PD_22/07/20(SE: 109-139 ; 5lb)

Question 1

beseech

verb [ T ] old use or literary

Answer 1

to ask for something in a way that shows you need it very much:
Stay a little longer, I beseech you!

Question 2

chide

Answer 2

VERB
If you chide someone, you speak to them angrily because they have done something wicked or foolish.
[old-fashioned]
Cross chided himself for worrying. [V n + for/about]
He gently chided the two women. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: scold, blame, lecture, carpet [informal]

Question 3

snub

Answer 3

1. VERB
   If you snub someone, you deliberately insult them by ignoring them or by behaving or speaking rudely towards them.
   He snubbed her in public and made her feel an idiot. [VERB noun]
   They snubbed his invitation to a meeting of foreign ministers at the U.N.. [VERB noun]
   Synonyms: insult, slight, put down, humiliate

Question 4

supplicate

verb [ I or T ] formal

Answer 4

to ask for something in a humble way:

I knew I could not go on supplicating for more.

Question 5

self-abasement

Answer 5

NOUN
the act of putting oneself down, behaving in a very humble manner, or belittling oneself
Submission or self-abasement is another tactic of emotional manipulation.
people wallowing in self-hatred and self-abasement
They believe self-abasement will win them back whatever it is they have lost.

Question 6

inmate

Answer 6

COUNTABLE NOUN

The inmates of a prison or mental hospital are the prisoners or patients who are living there.

Question 7

cult

noun

Answer 7

a religious group, often living together, whose beliefs are considered extreme or strange by many people:
Their son ran away from home and joined a religious cult.

[ C ]
a particular system of religious belief:
the Hindu cult of Shiva

someone or something that has become very popular with a particular group of people:
the cult of celebrity

Question 8

mortifying

adjective

Answer 8

very embarrassing:
Catching head lice from your kids is a mortifying experience.
She felt it would be utterly mortifying to be seen in such company as his by anyone.

Question 9

solitary

adjective

Answer 9

A solitary person or thing is the only person or thing in a place:
On the hill, a solitary figure was busy chopping down trees.
In the distance was a solitary building.
He was a solitary child (= he enjoyed being alone).

Question 10

synergistic

exegetic

Answer 10

ADJECTIVE

1. acting together
2. (of people, groups, or companies) working together in a creative, innovative, and productive manner

VARIABLE NOUN
An exegesis is an explanation and interpretation of a piece of writing, especially a religious piece of writing, after very careful study.
[formal]
…the kind of academic exegesis at which Isaacs excels.
…a substantial exegesis of his work. [+ of]
Synonyms: explanation, interpretation, clarification, exposition

Question 11

infinitesimal

adjective formal

Answer 11

extremely small:

The amounts of radioactivity present were infinitesimal.

Question 12

autonomy

noun [ U ]

Answer 12

the right of an organization, country, or region to be independent and govern itself:
Demonstrators demanded immediate autonomy for their region.
The universities want to preserve their autonomy from central government.

Question 13

mayhem

noun [ U ]

Answer 13

a situation in which there is little or no order or control:

With 20 kids running around and only two adults to supervise, it was complete mayhem.

Question 14

theology

noun

Answer 14

the study of religion and religious belief

[ C or U ]
a set of beliefs about a particular religion

Question 15

sumptuous

Answer 15

ADJECTIVE
Something that is sumptuous is grand and obviously very expensive.
…a sumptuous feast.
She produces elegant wedding gowns in a variety of sumptuous fabrics.
Synonyms: luxurious, rich, grand, expensive

Question 16

pernicious

Answer 16

ADJECTIVE
If you describe something as pernicious, you mean that it is very harmful.
[formal]
I did what I could, but her mother’s influence was pernicious.
There is a pernicious culture of excellence: everything has to be not merely good but the best.
Synonyms: wicked, bad, damaging, dangerous

Question 17

reactionary

Answer 17

ADJECTIVE
A reactionary person or group tries to prevent changes in the political or social system of their country.
[disapproval]
…Charlotte Brontë’s battle against the forces of reactionary Victorianism.
As long as I have strength, I shall be trying to remove the reactionary forces from the party.
…narrow and reactionary ideas about family life.
Synonyms: conservative, conventional, right-wing, old-fashioned

Question 18

epicurean

Answer 18

ADJECTIVE [usually ADJECTIVE noun]
Epicurean food is of very good quality, especially unusual or rare food.
[formal]
…an epicurean dish.
Synonyms: hedonistic, self-indulgent, luxurious, sensual

Question 19

grievous

Answer 19

1. ADJECTIVE [usually ADJECTIVE noun]
   If you describe something such as a loss as grievous, you mean that it is extremely serious or worrying in its effects.
   Their loss would be a grievous blow to our engineering industries.
   Mr Morris said the victims had suffered from a very grievous mistake.
   Synonyms: deplorable, shocking, appalling, dreadful
2. ADJECTIVE [usually ADJECTIVE noun]
   A grievous injury to your body is one that causes you great pain and suffering.
   He survived in spite of suffering grievous injuries.
   Synonyms: severe, damaging, heavy, wounding

Question 20

baneful

adjective literary

Answer 20

causing harm or trouble:
the baneful effects of corruption
He sought to remove his children from the baneful influences of the city.

Question 21

piddling

Answer 21

ADJECTIVE [usually ADJECTIVE noun]
Piddling means small or unimportant.
[informal]
…arguing over piddling amounts of money.
Synonyms: trivial, little, petty, worthless

Question 22

coup

Answer 22

1. COUNTABLE NOUN
   When there is a coup, a group of people seize power in a country.
   …a military coup.
   They were sentenced to death for their part in April’s coup attempt.
2. COUNTABLE NOUN
   A coup is an achievement which is thought to be especially good because it was very difficult.
   The sale is a big coup for the auction house. [+ for]
   The theatre has scored something of a coup by persuading her to take the role.
   Synonyms: masterstroke, feat, stunt, action

Question 23

debacle

Answer 23

COUNTABLE NOUN
A debacle is an event or attempt that is a complete failure.
After the debacle of the war the world was never the same again. [+ of]
The convention was a debacle.
Synonyms: disaster, catastrophe, fiasco

Question 24

anecdote

noun [ C ]

Answer 24

a short, often funny story, especially about something someone has done:
He told one or two amusing anecdotes about his years as a policeman.
Synonyms: story, tale, sketch, short story

Question 25

retort

Answer 25

VERB
To retort means to reply angrily to someone.
[written]
Was he afraid, he was asked. ‘Afraid of what?’ he retorted. [VERB with quote]
Others retort that strong central power is a dangerous thing in Russia. [VERB that]

Question 26

rejoinder

Answer 26

COUNTABLE NOUN
A rejoinder is a reply, especially a quick, witty, or critical one, to a question or remark.
[formal]
Synonyms: reply, answer, response, counter

Question 27

deep-seated

adjective

Answer 27

strongly felt or believed and very difficult to change or get rid of:
a deep-seated faith in God

Question 28

fancy

Relish

Answer 28

1. VERB
   If you fancy something, you want to have it or to do it.
   [mainly British, informal]
   What do you fancy doing, anyway? [VERB verb-ing]
   Do you fancy going to see a movie sometime? [VERB verb-ing]
   I just fancied a drink. [VERB noun]
   Synonyms: wish for, want, desire, would like
2. VERB
   If you fancy someone, you feel attracted to them, especially in a sexual way.
   [informal]
   I think he thinks I fancy him or something. [VERB noun]
   Synonyms: be attracted to, find attractive, desire, lust after
3. VERB
   If you relish something, you get a lot of enjoyment from it.
   I relish the challenge of doing jobs that others turn down. [VERB noun]
   He ate quietly, relishing his meal. [VERB noun]
   Synonyms: enjoy, like, prefer, taste More Synonyms of relish
   Relish is also a noun.
   The three men ate with relish.
4. VERB
   If you relish the idea, thought, or prospect of something, you are looking forward to it very much.
   Jacqueline is not relishing the prospect of another spell in prison. [VERB noun]
   He relished the idea of getting some cash. [VERB noun]
   Synonyms: look forward to, fancy [informal], long for, delight in More Synonyms of relish

Question 29

ascertain

Answer 29

VERB
If you ascertain the truth about something, you find out what it is, especially by making a deliberate effort to do so.
[formal]
It is always vital to ascertain the cause of a continual headache. [VERB noun]
Once they had ascertained that he was not a spy, they agreed to release him. [VERB that]
Take time to ascertain what services your bank is providing, and at what cost. [VERB wh]
Synonyms: find out, learn, discover, determine

Question 30

doodle

Answer 30

1. COUNTABLE NOUN
   A doodle is a pattern or picture that you draw when you are bored or thinking about something else.
2. VERB
   When someone doodles, they draw doodles.
   He looked across at Jackson, doodling on his notebook. [VERB]
   [Also VERB noun]

Question 31

disciplinarian

Answer 31

COUNTABLE NOUN
If you describe someone as a disciplinarian, you mean that they believe in making people obey strict rules of behaviour and in punishing severely anyone who disobeys.
He has a reputation for being a strict disciplinarian.
Synonyms: authoritarian, tyrant, despot, stickler

Question 32

stickler

Answer 32

COUNTABLE NOUN
If you are a stickler for something, you always demand or require it.
I’m a bit of a stickler for accuracy.
Lucy was a stickler for perfection, and everything had to be exactly right. [+ for]
Synonyms: fanatic, nut [slang], maniac [informal], purist

Question 33

delinquent

Answer 33

1. ADJECTIVE
   Someone, usually a young person, who is delinquent repeatedly commits minor crimes.
   …remand homes for delinquent children.
   Synonyms: unruly, wild, rebellious, anarchic

Question 34

luminary

Answer 34

COUNTABLE NOUN
If you refer to someone as a luminary, you mean that they are an expert in a particular subject or activity.
[literary]
…the political opinions of such luminaries as Sartre or de Beauvoir.
Synonyms: celebrity, star, expert, somebody

Question 35

manipulation

noun [ C or U ]

Answer 35

mainly disapproving
controlling someone or something to your own advantage, often unfairly or dishonestly:
They have been accused of fraud and stock market manipulations.
There’s been so much media manipulation of the facts that nobody knows the truth of the matter.
The country’s opposition party claims the president returned to power through political manipulation.

Question 36

crafty

Answer 36

ADJECTIVE
If you describe someone as crafty, you mean that they achieve what they want in a clever way, often by deceiving people.
…a crafty, lying character who enjoys plotting against others.
A crafty look came to his eyes.
That was my crafty little plan.
Synonyms: cunning, scheming, sly, devious

Question 37

sway

Answer 37

1. VERB
   When people or things sway, they lean or swing slowly from one side to the other.
   The people swayed back and forth with arms linked. [VERB adverb/preposition]
   The whole boat swayed and tipped. [VERB]
   …a coastal highway lined with tall, swaying palm trees. [VERB-ing]
   Synonyms: move from side to side, rock, wave, roll
2. VERB
   If you are swayed by someone or something, you are influenced by them.
   Don’t ever be swayed by fashion. [be VERB-ed]
   …last minute efforts to sway the voters in tomorrow’s local elections. [VERB noun]
   Synonyms: influence, control, direct, affect

Question 38

discourse

Answer 38

1. UNCOUNTABLE NOUN
   Discourse is spoken or written communication between people, especially serious discussion of a particular subject.
   …a tradition of political discourse.
   Synonyms: conversation, talk, discussion, speech

Question 39

impotent

Answer 39

1. ADJECTIVE
   If someone feels impotent, they feel that they have no power to influence people or events.
   The aggression of a bully leaves people feeling hurt, angry and impotent.
   In impotent rage he got up and stalked up and down the flat.
   Synonyms: powerless, weak, helpless, unable
2. ADJECTIVE [usually verb-link ADJECTIVE]
   If a man is impotent his penis fails to get hard or stay hard.

Question 40

rhetoric

Answer 40

1. UNCOUNTABLE NOUN
   If you refer to speech or writing as rhetoric, you disapprove of it because it is intended to convince and impress people but may not be sincere or honest.
   [disapproval]
   What is required is immediate action, not rhetoric.
   The harsh rhetoric had so soured officials that the two sides were barely speaking.

Question 41

posthumous

Answer 41

ADJECTIVE [usually ADJECTIVE noun]
Posthumous is used to describe something that happens after a person’s death but relates to something they did before they died.
His family and supporters have campaigned for many years for a posthumous pardon.
…the posthumous publication of his first novel.

Question 42

canonize

verb [ T ] (UK usually canonise)

Answer 42

(in the Roman Catholic Church) to announce officially that a dead person is a saint

Question 43

politic

adjective [ + to infinitive ] formal

Answer 43

wise and showing the ability to make the right decisions:
It would not be politic for you to be seen there.

Synonyms: wise, diplomatic, sensible, discreet

Question 44

raucous

Answer 44

ADJECTIVE [usually ADJECTIVE noun]
A raucous sound is loud, harsh, and rather unpleasant.
They heard a bottle being smashed, then more raucous laughter.
…the raucous cries of the sea-birds.
…a raucous crowd of 25,000 delirious fans.
Synonyms: harsh, rough, loud, noisy

Question 45

offset

Answer 45

VERB
If one thing is offset by another, the effect of the first thing is reduced by the second, so that any advantage or disadvantage is cancelled out.
The increase in pay costs was more than offset by higher productivity. [be VERB-ed]
The move is designed to help offset the shortfall in world oil supplies. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: cancel out, balance, set off, make up for

Question 46

anticipated

Answer 46

ADJECTIVE
If an event, especially a cultural event, is eagerly anticipated, people expect that it will be very good, exciting, or interesting.
…the most eagerly anticipated rock event of the year.
…one of the conference’s most keenly anticipated debates.
The long-anticipated study drew criticism from the tobacco industry.

Question 47

enact

Answer 47

1.VERB
When a government or authority enacts a proposal, they make it into a law.
[technical]
The authorities have failed so far to enact a law allowing unrestricted emigration. [VERB noun]
The bill would be submitted for public discussion before being enacted as law. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: establish, order, pass, command

2. VERB
   If people enact a story or play, they perform it by acting.
   She often enacted the stories told to her by her father. [VERB noun]
   Synonyms: perform, play, act, present
3. VERB [usually passive]
   If a particular event or situation is enacted, it happens; used especially to talk about something that has happened before.
   [journalism]
   It was a scene which was enacted month after month for eight years. [be VERB-ed]

Question 48

renovate

Answer 48

VERB
If someone renovates an old building, they repair and improve it and get it back into good condition.
The couple spent thousands renovating the house. [VERB noun]
She lives in a large, renovated farmhouse. [VERB-ed]
Synonyms: restore, repair, refurbish, do up [informal]

Question 49

dear

Answer 49

ADJECTIVE [usually verb-link ADJECTIVE]
If you say that something is dear, you mean that it costs a lot of money, usually more than you can afford or more than you think it should cost.
[mainly British, informal, disapproval]
Clothes here are much dearer than in the States.
They’re too dear.

Question 50

firm

Answer 50

ADJECTIVE
If something is firm, it does not change much in shape when it is pressed but is not completely hard.
Fruit should be firm and in excellent condition.
Choose a soft, medium or firm mattress to suit their individual needs.
Synonyms: hard, solid, compact, dense

Question 51

discretionary

Answer 51

ADJECTIVE [usually ADJECTIVE noun]
Discretionary things are not fixed by rules but are decided on by people in authority, who consider each individual case.
Magistrates were given wider discretionary powers.
Check whether you are entitled to a discretionary grant for your course.
Synonyms: optional, arbitrary [law], unrestricted,

the quality of behaving or speaking in such a way as to avoid causing offence or revealing confidential information.
“she knew she could rely on his discretion”elective

Question 52

unforeseen

Answer 52

ADJECTIVE
If something that has happened was unforeseen, it was not expected to happen or known about beforehand.
Radiation may damage cells in a way that was previously unforeseen.
Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, this year’s show has been cancelled.
Ring regularly to check that no unforeseen problems have arisen.
Synonyms: unexpected, unanticipated, unpredicted, surprise

Question 53

repentant

Answer 53

ADJECTIVE
Someone who is repentant shows or says that they are sorry for something wrong they have done.
He was feeling guilty and depressed, repentant and scared.
…a repentant criminal.
Synonyms: regretful, sorry, ashamed, apologetic

Question 54

synopsis

Answer 54

COUNTABLE NOUN
A synopsis is a summary of a longer piece of writing or work.
For each title there is a brief synopsis of the book.
Synonyms: summary, review, résumé, outline

Question 55

unsound

Answer 55

ADJECTIVE [usually verb-link ADJECTIVE]
If a conclusion or method is unsound, it is based on ideas that are wrong.
The thinking is good-hearted, but muddled and fundamentally unsound.
The national tests were educationally unsound.
Synonyms: flawed, faulty, weak, false

2. ADJECTIVE
   If something or someone is unsound, they are unreliable.
   No sensible person would put his money in a bank he knew to be unsound.

3 . ADJECTIVE [usually verb-link ADJECTIVE]
If a building or other structure is unsound, it is in poor condition and is likely to collapse.
The church was structurally unsound.
Synonyms: unstable, shaky, insecure, unsafe

Question 56

complicit

complacent

Answer 56

ADJECTIVE
If someone is complicit in a crime or unfair activity, they are involved in it.
[journalism]
He did not witness her execution, yet he and the others are complicit in her death. [+ in]
A mother who does not report the abuse is said to be complicit.

showing smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one’s achievements.
“you can’t afford to be complacent about security”

Question 57

accreditation

noun [ U ]

Answer 57

the fact of being officially recognized, accepted, or approved of, or the act of officially recognizing, accepting, or approving of something:
The college was given full accreditation in 1965.
The committee has established new procedures for the accreditation of degrees.

Question 58

cower

Answer 58

VERB
If you cower, you bend forward and downwards because you are very frightened.
The hostages cowered in their seats. [VERB]
Synonyms: cringe, shrink, tremble, crouch

Question 59

lax

Answer 59

ADJECTIVE
If you say that a person’s behaviour or a system is lax, you mean they are not careful or strict about maintaining high standards.
One of the problem areas is lax security for airport personnel.
There have been allegations from survivors that safety standards had been lax.
I was lax in my duties.
Synonyms: slack, casual, careless, sloppy [informal]

Question 60

pander

ponder

Answer 60

If you pander to someone or to their wishes, you do everything that they want, often to get some advantage for yourself.
[disapproval]
He has offended the party’s traditional base by pandering to the rich and the middle classes. [VERB + to]
…books which don’t pander to popular taste. [VERB to noun]

think about (something) carefully, especially before making a decision or reaching a conclusion.
"I pondered the question of what clothes to wear for the occasion"

Question 61

commiserate

Answer 61

VERB
If you commiserate with someone, you show them pity or sympathy when something unpleasant has happened to them.
When I lost, he commiserated with me. [VERB + with]
Synonyms: sympathize, pity, feel for, console

Question 62

recoil

Answer 62

VERB
If you recoil from doing something or recoil at the idea of something, you refuse to do it or accept it because you dislike it so much.
People used to recoil from the idea of getting into debt. [VERB + from]
She recoiled at the number of young girls who came forward. [VERB + at]
Synonyms: draw back, shrink, falter, shy away

VERB
If something makes you recoil, you move your body quickly away from it because it frightens, offends, or hurts you.
For a moment I thought he was going to kiss me. I recoiled in horror. [VERB]
We are attracted by nice smells and recoil from nasty ones. [VERB + from]

Question 63

glaring

Answer 63

1. ADJECTIVE [usually ADJECTIVE noun]
   If you describe something bad as glaring, you are emphasizing that it is very obvious and easily seen or noticed.
   [emphasis]
   I never saw such a glaring example of misrepresentation.
   Synonyms: obvious, open, outstanding, patent

Question 64

monolithic

adjective disapproving

Answer 64

too large, too regular, or without interesting differences, and unwilling or unable to be changed:
monolithic state-run organizations

Question 65

pliant

Answer 65

ADJECTIVE
A pliant person can be easily influenced and controlled by other people.
She’s proud and stubborn, you know, under that pliant exterior.
Synonyms: impressionable, susceptible, manageable, adaptable

Question 66

variegated

Answer 66

1. ADJECTIVE [usually ADJECTIVE noun]
A variegated leaf or plant has different colours on it.
[technical]
The leaves are a variegated red. 
2. ADJECTIVE
Something that is variegated consists of many different parts or types.
[formal]
...our variegated dialects.

Question 67

flail

Answer 67

1. VERB
   If your arms or legs flail or if you flail them about, they wave about in an energetic but uncontrolled way.
   His arms were flailing in all directions. [VERB]
   He gave a choked cry, flailed his arms wildly for a moment, and then went over the edge. [VERB noun]
   Synonyms: thrash, beat, windmill, thresh More Synonyms of flail
   Flail around means the same as flail.
   He starting flailing around and hitting Vincent in the chest. [VERB PARTICLE]
2. COUNTABLE NOUN
   A flail is a tool which consists of a piece of wood or metal that can swing freely from a handle. Flails are used to beat crops such as corn in order to separate the grain from the rest of the plant.

Question 68

ennoble

Answer 68

1. VERB
   To ennoble someone or something means to make them more dignified and morally better.
   [literary]
   …the enduring fundamental principles of life that ennoble mankind. [VERB noun]
   Synonyms: dignify, honour, enhance, elevate

2 . VERB [usually passive]
If someone is ennobled, they are made a member of the nobility.
[formal]
…the son of a financier who had been ennobled. [be VERB-ed]
He was ennobled in the New Year’s Honours List. [VERB-ed]

Question 69

rapier

Answer 69

1. COUNTABLE NOUN
   A rapier is a very thin sword with a long sharp point.
2. ADJECTIVE [ADJECTIVE noun]
   If you say that someone has a rapier wit, you mean that they are very intelligent and quick at making clever comments or jokes in a conversation.
   The journalist is famous for her precocity and rapier wit.

Question 70

strapping

Answer 70

ADJECTIVE [usually ADJECTIVE noun]
If you describe someone as strapping, you mean that they are tall and strong, and look healthy.
[approval]
He was a bricklayer–a big, strapping fellow.
Synonyms: well-built, big, powerful, robust

Question 71

sheathe

Answer 71

1. VERB [usually passive]
   If something is sheathed in a material or other covering, it is closely covered with it.
   [literary]
   The television was sheathed in a snug coverlet. [be VERB-ed + in]
   …his long legs, sheathed in black leather trousers. [VERB-ed]
2. VERB
   When someone sheathes a knife, they put it in its sheath.
   [literary]
   He sheathed the knife and strapped it to his shin. [VERB noun]

Question 72

brandish

Answer 72

VERB
If you brandish something, especially a weapon, you hold it in a threatening way.
He appeared in the lounge brandishing a knife. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: wave, raise, display, shake

Question 73

wield

Answer 73

1. VERB
   If you wield a weapon, tool, or piece of equipment, you carry and use it.
   …a lone assailant wielding a kitchen knife. [VERB noun]
   Synonyms: brandish, flourish, manipulate, swing More Synonyms of wield
2. VERB
   If someone wields power, they have it and are able to use it.
   She remains chairwoman, but wields little power at the company. [VERB noun]
   Synonyms: exert, hold, maintain, exercise

Question 74

cauterize

Answer 74

VERB
If a doctor cauterizes a wound, he or she burns it with heat or with a chemical in order to close it up and prevent it from becoming infected.
He cauterized the wound with a piece of red-hot iron. [VERB noun]

Question 75

sheath

Answer 75

1. COUNTABLE NOUN
   A sheath is a covering for the blade of a knife.
2. COUNTABLE NOUN
   A sheath is a rubber covering for a man’s penis and is used during sex as a contraceptive or as a protection against disease.
   [British]

Question 76

fervent

Answer 76

ADJECTIVE [usually ADJECTIVE noun]
A fervent person has or shows strong feelings about something, and is very sincere and enthusiastic about it.
…a fervent admirer of Morisot’s work.
…the fervent hope that matters will be settled promptly.
Synonyms: ardent, earnest, enthusiastic, fervid

Question 77

congeal

Answer 77

VERB
When a liquid congeals, it becomes very thick and sticky and almost solid.
The blood had started to congeal. [VERB]
…spilled wine mingled with congealed soup. [VERB-ed]
Synonyms: thicken, set, freeze, harden

Question 78

centrist

Answer 78

ADJECTIVE [usually ADJECTIVE noun]
Centrist policies and parties are moderate rather than extreme.
He had left the movement because it had abandoned its centrist policies.
A centrist is someone with centrist views.

Question 79

imposing

Answer 79

ADJECTIVE
If you describe someone or something as imposing, you mean that they have an impressive appearance or manner.
He was an imposing man.
…the imposing wrought-iron gates at the entrance to the estate.
Synonyms: impressive, striking, grand, august

Question 80

lucrative

Answer 80

ADJECTIVE
A lucrative activity, job, or business deal is very profitable.
Thousands of ex-army officers have found lucrative jobs in private security firms.
Synonyms: profitable, rewarding, productive, fruitful

Question 81

pedestrian

Answer 81

1. COUNTABLE NOUN [oft NOUN noun]
   A pedestrian is a person who is walking, especially in a town or city, rather than travelling in a vehicle.
   In Los Angeles a pedestrian is a rare spectacle.
   More than a third of all pedestrian injuries are to children.
   Synonyms: walker, foot-traveller, footslogger
2. ADJECTIVE
   If you describe something as pedestrian, you mean that it is ordinary and not at all interesting.
   [disapproval]
   His style is so pedestrian that the book becomes a real bore.
   I drove home contemplating my own more pedestrian lifestyle.
   Synonyms: dull, flat, ordinary, boring

Question 82

stagnant

Answer 82

1. ADJECTIVE
   If something such as a business or society is stagnant, there is little activity or change.
   [disapproval]
   He is seeking advice on how to revive the stagnant economy.
   Mass movements are often a factor in the awakening and renovation of stagnant societies.
   Synonyms: inactive, declining, stagnating, flat
2. ADJECTIVE
   Stagnant water is not flowing, and therefore often smells unpleasant and is dirty.

Question 83

accommodating

Answer 83

ADJECTIVE
If you describe someone as accommodating, you like the fact that they are willing to do things in order to please you or help you.
[approval]
Synonyms: obliging, willing, kind, friendly

Question 84

appropriation

Answer 84

2.UNCOUNTABLE NOUN
Appropriation of something that belongs to someone else is the act of taking it, usually without having the right to do so.
[formal]
Other charges include fraud and illegal appropriation of land. [+ of]
Synonyms: seizure, taking, takeover, assumption

1. COUNTABLE NOUN
   An appropriation is an amount of money that a government or organization reserves for a particular purpose.
   [formal]
   The government raised defence appropriations by 12 per cent.
   Synonyms: setting aside, assignment, allocation, earmarking

Question 85

studious

Answer 85

ADJECTIVE
Someone who is studious spends a lot of time reading and studying books.
I was a very quiet, studious little girl.
Synonyms: scholarly, academic, intellectual, serious

Question 86

atypical

Answer 86

ADJECTIVE
Someone or something that is atypical is not typical of its kind.
The economy of the province was atypical because it was particularly small.
Synonyms: unusual, exceptional, uncommon, singular

Question 87

hobble

Answer 87

1. VERB
   If you hobble, you walk in an awkward way with small steps, for example because your foot is injured.
   He got up slowly and hobbled over to the coffee table. [VERB adverb/preposition]
   The swelling had begun to go down, and he was able, with pain, to hobble. [VERB]
   Synonyms: limp, stagger, stumble, shuffle

Question 88

hamstring

Answer 88

2. VERB
   If you hamstring someone, you make it very difficult for them to take any action.
   If he becomes the major opposition leader, he could hamstring a conservative-led coalition. [VERB noun]
   Synonyms: thwart, stop, block, prevent
3. COUNTABLE NOUN
   A hamstring is a length of tissue or tendon behind your knee which joins the muscles of your thigh to the bones of your lower leg.
   Webster has not played since suffering a hamstring injury in the opening game.

Question 89

aggrieve

verb [ T ]

Answer 89

to make someone unhappy and angry:

Years later, this unfairness still aggrieves him.

Question 90

incumbent

Answer 90

1. COUNTABLE NOUN
   An incumbent is someone who holds an official post at a particular time.
   [formal]
   In general, incumbents have a 94 per cent chance of being re-elected.
   Incumbent is also an adjective.
   …the only candidate who defeated an incumbent senator.

Question 91

grievance

grieve

Answer 91

VARIABLE NOUN
If you have a grievance about something that has happened or been done, you believe that it was unfair.
They had a legitimate grievance.
The main grievance of the drivers is the imposition of higher fees for driving licences.
…a deep sense of grievance.
Synonyms: injustice, wrong, injury

1. VERB
   If you grieve over something, especially someone’s death, you feel very sad about it.
   He’s grieving over his dead wife and son. [VERB preposition]
   I didn’t have any time to grieve. [VERB]
   Margery’s grieving family battled to come to terms with their loss. [VERB-ing]
   Synonyms: mourn, suffer, weep, ache More Synonyms of grieve
2. VERB
   If you are grieved by something, it makes you unhappy or upset.
   He was deeply grieved by the sufferings of the common people. [be V-ed + by/at]
   I was grieved to hear of the suicide of James. [be VERB-ed to-infinitive]
   It grieved me to see the poor man in such distress. [VERB noun to-infinitive]
   [Also VERB noun]
   Synonyms: sadden, hurt, injure, distress

Question 92

verdict

Answer 92

1. COUNTABLE NOUN
   In a court of law, the verdict is the decision that is given by the jury or judge at the end of a trial.
   The jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict.
   Three judges will deliver their verdict in October.
   Synonyms: decision, finding, judgment, opinion
2. COUNTABLE NOUN [oft with poss]
   Someone’s verdict on something is their opinion of it, after thinking about it or investigating it.
   The doctor’s verdict was that he was entirely healthy.
   The critics were too quick to give their verdict on us.

Question 93

deficient

Answer 93

ADJECTIVE
Someone or something that is deficient is not good enough for a particular purpose.
[formal]
…deficient landing systems.
Synonyms: unsatisfactory, poor, inadequate, weak

Question 94

unwieldy

Answer 94

1. ADJECTIVE
   If you describe an object as unwieldy, you mean that it is difficult to move or carry because it is so big or heavy.
   They came panting up to his door with their unwieldy baggage.
   Synonyms: bulky, massive, hefty, clumsy
2. ADJECTIVE
   If you describe a system as unwieldy, you mean that it does not work very well as a result of it being too large or badly organized.
   His firm must contend with the unwieldy Russian bureaucracy.
   …an unwieldy legal system.
   Synonyms: awkward, cumbersome, inconvenient, burdensome

Question 95

resounding

Answer 95

1. ADJECTIVE [usually ADJECTIVE noun]
   A resounding sound is loud and clear.
   There was a resounding slap as Andrew struck him violently across the face.
   She got a resounding round of applause.
   The answer, Segal says, was a resounding yes!
   Synonyms: echoing, full, sounding, rich
2. ADJECTIVE [usually ADJECTIVE noun]
   You can refer to a very great success as a resounding success.
   [emphasis]
   The good weather helped to make the occasion a resounding success.
   Synonyms: huge, striking, outstanding, tremendous

Question 96

hurdle

Answer 96

1 . A hurdle is a problem, difficulty, or part of a process that may prevent you from achieving something.
Two-thirds of candidates fall at this first hurdle and are packed off home.
The weather will be the biggest hurdle so I have to be ready.
Synonyms: obstacle, block, difficulty, barrier

2. COUNTABLE NOUN [with singular or plural verb]
   Hurdles is a race in which people have to jump over a number of obstacles that are also called hurdles. You can use hurdles to refer to one or more races.
   He won the 400m. hurdles.

Question 97

insurance

Answer 97

2. VARIABLE NOUN
   If you do something as insurance against something unpleasant happening, you do it to protect yourself in case the unpleasant thing happens.
   The country needs a defence capability as insurance against the unexpected. [+ against]
3. VARIABLE NOUN [oft NOUN noun]
   Insurance is an arrangement in which you pay money to a company, and they pay money to you if something unpleasant happens to you, for example if your property is stolen or damaged, or if you get a serious illness.
   The insurance company paid out for the stolen jewellery and silver.
   We recommend that you take out travel insurance on all holidays. [+ on]

Question 98

comorbidity

noun [ U ] MEDICAL specialized

Answer 98

the fact that people who have a disease or condition also have one or more other diseases or conditions(the occurrence of more than one illness or condition at the same time):
The study suggests that there may be greater comorbidity between the two conditions than has been acknowledged.

Question 99

morbid

Answer 99

ADJECTIVE
If you describe a person or their interest in something as morbid, you mean that they are very interested in unpleasant things, especially death, and you think this is strange.
[disapproval]
Some people have a morbid fascination with crime.
…morbid curiosity about the convicted murderer.
Synonyms: gruesome, sick [informal], dreadful, ghastly

Question 100

probation

probity

probe

Answer 100

1. UNCOUNTABLE NOUN
   Probation is a period of time during which a person who has committed a crime has to obey the law and be supervised by a probation officer, rather than being sent to prison.
   The thief was put on probation for two years.
2. UNCOUNTABLE NOUN
   Probation is a period of time during which someone is judging your character and ability while you work, in order to see if you are suitable for that type of work.
   Employee appointment will be subject to a term of probation of 6 months. [+ of]
   After a further four-month extension of her probation period, she was sacked.
   Synonyms: trial period, test, trial, examination

UNCOUNTABLE NOUN
Probity is a high standard of correct moral behaviour.
[formal]
He asserted his innocence and his financial probity.
Synonyms: integrity, worth, justice, honour

1. VERB
   If you probe into something, you ask questions or try to discover facts about it.
   The more they probed into his background, the more inflamed their suspicions would become. [VERB + into]
   For three years, I have probed for understanding. [VERB + for]
   The Office of Fair Trading has been probing banking practices. [VERB noun]
   The form asks probing questions. [VERB-ing]
   Synonyms: examine, research, go into, investigate More Synonyms of probe
   Probe is also a noun.
   …a federal grand-jury probe into corruption within the FDA.
   probing
   Word forms: plural probings
   COUNTABLE NOUN
   If he remains here, he’ll be away from the press and their probings.
2. VERB
   If a doctor or dentist probes, he or she uses a long instrument to examine part of a patient’s body.
   The surgeon would pick up his instruments, probe, repair and stitch up again. [VERB]
   Dr Amid probed around the sensitive area. [VERB preposition/adverb]
   A doctor probed deep in his shoulder wound for shrapnel. [VERB preposition/adverb]
   Synonyms: explore, examine, poke, prod More Synonyms of probe
3. COUNTABLE NOUN
   A probe is a long thin instrument that doctors and dentists use to examine parts of the body.
   …a fibre-optic probe.
4. VERB
   If you probe a place, you search it in order to find someone or something that you are looking for.
   A flashlight beam probed the underbrush only yards away from their hiding place. [VERB noun]
   I probed around for some time in the bushes. [VERB adverb/preposition]
5. VERB
   In a conflict such as a war, if one side probes another side’s defences, they try to find their weaknesses, for example by attacking them in specific areas using a small number of troops.
   [journalism]
   He probes the enemy’s weak positions, ignoring his strongholds. [VERB noun]
   Squads of prison officers have been probing the rioters’ defences. [VERB noun]
   Probe is also a noun.
   Small probes would give the allied armies some combat experience.
6. COUNTABLE NOUN [usually noun NOUN]
   A space probe is a spacecraft which travels into space with no people in it, usually in order to study the planets and send information about them back to earth.
   Its rings were discovered by telescope from Earth, but space probes later found that spectacular rings surround some other planets.
   The Pioneer probes have on board ultra-violet instruments which are measuring light that we can’t measure on the earth.

Question 101

virulence

Answer 101

1. UNCOUNTABLE NOUN
   Virulence is great bitterness and hostility.
   [formal]
   The virulence of the café owner’s anger had appalled her. [+ of]
2. UNCOUNTABLE NOUN
   The virulence of a disease or poison is its ability to harm or kill people or animals.
   Medical authorities were baffled, both as to its causes and its virulence.

Question 102

far-reaching

Answer 102

ADJECTIVE
If you describe actions, events, or changes as far-reaching, you mean that they have a very great influence and affect a great number of things.
The economy is in danger of collapse unless far-reaching reforms are implemented.
Synonyms: extensive, important, significant, sweeping

Question 103

affirm

Answer 103

1. VERB
   If you affirm that something is true or that something exists, you state firmly and publicly that it is true or exists.
   [formal]
   The courts have affirmed that the act can be applied to social media. [VERB that]
   …a speech in which he affirmed a commitment to lower taxes. [VERB noun]
   ‘This place is a dump,’ affirmed Miss T. [VERB with quote]
   [Also VERB noun to-infinitive]
   Synonyms: declare, state, maintain, swear

Question 104

unilateral

Answer 104

involving only one group or country:
The party leader has actually declared her support for unilateral nuclear disarmament (= giving up her country’s nuclear weapons without first waiting for other countries to do the same).

Question 105

collusive

Answer 105

acting together secretly or illegally in order to deceive or cheat someone:
There was evidence of collusive behaviour between the banks.
They exchanged collusive smiles.

Question 106

ascertain

Answer 106

VERB
If you ascertain the truth about something, you find out what it is, especially by making a deliberate effort to do so.
[formal]
It is always vital to ascertain the cause of a continual headache. [VERB noun]
Once they had ascertained that he was not a spy, they agreed to release him. [VERB that]
Take time to ascertain what services your bank is providing, and at what cost. [VERB wh]
Synonyms: find out, learn, discover, determine

Question 107

Encompass

Answer 107

to include different types of things:

The festival is to encompass everything from music, theatre, and ballet to literature, cinema, and the visual arts.

Question 108

sweeping

Answer 108

affecting many things or people; large:
It is obvious that sweeping changes are needed in the legal system.
We need to make sweeping cuts to our budget.
sweeping statement/generalization disapproving

something that you say or write that is too general and that has not been carefully thought about:
Sweeping generalizations about this complex and difficult situation are not helpful.

Question 109

remedial

Answer 109

A remedial action is intended to correct something that is wrong or to improve a bad situation:
to take urgent/immediate remedial action
The bill requires owners to undertake remedial work on dilapidated buildings.

formal
Remedial exercises are intended to improve someone’s health when they are ill.