UNITS 3&4 • TOPIC Flashcards

Question

Answer 1

**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]**

Answer 2

**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."*

Answer 3

**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"."*

Answer 4

**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."*

Answer 5

**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."*

Answer 6

**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."*

Answer 7

**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]**

Answer 8

**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."*

Answer 9

**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."*

Answer 10

**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."*

Answer 11

**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."*

Answer 12

**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."*

Answer 13

**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."*

Answer 14

**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."*

Answer 15

**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)."*

Answer 16

**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)]**

Answer 17

**1. to destroy or reduce the pleasure, interest, or beauty of something [T]** * *"He tried not to let the bad news spoil his evening."* * *"The oil spill has spoiled the whole beautiful coastline."* * *"[spoil something for someone] I haven't seen the film, so don't spoil it for me by telling me what happens."* * *"[spoil your appetite] You'll spoil your appetite for dinner if you have a cake now."* **2. When food spoils or is spoiled, it is no longer good enough to eat [I/T]** * *"The dessert will spoil if you don't keep it in the fridge."* **3. to mark a ballot paper so that it cannot be officially counted as a vote [T politics UK specialized]** * *"Since she supported none of the candidates, she spoiled her ballot paper."* **4. to treat someone very or too well, especially by being extremely generous [T]** * *"When I'm feeling miserable I go shopping and spoil myself - a couple of new dresses always make me feel better."* **5. to allow a child to do or have everything that it wants to, usually so that it expects to get everything it wants and does not show respect to other people [T disapproving]** * *"[spoiled child] Mr Harvey, unable for once to do exactly as he wanted, sulked just like a spoiled child."*

Answer 18

**1. the present situation** * *"Certain people always want to maintain the status quo."*

Answer 19

**1. happening in a smooth, gradual, and regular way, not suddenly or unexpectedly** * *"The procession moved through the streets at a steady pace."* * *"Orders for new ships are rising, after several years of steady decline."* * *"[steady flow/stream/trickle] Over the last ten years he has produced a steady flow/stream/trickle of articles and papers."* * *"[slow but steady] Progress has been slow but steady."* **2. not moving or changing suddenly** * *"[hold something steady] I'll hold the boat steady while you climb in."* * *"[hold steady] Most rental prices have held steady this year."* * *"[steady relationship] Young people assume that if you are in a steady relationship, you don't have to worry about HIV."*

Answer 20

**1. to make something stop shaking or moving** * *"He wobbled around on the bike and then steadied himself."* * *"He steadied his rifle on the wall and fired."* **2. to become calm and controlled, or to make someone do this** * *"Some people say that a drink will steady your nerves."*

Answer 21

**1. to use something or someone instead of another thing or person [T]** * *"[substitute something for something] You can substitute oil for butter (= use oil instead of butter) in this recipe."* * *"[substitute something with something] You can substitute the wheat flour with almond flour (= use almond flour instead of wheat flour)."* * *"[be substituted for] He made his film debut when he was substituted for the actor who was originally cast."* * *"I took out the words "he" and "his" and substituted them with "they" and "their"."*

Answer 22

**1. a thing or person that is used instead of another thing or person** * *"Tofu can be used as a meat substitute in vegetarian recipes."* * *"[substitute for] Vitamins should not be used as a substitute for a healthy diet."* **2. in sports, a player who is used for part of a game instead of another player (informal sub)** * *"[come on as a substitute] Johnson came on as a substitute towards the end of the game."* * *"[bring on a substitute] The manager brought on another substitute in the final minutes of the game."*

Answer 23

**1. to cause or allow something to continue for a period of time** * *"The economy looks set to sustain its growth into next year."* * *"He seems to find it difficult to sustain relationships with women."* * *"[US] The judge sustained (= accepted) the lawyer's objection."* **2. to keep alive** * *"The soil in this part of the world is not rich enough to sustain a large population."* **3. to suffer or experience, especially damage or loss [formal]** * *"She sustained multiple injuries in the accident."* * *"Most buildings sustained only minimal damage in the earthquake."* * *"The company has sustained heavy losses this year."* **4. to support emotionally** * *"She was sustained by the strength of her religious faith."* * *"The love of my family and friends sustained me through my ordeal."*

Answer 24

**1. a small device, usually pushed up or down with your finger, that controls and turns on or off an electric current [C]** * *"a light switch"* * *"Can you flip the switch?"*

Answer 25

**1. to use a switch to change a device from one state or type of operation to another** * *"switch the TV off/on"* **2. to change suddenly or completely, especially from one thing to another, or to exchange by replacing one person or thing with another** * *"She started studying English, but switched to History in her second year."* * *"In 1971, Britain switched over (= changed completely) to a decimal currency."* * *"After the bank robbery, the gang switched cars (= left one car and got into another)."*

Answer 26

**1. to change completely the appearance or character of something or someone, especially so that that thing or person is improved** * *"The reorganization will transform the entertainment industry."* * *"the power of art to transform experience"* * *"Whenever a camera was pointed at her, Marilyn would instantly transform herself into a radiant star."*

Answer 27

**1. a general development or change in a situation or in the way that people are behaving** * *"[trend away from] Surveys show a trend away from home-ownership and toward rented accommodation."* * *"[downward/upward trend] There's been a downward/upward trend in sales in the last few years."*

Answer 28

**1. the same; not changing or different in any way** * *"The office walls and furniture are a uniform grey."* * *"Small businesses are demanding that they receive uniform treatment from the banks."*

Answer 29

**1. an important discovery or event that helps to improve a situation or provide an answer to a problem** * *"Scientists are hoping for a breakthrough in the search for a cure for cancer."* * *"A major breakthrough in negotiations has been achieved."*

Answer 30

**1. a system that makes it possible for many messages or large amounts of information to be sent at the same time and very quickly between computers or other electronic devices** * *"Internet connection via broadband offers many advantages."* * *"broadband services/networks/technology/transmission"*

Answer 31

**1. to carry out a computer operation by pressing a button on the mouse or keyboard [I/T]** * *"[click on] If you want to open a file, click twice on the icon for it."* * *"When you have selected the file you want, click the "Open" box."* **2. to make a short, sharp sound, or to make something do this [I/T]** * *"The door clicked shut behind her."* * *"Can you hear that strange clicking noise?"* * *"[UK] Paul clicked his fingers (= moved his thumb against his middle finger to make a short sharp sound) to attract the waiter's attention."* * *"[click your heels] Soldiers click their heels (= bring them sharply together) when they stand to attention."* **3. to like and understand someone, especially the first time you meet [I informal]** * *"[click with] He didn't really click with his new boss."* * *"Liz and I really clicked the first time we met."* * *"I met her at school and we just clicked."* **4. to be liked by someone [I informal]** * *"[click with] The new daytime soap opera has yet to show signs that it's clicking with the television audience."* **5. to be understood, or become clear suddenly [I informal]** * *"Suddenly everything clicked and I realized where I'd met him."* * *"[+ question word] As he talked about his schooldays, it suddenly clicked where I had met him before."* * *"[+ that] So it's finally clicked that you're going to have to get yourself a job, has it?"* * *"[click into place] In the last act of the play, everything clicks into place."*

Answer 32

**1. involving a lot of different but related parts** * *"a complex molecule/carbohydrate"* * *"a complex network of roads"* * *"a complex procedure"* * *"The company has a complex organizational structure."* **2. difficult to understand or find an answer to because of having many different parts** * *"It's a very complex issue to which there is no straightforward answer."* * *"The film's plot was so complex that I couldn't follow it."*

Answer 33

**1. skill and experience, especially in relation to making objects; a job or activity that needs skill and experience, or something produced using skill and experience [C/U plural crafts]** * *"the craft of furniture making/sewing/glassblowing"* * *"political/literary craft"* * *"rural/ancient/traditional crafts"* * *"craft workers (= skilled workers)"* **2. a vehicle for travelling on water or through the air [C plural craft]** * *"naval/civilian/patrol/rescue craft"* * *"18 craft (= boats) set out in the race."*

Answer 34

**1. to make objects, especially in a skilled way** * *"These bracelets were crafted by Native Americans."* * *"a beautifully crafted silver brooch"*

Answer 35

**1. information, especially facts or numbers, collected to be examined and considered and used to help decision-making, or information in an electronic form that can be stored and used by a computer** * *"The data was/were collected by various researchers."* * *"Now the data is/are being transferred from magnetic tape to hard disk."*

Answer 36

**1. to copy or move programs or information into a computer's memory, especially from the internet or a larger computer**

Answer 37

**1. a computer program or information that has been or can be copied into a computer's memory [C]** * *"a free download"* **2. the act or process of copying programs or information into a computer's memory [U]** * *"All of our products are available for download on our website."*

Answer 38

**1. any of several different types of container used to store papers, letters, and other documents in an ordered way, especially in an office [C/U]** * *"a box/envelope file"* * *"secret/confidential/personnel files"* * *"[in the files] You'll find it in the files under "C"."* * *"We keep your records on file for five years."* **2. written records that are kept about a particular person or subject [C]** * *"[open a file on] The police have opened a file on local burglaries."* **3. information stored on a computer as one unit with one name [C]** * *"What's the file name?"* * *"I'm going to copy/save this file."* **4. a long line of people or animals, one behind another [C/U]** * *"[file of] They were horrified to see files of ants marching through the kitchen."* * *"They walked in single file (= one behind another)."* * *"[US] Soldiers marched across the bridge in file (= one behind the other)."* **5. a thin, flat or rounded metal tool with rough surfaces for rubbing wooden or metal objects to make them smooth or to change their shape [C]**

Answer 39

**1. a piece of electronic equipment for playing games on** * *"Most of the kids had a Playstation, Xbox, or other game console."*

Answer 40

**1. done with the hands** * *"the manual sorting of letters"* * *"She tried to cure the pain in my knee by putting manual pressure on the joint."* **2. A manual machine is operated with the hands rather than by electricity or a motor** * *"He still works on an old manual typewriter."* **3. involving physical work rather than mental work** * *"unskilled manual labour"* * *"750 manual workers will lose their jobs as a result of company cutbacks."* * *"Computer-controlled robots are taking over manual jobs in many industries."* **4. used to describe a vehicle in which the driver has to change the gears, or a feature of such a vehicle** * *"He was driving a manual car when he only had a licence for an automatic."* * *"She has a Jeep with a 5-speed manual transmission."* * *"Only 10 percent of the vehicles sold in Canada had a manual gearbox."*

Answer 41

**1. a book that gives you practical instructions on how to do something or how to use something, such as a machine** * *"a DIY manual"* * *"The computer comes with a 600-page instruction manual."* **2. a vehicle in which the driver has to change the gears** * *"Can you drive a manual?"*

Answer 42

**1. a large system consisting of many similar parts that are connected together to allow movement or communication between or along the parts, or between the parts and a control centre** * *"a television network"* * *"a road/rail network"* * *"Massive investment is needed to modernize the country's phone network."* * *"We could reduce our costs by developing a more efficient distribution network."* * *"a network of spies/a spy network"* **2. a number of computers that are connected together so that they can share information** * *"We've just spent £1.9 million on improving our computer network."* **3. people that you know, considered as a group whose members exchange information with each other** * *"Use your networks - tell everyone you know that you are looking for a job."* * *"I hope that you will participate and share this message with your networks."*

Answer 43

**1. to connect computers together so that they can share information [T]** * *"Our computer system consists of about 20 personal computers networked to a powerful file-server."* **2. to meet people who might be useful to know, especially in your job [I]** * *"I don't really enjoy these conferences, but they're a good opportunity to network."*

Answer 44

**1. being or using the power produced when the nucleus of an atom is divided or joined to another nucleus** * *"nuclear energy/power"* * *"a nuclear power plant"* * *"the nuclear industry"* **2. relating to weapons, or the use of weapons, which use the power produced when the nucleus of an atom is divided or joined to another nucleus** * *"a nuclear war/attack"* * *"nuclear disarmament"* * *"How many nations have a nuclear capability (= have nuclear weapons)?"* **3. relating to the nucleus of an atom [physics specialized]** * *"nuclear fission/fusion/physics"*

Answer 45

**1. (of a computer) not connected to or directly controlled by a central system, or not connected to the internet**

Answer 46

**1. Online products, services, or information can be bought or used on the internet [before noun]** * *"an online newspaper/magazine/dictionary"* * *"online banking/shopping"* **2. relating to a person's use of the internet, especially on social media (= websites and computer programs that allow people to communicate and share things on the internet) [before noun]** * *"His parents have no access to his online life."* * *"People with a big online presence often have bad things written about them."* **3. spending a lot of time using the internet, especially on social media (= websites and computer programs that allow people to communicate and share things on the internet), and therefore very influenced by it** * *"Am I too online?"* * *"Relationships work best when only one partner is very online."*

Answer 47

**1. bought, used, etc. using the internet** * *"Do you like to shop online?"* * *"[go online] This dictionary went online in 1999."*

Answer 48

**1. relating to human society at a very early stage of development, with people living in a simple way without machines or a writing system** * *"Primitive races colonized these islands 2,000 years ago."* * *"primitive man"* * *"The spiny anteater is a mammal, although a very primitive one."* **2. Primitive living conditions are basic, unpleasant, and uncomfortable [disapproving]** * *"Early settlers had to cope with very primitive living conditions."*

Answer 49

**1. a person whose job is to produce computer programs**

Answer 50

**1. a useful or valuable possession or quality of a country, organization, or person [C usually plural]** * *"The country's greatest resource is the dedication of its workers."* * *"Britain's mineral resources include coal and gas deposits."* **2. [formal for] resourcefulness approving [U]**

Answer 51

**1. a way of doing an activity that needs skill** * *"We have developed a new technique for detecting errors in the manufacturing process."* * *"She's a wonderfully creative dancer but she doesn't have the technique of a truly great performer."*

Answer 52

**1. to copy or move programs or information to a larger computer system or to the internet**

Answer 53

**1. to support or help someone** * *"My family backed me up throughout the court case."* **2. to say that someone is telling the truth** * *"Honestly, that's exactly what happened - Claire will back me up."* * *"Will you back me up if I say that I never saw him?"*

Answer 54

**1. to prove something is true** * *"His claims are backed up by recent research."* **2. to make an extra copy of computer information** * *"Make sure you back up your files."*

Answer 55

**1. If traffic backs up, the vehicles have to wait in a long line because there are too many of them** * *"The traffic is starting to back up on the M25."*

Answer 56

**1. to move objects such as furniture into different positions** * *"The room looks very different since you've changed the furniture around."*

Answer 57

**1. to suddenly remove the light from someone or something** * *"The city centre was plunged into darkness by the power cut."* * *"An overload to the power grid plunged millions of people into darkness."*

Answer 58

**1. to get rid of something or stop using something** * *"These ridiculous rules and regulations should have been done away with years ago."* * *"Computerization has enabled us to do away with a lot of paperwork."* * *"How could they do away with a beautiful old building like that and put a car park there instead?"*

Answer 59

**1. to murder someone**

Answer 60

**1. a woman's hairstyle in which the hair is arranged on top of the head, especially for a special occasion such as a wedding**

Answer 61

**1. to slowly disappear, lose importance, or become weaker** * *"The voices became louder and closer and then faded away again."* * *"As the years passed, the memories faded away."*

Answer 62

**1. to put information into a computer, phone, or other machine using a keyboard or touchscreen (also key sth into sth)** * *"I keyed the number in, but nothing happened."* * *"I gave my name and she keyed it into her computer."*

Answer 63

**1. to change something into something else** * *"They've made the spare room into an office."*

Answer 64

**1. to fail to recognize two people or things correctly by thinking that one person or thing is the other person or thing** * *"People often mix us up because we look so similar."* * *"I think you're mixing me up with my sister."*

Answer 65

**1. to confuse, worry, or upset someone** * *"The directions he gave me mixed me up and I went the wrong way."*

Answer 66

**1. to make a group of things untidy or badly organized, or to move them into the wrong order** * *"Don't mix up the bottles - you'll have to repeat the experiment if you do."* * *"Your jigsaw puzzles and games are all mixed up together in that box."*

Answer 67

**1. a mistake that causes confusion** * *"There was a mix-up at the office and we all received the wrong forms."*

Answer 68

**1. to make a machine or piece of equipment stop or start working by pressing a switch** * *"Mobiles must remain switched off throughout the flight."*

Answer 69

**1. to separate something into its different parts** * *"We took the engine apart to see what the problem was."*

Answer 70

**1. to defeat someone very easily in a sport** * *"He took their defence apart, scoring three goals in the first 20 minutes."*

Answer 71

**1. to test something, especially a theory or an idea, to find out how it works in a practical situation or how people react to it** * *"The students tested out their cost-cutting ideas in several companies."*

Answer 72

**1. to change and become someone or something different, or to make someone or something do this** * *"The council was hoping to turn a children's home into a residence for adolescent girls."* * *"[turn from something into something] The town turned from a small seaside resort into a major commercial centre when oil was discovered."*

Answer 73

**1. to finish a supply of something** * *"Don't use up all the milk - we need some for breakfast."* * *"The earth's resources are being used up at an alarming rate."*

Answer 74

**1. to make someone extremely tired** * *"Walking around a museum all day really wears you out."*

Answer 75

**1. to use something so much that it is damaged and cannot be used any more, or to become damaged in this way** * *"Moving parts in engines wear out much more quickly than stationary parts."*