English Deck Flashcards
adjective disapproving
having or showing a wish to harm someone because you think that they harmed you; unwilling to forgive:
In the movie “Cape Fear”, a lawyer’s family is threatened by a _______ former prisoner.
Synonyms
revengeful vengeful
vindictive
verb
to show that you are sorry for bad behavior by doing something or accepting punishment:
to _______ a crime/sin
expiate
feeling or expressing great pleasure or satisfaction because of your own success or good luck, or someone else’s failure or bad luck:
The _______ expression in his eyes had been replaced by curiosity.
He _______ at it, then at Michael, with a _______ expression.
gloating
a large building, especially an impressive one:
The town hall is the only _______ surviving from the 15th century.
Synonyms building construction (BUILDING) erection (BUILDING) structure (BUILDING)
a system that has been established for a long time:
It looks as if the whole political _______ of the country is about to collapse.
edifice
showing no respect for a god or a religion, often through language:
_______ language
Funny, _______, and fearless, she has become one of America’s biggest television celebrities.
profane
extremely loving and loyal: a \_\_\_\_\_\_\_fan/husband Lucy is \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ to her cats. Synonyms committed dedicated faithful (LOYAL)firm (CERTAIN)loyal (LOYAL)staunch steadfast approving steady true (SINCERE)unfaltering unshakeable unswerving
devoted
believing strongly in a religion and obeying all its rules or principles:
a _______ Buddhist/Christian/churchgoer
devout
behaving as if you are better than other people, and that their opinions, beliefs, or ideas are not important:
He spoke in a haughty, _______ voice.
Synonyms
haughty disapproving imperious sneering
supercilious
the quality of being new and unusual:
The _______ of these toys soon wore off and the children became bored with them.
In Britain in the 1950s, television still had _______ value.
something that has not been experienced before and so is interesting:
Tourists are still a _______ on this remote island.
a cheap unusual object such as a small toy, often given as a present:
The shop sells gifts and other _______.
A Christmas cracker usually contains a paper hat, a joke, and a _______.
a _______ item
novelty
friendly, but and polite:
a _______ smile/greeting/welcome/reception
Relations between the two leaders are said to be _______.
cordial
If behavior or beliefs, etc. are _______, they are very unpleasant, causing a feeling of disgust:
a _______ smell
I find your attitude towards these women quite _______.
The idea of cheating in an exam is morally _______ to me.
Synonyms
abhorrent detestable disgusting repulsive
repugnant
big problems or troubles:
The country has been beset by economic _______s for the past decade.
Unusually poor harvests have added to the country’s _______s.
[ U ] literary
extreme sadness:
Her face was lined and full of _______.
He told me a real tale of _______about how he had lost both his job and his house in the same week.
woe
to laugh or shout insults at someone to show you have no respect for them:
The people at the back of the hall _______ the speaker.
Critics _______ at his moral stance.
“Angry because you don’t like the truth?” he _______.
Synonyms
barrack scoff
jeer
done secretly, without anyone seeing or knowing:
She seemed to be listening to what I was saying, but I couldn’t help noticing her _______ glances at the clock.
Synonyms
clandestine cloak-and-dagger hush-hush undercover
surreptitious
done or said without any preparation or thought:
an _______ speech
Synonyms
impromptu
extemporaneous
strong belief in a religion that is shown in the way someone lives
Synonym
devotion (RELIGION)
piety
unkind, cruel, and without sympathy or feeling for other people:
It might sound _______ , but I don’t care if he’s homeless. He’s not living with me!
Synonyms
barbaric barbarous formal brutal cruel hard (SEVERE)harsh (UNKIND)inhuman sadistic savage tyrannous vicious
callous
adjective
willing to accept or be influenced by a suggestion:
She might be more _______ to the idea if you explained how much money it would save.
Do you think the new manager will prove more _______ to our proposals?
Synonyms
accommodating acquiescent complaisant compliant docile malleable obedient pliant (PERSON)
amenable
pleasant and friendly: He seemed an \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ young man. So \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ was the mood of the meeting that a decision was soon reached. Synonyms affable good-humored
amiable
noun
courage over a long period:
I thought she showed remarkable _______ during that period.
fortitude
basic:
Her knowledge is still only _______.
rudimentary
to criticize something or someone strongly, usually for moral reasons:
The terrorist action has been _______ as an act of barbarism and cowardice.
The film was _______ for its sexism.
Synonyms
[attack] (CRITICIZE)[castigate] [censure] [chastise] (CRITICIZE) [criticize] [damn] (BLAME)[decry] [denounce] (CRITICIZE)[excoriate] [rail] [revile] [slam]
condemn
adjective
too obviously showing your money, possessions, or power, in an attempt to make other people notice and admire you:
They criticized the _______ lifestyle of their leaders.
an _______ gesture/manner
ostentatious
the quality of being true, honest, or accurate:
Doubts were cast on the _______ of her alibi.
Synonyms
truth truthfulness
veracity
to increase a lot and suddenly in number:
Small businesses have _______ in the last ten years.
proliferate
behaving politely and in a controlled way:
His manner, as ever, was _______.
Synonyms
formal seemly old-fashioned
decorous
hidden or secret:
_______ actions
The government was accused of _______ military operations against the regime.
covert
Methods, beliefs, ideas, etc. that are _______ combine whatever seem the best or most useful things from many different areas or systems, rather than following a single system:
an _______ style/approach
an _______ taste in literature
eclectic
using few words, sometimes in a way that seems rude or unfriendly:
“Are you feeling any better?” “No!” was the _______ reply.
Synonyms
curt disapproving laconic
terse
the state of having two opposing feelings at the same time, or being uncertain about how you feel:
her _______ towards men
Real social relationships are marked by ambiguity and _______.
ambivalence
bad sexual behavior, drinking too much alcohol, taking drugs, etc.:
a life of _______
debauchery
literary
based on deep feeling and emotional reactions rather than on reason or thought:
_______ hatred/excitement
His approach to acting is _______ rather than intellectual.
visceral
(of people) behaving secretly and often dishonestly, or (of actions) done secretly and often dishonestly:
I saw him cast a _______ glance at the woman at the table to his right.
He made one or two _______ phone calls.
There was something _______ about his behavior and I immediately felt suspicious.
furtive
to avoid something, especially cleverly or illegally:
Ships were registered abroad to _______ employment and safety regulations.
circumvent
hard work, especially work that makes you feel physically tired:
Lindy has achieved her comfortable life only after years of hard _______.
humorous Well, after a day’s _______ in the office I like to relax a little.
Synonyms
labor work (ACTIVITY)
toil
an act that shows that you feel sorry about something that you have done, sometimes for religious reasons:
As a _______, she said she would buy them all a box of chocolates.
They are doing _______ for their sins.
penance
to lose strength, determination, or purpose, especially temporarily:
I’m afraid my concentration began to _______ as lunch approached.
He has never _______ in his support for the leader.
If you _______ between two possibilities, you cannot decide which of them to choose or you keep choosing one way and then the other:
“What are you going to have?” “Err, I’m _______ between the soup and the mushroom quiche.”
waver
almost not:
I was _______ able to move my arm after the accident.
I could _______ believe it when she said she wanted to marry me.
used to say that something happened immediately after something else happened:
I had _______ sat down/_______ had I sat down to eat when the phone rang.
Synonyms
barely hardly
scarcely
easily seen or understood:
The full extent of the damage only became _______ the following morning.
From the smell it was _______ that the drains had been blocked for several days.
Harry’s courage during his illness was _______ to everyone.
Her love for him was _______ in all that she did.
Synonyms
manifest obvious
evident
in a dangerous state because of not being safe or not being held in place firmly:
The lorry was lodged in a very _______ way, with its front wheels hanging over the cliff.
A _______ situation is likely to get worse:
Many borrowers now find themselves caught in a _______ financial position.
precarious
careful and avoiding risks:
[ + to infinitive ] It’s always _______ to read a contract carefully before signing it.
Synonym
cautious
prudent
extreme pleasure and happiness or excitement:
He listened to the music with an expression of pure _______ on his face.
The prime minister’s supporters greeted her speech with _______.
rapture
used to describe beliefs that are strongly and sincerely felt or people who have strong and sincere beliefs:
a _______ supporter of the communist party
It is his _______ hope that a peaceful solution will soon be found.
Synonym
impassioned
fervent
the state of showing no real interest or effort:
After a sudden burst of activity, the team lapsed back into _______.
The people feel trapped between the _______ and apathy of the authorities and fear of the criminals.
indolence
to catch and arrest someone who has not obeyed the law:
The police have finally _______ the killer.
apprehend
an official statement that something must happen:
The _______ stopped short of a full declaration of independence.
More than 200 people were freed by military _______.
Synonyms
edict fiat order
decree
to use something such as authority, power, influence, etc. in order to make something happen:
If you were to _______ your influence they might change their decision.
Some managers _______ considerable pressure on their staff to work extra hours without being paid.
exert
to reduce the force of something, or to prevent something from existing or developing:
The fire burned for eight hours before the fire crews could _______ it.
He criticized the school for trying to _______ individual expression.
subdue
thinking in a quiet way, often with a serious expression on your face:
She became withdrawn and _______, hardly speaking to anyone.
Synonyms
ruminative wistful
pensive
deserved and severe punishment:
They fled because they feared _______ for the genocide.
She was asked whether a civilian government should seek _______ against military officers involved in human rights abuses.
Many saw her death as divine _______ (= punishment by God) for her crimes.
retribution
an attempt to persuade someone to do something: She refused to become involved with him despite his passionate \_\_\_\_\_\_\_. Synonyms appeal plea (REQUEST) formal prayer request
entreaty
to tell something secret or personal to someone who you trust not to tell anyone else:
[ + that ] He _______ (to her) that his hair was not his own.
[ + speech ] “My husband doesn’t know yet, but I’m going to leave him,” she _______.
confide
rude and not showing respect: an \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ child/young man an \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ gesture/remark Synonyms cheeky UK disrespectful fresh (TOO CONFIDENT) informal impertinent impudent
insolent
the quality of being rude and not showing respect, especially towards someone who is older or in a more important position:
With a hint of _______ she told him not to talk.
The memoir describes his life with honesty and _______.
impudence
to emphasize a particular feature of something or to make something more noticeable:
Her dress was tightly belted, _______ the slimness of her waist.
The new policy only serves to _______ the inadequacy of help for the homeless.
accentuate
GEOLOGY, ENGINEERING specialized
not allowing liquid to go through:
How does glue bond with _______ substances like glass and metal?
Synonyms
impenetrable impermeable
Compare
waterproof watertight (NO WATER) weatherproof
impervious
behavior that is rude and does not show respect, especially someone older or in a higher position than you: She even had the \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ to lecture Loretta on the importance of hygiene. He threw me out of his class for \_\_\_\_\_\_\_.
impertinence
a person who suffers very much or is killed because of their religious or political beliefs, and is often admired because of it:
a Christian/Islamic/religious _______
She fought against racism all her life and died a _______ to the cause.
disapproving
someone who tries to get sympathy from others when he or she has a problem or too much work, usually when that person caused the problem or chose to do the work himself or herself:
She offers to do extra work, then plays the _______!
martyr
angry and unwilling to smile or be pleasant to people:
His daughters stared back at him with an expression of _______ resentment.
literary She looked up at the _______ (= dark and unpleasant) sky and shuddered.
Synonym
morose
sullen
to suggest, without being direct, that something unpleasant is true:
[ + (that) ] Are you _______ (that) I’m losing my nerve?
What are you _______, Daniel?
insinuate
to do something unwillingly and in a way that shows that you think you are too important to do it:
If she _______ to reply to my letter, I’ll be extremely surprised.
Synonym
condescend to do sth usually humorous
deign
containing a lot of careful detail or many detailed parts:
You want a plain blouse to go with that skirt - nothing too _______.
They’re making the most _______ preparations for the wedding.
He came out with such an _______ excuse that I didn’t quite believe him.
Synonym
detailed
elaborate
to excuse someone or something from a duty, payment, etc.:
Small businesses have been _______ from the tax increase.
exempt
to express to someone your strong official disapproval of them:
She was _______ by her teacher for biting another girl.
Synonyms
berate chide rebuke
reprimand
a violent storm
tempest
a feeling that something very bad is going to happen soon:
There’s a sense of _______ in the capital, as if fighting might at any minute break out.
Her _______ about the future were to prove justified.
[ + (that) ] He had a strange _______ (that) something would go wrong.
Synonym
dread
foreboding
despite the fact or thing mentioned:
_______ some members’ objections, I think we must go ahead with the plan.
Injuries _______, the team won the semifinal.
notwithstanding
the process of taking a case to a court of law so that a judgment can be made:
The company has consistently denied responsibility, but it agreed to the settlement to avoid the expense of lengthy _______.
litigation
unusual or different from what is around or from what is generally happening:
The new computer looked _______ in the dark book-filled library.
It seems _______ to have a woman as the editor of a men’s magazine.
incongruous
to mix or combine, or be mixed or combined:
The excitement of starting a new job is always _______ with a certain apprehension.
The two flavors _______ well.
mingle
A _______ disease or growth is cancer or is related to cancer, and is likely to be harmful:
The process by which _______ cancer cells multiply isn’t fully understood.
Is the tumor _______ or benign?
Compare
benign (DISEASE)
malignant
C1 LAW specialized
having (legal) responsibility for something or someone:
The law holds parents _______ if a child does not attend school.
If we lose the case we may be _______ for (= have to pay) the costs of the whole trial.
liable
(especially of a problem or a difficulty) so great that it cannot be dealt with successfully:
_______ difficulties
This small country is faced with an _______ debt.
insurmountable
a very strong feeling of no respect for someone or something that you think is stupid or has no value:
She has nothing but _______ for the new generation of politicians.
Why do you always pour/heap _______ on (= criticize severely and unfairly) my suggestions?
scorn
one of the parts that a substance or combination is made of:
What are the basic _______ of the mixture?
constituent
something that makes someone who is sad or disappointed feel better:
If it’s (of) any _______ (to you), you’re not the only one he was nasty to.
I didn’t know what to say - I just offered a few words of _______.
consolation
in a way that is very bad and deserves strong disapproval:
He behaved _______.
the _______ low standards of today’s journalists
deplorably
to move away from the main subject you are writing or talking about and to write or talk about something else:
But I _______. To get back to what I was saying, this poem reflects the poet’s love of nature and his religious beliefs.
The lecturer temporarily _______ from her subject to deal with a related theory.
Compare
sidetrack verb
digress
an unpleasant situation that is difficult to get out of:
She is hoping to get a loan from her bank to help her out of her financial _______.
I’m in a bit of a _______ because I’ve accidentally accepted two invitations to dinner on the same night.
Synonyms
mess (PROBLEMS)plight
predicament
C2
peaceful and calm; worried by nothing:
She has a lovely _______ face.
serene
to ask for something in a way that shows you need it very much:
Stay a little longer, I _______ you!
Synonyms
adjure beg entreat
beseech
the appearance or expression of someone’s face:
He was of noble _______.
countenance
making you feel uncomfortable or worried, as if something bad is going to happen:
He stood there in the corner of the room, a dark, _______ presence.
feeling sad, worried, or angry for a long time
brooding
to behave in an annoying manner towards someone by doing or asking for something repeatedly:
At the frontier, there were people _______ tourists for cigarettes, food, or alcohol.
[ + to infinitive ] John has been _______ her to go out with him all month.
Synonyms
annoy badger bug (ANNOY) informal
pester
behaving in a silly way and not taking anything seriously:
I think he sees her as a _______ young woman.
A _______ activity or object is silly or not important rather than useful or serious:
I feel like doing something completely _______ today.
frivolous
showing strong feelings: an \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ supporter of Manchester United an \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ feminist Synonyms impassioned passionate
ardent
to (cause to) gradually disappear or waste:
The heat gradually _______ into the atmosphere.
His anger _______ as the situation became clear.
dissipate
A _______ woman has a soft, curved, sexually attractive body:
a _______ body/mouth/figure
literary
A _______ experience or object gives you a lot of pleasure because it feels extremely soft and comfortable or it sounds or looks extremely beautiful:
such _______ pleasure
I sank into the bed’s _______ warmth.
voluptuous
to hold the attention of someone by being extremely interesting, exciting, pleasant, or attractive:
With her beauty and charm, she _______ film audiences everywhere.
Synonyms
beguile literary bewitch capture charm enchant entrance literary fascinate
captivate
a very steep side of a cliff or a mountain:
The film opens with a shot of a climber dangling from a _______.
a dangerous situation that could lead to harm or failure:
This latest tax increase may push many small companies over the financial _______.
precipice
(especially of a problem) so great or severe that it cannot be defeated or dealt with successfully
insuperable
adjective
_______ misery, poverty, failure, etc.
the state of being extremely unhappy, poor, unsuccessful, etc.:
They live in _______ poverty.
This policy has turned out to be an _______ failure.
abject
in a way that involves great care and attention to detail:
I _______ avoid buying imported products.
She cultivated her friends _______ into her old age.
assiduously
If something that you want _______ you, you do not succeed in achieving it:
The gold medal continues to _______ her.
They had minor breakthroughs but real success _______ them.
elude
disapproving
too interested in unpleasant subjects, especially death:
a _______ fascination with death
MEDICAL specialized
relating to or caused by disease:
She had to have gastric bypass surgery to avoid dying from _______ obesity.
Pathological anatomy (or _______ anatomy) is the study of diseased organs.
morbid
serious and without any humor:
a _______ face/voice
_______ music
Everyone looked very _______.
solemn
not having a strong taste or character, or having no interest or energy:
a pale _______ wine
He’s an _______ old bore.
Why anyone buys music with such _______ lyrics is a mystery.
insipid
C2
thought not to be completely true or not able to be trusted:
These claims are _______ and not scientifically proven.
He has been associated with some _______ characters.
Ruth Ellis has the _______ (= bad) distinction of being the last woman to be hanged in Britain.
C2
feeling doubt or not feeling certain:
I’m _______ about his promises to change his ways.
dubious
a twist:
an intricate pattern of endless _______s
something that makes an explanation, story, etc. complicated and difficult to understand:
The movie’s plot twists and _______ demand a lot of concentration from the audience.
convolution
extremely brave and showing no fear of dangerous situations:
a team of _______ explorers
Synonyms
[brave] [courageous] [dauntless] [fearless] [valiant]
intrepid
giving a clear, strong message: She made an \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ appeal for action. The pictures were an \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ reminder of the power of the volcano. Synonym [silver-tongued] [literary]
eloquent
to think or believe:
I _______ it’s going to rain.
[ + (that) ] How much do you _______ (that) it’s going to cost?
“Can you fix my car today?” “I _______ not/so (= probably not/probably).”
reckon
very excited and happy:
At the end of the race I was _______.
exhilarated
in a way that happens, is done, or exists at the same time:
Records should be updated at most within 24 hours of the consultation, if not _______.
The investigation into the cause of the fire went on _______ with the efforts to fight it.
contemporaneously
to find a way in which two situations or beliefs that are opposed to each other can agree and exist together:
It is sometimes difficult to _______ science and religion.
It’s difficult to _______ such different points of view.
How can you _______ your fur coat and/with your love of animals?
reconcile
continuing for too long and therefore boring or annoying: an \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ delay his \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ stories Synonym endless
interminable
to put seeds in or on the ground so that plants will grow:
_______ the seeds in pots.
We’ll _______ this field with barley.
sow
something that certain people are able or allowed to do or have, but is not possible or allowed for everyone:
Alex makes all the big decisions - that’s his _______ as company director.
Skiing used to be the _______ of the rich, but now a far wider range of people do it.
the Royal _______ (= the special rights of the ruling king or queen)
Synonym
[privilege]
prerogative
famous, well respected, and admired:
She comes from an _______ political family that includes two former Cabinet ministers.
illustrious
to make someone feel worried or angry:
I didn’t want to _______ her by telling her.
agitate
to think carefully about something, especially for a noticeable length of time:
She sat back for a minute to _______ her next move in the game.
Synonyms
[contemplate] [meditate] [muse] [reflect] [ruminate] [speculate]
ponder
suggested but not communicated directly:
He interpreted her comments as an _______ criticism of the government.
_______ in the poem’s closing lines are the poet’s own religious doubts.
implicit
determined in character, action, or ideas:
Their _______ opposition to new working methods was difficult to overcome.
She’s utterly _______ in her refusal to apologize.
Synonyms
[determined] [headstrong]
resolute
to criticize someone, especially for not being successful or not doing what is expected:
His mother _______ him for not eating all his dinner.
You have nothing to _______ yourself for/with.
reproach
to discover something:
The police have so far been unable to _______ the cause of the explosion. [ + question word ] Have you _______ whether she’s coming or not?
to make sure of something:
[ + that ] I _______ that no one could overhear us before I told Otto the news.
ascertain
anger about a situation that you think is wrong or not fair
indignation
a feeling of unhappiness and disappointment:
Aid workers were said to have been filled with _______ by the appalling conditions that the refugees were living in.
The fans watched in/with _______ as their team lost 42–11.
She discovered, to her _______, that her exam was a whole month earlier than she’d expected.
Synonym
[consternation]
dismay
C2 [ U ] disapproving
the fact that you are too interested in your appearance or achievements:
He wants the job purely for reasons of _______ and ambition.
vanity
(VERY WORRIED/FRIGHTENED)
C2
almost out of control because of extreme emotion, such as worry:
Where on earth have you been? We’ve been _______ with worry.
frantic
causing or having a very sharp feeling of sadness:
The photograph awakens _______ memories of happier days.
It is especially _______ that he died on the day before the wedding.
Synonyms
affecting touching
poignant
food:
During this freezing weather, the food put out by householders is the only form of _______ that the birds have.
the ability of food to provide people and animals with what they need to make them strong and healthy:
A stick of celery does not provide much _______.
sustenance
not willing to do something and therefore slow to do it:
[ + to infinitive ] I was having such a good time I was _______ to leave.
Many parents feel _______ to talk openly with their children.
She persuaded her _______ husband to take a trip to Florida with her
not wanting to do something
> unwilling > She was unwilling to hand over the money.
loath > I was loath to spend all the money at once.
balk > The MP balked at a proposal to raise council tax.
_______> I was _______to leave because I was having such a good time.
disinclined > I am disinclined to take on the extra work without more pay.
reluctant
an angry disagreement between two or more people or groups:
They had a bitter _______ about/over some money three years ago and they haven’t spoken to each other since.
quarrel
Freedom from punishment or from the unpleasant results of something that has been done:
Criminal gangs are terrorizing the city with apparent _______.
impunity
the ability to behave without causing embarrassment or attracting too much attention, especially by keeping information secret:
“Can you trust him with this?” “Yes, he’s the soul of _______ (= he will not tell other people).”
discretion
to represent something:
The color red is used to _______ passion or danger.
denote
in a way that is hurried (= done very quickly or too quickly):
The party was a rather _______ arranged affair.
Families _______ prepared for the storm, boarding up windows and finding shelter.
hurriedly
strong dislike or disapproval: to feel \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ A look of \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ flashed across her face. Synonym disgust
repulsion
decayed and having an unpleasant smell:
the _______ body of a dead fox
What’s that _______ smell?
putrid
to arrange a situation or event, or arrange for something to happen, using clever planning:
Couldn’t you _______ a meeting between them? I think they’d really like each other.
[ + to infinitive ] Somehow she _______ to get tickets for the concert.
to invent and/or make a device or other object in a clever and possibly unusual way:
Do you think you could _______ something for hanging my clothes on until I can get a wardrobe?
contrive
to do something unexpected that surprises and sometimes worries a person or animal:
She was concentrating on her book and his voice _______ her.
The noise of the car _______ the birds and the whole flock flew up into the air.
Her article on diet _______ many people into changing their eating habits.
startle
quiet, private, and not near people, roads, or buildings:
a _______ beach
a _______ house in the forest
secluded
to stop and catch something or someone before that thing or person is able to reach a particular place:
Law enforcement agents _______ a shipment of drugs from Central America.
Barry _______ Naylor’s pass and scored the third goal.
intercept
worry or anger:
After several unsuccessful attempts to start his car, he swore in _______.
[ C ]
something that is worrying or annoying
vexation
formal
honest or lasting support, or loyalty, especially to a sexual partner:
Somerset Maugham’s comedy of marital _______, “The Constant Wife”
How important do you think sexual _______ is in a marriage?
fidelity
not easily or quickly noticed or seen, or not attracting attention:
This type of bird is very _______ because of its dull feathers.
At parties, he always stands in a corner and tries to look _______.
inconspicuous
worried by something and uncertain:
I was a little _______ by his reply.
disconcerted
(especially of dogs) to make a deep, rough sound while showing the teeth, usually in anger or (of people) to speak or say something angrily and forcefully:
The dogs started to _______ at each other so I had to separate them.
[ + speech ] “Go to hell!”, he _______.
snarl
extremely dangerous:
The country roads are quite _______.
Synonyms
dangerous hazardous high-risk risky
perilous
(especially of older people) fat and solid-looking, especially around the waist:
Mrs Blower was the _______ lady with the glasses.
stout
extremely hungry:
Have some dinner with us - you must be _______!
Synonyms
ravenous starved mainly US starving (NO FOOD) informal
famished
extremely good, beautiful, or enjoyable:
_______ beauty
The book has _______ descriptive passages.
very great:
He possesses _______ self-confidence.
sublime
to force someone to do something, or to make it necessary for someone to do something:
The law _______ companies to pay decent wages to their employees.
The law does not _______ sellers to accept the highest offer.
oblige/obligate
to wish very strongly, especially for something that you cannot have or something that is very difficult to have:
Despite his great commercial success he still _______ for critical approval.
[ + to infinitive ] Sometimes I just _______ to be alone.
Synonyms
long for sth; long to do sth; pine
yearn
unable to express feelings or ideas clearly, or expressed in a way that is difficult to understand:
When it comes to expressing their emotions, some people are hopelessly _______.
His speech was _______ and it was obvious he had been drinking.
inarticulate
boring and making you feel unhappy:
a _______ little town
She had spent another _______ day in the office.
Synonyms
boring drab disapproving dry (BORING) dull ho-hum monotonous tedious uninteresting wearisome formal
dreary
the feeling of being unhappy, disappointed, or without hope:
He wandered around in a state of utter _______.
She made no effort to hide her _______.
dejection
polite and showing respect:
Although she often disagreed with me, she was always _______.
Synonym
well mannered
courteous
C2 [ T ]
to limit an activity, person, or problem in some way:
Let’s _______ our discussion to the matter in question, please!
Please _______ your use of the phone to business calls.
By closing the infected farms we’re hoping to _______ the disease to the north of the region (= stop it from spreading to other areas).
C2 [ T usually passive ]
to keep someone closed in a place, often by force:
The hostages had been _______ for so long that they couldn’t cope with the outside world.
confine
polite word for sweat (= a clear liquid passed through the skin):
During the break between games, she had a drink of water and wiped the _______ off her face and arms with a towel.
Beads (= drops) of _______ glistened on his brow.
perspiration
to imagine or expect that something will happen:
We don’t _______ any trouble.
We had one or two difficulties along the way that we didn’t _______ .
Are you _______ a lot of people at the party tonight?
[ + -ing verb ] They _______ having several applicants for the job.
[ + that ] They _______ that they will have several applicants for the job
[ + question word ] At this stage we can’t really _______ what will happen.
The _______ inflation figure is lower than last month’s.
anticipate
not known to many people:
an _______ island in the Pacific
an _______ 12th-century mystic
obscure
to waste money or supplies, or to waste opportunities by not using them to your advantage:
They’ll quite happily _______ a whole year’s savings on two weeks in the sun.
Ireland _______ several chances, including a penalty that cost them the game.
squander
unhappy, annoyed, and unwilling to speak or smile: a \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ expression Why are you so \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ these days? Synonyms dour glum moody saturnine sullen
morose
tending not to speak much: He's a reserved, \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ person. Synonym quiet Opposites chatty informal garrulous loquacious talkative voluble
taciturn
nervous and without much confidence
Synonyms
fearful timid
timorous
the feeling of being calm, confident, and in control:
I didn’t want to lose my _______ in front of her.
Synonyms
calm calmness cool (CALM) equanimity phlegm (CALMNESS) sangfroid formal
composure
to suggest a theory, idea, etc. as a basic principle from which a further idea is formed or developed:
[ + that ] It was the Greek astronomer, Ptolemy, who _______ that the earth was at the center of the universe.
postulate
a feeling of sadness and being sorry for something you have done:
He felt no _______ for the murders he had committed.
After the argument, she was filled with _______.
Synonyms
compunction regret
remorse
C1
very bad:
_______ weather
The drive home was _______.
C2
shocking and very bad:
_______ injuries
Prisoners were kept in the most _______ conditions.
appalling
to (cause something to) lose value, especially over time:
Our car _______ (by) $1,500 in the first year we owned it.
In the last year our house has _______ in value.
depreciate
to want to have or do something:
Do you _______ a drink this evening?
[ + -ing verb ] I didn’t _______swimming in that water.
B2 [ T ] UK informal
to be sexually attracted to someone:
He could tell she _______ him.
to imagine or think that something is so:
He _______ himself as a bit of a singer.
[ + to infinitive ] Who do you _______ to win the Cup this year?
[ + (that) ] literary I _______ (that) I saw something moving in the corner.
old-fashioned This isn’t the first time this has happened, I _______.
adjective: decorative or complicated
fancy
a moment when you suddenly feel that you understand, or suddenly become conscious of, something that is very important to you
a powerful religious experience
epiphany
to say formally or publicly that you no longer agree with a belief or way of behaving:
He _______ his religion/his life of dissipation.
Synonyms
forswear recant retract formal
abjure
C2 [ before noun ]
not important and not worth giving attention to:
Prisoners complain that they are subjected to too many _______ rules and restrictions.
[ after noun ]
complaining too much about things that are not important:
Don’t be so _______!
petty
C1
strongly affecting how a situation will progress or end:
These results could prove _______ in establishing the criminal’s identity.
a _______ role
a _______ victory
decisive
to get something, especially after an effort:
She’s managed somehow to _______ his phone number.
[ + two objects ] He’d _______ us seats in the front row.
procure
an uncomfortable feeling when you doubt if you are doing the right thing:
She had no _______ about lying to the police.
qualm
formal
high:
a _______ ceiling/mountain/wall
_______ ideas, etc. are of a high moral standard:
_______ sentiments/ideals
disapproving
If you have a _______ way of behaving or talking, etc., you act as if you think you are better than other people:
a lofty attitude/air/tone
lofty
to ask someone to do or not do something in a very sincere, emotional, and determined way:
She _______ her parents not to send her away to school.
implore
public embarrassment:
The incumbent party experienced the _______ of total defeat in the last election.
Synonyms
disgrace shame
ignominy
C2
needing or using a lot of physical or mental effort or energy:
He rarely does anything more _______ than changing the channels on the television.
His doctor advised him not to do any _______ exercise.
_______ efforts were made throughout the war to disguise the scale of civilian casualties.
strenuous
to hate someone or something very much:
I _______ any kind of cruelty.
[ + -ing verb ] I _______ having to get up when it’s dark outside.
her _______ older brother
detest
_______ land is not used to grow crops:
The agency has preserved wetland habitat and encouraged farmers to leave some fields _______.
Someone who is _______ has not had a good education and may not know a lot about art, music, painting, etc.:
We must always remember that he was not an ignorant or _______ soldier.
uncultivated
done or said in a strong way and without any doubt:
Poland reached the final of the championship yesterday with an _______ 5–0 victory over Italy.
The minister has issued an _______ rejection of the accusation.
emphatic
someone’s ability to think of clever new ways of doing something:
Drug smugglers constantly use their _______ to find new ways of getting drugs into a country.
ingenuity
C2
Something or someone that is _______ is so good or important that you could not manage without it, him, or her:
This book is an _______ resource for researchers.
His long experience at the United Nations makes him _______ to the talks.
indispensable
to breathe quickly and loudly through your mouth, usually because you have been doing something very energetic:
Matteo arrived at the top of the hill, _______ and covered in sweat.
[ + speech ] “Hurry! They’re almost here,” she _______.
pant
confused, because something is difficult to understand or solve:
The students looked _______, so the teacher tried to explain once again.
Police were _______ by the killing because there didn’t seem to be any motive.
perplexed
repeatedly asking for something, in a forceful and annoying way:
an _______ beggar/crowd
An _______ request or question is repeated and forceful in an annoying way:
_______ demands
importunate
to remove something intentionally:
The whole country had tried to _______ the memory of the old dictatorship.
efface
having a lot of small parts that are arranged in a complicated or delicate way:
The watch mechanism is extremely _______ and very difficult to repair.
The tiled floor is installed in an _______ pattern.
with many complicated details that make something difficult to understand:
Police officers uncovered an _______ web of deceit.
intricate
to announce something publicly or officially, especially something positive:
All the countries have _______ their loyalty to the alliance.
Republican party members were confidently _______ victory even as the first few votes came in.
[ + that ] It was the famous speech in which he _______ that socialism was dead.
[ + two objects ] She was _______ Queen at the age of 13 after the sudden death of her father.
proclaim
to see, recognize, or understand something that is not clear:
I could just _______ a figure in the darkness.
It is difficult to _______ any pattern in these figures.
Synonyms
distinguish recognize spot
discern
the state of being without money, food, a home, or possessions:
_______ has become a major problem in the capital.
They both died in poverty and _______.
destitution
C2
not having a strong taste or character or not showing any interest or energy:
I find chicken a little _______.
Pop music these days is so _______.
bland
respect for or a good opinion of someone:
There has been a drop in public _______ for teachers.
Because of their achievements they were held in (= given) (high) _______.
esteem
a long, angry speech expressing strong disapproval:
She launched into an angry/furious _______ about how she had been unfairly treated.
In a furious _______ of abuse, the opposition spokesperson demanded the minister’s resignation.
Synonym
broadside
tirade
usually disapproving
unreasonably determined, especially to act in a particular way and not to change at all, despite what anyone else says:
He can be very _______ at times.
her _______ refusal to compromise
[ before noun ]
used to describe a problem, situation, or thing that is difficult to deal with, remove, change, or defeat:
_______ weeds
Invading troops met with _______ resistance by guerrilla forces.
obstinate
formal
deserving respect because of age, high position, or religious or historical importance:
a _______ tradition/company/family
She has worked at such _______ institutions as Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts and the Metropolitan Art Museum in New York.
venerable
unpleasantly proud and expecting to be obeyed:
an _______ manner/voice
She sent them away with an _______ wave of the hand.
Synonyms
arrogant conceited condescending haughty hubristic lordly overbearing patronizing pompous proud (FEELING IMPORTANT) self-important sneering sniffy snooty supercilious superior (BETTER)
imperious
wanting to discover as much as you can about things, sometimes in a way that annoys people:
an _______ child
an _______ mind
She could see _______ faces looking out from the windows next door.
inquisitive
disappointed and sad because of having failed unexpectedly:
He looked _______ at their decision.
Synonym
deflated
crestfallen
unhappy and without hope:
a _______ person/expression
The cemetery is a _______ place.
not expecting or believing anything good in a situation:
a _______ economic forecast
UK The vet is rather _______ about my cat’s chances of recovery.
gloomy
unable to think or speak clearly because of fever or mental confusion:
She had a high temperature and was _______.
extremely happy or excited:
The team arrived home to a _______ reception from its fans.
delirious
not trusted or respected; thought to have a bad character:
Some of the more _______ newspapers made false claims about her private life.
a _______ young man
disreputable
to stop something:
Whether the protests will _______ remains to be seen.
The company has decided to _______ all UK operations after this year.
[ + to infinitive ] Workplace nurseries will _______ to be liable for tax.
cease
too eager to praise or obey someone:
She is embarrassingly _______ to anyone in authority.
obsequious
very kind and generous towards an enemy or someone you have defeated:
The team’s manager was _______ in victory, and praised the losing team.
magnanimous
seeming to be everywhere:
Leather is very much in fashion this season, as is the _______ denim.
The Swedes are not alone in finding their language under pressure from the _______ spread of English.
The mobile phone, that most _______ of consumer-electronic appliances, is about to enter a new age.
Synonym
omnipresent formal
ubiquitous
to shine by reflecting light from a wet or smooth surface:
The grass _______ in the early-morning dew.
His eyes _______ with tears.
Synonyms
gleam glint shine
glisten
increasing by one addition after another:
The _______ effect of using so many chemicals on the land could be disastrous.
cumulative
C2
unpleasant or of low quality:
a _______ childhood
The people live in _______ conditions, with no running water.
wretched
C1
to show something publicly:
He frequently _______ at the art gallery.
In the summer the academy will _______ several prints that are rarely seen.
He _______ great self-control considering her rudeness.
Synonym
show (MAKE SEEN)
exhibit
a matter or item of little value or importance
trifle
to make someone feel that they must do something:
[ + to infinitive ] She was in such a mess I felt _______ to (= felt I had to) offer your services.
I wonder what it is that _______ him to exercise all the time.
impel
never having happened or existed in the past:
This century has witnessed environmental destruction on an _______ scale.
unprecedented
C2
large in quantity and expensive or impressive:
_______ gifts/promises/praise
_______ spending
_______ banquets
The evening was a _______ affair with glorious food and an endless supply of champagne.
The _______ production makes this musical truly memorable.
very generous:
The critics were _______ in their praise for the paintings.
lavish
C1
very well known and important:
a _______ Democrat
a _______ member of the Saudi royal family
The government should be playing a more _______ role in promoting human rights.
prominent
very simple, with only the things that are absolutely necessary, especially because of severe limits on money or goods:
an _______ childhood during the war
Synonyms
bleak comfortless hard (SEVERE)harsh (UNKIND)inhospitable (PLACE)rough (DIFFICULT)severe (VERY SERIOUS)spartan
austere
showing that you are sorry for something you have done because you feel it was wrong:
“I’m sorry,” she said with a _______ smile.
It was hard to be angry with him when he looked so _______.
Synonym
repentant formal
penitent
to talk about or look at someone or something in an unkind way that shows you do not respect or approve of him, her, or it:
You may _______, but a lot of people like this kind of music.
She’ll probably _______ at my new shoes because they’re not expensive.
[ + speech ] “Is that the best you can do?” he _______.
sneer
to search for something by moving things around carelessly and looking into, under, and behind them:
She _______ in/through all the drawers, looking for a pen.
rummage
C2
to go into a place or situation in which you are not wanted or not expected to be:
I didn’t realize your husband was here, Dr Jones - I hope I’m not _______.
Newspaper editors are being urged not to _______ on/into the grief of the families of missing servicemen.
intrude
annoyed, especially because you can do nothing to solve a problem:
He’s becoming increasingly _______ with the situation.
exasperated
to make a sudden, small movement because of pain or fear:
He didn’t even _______ when the nurse cleaned the wound.
Synonyms
quail wince
flinch
official agreement to or approval of an idea, plan, or request:
Once the directors have given their _______ to the proposal we can begin.
She nodded her _______ to the proposal.
UK Before an Act of Parliament can become law, it needs to receive Royal _______ (= an official signature) from the monarch.
Synonyms
acquiescence agreement (SAME OPINION)approval (PERMISSION)say-so (PERMISSION) informal
assent
expecting to be obeyed immediately and without any questions:
He started issuing _______ instructions.
She was highly critical of the insensitive and _______ way in which the cases had been handled.
peremptory
to confuse and very much surprise someone, so that they are unable to explain or deal with a situation:
An elderly man from Hull has _______ doctors by recovering after he was officially declared dead.
The singer _______ her critics with a remarkable follow-up album.
confound
complete or extreme, or completely or extremely:
He must be a _______ idiot/lunatic.
Her last book was a _______ best-seller/success.
She’s no _______ beauty.
I think you’re (stark) _______ mad to agree to do all that extra work without being paid for it.
raving
to speak in an uncontrolled way, usually because you are upset or angry, or because you are ill:
He’s always _______ (on) about the government.
She was ranting and _______ about some imagined insult.
rave
disapproving
extremely determined to act in a particular way and not to change despite what anyone else says:
The president remains _______ on immigration.
used to describe a person who refuses to change their mind, or someone or something that is difficult to deal with or change:
Union leaders remain _______ that working conditions and pay improve.
Several _______ facts/differences remain, preventing a compromise solution.
obdurate
C1
(of a person, feelings, or behavior) not pretending or lying; honest:
a _______ apology
He seems so _______.
sincere
to take something for your own use, usually without permission:
He lost his job when he was found to have _______ some of the company’s money.
to take something from a culture and use it as part of your own:
As the empire expanded, they eagerly _______ the artistic styles of neighboring provinces.
appropriate
an unwillingness to do something or talk about something, for example because you are nervous or being careful:
His _______ about his past made them very suspicious.
I think my dad had a certain _______ about showing love as he was afraid that people would leave if he did.
reticence
C2
to encourage an activity or development or make it happen faster:
Rising consumer sales have the effect of _______ the economy to faster growth.
_______ (on) by her early success, she went on to write four more novels in rapid succession.
spur
noun
C2
an argument or disagreement, especially an official one between, for example, workers and employers or two countries with a common border:
a bitter/long-running _______
a border _______
a pay/legal/trade _______
They have been unable to settle/resolve the _______ over working conditions.
The unions are in _______ with management over pay.
verb
to disagree with something that someone says:
Few would _______ his status as the finest artist of the period.
The circumstances of her death have been hotly _______ .
[ + (that) ] I don’t _______ (that) his movies are entertaining, but they don’t have much depth.
Synonyms
gainsay quarrel
dispute
adjective
_______ motive, reason, purpose, etc.
a secret purpose or reason for doing something:
He claims he just wants to help Lisa but I suspect he has an _______ motive.
ulterior
a statement that says that something is not true:
She issued a point-by-point _______ of the company’s accusations.
rebuttal
— phrasal verb
to say something suddenly, and without thinking of the results:
At one point, Goetz _______ _______, “The subways down there are terrible.”
blurt out something
to put yourself or something between two things, people, or groups, especially in order to stop them doing something:
The teacher _______ herself between the two snarling boys.
interpose
to embarrass someone or make them feel uncomfortable:
Her elder cousins _______ her by commenting on her shyness.
They tried not to be _______ by the unfamiliar luxury.
abash
C2 severe, or showing disapproval: a \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ look/warning/voice She is her own \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ critic. Journalists received a \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ warning not to go anywhere near the battleship.
If something, such as a job, is _______, it is difficult:
The country’s president is facing the _______ test of his authority since he came to power five years ago.
stern
to answer someone quickly in an angry or funny way:
[ + speech ] “That doesn’t concern you!” she _______.
Synonyms
answer (REACT)rejoin reply
retort
a piece of advice that is also a warning to someone about their behavior:
The most common parental _______ must surely be “Don’t stay out late”.
admonition/admonishment
to get or produce something, especially information or a reaction:
Have you managed to _______ a response from them yet?
The questionnaire was intended to _______ information on eating habits.
They were able to _______ the support of the public.
EDUCATION specialized
to get a student to provide or remember a fact, response, etc. rather than telling them the answer:
The teacher _______ definitions from the students.
In this teaching practice, teachers _______ and build on their students’ mathematical insights.
elicit
to prevent something or make it impossible, or prevent someone from doing something:
His contract _______ him from discussing his work with anyone outside the company.
The fact that your application was not successful this time does not _______ the possibility of you applying again next time.
preclude
C2
to change the words of a text, especially a law or a legal document:
MPs were urged to _______ the law to prevent another oil tanker disaster.
In line 20, “men” should be _______ (= changed) to “people”.
Until the constitution is _______, the power to appoint ministers will remain with the president.
amend
the quality of being often in a bad mood, unfriendly, and not polite:
teenage _______
surliness
to give someone a lot of attention and praise in order to get that person’s approval:
Big movie stars are _______ over by the waiters at the restaurant.
fawn
C2
unsuccessful; of no value:
The doctors gave him more powerful drugs in the _______ hope that he might recover.
It was _______ to pretend to himself that he was not disappointed.
in _______
C1
unsuccessfully:
I tried in _______ to start a conversation.
All the police’s efforts to find him were in _______.
vain
having unlimited power over other people, and often using it unfairly and cruelly:
a _______ government/regime
A handful of corrupt and _______ leaders make the decisions.
Synonyms
brutal callous cruel harsh (UNKIND)tyrannical tyrannous vicious
despotic
(a person or thing that causes) a feeling of strong dislike or of not wishing to do something:
I felt an instant _______ to his parents.
She has a deep _______ to getting up in the morning.
Greed is my pet _______ (= the thing I dislike most of all).
Synonym
distaste
aversion
to walk in an energetic way and with more movement than necessary:
It’s pathetic to see 50-year-old rock stars _______ around on stage as if they were still teenagers.
She _______ into the office and demanded to speak to the manager.
prance
C2
an opinion or decision made after judging the facts that are given, especially one made at the end of a trial:
The jury reached/returned a unanimous _______ of (not) guilty.
Voters gave their _______ on the government’s economic record last night by voting overwhelmingly for the opposition.
verdict
C2
felt or experienced very strongly or in an extreme way:
His mother’s death when he was aged six had a very _______ effect on him.
The invention of the contraceptive pill brought about _______ changes in the lives of women.
Those two lines of poetry express perfectly the _______ sadness of loss.
My grandfather has a _______ mistrust of anything new or foreign.
There was a note of _______ irritation in his voice.
profound
to defeat an enemy or opponent, especially in war:
Napoleon was _______ at the battle of Waterloo in 1815.
The _______ army surrendered their weapons.
Synonyms
annihilate beat (DEFEAT)conquer crush (BEAT)defeat hammer (DEFEAT) thrash (DEFEAT) trounce
vanquish
unhappy and with no hope or enthusiasm:
He became/grew increasingly _______ when she failed to return his phone calls.
She started to feel _______ about ever finding a job.
Synonyms
blue (SAD) dejected depressed dispirited doleful dolorous down downcast downhearted (down) in the dumps gloomy glum low low-spirited melancholy miserable (UNHAPPY)mournful plaintive sad (NOT HAPPY)sorrowful in unhappy
despondent
a person, especially a child or a man, who does things that you disapprove of, but who you still like:
I caught those little/young _______ dressing up in my clothes.
What’s that old _______ been up to?
old-fashioned
a dishonest person
rascal
to wave something in the air in a threatening or excited way:
She _______ a saucepan at me so I ran out of the kitchen.
brandish
to make a loud complaint or demand:
The children were all _______ for attention.
[ + to infinitive ] She _______ to go home as soon as she gets to school.
clamor
extremely ugly or bad:
They’ve just built some _______ new apartment blocks on the seafront.
She wears the most _______ color combinations you could ever imagine.
Synonyms
ghastly grim (UNPLEASANT) grotesque (UGLY)ugly (NOT ATTRACTIVE)unattractive unprepossessing unsightly
hideous
the feeling of not liking someone or something and thinking that they do not deserve your interest or respect:
He regards the political process with _______.
disdain
to force someone officially to stay in a place:
A suspect has been _______ by the police for questioning.
Several of the injured were _______ overnight in hospital.
to delay someone for a short length of time:
I’m sorry I’m late - I was unavoidably _______.
detain
to suggest a theory, belief, or opinion for other people to consider:
It was Ptolemy who _______ the theory that the earth was at the center of the universe.
propound
making someone like you:
She laughs at herself a lot, which is always _______.
Synonym
adorable
endearing
C2
gentle, loving, or kind:
a _______ look/smile
What you need is some _______ loving care.
tender
to be very sorry for something bad you have done in the past and wish that you had not done it: He \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ (of his sins) just hours before he died.
repent
A piece of writing that is _______ contains bad and false statements about a person:
_______ accusations
We reserve the right to edit letters and remove anything potentially _______.
libelous
[ T ]
to make something happen sooner or more quickly:
There is little doubt that poor medical treatment _______ her death.
These recent poor results have _______ the manager’s departure.
[ + to infinitive ]
If you _______ to do something, you quickly do it:
The president _______ to reassure his people that he was in perfect health.
[ + to infinitive ]
If you _______ to say something, you want to make it clear:
It was an unfortunate decision and I _______ to say it had nothing to do with me.
“People around here dress so badly - except you, Justin,” she _______ to add.
hasten
