3rd Terms Flashcards
(8 cards)
Oscillate
formal to keep changing between two extreme amounts or limits
The stock market is oscillating wildly at the moment.
oscillate between
His income oscillated between £1,500 and £2,000 a month.
2 formal to keep changing between one feeling or attitude and another
oscillate between
Her attitude towards me oscillated between friendship and hostility.
3 to move backwards and forwards in a regular way
The needle on the dial began to oscillate.
4 technical if an electric current oscillates, it changes direction very regularly and very frequently
→ See Verb table
Examples from the Corpus
oscillate
• There is a vertical line in spirituality that goes from the beast to the angel, and on which we oscillate.
• Ah, yes: Maxwell showed that oscillating an electric charge is just the mechanism that causes light waves to be produced.
• an oscillating fan
• Only if neutrinos do have some mass, however small, can they oscillate from one type to another.
• I kept oscillating from too far forward to too far back.
• Compressed air oscillates the ventricles, circulating blood around the body.
Escalate
Escalate – Meanings:
- To increase in intensity, seriousness, or scope
- To pass something on to a higher level of authority or responsibility
Examples (Meaning 1 – Increase in intensity):
- The conflict quickly escalated into violence.
- Prices have escalated due to inflation.
Examples (Meaning 2 – Raise to higher authority):
3. I had to escalate the issue to the manager.
4. If the problem continues, escalate it to customer support.
5. The technician escalated the ticket to the engineering team.
Renaissance
The word Renaissance means “rebirth.” It refers to a period in European history, roughly from the 14th to the 17th century, marked by a revival of interest in the classical art, literature, and learning of Ancient Greece and Rome.
In a broader sense, Renaissance can also refer to any period of renewal, revival, or new growth, especially in culture, art, or intellectual activities
EXAMPLES
1. Historical context:
The Renaissance began in Italy and spread across Europe, leading to great advances in art, science, and philosophy.
- Metaphorical use (revival or renewal):
After years of decline, the neighborhood is experiencing a cultural Renaissance with new galleries and cafes opening up. - Personal growth:
After taking a break from work, she went through a creative Renaissance and started painting again. - Technological context:
We’re witnessing a digital Renaissance, where AI is transforming every aspect of our lives.
sought-after (adj)
highly desired, in demand, or wanted by many people.
Examples:
- This book is highly sought after by collectors.
- She’s a sought-after speaker at international conferences.
(People often invite or request her to speak.) - That restaurant is one of the most sought-after places in town.
(Very popular and hard to get a table at.)
Accommodate (v.)
- To provide space or a place for someone or something
The hotel can accommodate 100 guests.
This room accommodates up to 10 people.
- To help or do a favor for someone; to meet their needs
We try to accommodate special dietary requests.
The teacher accommodated the student’s schedule.
- To adjust or adapt to something
She quickly accommodated to the new environment.
The system is designed to accommodate changes easily.
Scheme
Meaning: A plan or arrangement, often detailed or organized; sometimes used negatively to mean a secret or dishonest plan.
Examples:
They developed a new scheme to improve the public transport system. (a structured plan)
She came up with a clever scheme to save money. (neutral or positive)
He was involved in a scheme to cheat the company. (dishonest or negative)
Schematic
Meaning (adjective): Showing something in a simplified or symbolic way, especially in diagrams or technical drawings.
Meaning (noun): A diagram that represents the elements of a system.
Examples:
The engineer drew a schematic of the electrical circuit. (noun)
This is a schematic diagram of the water supply system. (adjective)
Her explanation was too schematic—it lacked detail. (sometimes means overly simplified)
Schematically
Meaning:
In a simplified, symbolic, or diagrammatic way — often used when describing how something is shown or explained.
Examples:
The machine’s function was explained schematically using a flowchart.
(explained in a simplified, diagram-like way)
The system is organized schematically to highlight the core processes.
(arranged in a clear, simplified structure)
