Vocabolary Flashcards
very tired
knackered
I’m staying at home tonight. I’m knackered
building where university students live together
halls
We’re living in halls during our first year at uni.
any time, especially very late at night
all hours
My neighbours used to play music at all hours.
sad because you miss family and friends and you are away from home
homesick
I was really homesick when I first went to uni.
an informal way to say ‘a lot of’
tons of
We’ve got tons of cake left over. Do you want any?
argument
barney
We had a bit of a barney last night but we’re OK now.
embarrassing and hard to deal with
awkward
There was an awkward moment when I met my ex-husband in the hallway.
to meet and spend time with people in a friendly way, in order to enjoy yourself
to socialise
I enjoy socialising with the other students
serious and often involving a lot of action in a short period of time
intense
There is intense competition for the top jobs.
a particular way of feeling or behaving
mode
As soon as this week is over, I’ll be in holiday mode
to be all around sth./sb
to surround
As a child, I was surrounded by love and kindness
more interested in your own thoughts and feelings than in spending time with other people
introverted
I used to be very introverted at school
making somebody feel nervous and less confident about doing something; likely to make somebody feel this way
daunting
Starting a new job can be a daunting prospect.
to be fixed in one position or state and unable to change
locked in
We’ve got Barcelona locked in for our summer holiday this year
before the time that is expected; before something happens
in advance
he rent is due one month in advance
an action that you take when you know there is a risk but when you hope that the result will be a success
gamble
She knew she was taking a gamble but decided it was worth it.
a weakness in somebody’s character or habit that someone may find annoying
flaw
His flaw was that he trusted the people around him
the quality of keeping things neat and in order
tidiness
She’s always prided herself on her tidiness.
at the same time as something else is happening
whilst
In the UK it is illegal to drive whilst holding a mobile phone
in every way possible; completely
entirely
The experience was entirely new to me.
having similar ideas and interests
like-minded
I find it hard to spend time with people that aren’t like-minded.
continuing to exist or develop
ongoing
Training is part of our ongoing career development progra
a young man who enjoys a lot of things thought to be typical of young men, such as drinking alcohol, sex and sport
lads
Tony was a bit of a lad—always had an eye for the women
the only one of its kind
unique
Everyone’s fingerprints are unique
a quiet person who is more interested in their own thoughts and feelings than in spending time with other people
introvert
You could describe him as a bit of an introvert
ively and confident, and enjoying being with other people
extroverted
His teacher always described him as being quite extroverted
a lively and confident person who enjoys being with other people
extrovert
It’s quite easy for extroverts to meet new people here
very bad or unpleasant
dreadful
the weather this week has been dreadful!
likely to do something or to happen in a particular way because this is what often or usually happens
to tend to
Women tend to live longer than men
to make someone feel very tired
exhausting
I find her exhausting—she never stops talking
to strongly influence the way somebody’s character or opinions develop
to mould
That experience moulded her into a more outgoing person
to make somebody happy
to please
Children are usually easy to please
to think, talk or write about a happy time in your past
to reminisce
We spent hours last night reminiscing about the past.
difficult to understand; not clear
confusing
not very interesting or exciting
tame
You’ll find life here pretty tame after New York.
sometimes but not often
occasionally
We occasionally meet for a drink after work
general; not detailed
broad
I’ll give you a broad outline of the project so you can understand the b
to discover or notice something, especially something that is not easy to see, hear, etc.
to detect
It was hard to detect where the noise was coming from.
a substance that pollutes something, especially air and water
pollutant
Scientists are becoming increasingly concerned about the amount of pollu
increasing
on the rise
Unfortunately, burglary is on the rise again
the things you do to make yourself clean and tidy
grooming
Jason is very into personal grooming
based on what you have heard or read, not what you know is a fact
apparently
Apparently, he’s about to marry his third wife
to show a quality or emotion in your behaviour and expressions
to radiate
Danielle just radiates joy since having a baby
something done to make somebody look or feel good
treatment
I’m going to get a hair treatment next time I’m at the barber
to cause something to move forwards
to propel
His first role propelled him to fame and fortune
having a very untidy appearance
dishevelled
She came home after a long day at work looking very dishevelled
having a dirty or untidy appearance
scruffy
He was wearing a scruffy pair of trainers
a transformation in physical appearance that makes somebody look more attractive
glow-up
Carla had a glow-up after her divorce and she looks amazing now!
a school where children can live during the school year
boarding school
I was sent to boarding school as a child as both my parents were working
liking or good at sport
sporty
I’m not a very sporty person to be honest
a type of school where the students are all one gender
single-sex school
There is evidence to suggest that single-sex schools perform better in e
to put a special cream on your skin to make it less dry
to moisturise
I always remember to moisturise before I go to bed at night
the natural colour and condition of the skin on a person’s face
complexion
In many Asian countries, women desire a pale complexion
to improve the quality, value or status of something
to enhance
The project was designed to enhance the experience of museum visitors
a cream that is used to make the skin less dry
moisturiser
It’s a good idea to apply moisturiser after you’ve been out in the sun
a small mark or lump on a person’s skin
spot
He had a large spot on his nose
to block something or to become blocked
to clog
The narrow streets were clogged with traffic
one of the very small holes in your skin that sweat can pass through
pore
I can’t use this cream because it blocks my pores
to want something that somebody else has
envious
Everyone is so envious of her new boyfriend
fresh and clean; like new
pristine
That car looks to be in pristine condition
to design or shape something in a particular way
to style
She always had her hair styled by the same hairdresser
very thin sheets of metal that are used for covering or wrapping things, especially food
foil
Wrap the potatoes in foil and put them in the fire
a man who is getting married
groom
The groom looked very handsome in his tuxedo
the process of testing something before you make a final decision
trial
Two students have booked in for trial classes tomorrow
decorated with pictures of flowers
floral
She was wearing a lovely floral dress at the party
to move to one side, so that one side is higher than the other
to tilt
She tilted her head back and looked up at me with a smile
to have the same colour or style and therefore look attractive together
to match
I bought a new pair of shoes to match my dress
a long formal dress
evening dress
I need to get a new evening dress for the event next Friday
without any materials that covers the arms
sleeveless
I like this dress, but I think it would look better sleeveless
long hair that has been twisted into a round shape and is worn on top or at the back of the head
bun
I don’t usually put my hair in a bun, but it looks quite nice like this
a cream or powder that some people put on their cheeks to give them more colour
blusher
I need to go and buy some more blusher. I’ve almost run out
to a fairly large degree, especially in comparison to something else
relatively
These students had a relatively simple task especially compared to the o
the amount of time a person can spend concentrating on a task before becoming distracted
attention span
Children these days seem to have very short attention spans
something that is difficult for you to do or achieve
struggle
It was a real struggle to get the project finished on time
sad, without much hope
despondent
What’s happened recently has made me feel despondent
to make something necessary or appropriate in a particular situation
to warrant
The opera was nice, but it doesn’t warrant a second watch
a piece of clothing
garment
There were several garments hanging up in the wardrobe
comfortable or suitable to wear
wearable
I thought it might not suit me, but it’s actually very wearable
a ring that a man traditionally gives to a woman when they agree to get married
engagement ring
Did you see her engagement ring? It’s gorgeous
things like furniture, equipment and decorations that are found in a person’s home
household item
A new shop has opened that sells very nice household items
so surprised that you do not know what to say
gobsmacked
When she told me, I was gobsmacked
not able to speak, especially because you are extremely angry or surprised
speechless
When my grandmother’s old vase broke, I was speechless
used to say that someone should be given something due to their actions or qualities
to deserve
You deserve a few days off after all the hard work you’ve done lately
attractive and showing a great sense of style
elegant
The elegant decor of our hotel room was straight out of a magazine
extremely beautiful or impressive
stunning
These flowers are stunning! Where did you buy them?
excellent or very impressive
splendid
My parents had a splendid time on their recent holiday in the Canary I
a party for a woman who is to be married
hen party
There was a loud hen party happening down by the pool last night
the group of people (often women) the bride chooses to participate in her wedding
bridal party
I need to rent 15 dresses for all of the women in my bridal party
to try to reach an agreement
to negotiate
We have been negotiating for more pay
to be in a romantic relationship with somebody
dating
to agree to marry someone
to get engaged
Did you hear that Jenny has got engaged?
a place located in the countryside
rural area
The place we’re going to is located in a rural area.
during the whole period of time of something
throughout
The museum is open daily throughout the year.
a business that uses its profits to try and help the community or for another social purpose
social enterprise
t’s a social enterprise aiming to help ex-offenders find work.
where the idea for a theme comes from
to be based around
The whole film is based around the events of that weekend
to organise an event to which others are invited and make all the arrangements for them
to host an event
David has been asked to host an event at the school next month
an act of trying to do something, especially something difficult, often with no success
to have an attempt
I’ve decided to have an attempt at making a curry
to be sexually attracted to somebody
to fancy sb.
think she fancies me
a type of TV show where people choose or are chosen to go on a date with someone that they have just met
dating show
Have you seen that new dating show from the BBC?
to behave in a particular way, in order to make other people believe something that is not true
to pretend
He pretended to his family that everything was fine
when you have decided to become a romantic partner with someone else
to be officially seeing sb.
Sandy is now officially seeing Robbie.
people of a similar age or within a particular range of ages
age group
This product is most popular with the over 40 age group.
behaving in a proud, unpleasant way, showing little thought for other people
arrogant
The way that he said that made him sound so arrogant
occasionally but not regularly
from time to time
She has to work at weekends from time to time
not very often
rarely
This word is rarely used nowadays
not enough or something or uncommon
scarce
That type of weather is scarce in this country
to rely on the weather
weather dependent
Whether we go to the beach or not this weekend is weather dependent
the order in which things happen, arranged by the time when they happen
timeline
Police are trying to put together a timeline of the incident
strange or funny because it is very different from what you expect
ironic
it’s ironic that she became a teacher—she used to hate school.
a place where you most like to visit; usually a beautiful place in a park or the countryside
one’s favourite spot
I’d like to go for a walk over to my favourite spot later.
to arrange for an event to take place at a later time or date than originally planned
to postpone
The meeting has been postponed until Friday
to secretly plan with other people to do something illegal or harmful
to conspire with sb
She admitted conspiring with her lover to murder her husband
to believe that something is true; nearly certain or definite
almost certain
After I heard that, I was almost certain that he did it.
to ask someone if it is ok to do something because you are not sure
to ask for sb’s. permission
I should ask their permission before making any changes to the script.
to be thought of or considered in a particular way
to be regarded as
He is regarded as the father of modern medicine
an action or words that show that you respect someone
a sign of respect
Standing up when elders enter the room is considered asa sign of respect
to have a feeling that something is true
to have an inkling
I had an inkling that they had broken up based on the fact that I hadn’t
an understanding or an ability to judge something
sense
You can tell that he has a good sense of rhythm
a period of excitement and preparation before a significant event
in the buildup
There is always a lot of excitement in the buildup to an important match
to become aware of something even though you cannot see or hear it
to sense
could sense that someone was in the room
to put all your energy or enthusiasm into something
to go all in
When I was decorating my new house, I went all in with it.
very exciting and fun
exhilarating
Doing a bungee jump was an exhilarating experience for me
to think about something in the past
looking back
I didn’t really appreciate it, but looking back, it was one of the best
causing you to feel annoyed and impatient because you cannot do or achieve what you want
frustrating
Getting stuck in traffic is very frustrating
to be not as good or successful as you had hoped
disappointing
When I got the results back, it was very disappointing
to tear or pull something which detaches it from the person or item
to be ripped off
The group of fans nearly ripped the singer’s shirt off.
to feeling or showing horror or disapproval at something unpleasant or wrong
appalled
The public are appalled by this scandal
to be a sensible thing to do
to make sense
It makes sense not to go there in summer; it’ll be too hot
the best, most interesting or most exciting part of something
highlight
One of the highlights of our trip was watching the sunset on the beach
to stick something to a surface using glue or paste
to paste
My kids pasted their artwork on the walls of their room
a paper advertisement posted in public places
flyer
The flyer said that this was where the meeting would be held
to lose control of one’s feelings or emotions typically as a result of a difficult situation
to snap
I think Jo has finally snapped. He’s been under a lot of stress recently
in a slow way because of unwillingness or embarrassment
hesitantly
Ve. looked up in surprise as Bernie walked in and then smiled hesitantly
to take something that is offered; or agree to an offer or invitation
to accept
Angela accepted my invitation to get coffee
a small space that feels warm, comfortable and safe
cosy
This room is nice and cosy in the winter
to do something else after having done something previously
to proceed
The work on the new block of flats is proceeding according to plan
loved very much
beloved
My father was beloved by all who knew him
to complain about sb./sth. with a bad attitude
to grumble
I shouldn’t grumble about her work—it’s generally quite good
to ask someone to do something in a humble or urgent way
to beg
They begged him to explain, but he wouldn’t say a word
to admit that something is true after first denying it
to concede
Tabitha finally conceded that she had made the story up
to make a forceful request
to demand
Mum demanded that we show up for dinner on time
to ask questions in order to gain information or understanding
to inquire
Arthur inquired further about the delays in production
used to ask the general area where somebody/something is
whereabouts
Whereabouts did you find it?
the science or practice of planting and taking care of trees and forests
forestry
My father worked in forestry before he retired.
typical of or used by people who belong to a high social class
posh
They pay for their children to go to a posh school
to get on a ship, train, plane, bus, etc.
to board
He boarded a train to London
the way in which a child is cared for and taught how to behave
upbringing
had quite a turbulent upbringing
a black substance made by burning wood slowly which is used as a fuel or for drawing
charcoal
We need to get some more charcoal for the barbecue
to think or accept that something is true but without having proof of it
to assume
She assumed that her husband would be late as the traffic was busy
a line of people, cars, etc. waiting for something or to do something
queue
There was a long queue of people at the post office this morning.
smooth grains of barley, which are added to soups and other dishes
pearl barley
When I was a kid, my mum used to make a great soup with carrots and pear
helping a person, an animal or a plant to grow and be healthy
nourishing
Have some of this stew -it’s very nourishing
to have decided to do something and not be willing to change
determined
Although the plan seems impossible, I’m determined to make it succeed
to be grateful for something that somebody has done; to welcome something
to appreciate
We really appreciate the extra effort you’re making
to gradually put an idea or attitude into somebody’s mind
to instil
I think my parents instilled a sense of justice in me since a young age
to increase, improve or add to something; in this case, money
to contribute
We contributed quite a lot to our daughter’s tuition fees for college
to plan to spend an amount of money for a particular purpose
to budget for sth.
The company has budgeted for the extra cost of flying in workers from ab
a school where children can live during the school year
boarding school
My father told me that he had a tough time at boarding school
untill
till
We have to hurry as the shops are only open till 5.
to move in the direction of something that you want to achieve
aim towards
’m eventually aiming towards becoming a doctor
a child who is being taught in a school
pupil
That primary school now has over 300 pupils.
a story or piece of information that people talk about, but may not be true
rumour
I heard a rumourb that they were getting married
to do something that people may think is bad or improper
to misbehave
The teacher got angry when he saw the two boys misbehaving
that makes someone feel upset or shocked
disturbing
The news story about the boys that went missing was pretty disturbing.
to provide a person for a particular task or position
to assign
On the first day of school, each of the students was assigned a mentor
to recogniseor show how two people or things are not the same
to differentiate
They couldn’t differentiate between my sister and me because we’re twins
located near or next to a place or person
neighbouring
My best friend and I live in neighbouringbuildings.
to suggest a plan or idea for someone else to consider
to propose
We propose starting early on this project in the morning
a building designed to house horses
stable
a small bag often carried by women
handbag
Have you seen a purple handbag? I think I left it here on the table
an arrangement under contract whereby an organisation agrees to pay the costs in the event of illness, injury, theft, death, etc
insurance
to have enough money to pay for something
to afford
hey couldn’t afford a new car, so they bought a preowned one
to make someone believe something
to convince
We convinced her to come later so we could coordinate her surprise party
when food has lots of flavours in it
flavoursome
Food from the Indian subcontinent is very flavoursome
a large amount of something, especially food and drink
lashings
Freya always puts lashings of whipped cream on top of her hot chocolate.
to cook something in a pan of water just below boiling point
to simmer
Simmering food is sometimes better than boiling it, especially with soup
when tea leaves are mixed with hot water to become a drink, It can also be used to explain the process of making beer
to brew
I love brewing my tea for 10 minutes. Everyone thinks it’s strange, but
very large
massive
I ate a massive breakfast, so I’m not hungry yet
very hungry
starving
The kids are always starving when they get home from school
an area where fruit trees grow
orchard
Elena grows apples and pears in her orchard.
a set of instructions for how to cook food
recipe
My husband loves trying new recipes
an important part of something
staple
Potatoes were a staple in our diet as children
to go past a moving entity ahead of you because you are going faster than they are. It also means to become greater in importance than another entity.
overtake
You have to indicate when you overtake another car on the motorway
to consider something very carefully.
to deliberate
We deliberated over the details for hours
to make somebody/something weaker by using up their strength
draining
Being a parent is draining; I’m exhausted
clever at understanding and making judgements about a situation
shrewd
Daniela is a shrewd businessperson
to imagine what will happen in the future
envisage
I envisage the flat fully furnished, it’ll look amazing
having an active interest in sports
sporty
I’d describe myself as quite a sporty person
feeling annoyed or irritated
bothered
She was bothered by the constant noise coming from the neighbours.
the sport or activity of travelling in a boat using oars
rowing
I’ve never tried rowing before, but it looks interesting
a machine used for running or walking indoors
treadmill
He used the treadmill to stay fit during the winter months
the highest point or level
pinnacle
He had reached the pinnacle of his sport
having an intense interest in something
obsessed with
He was obsessed with fitness
to persuade someone to do something by using force or threats
to coerce
hey tried to coerce him to sign the contract
a person who tells lies
liar
In the end, it was revealed that she was a liar
a piece of equipment that has a particular purpose
device
He wore a device on his wrist to track his fitness progress.
to continue for a certain amount of time
to last
That train journey lasted the whole day
to move earth, snow, coal, etc. with a shovel
to shovel
He was shovellingthe snow off the driveway
dangerous and unreliable
treacherous
The treacherous mountain path was difficult to navigate
a road with many turns and curves
windy road
These route is full of windy roads through the mountains.
to put something against something else at an angle
pitch against
The broken door was pitched against the wall waiting for someone to fix
responsible for a crime or offence
guilty
He was found guilty of fraud
to encourage or motivate someone to do something
to push sb.
She pushed him to finish the project on time
to do something successfully
to nail
He nailed the presentation and got the job
to dismiss someone from a job
to axe
Football manager axed from team
to force somebody out of a job or position of power
to oust
The mayor was ousted from her position after the public protests
to promise
to vow
Prime Minister vows to help out the poor this winter.
to talk about
to cover
We’re going to cover relative clauses today
to show sb. sth. that could be difficult or harmful
to expose sb. to sth.
I wasn’t exposed to many risks when I was a child.
to almost fall when you’re walking
to stumble
She stumbled along, looking confused.
to spread something across a surface in a messy way
to smear
They had mud smeared all over their faces
to imagine what something will be like in the future
to envision
I envision opening branches of my business in more countries next year
to be likely to do something or have a particular characteristic
to tend
My children tend to cry when they’re very tired.
in a serious and detailed way
in-depth
This channel gives in-depth coverage of the latest news stories.
apart from or except for
aside from
Aside from being a bit tired, I love being a new parent
strange or unusual
weird
Being recognised on the street for the first time was a weird experience
a practical joke played on someone for fun
prank
My kids love playing pranks on each other
to get and keep someone’s attention
to hook
Those sweet videos about acts of kindness really hooked me for a while
a disadvantage or negative part of something
drawback
The drawback to having an early flight is that we’ll be tired all day.
to become aware of your own thoughts and behaviour
to catch oneself
Yesterday, I caught myself thinking about my first love!
to go back to an earlier point
to rewind
Let’s rewind and start again from the beginning
to change between one thing and another
to switch
I often switch between working on my PC and my laptop
to make small changes to something to improve it
to tweak
Let’s tweak the algorithm a little and see what happens
a weakness or imperfection in something
flaw
There are currently a lot of flaws in AR technology.
easily shocked or upset by something
squeamish
Salah is really squeamish about the sight of blood
to really enjoy something
to relish
Marguerita always relishes a challenge!
to argue in order to agree on the price of something
to haggle/to bargain
Mum’s over there, haggling over some jewellery.
They’re bargaining over
to talk too proudly about your possessions and achievements in a way that annoys people
to brag
Jeremy’s always bragging about something that he’s bought
