that obsesses you or that you can’t get out of your mind.
idée fixe
Henry commited a ______ ____ when he told the hostess that her party had been boring.
faux pas
something that is already done and cannot be undone
fait accompli
Your ___ ____ boss is the person who tells you what to do.
actual
de facto
Your ___ _____ boss is the person who is technically in charge of you.
according to role of law
de jure
a statement that does not follow logically from what has gone before
non sequitur
An _______ fashion is an unconventional， bizzare fashion
outré
something given or done in return for something else
quid pro quo
Understanding is the ____ ___ ____ of a successful marriage
essential element
sine qua non
the current state of affairs
status quo
