LXXIV Flashcards
euphemism /ˈjuːfəmɪzəm/
a polite word or expression that you use instead of a more direct one to avoid shocking or upsetting someone
“‘Pass away’ is a euphemism for ‘die’.”
stigma /ˈstɪɡmə/
1) a strong feeling in society that being in a particular situation or having a particular illness is something to be ashamed of
“the stigma of alcoholism/mental illness etc”
“The stigma of alcoholism makes it difficult to treat.”
“There is a social stigma attached to single parenthood.”
“In the US, smoking carries a stigma.”
2) the top of the centre part of a flower that receives the pollen which allows it to form new seeds
solidarity /ˌsɒləˈdærəti/
loyalty and general agreement between all the people in a group, or between different groups, because they all have a shared aim
“a gesture of solidarity”
“an appeal for worker solidarity”
show/express/demonstrate your solidarity (with somebody)
“I come before you today to express my solidarity with the people of New York.”
afflict /əˈflɪkt/
to affect someone or something in an unpleasant way, and make them suffer
be afflicted with/by something
“a country afflicted by famine”
wilt /wɪlt/
1) if a plant wilts, it bends over because it is too dry or old → droop
2) to feel weak or tired, especially because you are too hot
droop /druːp/
1) to hang or bend down, or to make something do this
“The plant needs some water – it’s starting to droop.”
“His eyelids began to droop (=close, because he was sleepy).”
“Jessie drooped her head.”
2) to become sad or weak
“Our spirits drooped as we faced the long trip home.”
sluggish /ˈslʌɡɪʃ/
moving or reacting more slowly than normal
“Alex woke late, feeling tired and sluggish.”
“Economic recovery has so far been sluggish.”
dedicate /ˈdedɪkeɪt/
1) to give all your attention and effort to one particular thing
dedicate yourself/your life to something
“The actress now dedicates herself to children’s charity work.”
2) to say at the beginning of a book or film, or before a piece of music, that it has been written, made, or performed for someone that you love or respect
dedicate something to somebody
“The book was dedicated to her husband.”
3) to state in an official ceremony that a building will be given someone’s name in order to show respect for them
4) to use a place, time, money etc only for a particular purpose
dedicate something to/for something
“The company dedicated $50,000 for the study.”
euphoria /juːˈfɔːriə/
an extremely strong feeling of happiness and excitement which usually only lasts for a short time
“There was a general atmosphere of pessimism after the euphoria of last year.”
stature /ˈstætʃə/
1) the degree to which someone is admired or regarded as important
of world/international/national stature
“Armstrong was a musician of world stature.”
“He grew in stature (=became more admired or popular) during the campaign.
stature as”
“his growing stature as an artist”
2) someone’s height or size
“Bernard was short in stature, with a large head.”
