4th Terms Flashcards
(10 cards)
obstruction
1 [countable, uncountable] when something blocks a road, passage, tube etc, or the thing that blocks it SYN blockage
an operation to remove an obstruction from her throat
Police can remove a vehicle that is causing an obstruction.
obstruction of
an unlawful obstruction of the highway
2 [uncountable] when someone or something prevents or delays a legal or political process
obstruction of
the obstruction of vital legislation
He was found guilty of obstruction of justice.
Impress
The verb “impress” has two main meanings:
- To make someone admire or respect you
(= to create a strong positive impact on someone)
Example 1: She impressed the interviewers with her confidence and clear answers.
Example 2: The performance was so powerful that it impressed the entire audience.
- To make a mark or shape by pressing something firmly
(= to leave a physical imprint)
Example 1: He impressed his hand into the wet cement to leave a print.
Example 2: The seal was impressed on the envelope to make it official.
Elucidate
Elucidate – Meaning: To make something clear; to explain
- The professor elucidated the complex theory with simple examples.
- Could you elucidate your point a bit more? I didn’t fully understand.
Contemptuous
Contemptuous – Meaning: Showing deep dislike or disrespect; scornful
- She gave him a contemptuous glance and walked away.
- His contemptuous tone made it clear he had no respect for the rules.
Contempt
Contempt – Meaning: A strong feeling of disrespect or disapproval toward someone or something
- He spoke with open contempt for corrupt politicians.
- Her contempt for laziness was obvious in the way she managed her team.
Distill
Distill – Meanings:
- To purify a liquid by heating and cooling
Example 1: They distilled water from seawater using a simple device.
Example 2: The laboratory distilled alcohol for use in experiments.
- To extract the essential meaning or most important parts
Example 1: The speaker distilled years of research into a ten-minute talk.
Example 2: Her book distills complex ideas into simple, clear language.
Elicit
Elicit – Meaning: To draw out a response, reaction, or information from someone
- The teacher’s question elicited thoughtful answers from the students.
- His joke failed to elicit even a smile from the crowd.
Staff (verb)
Staff (verb) – Meaning: To provide workers or personnel for a task, place, or organization
- The hospital is staffed by highly trained nurses and doctors.
- We need to staff the new call center before it opens next month.
Stagger
Stagger – Meanings:
- To walk or move unsteadily, as if about to fall
Example 1: He staggered out of the bar after drinking too much.
Example 2: She staggered under the weight of the heavy boxes.
- To shock or astonish greatly
Example 1: The news of the sudden resignation staggered everyone at the office.
Example 2: I was staggered by the cost of the repairs.
- To arrange events or things at different times or positions to avoid crowding
Example 1: The school staggered lunch breaks to reduce hallway traffic.
Example 2: The company staggered employee shifts during the pandemic.
Suffice
Suffice – Meaning: To be enough or adequate
- One example will suffice to explain the concept.
- A quick phone call should suffice instead of a full meeting.