Words Flashcards
1
Q
Objection
N
A
the act of expressing or feeling opposition to or dislike of something or someone:
Her objection to/against the plan is based on incorrect facts.
A couple of people raised/voiced objections to the proposal.
[ + that ] I have no objection except that it may cost more than expected.
2
Q
Shrug off
A
to treat something as if it is not important or not a problem:
The stock market shrugged off the economic gloom and rose by 1.5 percent.
You’re a father and you can’t simply shrug off your responsibility for your children.
3
Q
Debate
N
A
(a) serious discussion of a subject in which many people take part:
Education is the current focus of public debate.
How we proceed from here is a matter for debate.
Over the year we have had several debates about future policy.
4
Q
Significant
adj
A
important or noticeable:
There has been a significant increase in the number of women students in recent years.
The talks between the USA and the USSR were very significant for the relationship between the two countries.
5
Q
Versus
Preposition
A
used to say that one team or person is competing against another:
Tomorrow’s game is Newcastle versus Arsenal.
6
Q
fierce
adjective
A
physically violent and frightening:
a fierce attack/battle
Two men were shot during fierce fighting last weekend.
7
Q
controversy
noun
A
a lot of disagreement or argument about something, usually because it affects or is important to many people:
There was a big controversy surrounding/over the use of drugs in athletics.
The policy has caused fierce/heated controversy ever since it was introduced.
8
Q
reiterate
verb [ T ] formal
A
to say something again, once or several times:
The government has reiterated its refusal to compromise with terrorists.
[ + that ] She reiterated that she had never seen him before.
Synonyms
repeat restate
9
Q
proponent
noun [ C ]
A
a person who speaks publicly in support of a particular idea or plan of action:
He is one of the leading proponents of capital punishment.
Synonyms
advocate exponentsupporter
Compare
opponent
10
Q
cautious
adjective
A
Someone who is cautious avoids risks:
He’s a cautious driver.
11
Q
neuroticism
noun [ U ]
A
the condition of often feeling worried and nervous, often because of a mental illness:
Researchers found that high levels of neuroticism were linked to lower life expectancy.
Compare
neurosis
12
Q
entitlement
noun
A
U ]
something that you have a right to do or have, or the right to do or have something:
pension/holiday entitlements
Managers have generous leave entitlement.
[ U ] disapproving
the feeling that you have the right to do or have what you want without having to work for it or deserve it, just because of who you are:
a classic case of male entitlement
13
Q
rivalry
noun [ C or U ]
A
C2
a situation in which people, businesses, etc. compete with each other for the same thing:
There’s such rivalry among/between my three sons.
There’s fierce rivalry for the job/to get the job.
Synonyms
competition
contention
14
Q
mediator
noun [ C ]
A
a person whose job is to mediate in a disagreement (= talk to the people or groups involved to help them find a solution):
The governor appointed a mediator and asked both sides to return to the bargaining table.
Trained mediators are extremely effective and have reduced bullying dramatically.
See
mediate
15
Q
insignificant
adjective
A
small or not noticeable, and therefore not considered important :
Why bother arguing about such an insignificant amount of money?
The difference between the two results was insignificant.
16
Q
tendency
noun [ C ]
A
Meaning of tendency in English
tendency
noun [ C ]
UK /ˈten.dən.si/ US /ˈten.dən.si/
C1
If someone has a tendency to do or like something, they will probably do it or like it:
[ + to infinitive ] His tendency to exaggerate is well known.
Synonyms
inclination (FEELING)persuasion (BELIEFS)
If there is a tendency for something to happen, it is likely to happen or it often happens:
There is a tendency for unemployment to rise in the summer.
If there is a tendency to do something, it starts to happen more often or starts to increase:
[ + to infinitive ] There is a growing tendency to regard money more highly than quality of life.
17
Q
appeal
noun
A
a request to the public for money, information, or help:
They’re launching (= starting) an appeal to raise money for famine victims.
[ + to infinitive ] The police have issued an appeal to the public to stay away from the area over the weekend.
Synonyms
entreatyplea (REQUEST) formalprayerrequest
18
Q
accuse
V
A
to say that someone has done something morally wrong, illegal, or unkind:
“It wasn’t my fault.” “Don’t worry, I’m not accusing you.”
He’s been accused of robbery/murder.
Are you accusing me of lying?
The surgeon was accused of negligence.
19
Q
negligence
N
A
the fact of not giving enough care or attention to someone or something:
medical negligence
20
Q
dominant
adjective
A
more important, strong, or noticeable than anything else of the same type:
a dominant military power
Unemployment will be a dominant issue at the next election.
BIOLOGY specialized A dominant gene is one that always produces a particular characteristic in a person, plant, or animal: The gene for brown eyes is dominant. Compare recessive
PSYCHOLOGY specialized
liking to take control in a group and having natural authority:
The females breed with dominant males that establish and defend territories.
You can have a dominant personality without being a bully.
21
Q
transcend
verb [ T ] formal
A
to go further, rise above, or be more important or better than something, especially a limit:
The best films are those which transcend national or cultural barriers.
The underlying message of the film is that love transcends everything else.
22
Q
entrepreneur
noun [ C ]
A
someone who starts their own business, especially when this involves seeing a new opportunity:
He was one of the entrepreneurs of the 80s who made their money in property.
23
Q
cerebral
adjective
A
relating to the brain or the cerebrum:
He suffered a cerebral haemorrhage.
The patients frequently had a history of disease leading to cerebral damage.
formal
demanding or involving careful thinking and mental effort rather than feelings:
She makes cerebral films that deal with important social issues.
Chess is cerebral; video games are visceral.
formal
intelligent and serious, and enjoying serious thought rather than emotion:
His problem wasn’t his policies; it was his personality. He was simply too cerebral and too out of touch with Middle America.
24
Q
visceral
adjective
A
based on deep feeling and emotional reactions rather than on reason or thought:
visceral hatred/excitement
His approach to acting is visceral rather than intellectual.
25
anguish
| noun [ U ]
extreme unhappiness caused by physical or mental suffering:
His anguish at the outcome of the court case was very clear.
In her anguish she forgot to leave a message.
26
confrontation
| noun
confrontation
noun [ C or U ]
UK /ˌkɒn.frʌnˈteɪ.ʃən/ US /ˌkɑːn.frənˈteɪ.ʃən/
C2
a fight or argument:
Some couples seem to like confrontation, but Josh and I hardly ever argue.
There were violent confrontations between police and demonstrators.
Synonym
showdown
27
de-escalate
| verb [ I or T ]
to (cause to) become less dangerous or difficult:
The government has taken these measures in an attempt to de-escalate the conflict.
There are signs that the confrontation is beginning to de-escalate.
Synonym
wind (sth) down
Opposite
escalate
28
Meaning of all-inclusive in English
all-inclusive
adjective
including everything:
a seven-night all-inclusive package
an all-inclusive resort
29
Caribbean
belonging to or relating to Caribbean islands and countries, or their people:
Caribbean food
30
evaluate
| verb [ T ]
to judge or calculate the quality, importance, amount, or value of something:
It's impossible to evaluate these results without knowing more about the research methods employed.
[ + question word ] We shall need to evaluate how the new material stands up to wear and tear.
31
dispute
| noun [ C or U ]
an argument or disagreement, especially an official one between, for example, workers and employers or two countries with a common border:
a bitter/long-running dispute
a border dispute
a pay/legal/trade dispute
They have been unable to settle/resolve the dispute over working conditions.
The unions are in dispute with management over pay.
32
interpretation
| noun [ C or U ]
an explanation or opinion of what something means:
The dispute is based on two widely differing interpretations of the law.
The rules are vague and open to interpretation.
It is difficult for many people to accept a literal interpretation of the Bible.
33
prosperous
| adjective
successful, usually by earning a lot of money:
In a prosperous country like this, no one should go hungry.
Synonyms
flourishingwell-to-do
34
hence
| adverb forma
that is the reason or explanation for:
His mother was Italian, hence his name - Luca.
Synonym
therefore
35
flee
| verb [ I or T,
to escape by running away, especially because of danger or fear:
She fled (from) the room in tears.
In order to escape capture, he fled to the mountains.
36
expel
verb [ T ]
UK /ɪk
to force someone to leave a school, organization, or country:
The new government has expelled all foreign diplomats.
My brother was expelled from school for bad behaviour.
37
short of something
not having enough of something:
I’m a little short of cash right now, so I can’t lend you anything.
She ran a little farther and then stopped, feeling short of breath (= felt as if she did not have enough air).
Short of something also means not including something:
There must be some punishment you can give him short of expelling him from school.
38
approach
| verb
to come near or nearer to something or someone in space, time, quality, or amount:
We could just see the train approaching in the distance.
If you look out of the window on the left, you'll see that we're now approaching the Eiffel Tower.
I see it's approaching lunchtime, so let's take a break.
In my opinion, no other composers even begin to approach (= come near in quality to) Mozart.
The total amount raised so far is approaching (= almost) $1,000.
He's very active for a man approaching 80 (= who is almost 80 years old).
to deal with something:
I'm not sure how to approach the problem.
to speak to, write to, or visit someone in order to do something such as make a request or business agreement:
We've just approached the bank for/about a loan.
She's been approached by a modelling agency.
approach
noun
a way of considering or doing something:
Since our research so far has not produced any answers to this problem, we need to adopt a different approach to it.
I've just read an interesting book which has a new approach to Shakespeare.
Michael is always very logical in his approach.
39
steep
| adjective
of a slope) rising or falling at a sharp angle:
a steep slope
It's a steep climb to the top of the mountain, but the view is worth it.
The castle is set on a steep hill/hillside.
C1
A steep rise or fall is one that goes very quickly from low to high or from high to low:
There has been a steep increase/rise in prices.
40
demand
| verb [ T ]
to ask for something forcefully, in a way that shows that you do not expect to be refused:
I demanded an explanation.
The union is demanding a seven percent pay rise this year.
He has always demanded the highest standards of behaviour from his children.
[ + speech ] "And where do you think you're going?" demanded the police officer.
[ + to infinitive ] I demand to see the manager.
[ + that ] She demanded that he return the books he borrowed from her.
41
currency
| noun
the money that is used in a particular country at a particular time:
foreign currency
42
recession
| noun [ C or U ]
a period when the economy of a country is not successful and conditions for business are bad:
The country is sliding into the depths of (a) recession.
43
persistent
| Adj
lasting for a long time or difficult to get rid of:
a persistent smell/skin rash
Symptoms of the illness include a high temperature and a persistent dry cough.
There have been persistent rumours that the principal might take early retirement.
C2
Someone who is persistent continues doing something or tries to do something in a determined but often unreasonable way:
Be persistent - don't give up.
He has been a persistent critic of the president.
She is a persistent offender and has been arrested five times this year for shoplifting.
44
determine
| verb
1 [ T often passive ]
to control or influence something directly, or to decide what will happen:
The number of staff we can take on will be determined by how much money we're allowed to spend.
Your health is determined in part by what you eat.
Eye colour is genetically determined.
[ + question word ] formal Officials will determine whether or not the game will be played.
People should be allowed to determine their own future.
[ T ] formal
to make a strong decision:
[ + that ] She determined that one day she would be an actor.
[ + to infinitive ] On leaving jail, Joe determined to reform.
45
offender
| noun [ C ] LAW
```
2
a person who is guilty of a crime:
first-time offenders
sex offenders
young offenders
Synonyms
criminal crook (CRIMINAL) informalculpritevildoerfelon specializedthe guilty party
```
46
close-knit
| adjective
If a group of people are close-knit, they all help and support each other:
a close-knit family/community
47
curious
| adjective
B1
interested in learning about people or things around you:
I was curious to know what would happen next.
Babies are curious about everything around them.
"Why did you ask?" "I was just curious."
UK
strange and unusual:
There was a curious-looking man standing outside.
A curious thing happened to me yesterday.
It's curious (that) Billy hasn't phoned when he promised he would.
Synonyms
bizarreeccentric (STRANGE)eerie
48
take after sb
| — phrasal verb with take verb
to be similar to an older member of your family in appearance or character:
He takes after his mother/his mother's side of the family.
49
resemble
| verb [ T ]
to look like or be like someone or something:
You resemble your mother very closely.
After the earthquake, the city resembled a battlefield.
50
lousy
| adjective
```
very bad:
lousy food/service
a lousy book
I had a lousy weekend.
I feel lousy - I'm going home.
```
51
furious
| adjective
2
extremely angry:
I was late and he was furious with me.
He's furious about/at the way he's been treated.
We had a furious debate about the death penalty.
Synonyms
angry (EMOTIONAL)apoplecticbe beside yourselfcross mainly UKincandescent (QUALITY)incensediratelivid (ANGRY)mad (ANGRY) informalseething (angry)sore (ANGRY) US informalwrathful
52
offended
| adjective
upset and angry, often because someone has been rude:
| Many staff members were deeply offended by his email.
53
bicker
| verb [ I ]
to argue about things that are not important:
Will you two stop bickering!
They're always bickering with each other about/over their personal problems.
Synonym
quibble disapproving
54
bicker
| verb [ I ]
to argue about things that are not important:
Will you two stop bickering!
They're always bickering with each other about/over their personal problems.
Synonym
quibble disapproving
55
mortgage
| noun [ C ]
an agreement that allows you to borrow money from a bank or similar organization, especially in order to buy a house, or the amount of money itself:
They took out a £40o,000 mortgage (= they borrowed £40o,000) to buy the house.
a monthly mortgage payment
56
penalize
verb [ T ] (UK usually penalise)
UK
to cause someone a disadvantage:
The present tax system penalizes poor people.
The system should ensure that borrowers are not penalized by sudden rises in mortgage rates.
57
distinctive
| adjective
Something that is distinctive is easy to recognize because it is different from other things:
a distinctive smell/taste
She's got a very distinctive voice.
58
vicious
| adjective
Vicious people or actions show an intention or wish to hurt someone or something very badly:
a vicious thug
a vicious dog
The police said that this was one of the most vicious attacks they'd ever seen.
He gave her a vicious look.
59
veer
verb [ I + adv/prep ]
UK
to change direction:
All of a sudden, the car veered off the road.
Moments before crashing, the jet was seen veering sharply to the right.
Three men were feared dead last night after a helicopter veered off course into an oil platform.
Our talk soon veered onto the subject of money.
60
avert
| verb [ T ]
```
to prevent something bad from happening:
to avert a crisis/conflict/strike/famine
to avert disaster/economic collapse
Synonym
avoid
```
61
crisis
| noun
a time of great disagreement, confusion, or suffering:
The country's leadership is in crisis.
an economic/financial crisis
We have a family crisis on my hands - my 16-year-old sister is pregnant.
[ C ]
an extremely difficult or dangerous point in a situation:
crisis talks
A mediator has been called in to resolve the crisis.
62
constant
| adjective
happening a lot or all the time:
He's in constant trouble with the police.
machines that are in constant use
63
volatile
| adjective
likely to change suddenly and unexpectedly, especially by getting worse:
Food and fuel prices are very volatile in a war situation.
The situation was made more volatile by the fact that people had been drinking a lot of alcohol.
64
fluctuate
| verb [ I ]
to change, especially continuously and between one level or thing and another:
Vegetable prices fluctuate according to the season.
Her wages fluctuate between £150 and £200 a week.
Her weight fluctuates wildly.
fluctuating prices
65
projection
| noun
a calculation or guess about the future based on information that you have:
The company has failed to achieve last year's sales projections by 30 percent.
66
partial
| adjective
not complete:
| The general has ordered a partial withdrawal of troops from the area.
67
withdrawal
| noun
when you take money out of a bank account:
The bank became suspicious after several large withdrawals were made from his account in a single week.
[ C or U ]
the process or action of a military force moving out of an area:
The commander-in-chief was given 36 hours to secure a withdrawal of his troops from the combat zone.
the act or process of taking something away so that it is no longer available, or of someone stopping being involved in an activity:
Doctors demanded the withdrawal of the drug (from the market) after several cases of dangerous side-effects were reported.
Her sudden withdrawal from the championship caused a lot of press speculation about her health
. behaviour in which someone prefers to be alone and does not want to talk to other people:
Withdrawal is a classic symptom of depression.
withdrawal
noun [ C/U ]
US /wɪθˈdrɔ·əl, wɪð-/
an act of taking something back, removing something, or moving something back:
[ C ] a troop withdrawal
[ C ] He had made several large withdrawals from his bank account (= He had taken out a lot of money).
[ C ] Her sudden withdrawal from the competition surprised everyone.
68
quadruple
verb [ I or T ]
UK
to become four times as big, or to multiply a number or amount by four:
The number of students at the college has quadrupled in the last ten years.
We expect to quadruple our profits this year.
69
doomed
| adjective
```
certain to fail, die, or be destroyed:
This is a doomed city.
Synonyms
fated
ill-fated-
ill-starred literary
```
70
fraction
| noun [ C ]
a number that results from dividing one whole number by another:
¼ and 0.25 are different ways of representing the same fraction.
a small part of something, or a small amount:
Although sexual and violent crimes have increased by 13 percent, they remain only a tiny/small fraction of the total number of crimes committed each year.
They can produce it at a fraction of the cost of (= much more cheaply than) traditional methods.
Could you just move a fraction to the right, so I can get by?
71
ration
noun [ C ]
UK /ˈ
a limited amount of something that one person is allowed to have, especially when there is not much of it available:
During the war, no one was allowed more than their ration of food, clothing and fuel.
rations [ plural ]
the total amount of food that is given to someone to be eaten during a particular activity and in a particular period of time, especially an amount given to soldiers when they are fighting
an amount of something that you would expect to have:
We've had more than our ration of problems recently
. ration
verb [ T ]
to limit the amount of a particular thing that someone is allowed to have:
Do you remember when petrol was rationed to five gallons a week?
My children would watch television all day long, but I ration it.
72
ratio
noun [ C ]
UK
the relationship between two groups or amounts that expresses how much bigger one is than the other:
The ratio of men to women at the conference was ten to one/10:1.
The school is trying to improve its pupil-teacher ratio (= the number of teachers compared with the number of students).
73
whereas
conjunction
US
compared with the fact that; but:
He must be about 60, whereas his wife looks about 30.
You eat a huge plate of food for lunch, whereas I have just a sandwich.
74
reliant
| adjective
needing a particular thing or person in order to continue, to work correctly, or to succeed:
He's completely reliant on his wheelchair to get around.
The project is heavily reliant on volunteers.
75
reliance
| noun [ U ]
the state of depending on or trusting in something or someone:
The region's reliance on tourism is unwise.
You place too much reliance on her ideas and expertise.
76
slightly
| adverb
little:
She's slightly taller than her sister.
I'm slightly upset she forgot my birthday.
I'm slightly worried that she'll get lost on the way.
77
interpret
| verb
to decide what the intended meaning of something is:
It's difficult to interpret these statistics without knowing how they were obtained.
A jury should not interpret the silence of a defendant as a sign of guilt.
78
to have as a plan or purpose:
[ + to infinitive ] We intend to go to Australia next year.
Somehow I offended him, which wasn't what I'd intended.
[ + obj + to infinitive ] I don't think she intended me to hear the remark.
The course is intended for intermediate-level students.
It was intended as a compliment, honestly!
to have as a plan or purpose:
[ + to infinitive ] We intend to go to Australia next year.
Somehow I offended him, which wasn't what I'd intended.
[ + obj + to infinitive ] I don't think she intended me to hear the remark.
The course is intended for intermediate-level students.
It was intended as a compliment, honestly!
79
intent
| adjective
giving all your attention to something:
an intent stare
She had an intent look on her face.
be intent on sth/doing sth
C2
to be determined to do or achieve something:
I've tried persuading her not to go but she's intent on it.
He seems intent on upsetting everyone in the room!
intent
noun [ U ] LAW formal or specialized
US /ɪnˈtent/ UK /ɪnˈtent/
C2
the fact that you want and plan to do something:
I spent half the morning on the phone, which wasn't really my intent.
[ + to infinitive ] It was not his intent to hurt anyone.
She was charged with possessing weapons with intent to endanger life.
Synonyms
aim (INTENTION)ambition
80
vet
| noun [ C ]
(UK formal veterinary surgeon); (US formal veterinarian)
a person with a medical degree trained to take care of the health of animals:
The farmer called the vet out to treat a sick cow.
(UK also vet's)
the office where a vet works:
The cat injured her paw, so I took her to the vet.
81
punctual
| adjective
arriving, doing something, or happening at the expected, correct time; not late:
a punctual start to the meeting
He's fairly punctual (= he usually arrives on time).
82
hazard
| noun [ C ]
something that is dangerous and likely to cause damage:
a health/fire hazard
The busy traffic entrance was a hazard to pedestrians.
83
pose
| verb
to cause something, especially a problem or difficulty:
Nuclear weapons pose a threat to everyone.
The mountain terrain poses particular problems for civil engineers.
84
vital
| adjective
necessary for the success or continued existence of something; extremely important:
A strong opposition is vital to a healthy democracy.
She had found out some information of vital importance.
The kidney plays a vital role/part in the removal of waste products from the blood.
[ + that ] It's absolutely vital that you do exactly as I say.
[ + to infinitive ] It is vital to get medical supplies to the area as soon as possible.
85
urine
| noun [ U ]
the yellowish liquid waste that is released from the body when you urinate
Synonyms
pee informalpiddle informalwee UK informal
86
kidney
| noun
either of a pair of small organs in the body that take away waste matter from the blood to produce urine:
kidney failure
[ C or U ]
these organs from an animal, used as food:
steak and kidney pie
87
dropout
| noun [ C ]
a person who leaves school, college, or university before completing a qualification, or a person who lives in an unusual way:
a high school/college dropout
He was a loner and a dropout.
88
introductory
| adjective
existing, used, or experienced for the first time:
an introductory price/offer
an introductory course in design (= a course for people who have not done it before)
89
instantly
| adverb
immediately:
Both drivers were killed instantly.
Synonyms
forthwith formalstraightaway
90
correspond
| verb [ I ]
to match or be similar or equal:
The money I've saved corresponds roughly to the amount I need for my plane ticket.
The American FBI corresponds to the British MI5.
His story of what happened that night didn't correspond with the witness's version.
91
assault
| noun
a violent attack:
He was charged with sexual assault.
UK The number of indecent assaults has increased alarmingly over the past year.
an assault on a police officer
They launched an assault on the capital yesterday.
[ C ]
a determined or serious attempt to do something difficult:
Women's groups have demanded a nationwide assault on sexism in the workplace.
She died heroically during an assault on the world's second-highest mountain.
92
soar
| verb
to rise very quickly to a high level:
All night long fireworks soared into the sky.
Temperatures will soar over the weekend, say the weather forecasters.
House prices soared a further 20 percent.
93
prescription
| noun
a piece of paper on which a doctor writes the details of the medicine or or other treatment that someone needs:
a doctor's prescription
a prescription for physical therapy
These drugs are only available on prescription (= with a prescription from a doctor).
94
administration
| noun
the arrangements and tasks needed to control the operation of a plan or organization:
Teachers complain that more of their time is taken up with administration than with teaching.
She has little experience in admin (= in organizing a business, etc.).
95
expenditure
| noun
the total amount of money that a government or person spends:
It's part of a drive to cut government expenditure.
The government's annual expenditure on arms has been reduced.
[ U ]
the act of using or spending energy, time, or money:
The expenditure of effort on this project has been enormous.
96
incineration
| noun [ U ]
the process of burning something completely:
The energy generated from waste incineration could be used to heat homes.
The group opposes incineration as a way to dispose of chemical weapons.
See
incinerate
97
hazardous
| adjective
dangerous:
a hazardous trip/occupation
Synonym
risky
98
landfill
| noun [ C or U ]
the process of getting rid of large amounts of trash by burying it, or a place where trash is buried:
90 percent of American trash is dumped in landfill sites.
99
disposal
| noun [ U ]
B2
the act of getting rid of something, especially by throwing it away:
waste disposal
the disposal of hazardous substances
100
precious
adjective
precious
adverb informal
of great value because of being rare, expensive, or important:
a precious gift
a precious moment/memory
Clean water is a precious commodity in many parts of the world.
You're so precious to me.
behaving in a very formal and unnatural way by giving too much attention to details that are not important and trying too hard to be perfect:
He's so precious about his work that he never gets anything done.
Don't you hate the precious way she speaks, pronouncing each single consonant so precisely.
used to express dislike and/or anger:
You and your precious car - it's all you're interested in!
very:
Lots of people will start, but precious few will finish.
Be careful - you'll be precious little help if you come back injured.
101
harassment
| noun [ U ]
behavior that annoys or upsets someone:
| sexual harassment
102
humiliate
| verb [ T ]
to make someone feel ashamed or lose respect for himself or herself:
How could you humiliate me by questioning my judgment in front of everyone like that?
England was humiliated (= completely defeated) in last night's game.
Synonyms
demeanmortify
Compare
humble verb
103
iterative
| adjective
doing something again and again, usually to improve it:
| iterative processes
104
criterion
noun [ C ]
US /kraɪˈtɪr.i.ən/ UK /kraɪˈtɪə.ri.ən/
plural criteria US /-ˈtɪr.i.ə / UK /-ri.ə /
a standard by which you judge, decide about, or deal with something:
The new healthcare systemshould not be judged by financial criteria alone.
Compare
measure nounstandard nountouchstoneyardstick (STANDARD)
105
flawed
| adjective
```
C2
not perfect, or containing mistakes:
Diamonds are still valuable, even when they are flawed.
His argument is deeply flawed.
flawed beauty
Opposite
unblemished
```
106
suspense
| noun [ U ]
the feeling of excitement or nervousness that you have when you are waiting for something to happen and are uncertain about what it is going to be:
She kept him in suspense for several days before she said that she would marry him.
The suspense is killing me (= I am extremely eager to know what is going to happen).
There is a gradual build-up of suspense throughout the picture, until it comes to an unexpected ending.
107
faculty
| noun
a natural ability to hear, see, think, move, etc.:
Even at the age of 100, she still had all her faculties.
Is he in command/possession of all his faculties (= can he still hear, speak, see, and think clearly)?
[ C ]
a special ability to do a particular thing:
She has a faculty for inspiring confidence in people.
Studying has certainly sharpened my critical faculties (= taught me to think carefully about things using my judgment).
a group of departments in a college that specialize in a particular subject or group of subjects:
the Psychology/Law Faculty
UK the Faculty of Science
B2 [ C or S ] US
the people who teach in a department in a college:
He has been a faculty member at the college for 20 years.
108
segregated
| adjective
kept separate or treated differently according to race, sex, religion, etc. :
segregated schools
The South was completely segregated then.
109
populated
| adjective
(of a place) having people living there:
They don't want to run the risk of bombs falling on populated areas.
They live in densely populated, racially segregated neighborhoods.
See
populate
110
legislation
| noun [ U ]
a law or set of laws suggested by a government and made official by a parliament:
[ + to infinitive ] The government has promised to introduce legislation to limit fuel emissions from cars.
111
widowed
| adjective
used to describe a person whose husband or wife has died:
| a widowed mother of three
112
gain ground
If a political party or an idea or belief gains ground, it becomes more popular or accepted:
The Republicans are gaining ground in the southern states.
113
trial and error
| noun [ U ]
a way of achieving an aim or solving a problem by trying a number of different methods and learning from the mistakes that you make:
There's no instant way of finding a cure - it's just a process of trial and error.
114
characteristic
| noun [ C ]
a typical or noticeable quality of someone or something:
Unfortunately a big nose is a family characteristic.
Sentimentality seems a characteristic of all the writers of that period.
The male bird displays (= has) several characteristics which distinguish him from the female.
115
deficiency
| noun [ C or U ]
a state of not having, or not having enough, of something that is needed:
Pregnant women often suffer from iron deficiency.
Deficiencies in the education system have been much in the news.
Synonym
lack of sth
116
quarrel
| noun [ C ]
an angry disagreement between two or more people or groups:
They had a bitter quarrel about/over some money three years ago and they haven't spoken to each other since.
We have no quarrel with the people of your country (= we have no reason to disagree with or dislike them).
They seem to have patched up their quarrel (= finished their disagreement and started to be friendly).
117
comprise
| verb [ T, L only +
```
to have things or people as parts or members; to consist of:
The course comprises a class book, a practice book, and a CD.
```
to be the parts or members of something; to make up something:
Italian students comprise 60 percent of the class.
The class is comprised mainly of Italian and French students.
Visible light comprises only a minute fraction of the electromagnetic spectrum.
118
compound
| noun [ C ]
a chemical that combines two or more elements:
Salt is a compound of sodium and chlorine.
Many fertilizers contain nitrogen compounds.
formal
something consisting of two or more different parts:
Then there was his manner, a curious compound of humor and severity.
LANGUAGE specialized
a word that combines two or more different words. Often, the meaning of the compound cannot be discovered by knowing the meaning of the different words that form it. Compounds may be written either as one word or as separate words:
'Bodyguard' and 'floppy disk' are two examples of compounds.
119
revenue
| noun [ U ]
the income that a government or company receives regularly:
Taxes provide most of the government's revenue.
Government revenues fell dramatically.
120
assertion
| noun [ C + that ]
a statement that you strongly believe is true:
| I certainly don't agree with his assertion that men are better drivers than women.
121
extortionate
| adjective disapproving
```
extremely expensive:
The price of books nowadays is extortionate.
Synonyms
exorbitant
steep
```
122
in/with regard to
in connection with:
| I am writing to you with regard to your letter of March 15.
123
astonishingly
| adverb
```
in a way that is very surprising:
She did astonishingly well on the test.
Astonishingly, I've never visited the British Museum in all the years I've lived here.
See
astonishing
```
124
intricate
| adjective
having a lot of small parts that are arranged in a complicated or delicate way:
The watch mechanism is extremely intricate and very difficult to repair.
The tiled floor is installed in an intricate pattern.
with many complicated details that make something difficult to understand:
Police officers uncovered an intricate web of deceit.
125
undertake
| verb [ T ]
to do or begin to do something, especially something that will take a long time or be difficult:
Students are required to undertake simple experiments.
to promise that you will do something:
[ + to infinitive ] She undertook not to publish the names of the people involved.
[ + that ] The government undertook that the buildings would not be redeveloped.
126
allegation
| noun [ C ] formal
C1
a statement, made without giving proof, that someone has done something wrong or illegal:
Several of her patients have made allegations of professional misconduct about/against her.
[ + that ] Allegations that Mr. Dwight was receiving money from known criminals have caused a scandal.
127
grace
| verb [ T ]
to be in a place, on a thing etc. and make it look more attractive:
Her face has graced the covers of magazines across the world.
128
transparent
| adjective
If a substance or object is transparent, you can see through it very clearly:
Grow the bulbs in a transparent plastic box, so the children can see the roots growing.
Her blouse was practically transparent!
Compare
opaquetranslucent often approving
129
surmount
| verb [ T ] formal
to deal successfully with a difficulty or problem:
They managed to surmount all opposition/objections to their plans.
There are still a few technical problems/obstacles/hurdles to be surmounted before the product can be put on sale to the public.
to be on top of something tall:
The central twelve-foot column is surmounted by a bronze angel with outspread wings.
130
glisten
| verb [ I ]
to shine by reflecting light from a wet or smooth surface:
The grass glistened in the early-morning dew.
His eyes glistened with tears.
Synonyms
gleam
glint
shine
131
triumph
| noun [ C or U ]
a very great success, achievement, or victory (= when you win a war, fight, or competition), or a feeling of great satisfaction or pleasure caused by this:
The book celebrates the hostages' remarkable triumph over appalling adversity.
The signing of the agreement was a personal triumph for the prime minister.
It was the Republican Party's third election triumph in a row.
The eradication of smallpox by vaccination was one of medicine's greatest triumphs.
The constitutional changes have been hailed as a triumph for democracy.
The game ended in triumph for the home team.
He returned in triumph from the store with a half-price TV.
132
sparkle
| verb [ I ]
to shine brightly with a lot of small points of light:
The snow/sea sparkled in the sunlight.
If a person or performance sparkles, they are energetic, interesting, and exciting:
Alice is shy and quiet at parties, but her sister really sparkles!
133
eerily
| adverb
in a strange, frightening, and mysterious way:
Her voice was eerily similar to her dead grandmother's.
The airport at this early hour seemed eerily quiet.
See
eerie
134
controversial
| adjective
causing disagreement or discussion:
a controversial issue/decision/speech/figure
The book was very controversial.
135
acute
| adjective
If a bad situation is acute, it causes severe problems or damage:
She felt acute embarrassment/anxiety/concern at his behavior.
The problem of poverty is particularly acute in rural areas.
```
An acute pain or illness is one that quickly becomes very severe:
acute abdominal pains
an acute attack of appendicitis
Compare
chronic (LONG-LASTING)
```
136
deceive
| verb [ T ]
to persuade someone that something false is the truth, or to keep the truth hidden from someone for your own advantage:
The company deceived customers by selling old computers as new ones.
The sound of the door closing deceived me into thinking they had gone out.
Synonym
trick
137
coincidence
| noun
an occasion when two or more similar things happen at the same time, especially in a way that is unlikely and surprising:
You chose exactly the same wallpaper as us - what a coincidence!
Is it just a coincidence that the wife of the man who ran the competition won first prize?
a series of strange/amazing coincidences
138
extravagant
| adjective
spending too much money, or using too much of something:
the extravagant lifestyle of a movie star
It was very extravagant of you to buy strawberries out of season.
He rarely used taxis, which he regarded as extravagant.
the extravagant use of packaging on many products
extreme and unreasonable:
The product does not live up to the extravagant claims of the advertisers.
139
innovation
| noun [ C or U ]
(the use of) a new idea or method:
| the latest innovations in computer technology
140
immortalize
verb [ T often passive ] (UK usually immortalise)
US
to make someone or something so famous that that person or thing is remembered for a very long time:
Marlene Dietrich was immortalized through her roles in films like "The Blue Angel."
141
conservation
| noun [ U ]
he protection of plants and animals, natural areas, and interesting and important structures and buildings, especially from the damaging effects of human activity:
wildlife conservation
a conservation area
C1
carefully using valuable natural substances that exist in limited amounts in order to make certain that they will be available for as long a time as possible:
the conservation of coal/gas/oil reserves
Energy conservation reduces your fuel bills and helps the environment.
142
garment
noun [ C ] fml
US
a piece of clothing:
| He’s fussy about how a garment fits him.
143
fussy
| adjective
not easily satisfied, or having very high standards about particular things:
All my children were fussy eaters.
He's so fussy about the house - everything has to be absolutely perfect.
"Why am I still single?" "You're too fussy - that's your problem!"
144
reconstruction
| noun
the process of building or creating something again that has been damaged or destroyed:
Post-war economic reconstruction in the country must begin with the resumption of agricultural production.
C2 [ C ]
an attempt to get a complete description of an event using the information available, or an attempt to repeat what happened during the event:
A dramatized reconstruction of the robbery was shown on television to try to make people remember information that would help the police.
145
deliberately
| adverb
intentionally:
I'm sure he says these things deliberately to annoy me.
slowly and carefully:
Calmly and deliberately, she cut up his suits one by one.
146
display
| verb [ T ]
to arrange something or a collection of things so that it can be seen by the public:
Family photographs were displayed on the wall.
147
frankly
| adverb
in an honest and direct way:
| She spoke very frankly about her experiences.
148
superficial
| adjective
(of a person) never thinking about things that are serious or important:
He's fun to be with, but he's very superficial.
not complete and involving only the most obvious things:
I thought that article was written at a very superficial level.
The documentary's treatment/analysis of the issues was very superficial.
I only have a superficial (= slight) knowledge of French.
149
persecute
| verb [ T ]
to treat someone unfairly or cruelly over a long period of time because of their race, religion, or political beliefs, or to annoy someone by refusing to leave them alone:
Religious minorities were persecuted and massacred during the ten-year regime.
His latest film is about the experience of being persecuted for being gay.
Ever since the news broke about her divorce, she has been persecuted by the tabloid press.
Synonym
oppress
150
interact
| verb [ I ]
to communicate with or react to:
Dominique's teacher says that she interacts well with the other children.
It's interesting at parties to see how people interact socially.
We are studying how these two chemicals interact.
151
indicate
| verb
to show, point, or make clear in another way:
Exploratory investigations have indicated large amounts of oil below the sea bed.
[ + question word ] Please indicate which free gift you would like to receive.
[ + (that) ] She indicated to me (that) she didn't want me to say anything.
to suggest something as being suitable:
Antihistamine is indicated for this patient as a treatment for her allergies.
humorous I'm so hot and tired - I think a long cool drink is indicated!
152
demonstrate
| verb
to show or make something clear:
These numbers clearly demonstrate the size of the economic problem facing the country.
[ + that ] Research has demonstrated that babies can recognize their mother's voice very soon after birth.
These problems demonstrate the importance of strategic planning.
C1 [ T ]
to show something and explain how it works:
He got a job demonstrating kitchen equipment in a department store.
[ + question word ] The teacher demonstrated how to use the equipment.
to express or show that you have a particular feeling, quality, or ability:
He has demonstrated a genuine interest in the project.
His answer demonstrated a complete lack of understanding of the question.
to make a public expression that you are not satisfied about something, especially by marching or having a meeting:
Thousands of people gathered to demonstrate against the new proposals.
153
attend
| verb
to go to an event, place, etc.:
Over two hundred people attended the funeral.
The meeting is on the fifth and we're hoping everyone will attend.
154
excrete
| verb [ I or T ] fo
to get rid of material such as solid waste or urine from the body:
Most toxins are naturally excreted from the body.
Synonyms
eliminatepass
Compare
defecate formal or specialized
155
rejuvenate
| verb [ T ]
to make someone look or feel young and energetic again:
She felt rejuvenated by her fortnight in the Bahamas.
to make an organization or system more effective by introducing new methods, ideas, or people:
He has decided to rejuvenate the team by bringing in a lot of new, young players.
156
once in a blue moon
not very often:
My sister lives in Alaska, so I only see her once in a blue moon.
Once in a blue moon, there's an issue I can't resolve.
rarely:
Once in a blue moon he’d call, but for months at a time we heard nothing.
157
synthetic
| adjective
Synthetic products are made from artificial substances, often copying a natural product:
synthetic fibres
false or artificial:
She criticized the synthetic charm of TV hosts.
158
opulent
| adjective
expensive and luxurious:
an opulent lifestyle
an opulent hotel
Synonyms
deluxe
grand
luxurious
sumptuous
159
nomadic
| adjective
```
moving from one place to another rather than living in one place all of the time:
nomadic people/herdsmen
a nomadic life/existence
See
nomad
```
160
sink back
| — phrasal verb with sink verb
to move into a relaxed, comfortable position:
| He sank back in his chair and closed his eyes.
161
cushion
| noun [ C ]
```
(US also pillow)
a bag made of cloth, plastic, or leather that is filled with soft material, often has an attractive cover, and is used especially on chairs for sitting or leaning on:
She sank back against/into the cushions.
See also
pincushion
```
162
quilt
| noun [ C ]
a decorative cover for a bed
picture of quilt
Melissa Ross/Moment/GettyImages
UK
a duvet UK
163
bitter
| adjective
Someone who is bitter is angry and unhappy because they cannot forget bad things that happened in the past:
I feel very bitter about my childhood and all that I went through.
She'd suffered terribly over the years but it hadn't made her bitter.
B2
A bitter experience causes deep pain or anger:
Failing the final exams was a bitter disappointment for me.
She learned through bitter experience that he was not to be trusted.
```
B2
expressing a lot of hate and anger:
a bitter fight/argument
bitter recriminations
He gave me a bitter look.
```
B2
Bitter weather is extremely cold, especially in a way that causes physical pain:
a bitter wind
Wrap up warmly - it's bitter outside.
Synonyms
Arctic figurativebiting (COLD)freezing glacial (ICE/COLD)
164
strengthen
| verb [ I or T ]
to make something stronger or more effective, or to become stronger or more effective:
They have been strengthening their border defences in preparation for war.
His battle against cancer has strengthened his belief in God.
The accident strengthens the case for better safety measures at fairgrounds.
The bank loan has greatly strengthened our financial position.
The organization's aim is to strengthen the cultural ties between Britain and Germany.
The rise in US interest rates caused the dollar to strengthen (= increase in value) against all the Asian currencies.
165
bulky
| adjective
too big and taking up too much space:
| She carried a very bulky package on the bus.
166
genuine
| adjective
If something is genuine, it is real and exactly what it appears to be:
genuine leather
If it is a genuine Michelangelo drawing, it will sell for millions.
If people or emotions are genuine, they are honest and sincere:
He's a very genuine person.
Machiko looked at me with genuine surprise - "Are you really going?" she said.
167
display
| verb [ T ]
to arrange something or a collection of things so that it can be seen by the public:
Family photographs were displayed on the wall.
168
participate
| verb [ I ]
to take part in or become involved in an activity:
She never participates in any of our discussions, does she?
to be or become involved in an activity:
The teacher tries to get everyone to participate in the classroom discussion.
169
restless
| adjective
unwilling or unable to stay still or to be quiet and calm, because you are worried or bored:
He's a restless type - he never stays in one country for long.
She spent a restless night (= she did not sleep well), tossing and turning.
Synonym
restive formal
Compare
restful
