Vocabulary 1 Flashcards
To convey
To communicate (a message)
To seize
To grab
Example: I seized his arm and made him turn to look at me.
If the police or other officials seize something, they take possession of it with legal authority
Merely
Just, only (de abia)
Example: I wasn’t complaining, I merely said that I was tired.
To Hail
To shout to in order to attract attention
Example: Shall we hail a taxi?
Example: I tried to hail her from across the room.
If it hails, small, hard balls of ice fall from the sky like rain
Bearing in mind
Considering
To rant
To speak, write or shout in a loud, uncontrolled, or angry way, often saying confused or silly things
Example: He’s always ranting (on) about the government.
To rave
To speak in an uncontrolled way, usually because you are upset or angry, or because you are ill
Example: She was ranting and raving about some imagined insult.
To disclose
To tell secret information
Example: The police have disclosed that two officers are under internal investigation.
Reluctant (to do something)
Unwilling to do something
Example: She persuaded her reluctant husband to take a trip to Florida with her.
To dread
To fear greatly
Example: He’s dreading the exam - he’s sure he’s going to fail.
Example: I dread to think what they say about me behind my back.
Example: I’m dreading having to meet his parents.
To fumble
To use one’s hands awkwardly and with difficulty
Example: I fumbled with the lock.
Example: He fumbled in his pockets for some change.
Beforehand
Before (no additional details)
Example: I got informed beforehand.
Earlier (than a particular time)
Example: I knew she was coming that afternoon because she had phoned beforehand to say so.
To reckon
To consider, think, understand
To create a stir (or cause a stir)
To incite trouble or excitement (a crea discuții)
To stir up
To agitate, provoke
To cause an unpleasant emotion or problem to begin or grow
Example: The teacher told him to stop stirring up trouble.
Example: The photographs stirred up some painful memories.
To incite
To provoke, to stir up
Kettle
Teapot
To take off
To begin to fly
To quickly increase or become successful
To remove a piece of clothing
Kernel
Core
Seed (porumb)
To quake
To shake
To tremble
To tremble
To shake
Example: His voice started to tremble, and I thought he was going to cry.
Arguably
Possible, probable
Drawback
Disadvantage
Example: One of the drawbacks of living with someone is having to share a bathroom.
Flabby
Soft, loose flesh
To snigger
To smile
Silly laugh
Example: What are you two sniggering at/about?
To cease
To stop
Example: The company has decided to cease all UK operations after this year.
To have a bash at something
To try something
Potty
Silly or slightly crazy
Example: She must have been potty to sell that car so cheaply.
Parlour
A room in a private house used for relaxing
Handyman
A man who is skilled at repairing and making things inside or outside the house
Serviced office/apartment
A property for rent that is supplied with all the necessary furniture and equipment:
Ubiquitous
Seeming to be everywhere
Example: The Swedes are not alone in finding their language under pressure from the ubiquitous spread of English.
To recount
To tell a story
Example: He recounted his adventures since he had left home.
Knick-knack
Small, decorative object
Virtually
Almost
Entrenched
Fixed
Foible
A strange habit or characteristic that is seen as not important and not harming anyone
Quirky
Unusual in an attractive and interesting way
Quirk
An unusual habit or part of someone’s personality
Bewildering
Confusing
Contentious
Likely to cause disagreement
Example: She has some very contentious views on education.
Compelling (argument)
Strong
Likelihood of sth
The chance that something will happen
Example: This latest dispute greatly increases the likelihood of a strike.
Seafarer
Person who travels by sea
Freighter
Large ship for carrying goods
Dreadful
Causing fear, shock
Example: The news report was so dreadful that I just had to switch it off.
Vessel
Large boat/ship
Reek
Strong unpleasant smell
Example: The room was filled with the reek of stale beer.
Stale
No longer new or fresh
Example: The bread/biscuits/cake had gone stale.
Example: The morning after the party, their apartment smelled of stale cigarette smoke.
Steadily
Gradually
Example: Prices have risen steadily.
Impassable
An impassable road or path cannot be travelled on because of bad weather conditions or because it is blocked
Outgoing
Friendly, energetic
Example: She has an outgoing personality.
Ongoing
Continuing to exist or develop, or happening at the present moment
Example: No agreement has yet been reached and the negotiations are still ongoing.
Speedy
Quick
Outstanding
Excellent
To withstand
To be strong enough, or not be changed by something, or to oppose a person or thing successfully
Upstanding
Behaving in a good and moral way
Example: She is regarded as an upstanding citizen in the local community.
Motionless
Without moving
Example: I sat completely motionless as the spider crawled along my arm.
Steady
Happening in a smooth, gradual, and regular way, not suddenly or unexpectedly
Example: Progress has been slow but steady.
Unsteady
Moving slightly from side to side, as if you might fall
Example: She’s been in bed with flu, and she’s still a little unsteady on her feet.
Decaffeinated
Having had caffeine removed
To dehydrate
To lose water
To demotivate
To make someone less enthusiastic about a job
Example: She was very demotivated by being told she had little chance of being promoted.
To deregulate
To remove national or local government controls or rules from a business or other activity
Example: The government plans to deregulate the banking industry/the bus system.
Sensible
Based on or acting on good judgment and practical ideas or understanding
Example: It would be sensible to take an umbrella.
Sensitive (to something)
Easily upset by the things people say or do
Example: Her reply showed that she was very sensitive to criticism.
To sensitize (sensitise)
To make someone sensitive to something
To devalue
To reduce the rate at which money can be exchanged for foreign money
Example: Last year Mexico was forced to devalue the peso.
To cause someone or something to be considered less valuable or important
Example: I don’t want to devalue his achievement, but he managed to get a promotion without working very hard.
To conduct
Perform an activity
Example: The experiments were conducted by scientists in New York.
Tide
The rise and fall of the sea
Example: The tide is out/in.
Midst
The middle of something
Example: I’m sorry but I’m too busy - I’m in the midst of writing a report.
To stagger
To move with difficulty as if you are going to fall
Example: After he was attacked, he managed to stagger to the phone and call for help.
Example: The company is staggering under a $15 million debt and will almost certainly collapse by the end of the year.
To shudder
To shake suddenly with very small movements because of a very unpleasant thought or feeling
Example: The sight of so much blood made him shudder.
To emerge
To appear by coming out of something or out from behind something
Example: She emerged from the sea, blue with cold.
To come to the end of a difficult period or experience
Example: She emerged triumphant from the court after all the charges against her were dropped because of a lack of evidence.
Resilient
Able to be happy, successful, etc. again after something difficult or bad has happened
Example: She’s a resilient girl - she won’t be unhappy for long.
Example: Optimists argue that the economy may prove more resilient.
Resilience (resiliency - formal)
The ability to be happy, successful, etc. again after something difficult or bad has happened
Example: The plant fibre has incredible strength and resilience.
Deceitful (adj.)
Dishonest or hiding the truth
Example: Deceitful behavior.
Deceit (noun)
(an act of) keeping the truth hidden, especially to get an advantage
Example: The story is about theft, fraud, and deceit on an incredible scale.
To deceive
To persuade someone that something false is the truth, or to keep the truth hidden from someone for your own advantage
Example: The company deceived customers by selling old computers as new ones.
Cunning (adj.)
Cunning people are clever at planning something so that they get what they want, especially by tricking other people, or things that are cleverly made for a particular purpose
Example: He’s a very cunning man.
Seldom (adv.)
Almost never
Example: Now that we have a baby, we seldom get the chance to go to the cinema.
To deter
To prevent or discourage someone from doing something
Example: High prices are deterring many young people from buying houses.
To resemble
To look like or be like someone or something
Example: You resemble your mother very closely.
To frown
To bring your eyebrows together so that there are lines on your face above your eyes to show that you are annoyed or worried
Example: He frowned as he read the instructions, as if puzzled.
Twig
A small, thin branch of a tree or bush, especially one removed from the tree or bush and without any leaves:
Example: We collected dry twigs to start the fire.
Branch
A part of something larger
Example: In the US, the president is part of the executive branch of the government.
Intricate (adj.)
With many complicated details that make something difficult to understand
Example: The tiled floor is installed in an intricate pattern.
Pattern
A particular way in which something is done, is organized, or happens
Example: The pattern of family life has been changing over recent years.
Example: It is difficult to discern any pattern in these figures.
Earnest (adj.)
Serious and determined, especially too serious and unable to find your own actions funny
Example: He was a very earnest young man.
To abound
To exist in large numbers
Example: Theories abound about how the universe began.
Briefly (adv.)
For a short time or using few words
Example: We chatted briefly about the weather.
Commodity
A substance or product that can be traded, bought, or sold
Example: The country’s most valuable commodities include tin and diamonds.
A valuable quality
Example: If you’re going into teaching, energy is a necessary commodity.
Overdue (adj.)
Not done or happening when expected or when needed; late
Example: Changes to the tax system are long overdue.
Example: The baby is two weeks overdue (= the baby was expected to be born two weeks ago).
Undue (adj.)
Excessive
Example: His writing is elegant without calling undue attention to itself.
Exaggerate
To make something seem larger, more important, better, or worse than it really is
Example: Don’t exaggerate - it wasn’t that expensive.
Swiftly (adv.)
Quickly or immediately
Example: Walking swiftly, he was at the office within minutes.
Eager (adj.)
Wanting very much to do or have something, especially something interesting or enjoyable
Example: She sounded very eager to meet you.
Backgammon
A game for two people in which you throw dice and move circular pieces around a special board with a pattern of narrow triangles
Bias (noun)
The action of supporting or opposing a particular person or thing in an unfair way, because of allowing personal opinions to influence your judgment
Example: The senator has accused the media of bias.
Example: There was clear evidence of a strong bias against her.
Biased (adj.)
Showing an unreasonable like or dislike for a person based on personal opinions
Example: The newspapers gave a very biased report of the meeting.
To baffle
To cause someone to be completely unable to understand or explain something
Example: She was completely baffled by his strange behaviour.
Hunch
An idea that is based on feeling and for which there is no proof
Example: I had a hunch that you’d be here.
Example: Sometimes you have to be prepared to act on/follow a hunch.
To overhaul
To repair or improve something so that every part of it works as it should
Example: I got the engine overhauled.
Example: The government has recently overhauled the healthcare system.
Assessment (noun)
The act of judging or deciding the amount, value, quality, or importance of something, or the judgment or decision that is made
Example: Would you say that is a fair assessment of the situation?
To assess
To judge or decide the amount, value, quality, or importance of something
Example: Exams are not the only means of assessing a student’s ability.
Query
A question, often expressing doubt about something or looking for an answer from an authority
Example: If you have any queries about your treatment, the doctor will answer them.
Conscientious
Putting a lot of effort into your work
Example: a conscientious student
To cram
To force a lot of things into a small space
Example: Eight children were crammed into the back of the car.
To try to learn a lot very quickly before an exam.
Brainchild
An original idea, plan, or invention
Example: The project was the brainchild of one of the students.
Brainwave
A sudden clever idea
Example: I couldn’t see how I could get home from the station - then I had a brainwave.
Sudden (adj.)
Happening or done quickly and without warning
Example: Drop the gun, put your hands in the air, and don’t make any sudden movements.
Misapprehension
A failure to understand something, or an understanding or belief about something that is not correct
Example: Most industrialists labour under a misapprehension (= wrongly believe) that unrestrained economic growth can be achieved without damaging the environment.
Dim (adj.)
Not giving or having much light
Example: The lamp gave out a dim light.
Not very clever
Example: He’s a nice guy, but a little dim.
Example: A dim point of view.
Syllabus
(a plan showing) the subjects or books to be studied in a particular course, especially a course that leads to an exam
Example: Which novels are on the syllabus this year?
Latter (adj.)
Near or towards the end of something
Example: Building of the new library should begin in the latter part of next year.
Latter (noun)
The second of two people, things, or groups previously mentioned
Example: She offered me more money or a car and I chose the latter.
To suss
To realize, understand, or discover
Example: He never sussed (out) that they’d tricked him.
Recurring
Happening many times, or happening again
Example: Francis suffered all his life from a recurring nightmare that he was trapped in a falling house.
Thorough
Detailed and careful
Example: They did a thorough search of the area but found nothing.
Onslaught
A very powerful attack
Example: Scotland’s onslaught on Wales in the second half of the match earned them a 4–1 victory.
To slaughter
To cruelly and unfairly kill a lot of people
Example: Thousands of people were slaughtered in the civil war.
Diner
Someone who is eating a meal, especially in a restaurant
Example: He comes in very early – he’s an early diner.
Javelin
A long stick with a pointed end that is thrown in sports competitions
Receipt
Something such as a piece of paper or message proving that money, goods, or information have been received
Example: Make sure you are given a receipt for everything you buy.
To conceive
To imagine something
Example: He couldn’t conceive of a time when he would have no job.
Example: I find it hard to conceive (= it is too shocking to imagine) that people are still treated so badly.
Badly
In a severe and harmful way
Example: She was badly affected by the events in her childhood.
Childhood
The time when someone is a child
Example: She had an unhappy childhood.
Spanner
A metal tool with a shaped end, used to turn nuts and bolts
Bolt
A screw-like metal object without a point, used with a nut to fasten things together
Offspring
A person’s children
Example: Tom’s sister came over on Saturday with all her offspring.
Outskirts
The areas on the edge of a town or city
Local community
A group of people who interact and live in the same area
Rush hour
The busy part of the day when towns and cities are crowded
The Tube
London’s underground train system
Hectic
Full of activity, or very busy and fast
Example: the hectic pace of city life.
Love-hate relationship
Strong feelings about someone or something that are a mixture of love and hate
Example: He had a love-hate relationship with London.
To assume
To accept something to be true without question or proof
Example: I assumed (that) you knew each other because you went to the same school.
Originally
In the beginning; when something first existed
Example: It was a bedroom originally, but we turned it into a study.
Slightly (adv.)
A little
Example: She’s slightly taller than her sister.
Example: I live slightly on the outskirts.
Quietness
The quality of making very little noise
Example: This luxury car offers comfort, quietness, and speed.
Stillness
Total lack of movement or changing of position
Example: They gazed into the stillness of the water.
Particularly (adv.)
Especially, or more than usual
Example: I didn’t particularly want to go, but I had to.
Downside
Disadvantage
Example: The downside of living here, of course, is that it is expensive.
To found
To bring something into existence
Example: Boston was founded in 1630 by Puritan colonists from England.
Achievement
Something very good and difficult that you have succeeded in doing
Example: An Olympic silver medal is a remarkable achievement for one so young.
Remarkable
Unusual or special and therefore surprising and worth mentioning
Example: Nelson Mandela was a truly remarkable man.
Uninvited
Not invited
Example: He arrived uninvited in a taxi.
To attend
To go to an event, place, etc.
Example: Over two hundred people attended the funeral.
Synopsis
A brief summary
To graze
To eat grass in a field
Pasture
Land covered with grass
Fledgling (adj.)
New or not experienced
Dung
Animal excrement
Manure
Manure
Animal dung used for fertilizing land
Example: The ground should be well dug and manured.
To wring
To squeeze or twist something
Example: I could wring your neck.
Crowning (adj.)
The triumphant culmination of an effort
Example: The crowning moment of a worthy career.
To utter
Say something aloud
Example: She sat through the whole meeting without uttering a word.
Attic
A space inside the roof of a building
Incumbent (adj.)
Officially having the named position
Example: The incumbent president faces problems which began many years before he took office.
Denomination
A religious grup that has slightly different beliefs than other grups that share the same religion
Parish
Territorial entity in many Christian denominations (parohie)
Vicar
Preot, paroh
Slab
A large, thick, flat piece of stone, concrete or bread, cake
To sack
To fire
Example: They sacked her for being late.
To fetch
To go to another place to get something or someone and bring it, him, or her back
Example: Could you fetch me my glasses/fetch my glasses for me from the other room, please?
Asynchronous
Not happening or done at the same time or speed
Sumptuous
Splendid, expensive-looking
Example: The celebrity guests turned up dressed in sumptuous evening gowns.
Lavish
Large in quantity and expensive or impressive
Fed up (adj.)
Bored, annoyed
Example: I’m fed up with my job.
Bookworm
I like studying although I’m not that much of a bookworm.
A ‘bookworm’ is someone who likes to study and read. Notice the following:
- I have never been much of a bookworm.
- She did very well at school, as she was a real bookworm.
The real world
It’s about time to get out to the real world and earn some money.
‘In the real world’ means ‘in reality.’
Notice the following:
- In the real world things are not as romantic as in the movies.
- She needs to get in the real world and understand that she needs to earn money.
A 9-5 schedule
You get so much time off, and you don’t have to work a 9-5 schedule.
A ‘9-5 schedule’ means that you are working normal office hours, which start at 9 AM and go to 5 PM.
Notice the following:
- Because I run my own business I don’t have a 9-5 schedule.
- It suits her that she does not have the regular 9-5 schedule.
I’m really into the banking industry
I have given it a couple of thoughts but right now, I’m really into the banking industry.
‘I’m really into the banking industry’ means that you are interested in the world of banking and would like to make that your career.
Notice the following:
- I’m really into the health industry, and I would like to get some work experience in that field.
- She says that she is really into the music industry.
Give it a go
The financing industry, and so probably I might give it a go.
When you ‘give something a go,’ it means that you try it. Notice the following:
- I have never done it before but I will give it a go.
- Why don’t you give it a go? You never know; you might like it.
Crack them
Take some eggs and crack them into a bowl.
To ‘crack’ something is to break it. In this case to break the eggs so that they open. Notice the following:
- Can you crack open these peanuts?
- It is difficult to crack open a coconut.
To whisk
Whisk the eggs until they’re quite high and fluffy.
To ‘whisk’ something is to stir a liquid really quickly with a special cooking tool. Notice the following:
- Did you whisk the milk and sugar?
- It is important to whisk the ingredients really well.
At an angle
You need a small pan with sides that go up at an angle.
If something is ‘at an angle’ it is not exactly straight up and down, but leaning or off to one side. Notice the following:
- That picture is hanging at an angle.
- The back of the chair was at an angle to make it more comfortable.
Whipped up
Take the whipped up eggs and pour them into the pan.
If something is ‘whipped up’ it is mixed quickly for a long time to add air to it. Notice the following:
- The cream was whipped up into small peaks.
- Do the butter and sugar need to be whipped up?
Flip it over
When most of the egg is cooked, flip it over and cook the other side lightly.
When you ‘flip something over’ you turn it to the other side. In cooking we do this so both sides are cooked evenly. Notice the following:
- You should flip the towels over so both sides get dry.
- Remember to flip the steak over in about 7 minutes.
It depends on
It depends on the journey how much your fare is.
If something ‘depends on’ something else they are connected and change together. Notice the following:
- Her wage depends on what kind of work she is doing.
- The plan depends on the weather.
Pick out
Can you pick out anyone on that bus who looks interesting?
To ‘pick out’ something or someone is to choose or select that person or thing. Notice the following:
- Does your daughter pick out what she wears?
- You should pick out a snack to take with you.
Raise (dogs)
My family actually raises dogs for helping blind people.
To ‘raise’ a dog means to care for a dog from the time they are very young until they are mature. Notice the following:
- It is easy to raise your children in the suburbs.
- We used to raise chickens a few years ago.
Training school
Sometimes, they train the dogs in a training school.
To ‘train’ an animal is to teach it to act the way you want it to. Animals learn these things at a training school. Notice the following:
- Most people send their dogs to training school.
- He trained his dog to roll over.
Keep pets
Why do you think people keep pets?
To ‘keep’ a pet to is have an animal that lives in your house that you care for. Notice the following:
- We kept rabbits as pets for a long time.
- Would you ever keep a pet snake?
Associated with
What would you say is the biggest cost associated with keeping a pet?
The ‘biggest cost’ refers to the most expensive part of something. Notice the following:
- For most people the biggest cost associated with having a car is the gasoline.
- What’s the biggest cost associated with having a house?
Hassle
Cleaning up pee and things like that can be a hassle.
A hassle is a difficult or frustrating task. Notice the following:
- Planning parties can be a big hassle.
- Is it a hassle to give me a ride home?
Boisterous
Noisy, energetic
Like night and day
My mom and dad are like night and day.
We say things are like ‘night and day’ when they are very different or opposite. Notice the following:
- The difference between the new washing machine and the old one is like night and day.
- My sister and I are like night and day.
To resemble
Everybody tells her how young she looks and how she resembles my sister.
To ‘resemble’ someone or something is to have a similar appearance. Notice the following:
- He resembles George Clooney a little.
- That rock kind of resembles an elephant.
Complement each other
My parents are completely opposite and they complement each other very well.
If two things or people ‘complement each other’ they match each other or have a nice balance. Notice the following:
- Do you think sweet and salty food complement each other?
- My two jobs really complement each other. One is active and at the other one I just sit.
Goose (geese pl.)
Gasca
Claimed that
Pretinse
To compile
To collect information from different places and arrange it in a book, report, or list
Example: We’re compiling some facts and figures for a documentary on the subject.
Treatise (on sth.)
A formal piece of writing that considers and examines a particular subject
Example: A six-volume treatise on trademark law
Wheelwright
A craftsman who makes wheels.
Affair
A sexual relationship, especially a secret one
Example: The book doesn’t make any mention of his love affairs.
Maiser
Someone who has a strong wish to have money and hates to spend it
Example: On environmental spending, the president is a miser.
Raincoat
Pelerina de ploaie
Fulgarina
Schoolmate
Coleg de scoala
… degrees below zero
Minus … grade
Chambermaid (maid)
a woman employed in a hotel to clean and tidy bedrooms
Make up sb’s mind
To make a final decision after a period of consideration.
Example: The chambermaid cannot have made up her mind to resign before she turns ninety.
To be forced to
Sa fi fortat
To run out of
To finish, use, or sell all of something, so that there is none left
Applicant for…
A person who formally requests something, especially a job, or to study at a college or university
Position
A rank or level in a company, competition or society
Tamer
Imblanzitor
Blossom
The state of flowering
Example: Chestnuts in blossom
Reprise
To repeat a song, performance, or set of actions
Example: I was to play the doctor, reprising a role I’d done years earlier.
Toot
To make a short sound
Example: In llama-land there’s an one-man band/And he’ll toot his flute for you.
Starry-eyed
If you are starry-eyed, you have a lot of thoughts and opinions that are unreasonably positive, so you do not understand things as they really are
Example: We’ll just glide starry-eyed.
Weather-wise
Skilled in forecasting the changes in weather, opinion or feeling
Abroad
In or to a foreign country or countries
Example: He’s currently abroad on business.
Straight ahead
In front
Example: Turn left at the traffic lights, and you’ll see the hospital straight ahead.
Have yet to
If you have yet to do something, you have not done it
Example: They have yet to make a decision.
Pity
A feeling of sadness or sympathy for someone else’s unhappiness or difficult situation
Example: The girl stood gazing in/with pity at the old lion in the cage.
Example: She agreed to go out with him more out of pity than anything.
Basis
The most important facts, ideas, etc. from which something is developed
Example: Decisions were often made on the basis of (= using) incorrect information.
Example: This document will form the basis for our discussion.
Assume
To accept something to be true without question or proof:
Example: Let’s assume (that) they’re coming and make plans on that basis.
Example: [ + to infinitive ] We can’t assume the suspects to be guilty simply because they’ve decided to remain silent.
To contemplate
To spend time considering a possible future action, or to consider one particular thing for a long time in a serious and quiet way
Example: [ + -ing verb ] I’m contemplating going abroad for a year.
To consider
To spend time thinking about a possibility or making a decision
Example: [ + question word ] Have you considered what you’ll do if you don’t get the job?
Example: [ + -ing verb ] We’re considering selling the house.
Cynical
Believing that people are only interested in themselves and are not sincere
Example: She has a pretty cynical view of men.
Example: I’ve always been deeply cynical about politicians.
To deduce
To reach an answer or a decision by thinking carefully about the known facts
Example: We cannot deduce very much from these figures.
To reach an answer
The result of considering a situation.
Deliberate
To think or talk seriously and carefully about something
Example: The jury took five days to deliberate on the case.
Example: [ + question word ] He’s deliberating whether or not to accept the new job that he’s been offered.
Dubios
Thought not to be completely true or not able to be trusted
Example: These claims are dubious and not scientifically proven.
Example: He has been associated with some dubious characters.
Judicial system
Sistem judiciar
To gather
To collect several things
To grasp
To quickly take something in your hands and hold it firmly
Example: She suddenly grasped my hand.
If you take an opportunity, you take it eagerly
Example: We must grasp every opportunity to strengthen economic ties with other countries.
To understand something difficult
Example: I think I managed to grasp the main points of the lecture.
Guesswork
The process of making a guess
Example: The projected sales figures are pure guesswork on our part.
Ideology
A set of beliefs (especially one on which a party or organization is based)
Example: The people are caught between two opposing ideologies.
Ingenious
Very intelligent and skillful
Plausible
Seeming likely to be true
Example: A plausible explanation/excuse.
To ponder
To think carefully about something, especially for a noticeable length of time
Example: She sat back for a minute to ponder her next move in the game.
Prejudiced
Biased
Presume
To believe something to be true because it is very likely, although you are not certain
Example: [ + (that) ] I presume (that) they’re not coming, since they haven’t replied to the invitation.
Example: “Are we walking to the hotel?” “I presume not/so.”
Example: [ + obj + adj ] The boat’s captain is missing, presumed dead (= it is believed that he is dead).
To reflect
To think carefully
To reflect on something/someone
To influence
Sceptical
Doubting that something is true
Example: Many experts remain skeptical about/of his claims.
To speculate
To guess possible answers to a question when you do not have enough information to be certain
Example: I don’t know why she did it - I’m just speculating.
To suppose
To think that something is likely to be true
Used at the beginning of a sentence to mean “what would happen if”
Example: Suppose we miss the train - what will we do then?
Attentive
Listening carefully
Example: An attentive audience.
Knowledgeable
Knowing a lot
Example: He is very knowledgeable about German literature.
Mock exam
Simulare
To plagiarize
A plagia
Tuition
The activity of teaching
Example: All students receive tuition in logic.
To amend
To change the words of a text, especially a law or a legal document
Easy going
Relaxed and not easily upset or worried
Example: A friendly, easy-going type of guy
To shed
To get rid of something
Example: As the day warmed up, she shed her sweater
Lean
Thin and healthy
Example: Lit and fit
Every once in a while
Sometimes, but not regularly
Example: You meet some interesting people every once a while.
To head back
Return to some place or thing
Example: Oh wow, it’s already time for us to head back?
Short break from something
Time that is used to relax and escape from the stress of daily life
Example: A weekend away will be a short break from life.
Chilly
Too cold to be comfortable
A maximum of …
Example: The temperature will reach a maximum of 27°C today.
To look forward to + verb + ing
Example: I look forward to hearing from you.
Buck
Male of some horned animals
From time to time
Occasionally, sometimes
Liable
Very likely to do something
Example: He is liable to make a fuss if you wake him.
Fuss
A show of anger, excitement or worry that is unnecessary or greater than the situation deserves
Made up
Created by the imagination or invented and not true
Example: A made-up name
Assembled
Example: Food made up mostly of tomatoes.
What’s it like …
What’s it like to have a roommate?
When you ask ‘what’s it like’ you want the speaker to describe something for you. Notice the following:
- What’s it like to be married?
- What’s it like to have a real job?
…-based
She made tomato-based Indian curry.
If a food is ‘tomato-based’ it is made up mostly of tomatoes.
We can put the word ‘-based’ after other words to show the composition of something. Notice the following:
- Is the soup tomato-based?
- Is the class conversation-based?
Spare room
We use one of the rooms as a spare room.
A ‘spare room’ is a room that you have available for guests or a room where nobody permanently lives. Notice the following:
- We have a spare room for you to stay in.
- How many spare rooms do you have?
Promptly
Quickly, without delay, or at the arranged time
Example: The train left promptly at 8:06.
Example: I was promptly given the beginner infants.
To prompt
To make something happen
Example: Recent worries over (about) the president’s health have prompted speculation over (about) his political future.
To burst into tears
To start crying
Stop someone FROM something
Stop them from crying
