Old Flashcards
Whether
Conjunction
Used to express a doubt or choice between two possibilities
He seemed undecided whether to go or stay.
It remains to be seen whether or not this idea can be put into practice.
I asked him whether he had done it all himself or whether someone had helped him.
I’ll see whether she’s at home (= or not at home).
It’s doubtful whether there’ll be any seats left.
Used to show that something is true in either of two cases
You are entitled to a free gift whether you accept our offer of insurance or not.
I’m going whether you like it or not.
Whether or not we’re successful, we can be sure that we did our best.
آیا/چه
Chap
(N.)
(British English, informal, becoming old-fashioned)
Used to talk about a man in a friendly way
He isn’t such a bad chap really.
Come on, chaps, let’s go for a drink!
Exceptionally
(Adv.)
Used before an adjective or adverb to emphasize how strong or unusual the quality is
The weather, even for January, was exceptionally cold.
I thought Bill played exceptionally well.
There was an exceptionally high tide.
an exceptionally gifted child
Only in unusual circumstances
Exceptionally, students may be accepted without formal qualifications.
Revolting
(Adj.)
Extremely unpleasant
synonym disgusting
a revolting smell
a revolting little man
Glare
(V.)
Anger
glare (at somebody/something) to look at somebody/something in an angry way
synonym glower
He didn’t shout, he just glared at me silently.
I looked at her and she glared furiously back.
To shine with a very bright unpleasant light
Sight
(N.)
the ability to see synonym eyesight to lose your sight (= to become blind) She has very good sight. The disease has affected her sight. He has very little sight in his right eye.
sight of somebody/something: the act of seeing somebody/something
After ten days at sea, we had our first sight of land.
I have been known to faint at the sight of blood.
The soldiers were given orders to shoot on sight (= as soon as they saw somebody).
She caught sight of a car in the distance.
The area or distance within which somebody can see or something can be seen
There was no one in sight.
They stole everything in sight.
At last we came in sight of a few houses.
A thing that you see or can see
It’s a spectacular sight as the flamingos lift into the air.
The museum attempts to recreate the sights and sounds of wartime Britain.
sights: the interesting places, especially in a town or city, that are often visited by tourists
We’re going to Paris for the weekend to see the sights.
It’s best if you can get someone local to show you the sights.
a sight (informal, especially British English) a person or thing that looks ridiculous, untidy, unpleasant, etc. She looks a sight in that hat!
a device that you look through to aim a gun, etc. or to look at something through a telescope, etc.
He had the deer in his sights now.
(figurative) Even as a young actress, she always had Hollywood firmly in her sights (= as her final goal).
Pat
(V.)
To touch somebody/something gently several times with your hand flat, especially as a sign of affection
•pat something She patted the dog on the head. He patted his sister's hand consolingly. •pat something + adj. Pat your face dry with a soft towel.
Strangle
(V.)
strangle somebody: to kill somebody by squeezing or pressing on their throat and neck
•to strangle somebody to death
He strangled her with her own scarf.
Whenever she starts going on about her beloved son, I could cheerfully strangle her.
strangle something: to prevent something from growing or developing
The current monetary policy is strangling the economy.
‘Oh, no!’ she cried, strangling a sob.
This project should have been strangled at birth
Feast
(N.)
A large or special meal, especially for a lot of people and to celebrate something
a wedding feast
A day or period of time when there is a religious festival
the feast of Christmas
a feast day
A thing or an event that brings great pleasure
a feast of colours
The evening was a real feast for music lovers.
Alibi
(N.)
Evidence that proves that a person was in another place at the time of a crime and so could not have committed it
The suspects all had alibis for the day of the robbery.
An excuse for something that you have done wrong
Doorway
(N.)
An opening into a building or a room, where the door is
She stood in the doorway for a moment before going in.
homeless people sleeping in shop doorways
Dim
(Adj.)
light> not bright
the dim glow of the fire in the grate
This light is too dim to read by.
place> where you cannot see well because there is not much light
a dim room/street
shape> that you cannot see well because there is not much light
the dim outline of a house in the moonlight
I could see a dim shape in the doorway.
eyes> not able to see well
His eyesight is getting dim.
memories> that you cannot remember or imagine clearly synonym vague
dim memories
She had a dim recollection of the visit.
(humorous) in the dim and distant past
person> (informal, especially British English) not intelligent
He’s very dim.
situation> not giving any reason to have hope; not good
Her future career prospects look dim.
Shimmer
(V.)
To shine with a soft light that seems to move slightly
The sea was shimmering in the sunlight.
The surface of the road shimmered in the midday heat.
Heist
(N.)
(informal)
An act of stealing something valuable from a shop/store or bank
synonym robbery
a bank heist
It’s a tense thriller about a diamond heist that goes badly wrong.
a heist movie
Ignite
(V.)
To start to burn; to make something start to burn
Gas ignites very easily.
(figurative) Tempers ignited when the whole family spent Christmas together.
Flames melted a lead pipe and ignited leaking gas.
(figurative) His words ignited their anger.
Statistic
(N.)
Statistics (informal stats) [plural]: a collection of information shown in numbers
•crime/unemployment, etc. statistics
According to official statistics the disease killed over 500 people.
Statistics show that far more people are able to ride a bicycle than can drive a car.
These statistics are misleading.
Statistics (informal stats) [uncountable]: the science of collecting and analysing statistics
There is a compulsory course in statistics.
(informal stat) [countable]: a piece of information shown in numbers
An important statistic is that 94 per cent of crime relates to property.
I felt I was no longer being treated as a person but as a statistic.
Pop up
Phrasal verb
Appear or occur suddenly.
“these memories can pop up from time to time”
Similar: appear show up
BASEBALL
hit a ball high into the air but not deep, providing an easy catch.
“in three at bats, he struck out twice and popped up”
Spotted
Adj.
Having a regular pattern of round dots on it
a black and white spotted dress
Having marks on it, sometimes in a pattern
a leopard’s spotted coat
Consumer
(N.)
A person who buys goods or uses services
•consumer demand/choice/rights
Health-conscious consumers want more information about the food they buy.
a consumer society (= one where buying and selling is considered to be very important)
providers and consumers of public services
Tax cuts will boost consumer confidence after the recession.
Gesture
(N.)
A movement that you make with your hands, your head or your face to show a particular meaning
He made a rude gesture at the driver of the other car.
She finished what she had to say with a gesture of despair.
They communicated entirely by gesture.
Something that you do or say to show a particular feeling or intention
They sent some flowers as a gesture of sympathy to the parents of the child.
It was a nice gesture (= it was kind) to invite his wife too.
We do not accept responsibility but we will refund the money as a gesture of goodwill.
His speech was at least a gesture towards improving relations between the two countries.
The government has made a gesture towards public opinion (= has tried to do something that the public will like).
Ancestor
(N.)
A person in your family who lived a long time ago
synonym forebear
His ancestors had come to America from Ireland.
An animal that lived in the past which a modern animal has developed from
a reptile that was the common ancestor of lizards and turtles
An early form of a machine which later became more developed synonym forerunner
The ancestor of the modern bicycle was called a penny-farthing.
Frown
(N.)
A serious, angry or worried expression on a person’s face that causes lines on their forehead
A small frown creased her forehead.
She looked up with a puzzled frown on her face.
a slight frown of disapproval/concentration, etc
Scowl
(N.)
An angry look or expression
He looked up at me with a scowl.
Her brows drew together in a scowl.
His face was set in a permanent scowl.
Grimace
(N.)
An ugly expression made by twisting your face, used to show pain, disgust, etc. or to make somebody laugh
to make/give a grimace of pain
‘What’s that?’ she asked with a grimace.
دهن کجی
Sneer
(N.)
An unpleasant look, smile or comment that shows you do not respect somebody/something
‘And who are you, then?’ he asked with a sneer in his voice.
A faint sneer of satisfaction crossed her face.
پوزخند زدن
Smirk
(N.)
A silly and unpleasant smile that shows that you are pleased with yourself, know something that other people do not know, etc.
She had a self-satisfied smirk on her face.
پوزخند زدن
Pout
(N.)
An expression on your face in which your lips are pushed out to show you are annoyed or to look sexually attractive
Her lips were set in a pout of annoyance.
لب ورچیدن
Snapshot
(N.)
Snap, picture
snapshots of the children
A short description or a small amount of information that gives you an idea of what something is like
The play offers a snapshot of life in Britain under the Roman
Recline
(V.)
recline (against/in/on something): (formal) To sit or lie in a relaxed way, with your body leaning backwards
She was reclining on a sofa.
a reclining figure (= for example in a painting)
recline (something) When a seat reclines or when you recline a seat, the back of it moves into a comfortable sloping position
a reclining chair
Browse
(V.)
To look at a lot of things in a shop/store rather than looking for one particular thing
You are welcome to come in and browse.
•browse something
She browsed the shelves for something interesting to read.
browse (through) something:
To look through the pages of a book, newspaper, etc. without reading everything
I found the article while I was browsing through some old magazines.
browse through the catalogue
browse (something) (computing):
To look for or to look at information on a computer, especially on the Internet or a specific website
I spent the whole evening just browsing on the Internet.
I browsed the website for information about the event but didn’t find anything useful.
browse (on something) (of cows, goats, etc.): To eat leaves, etc. that are growing high up
Rip-off
(N.) (informal)
Something that is not worth what you pay for it
$70 for a T-shirt! What a rip-off!
rip-off (of something):
A copy of something, especially one that is less expensive or not as good as the original thing
The single is a rip-off of a 70s hit.
a stall selling designer rip-offs
Massage
(N.)
The action of rubbing and pressing a person’s body with the hands to reduce pain in the muscles and joints
Massage will help the pain.
a back massage
to give somebody a massage
massage oils
Once a week I have a sauna and a massage.
The physiotherapist gave me a massage to ease the pain.
They managed to revive the injured driver with cardiac massage.
Exposure
(N.)
to something harmful
exposure (to something):
The state of being in a place or situation where there is no protection from something harmful or unpleasant
prolonged exposure to harmful radiation
(finance) the company’s exposure on the foreign exchange markets (= to the risk of making financial losses)
showing truth
The state of having the true facts about somebody/something told after they have been hidden because they are bad, immoral or illegal
his exposure as a liar and a fraud
the exposure of illegal currency deals
on TV/in newspapers, etc.
The fact of being discussed or mentioned on television, in newspapers, etc.
synonym publicity
Her new movie has had a lot of exposure in the media.
medical condition
A medical condition caused by being out in very cold weather for too long without protection
Two climbers were brought in suffering from exposure.
film in camera
A length of film in a camera that is used to take a photograph
There are three exposures left on this roll of film.
The length of time for which light is allowed to reach the film when taking a photograph
I used a long exposure for this one.
showing something hidden
The act of showing something that is usually hidden
Precision
(N.)
The quality of being exact, accurate and careful
synonym accuracy
done with mathematical precision
Her writing is imaginative but lacks precision.
Historians can’t estimate the date with any (degree of) precision.
He chose his words with precision.
•precision instruments/tools
Bowl
(N.) container A deep round dish with a wide open top, used especially for holding food or liquid a salad/fruit/sugar, etc. bowl a washing-up bowl
amount
The amount contained in a bowl
a bowl of soup
shape
The part of some objects that is shaped like a bowl
the bowl of a spoon
a toilet/lavatory bowl
theatre
(especially North American English) (in names) A large round theatre without a roof, used for concerts, etc. outdoors
the Hollywood Bowl
ball
A heavy wooden ball that is used in the games of bowls and bowling
game
bowls (North American English also lawn bowling): A game played on an area of very smooth grass, in which players take turns to roll bowls as near as possible to a small ball
Culture
football game (North American English) (in names): A game of American football played after the main season between the best teams
the Super Bowl
Appendix
(N.) (pl. appendices, appendixes)
Internal anatomy
A small bag of tissue that is attached to the large intestine. In humans, the appendix has no clear function.
He had to have his appendix out (= removed).
A section giving extra information at the end of a book or document
Full details are given in Appendix 3.
Crack up
Phrasal verb
crack up (informal)
To become ill, either physically or mentally, because of pressure
You’ll crack up if you carry on working like this.
To start laughing a lot
He walked in and everyone just cracked up.
crack somebody up (informal)
To make somebody laugh a lot
Gill’s so funny, she just cracks me up.
Minister
(N.)
(also Minister) A senior member of the government who is in charge of a government department or a branch of one the Minister of Education a meeting of EU Foreign Ministers senior ministers in the Cabinet cabinet ministers وزیر
A trained religious leader
a Methodist minister
A person, lower in rank than an ambassador, whose job is to represent their government in a foreign country
Resignation
(N.)
The act of giving up your job or position; the occasion when you do this
a letter of resignation
There were calls for her resignation from the board of directors.
Further resignations are expected.
The defeat led to his resignation as team manager
A letter, for example to your employers, to say that you are giving up your job or position
•to offer/hand in/tender your resignation
We haven’t received his resignation yet.
Patient willingness to accept a difficult or unpleasant situation that you cannot change
They accepted their defeat with resignation.
Oriental
(Adj.)
Connected with or typical of the eastern part of the world, especially China and Japan, and the people who live there
oriental languages
She looks slightly oriental
Fair
(N.)
entertainment
(British English also funfair) (North American English also carnival): A type of entertainment in a field or park at which people can ride on large machines and play games to win prizes
Let’s take the kids to the fair.
all the fun of the fair
(North American English): A type of entertainment in a field or park at which farm animals and products are shown and take part in competitions
the county/state fair
business
An event at which people, businesses, etc. show and sell their goods
a world trade fair
a craft/a book/an antique fair
Animal market
(British English) (in the past) a market at which animals were sold
a horse fair
jobs
job/careers fair an event at which people who are looking for jobs can get information about companies who might employ them
Haggle
(V.)
haggle (with somebody) (over something): To argue with somebody in order to reach an agreement, especially about the price of something
I left him in the market haggling over the price of a shirt.
We spent a long time haggling with the authorities over our visas.
Merely
(Adv.)
Used meaning ‘only’ or ‘simply’ to emphasize a fact or something that you are saying
It is not merely a job, but a way of life.
He said nothing, merely smiled and watched her.
They agreed to go merely because they were getting paid for it.
I’m merely stating what everybody knows anyway
فقط، صرفا
Assign
(V.)
To give somebody something that they can use, or some work or responsibility
assign something (to somebody)
The two large classrooms have been assigned to us.
The teacher assigned a different task to each of the children.
•assign somebody something
We have been assigned the two large classrooms.
The teacher assigned each of the children a different task.
To provide a person for a particular task or position
•assign somebody (to something/as something)
They’ve assigned their best man to the job.
•assign somebody to do something
British forces have been assigned to help with peacekeeping.
assign somebody to somebody/something:
To send a person to work under the authority of somebody or in a particular group
I was assigned to B platoon.
To say that something has a particular value or function, or happens at a particular time or place
•assign something to something
Assign a different colour to each different type of information.
•assign something sth
The painting cannot be assigned an exact date.
assign something to somebody (law):
To say that your property or rights now belong to somebody else
The agreement assigns copyright to the publisher.
She has assigned the lease to her daughter.
Vet
(N.)
veterinarian, veterinary surgeon
A person who has been trained in the science of animal medicine, whose job is to treat animals who are sick or injured
We had to take the dog to the local vet.
vet’s (pl. vets)
The place where a vet works
I’ve got to take the dog to the vet’s tomorrow.
Call off
Phrasal verb
call somebody/something off
To order a dog or a person to stop attacking, searching, etc.
call something off
To cancel something; to decide that something will not happen
•to call off a deal/trip/strike
•They have called off their engagement (= decided not to get married).
•The game was called off because of bad weather.
Comprehension
(N.)
The ability to understand
speech and comprehension
His behaviour was completely beyond comprehension (= impossible to understand).
She had no comprehension of what was involved.
An exercise that trains students to understand a language
listening comprehension
a reading comprehension
Attire
(N.)
Clothes
dressed in formal evening attire
Chain
(V.)
To fasten something with a chain; to fasten somebody/something to another person or thing with a chain, so that they do not escape or get stolen
•chain somebody/something
The doors were always locked and chained.
•chain somebody/something up
The dog was chained up for the night.
•chain somebody/something to somebody/something
She chained her bicycle to the gate.
Four activists chained themselves to construction equipment.
(figurative) I’ve been chained to my desk all week (= because there was so much work).
Thigh
(N.)
The top part of the leg between the knee and the hip
The top part of the leg of a chicken, etc., cooked and eaten
Smash
(V.)
break
smash (something): To break something, or to be broken, violently and noisily into many pieces
Several windows had been smashed.
He smashed the radio to pieces.
The glass bowl smashed into a thousand pieces.
hit very hard
To move with a lot of force against something solid; to make something do this
•+ adv./prep.
the sound of waves smashing against the rocks
The car smashed into a tree.
•smash something + adv./prep.
Mark smashed his fist down on the desk.
To hit something very hard and break it, in order to get through it
•smash something + adv./prep.
They had to smash holes in the ice.
The elephant smashed its way through the trees.
•smash something + adj.
We had to smash the door open.
•+ adv./prep.
They had smashed through a glass door to get in.
[transitive] smash something/somebody (+ adv./prep.) to hit something/somebody very hard synonym slam
He smashed the ball into the goal.
destroy/defeat
smash something/somebody to destroy, defeat or put an end to something/somebody
Police say they have smashed a major drugs ring.
She has smashed the world record (= broken it by a large amount).
crash vehicle
smash something (up): To crash a vehicle
He’s smashed (up) his new car.
in tennis, etc.
smash something: To hit a high ball downwards and very hard over the net
State
(V.)
To formally write or say something, especially in a careful and clear way
•state something
He has already stated his intention to run for election.
The facts are clearly stated in the report.
There is no need to state the obvious (= to say something that everyone already knows).
•state how, what, etc…
State clearly how many tickets you require.
•state that…
He stated categorically that he knew nothing about the deal.
•it is stated that…
It was stated that standards at the hospital were dropping.
•something is stated to be/have something
The contract was stated to be invalid.
state something: To fix or announce the details of something, especially on a written document
This is not one of their stated aims.
You must arrive at the time stated.
Do not exceed the stated dose (= of medicine).
Paraphrase
(V.)
paraphrase (something): To express what somebody has said or written using different words, especially in order to make it easier to understand
Try to paraphrase the question before you answer it
Snob
(N.)
A person who admires people in the higher social classes too much and has no respect for people in the lower social classes
She’s such a snob!
A person who thinks they are much better than other people because they are intelligent or like things that many people do not like
•an intellectual snob
•a food/wine, etc. snob
There is a snob value in driving the latest model
Impulse
(N.)
impulse (to do something): A sudden strong wish or need to do something, without stopping to think about the results
He had a sudden impulse to stand up and sing.
I resisted the impulse to laugh.
Her first impulse was to run away.
The door was open and on (an) impulse she went inside.
He tends to act on impulse.
(specialist) A force or movement of energy that causes something else to react
•nerve/electrical impulses
The impulse is conducted along the length of the wire.
(formal) Something that causes somebody/something to do something or to develop and make progress
to give an impulse to the struggling car industry
He was motivated by the impulse for social reform.
Convince
(V.)
To make somebody/yourself believe that something is true
•convince somebody/yourself (of something)
You’ll need to convince them of your enthusiasm for the job.
•convince somebody/yourself (that)…
I’d convinced myself (that) I was right.
The experience convinced him that Europe was on the brink of a revolution.
convince somebody to do something: To persuade somebody to do something
I’ve been trying to convince him to see a doctor.
Temptation
(N.)
The desire to do or have something that you know is bad or wrong
the temptation of easy profits
to give way to/yield to temptation
I couldn’t resist the temptation to open the letter.
Don’t put temptation in her way by offering her a cigarette.
A thing that makes somebody want to do or have something that they know is bad or wrong
An expensive bicycle is a temptation to thieves.
Complain
(V.)
To say that you are annoyed, unhappy or not satisfied about somebody/something
•complain (to somebody) (about/of something)
I’m going to complain to the manager about this.
The defendant complained of intimidation during the investigation.
She never complains, but she’s obviously exhausted.
(informal) ‘How are you?’ ‘Oh, I can’t complain (= I’m all right).’
complain (that)… He complained bitterly that he had been unfairly treated.
(speech) ‘It’s not fair,’ she complained
Sigh
(V.)
To take and then let out a long deep breath that can be heard, to show that you are disappointed, sad, tired, etc.
He sighed deeply at the thought.
•sigh with something
She sighed with relief that it was all over.
(speech) To say something with a sigh
‘Oh well, better luck next time,’ she sighed.
(especially of the wind) To make a long sound like a sigh
the sighing of the wind through the trees
branches sighing in the wind
Stamp
(N.)
on letter/package
A small piece of paper with a design on it that you buy and stick on an envelope or a package before you post it
a 62p stamp
Could I have three first-class stamps, please?
He has been collecting stamps since he was eight.
a stamp album
The Post Office has issued a commemorative stamp to mark the event.
printing tool
A tool for printing the date or a design or mark onto a surface
a date stamp
printed design/words
A design or words made by stamping something onto a surface
The passports, with the visa stamps, were waiting at the embassy.
(figurative) The project has the government’s stamp of approval.
proof of payment
A small piece of paper with a design on it, stuck on a document to show that a particular amount of money has been paid
a TV licence stamp
character/quality
stamp (of something) (formal): The mark or sign of a particular quality or person
All his work bears the stamp of authority.
(formal) A kind or class, especially of people
men of a different stamp
of foot
An act or sound of stamping the foot
The stamp of hoofs alerted Isabel.
Limp
(Adj.)
Lacking strength or energy
His hand went limp and the knife clattered to the ground.
She felt limp and exhausted.
His arm hung limp at his side.
Not stiff or firm
The hat had become limp and shapeless.
Her hair looked limp and lifeless.
Wander
(V.)
To walk slowly around or to a place, often without any particular sense of purpose or direction
She wandered aimlessly around the streets.
We wandered back towards the car.
•wander something
The child was found wandering the streets alone.
To move away from the place where you ought to be or the people you are with
synonym stray
•wander away/off
The child wandered off and got lost.
•wander from/off something
They had wandered from the path into the woods.
(of a person’s mind or thoughts) To stop being directed on something and to move without much control to other ideas, subjects, etc. synonym drift
It’s easy to be distracted and let your attention wander.
Try not to let your mind wander.
•wander away, back, to, etc. something
Her thoughts wandered back to her youth.
Don’t wander off the subject—keep to the point.
(of a person’s eyes) To move slowly from looking at one thing to looking at another thing or in other directions
She let her gaze wander.
His eyes wandered towards the photographs on the wall.
(of a road or river) To curve instead of following a straight course
The road wanders along through the hills.
Call out
Phrasal verb
call somebody out:
To ask somebody to come, especially to an emergency
•to call out an engineer/a plumber/the troops
•to order or advise workers to stop work as a protest
call somebody out (on something)
(also call somebody on something ):
To criticize somebody, especially publicly
People were calling him out for his negative comments.
Dan called her out on a couple of contradictions in her story.
Sergeant
(N.)
A member of one of the middle ranks in the army and the air force, below an officer
Sergeant Salter
گروهبان
(in Britain) A police officer just below the rank of an inspector
(in the US) A police officer just below the rank of a lieutenant or captain see also sarge
Stroll
(V.)
To walk somewhere in a slow relaxed way
People were strolling along the beach
Tiptoe
(V.)
To walk using the front parts of your feet only, so that other people cannot hear you
I tiptoed over to the window.
I let myself in with my key and tiptoed up the stairs.
She tiptoed back into the room when he was asleep.
Particularly
(Adv.)
Especially; More than usual or more than others
•particularly good/important/useful
Traffic is bad, particularly in the city centre.
I enjoyed the play, particularly the second half.
The lecture was not particularly (= not very) interesting.
‘Did you enjoy it?’ ‘No, not particularly (= not very much).’
مخصوصا
Heel
(N.)
part of foot
The back part of the foot below the ankle
part of sock/shoe
The part of a sock, etc. that covers the heel
The raised part on the bottom of a shoe, boot, etc. that makes the shoe, etc. higher at the back
shoes with a low/high heel
a stiletto heel
The sergeant clicked his heels and walked out.
shoes
heels [plural]: A pair of women’s shoes that have high heels
She doesn’t often wear heels.
part of hand
heel of your hand/palm: The raised part of the inside of the hand where it joins the wrist
unpleasant man
(old-fashioned, informal) A man who is unpleasant to other people and cannot be trusted
Imply
(V.) To suggest that something is true or that you feel or think something, without saying so directly •imply (that)… Are you implying (that) I am wrong? •imply something I disliked the implied criticism in his voice. His silence seemed to imply agreement. •it is implied that… It was implied that we were at fault.
To make it seem likely that something is true or exists
synonym suggest
•imply (that)…
The survey implies (that) more people are moving house than was thought.
•it is implied that…
It was implied in the survey that…
•imply something
The fact that she was here implies a degree of interest.
imply something (of an idea, action, etc.) to make something necessary in order to be successful
synonym mean
The project implies an enormous investment in training.
Sustainable development implies a long-term perspective.
Pat
(Adj.)
(of an answer, a comment, etc.) Too quick, easy or simple; not seeming natural or realistic
synonym glib
The ending of the novel is a little too pat to be convincing.
There are no pat answers to these questions.
Patriotic
(Adj.)
Having or expressing a great love of your country
a patriotic man who served his country well
patriotic songs
The party framed its message in unashamedly patriotic language.
Testimony
(N.) (pl. testimonies)
testimony (to something) (formal): A thing that shows that something else exists or is true
synonym testament
This increase in exports bears testimony to the successes of industry.
The pyramids are an eloquent testimony to the ancient Egyptians’ engineering skills.
A formal written or spoken statement saying what you know to be true, usually in court
a sworn testimony
Her claim was supported by the testimony of several witnesses.
Can I refuse to give testimony?
Overboard
(Adv.)
Over the side of a boat or a ship into the water
to fall/jump overboard
Huge waves washed him overboard.
Choke up
Phrasal verb
choke up (North American English): To find it difficult to speak, because of the strong emotion that you are feeling She choked up when she began to talk about her mother.
Sanction
(N.)
sanction (against somebody):
An official order that limits trade, contact, etc. with a particular country, in order to make it do something, such as obeying international law
Trade sanctions were imposed against any country that refused to sign the agreement.
The economic sanctions have been lifted.
(formal) Official permission or approval for an action or a change
synonym authorization
These changes will require the sanction of the court.
Their ideas received official sanction at the meeting.
[countable] sanction (against something) a course of action that can be used, if necessary, to make people obey a law or behave in a particular way synonym penalty
The ultimate sanction will be the closure of the restaurant.
We now have an effective sanction against the killing of whales.
Upscale
(Adj.)
Designed for or used by people who belong to a high social class or have a lot of money
Fare (N.)
(N.)
The money that you pay to travel by bus, plane, taxi, etc. bus/taxi fares train/rail fares Children travel (at) half fare. When do they start paying full fare?
A passenger in a taxi
The taxi driver picked up a fare at the station.
(old-fashioned or formal) Food that is offered as a meal
The restaurant provides good traditional fare.
(figurative) His student drawings were not standard art school fare.
Fare (V.)
(V.)
Fare well, badly, better, etc.: To be successful/unsuccessful in a particular situation
Syn get on
The party fared very badly in the last election.
The North, by and large, has fared better than most regions in avoiding high unemployment figures
Steep
(Adj.)
(of a slope, hill, etc.) Rising or falling quickly, not gradually
•a steep hill/slope/bank
•a steep climb/descent/drop
•a steep flight of stairs
The path grew steeper as we climbed higher.
(of a rise or fall in an amount) Sudden and very big synonym sharp
a steep decline in the birth rate
a steep rise in unemployment
(informal) (of a price or demand) Too much; Unreasonable
synonym expensive
£2 for a cup of coffee seems a little steep to me.
He wants to move in here with us? That’s a bit steep!
Intend
(V.)
To have a plan, result or purpose in your mind when you do something
We finished later than we had intended.
•intend to do something:
I fully intended (= definitely intended) to pay for the damage.
•intend somebody/something to do something:
The writer clearly intends his readers to identify with the main character.
•intend doing something (British English):
I don’t intend staying long.
•intend something:
The company intends a slow-down in expansion.
•intend somebody something:
He intended her no harm (= it was not his plan to harm her).
•it is intended that…:
It is intended that production will start next month.
•intend that… :
We intend that production will start next month.
(rather formal) To plan that something should have a particular meaning synonym mean
•intend something (by something):
What exactly did you intend by that remark?
•intend something (as something):
He intended it as a joke.
Petrified
(Adj.)
Extremely frightened synonym terrified
a petrified expression
•petrified (of something): I’m petrified of snakes.
They were petrified with fear (= so frightened that they were unable to move or think).
•petrified (that…):
She was petrified that the police would burst in at any moment.
[only before noun] Petrified trees, insects, etc. : Have died and been changed into stone over a very long period of time
a petrified forest
Commit
(V.)
crime:
Commit a crime, etc.: To do something wrong or illegal
•to commit murder/adultery
Most crimes are committed by young men.
appalling crimes committed against innocent children
suicide:
Commit suicide: To kill yourself deliberately
promise/say definitely:
To promise sincerely that you will definitely do something, keep to an agreement or arrangement, etc.
•commit somebody/yourself (to something/to doing something)
The President is committed to reforming health care.
Borrowers should think carefully before committing themselves to taking out a loan.
•commit somebody/yourself to do something
Both sides committed themselves to settle the dispute peacefully.
•commit yourself (to something) to give an opinion or make a decision openly so that it is then difficult to change it
You don’t have to commit yourself now, just think about it.
be loyal:
Commit (to somebody/something): to Be completely loyal to one person, organization, etc. or give all your time and effort to your work, an activity, etc.
Why are so many men scared to commit? (= say they will be loyal to one person)
money/time:
Commit something to spend money or time on something/somebody
The council has committed large amounts of money to housing projects.
to hospital/prison:
Commit somebody to something to order somebody to be sent to a hospital, prison, etc.
She was committed to a psychiatric hospital.
somebody for trial:
Commit somebody to send somebody for trial in court
something to memory:
Commit something to memory to learn something well enough to remember it exactly
She committed the instructions to memory.
something to paper/writing:
Commit something to paper/writing: To write something down
Accuse
(V.)
Accuse somebody (of something): To say that somebody has done something wrong or is guilty of something
•to accuse somebody of murder/theft
She accused him of lying.
The government was accused of incompetence.
(formal) They stand accused of crimes against humanity.
Meanwhile
(Adv.)
(informal meantime) While something else is happening
Bob spent fifteen months alone on his yacht. Ann, meanwhile, took care of the children on her own.
(informal meantime) In the period of time between two times or two events
The doctor will see you again next week. Meanwhile, you must rest as much as possible.
Used to compare two aspects of a situation
Stress can be extremely damaging to your health. Exercise, meanwhile, can reduce its effects.
Intoxicated
(Adj.) (formal)
Under the influence of alcohol or drugs
(North American English) He was arrested for DWI (= driving while intoxicated).
Intoxicated (by/with something) very excited by something, so that you cannot think clearly
intoxicated with success
Puzzled
(Adj.)
Unable to understand something or the reason for something synonym baffled
She had a puzzled look on her face.
Scientists are puzzled as to why the whale had swum to the shore.
He looked puzzled so I repeated the question.
Sane
(Adj.)
Having a normal healthy mind; not mentally ill
No sane person would do that.
Being able to get out of the city at the weekend keeps me sane.
Sensible and reasonable
the sane way to solve the problem
Strike (N.)
(N.)
of workers
A period of time when an organized group of employees of a company stops working because of a disagreement over pay or conditions
the train drivers’ strike
a strike by teachers
an unofficial/a one-day strike
Air traffic controllers are threatening to come out on/go on strike.
Half the workforce are now (out) on strike.
The train drivers have voted to take strike action.
The student union has called for a rent strike (= a refusal to pay rent as a protest).
attack
A military attack, especially by aircraft dropping bombs
an air strike
They decided to launch a pre-emptive strike.
hitting/kicking
An act of hitting or kicking something/somebody
His spectacular strike in the second half made the score 2–0.
in baseball
An unsuccessful attempt to hit the ball
in bowling
A situation in tenpin bowling when a player knocks down all the pins with the first ball
discovery of oil
A sudden discovery of something valuable, especially oil
bad thing/action
(North American English) Strike (against somebody/something) a bad thing or action that damages somebody/something’s reputation
The amount of fuel that this car uses is a big strike against it.
Peculiar
(Adj.)
Strange or unusual, especially in a way that is unpleasant or worrying
a peculiar smell/taste
There was something peculiar in the way he smiled.
I had a peculiar feeling we’d met before.
Her behaviour was a peculiar mixture of the sophisticated and the childlike.
He died in very peculiar circumstances.
For some peculiar reason, she refused to come inside.
The peculiar thing was that no one mentioned her disappearance.
They behaved in a very peculiar way.
Peculiar (to somebody/something): Belonging or relating to one particular place, situation, person, etc., and not to others
a humour that is peculiar to American sitcoms
a species of bird peculiar to Asia
He has his own peculiar style which you’ll soon get used to.
the family’s peculiar importance in the affair
the peculiar properties of mercury
(British English, informal) Slightly ill/sick
I don’t think I’ll eat anything—I’m feeling a bit peculiar.
Astonished
(Adj.)
Very surprised
synonym amazed
The helicopter landed before our astonished eyes.
•astonished at/by something/somebody
My parents looked astonished at my news.
She was quite astonished at his rudeness.
•astonished (that)…
She seemed astonished (that) I had never been to Paris.
•astonished to find/hear/learn/see…
He was astonished to learn he’d won the competition.
Oak
(N.)
(also oak tree) A large tree that produces small nuts called acorns. Oaks are common in northern countries and can live to be hundreds of years old.
a gnarled old oak tree
forests of oak and pine
The hard wood of the oak tree
oak beams
This table is made of solid oak.
Herb
(N.)
A plant whose leaves, flowers or seeds are used to flavour food, in medicines or for their pleasant smell. Parsley, mint and oregano are all herbs.
a herb garden
(specialist) A plant with a soft stem that dies down after flowering
Survey
(N.)
An investigation of the opinions, behaviour, etc. of a particular group of people, which is usually done by asking them questions
A recent survey showed 75% of those questioned were in favour of the plan.
The survey revealed that…
to conduct/carry out a survey
The act of examining and recording the measurements, features, etc. of an area of land in order to make a map or plan of it
an aerial survey (= made by taking photographs from an aircraft)
a geological survey
(British English) An examination of the condition of a house, etc., usually done for somebody who is thinking of buying it
a detailed structural survey
A general study, view or description of something
a comprehensive survey of modern music
Hill
(N.)
An area of land that is higher than the land around it, but not as high as a mountain
a region of gently rolling hills
a hill farm/town/fort
The house is built on the side of a hill overlooking the river.
I love walking in the hills (= in the area where there are hills).
A slope on a road
Always take care when driving down steep hills.
a hill start (= the act of starting a vehicle on a slope)
Hospitable
(Adj.)
Hospitable (to/towards somebody) (of a person): Pleased to welcome guests; generous and friendly to visitors
synonym welcoming
The local people are very hospitable to strangers.
He thanked Patricia for being such a hospitable hostess.
Having good conditions that allow things to grow; having a pleasant environment
a hospitable climate
Ghastly
(Adj.)
(of an event) Very frightening and unpleasant, because it involves pain, death, etc.
synonym horrible
a ghastly crime/murder
She woke up in the middle of a ghastly nightmare.
(informal) (of an experience or a situation) Very bad; Unpleasant synonym terrible
The weather was ghastly.
It’s all been a ghastly mistake.
When she mentioned redundancies, for one ghastly moment, I thought she meant me.
(informal) (of a person or thing) That you find unpleasant and dislike very much synonym horrible her ghastly husband This lipstick is a ghastly colour. I look ghastly in red.
[not usually before noun] ill/sick or upset
synonym terrible
I felt ghastly the next day.
Do I look as ghastly as I feel?
•(literary) very pale in appearance, like a dead person:
His face was ghastly white.
She had a ghastly pallor.
