Verbal Advantage (EN) Flashcards
1
Q
incalcitrance (n)
A
resistance against authority
2
Q
conscript (v)
A
compel sb to do military service
3
Q
insalubrious (adj)
A
unpleasant, unhealthy, not clean
4
Q
warfare (n)
A
engaging in a fight, method of war, conflict
5
Q
grow on sb (v)
- It’s growing on me
A
starting to become appealing to sb
6
Q
insidious (adj)
A
gradually becoming evil, gradually harming, seductive, subtle
7
Q
smug (adj)
A
highly self-satisfied
8
Q
ruffle (v)
A
annoy
9
Q
loft (n)
A
attic
10
Q
coy (adj)
A
shy
11
Q
sleep sth off (v)
- If you’ve got a migraine, sleep it off
A
sleep until sth (usually pain) goes away
12
Q
oust (v)
A
remove sb from office or an official position
13
Q
intermittent (adj)
A
sporadic, unsteady, not constant, irregular
14
Q
procession (n)
A
A line of people or vehicles moving slowly as a part of a ceremony, several people or things of the same type appearing or happening one after the other
15
Q
barbed wire / barbwire (n)
A
spiky wire, strong wire with pointed projections along its length
16
Q
a spate of sth (n)
- a spate of book on gardening
- a spate of anger
A
a large number of sth, a sudden outburst or rush of sth
17
Q
seedling (n)
A
young plant or small tree grown from a seed
18
Q
bicker (v)
A
quibble, brawl, petty quarrel
19
Q
fondle (v)
A
caress
20
Q
constitutional (adj)
A
officially allowed or limited by the system of rules, connected with laws
21
Q
legislation (n)
A
law or set of laws
22
Q
commission (n)
A
a group of people who have been given the official job of finding out about sth or controlling sth, an extra amount of money that is paid to a person or organization according to the value of the goods they have sold or the services they have provided, a request for an artist, designer, or musician to make a piece of art or music, for which they are paid, the act of committing
out of commission: not working/available
in commission: available to be used
23
Q
consent (n)
A
permission to do sth, agreement about sth
24
Q
retained (adj)
A
kept, stored, remembered
25
implication (n)
a possible future effect or result of an action/event/decision, a situation in which it is shown or suggested that sb/sth is involved in a crime or a dishonest act, a suggestion that is not made directly but that people are expected to understand or accept
26
undertake (v)
accept that you are responsible for a piece of work and start to do it, promise/agree to do sth
27
amendment (n)
a small change/improvement/addition made to a law or document
28
discretion (n)
the ability and right to decide exactly what should be done in a particular situation, the ability to deal with situations in a way that does not offend/upset/embarrass people or tell any of their secrets
29
clause (n)
a part of a written law or legal document
30
sustainable (adj)
able to continue without causing damage to the environment, able to continue for a long time
31
acknowledge (v)
admit, recognize sth's importance, accept sb's authority, thank, show you notice sb, say you have received sth
32
aggregate (n)
the total after a lot of different figures or points have been added together
33
aggregate (adj)
being the total amount of something after all the figures or points have been added together
34
aggregate (v)
to be a particular amount when added together, to put different amounts/pieces of information together to form a group or a total
35
allocation (n)
the amount or share of something that has been allocated for a particular purpose, the decision to allocate something or the act of allocating it
36
incidence (n)
the number of times something happens especially crime/disease
37
incident (n)
event, accident, serious disagreement between two countries
38
inhibition (n)
a feeling of shyness or embarrassment that stops you doing or saying what you really want, when something is restricted or prevented from happening or developing
39
presumption (n)
something that you think is true because it is very likely, the act of thinking something is true/bad/good until it is shown to not be as such, behaviour that seems rude and too confident
40
underlying (adj)
the cause/idea that is the most important even though it is not easily noticed
41
comprise (v)
consist of, be composed of, constitute, make up
42
differentiate (v)
distinguish, discriminate
43
disposal (n)
getting rid of sth, available for sb to use, the way an amount of money is used
44
ideology (n)
a set of beliefs on which a political or economic system is based or which strongly influence the way people behave
45
infer (v)
to form an opinion that something is probably true because of information that you have
46
intervention (n)
the act of becoming involved in an argument, fight, or other difficult situation in order to change what happens
47
paradigm (n)
a model or example that shows how sth works or is produced, a very clear or typical example of sth
48
successive (adj)
coming or following one after the other
49
arbitrary (adj)
decided or arranged without any reason or plan
50
conformity (n)
behavior that obeys the accepted rules of a group or society
51
denote (v)
mean, indicate, represent
52
practitioner (n)
sb who works as a doctor or a lawyer, sb who regularly does a particular activity
53
predominantly (adv)
mostly, mainly
54
thereby (adv)
* Our bodies sweat, thereby losing heat by evaporation.
* He signed the contract, thereby forfeiting his right to the property.
as a result, by that, by that means
55
virtually (adv)
almost, practically
56
analogous (adj)
similar
57
confined (adj)
restricted
58
conversely (adv)
used when one situation is the opposite of another
59
insight (n)
a sudden clear understanding of something or part of something especially a complicated situation or idea, the ability to understand and realize what people or situations are really like
60
qualitative (adj)
relating to the quality or standard of sth rather than its quantity
61
subordinate (n)
sb who has a lower position and less authority than someone else in an organization
62
violation (n)
an action that breaks a law/agreement/principle
63
albeit (conj)
used to add information that reduces the force or importance of what you have just said, although
64
compile (v)
to make a book/list/record/etc using different pieces of information/music/etc
65
conceive (v)
to imagine a particular situation, to think of a new idea, to become pregnant
66
forthcoming (adj)
planned to happen soon, willing to give information about sth, given or offered
67
inclination (n)
a feeling that makes you wanna do sth, a tendency to think or behave in a particular way, a movement made down towards the ground, a slope
68
integrity (n)
the quality of being honest and strong about what you believe to be right, the state of being united as one complete thing
69
intrinsic (adj)
being part of the nature or character of sb/sth, innate, intuitive, instinctive
70
levy (v)
to officially say that people must pay a tax or charge
71
notwithstanding (prep/adv)
* She despised him, notwithstanding their similar views.
* His relations with colleagues, differences of opinion notwithstanding, were unfailingly friendly.
despite, in spite of
72
pose (v)
exist in a way that may cause a problem/damage/difficulty/risk, sit or stand in a particular position, ask (a question), pretend to be sb else
73
straightforward (adj)
simple and easy to understand, honest and frank
74
whereby (conj)
* We made a deal whereby we each took turns.
* A device whereby to make money.
by means of which or according to which
75
mortuary (n)
morgue
76
mortician (n)
funeral director, undertaker
77
principal (n, adj)
school head teacher (n), main (adj)
78
principle (n)
moral rule, idea behind sth
79
coherent (adj)
logically consistent
80
prime (v)
prepapre
81
pose (v)
ask
82
privilege (n)
right, benefit, honor
83
expiate (v)
* I wanna expiate my thoughtlessness.
atone (v), make amends, do sth that shows you're sorry for what you've done
84
constitute (v)
be considered as, make up, found
85
constitution (n)
governing laws of a country, parts of sth
86
constitutional (adj)
officially allowed or limited
87
legislation (n)
law or set of laws
88
county (n)
local government area
89
conviction (n)
guilty verdict, firmly held belief
90
vindication (n)
proof of being not guilty, justification
91
debilitate (v)
weaken
92
derive (v)
get sth from sth else, develop or come from sth else
93
derivative (n)
sth that has developed or been produced from sth else
94
derivative (adj)
not new or invented but copied or taken from sth else
95
meek (adj)
quiet and humble
96
irksome (adj)
annoying
97
apt (adj)
appropriate
98
be apt to do sth (v)
tend to do sth
99
opt (v)
* opt for sth
* opt to do sth
* opt into sth
* opt out of sth
choose
100
subvert (v)
weaken or destroy, undermine, overthrow
101
inordinate (adj)
excessive, unlimited
102
precarious (adj)
unstable, unsafe, insecure, uncertain
103
presumptuous (adj)
rude, arrogant
104
impetuous (adj)
impulsive, rash, doing things quickly without thinking
105
brief (v)
give sb all the info about a situation that they will need
106
debrief (v)
ask sb questions about a job they've just done or an experience they've just had to gather information
107
exquisite (adj)
beautiful
108
insufferable (adj)
unbearable, extremely annoying
109
abstruse (adj)
unnecessarily complicated
110
obtuse (adj)
slow to understand
111
condescending (adj)
patronizing, behaving as though you think you are better or more intelligent or more important than other people
112
penmanship (n)
handwriting
113
revitalize (v)
* The mayor hopes to revitalize the city.
* A new cream that claims to revitalize sun-damaged skin
renew, put new strength into sth, to give new life or vigor to sth
114
revivify (v)
* looking for ways to revivify the city's economy
give new life and health to sb or sth, revive
115
revive (v)
* The success of the movie has revived her career.
* The government is trying to revive the economy.
* The doctor tried to revive the patient after her heart stopped
bring back after sth has not been used for a period, become/make sb healthy again, revivify
116
resuscitate (v)
make sb breath again or become conscious after they've almost died
117
clemency (n)
mercy;
| ADJ. clement
118
abjure (v)
* He abjured his beliefs.
* A religious sect that abjures the luxuries and comforts of modern life.
deny yourself sth, formally give sth up
119
abject (adj)
humble, despicable, contemptible, state of being extremely poor/unhappy/unsuccessful/etc.
120
abdicate (v)
* The king was forced to abdicate.
* She abdicated a throne.
* I abdicated my responsibilities.
resign position, neglect duty
121
abolish (v)
* He is in favor of abolishing the death penalty.
* We shall abolish slavery in this country.
outlaw sth, put an end to a law
122
banish (v)
exile, send away
123
perpetrate (v)
commit or do sth wrong
124
perpetuate (v)
continue sth, make sth last
125
preposterous (adj)
absurd
126
propensity (n)
tendency
127
sustain (v)
make sth continue, suffer damage/injury/loss of money, support the weight of sth, support an idea/argument
128
maintain (v)
make sth continue, say, look after sth, provide food/money
129
impeach (v)
accuse sb of official offence
130
misconduct (n)
unethical demeanor
131
mischievous (adj)
behaving in a naughty/troublesome way
132
repercussion (n)
consequence
133
concussion (n)
a strike on the head
134
ramification (n)
a complicated consequence
135
retribution (n)
punishment
136
chastise (v)
critize sb severely
137
lethargic (adj)
exhausted
138
sluggish (adj)
inactive, slow, lacking alertness
139
renounce (v)
give up, reject belief
140
denounce (v)
express string disapproval of sb/sth in public, give info to the police or another authority about sb's illegal political activities
141
renowned (adj)
famous, well-known
142
reputable (adj)
respected, reliable
143
substantial (adj)
considerable
144
substantiate (v)
prove
145
corroborate (v)
confirm
146
exuberant (adj)
happy and full of energy and excitement, exciting and complicated or colorful
147
exorbitant (adj)
extreme, astronomical, high, expensive
148
extravagant (adj)
spending or costing a lot of money, doing or using sth too much, too big to be true or real
149
ostensible (adj)
appearing to be true, apparently true but open to doubt
150
ostentatious (adj)
look very expensive making one think the owner must be very rich, like to show everyone how rich they are
151
flamboyant (adj)
behaving in a confident or exciting way that makes people notice you, bright colored and easily noticed
152
conspicuous (adj)
very easy to notice, very great and impressive
153
allegedly (adv)
presumably, according to what people say is true although it has not been proved
154
allegation (n)
statement that sb has done sth wrong or illegal but which has not been proved
155
alluring (adj)
of mysterious or exciting or desirable quality, highly attractive
156
staggering (adj)
extremely great or surprising, amazing
157
ravishing (adj)
very beautiful, stunning
158
invoke (v)
if you invoke a law/rule you say that you are doing sth because the law allows or forces you to, make a particular idea/image/feeling appear in people's minds by describing an event or situation, to use a law/principle to support your views, ask for help from sb more powerful than you especially a god
159
revoke (v)
officially state that a law or decision or agreement is no longer effective
160
evoke (v)
produce a strong feeling or memory in someone
161
cram into a place/vehicle (v)
they go into a place/vehicle so it is then full
162
peck sb on the cheek (n)
kiss sb quickly and lightly on the cheek
163
bite the dust (v)
die, kick the bucket
164
snap at sb (v)
get mad at sb, talk angrily to sb
165
hectic (adj)
very busy
166
philanderer (n)
a man who has sex with many women without intending to have any serious relationships
167
scoot over (v)
move to one side especially in order to make room for someone or something else
168
spitting image (n)
exact resemblance
169
icky (adj)
unpleasant to look at or taste or feel, yucky
170
beaver (n)
pussy, cunt
171
wany (n)
junk, cock, dick
172
doppleganger (n)
lookalike
173
monocle (n)
one-eyed glasses
174
boutonniere (n)
a flower that a man wears fastened to his jacket at a wedding, buttonhole
175
crib (n)
bed for a baby or a young child, home
176
cradle (v)
hold sth gently as if to protect it, hold a phone receiver by putting it between your ear and shoulder
177
forfeit (v)
lose
178
run a fever (v)
have a temperature
179
moral fiber (n)
emotional strength to do what is right
180
impinge on (v)
have a bad effect on
181
put sb on (v)
pulling sb's leg, teasing sb, making fun of sb
182
be had (v)
be tricked or deceived
183
pull pranks on sb (v)
make fun of sb, play a trick on sb
184
ubiquitous (adj)
omnipresent
185
spunk (n)
semen, joy juice
186
funky (adj)
pungent, stinky, having a bad smell, modern and fashionable and interesting
187
rigamarole (n)
a long confusing process of doing sth
188
prosaic (adj)
dull, boring, ordinary
189
lockjaw (n)
condition of jaws going stiff, tetanus
190
autism (n)
mental disorder that makes people unable to communicate properly
191
albeit (adv)
although, used to add information that reduces the force or importance of what you have just said
192
proposition (v)
suggest to someone that they have sex with you
193
exasperate (v)
make sb very annoyed, frustrate
194
exacerbate (v)
make sth deteriorate, worsen, get worse
195
occult (adj)
magical and mysterious
196
innocuous (adj)
harmless, not offensive or dangerous
197
ulterior motive (n)
underlying intention
198
eulogy (n)
what you say at sb's funeral
199
excruciating (adj)
tormenting, very painful
200
eat your head off (v)
knock youself out at eating
201
bully (v)
intimidate
202
juvenile delinquents (n)
young criminals
203
snub (v)
treat sb rudely especially by ignoring them when you meet them
204
snob (n)
sb who thinks they're better than other people;
| ADJ. snobbish
205
obnoxious (adj)
very offensive or unpleasant or rude
206
affront (n)
remark or action that offends or insults someone
207
peevish (adj)
irritable, easily annoyed
208
self-absorbed (adj)
interested only in yourself and the things that affect you
209
self-righteous (adj)
proudly sure that your beliefs attitudes and morals are good and right in a way that annoys other people
210
self-indulgent (adj)
allowing yourself to have or do things that you enjoy but do not need especially if you do this too often
211
self-abuse (n)
masturbation
212
self-actualization (n)
when someone achieves what they want through work or in their personal life
213
self-assertive (adj)
very confident about saying what you think or want;
| ANT. timid
214
self-assured (adj)
calm and confident about what you're doing;
| ANT. hesitant
215
self-centered (adj)
selfish
216
self-confident (adj)
sure that you can do things well and people like you etc.;
| ANT. shy
217
self-conscious (adj)
worried and embarrassed about what you look like or what other people think of you
218
self-deprecating (adj)
trying to make your own abilities or achievements seem unimportant
219
self-effacing (adj)
modest, unassuming, humble, unpretentious
220
self-esteem (n)
feeling of being satisfied with your own abilities and that you deserve to be liked or respected
221
self-evident (adj)
obvious
222
self-explanatory (adj)
clear and easy to understand without needing any more explanation
223
self-fulfilling (adj)
become true because you expect it to be true and so behave in a way that will make it happen
224
self-possessed (adj)
calm and confident and in control of your feelings even in difficult or unexpected situations
225
self-satisfied (adj)
too pleased with yourself and what you have done
226
self-sufficient (adj)
able to provide all the things you need without help from other people
227
invigorate (v)
fill with energy
228
humility (n)
modesty
229
drag (n)
puff, street/road, sth/sb boring
230
pucker up (v)
make the lips ready for a kiss
231
duck out (v)
ditch
232
chicken out (v)
lack nerve to act
233
ecstatic (adj)
delighted, extremely happy, euphoric
234
moving van (n)
van for sb who's moving in or out
235
brunch (n)
a combination of breakfast and lunch
236
menopause (n)
end of mensturation
237
jumpy (adj)
nervous, moving erratically
238
go behind sb's back (v)
not supporting sb at their absence
239
charades (n)
guessing game
240
ravish (v)
rape, badly harm sth
241
tacky (adj)
not having good judgment about what is socially acceptable, cheap or badly made and showing poor taste
242
crass (adj)
behaving in a stupid and offensive way which shows that you do not understand or care about other people’s feelings
243
retrenchment (n)
reduction of expenses
244
divestiture (n)
selling stocks and properties
245
unfettered (adj)
* unfettered access
not controlled or restricted
246
procession (n)
There was a procession of children carrying candles.
The cars moved in procession to the cemetery.
an organized group or line of people or vehicles that move together slowly as part of a ceremony, a number of people or things that come or happen one after another
247
sparse (adj)
* Open land is sparse around here.
of few and scattered elements, not thickly grown or settled
248
atone (v)
* She atoned for her misdemeanor.
* He made atonement for his sin.
make amends, do sth that shows you're sorry for what you've done, expiate (v)
249
winkle out (v)
* It's hard to winkle the money out of the government
* It was hard to winkle out the facts
to use a lot of effort to get (information) from a person
250
fumigate (v)
to apply smoke, vapor, or gas to especially for the purpose of disinfecting or of destroying pests
251
overkill (n)
* Yes, we need a new car, but this huge truck seems like overkill.
an excess of something (such as a quantity or an action) beyond what is required or suitable for a particular purpose
252
go overboard (v)
* She went overboard with the decorations
to do something in a way that is excessive or extreme, to do too much of something
253
gerrymandering (n)
dividing (a territorial unit) into election districts to give one political party an electoral majority in a large number of districts while concentrating the voting strength of the opposition in as few districts as possible
254
vis-à-vis (prep)
* Many agencies now have a unit to deal with women's needs vis-à-vis employment
* The advantage for U.S. exports is the value of the dollar vis-à-vis other currencies
* He was there vis-à-vis with Miss Arundel
in relation to, as compared with, face-to-face with
255
beacon (n)
* These countries are beacons of democracy.
* Our nation should be a beacon of peace to people around the world.
a source of light or inspiration
256
egregious (adj)
* egregious errors
* egregious padding of the evidence
conspicuous (especially conspicuously bad), flagrant
257
plausible deniability (n)
ability of people (typically senior officials in a formal or informal chain of command) to deny knowledge of or responsibility for any damnable actions committed by others in an organizational hierarchy because of a lack of evidence that can confirm their participation, even if they were personally involved in or at least willfully ignorant of the actions
258
venison (n)
the edible flesh of a game animal and especially a deer
259
dispense (v)
* dispense justice
* may dispense students from this requirement
* dispensing pills to their patients
to divide and share out according to a plan, to deal out in portions dispense food among the needy, to exempt from a law or release from a vow or oath or impediment, to prepare and distribute (medication)
260
boom (n, v)
* business was booming
to experience a sudden rapid growth and expansion usually with an increase in prices
261
Adonis (n)
a very handsome young man
262
debunk (v)
* debunk a legend
to expose the sham or falseness of
263
constable (n)
a public officer usually of a town or township responsible for keeping the peace and for minor judicial duties
264
fixer-upper (n)
something (such as a house or car) that needs fixing up
265
disparage (v)
to lower in rank or reputation, degrade, to depreciate by indirect means (such as invidious comparison), speak slightingly about
266
larger-than-life (adj)
* larger-than-life heroes
of the sort legends are made of
267
bandana (n)
a large often colorfully patterned handkerchief, a square piece of cloth that is used as a head covering or worn around the neck
268
up-front (adj)
frank, forthright, paid or payable in advance
269
out-front (adj)
frank, open
270
haven (n)
safe place, sanctuary, refuge
271
Canadian standoff (n)
* When we were watching the game last night, my buddy and I got ourselves into a real Canadian standoff over the last slice of bacon pizza. It just ended up going cold.
* So we are driving the other day and a car pulls up at each side of a 4 way stop and we all just sat there in a Canadian standoff because no one would go first.
occurs when two individuals cross paths and each politely suggests that the other may go first, a situation in which both parties are too nice to let themselves win at the other's expense
272
impish (adj)
* The gang of impish children ran into the street, utterly oblivious to the traffic
mischievous, harmful, injurious, able or tending to cause annoyance or trouble or minor injury, irresponsibly playful
273
roll-out (n)
widespread public introduction of a new product
274
defame (v)
to harm the reputation of by communicating false statements about, to harm the reputation of by libel or slander
275
cockamamy (adj)
* Of all the cockamamy excuses I ever heard
ridiculous, incredible
276
foul play (n)
violence (especially murder), unfair or dishonest acts
277
monger (n)
* warmonger
* fishmonger
* rumormonger
broker, dealer (usually used in combination), a person who attempts to stir up or spread something that is usually petty or discreditable
278
mogul (n)
* Hollywood mogul
* industry mogul
* business mogul
a great personage
279
outcry (n)
a loud cry, clamor, vehement protest
280
euthanize (v)
the act or practice of causing or permitting the death of hopelessly sick or injured individuals (such as persons or domestic animals) in a relatively painless way for reasons of mercy (called also mercy killing)
281
parsimonious (adj)
frugal to the point of stinginess
282
frugal (adj)
thrifty, managing or using money in a careful or wise way
283
spendthrift (n, adj)
a person who spends improvidently or wastefully
284
esplanade (n)
a level open stretch of paved or grassy ground (especially one designed for walking or driving along a shore)
285
snoop [around] (v)
to look or pry especially in a sneaking or meddlesome manner
286
dillydally (v)
to waste time by loitering or delaying, dawdle
287
waybill (n)
a document prepared by the carrier of a shipment of goods that contains details of the shipment and route and charges
288
fornicate (v)
to have consensual sexual intercourse between two persons not married to each other
289
indict (v)
to charge with a fault or offense, accuse
290
smudge (n)
a blurry spot or streak, an immaterial stain
291
mayhem (n)
* Movies filled with murder and mayhem
needless or willful damage or violence
292
recede (v)
* Floodwaters are receding.
* Trade receded, cities shrank and technological advance halted.
to move back or away, withdraw
293
assiduity (n)
persistent personal attention, showing great care and attention and effort, diligence
assiduous (adj)
294
diligence (n)
steady and earnest and energetic effort, persevering application, assiduity
diligent (adj)
295
writ (n)
a formal/legal written document
296
bigotry (n)
obstinate or intolerant devotion to one's own opinions and prejudices
bigot (n)
bigoted (adj)
297
underdog (n)
a loser or predicted loser in a struggle or contest
298
disarray (n)
* The room was in disarray
disorder, confusion
299
be in tatters (v)
be torn in many places, be in shreds
300
totalitarian (adj)
of or relating to centralized control by an autocratic leader or hierarchy, despotic, tyrannical, authoritarian, dictatorial
301
red herring (n)
* The argument is a red herring. It actually has nothing to do with the issue.
something that distracts attention from the real issue
302
recuse [oneself] from (v)
to disqualify [oneself] as judge in a particular case, to remove [oneself] from participation to avoid a conflict of interest
303
foist (v)
* foist unnecessary expenses on local taxpayers
* foist costly and valueless products on the public
to force another to accept especially by stealth or deceit, to pass off as genuine or worthy
304
ajar (adv)
* left the door ajar
slightly open
305
sustenance (n)
means of support or maintenance or subsistence, foods or provisions
306
nix (v)
* There's a whole day's work for nix.
* The court nixed the merger
nothing, veto, reject
307
conflate (v)
* Be careful not to conflate gossip with real news
* A city of conflated races and cultures
* The editor conflated the two texts
to bring together, to combine into a composite whole
308
boondoggle (n)
* The project is a complete boondoggle.
a wasteful or impractical project or activity often involving illegal or unfair gain
309
reprehensible (v)
* A reprehensible tyrant
* Your behaviour was truly reprehensible
blamable, reproachable, deserving censure or condemnation
310
contentious (adj)
* a contentious issue
* a man of a most contentious nature
likely to cause disagreement or argument
311
pronate (v)
rotate the hand and forearm so that the palm faces backwards or downwards
312
denigrate (v)
* denigrate one's opponents
* denigrate their achievements
to attack the reputation of, defame, belittle
313
veracity (n)
* We questioned the veracity of his statements.
accuracy, truthfulness
314
usher in (v)
* ushered in a period of economic decline
* a discovery that ushered in a period of change
begin, start, bring into being (usually some formality or notion of significance)
315
embattled (adj)
* an embattled official accused of extortion
engaged in battle or conflict or controversy
316
facetious (adj)
* just being facetious
* a facetious remark
joking or jesting often inappropriately, meant to be humorous or funny and not serious
317
blob (n)
something shapeless
318
mascot (n)
* The team had a mountain lion as their mascot
a person or animal or object adopted by a group as a symbolic figure especially to bring them good luck
319
lambast (v)
* The coach lambasted the team for its poor play.
attack verbally, censure, criticise, chastise
320
second (v)
* The motion has been seconded.
* I second your opinion.
give support or encouragement, endorse
321
nonchalant (adj)
having an air of easy unconcern or indifference
322
reluctant (adj)
unwilling
323
rescind (v)
* The company later rescinded its offer.
* I rescind my comment.
take back, take away, remove
324
dissent (n)
* Heard voices of dissent at the meeting.
* attempts to suppress domestic dissent
difference of opinion, political opposition to a government or its policies
325
vermifuge (n)
an agent that destroys or expels parasitic worms
326
recant (v)
* The official was asked to recant.
* Witnesses threatened to recant their testimony when the court released their names to the paper.
withdraw or repudiate a statement or belief formally and publically, renounce, revoke, make an open confession of error
327
vicarious (adj)
* a vicarious thrill
* a vicarious sacrifice
experienced or realized through imaginative or sympathetic participation in the experience of another, performed or suffered by one person as a substitute for another or to the benefit or advantage of another
328
enjoin (v)
* enjoined us to be careful
* was enjoined by conscience from telling a lie
* a book had been enjoined prior to publication
to direct or impose by authoritative order or with urgent admonition, forbid, prohibit
329
gripping (adj)
exciting, interesting
330
scathing (adj)
* a scathing review of a book
* he was criticized scathingly.
bitterly severe
331
excoriate (v)
* The senator was excoriated severely for calling the protesters dumb.
censure, scold, blame and condemn
332
qualm (n)
* Despite my qualms, I took the job.
* The manager has no qualms about dropping players who do not perform well.
a feeling of slight worry or doubt because you are not sure that what you are doing is right
333
parody (n)
* a brilliant parody of classical dance
* The trial was a parody/travesty of justice.
a piece of writing or music etc. or an action that copies someone or something in an amusing way, something that is not a correct or acceptable example of something
SYN. mockery, travesty
334
judicial (adj)
* a judicial order
relating to judges or their decisions
335
juridical (adj)
* juridical paperwork
relating to the law or the legal system
336
jurisdictional (adj)
* a serious jurisdictional error
relating to the official power to make legal decisions and judgments
337
jurisdiction (n)
* The committee has jurisdiction over all tax measures.
the right to use an official power to make legal decisions, or the area where this right exists
338
injurious (adj)
* Smoking is injurious to health.
causing injury, harm, or damage
339
gastronomy (n)
the art and science of cooking and eating good food
340
gourmet (adj)
* a gourmet cook
* a gourmet restaurant
* gourmet dinners
producing or relating to very good food and drink, sb who enjoys fine dining
341
gourmand (n)
someone who likes to eat and drink a lot
342
gastronome (n)
sb who is gourmet and cares about fine dining
343
rapacious (adj)
* rapacious landlords
always wanting more money or goods etc. than you need or have a right to, greedy
344
ravenous (adj)
* I’m absolutely ravenous.
* I was ravenously hungry.
very hungry, starving
345
due diligence
* The acquisition is subject to a due diligence review by the central bank and approval from the government.
when a company thinking of buying another looks carefully at its accounts as it must do by law before the deal can be agreed, reasonable steps taken by a person in order to satisfy a legal requirement
346
township (n)
a town in Canada or the US that has some local government
347
mastic (n)
a type of glue that does not crack or break when it is bent
348
splice (v)
to join the ends of two pieces of rope or film etc so that they form one continuous piece
349
actuary (n)
someone whose job is to advise insurance companies on how much to charge for insurance after calculating the risks
350
derogate from sth (v)
* Louis XIV clearly thought it derogated from his dignity as a ruler.
to make something seem less important or less good, to ignore a responsibility or duty
351
disposition (n)
a particular type of character which makes someone likely to behave or react in a certain way
SYN. temperament
352
predisposition (n)
* a predisposition towards alcoholism
a tendency to behave in a particular way or suffer from a particular illness
353
deposition (n)
a statement written or recorded for a court of law by someone who has promised to tell the truth
354
dawdle (v)
* Don’t dawdle – we’re late already!
* I dawdled over a second cup of coffee.
to take a long time to do something or walk somewhere
355
void (n)
* Running the business helped to fill the void after his wife died.
* The amusement park will fill a void in this town, which has little entertainment for children.
* She looked over the cliff into the void.
a situation in which something important or interesting is needed or wanted but does not exist, an empty area of space where nothing exists, a feeling of great sadness that you have when someone you love dies or when something is taken from you
356
void (adj)
a contract or official agreement that is void is not legal and has no effect
SYN. null (adj)
357
vixen (n)
a female fox, an offensive word for a woman who is bad-tempered or who fights
358
wick (n)
the piece of thread in a candle that burns when you light it, a long piece of material in an oil lamp that sucks up oil so that the lamp can burn
359
statism (n)
* The country had experienced 40 years of anti-competitive statism.
when economic power is with central government rather than with business
360
truce (n)
* They agreed to call a truce.
an agreement between enemies to stop fighting or arguing for a short time or the period for which this is arranged
361
borough (n)
a town or part of a large city that is responsible for managing its own schools/hospitals/roads/etc.
362
decry (v)
to state publicly that you do not approve of something
SYN. condemn
363
bylaw (n)
a law made by a local government that people in that area must obey
364
infringe (v)
* A backup copy of a computer program does not infringe copyright.
* the infringement of human rights
to do something that is against a law or someone’s legal rights
365
disseminate (v)
to spread information or ideas to as many people as possible
366
unkempt (adj)
* They were unwashed and unkempt.
unkempt hair or plants have not been cut and kept neat, having an untidy or disheveled appearance (especially of a person)
367
wage war on sb/sth (v)
* The police are waging war on drug pushers in the city.
to be involved in a war against someone or a fight against something
368
beguile (v)
* She was beguiled by his smooth talk.
* He was beguiled into buying another copy of her book.
to interest and attract someone, to persuade or trick someone into doing something
369
bifurcate (v)
if a road/river/etc. bifurcates it divides into two separate parts
SYN. fork (v)
370
dissect (v)
* books in which the lives of famous people are dissected
* fields dissected by small streams
to examine something carefully in order to understand it, to divide an area of land into several smaller pieces
371
dichotomy (n)
* a dichotomy between his public and private lives
the difference between two things or ideas that are completely opposite
372
impound (v)
* He sued the police after they impounded his car.
if the police or law courts impound something you have or own they keep it until it has been decided that you can have it back
SYN. confiscate (v)
373
abutment (n)
a structure built to support the lateral pressure of an arch or span (e.g. at the ends of a bridge)
374
abatement (n)
* the cost of investing in pollution abatement equipment
becoming less strong or damaging
375
moratorium (n)
* a moratorium on nuclear testing
* a two-year moratorium on interest payments
an official stopping of an activity for a period of time, a law or an agreement that gives people more time to pay their debts
376
requisition (n)
* a purchase requisition
an official written order for something
377
injunction (n)
* The family is seeking an injunction against the book’s publication.
an order given by a court which tells someone not to do something
378
sequacious (adj)
(of a person) lacking independence or originality of thought
379
raucous (adj)
* He burst into raucous laughter.
sounding unpleasantly loud,
380
disenfranchise (v)
* disenfranchising the poor and elderly
to take away someone’s rights especially their right to vote
381
gubernatorial (adj)
* gubernatorial elections
relating to the position of being a governor
382
expropriate sth (v)
to take something from someone illegally in order to use it, make sb's possessions your own
383
predominantly (adv)
mainly
384
stoic (adj)
* He had a stoic expression on his face.
not affected by or not showing passion or feeling
SYN. apathetic, cold-blooded, unemotional
385
disheartening (adj)
* It’s disheartening to see what little progress has been made.
disappointing
386
inculcate (v)
* I try to inculcate a sense of responsibility in my children.
to teach and impress by frequent repititions or admonitions, to fix ideas/principles/etc. in someone’s mind
387
admonition (n)
a warning or expression of disapproval about someone’s behaviour
388
acclaim (n)
* Haruki Murakami has won acclaim abroad.
* Acclaimed authors often win Pulitzer Prizes.
praise, approval
389
adverse (adj)
* Adverse weather conditions made it difficult to play the game.
* His indecision adversely affected his job performance.
displeasing, unfavorable
390
disruptive (adj)
* Frequent questions during lectures can be disruptive.
* The storm caused a disruption in bus service.
causing confusion and interruption, disturbing
391
haphazardly (adv)
* It was obvious that the house was built haphazardly.
* Susan completed the assignment in a haphazard way.
having no order or pattern, by chance, carelessly, arbitrarily
392
fallow time
* After some fallow time, I was back at work.
a period during which little happens
393
celebrated (adj)
* celebrated pianists
* San Francisco is celebrated for its diversity.
acclaimed, well-known, renowned
394
frail (adj)
* The frail wings of a newborn bird
* Laziness is one of the frailties of human beings.
weak in health or body, fragile
395
astute (adj)
* astute worker
* They astutely determined that they would fail.
intelligent, smart, perceptive
396
enhance (v)
* This will enhance your chance of being admitted to the university.
* Technology enhancing our productivity
strengthen, increase in a positive way
397
well-suited (adj)
compatible
398
engender (v)
* His charisma engendered enthusiasm.
* Economic conditions engendered an era of industrial growth.
produce, create, cause to exist
399
engross (v)
* Her lecture engrossed the entire class.
* O. Henry's short stories engrossed readers all the way up to the surprise endings.
engage, become completely occupied or involved
400
drab (adj)
* Their clothing was quite drab.
* The drabness of the desert made driving less interesting.
colourless, uninteresting, boring
401
eclectic (adj)
* He has an eclectic taste in music.
* Electic group of students came from 15 countries.
diverse, coming from many sources or places
402
disperse (v)
* Rain dispersed the crowd.
* After the storm, dispersed belongings cluttered the street.
circulate, cause to move in many different directions
403
abode (n)
* Welcome to my humble abode
house, dwelling
404
burgeon (v)
* burgeoning population
* My talent as a pianist burgeoned at the age of 19.
thrive, grow at a fast pace
405
disavow (v)
* Party leaders disavowed him.
* He disavowed the actions of his subordinates.
deny responsibility for, refuse to acknowledge or accept, repudiate, disclaim
