20 - Heroes and villains Flashcards
heroine
1 a woman who is admired for doing something extremely brave → hero
heroine of
a heroine of the French Resistance
2 the woman or girl who is the main character in a book, film, play etc → hero
heroine of
Mira, the fictional heroine of ‘The Women’s Room’
3 a woman who is admired very much for a particular skill or quality → hero, idol
somebody’s heroine
Oprah is my heroine.
courageous
brave
dignity
the ability to behave in a calm controlled way even in a difficult situation
with dignity
The family faced their ordeal with dignity.
an appearance of quiet dignity
dignified
behaving in a calm and serious way, even in a difficult situation, which makes people respect you
a dignified old lady
She made a dignified departure.
inspire
to encourage someone by making them feel confident and eager to do something
We need someone who can inspire the team.
inspire somebody to do something
He inspired many young people to take up the sport.
inspire somebody to something
I hope this success will inspire you to greater efforts.
Inspired by the sunny weather, I decided to explore the woods.
look up to somebody
to admire or respect someone
I’ve always looked up to Bill for his courage and determination.
start off
to be a particular thing or have a particular quality at the beginning of something, especially when this changes later
The puppies start off white, and get their black spots later.
as
The games start off as a social event, but players soon become competitive.
I started off as a drummer.
rebel
1 someone who opposes or fights against people in authority
Anti-government rebels attacked the town.
rebel forces/soldiers
the rebel leader
2 someone who refuses to do things in the normal way, or in the way that other people want them to
Alex has always been a bit of a rebel
principle
a moral rule or belief about what is right and wrong, that influences how you behave
Schools try to teach children a set of principles.
He’s got no principles at all!
It’s against my principles to accept gifts from clients.
fame
the state of being known about by a lot of people because of your achievements
He claims he is not really interested in fame.
of … fame (=used to show what someone is famous for)
Muhammad Ali, of boxing fame
Pop stars often start off as rebels with some moral principles. But when they achieve fame their values change.
loathe
to hate someone or something very much
SYN detest
He loathes their politics.
loathe doing something
I absolutely loathe shopping.
approve (of sb/sth)
to think that someone or something is good, right, or suitable OPP disapprove
approve of
Catherine’s parents now approve of her marriage.
I don’t approve of cosmetic surgery.
I don’t approve of drivers who lose their temper with other road users.
lose your temper
to suddenly become very angry so that you cannot control yourself
I’ve never seen Vic lose his temper.
road user
The term “road user” means a motorist, passenger, public transportation operator or user, truck driver, bicyclist, motorcyclist, or pedestrian, including a person with disabilities.
despise
to dislike and have a low opinion of someone or something
She despised her neighbours.
