Unit 3

Question 1

gist (n)

We got the gist, but not every word.

Answer 1

the most important pieces of information about something, or general information without details

Question 2

overstate (vb)

The shareholders seem to think that the executive board is overstating the case for a merger.

Answer 2

to describe or explain something in a way that makes it seem more important or serious than it really is.

synonyms: exaggerate

opposites: downplay, minimize, understate

Question 3

jargon (n)

military/legal/computer jargon

Answer 3

special words and phrases that are used by particular groups of people, especially in their work:

Question 4

pun (n)

This is a well-known joke based on a pun: “What’s black and white and red (= read) all over?” “A newspaper.”

Answer 4

a humorous use of a word or phrase that has several meanings or that sounds like another word

synonym: play on words