UNITS 3&4 • TOPIC Flashcards
adapt
uk |əˈdæpt| us |əˈdæpt|
verb
1. to change, or to change something, to suit different conditions or uses [T]
* “Davies is busy adapting Brinkworth’s latest novel for television.”
* “The play had been adapted for (= changed to make it suitable for) children.”
* “[adapt from] The recipe here is a pork roast adapted from Caroline O’Neill’s book “Louisiana Kitchen”.”
* “Many software companies have adapted popular programs to the new operating system.”
* ”[+ to infinitive] We had to adapt our plans to fit Jack’s timetable.”
2. to change your ideas or behaviour to make them suitable for a new situation [I]
* “[adapt to] The good thing about children is that they adapt very easily to new environments.”
* “It took me a while to adapt to the new job.”
3. If a living thing adapts, it changes slightly over time so it can continue to exist in a particular environment [I biology specialized]
* “[adapt to] Species have adapted to climate changes throughout history.”
* “The ways in which organisms have adapted to survive in this extreme environment are not well understood.”
adjust
uk |əˈdʒʌst| us |əˈdʒʌst|
verb
1. to change something slightly, especially to make it more correct, effective, or suitable [T]
* “If the chair is too high you can adjust it to suit you.”
* “As a teacher you have to adjust your methods to suit the needs of slower children.”
2. to arrange your clothing to make yourself look tidy [T]
* “She adjusted her skirt, took a deep breath, and walked into the room.”
3. to become more familiar with a new situation [I]
* “I can’t adjust to living on my own.”
* “Her eyes slowly adjusted to the dark.”
* “The lifestyle is so very different - it takes a while to adjust.”
alternate
uk |ˈɒl.tə.neɪt| us |ˈɑːl.tɚ.neɪt|
verb
1. to happen or exist one after the other repeatedly [I usually + adv/prep]
* “She alternated between cheerfulness and deep despair.”
2. to make something happen or exist one after the other repeatedly [T usually + adv/prep]
* “He alternated working in the office with long tours overseas.”
alternate
uk |ɒlˈtɜː.nət| us |ˈɑːl.tɝː.nət|
adjective
1. with first one thing, then another thing, and then the first thing again
* “a dessert with alternate layers of chocolate and cream”
2. If something happens on alternate days, it happens every second day
* “Private cars are banned from the city on alternate days.”
3. An alternate plan or method is one that you can use if you do not want to use another one. [US (UK alternative)]
alternative
uk |ɒlˈtɜː.nə.tɪv| us |ɑːlˈtɝː.nə.t̬ɪv|
adjective
1. An alternative plan or method is one that you can use if you do not want to use another one (US also alternate)
* “The opposition parties have so far failed to set out an alternative strategy.”
* “An alternative venue for the concert is being sought.”
2. Alternative things are considered to be unusual and often have a small but enthusiastic group of people who support them
* “alternative comedy”
alternative
uk |ɒlˈtɜː.nə.tɪv| us |ɑːlˈtɝː.nə.t̬ɪv|
noun
1. something that is different from something else, especially from what is usual, and offering the possibility of choice
* “[an alternative to] an alternative to coffee”
* “There must be an alternative to people sleeping on the streets.”
* “You’ve given me no alternative. I’m afraid we have to let you go.”
* “I’m afraid I have no alternative but to ask you to leave (= that is what I have to do).”
amend
uk |əˈmend| us |əˈmend|
verb
1. to change the words of a text, especially a law or a legal document
* “MPs were urged to amend the law to prevent another oil tanker disaster.”
* “In line 20, “men” should be amended (= changed) to “people”.”
* “Until the constitution is amended, the power to appoint ministers will remain with the president.”
conservative
uk |kənˈsɜː.və.tɪv| us |kənˈsɝː.və.t̬ɪv|
adjective
1. not usually liking or trusting change, especially sudden change
* “a conservative society/outlook”
* “Older people tend to be more conservative and a bit suspicious of anything new.”
Conservative
uk |kənˈsɜː.və.tɪv| us |kənˈsɝː.və.t̬ɪv|
adjective
1. belonging to or supporting the British political party that traditionally supports business and opposes high taxes and government involvement in industry
* “the Conservative Party”
* “Conservative policies”
* “a Conservative MP/government”
* “Did you vote Conservative at the last election?”
convert
uk |kənˈvɜːt| us |kənˈvɝːt|
verb
1. to (cause something or someone to) change in form or character [I/T]
* “[convert something into something] Could we convert the small bedroom into a second bathroom?”
* “What’s the formula for converting pounds into kilograms?”
2. to change to a new religion, belief, opinion, etc., or to make someone do this [I/T]
* “[convert to] He converted to (= started believing in) Catholicism when he got married.”
* “[convert someone (to something)] I used to hate exercise, but my sister has converted me (to it).”
3. in sport , to score extra points such as a conversion, free throw, or penalty shot [T]
convert
uk |ˈkɒn.vɜːt| us |ˈkɑːn.vɝːt|
noun
1. someone who changes their beliefs, habits, or way of living
* “a Christian/Buddhist convert”
* “[convert to] I’m a recent convert to vegetarianism/organic gardening, and I need some advice.”
decay
uk |dɪˈkeɪ| us |dɪˈkeɪ|
verb
1. to become gradually damaged, worse, or less; to cause something to do this [I/T]
* “Sugar makes your teeth decay.”
* “The role of the extended family has been decaying for some time.”
* “Pollution has decayed the surface of the stonework on the front of the cathedral.”
* “the smell of decaying meat”
2. If a radioactive substance decays, it changes to a different form, producing radiation [I physics specialized]
* “[decay into] Radioactive uranium decays into stable lead at a known rate.”
* “As the actinium-225 decays, it gives off short-lived, highly energized alpha particles.”
decay
uk |dɪˈkeɪ| us |dɪˈkeɪ|
noun
1. the process of decaying
* “environmental/industrial/moral/urban decay”
* “dental/tooth decay”
* “[fall into decay] The buildings had started to fall into decay.”
* “This industry has been in decay for some time.”
2. the process by which a radioactive substance changes to a different form, producing radiation [physics specialized]
* “Radon is emitted in the natural decay of radioactive materials in rock and soil.”
* “the decay rate of beryllium-7”
deteriorate
uk |dɪˈtɪə.ri.ə.reɪt| us |dɪˈtɪr.i.ə.reɪt|
verb
1. to become worse
* “[condition deteriorates] She was taken into hospital last week when her condition suddenly deteriorated.”
* “[situation deteriorates] The political situation in the region has deteriorated rapidly.”
distort
uk |dɪˈstɔːt| us |dɪˈstɔːrt|
verb
1. to change the shape of something so that it looks strange or unnatural
* “The map distorted Greenland to appear four times its actual size.”
* “a distorting mirror”
dynamic
uk |daɪˈnæm.ɪk| us |daɪˈnæm.ɪk|
adjective
1. having a lot of ideas and enthusiasm
* “She’s young and dynamic and will be a great addition to the team.”
* “We need a dynamic expansion of trade with other countries.”
endure
uk |ɪnˈdʒʊər| us |ɪnˈdʊr|
verb
1. to suffer something difficult, unpleasant, or painful [T]
* “We had to endure a nine-hour delay at the airport.”
* “She’s already had to endure three painful operations on her leg.”
2. to continue to exist for a long time [I formal]
* “The political system established in 1400 endured until about 1650.”
evolve
uk |ɪˈvɒlv| us |ɪˈvɑːlv|
verb
1. to develop gradually, or to cause something or someone to develop gradually
* “[evolve from] Did humans evolve from apes?”
* “[evolve into] The company has evolved over the years into a multi-million dollar organization.”
* “Bacteria are evolving resistance to antibiotics.”
influence
uk |ˈɪn.flu.əns| us |ˈɪn.flu.əns|
noun
1. the power to have an effect on people or things, or a person or thing that is able to do this
* “[bad/good influence on] Helen’s a bad/good influence on him.”
* “[have influence over] He has a huge amount of influence over the city council.”
* “[exert influence] Christopher hoped to exert his influence to make them change their minds.”
* “[under the influence of] At the time she was under the influence of her father.”
influence
uk |ˈɪn.flu.əns| us |ˈɪn.flu.əns|
verb
1. to affect or change how someone or something develops, behaves, or thinks
* “She’s very good at making friends and influencing people.”
* ”[+ obj + to infinitive] What influenced you to choose a career in nursing?”
innovation
uk |ˌɪn.əˈveɪ.ʃən| us |ˌɪn.əˈveɪ.ʃən|
noun
1. a new idea or method [C]
* “Another innovation for the Olympics was sprint suits for runners.”
* “Technological innovations have allowed for drilling with less disturbance to the environment.”
* “the latest innovations in computer technology”
2. the creating and use of new ideas or methods [U]
* “He says he wants to stimulate creativity and innovation.”
* “Business leaders are blaming high taxes for stifling economic success and innovation.”
innovative
uk |ˈɪn.ə.və.tɪv| us |ˈɪn.ə.veɪ.t̬ɪv|
adjective
1. using new methods or ideas
* “innovative ideas/methods”
* “She was an imaginative and innovative manager.”
last
uk |lɑːst| us |læst|
verb
1. to continue to exist
* “The meeting lasted two hours.”
* “The drought lasted for several months.”
* “They say the snow will last until the end of next week.”
* “I can’t see the ceasefire lasting.”
* “They haven’t had an argument for two weeks, but it’s too good to last (= they’ll have an argument soon).”
* “I doubt their enthusiasm will last.”
* “He’s working very efficiently at the moment, but it won’t last.”
2. to continue being good or suitable
* “There’s no point buying something that isn’t going to last.”
* “The cheaper washing machines should last about five years.”
* “This pen should last (you) a lifetime if you take care of it.”
* “Her previous secretary only lasted a month (= left after this period).”
maintain
uk |meɪnˈteɪn| us |meɪnˈteɪn|
verb
1. to continue to have; to keep in existence, or not allow to become less
* “The army has been brought in to maintain order in the region.”
* “We have standards to maintain.”
* “Despite living in different countries, the two families have maintained close links.”
* “The film has maintained its position as the critics’ favourite for another year.”
2. to keep a road, machine, building, etc. in good condition
* “A large house costs a lot to maintain.”
* “The roads in the town have been very poorly maintained.”
3. to express firmly your belief that something is true
* “Throughout his prison sentence, Dunn has always maintained his innocence.”
* ”[+ that] He maintains that he has never seen the woman before.”
4. to provide someone with food and whatever is necessary for them to live on
* “They barely earn enough to maintain themselves and their four children.”
mature
uk |məˈtʃʊər| us |məˈtʃʊr| |məˈtʃɔːr|
adjective
1. Mature people behave like adults in a way that shows they are well developed emotionally
* “He’s very mature for his age.”
2. A mature decision is one that is made after a lot of careful thought
* “Upon mature reflection, we find the accused guilty.”
3. completely grown physically
* “[mature adult] After ten years, the young boy had grown into a mature adult.”
* “[sexually mature] Female rats are sexually mature (= able to reproduce and have babies) at three months.”
* “Mature male gorillas have silver-grey hairs on their backs.”
* “mature oak trees”
4. having a flavour that is completely developed
* “Do you prefer mild or mature cheddar?”
5. A mature investment is ready to be paid. [finance & economics specialized]
mature
uk |məˈtʃʊər| us |məˈtʃʊr|
verb
1. to become more developed mentally and emotionally and behave in a responsible way [I/T]
* “Girls are said to mature faster than boys.”
* “He matured a lot while he was in college.”
2. If ideas, opinions, etc. mature, they reach an advanced or developed state [I]
* “It took several years for her ideas to mature.”
3. to become completely grown physically [I]
* “Humans take longer to mature than most other animals.”
4. to allow food and wine to become old enough for the flavour to develop completely [I/T]
* “The wine has been matured in oak vats.”
* “The cheese is left to mature for two years.”
5. If an insurance agreement or an investment matures, it becomes ready to be paid [I finance & economics specialized]
* “The policy matures after 15 years.”
modify
uk |ˈmɒd.ɪ.faɪ| us |ˈmɑː.də.faɪ|
verb
1. to change something such as a plan, opinion, law, or way of behaviour slightly, usually to improve it or make it more acceptable
* “Instead of simply punishing them, the system encourages offenders to modify their behaviour.”
* “The proposals were unpopular and were only accepted in a modified form.”
2. If a word or phrase modifies another word or phrase used with it, it limits or adds to its meaning [language specialized]
* “In the sentence “She ran quickly” the adverb “quickly” modifies the verb “ran”.”
novel
uk |ˈnɒv.əl| us |ˈnɑː.vəl|
adjective
1. new and original, not like anything seen before
* “a novel idea/suggestion”
* “Keeping a sheep in the garden is a novel way of keeping the grass short!”
2. used to refer to a new strain (= type) of a virus that has not been seen before [medical specialized]
* “The COVID-19 pathogen is a novel coronavirus.”
* “A novel virus in swine is closely related to the human hepatitis E virus.”
persist
uk |pəˈsɪst| us |pɚˈsɪst|
verb
1. If an unpleasant feeling or situation persists, it continues to exist
* “If the pain persists, consult a doctor.”
* “The cold weather is set to persist throughout the week.”
2. to try to do or continue doing something in a determined but often unreasonable way
* “If he persists in asking awkward questions, then send him to the boss.”
* “The government is persisting with its ambitious public works programme.”
potential
uk |pəˈten.ʃəl| us |poʊˈten.ʃəl|
adjective
1. possible when the necessary conditions exist
* “A number of potential buyers have expressed interest in the company.”
* “Many potential customers are waiting for a fall in prices before buying.”
* “The accident is a grim reminder of the potential dangers involved in North Sea oil production.”
potential
uk |pəˈten.ʃəl| us |poʊˈten.ʃəl|
noun
1. someone’s or something’s ability to develop, achieve, or succeed
* “The region has enormous potential for economic development.”
* “I don’t feel I’m achieving my full potential in my present job.”
* ”[+ to infinitive] You have the potential to reach the top of your profession.”
* “I think this room has got a lot of potential (= could be very nice if some changes were made to it).”
2. the amount of electricity passing through an electric circuit, measured in volts [physics specialized]
progress
uk |ˈprəʊ.ɡres| us |ˈprɑː.ɡres|
noun
1. movement to an improved or more developed state, or to a forward position
* “Technological progress has been so rapid over the last few years.”
* “I’m not making much progress with my Spanish.”
* “The doctor said that she was making good progress (= getting better after a medical operation or illness).”
* “The recent free elections mark the next step in the country’s progress towards democracy.”
* “The yacht’s crew said that they were making relatively slow progress.”
progress
uk |prəˈɡres| us |prəˈɡres|
verb
1. to improve or develop in skills, knowledge, etc. [I]
* “My Spanish never really progressed beyond the stage of being able to order drinks at the bar.”
radical
uk |ˈræd.ɪ.kəl| us |ˈræd.ɪ.kəl|
adjective
1. believing or expressing the belief that there should be great or extreme social or political change
* “He was known as a radical reformer/thinker/politician.”
* “These people have very radical views.”
2. relating to the most important parts of something or someone; complete or extreme
* “We need to make some radical changes to our operating procedures.”
* “I’m just having my hair trimmed - nothing radical.”
3. aimed at removing all diseased tissue [medical specialized]
* “Cervical cancer may be cured with radical surgery when it is confined to the pelvis or regional lymph nodes.”
refine
uk |rɪˈfaɪn| us |rɪˈfaɪn|
verb
1. to make something pure or improve something, especially by removing unwanted material
* “Crude oil is industrially refined to purify it and separate out the different elements, such as benzene.”
2. to improve an idea, method, system, etc. by making small changes
* “Engineers spent many months refining the software.”
reform
uk |rɪˈfɔːm| us |rɪˈfɔːrm|
noun
1. an improvement, especially in a person’s behaviour or in the structure of something
* “Some reforms of/to the system will be necessary.”
* “The education system was crying out for reform.”
remain
uk |rɪˈmeɪn| us |rɪˈmeɪn|
verb
1. to stay in the same place or in the same condition [I/L formal]
* “The doctor ordered him to remain in bed for a few days.”
* “Most commentators expect the basic rate of tax to remain at 25 percent.”
* ”[+ to infinitive] A great many things remain to be done (= have not yet been done).”
* “He remained silent.”
* “It remains a secret.”
* “The bank will remain open while renovations are carried out.”
2. to continue to exist when other parts or other things no longer exist [I]
* “After the flood, nothing remained of the village.”
* “Only a few hundred of these animals remain today.”
revise
uk |rɪˈvaɪz| us |rɪˈvaɪz|
verb
1. to look at or consider again an idea, piece of writing, etc. in order to correct or improve it [T]
* “His helpfulness today has made me revise my original opinion/impression of him.”
* “His publishers made him revise his manuscript three times.”
2. to study again something you have already learned, in preparation for an exam [I/T UK (US review)]
* “We’re revising (algebra) for the test tomorrow.”
revolution
uk |ˌrev.əˈluː.ʃən| us |ˌrev.əˈluː.ʃən|
noun
1. a change in the way a country is governed, usually to a different political system and often using violence or war [C/U]
* “The French Revolution changed France from a monarchy to a republic.”
* “The country seems to be heading towards revolution.”
2. a very important change in the way that people do things [C]
* “a technological revolution”
* “Penicillin produced a revolution in medicine.”
3. a circular movement [S]
* “The revolution of the earth around the sun was proposed by Copernicus.”
4. one complete circular movement of something, for example a wheel [C]
* “[abbreviation] Engine speed can be measured in revolutions per minute (abbreviation rpm).”
shift
uk |ʃɪft| us |ʃɪft|
noun
1. a group of workers who do a job for a period of time during the day or night, or the period of time itself [C, + sing/pl verb]
* “[night/day shift] As the night shift leave/leaves, the day shift arrive/arrives.”
* “Are you on the night shift or the day shift? (= Do you work during the night period or the day period?)”
2. a change in position or direction [C]
* “[shift in] a shift in the wind/temperature”
* “The shift in the balance of power in the region has had far-reaching consequences.”
* “There has been a dramatic shift in public opinion towards peaceful negotiations.”
3. a simple dress that hangs loosely from the shoulders [C (also shift dress)]
