tests Flashcards
Abundant
existing or occurring in large amounts
Problematic
1 a : posing a problem : difficult to solve or decide
b : not definite or settled : uncertain
c : open to question or debate : questionable
2: expressing or supporting a possibility
Synonym Discussion of problematic
doubtful, dubious, problematic, questionable mean not affording assurance of the worth, soundness, or certainty of something.
Clarity
: the quality of being clear: such as
a : the quality of being easily understood
The essays are edited for clarity.
There is a lack of clarity in many legal documents.
b : the quality of being expressed, remembered, understood, etc., in a very exact way
She remembered what happened that day with surprising clarity.
I’m looking for greater clarity about what is expected of our students.
The committee lacked clarity of purpose. [=the committee did not have a clearly stated purpose]
a moment of clarity [=a time when you suddenly understand something]
c : the quality of being easily seen or heard
The clarity of the photographs was amazing.
The DVD has excellent clarity of sound.
visual clarity
d : the quality of being easily seen through
the clarity of the lake’s water
glass with exceptional clarity
Elation( the quality of being Elated)
Elated
marked by high spirits : exultant
very happy and excited
Examples of elated
But I was elated when my song was banned. I mean, nothing could have complimented me more than to hear they just banned it at such-and-such a station … —Tom Petty, quoted in Rolling Stone, 14 Nov. 2002
Artificial
- not natural or real : made, produced, or done to seem like something natural
- not happening or existing naturally : created or caused by people
- not sincere
Examples of artificial
the world’s first artificial heart
This product contains no artificial colors natural substances are used.
Intricate
: having many complexly interrelating parts or elements : complicated
: difficult to resolve or analyze
Examples of intricate
Filigree is an ancient technique that creates an intricate, lace-like pattern through the combination of wire swirls and shapes. —Jeanne Rhodes-Moen, Step by Step Wire Jewelry, Fall 2007
Tsunami generation involves intricate interactions among earthquakes, landslides, and “sympathetic” vibrations between the quake and the ocean above it. —Robert Koenig, Science, 17 Aug. 2001
- Fragmented
2. Fragment
- : a part broken off or detached
- a broken part or piece of something
: an incomplete part
Thrive
- to grow vigorously : flourish
- to gain in wealth or possessions : prosper
- to progress toward or realize a goal despite or because of circumstances —often used with on
Examples of thrive
Vertiginous
-a : characterized by or suffering from vertigo or dizziness
b : inclined to frequent and often pointless change : inconstant
- causing or tending to cause dizziness
- marked by turning : rotary
Blight
1
a : a disease or injury of plants marked by the formation of lesions, withering, and death of parts (as leaves and tubers)
b : an organism (as an insect or a fungus) that causes blight
2
: something that frustrates plans or hopes
3
: something that impairs or destroys
4
: a deteriorated condition
Examples of blight
the city’s spreading urban blight
Quotidian
Full Definition of quotidian 1 \: occurring every day 2 a : belonging to each day : everyday b : commonplace, ordinary
Examples of quotidian
Prejudice
: an unfair feeling of dislike for a person or group because of race, sex, religion, etc.
: a feeling of like or dislike for someone or something especially when it is not reasonable or logical
a (1) : preconceived judgment or opinion (2) : an adverse opinion or leaning formed without just grounds or before sufficient knowledge
b : an instance of such judgment or opinion
c : an irrational attitude of hostility directed against an individual, a group, a race, or their supposed characteristics
Examples of prejudice
But today most black Americans not hampered by poverty or prejudice take for granted their right to study Italian, listen to Britney Spears or opera, play in the NHL, eat Thai food, live anywhere, work anywhere, play anywhere, read and think and say anything. —Stephan Talty, Mulatto America, 2003
Persistence
the quality that allows someone to continue doing something or trying to do something even though it is difficult or opposed by other people
: the state of occurring or existing beyond the usual, expected, or normal time
Examples of persistence
He admired her dogged persistence in pursuing the job.
His persistence in asking for a raise was finally rewarded.
She has shown a lot of persistence.
Carpenter
a worker who builds or repairs wooden structures or their structural parts
Pierce
1
a : to run into or through as a pointed weapon does : stab
b : to enter or thrust into sharply or painfully
2
: to make a hole through : perforate
3
: to force or make a way into or through
4
: to penetrate with the eye or mind : discern
5
: to penetrate so as to move or touch the emotions of
Examples of pierce The needle pierced her skin. The bullet pierced his lung. The needle pierced into her skin. The bullet pierced through his lung. A scream pierced the silence.
Curiosity
the desire to learn or know more about something or someone
: something that is interesting because it is unusual
Examples of curiosity
Her natural curiosity led her to ask more questions.
The arrival of a construction crew at their house attracted the curiosity of their neighbors.
The movie failed to satisfy her curiosity about the assassination.
Tobacco was once a curiosity in Europe.
The antique shop was full of curiosities.
Dismay
Simple Definition of dismay: \: to cause (someone) to feel very worried, disappointed, or upset Full Definition of dismay: dis·mayeddis·may·ing transitive verb 1 \: to cause to lose courage or resolution (as because of alarm or fear) 2 \: upset, perturb
Examples of dismay
Her choice of career dismays her parents.
Disquiet
to make (someone) worried or nervous
Examples of disquiet
Forbearance
Simple Definition of forbearance
: the quality of someone who is patient and able to deal with a difficult person or situation without becoming angry
Full Definition of forbearance
1
: a refraining from the enforcement of something (as a debt, right, or obligation) that is due
2
: the act of forbearing : patience
3
: the quality of being forbearing : leniency
Examples of forbearance
He showed great forbearance in his dealings with them.
Rancher
Simple Definition of rancher
: a person who lives or works on a ranch(ferma, rancho)
Lament
to express sorrow (skorb’), regret, or unhappiness about something
booster
: one that boosts: as
a : an enthusiastic supporter
b : an auxiliary device for increasing force, power, pressure, or effectiveness
c slang : shoplifter
d : a radio-frequency amplifier for a radio or television receiving set
e : the first stage of a multistage rocket providing thrust for the launching and the initial part of the flight
f : a substance that increases the effectiveness of a medicament; especially : booster shot
a person or thing that helps increase or promote something, in particular.
Examples of booster
These exercises are real metabolism boosters.
Music is my favorite mood booster.
Hatred
a very strong feeling of dislike
Quantify
Simple Definition of quantify
: to find or calculate the quantity or amount of (something)
Worth
Definition of worth 1 archaic : having monetary or material value 2 archaic : estimable
Indeed
Full Definition of indeed
1
: without any question : truly, undeniably —often used interjectionally to express irony or disbelief or surprise
2
: in reality
3
: all things considered : as a matter of fact
Commission
Simple Definition of commission
: a group of people who have been given the official job of finding information about something or controlling something
: an amount of money paid to an employee for selling something
: the act of committing a crime
Examples of commission
She served on the city’s water commission.
Both states set up commissions to examine their public schools.
She gets a commission for each car she sells.
The salespeople in that store all work on commission.
a weapon used in the commission of a crime
Tentative
Full Definition of tentative 1 \: not fully worked out or developed 2 \: hesitant, uncertain <a>
not done with confidence : uncertain and hesitant
: not definite : still able to be changed</a>
Confined
(of a space) restricted in area or volume; cramped.
verb) keep or restrict someone or something within certain limits of (space, scope, quantity, or time
Tedious
Full Definition of tedious
: tiresome because of length or dullness : boring <a></a>
Secure
Simple Definition of secure
: protected from danger or harm
: providing protection from danger or harm
: guarded so that no one can enter or leave without approval
Resolve
- firmly determined to do something.
2. settle or find a solution to (a problem, dispute, or contentious matter).
Undermine
to make (someone or something) weaker or less effective usually in a secret or gradual way.
Examples of undermine
She tried to undermine my authority by complaining about me to my boss.
The events of the past year have undermined people’s confidence in the government.
Float
: an act or instance of floating
2
: something that floats in or on the surface of a fluid: as
a : a device (as a cork) buoying up the baited end of a fishing line
b : a floating platform anchored near a shoreline for use by swimmers or boats
c : a hollow ball that floats at the end of a lever in a cistern, tank, or boiler and regulates the liquid level
d : a sac containing air or gas and buoying up the body of a plant or animal
e : a watertight structure giving an airplane buoyancy on water
3
: a tool or apparatus for smoothing a surface (as of wet concrete)
4
: a government grant of a fixed amount of land not yet located by survey out of a larger specific tract
5
: a vehicle with a platform used to carry an exhibit in a parade; also : the vehicle and exhibit together
6
a : an amount of money represented by checks outstanding and in process of collection
b : the time between a transaction (as the writing of a check or a purchase on credit) and the actual withdrawal of funds to cover it
c : the volume of a company’s shares available for active trading in the auction market
7
: a soft drink with ice cream floating in it
плавучий в воде. на поверхности
Smolder
Simple Definition of smolder
: to burn slowly without flames but usually with smoke
: to feel a strong emotion but keep it hidden
: to be felt strongly by someone without being directly shown or expressed
Examples of smolder
The remains of the campfire smoldered.
Her eyes smoldered with anger.
Anger smoldered in my heart.
Collide
to hit something or each other with strong force : to crash together or to crash into something
to come together with solid or direct impact
2
: clash
Examples of collide
Two football players collided on the field.
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Indiscretion
lack of good judgment or care in behavior and especially in speech : lack of discretion
: an act or remark that shows a lack of good judgment : an indiscreet act or remark
Resolution
-a firm decision to do or not to do something.
she kept her resolution not to see Anne any more
-the action of solving a problem, dispute, or contentious matter.
the peaceful resolution of all disputes
constrict
Simple Definition of constrict
: to make (something) narrower, smaller, or tighter
: to become narrower, smaller, or tighter
: to prevent or keep (something or someone) from developing freely
Examples of constrict
The drug is used to constrict blood vessels.
The declining economy has constricted job opportunities.
a life constricted by poverty and disease
He felt constricted by their notions of what was proper.
Vibrant
full of energy and enthusiasm.
a vibrant cosmopolitan city
Inconsequential
not important or significant.
exp: they talked about inconsequential things
Importunate
persistent, especially to the point of annoyance or intrusion.
настойчивый назойливо
Facile
Simple Definition of facile
: too simple : not showing enough thought or effort
: done or achieved in a way that is too easy
: working, moving, or performing well and very easily
Faculty
Full Definition of faculty
plural fac·ul·ties
1
: ability, power: as
a : innate or acquired ability to act or do
b : an inherent capability, power, or function
c : any of the powers of the mind formerly held by psychologists to form a basis for the explanation of all mental phenomena
d : natural aptitude
2
a : a branch of teaching or learning in an educational institution
b archaic : something in which one is trained or qualified
3
a : the members of a profession
b : the teaching and administrative staff and those members of the administration having academic rank in an educational institution
c faculty plural : faculty members
4
: power, authority, or prerogative given or conferred
Contempt
Simple Definition of contempt
: a feeling that someone or something is not worthy of any respect or approval
: a lack of respect for or fear of something that is usually respected or feared
law : speech or behavior that does not show proper respect to a court or judge
Examples of commission
She served on the city’s water commission.
Both states set up commissions to examine their public schools.
She gets a commission for each car she sells.
The salespeople in that store all work on commission.
a weapon used in the commission of a crime
Incisive
penetrating; cutting; biting; trenchant: an incisive tone of voice.
remarkably clear and direct; sharp; keen; acute: an incisive method of summarizing the issue.
adapted for cutting or piercing.
of or relating to the incisors: the incisive teeth.
Implicate
show (someone) to be involved in a crime.
Examples of implicate
His business partner was implicated in the theft.
acquit
Simple Definition of acquit
: to decide that someone is not guilty of a crime
Absolve
to make (someone) free from guilt, responsibility, etc. \: to give forgiveness to (someone who has sinned) or for (a sin)
Examples of absolve
Disparate
Different from each other;
Full Definition of disparate
1
: containing or made up of fundamentally different and often incongruous elements
2
: markedly distinct in quality or character
Examples of disparate
First during the nineteen-seventies, but with increasing momentum during the eighties, a loose community of physics researchers had begun to postulate that the disparate small particles that we learned about in high-school science class—electrons, for instance—were actually the varied vibrations of tiny open and closed looped strings. —Benjamin Wallace-Wells, New Yorker, 21 July 2008
The American border with Mexico is among the most economically disparate intersections in the world, but the cities on either side of the port looked almost identical—a spread of humble brick and cinder-block homes dotting a blanket of brown hills. —Cecilia Balli, Harper’s, October 2006
I made the French lemon cream tart that Greenspan credits to Hermé and got disparate reactions. An American friend loved its creaminess and felt it had a comfortingly familiar texture; a British friend … said he missed the traditional sharp, gel-like custard. —Tamasin Day-Lewis, Saveur, November 2006
Like these imagined cities, identical twins are identical only in their blueprints. By the time they are born, they are already disparate in countless neurological and physiological ways that mostly we cannot see. —Frank J. Sulloway, New York Review, 30 Nov. 2006
The plan, as near as anybody outside Yahoo can make out, is to stitch all those disparate organizations into one huge Frankenstein’s monster of a search engine that will strike terror into the hearts of all who behold it. —Lev Grossman, Time, 22 Dec. 2003
Preeminent
Simple Definition of preeminent
: more important, skillful, or successful than others : better than others
Examples of preeminent
She’s the preeminent chef in a city that has many good ones.
The poem is a preeminent example of his work.
Full Definition of preeminent
: having paramount rank, dignity, or importance : outstanding, supreme
Strident
Simple Definition of strident
: sounding harsh(surovyi) and unpleasant
: expressing opinions or criticism in a very forceful and often annoying or unpleasant way
Full Definition of strident
: characterized by harsh, insistent, and discordant sound <a>; also : commanding attention by a loud or obtrusive quality
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Fulsome
Simple Definition of fulsome
: expressing something (such as praise or thanks) in a very enthusiastic or emotional way
Examples of fulsome
complimentary or flattering to an excessive degree.
2nd meaning:
of large size or quantity; generous or abundant.
Prescience
Simple Definition of prescience
: the ability to know what will or might happen in the future
Perpetuate
to cause (something that should be stopped, such as a mistaken idea or a bad situation) to continue
to make perpetual or cause to last indefinitely
Examples of perpetuate
He perpetuates the myth that his house is haunted.
Fears about an epidemic are being perpetuated by the media.
inaugurate
to introduce (someone, such as a newly elected official) into a job or position with a formal ceremony
: to celebrate the fact that something (such as a new hospital or school) is officially ready to be used
: to be the beginning of (something, such as a period of time)
Examples of inaugurate
They inaugurated the new headquarters with a brief ceremony.
belie
to give a false idea of (something)
: to show (something) to be false or wrong
Examples of belie
a tree whose delicate beauty belies its real toughness
Their actions belie their claim to be innocent.
Artisan
a worker in a skilled trade, especially one that involves making things by hand.
Epitomize
to be a perfect example or representation of (something) : to be the epitome of (something)
epitome - a perfect example : an example that represents or expresses something very well
Examples of epitomize
This student’s struggles epitomize the trouble with our schools.
outstrip
to be or become better, greater, or larger than (someone or something)
: to do better than (someone or something)
: to go faster than (someone or something)
paramount
very important : of highest rank or importance
Examples of paramount
integrity
the quality of being honest and fair
: the state of being complete or whole
Full Definition of integrity:
1: firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values : incorruptibility
2: an unimpaired condition : soundness
3: the quality or state of being complete or undivided : completeness
Examples of integrity
Many were tempted by a piece of the equity action and compromised their integrity. —Bruce Nussbaum, Business Week, 28 Jan. 2002
By September, Gorbachev had told his aides that with Eastern Europe and Germany lost, the task was to defend the integrity of the Soviet Union itself. —Condoleezza Rice, Newsweek, 22 Nov. 1999
But it is stunning to hear self-appointed watchdogs of public integrity shrug their shoulders at “standard” prosecutorial practice … —Wendy Kaminer, New York Times Book Review, 22 Mar. 1998
… a hundred-and-one-year-old Jewish philanthropist … donated two and a quarter million dollars to the Archdiocese to purchase the property and preserve the integrity of the landmark. —Brendan Gill, New Yorker, 10 June 1991
He’s a man of the highest integrity.
Unless
except if (used to introduce a case in which a statement being made is not true or valid). unless you have a photographic memory, repetition is vital
союз-если не
пока не
предлог-
за исключением
кроме
Fondness
obsolete : foolishness, folly 2 \: tender(nejnaya, chuvstvitelnyi) affection 3 \: appetite, relish
affection or liking for someone or something.
Contemplative
Simple Definition of contemplative
Popularity: Bottom 50% of words
: involving, allowing, or causing deep thought
: devoted to religious thought and prayer
Full Definition of contemplative
: marked by or given to contemplation; specifically : of or relating to a religious order devoted to prayer and penance
Examples of contemplative
He has lived a quiet, contemplative life.
She joined a contemplative order of nuns.
Stipulation
Simple Definition of stipulation
: something that is required as part of an agreement
Full Definition of stipulation 1 \: an act of stipulating 2 \: something stipulated; especially : a condition, requirement, or item specified in a legal instrument
Examples of stipulation
We agreed to the deal with the stipulation that she pay the expenses herself.
Concession
a : the act or an instance of conceding (as by granting something as a right, accepting something as true, or acknowledging defeat)
b : the admitting of a point claimed in argument
2
: something conceded or granted:
a : acknowledgment, admission
b : something done or agreed to usually grudgingly in order to reach an agreement or improve a situation
c (1) : a grant of land or property especially by a government in return for services or for a particular use (2) : a right to undertake and profit by a specified activity (3) : a lease of a portion of premises for a particular purpose; also : the portion leased or the activities carried on
handle
a part of something that is designed to be held by your hand
Full Definition of handle 1 \: a part that is designed especially to be grasped by the hand 2 \: something that resembles a handle 3 a : title 8 b : name; also : nickname 4 \: hand 11c 5 \: the total amount of money bet on a race, game, or event 6 \: a means of understanding or controlling
Examples of handle
He held the shovel by the handle.
The handles on the bag were torn.
treat
Simple Definition of treat
Popularity: Top 40% of words
: to deal with or think about (something) especially in a particular way
: to think of and act toward (someone or something) in a specified way
: to pay for someone’s food, drink, or entertainment
Examples
The author treats this issue in the next chapter.
You should treat this information as top secret.
He treats everything I say as a joke.
abuse
definition of abuse
Popularity: Top 40% of words
1: a corrupt practice or custom
2: improper or excessive use or treatment : misuse
3obsolete : a deceitful act : deception
4: language that condemns or vilifies usually unjustly, intemperately, and angrily5
: physical maltreatment
Examples of abuse
He subjected his wife to physical and emotional abuse.
the buying of votes and other election abuses
She was subjected to every term of abuse her boss could think of.
a torrent of verbal abuse
The prisoner hurled abuse at the judge.
Confrontation
a situation in which people, groups, etc., fight, oppose, or challenge each other in an angry way
Examples of confrontation
There were several violent confrontations between rival gangs.
He would prefer not to have a confrontation with the authorities.
a series of confrontations between residents and police
We want cooperation, not confrontation.
We seek to avoid military confrontation at all costs.
Excursion
Simple Definition of excursion
: a short trip especially for pleasure
Examples of excursion
They went on a brief excursion to the coast.
Odd
Simple Definition of odd
: strange or unusual : different from what is normal or expected
: happening in a way that is not planned or regular
: of different kinds or types
Examples of odd
She had an odd look on her face.
People would call at odd hours during the night.
She’s got a really odd sense of humor.
Some rather odd people used to live in this house.
There was something odd about his story.
It’s odd that nobody told me about this before.
That’s odd. He was here a minute ago.
illustrate
Simple Definition of illustrate
: to give examples in order to make (something) easier to understand
: to be proof or evidence of (something)
: to explain or decorate a story, book, etc., with pictures
Examples of illustrate
He illustrated his lecture with stories of his own experiences in the field.
Please give a few examples to illustrate your point.
The results illustrate how important it is to wear your seatbelt.
The students will write and illustrate their own stories.
enhance
Full Definition of enhance en·hanceden·hanc·ing transitive verb 1 obsolete : raise 2 \: heighten, increase; especially : to increase or improve in value, quality, desirability, or attractiveness
Examples of enhance
You can enhance the flavor of the dish by using fresh herbs.
The image has been digitally enhanced to show more detail.
The company is looking to enhance its earnings potential.
Erode
Simple Definition of erode
: to gradually destroy (something) or to be gradually destroyed by natural forces (such as water, wind, or ice)
Full Definition of erode
erod·ederod·ing
transitive verb
1
: to diminish or destroy by degrees:
a : to eat into or away by slow destruction of substance (as by acid, infection, or cancer)
b : to wear away by the action of water, wind, or glacial ice
c : to cause to deteriorate or disappear as if by eating or wearing away
2
Endow
Full Definition of endow transitive verb 1 \: to furnish with an income; especially : to make a grant of money providing for the continuing support or maintenance of 2 \: to furnish(provide) with a dower 3 \: to provide with something freely or naturally
Preserve
Simple Definition of preserve
: to keep (something) in its original state or in good condition
: to keep (something) safe from harm or loss
: to prevent (food) from decaying
Deplete
Simple Definition of deplete
: to use most or all of (something important) : to greatly reduce the amount of (something)
Examples of deplete
Activities such as logging and mining deplete our natural resources.
We completely depleted our life savings when we bought our new house.
Timid
Simple Definition of timid
: feeling or showing a lack of courage or confidence
Full Definition of timid
1
: lacking in courage or self-confidence <a>
2
: lacking in boldness or determination </a><a></a>
Examples of timid
She’s very timid and shy when meeting strangers.
He gave her a timid smile.</a>
Meager
Simple Definition of meager
: very small or too small in amount
: not having enough of something (such as money or food) for comfort or happiness
Examples of meager
Every morning he eats a meager breakfast of toast and coffee.
We’ll have to do the best we can with this year’s meager harvest.
She came to this country with a fairly meager English vocabulary, but she is learning more words every day.
They suffered through several meager years at the beginning of their marriage.
Although she’s now rich and famous, she remembers her meager beginnings as a child from a poor family.
Full Definition of meager
1
: having little flesh : thin
2
a : lacking desirable qualities (as richness or strength)
b : deficient in quality or quantity <a></a>
gaudy
Simple Definition of gaudy
: too bright and heavily decorated
: very large or impressive
ostentatiously or tastelessly ornamented
2
: marked by extravagance or sometimes tasteless showiness : outlandish ; also : exceptional <a></a>
Examples of gaudy
The showgirls wore gaudy costumes.
They bought the house for a gaudy sum.</a>
Balmy
Simple Definition of balmy
of air, weather, etc. : warm, calm, and pleasant
: crazy or foolish
Examples of balmy
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lofty
Simple Definition of lofty
: rising to a great height : very tall and impressive
: very high and good : deserving to be admired
: showing the insulting attitude of people who think that they are better, smarter, or more important than other people
Examples of lofty
He set lofty goals for himself as a teacher.
She showed a lofty disregard for their objections.
Full Definition of lofty
loft·i·erloft·i·est
1
a : elevated in character and spirit : noble
b : elevated in status : superior
2
: having a haughty overbearing manner : supercilious
3
a : rising to a great height : impressively high
b : remote, esoteric
4
: having full-bodied, firm, and resilient textile fibers
Parched
Simple Definition of parched
: very dry especially because of hot weather and no rain
: very thirsty
Examples of parched
Could I have some water? I’m parched.
Foe
An enemy
Vanquish
Simple Definition of vanquish
: to defeat (someone) completely in a war, battle, etc.
Full Definition of vanquish transitive verb 1 \: to overcome in battle : subdue completely 2 \: to defeat in a conflict or contest 3 \: to gain mastery over (an emotion, passion, or temptation)
Confound
Simple Definition of confound
: to surprise and confuse (someone or something)
: to prove (someone or something) wrong
—used as an interjection to express anger or annoyance
Full Definition of confound transitive verb 1 a archaic : to bring to ruin : destroy b : baffle, frustrate 2 obsolete : consume, waste 3 a : to put to shame : discomfit <a> b : refute 4 \: damn 5 \: to throw (a person) into confusion or perplexity 6 a : to fail to discern differences between : mix up b : to increase the confusion of</a>
conciliate
Simple Definition of conciliate
: to make (someone) more friendly or less angry
Examples of conciliate
The company’s attempts to conciliate the strikers have failed.
Subjugate
: to defeat and gain control of (someone or something) by the use of force : to conquer and gain the obedience of (a group of people, a country, etc.)
Full Definition of subjugate sub·ju·gat·edsub·ju·gat·ing 1 \: to bring under control and governance as a subject : conquer 2 \: to make submissive : subdue
Examples of subjugate
The emperor’s armies subjugated the surrounding lands.
a people subjugated by invaders
