Day 36 Flashcards
Vain
unsuccessfully:
- I tried in vain to start a conversation.
- All the police’s efforts to find him were in vain.
- The doctors gave him more powerful drugs in the vain hope that he might recover.
To revitalize
to give new life, energy, activity, or success to something:
- Japanese investment has revitalized this part of Britain.
Vital
necessary for the success or continued existence of something; extremely important:
- A strong opposition is vital to a healthy democracy.
- She had found out some information of vital importance.
- The kidney plays a vital role/part in the removal of waste products from the blood.
- [ + that ] It’s absolutely vital that you do exactly as I say.
- [ + to infinitive ] It is vital to get medical supplies to the area as soon as possible.
Disguise
to give a new appearance to a person or thing, especially in order to hide its true form:
- He disguised himself by wearing a false beard.
- Minor skin imperfections can usually be disguised with a spot of make-up.
- We tried to disguise the fact that it was just a school hall by putting up coloured lights and balloons.
C2
- to hide an opinion, a feeling, etc.:
- I couldn’t disguise my disappointment.
Drown out
If a loud noise drowns out another noise, it prevents it from being heard.
Put forward
to state an idea or opinion, or to suggest a plan or person, for other people to consider:
- The proposals that you have put forward deserve serious consideration.
- I wasn’t convinced by any of the arguments that he put forward.
- Many suggestions have been put forward, but a decision is unlikely until after next year’s general election.
- The peace plan put forward last August has been revived for the latest round of negotiations.
- She has decided to put her name/put herself forward as a candidate.
Tackle
to try to deal with something or someone:
- There are many ways of tackling this problem.
- I tackled him about his careless work.
To surpass
to do or be better than:
- His time for the 100 metres surpassed the previous world record by one hundredth of a second.
- The book’s success has surpassed everyone’s expectations.
- The director has really surpassed himself (= done better than he has done before) with this new film.
Upon
on:
- Upon her head she wore a black velvet hat.
- You can never place enough emphasis upon the importance of safety.
- Upon your arrival (= as soon as you arrive), please report to the reception desk.
To impart
to communicate information to someone:
- to impart the bad news
- I was rather quiet as I didn’t feel I had much wisdom to impart on the subject.
to give something a particular feeling, quality, or taste:
- Preservatives can impart colour and flavour to a product.
Connoisseur
a person who knows a lot about and enjoys one of the arts, or food, drink, etc. and can judge quality and skill in that subject:
- a wine/art connoisseur
- a connoisseur of ballet/cigars
Comprehend
to understand something completely:
- I fail to comprehend their attitude.
- He doesn’t seem to comprehend the scale of the problem
- [ + question word ] I’ll never comprehend why she did what she did.
- [ + that ] I don’t think he fully comprehends that she won’t be here to help him.
Sophisticated
having a good understanding of the way people behave and/or a good knowledge of culture and fashion:
- She was slim, svelte, and sophisticated.
- I don’t think I have any books that would suit your sophisticated tastes.
- He was older than me and from London and I thought him very sophisticated.
B2
intelligent or made in a complicated way and therefore able to do complicated tasks:
- I think a more sophisticated approach is needed to solve this problem.
- These are among the most sophisticated weapons in the world.
Solace
help and comfort when you are feeling sad or worried:
- When his wife left him, he found solace in the bottle (= drank alcohol).
- Music was a great solace to me.
Seldom
almost never:
- Now that we have a baby, we seldom get the chance to go to the cinema.
- formal Seldom do we receive any apology when mistakes are made.
