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Question 1

illicit

Answer 1

illicit [ɪˈlɪs.ɪt] adjective illegal or disapproved of by society • illicit drugs such as cocaine and cannabis • the illicit trade in stolen vehicles • an illicit love affair

Question 2

immaculate

Answer 2

immaculate [ɪˈmæk.jʊ.lət] approving adjective 1. perfectly clean or tidy • dressed in an immaculate white suit • an immaculate garden Thesaurus+: ↑Clean and tidy 2. perfect and without any mistakes • He gave an immaculate performance as the aging hero.

Question 3

immense

Answer 3

immense [ɪˈmen t s] adjective 1. extremely large in size or degree • immense wealth/value • They spent an immense amount of time getting the engine into perfect condition. Thesaurus+: ↑Enormous ↑Big and quite big 2. slang extremely good • He’s an immense goalkeeper.

Question 4

imminent

Answer 4

imminent [ˈɪm.ɪ.n ə nt] adjective < > coming or likely to happen very soon • imminent disaster/danger • A strike is imminent. Thesaurus+: ↑About to happen ↑Closeness in distance and time • For a man in imminent danger of losing his job, he appeared quite unruffled. • Her remarks were intended to scotch rumours of an imminent election date. • He announced the imminent arrival of a messianic leader. • He gave a dire warning that an earthquake was imminent. • He warned that an enemy missile attack was imminent.

Question 5

impair

Answer 5

impair [ɪmˈpeə r ] [-ˈper] verb transitive [impairs impairing impaired] to spoil something or make it weaker so that it is less effective • A recurring knee injury may have impaired his chances of winning the tournament.

Question 6

impartial

Answer 6

impartial [ɪmˈpɑː.ʃ ə l] [-ˈpɑːr-] adjective not supporting any of the sides involved in an argument • impartial advice • A trial must be fair and impartial.

Question 7

impetus

Answer 7

impetus [ˈɪm.pɪ.təs] [-pə.t ̬əs] noun only singular or uncountable something which encourages a particular activity or makes that activity more energetic or effective • The recent publicity surrounding homelessness has given (a) fresh impetus to the cause.

Question 8

implicate

Answer 8

implicate [ˈɪm.plɪ.keɪt] verb transitive [implicates implicating implicated] to show that someone is involved in a crime or partly responsible for something bad that has happened • Have they any evidence to implicate him in the robbery?

Question 9

implicit

Answer 9

implicit [ɪmˈplɪs.ɪt] adjective SUGGESTED 1. suggested but not communicated directly • He interpreted her comments as an implicit criticism of the government. • Implicit in the poem’s closing lines are the poet’s own religious doubts. Compare explicit Thesaurus+: ↑Digressing and being indirect or evasive ↑Moving in order to avoid contact ↑Not saying much COMPLETE 2. complete and without any doubts • implicit trust • All her life she had implicit faith in socialism.

Question 10

imply

Answer 10

imply [ɪmˈplaɪ] verb transitive [implies implying implied] 1. < > to communicate an idea or feeling without saying it directly • + (that) Are you implying (that) I’m fat? • I’m not implying anything about your cooking, but could we eat out tonight? • I detected an implied criticism of the way he was treated. Thesaurus+: ↑Suggestions and proposals 2. formal to involve something or make it necessary • Socialism implies equality. Thesaurus+: ↑Essential or necessary • The report, which is viewed as a bellwether for economic trends, implied that the national economy could be slowing down. • Her statement implies a lack of confidence in the management of the company. • What are you implying? • A connection between the events has been implied in several news reports. • The relationship implied a high degree of trust between the two parties.

Question 11

impose

Answer 11

impose [ɪmˈpəʊz] [-ˈpoʊz] verb [imposes imposing imposed] FORCE 1. < > transitive to officially force a rule, tax, punishment, etc. to be obeyed or received • Very high taxes have recently been imposed on cigarettes. • Judges are imposing increasingly heavy fines for minor driving offences. • The council has imposed a ban on alcohol in the city parks. Thesaurus+: ↑Causing somebody to act ↑Urging and persuading 2. < > transitive to force someone to accept something, especially a belief or way of living • I don’t want them to impose their religious beliefs on my children. • We must impose some kind of order on the way this office is run. Thesaurus+: ↑Causing somebody to act ↑Urging and persuading • He wants the government to impose strict controls on dog ownership. • In view of the quantity of drugs involved, 16 years was the most lenient sentence the judge could impose. • The government has failed to impose its will upon regional communities. • Central government has imposed a cap on local tax increases. • Some people like the sense of structure that a military lifestyle imposes. EXPECT 3. intransitive to expect someone to do something for you or spend time with you when they do not want to or when it is not convenient for them • Are you sure it’s all right for me to come tonight? I don’t want to impose. • She’s always imposing on people - asking favours and getting everyone to do things for her.

Question 12

imposition

Answer 12

imposition [ˌɪm.pəˈzɪʃ. ə n] noun EXPECTING 1. only singular when someone expects another person to do something that they do not want to do or that is not convenient for them • Would it be too much of an imposition to ask you to pick my parents up from the airport? Thesaurus+: ↑Inconvenience NEW LAW 2. uncountable the introduction of a new law or system • the imposition of the death penalty/martial law/sanctions

Question 13

incentive

Answer 13

incentive [ɪnˈsen.tɪv] [-t ̬ɪv] noun countable or uncountable [incentives] < > something which encourages a person to do something • Tax incentives have been very effective in encouraging people to save and invest more of their income. • + to infinitive There is little incentive for people to leave their cars at home when public transport remains so expensive. • Bonus payments provide an incentive to work harder. Thesaurus+: ↑Attracting and tempting ↑Attractive ↑Sexual attraction • Indexation of pay rises to productivity will give people an incentive to work harder. • The incentive to sell more is large - and it plainly works. • The management have introduced a productivity incentive scheme for members of staff. • Tax incentives have been offered to attract industry to the region. • The new law provides incentives for businesses to invest in recycling equipment.

Question 14

inclination

Answer 14

inclination [ˌɪn.klɪˈneɪ.ʃ ə n] noun [inclinations] FEELING 1. countable or uncountable a preference or tendency , or a feeling that makes a person want to do something • + to infinitive My own inclination would be to look for another job. • We should be basing our decisions on solid facts, not inclinations and hunches. Thesaurus+: ↑Feelings of desire ↑Motives and reasons MOVEMENT 2. countable formal a small downwards movement • a solemn inclination of the head Thesaurus+: ↑Gestures with the head or shoulders 3. countable usually singular uncountable specialized the angle at which something slopes

Question 15

inclined

Answer 15

inclined [ɪnˈklaɪnd] adjective after verb + to infinitive 1. tending or wanting to do something • Tom is inclined to be lazy. • No one seemed inclined to help. Thesaurus+: ↑Wanting things ↑Hoping and hopefulness 2. artistically/technically, etc. inclined having natural artistic/technical, etc. ability • She’s very bright, but she’s not academically inclined.

Question 16

incur

Answer 16

incur [ɪnˈkɜː r ] [-ˈkɝː] [-rr-] slightly formal verb transitive [incurring incurred incurs] to experience something, usually something unpleasant, as a result of actions you have taken • to incur debts/fines/bills • The play has incurred the wrath/anger of both audiences and critics. • Please detail any costs/expenses incurred by you in attending the interview.

Question 17

indecisive

Answer 17

indecisive [ˌɪn.dɪˈsaɪ.sɪv] adjective 1. not good at making decisions • He is widely thought to be an indecisive leader. Thesaurus+: ↑Doubt and ambivalence ↑Hesitating 2. not having a clear meaning or producing a decision

Question 18

indict

Answer 18

indict [ɪnˈdaɪt] legal verb transitive [indicts indicting indicted] If a law court or a grand jury indicts someone, it accuses them officially of a crime • UK He was indicted on drug charges at Snaresbrook Crown Court. • US Five people were indicted for making and selling counterfeit currency.

Question 19

indifference

Answer 19

indifference [ɪnˈdɪf. ə r. ə n t s], [-rən t s] [-ɚ-] noun uncountable lack of interest in someone or something • Many native speakers of a language show indifference to/towards grammatical points. • His attitude was one of bored indifference.

Question 20

indispensable

Answer 20

indispensable [ˌɪn.dɪˈspen t.sə.bl ̩] adjective Something or someone that is indispensable is so good or important that you could not manage without them • This book is an indispensable resource for researchers. • His long experience at the United Nations makes him indispensable to the talks.

Question 21

indulge

Answer 21

indulge [ɪnˈdʌldʒ] verb [indulges indulging indulged] 1. intransitive or transitive to allow yourself or another person to have something enjoyable, especially more than is good for you • The soccer fans indulged their patriotism, waving flags and singing songs. • reflexive I love champagne but I don’t often indulge myself. • We took a deliberate decision to indulge in a little nostalgia. Thesaurus+: ↑Treating someone well 2. transitive to give someone anything they want and not to mind if they behave badly • My aunt indulges the children dreadfully.

Question 22

inflict

Answer 22

inflict [ɪnˈflɪkt] verb transitive [inflicts inflicting inflicted] to force someone to experience something very unpleasant • These new bullets are capable of inflicting massive injuries. • The suffering inflicted on these children was unimaginable.

Question 23

infringe

Answer 23

infringe [ɪnˈfrɪndʒ] formal verb transitive [infringes infringing infringed] to break a rule, law, etc • They infringed building regulations.

Question 24

inhabitant

Answer 24

inhabitant [ɪnˈhæb.ɪ.t ə nt] noun countable [inhabitants] < > a person or animal that lives in a particular place • a city of 5 million inhabitants Thesaurus+: ↑People who live or settle somewhere • The Aborigines are the native inhabitants of Australia. • The city of Ely has about 10 000 inhabitants. • Many of the immigrants have intermarried with the island’s original inhabitants. • It was so exciting to see that our birdbox has some new inhabitants. • The first inhabitant of the farm was my great-grandfather, who built the house.

Question 25

inhibit

Answer 25

inhibit [ɪnˈhɪb.ɪt] verb transitive [inhibits inhibiting inhibited] to prevent someone from doing something, or to slow down a process or the growth of something • Some workers were inhibited (from speaking) by the presence of their managers. • This drug inhibits the growth of tumours.

Question 26

injure

Answer 26

injure [ˈɪn.dʒə r ] [-dʒɚ] verb transitive [injures injuring injured] < > to hurt or cause physical harm to a person or animal • A bomb exploded at the embassy, injuring several people. • She fell and injured her shoulder. • He was badly injured in the crash. • He claimed that working too hard was injuring his health. Thesaurus+: ↑Injuring and injuries • The troops bombarded the city, killing and injuring hundreds. • If you don’t warm up before taking exercise, you risk injuring yourself. • They were only slightly injured in the crash. • I fell down the stairs and injured my back. • He had injured his left hand and was typing one-handed.

Question 27

injustice

Answer 27

injustice [ɪnˈdʒʌs.tɪs] noun countable or uncountable [injustices] (an example of) a situation in which there is no fairness and justice • The sight of people suffering arouses a deep sense of injustice in her. • They were aware of the injustices of the system.

Question 28

inmate

Answer 28

inmate [ˈɪn.meɪt] noun countable [inmates] a person who is kept in a prison or a hospital for people who are mentally ill Thesaurus+: ↑People held in prison • Women make up about 6 per cent of all inmates in the U.S. • The inmates claim they have been mistreated by the prison guards. • Two inmates managed to escape during the riot. • Some prison inmates have gone on hunger strike. • The prison has had little success in rehabilitating inmates.

Question 29

innocence

Answer 29

innocence [ˈɪn.ə.s ə n t s] noun uncountable < > when someone is not guilty of a crime, or does not have much experience of life and does not know about the bad things that happen in life • She pleaded her innocence, but no one believed her. • He was led away, protesting his innocence (= saying he was not guilty) . • She has a child-like innocence which I find very appealing. Thesaurus+: ↑Innocent ↑Inexperienced (of people) ↑Naive and trusting • It took 15 years for the alleged criminals to prove their innocence. • She has this apparent innocence which, I suspect, she uses to her advantage. • The presumption of innocence is central to British law. • All through the trial he protested his innocence. • His urgent pleas of innocence made no difference to the judge’s decision.

Question 30

insane

Answer 30

insane [ɪnˈseɪn] adjective 1. mentally ill • For the last ten years of his life he was clinically insane. • informal I sometimes think I’m going insane (= I feel very confused) . Thesaurus+: ↑Of unsound mind ↑Stupid and silly 2. informal extremely unreasonable • In a fit of insane jealousy he tried to stab her.

Question 31

insight

Answer 31

insight [ˈɪn.saɪt] noun countable or uncountable [insights] < > (the ability to have) a clear, deep and sometimes sudden understanding of a complicated problem or situation • It was an interesting book, full of fascinating insights into human relationships. Thesaurus+: ↑Intelligence ↑Perceptive ↑Knowledge and awareness • The documentary offers an insight into the everyday lives of millions of ordinary Russian citizens. • The fight for the leadership gave a fascinating insight into the group’s dynamics. • Her books are full of perceptive insights into the human condition. • His book offers some fresh insights into the events leading up to the war. • The research affords a new insight into the origins of the universe.

Question 32

insincere

Answer 32

insincere [ˌɪn.sɪnˈsɪə r ] [-ˈsɪr] disapproving adjective pretending to feel something that you do not really feel, or not meaning what you say • an insincere apology • And all this praise just because the poor man has died - doesn’t it strike you as a bit insincere? Thesaurus+: ↑

Question 33

intent

Answer 33

1. giving all your attention to something • an intent stare • She had an intent look on her face. Thesaurus+: ↑Cautious and vigilant ↑Paying attention and being careful 2. be intent on sth /doing sth to be determined to do or achieve something • I’ve tried persuading her not to go but she’s intent on it. • He seems intent on upsetting everyone in the room! Thesaurus+: ↑Strong-willed Derived: intently noun uncountable formal when you want and plan to do something • I spent half the morning on the phone, which wasn’t really my intent. • + to infinitive It was not his intent to hurt anyone. • legal She was charged with possessing weapons with intent to endanger life.

Question 34

interim

Answer 34

interim [ˈɪn.t ə r.ɪm] [-t ̬ɚ-] adjective before noun < > temporary and intended to be used or accepted until something permanent exists • an interim solution • An interim government was set up for the period before the country’s first free election. Thesaurus+: ↑Temporary ↑Short in time • There will be an interim government to oversee the transition to democracy. • The interim government is a mere cipher for military rule. • The move is intended as an interim measure. • The interim government was formed in 1990. • An interim constitution was adopted in 1993.

Question 35

interrogation

Answer 35

interrogation [ɪnˌter.əˈgeɪ.ʃ ə n] noun countable or uncountable • One by one they were taken for interrogation. • She was subjected to torture and lengthy interrogations.

Question 36

intervene

Answer 36

intervene [ˌɪn.təˈviːn] [-t ̬ɚ-] verb intransitive [intervenes intervening intervened] GET INVOLVED 1. < > to intentionally become involved in a difficult situation in order to improve it or prevent it from getting worse • The Central Bank intervened in the currency markets today to try to stabilize the exchange rate. • + to infinitive The Minister intervened personally to stop the museum being closed. Thesaurus+: ↑Taking part and getting involved ↑Getting involved for one’s own benefit or against others’ will • There is increasing demand for the United Nations to intervene in trouble spots throughout the world. • I’d like to help but I don’t have the power to intervene in this dispute. • The army’s potentiality to intervene in politics remains strong. • Their only hope now is that the outside world will intervene but it is an increasingly forlorn hope. • The Bank of England intervened this morning to defend the pound. COME BETWEEN 2. to happen between two times or between other events or activities • Two decades intervened between the completion of the design and the opening of the theatre.

Question 37

intimate

Answer 37

▪ I. intimate adjective [ˈɪn.tɪ.mət] [-t ̬ə-] PERSONAL 1. < > having, or being likely to cause, a very close friendship or personal or sexual relationship • intimate relationships • The restaurant has a very intimate atmosphere. • He’s become very intimate with an actress. Thesaurus+: ↑Friendly ↑Relationships in general • The disease is spread through intimate sexual activity. • They shared an intimate physical experience. • The diary revealed several intimate details about his private life. • They had dinner in the very intimate surroundings of a local restaurant. • Her poetry deals with intimate personal experience. EXPERT 2. expert, detailed and obtained from a lot of studying or experience • She has an intimate knowledge of Tuscany, where she has lived for twenty years. Thesaurus+: ↑Detailed and careful ↑Skilled, talented and able Derived: intimately noun countable [ˈɪn.tɪ.mət] [-t ̬ə-] formal a close friend • Intimates of the star say that he has been upset by the personal attacks on him that have appeared in the press recently. Thesaurus+: ↑Friends, acquaintances and contemporaries ▪ II. intimate [ˈɪn.tɪ.meɪt] [-t ̬ə-] verb transitive formal [intimates intimating intimated] to make clear what you think or want without stating it directly • + (that) She has intimated that she will resign if she loses the vote.

Question 38

intimidate

Answer 38

intimidate [ɪnˈtɪm.ɪ.deɪt] verb transitive [intimidates intimidating intimidated] to frighten or threaten someone, usually in order to persuade them to do something that you want them to do • They were intimidated into accepting a pay cut by the threat of losing their jobs.

Question 39

intricate

Answer 39

intricate [ˈɪn.trɪ.kət] adjective having a lot of small parts or details that are arranged in a complicated way and are therefore sometimes difficult to understand, solve or produce • The watch mechanism is extremely intricate and very difficult to repair. • Police officers uncovered an intricate web of deceit.

Question 40

intrude

Answer 40

intrude [ɪnˈtruːd] verb intransitive [intrudes intruding intruded] to go into a place or situation in which you are not wanted or not expected to be • I didn’t realise your husband was here, Dr Jones - I hope I’m not intruding. • Newspaper editors are being urged not to intrude on/into the grief of the families of missing servicemen.

Question 41

intrusion

Answer 41

intrusion [ɪnˈtruː.ʒ ə n] noun countable or uncountable [intrusions] when someone goes into a place or situation where they are not wanted or expected to be • They complained about excessive government intrusion (= unwanted involvement) into their legitimate activities. • His phone call was a welcome intrusion into an otherwise tedious morning.

Question 42

inward

Answer 42

inward [ˈɪn.wəd] [-wɚd] adjective 1. on or towards the inside Compare outward Thesaurus+: ↑In and at 2. inside your mind and not expressed to other people • inward feelings Thesaurus+: ↑Mind and personality ↑Science of psychology and psychoanalysis adverb (also inwards) towards the inside • After the accident, her thoughts began to turn inward (= to her own interests or problems) . • Fold the outside edges inward.

Question 43

itch

Answer 43

itch [ɪtʃ] verb intransitive [itches itching itched] < > to have or cause an uncomfortable feeling on the skin which makes you want to rub it with your nails • I can’t wear wool - it makes me itch. Thesaurus+: ↑Skin complaints and blemishes • What’s that big red lump on your arm? Does it itch? • Try not to scratch those spots, no matter how much they itch, or you’ll make them bleed. • There’s a mosquito bite on my ankle which is itching like crazy! • She won’t wear that beautiful woollen jumper; she complains that it itches. • Why are you wrinkling your nose like that? Is it itching? Idiom: itch to do something Derived: itching noun countable < > an uncomfortable feeling on the skin which makes you want to rub it with your nails • I’ve got an itch on the back of my neck.