6 Flashcards
(198 cards)
1
Q
Grain
A
(N.)
a)the seeds of crops such as corn, wheat, or rice that are gathered for use as food, or these crops themselves
big sacks of grain
Last year’s grain harvest was the biggest ever.
b)a single seed of corn, wheat etc
grains of rice
The natural lines you can see in a substance such as wood, which are the result of its structure
along the grain =in the same direction as the grain
Cut along the grain of the wood.
across the grain =at 90 degrees to the grain
A single very small piece of a substance such as sand or salt
grain of
a grain of sand
There were crumbs and grains of sugar on the table.
A grain of something: a very small amount of something
The story wouldn’t have fooled anyone with a grain of sense.
There is a grain of truth in all folklore and legend.
against the grain: if something goes against the grain, it is not what you would naturally or normally do
Mary is always honest and it went against the grain to tell lies.
The smallest unit for measuring weight, equal to about 0.06 grams. It is used for weighing medicines
2
Q
Onion
A
(N.)
A round white vegetable with a brown, red, or white skin and many layers. Onions have a strong taste and smell
Chop the onions finely.
red onions
home-made onion soup
3
Q
Green bean
A
(N.)
A long thin green vegetable which is picked before the beans inside it grow
SYN French bean (BrE)
لوبیا سبز
4
Q
Kidney bean
A
(N.)
A dark red bean that is shaped like the letter C
لوبیا قرمز
5
Q
Mung bean
A
(N.)
A small green bean, usually eaten as a beansprout
ماش
6
Q
Pea
A
(N.)
A round green seed that is cooked and eaten as a vegetable, or the plant on which these seeds grow
roast chicken with peas and carrots
Like two peas in a pod (informal): exactly the same in appearance, behaviour etc
نخود
7
Q
Split pea
A
(N.)
لپه
8
Q
Brake
A
(N.)
A piece of equipment that makes a vehicle go more slowly or stop
Test your brakes after driving through water.
I managed to put the brakes on just in time.
Moira slammed on the brakes =used them suddenly and with a lot of force.
•apply the brakes (formal)
He applied the brakes but failed to stop in time.
•the rear/front brakes
the screech of brakes =the loud unpleasant noise they can make
Act as a brake on something: to make something develop more slowly, be more difficult to do, or happen less
Rises in interest rates act as a brake on expenditure.
Put the brakes on something:
to stop something that is happening
9
Q
Indicate
A
(V.)
To show that a particular situation exists, or that something is likely to be true
>indicate that
Research indicates that over 81% of teachers are dissatisfied with their salary.
To say or do something to make your wishes, intentions etc clear
indicate (that)
The Russians have already indicated their willingness to cooperate.
To direct someone’s attention to something or someone, for example by pointing
That’s her, said Toby, indicating a girl on the other side of the room.
To represent something
Sales targets are indicated on the graph by a vertical dotted line
To show the direction in which you intend to turn in a vehicle, using lights or your hands
SYN signal
Don’t forget to indicate before you pull out
10
Q
Overtake
A
(V.)
(past tense overtook, past participle overtaken)
To go past a moving vehicle or person because you are going faster than them and want to get in front of them
He pulled out to overtake the van.
Never try to overtake on a bend.
To develop or increase more quickly than someone or something else and become more successful, more important, or more advanced than them
Television soon overtook the cinema as the most popular form of entertainment.
Hingis has now overtaken her in the world tennis rankings.
If something bad, especially a feeling, overtakes you, it happens to you suddenly and has a strong effect on you
>overcome
be overtaken by something
She was overtaken by emotion and started to cry.
A terrible sense of panic overtook him.
Be overtaken by events
if you are overtaken by events, the situation changes, so that your plans or ideas are not useful any more
The diplomatic negotiations were soon overtaken by events
11
Q
Gear
A
(N.)
The machinery in a vehicle such as a car, truck, or bicycle that you use to go comfortably at different speeds
His mountain bike had 18 gears.
Andy drove cautiously along in third gear.
Does this thing have a reverse gear
Any cyclist can climb a difficult hill you just change gear. دنده عوض کردن
Don’t turn off the engine while youre still in gear.
It’s a good habit to take the car out of gear while youre at a stoplight.
Used to talk about the amount of effort and energy that someone is using in a situation
During this period
Japan’s export industries were in top gear =were as active as they could be.
The Republican’s propaganda machine moved into high gear.
step up a gear (BrE) =increase the level of effort
United stepped up a gear in the second half.
change gear (BrE),change/switch/shift gears (AmE): to start doing something in a different way, especially using more or less energy or effort The boss expects us to be able to change gear just like that.
A set of equipment or tools you need for a particular activity
He’s crazy about photography – he’s got all the gear.
Well need some camping gear.
A set of clothes that you wear for a particular occasion or activity
Bring your rain gear.
police in riot gear
A piece of machinery that performs a particular job
the landing gear of a plane
heavy lifting gear
12
Q
Accelerate
A
(V.)
If a process accelerates or if something accelerates it, it happens faster than usual or sooner than you expectmeasures to accelerate the rate of economic growth
If a vehicle or someone who is driving it accelerates, it starts to go faster
OPP decelerate
The car accelerated smoothly away.
Word
13
Q
Tin
A
(N.)
A soft silver-white metal that is often used to cover and protect iron and steel. It is a chemical element symbol Sn قلع
an old tin bath
(BrE) (also tin can) A small metal container in which food or drink is sold SYN can (AmE) tin of a sardine tin a tin of baked beans
A metal container with a lid in which food can be stored
a biscuit tin
(BrE) A metal container in which food is cooked
SYN pan (AmE)
a 7-inch cake tin
a roasting tin
(BrE) A metal container with a lid, in which paint, glue etc is sold
tin of
a tin of brown paint
14
Q
Copper
A
(N.)
A soft reddish-brown metal that allows electricity and heat to pass through it easily, and is used to make electrical wires, water pipes etc. It is a chemical element symbol Cu مس
(BrE) Money of low value made of copper or bronze
He offered to do the job for a few coppers.
A reddish-brown colour
her copper hair
(BrE) (informal)
A police officer
coppery adjective
coppery skin
15
Q
Alloy
A
(N.)
A metal that consists of two or more metals mixed together
Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc
آلیاژ
(V.)
(technical) To mix one metal with another
16
Q
Iron
A
(N.)
A common hard metal that is used to make steel, is magnetic, and is found in very small quantities in food and blood. It is a chemical element symbol Fe the iron and steel industry a driveway with large iron gates iron ore =rock that contains iron the absorption of iron from food
A thing used for making clothes smooth, which has a heated flat metal base
have several irons in the fire: to be involved in several different activities or have several plans all happening at the same time
He has several economic irons in the fire, including gold and diamond mines.
A golf club made of metal rather than wood
a 5-iron
irons (especially literary): a chain used to prevent a prisoner from moving
leg irons
17
Q
Lead
A
(N.)
A soft heavy grey metal that melts easily and is poisonous, used to cover roofs, or in the past, for water pipes. It is a chemical element symbol Pb سرب
The central part of a pencil that makes the marks when you write
Go down like a lead balloon (informal): if a suggestion or joke goes down like a lead balloon, people do not like it at all
(AmE) (old-fashioned) Bullets
They filled him full of lead.
Leads
a) sheets of lead used for covering a roof
b) narrow pieces of lead used for holding small pieces of glass together to form a window
18
Q
Lazy
A
(Adj.)
(comparative lazier, superlative laziest)
Not liking work and physical activity, or not making any effort to do anything
the laziest boy in the class
He felt too lazy to get out of bed.
A lazy period of time is spent doing nothing except relaxing
OPP busy
We spent lazy days relaxing on the beach.
lazily adverb
laziness noun
19
Q
Hazy
A
(Adj.)
Air that is hazy is not clear because there is a lot of smoke, dust, or mist in it
hazy sunshine
An idea, memory etc that is hazy is not clear or exact
SYN vague
My memories of the holiday are rather hazy.
hazy about
She was a little hazy about the details.
hazily adverb
haziness noun
20
Q
Cutlery
A
(N.)
(especially BrE)
Knives, forks, and spoons that you use for eating and serving food
>crockery
SYN silverware (AmE)
21
Q
Spoon
A
(N.)
An object that you use for eating, cooking, or serving food. It has a small bowl-shaped part and a long handle
a spoonful: spoon of
two spoons of sugar
22
Q
Fork
A
(N.)
A tool you use for picking up and eating food, with a handle and three or four points
Put the knives and forks on the table.
A garden tool used for digging, with a handle and three or four points
A place where a road, river, or tree divides into two parts, or one of the parts it divides into
the north fork of the Sacramento river
Take the left fork then go straight on.
fork of lightning: a sudden flash of lightning with two or more lines of light
One of the two metal bars between which the front wheel of a bicycle or motorcycle is fixed
23
Q
Apron
A
(N.)
A piece of clothing that covers the front part of your clothes and is tied around your waist, worn to keep your clothes clean, especially while cooking
apron strings (informal): the relationship between a child and its mother, especially if the mother controls an adult son or daughter too much
Youre 25 years old, and you still haven’t cut the apron strings.
Jeff is still tied to his mother’s apron strings.
3technical
The hard surface in an airport on which planes are turned around, loaded, unloaded etc
(technical) apron stage: the part of the stage in a theatre that is in front of the curtain
24
Q
Tablecloth
A
(N.)
A cloth used for covering a table
25
Producer
(N.)
Someone whose job is to control the preparation of a play, film, or broadcast, but who does not direct the actors
television film theatre producer
Hollywood producers and movie stars
(also record producer) Someone whose job is to organize and direct the recording and production of a record
A person, company, or country that makes or grows goods, foods, or materials
>consumer
•producer of
South Carolina is the fourth largest producer of tobacco.
•coffee/wine/car etc producer
leading oil producers
26
Script
(N.)
The written form of a speech, play, film etc
>screenplay
They write all their own scripts.
a film script
The set of letters that are used in writing a language
Arabic script
(BrE) A piece of work that a student writes in an examination
(formal) Writing done by hand
SYN handwriting
a diary entry written in neat black script
27
Dub
(V.)
(dubbed, dubbing)
To give something or someone a name that describes them in some waylabel, name
be dubbed something
The body, thousands of years old, was found in the Alps and dubbed The Iceman.
To change the original spoken language of a film or television programme into another language
be dubbed into something
a British film dubbed into French
(especially BrE) To make a record out of two or more different pieces of music or sound mixed together
(AmE) To copy a recording from a tape or CD onto another tape
If a king or queen dubs someone, they give the title of knight to that person in a special ceremony
28
Subtitle
(N.)
Subtitles: the words printed over a film in a foreign language to translate what is being said by the actors
a French film with English subtitles
A second title below the main title in a book, which gives more information about what is in the book, show etc
The opera's subtitle is The School for Lovers.
The book is subtitled A Psychology of Masculinity.
subtitle verb
subtitled adjective
a subtitled version of the film
29
Towel
(N.)
A piece of cloth that you use for drying your skin or for drying things such as dishes
Have you got a clean towel I could use
bath/beach/kitchen towel
She dried her hands on the kitchen towel.
paper towel
30
Toothpaste
(N.)
A thick substance that you use to clean your teeth
31
Shaving foam
(N.)
(also shaving foam (BrE))
A special cream that you put on your face when you shave
32
Comb
(N.)
A flat piece of plastic, metal etc with a row of thin teeth on one side, used for making your hair tidy
>brush
A small flat piece of plastic, metal etc with a row of thin teeth on one side, used for keeping your hair back or for decoration
If you give your hair a comb, you make it tidy using a comb
Your hair needs a good comb.
The red piece of flesh that grows on top of a male chicken's head
A honeycomb
33
Razor
(N.)
A tool with a sharp blade, used to remove hair from your skin
shaver
an electric razor
a disposable razor
be on a razor/razor's edge (BrE): to be in a difficult position where a mistake could be dangerous
Politically we are on a razor edge
34
Appraise
(V.)
(formal) To officially judge how successful, effective, or valuable something is
SYN evaluate
Greenpeace has been invited to appraise the environmental costs of such an operation.
(literary) To look carefully at someone or something to make an opinion about them
His eyes appraised her face
35
Apprise
(V.)
(formal) To tell or give someone information about something
SYN inform
apprise somebody of something
The district chairman was fully apprised of all the details
36
Juvenile delinquent
(N.)
A child or young person who behaves in a criminal way
SYN young offender
juvenile delinquency noun
37
Demise
(N.)
(formal)
The end of something that used to exist
demise of
the imminent demise (=happening soon) of the local newspaper
(formal) or (law)
Death
the mystery surrounding Elena's untimely demise =when death happens sooner than is normal or expected
demise verb
38
Imminent
(Adj.)
An event that is imminent, especially an unpleasant one, will happen very soon
imminent danger/threat/death/disaster etc
He was in imminent danger of dying.
A new trade agreement is imminent.
imminence noun
the imminence of the General Election
imminently adverb
39
Automobile
(N.)
| AmE
A car
the automobile industry
40
Vehicle
(N.)
```
(formal)
A machine with an engine that is used to take people or things from one place to another, such as a car, bus, or truck
>motor vehicle
a description of the stolen vehicle
Have you locked your vehicle
```
(formal)
Something you use to express and spread your ideas, opinions etc
SYN medium
vehicle for
The 1936 Olympics were used as a vehicle for Nazi propaganda.
A film, television programme etc that is made to gain public attention for one of the people in it
vehicle for
MGM made the film as a star vehicle for Brando
41
Mascara
(N.)
A dark substance used to colour your eyelashes and make them look thicker
42
Nail polish
(N.)
(also nail varnish BrE)
Coloured or transparent liquid which you paint on your nails to make them look attractive
pink nail polish
43
Tweezers
(N.)
A small tool that has two narrow pieces of metal joined at one end, used to pull or move very small objects
She was plucking her eyebrows with a pair of tweezers
44
Lipstick
(N.)
Something used for adding colour to your lips, in the shape of a small stick
45
Diligent
(Adj.)
Someone who is diligent works hard and is careful and thorough
a diligent student
diligently adv
They worked diligently all morning.
diligence noun
46
Acumen
(N.)
The ability to think quickly and make good judgments
business/political/financial etc acumen
The firm's success is largely due to Brannon's commercial acumen
47
Sagacious
(Adj.)
(formal)
Able to understand and judge things very well
SYN wise
sagaciously adverb
48
Third World, the
The poorer countries of the world that are not industrially developed, including most of Africa and parts of Asia and of Central and South America. Some people think this expression is offensive, and the Third World can also be called the South.
>compare first world
Third-World adjective
Third-World economies
49
Threat
(N.)
A statement in which you tell someone that you will cause them harm or trouble if they do not do what you want
threat of
threat from
He says his family received phone threats from the group.
The government will not give in to terrorist threats.
She dismissed the statement as an empty threat.
The possibility that something very bad will happen
threat of
threat from
under threat
Someone or something that is regarded as a possible danger
threat to
•present/pose a threat (to somebody/something)
Pollution poses a threat to fish
50
Thread
(N.)
A long thin string of cotton, silk etc used to sew or weave cloth
Im looking for a needle and thread
An idea, feeling, or feature that connects the different parts of an explanation, story etc
thread of
a thread of spirituality in her work
Pick up the threads: to begin something again after a long period, especially a relationship or way of life
They had known each other as children, and were picking up the threads of their friendship
Series of messages concerning the same subject, written by members of an Internet discussion group
I’d like to refer to something that was posted in an earlier thread
(literary) A long thin line of something, such as light, smoke etc
thread of
The Colorado River was just a thread of silver, 4000 feet below
A continuous raised line of metal that winds around the curved surface of a screw
threads(AmE) (old-fashioned) clothes
51
Chalkboard
(N.)
| AmE
A blackboard
She wrote the day's menu up on a chalkboard
52
Screen
```
(N.)
The part of a television or computer where the picture or information appears
>monitor
on a screen
Her picture appeared on the screen
```
a)The large white surface that pictures are shown on in a cinema
He was horrified at some of the images he saw on the screen.
b)Films in general
on screen
a star of stage and screen =the theatre and films
his first appearance on screen
A piece of furniture like a thin wall that can be moved around and is used to divide one part of a room from another There was a screen around his bed
a)Something tall and wide that hides a place or thingscreen of
The house was hidden behind a screen of bushes.
b)Something that hides what someone is doing
screen for
The business was just a screen for his drug-dealing activities
(BrE)A medical test to see whether someone has an illness
SYN screening (AmE)
The company is offering a free health screen to all employees
Wire net fastened inside a frame in front of a window or door to keep insects out
A decorative wall in some churches
A player in a game such as basketball who protects the player who has the ball
53
Instructor
(N.)
Someone who teaches a sport or practical skill
a driving instructor
ski instructors
(AmE) Someone who teaches in an American college or university and who has a rank below assistant professor
a social studies instructor
54
Bulletin board
(N.)
(AmE)
A board on the wall that you put information or pictures on
SYN noticeboard (BrE)
A place in a computer information system where you can read or leave messages
55
Construction site
(N.)
The process of building things such as houses, bridges, roads etc
construction of
under construction =being built
The hotel is currently under construction.
a road construction project
The process of making something using many parts
Work out the exact design before you start construction
The materials used to build or make something, or its design and structure
The houses were partly timber in construction
(formal)
Something that has been built
a modern construction
The way in which words are put together in a sentence, phrase etc
difficult grammatical constructions
The process of forming something from knowledge or ideas
the construction of sociological theory
constructional adjective
56
Infrastructure
(N.)
The basic systems and structures that a country or organization needs in order to work properly, for example roads, railways, banks etc
Some countries lack a suitable economic infrastructure.
a $65 billion investment package in education, health care and infrastructure
infrastructural adjective
57
Designated
(V.)
To choose someone or something for a particular job or purposebe
•designated something
The lake was recently designated a conservation area.
•designate something as for something
Funds were designated for projects in low-income areas.
•designate somebody to do something
She has been designated to take over the position of treasurer.
To represent or refer to something using a particular sign, name etc
Buildings are designated by red squares on the map
58
Purchase
(V.)
(formal)
To buy something
You can purchase insurance online.
the growing demand to purchase goods on credit
Where did you purchase the car
purchase from
Tickets may be purchased in advance from the box office.
purchasable adjective
purchaser noun
France was the no. 1 purchaser of Iraqi oil
59
Take place
Phrasal verb
To happen, especially after being planned or arranged
The next meeting will take place on Thursday.
Talks between the two sides are still taking place.
Major changes are taking place in society
60
Crappy
(Adj) (spoken) (not polite)
Very bad
a crappy hotel
61
Creepy
(Adj.)
(informal)
Making you feel nervous and slightly frightened
There's something creepy about the way he looks at me.
The whole place feels creepy.
62
Ginger
(N.)
A root with a very strong hot taste, or the powder made from this root, that is used in cooking
The plant that this root comes from
A bright orange-brown colour
>gingery
63
Cardamom
(N.)
The seeds of an Asian fruit, used to give a special taste to Indian and Middle Eastern food
هل
64
Fennel
(N.)
A pale green plant whose seeds are used to give a special taste to food and which is also used as a vegetable
رازيانه
65
Thyme
(N.)
A plant used for giving food a special taste
آویشن
66
Caraway
(N.)
A plant whose seeds are used in cooking
زیره
67
Tangerine
(N.)
A small sweet fruit like an orange with a skin that comes off easily
A bright orange colour
tangerine adjective
نارنگی
68
Pomegranate
(N.)
A round fruit that has a lot of small juicy red seeds that you can eat and a thick reddish skin
انار
69
Plum
(N.)
A small round juicy fruit which is dark red, purple, or yellow and has a single hard seed, or the tree that produces this fruit
juicy ripe plums
A dark purple-red colour
(informal) Something very good that other people wish they had, such as a good job or a part in a play
The first job I had was a real plum
آلو
70
Cornelian cherry
(N.)
| زغال اخته
71
Persimmon
(N.)
A soft orange-coloured fruit that grows in hot countries
خرمالو
72
Hood
(N.)
a)A part of a coat, jacket etc that you can pull up to cover your head
Why don't you put your hood up if youre cold
b)A cloth bag that goes over someone's face and head so that they cannot be recognized or cannot see
>balaclava
He was abducted by four men wearing hoods.
(AmE) The metal covering over the engine on a car
SYN bonnet (BrE)
under the hood
Check under the hood and see what that noise is.
A cover fitted above a cooker to remove the smell of cooking
➔ extractor fan
(BrE) A folding cover on a car or pram, which gives protection from the rain
(also 'hood) (AmE) (informal) A neighbourhood
(AmE) (informal) A hoodlum
73
Bumper
(N.)
(BrE)
A bar fixed on the front and back of a car to protect it if it hits anything
SYN fender (AmE)
bumper-to-bumper:
bumper-to-bumper traffic is very close together and moving slowly
74
Headlights
(N.)
(also headlamp)
(usually plural)
One of the large lights at the front of a vehicle, or the beam of light produced by this
Suddenly, a figure appeared in my headlights.
Like a rabbit/deer caught in headlights:
so frightened or confused that you do not know what to do
75
Tail light
(N.)
red light at the rear of a motor vehicle, train, or bicycle
76
Steering wheel
(N.)
A wheel that you turn to control the direction of a car
77
Perk
(N.)
Something that you get legally from your work in addition to your wages, such as goods, meals, or a car
theatre tickets and other perks
perk of
the perks of working at a large law firm
I only eat here because it's free – one of the perks of the job
78
Pension
(N.)
An amount of money paid regularly by the government or company to someone who does not work any more, for example because they have reached the age when people stop working or because they are ill
At what age can you start drawing your pension
If you are self-employed, you should think about taking out a private pension.
Many people find it hard to live on a basic state pension.
She pays a quarter of her salary into a pension plan
79
Bay
(N.)
A part of the sea that is partly enclosed by a curve in the land
a house with a view across the bay
Montego Bay
Keep hold something at bay:To prevent something dangerous or unpleasant from happening or from coming too close
A thick wall keeps the noise at bay.
An area within a large room or just outside a building that is used for a particular purpose
a storage bay
loading bay
The part of a ship or plane where things are stored
the cargo bay
A tree that has leaves that smell sweet and are often used in cooking (also bay tree)
A horse that is a reddish brown colour
80
Shore
(N.)
The land along the edge of a large area of water such as an ocean or lake
We could see a boat about a mile from shore.
Only a few survivors reached the shore.
She began to swim to shore.
•on the shores of something
a holiday resort on the shores of the Adriatic
•on shore
We had a couple of hours on shore =not on a ship.
•off shore
The island is about three miles off shore =away from the coast.
•rocky/sandy shore
These/British/our etc shores (written): A country that has a border on the sea
Millions of immigrants flocked to these shores in the 19th century
81
Coast
(N.)
The area where the land meets the sea
>coastal
•coast of
the west coast of Africa
We drove along the Pacific coast to Seattle.
•on the coast
I used to live in a small village on the coast =on the land near the sea.
•off the coast
a small island off the coast =in the sea near the land of Scotland
the first European to cross Africa coast to coast
a deserted stretch of coast
The coast is clear (informal):If the coast is clear, it is safe for you to do something without being seen or caught
82
Beach
(N.)
An area of sand or small stones at the edge of the sea or a lake
a sandy beach
surfers on the beach
83
Lake
(N.)
A large area of water surrounded by land
Lake Michigan
wine/milk etc lake (BrE)
A very large amount of wine, milk etc that has been produced but is not needed or used
84
Waterfall
(N.)
A place where water from a river or stream falls down over a cliff or rock
85
Ocean
(N.)
The ocean (especially AmE)
The great mass of salt water that covers most of the Earth's surface
SYN the sea
She stood on the beach, gazing at the ocean.
I like to swim in the ocean when it's warm enough.
One of the very large areas of sea on the Earth's surface
the Pacific Ocean
Oceans of something (informal): A lot of something, especially a liquid
oceans of champagne
86
Canyon
(N.)
A deep valley with very steep sides of rock that usually has a river running through it
87
Outdo
(V.)
(past tense outdid, past participle outdone, third person singular outdoes)
To be better or more successful than someone else at doing something
When it comes to speed of response, a small firm can outdo a big company.
•outdo somebody in something
skaters trying to outdo each other in grace and speed
not to be outdone: in order not to let someone else do better or seem better than you
Not to be outdone, other computer manufacturers are also donating machines to schools
88
Besides
(Adv.) (preposition) (informal)
(spoken) Used when adding another reason
I need the money. And besides, when I agree to do something, I do it.
Register
In written English, people do not usually use besides as a sentence adverb. They start a sentence with the more formal moreover instead
Moreover, smoking is linked with heart disease and strokes.
In addition to someone or something else that you are mentioning
The area has stunning scenery, beautiful beaches, and much more besides.
People choose jobs for other reasons besides money.
Besides myself, the only English people there were Keith and Doreen.
•besides doing something
Besides being heartbroken, she felt foolish
89
Beside
Preposition
Next to or very close to the side of someone or something
Wendy came up and sat beside me.
the table beside the bed
I was standing right beside her at the time.
⚠ Do not confuse (beside =next to) and (besides =in addition to)
He sat down beside Mary.
Who was there besides you
In comparison with something or someone
This year's sales figures don't look very good beside last year's results.
The children seemed tiny beside him.
Be beside yourself: To be feeling so angry, excited etc that you find it difficult to control yourself
The poor girl was almost beside herself.
•be beside yourself with anger/excitement/rage etc
Mom and Dad will be beside themselves with worry.
Be beside the point: To not be directly connected with the main subject or problem that you are talking about
He's very charming, but that's beside the point
90
Adverse
(N.)
Not good or favourable
They fear it could have an adverse effect on global financial markets.
Miller's campaign has received a good deal of adverse publicity.
Adverse conditions: Conditions that make it difficult for something to happen or exist
The expedition was abandoned because of adverse weather conditions.
91
Adversary
(N.)
(plural adversaries)
(formal) A country or person you are fighting or competing against
SYN opponent
his old adversary
92
Adversity
(N.)
A situation in which you have a lot of problems that seem to be caused by bad luck
his courage in the face of adversity
93
Adversely
(Adv.)
unfavorably, antagonistically, for the worse; in a manner that works against
developments which had adversely affected their business
94
Tent
(N.)
A shelter consisting of a sheet of cloth supported by poles and ropes, used especially for camping
We looked for a flat spot where we could pitch our tent =put up our tent
95
Campfire
(N.)
A fire made outdoors by people who are camping
96
Life vest
(N.) (AmE)
A piece of clothing that can be filled with air and worn around your upper body to stop you from sinking in the water
a life jacket (BrE)
97
Backpack
(N.)
A bag used for carrying things on your back, especially by people on long walks
SYN a rucksack (BrE)
98
Canteen
(N.)
(BrE) A place in a factory, school etc where meals are provided, usually quite cheaply
A small container in which water or other drink is carried by soldiers, travellers etc
A canteen of cutlery (BrE): A set of knives, forks, and spoons in a box
99
Stagnate
(V.)
To stop developing or making progress
Growth is expected to stagnate next year.
His career had stagnated.
100
Stagnation
(N.)
Lack of movement, stillness; lack of activity or progress
economic stagnation
101
Stagnant
(Adj.)
Stagnant water or air does not move or flow and often smells bad
a stagnant pond
Not changing or making progress, and continuing to be in a bad condition
a government plan to revive the stagnant economy
102
Flammable
(Adj.)
Something that is flammable burns easily
>inflammable, nonflammable
Caution! Highly flammable liquid.
103
Slippery
(Adj.)
Something that is slippery is difficult to hold, walk on etc because it is wet or greasy
slippery floor
In places, the path can be wet and slippery.
Harry's palms were slippery with sweat.
(informal) Someone who is slippery cannot be trusted
Martin is a slippery customer (=someone you should not trust) so be careful what you say to him.
Not having one clear meaning and able to be understood in different ways
the slippery notion of standards
Be on a the slippery slope (BrE) (informal):
Used to talk about a process or habit that is difficult to stop and which will develop into something extremely bad
slippery to towards
He is on the slippery slope to a life of crime.
slipperiness noun
104
Frayed cord
The electric cord on your appliance contains a live wire that is securely insulated. But if a cord becomes frayed, the live wire can be exposed
105
Fray
(V.)
If cloth or other material frays, or if something frays it, the threads become loose because the material is old
The collar had started to fray on Ed's coat.
He had frayed the bottom of his jeans.
If someone's temper or nerves fray, or if something frays them, they become annoyed
Tempers soon began to fray.
frayed adjective
The carpet was badly frayed
106
Economic
(Adj.)
Relating to trade, industry, and the management of money
>economy
Economic growth is slow.
the government's economic policy
Economic reform is needed.
In the current economic climate (=conditions), we must keep costs down.
An economic process, activity etc produces enough profit for it to continue
SYN profitable
OPP uneconomic
It is no longer economic to run the service.
⚠ Do not confuse with economical (=cheap or not wasteful)
107
Economical
(Adj.)
Using money, time, goods etc carefully and without wasting any
>economic
A small car is more economical to run.
good-quality clothes at economical prices
Economical with the truth: Used humorously to say that someone is not telling the truth
108
Stapler
(N.)
A tool used for putting staples into paper
109
Clear tape
(N.)
Clear tape is a type of adhesive product that is common in many different settings. ... This type of tape is often no more than one inch wide (25 mm). It often comes on a disposable tape dispenser with a serrated edge that allows for easy tearing of the tape
110
Paperclip
(N.)
A small piece of curved wire used for holding sheets of paper together
111
Glue
(N.)
A sticky substance used for joining things together
112
Obstruct
(V.)
To block a road, passage etc
SYN block
A small aircraft was obstructing the runway.
The column obstructed our view of the stage.
To prevent someone from doing something or something from happening, by making it difficult
SYN block
The group is trying to obstruct the peace process.
He was fined for obstructing the work of the police
113
Obstruction
(N.)
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
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.
An offence in football, hockey etc in which a player gets between an opponent and the ball
114
Obstructive
(Adj.)
Trying to prevent someone from doing something, by deliberately making it difficult for them
an obstructive official
obstructive tactics
(medical) Relating to a blocked tube, passage etc in the body
obstructive symptoms
115
Greenhouse effect
(N.)
The gradual warming of the air surrounding the Earth as a result of heat being trapped by pollution
>global warming
116
Fossil fuel
(N.)
A fuel such as coal or oil that is produced by the very gradual decaying of animals or plants over millions of years
Environmentalists would like to see fossil fuels replaced by renewable energy sources.
117
Exhaust fuems
(N.)
Gases ejected from an engine as waste products.
118
Volatile gases
(N.)
A substance is said to be volatile if it boils at a low temperature, changing from the liquid to the gas phase. Substances that are gases at room temperature are extremely volatile: they have high volatility. They can only be seen as liquids when exposed to low temperatures or high pressures.
گازهای فرار
119
Sale
```
(N.)
When you sell something
sale of
The use and sale of marijuana remains illegal.
arms sales to Iran
```
Sales:
a)The total number of products that are sold during a particular period of time
sale of
in sales
We grossed more than $500,000 in sales last year.
b)The part of a company that deals with selling products
She found a job in sales.
For sale: Available to be bought
Excuse me, are these for sale
There was a for sale sign in the yard.
On sale:
a)Available to be bought in a shop
A wide range of postcards and other souvenirs are on sale in the visitors centre.
b)(especially AmE)Available to be bought at a lower price than usual
These gloves were on sale for only $9.
A period of time when shops sell their goods at lower prices than usual
Marsdon's department store is having a sale this week.
•the sales (BrE) =when all the shops have a sale
An event at which things are sold to the person who offers the highest price
SYN auction
a sale of 17th-century paintings
120
Sell
(V.)
(past tense and past participle sold)
To give something to someone in exchange for money
OPP buy
sell something for £100/$50/30p etc
sell somebody something
sell something to somebody
sell something at a profit/loss =make or lose money on a sale
To offer something for people to buy
sell at/for £100/$50/30p etc =be offered for sale at £100/$50/30p etc
To make people want to buy something
sell something to somebody
To be bought by people
sell well/badly =be bought by a lot of people, or very few people
To try to make someone accept a new idea or plan, or to become accepted
sell something to somebody
sell somebody something
be sold on (doing) something =think an idea or plan is very good
121
Bear fruit
(V.)
If a plan, decision etc bears fruit, it is successful, especially after a long period of time
Charles's diplomacy eventually bore fruit.
If a tree bears fruit, it produces fruit
122
Bearable
(Adj.)
Something that is bearable is difficult or unpleasant, but you can deal with it
OPP unbearable
His friendship was the one thing that made life bearable.
bearably adverb
123
Vocational
(Adj.)
Teaching or relating to the skills you need to do a particular job
>academic
vocational qualifications
job/vocational training: The college provides vocational training for nurses and theatre technicians
124
Internship
(N.)
(AmE)
A job that lasts for a short time, that someone, especially a student, does in order to gain experience
>intern
A job that someone who has nearly finished training as a doctor does in a hospital
➔ intern
125
career counselor
(N.) (AmE)
careers officer (also careers adviser) noun BrE
Someone whose job is to give people advice about what jobs and professional training might be suitable for them
126
In this/that regard
(formal)
Relating to something you have just mentioned
The company's problems, in this regard, are certainly not unique
127
With every fibre of your being
(literary)
If you feel something with every fibre of your being, you feel it very strongly
He wanted her with every fibre of his being
با تمام وجود
128
An opportunity comes along/up
We had outgrown our house when the opportunity came up to buy one with more land.
If any opportunity cames along, it’d better to take advantage of this.
موقعیتی پیش آمد
129
Think about/of
Thinking about you" means that you're actually thinking thoughts about a person.
"Thinking of you" to me has a couple of meanings. One is more like "Something reminded me of you." For example, let's say your favorite ice cream is strawberry banana swirl. Then I could say, "I went to the supermarket and thought of you when I saw they had strawberry banana swirl ice cream."
Another meaning for "Thinking of you" is related to the word "thoughtful." For example, let's say I bought you some strawberry banana swirl ice cream. You could then say, "Thanks for thinking of me
130
Immense
(Adj.)
Extremely large
SYN enormous
People who travel by rail still read an immense amount.
Regular visits from a social worker can be of immense value to old people living alone
131
Immensity
(N.) (plural immensities)
Used to emphasize the great size of something, especially something that cannot be measured
immensity of
the immensity of outer space
To emphasize the great size and seriousness of something such as a problem you have to deal with or a job you have to do
immensity of
the immensity of the problem
132
Immensely
(Adv.)
Very much
SYN extremely
Champagne wines became immensely popular in the 18th century.
immensely powerful/strong/important etc
Nationalism is an immensely powerful force.
We enjoyed the play immensely
133
Rectify
(V.)
(rectified, rectifying, rectifies)
(formal)
To correct something that is wrong
SYN put right
I did my best to rectify the situation, but the damage was already done.
rectification noun
134
Emit
(V.)
(emitted, emitting)
To send out gas, heat, light, sound etc
The kettle emitted a shrill whistle
135
Emission
(N.)
A gas or other substance that is sent into the air
Britain agreed to cut emissions of nitrogen oxide from power stations.
The act of sending out light, heat, gas etc
136
Emitter
(N.)
A thing which emits something.
The country's largest emitter of airborne toxins
The region in a bipolar transistor that produces carriers of current.
137
Drown
(V.)
To die from being under water for too long, or to kill someone in this way
Many people drowned when the boat overturned.
Jane was drowned in the river.
•drown yourself
Depressed, Peter tried to drown himself.
(also drown out)
If a loud noise drowns out another sound, it prevents it from being heard
A train blew its whistle and drowned his voice.
To cover something, especially food, with more liquid than is necessary or nice
•drown something in something
The fish was drowned in a rich sauce.
To have a very strong feeling or a serious problem that is difficult to deal with
•drown in
The country is drowning in debt
138
Justify
(V.)
(justified, justifying, justifies)
To give an acceptable explanation for something that other people think is unreasonable
Ministers must appear before Parliament and justify their actions.
•justify doing something
How can we justify spending so much money on arms
•justify yourself =prove that what you are doing is reasonable
I don't have to justify myself to you or anyone else.
To be a good and acceptable reason for something
Nothing justifies murdering another human being.
(technical) To arrange lines of words on a page or computer screen so that they form a straight edge on both the right and left sides
139
Fencing
(N.)
The sport of fighting with a long thin sword
Fences or the pieces of wood, metal etc used to make them
140
Table tennis
(N.)
An indoor game played on a table by two or four players who hit a small plastic ball to each other across a net
SYN ping-pong
141
Alleviate
(V.)
To make something less painful or difficult to deal with
alleviate the problem/situation/suffering etc
a new medicine to alleviate the symptoms of flu
measures to alleviate poverty
alleviation noun
142
Coarse
(Adj.)
Having a rough surface that feels slightly hard
SYN rough
OPP smooth
a jacket of coarse wool
Consisting of threads or parts that are thick or large
OPP fine
The coarse sand was hot and rough under her feet.
Talking in a rude and offensive way, especially about sex
SYN crude
coarse jokes
coarsely adv
coarsely ground black pepper
coarseness noun
143
Prejudice
(N.)
An unreasonable dislike and distrust of people who are different from you in some way, especially because of their race, sex, religion etc – used to show disapproval
Women still face prejudice in the workplace.
•prejudice against
a cultural prejudice against fat people
•racial/sexual prejudice
Asian pupils complained of racial prejudice at the school.
Strong and unreasonable feelings which make you like some things but not others
Interviewers are often influenced too much by their personal prejudices.
Without prejudice to something: Without harming or affecting something
He was able to turn down the promotion without prejudice, and applied again several years later.
To the prejudice of something (formal): In a way that has a harmful effect or influence on something
144
Misuse
(V.)
To use something for the wrong purpose, or in the wrong way, often with harmful results
SYN abuse
Even harmless drugs can be misused.
The term schizophrenia is often misused.
There is concern that the judges might misuse their power.
To treat someone badly or unfairly
abuse
145
Abuse
(V.)
To treat someone in a cruel and violent way, often sexually
•sexually/physically abused
She was sexually abused as a child.
To deliberately use something for the wrong purpose or for your own advantage
Williams abused his position as Mayor to give jobs to his friends.
•abuse alcohol/drugs
The proportion of drinkers who abuse alcohol is actually quite small.
To say rude or offensive things to someone
SYN insult
Many soldiers in Belfast are verbally abused.
To treat something so badly that you start to destroy it
James abused his body for years with heroin and cocaine.
abuser noun
146
Snowstorm
(N.)
A storm with strong winds and a lot of snow
(BrE) a snow globe
147
Avalanche
(N.)
A large mass of snow, ice, and rocks that falls down the side of a mountain
Two skiers were killed in the avalanche.
بهمن
An avalanche of something:A very large number of things such as letters, messages etc that arrive suddenly at the same time
The school received an avalanche of applications
148
Squall
(N.)
A sudden strong wind, especially one that brings rain or snow
>snow squalls
بوران
149
Reception
(N.)
A particular type of welcome for someone, or a particular type of reaction to their ideas, work etc
>receive
a warm/good/enthusiastic reception
a hostile/cool/frosty reception
receive/have/get/meet with a... reception
He got a great reception from the crowd.
a)The desk or office where visitors arriving in a hotel or large organization go first
Please leave your key at the reception desk.
b) (BrE)The area around or in front of this desk or office
SYN lobby
I’ll wait for you in reception.
A large formal party to celebrate an event or to welcome someone
It's an ideal location for a wedding reception.
The act of receiving radio, television, or other signals, or the quality of signals you receive
listeners complaining about poor reception
The act of catching the ball in American football
150
Single room
(N.)
A room in a hotel for one person
151
Twin room
(N.)
A room that contains two single beds
All the twin rooms have private bathrooms
152
Double room
(N.)
A room in a hotel for two person
I’d like to book a double room for two nights.
153
Access
(N.)
The right to enter a place, use something, see someone etc
access to
Access to the papers is restricted to senior management
How easy or difficult it is for people to enter a public building, to reach a place, or talk to someone
access for
access to
a villa with easy access to the sea
The way you use to enter a building or reach a place
access to
Access to the restrooms is through the foyer
Have access to a car/a computer etc:To have a car, a computer etc that you can use
(BrE)The legal right to see and spend time with your children, a prisoner, an official etc
My ex-husband has access to the children once a week.
Gain/get access (to something):To succeed in entering a place or in seeing someone or something
The police managed to gain access through an upstairs window
154
Accessible
(Adj.)
A place, building, or object that is accessible is easy to reach or get into
OPP inaccessible
The island is only accessible by boat
Easy to obtain or use
•accessible to
the need for a health service that is accessible to all
•easily/readily accessible
Computers should be made readily accessible to teachers and pupils.
Someone who is accessible is easy to meet and talk to, even if they are very important or powerful
SYN approachable
I think that youll find she's very accessible.
A book, poem, painting etc that is accessible is easy to understand and enjoy
accessible to
He wants his music to be accessible to everyone.
accessibly adverb
accessibility noun
155
Stock
(N.)
A supply of a particular type of thing that a shop has available to sell
out of stock/in stock =unavailable or available in a particular shop
Buy now while stocks last!
I’m sorry, that swimsuit is completely out of stock in your size.
a)(especially AmE)A share in a company
the trading of stocks and shares
b)The total value of all of a company's shares
Total amount of something that is available to be used in a particular area
the stock of housing in rural areas
A supply of something that you keep and can use when you need to
stock of
He keeps a stock of medicines in the cupboard
156
Stick
(V.) (past tense and past participle stuck)
To attach something to something else using a substance, or to become attached to a surface
stick something on/to/in etc something
Someone had stuck posters all over the walls.
stick to together
If a pointed object sticks into something, or if you stick it there, it is pushed into it
stick something in/into /through something
The boy stuck his finger up his nose.
To put something somewhere quickly and without much care
SYN bung
Just stick it in the microwave for a few minutes.
If you stick a part of your body somewhere, you put it in a position where other people can see it
SYN put
The baby stuck his legs in the air.
Don't stick your tongue out. It's rude
If something sticks, it becomes fixed in one position and is difficult to move
This door keeps sticking.
157
Parking garage
(N.) (AmE)
A building with open sides in a public place where cars can be parked.
پارکینگ عمومی
158
Office building
| also Office block BrE
(N.)
A large building with many offices in it, especially ones that belong to different companies
159
Gas station
(N.) (AmE)
A place where you can buy petrol and oil for motor vehicles
SYN petrol station (BrE)
160
Gratify
(V.) (gratified, gratifying, gratifies)
( formal)
To make someone feel pleased and satisfied
He was gratified by Lucy's response.
•be gratified to see/hear/learn etc
John was gratified to see the improvement in his mother's health.
To satisfy a desire, need etc
She did not propose to gratify Gloria's curiosity any further.
gratification noun
sexual gratification
خشنودى
161
Grateful
(Adj.)
Feeling that you want to thank someone because of something kind that they have done, or showing this feeling
OPP ungrateful
•grateful for
I’m so grateful for all your help.
•grateful to
I am very grateful to all those who took the trouble to write to me.
•grateful that
She should be grateful that he was making things easier for her.
•extremely/deeply/eternally etc grateful
I am extremely grateful for the assistance your staff have provided.
Our grateful thanks go to all who participated.
She gave me a grateful look.
(Register
In everyday English, people usually say I appreciate it rather than Im grateful
❌Thanks, Im really grateful.
✅Thanks, I really appreciate it.
❌Im grateful for everything you've done.
✅I appreciate everything you've done.)
I would be grateful if you could would...(formal)
used to make a request
I would be most grateful if you could send me an invoice in due course.
gratefully adv
All contributions will be gratefully received.
The authors gratefully acknowledge your financial support
162
Contaminate
(V.)
To make a place or substance dirty or harmful by putting something such as chemicals or poison in it
Drinking water supplies are believed to have been contaminated.
To influence something in a way that has a bad effect
He claims the poster ads have contaminated Berlin's streets.
contamination noun
radioactive contamination
163
Contaminated
(Adj.)
Water, food etc that is contaminated has had a harmful substance added to it
>tainted
contaminated food/blood/water/supplies etc
The infection was traced to contaminated food
164
Found
(V.)
To start something such as an organization, company, school, or city, often by providing the necessary money
SYN establish
Eton College was founded by Henry VI in 1440.
Be founded on/upon something:
a)to be the main idea, belief etc that something else develops from
SYN be based on something
The British parliamentary system is founded on debate and opposition
b)to be the solid layer of cement, stones etc that a building is built on
The castle is founded on solid rock.
To melt metal and pour it into a mould (=a hollow shape), to make things such as tools and parts for machines
founding noun
the founding of the University of Chicago
165
Founder
(N.)
Someone who establishes a business, organization, school etc
166
Foundation
(N.)
The solid layer of cement, bricks, stones etc that is put under a building to support it
The earthquake shook the foundations of the house.
A basic idea, principle, situation etc that something develops from
•foundation of
All theories should be built on a foundation of factual knowledge.
•solid/firm foundation
The course gives students a solid foundation in the basics of computing
An organization that gives or collects money to be used for special purposes, especially for charity or for medical research
the British Heart Foundation
The establishment of an organization, business, school etc
SYN founding
The school has served the community since its foundation in 1835
A cream in the same colour as your skin that you put on before the rest of your make-up
167
Wink
(V.)
To close and open one eye quickly to communicate something or show that something is a secret or joke
wink at
He winked mischievously at Erica.
He winked an eye at his companion.
To shine with a light that flashes on and off
SYN blink
a Christmas tree with lights winking on and off
168
Blink
(V.)
To shut and open your eyes quickly
I blinked as I came out into the sunlight.
If lights blink, they shine unsteadily or go on and off quickly
The light on your answering machine is blinking
169
Grin
(V.)
(grinned, grinning)
To smile widely
•grin at
She grinned at me, her eyes sparkling.
•grin broadly/widely
He walked out of the pool, grinning widely.
•grin like
He was grinning like an idiot (=grinning in a silly way.)
•grin from ear to ear (=grin very widely)
Grin and bear it:To accept an unpleasant or difficult situation without complaining, usually because you realize there is nothing you can do to make it better
170
Blush
(V.)
To become red in the face, usually because you are embarrassed
Wilson saw she was watching him and blushed.
(Register
In everyday British English, people often say go red rather than blush
She went red when he looked at her.)
To feel ashamed or embarrassed about something
•blush to do something
I blush to admit that I haven't read it.
Something that would make somebody blush:
Something so shocking that it would shock someone who is not normally easily shocked
language that would make a sailor blush
The blushing bride:A young woman on her wedding day – used humorously
blushingly adverb
171
Weep
(V.)
(past tense and past participle wept)
(formal) or (literary) To cry, especially because you feel very sad
James broke down and wept.
•weep for
She wept for the loss of her mother.
He wept bitterly (=cried a lot) when it was time for us to leave.
(Register
In everyday English, people usually say cry rather than weep
She was crying all the way through the movie.)
I could have wept (spoken):Used to say that you felt very disappointed about something
I could have wept thinking what Id missed.
If a wound weeps, liquid comes out of it
weep noun
172
Frown
(V.)
To make an angry, unhappy, or confused expression, moving your eyebrows together
She frowned as she read the letter.
•frown at
Mattie frowned at him disapprovingly
173
Sand castle
(N.)
A small model of a castle, made out of sand by children playing on a beach
174
Pier
(N.)
A structure that is built over and into the water so that boats can stop next to it or people can walk along it
a yacht moored at a pier
strolling along Brighton Pier
A thick stone, wooden, or metal post that is used to support something
175
Surfing
(N.)
The activity or sport of riding over the waves on a special board
When we were in Hawaii, we went surfing every day.
The activity of looking quickly through information on the Internet to find something that interests you
176
Surfboard
(N.)
A long piece of plastic, wood etc that you stand on when you go surfing
177
Superficial
(Adj.)
Not studying or looking at something carefully and only seeing the most noticeable things:
•superficial examination/ study etc
Even a superficial inspection revealed serious flaws.
Seeming to have a particular quality, although this is not true or real:
•superficial resemblance/ similarity
Despite their superficial similarities, the two novels are, in fact, very different.
•at/ on a superficial level
At a superficial level, things seem to have remained the same.
Affecting only the surface of your skin or the outside part of something, and therefore not serious:
She escaped with only superficial cuts and bruises.
Someone who is superficial does not think about things that are serious or important – used to show disapproval
SYN shallow
All the other girls seemed silly and superficial to Darlene.
Superficial changes, difficulties etc are not important and do not have a big effect
SYN minor
superficial changes in government policies
Existing in or relating to the top layer of something, especially soil, rock etc
superficially adverb
superficiality noun
178
Innovation
(N.)
A new idea, method, or invention:
•innovation in
recent innovations in English teaching
The introduction of new ideas or methods:
We must encourage innovation if the company is to remain competitive.
•innovation in
We need to encourage innovation in industry.
Many people feel bewildered by the speed of technological innovation.
179
Overwhelm
(V.)
If someone is overwhelmed by an emotion, they feel it so strongly that they cannot think clearly:
•be overwhelmed by something
Harriet was overwhelmed by a feeling of homesickness.
•be overwhelmed with something
The children were overwhelmed with excitement.
If work or a problem overwhelms someone, it is too much or too difficult to deal with:
•be overwhelmed by something
We were overwhelmed by the number of applications.
•overwhelm somebody with something
They would be overwhelmed with paperwork.
To surprise someone very much, so that they do not know how to react:
•be overwhelmed by something
I was completely overwhelmed by his generosity.
To defeat an army completely:
In 1532 the Spaniards finally overwhelmed the armies of Peru.
If water overwhelms an area of land, it covers it completely and suddenly
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Extensive
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(Adj.)
Large in size, amount, or degree:
The house stands in extensive grounds.
Fire has caused extensive damage to the island’s forests.
the extensive use of pesticides
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Containing or dealing with a lot of information and details:
Extensive research is being done into the connection between the disease and poor living conditions.
The exhibition has received extensive coverage in the national press.
extensively adv:
As a student, he travelled extensively in the Middle East.
181
Percentage
(N.)
An amount expressed as if it is part of a total which is 100:
•percentage of
The percentage of school leavers that go to university is about five per cent.
Tax is paid as a percentage of total income.
•high/ low/ small percentage
A high percentage of married women have part-time jobs.
Interest rates fell by six percentage points (=6%).
The numbers are small in percentage terms (=when calculated as a percentage).
•percentage change/ increase etc
Crime figures showed significant percentage increases.
(Grammar
If the noun that follows a percentage of is plural, use a plural verb after it:
Only a small percentage of people are interested in politics.)
A share of the profits:
She gets a percentage for every record sold.
There is no percentage in doing something (BrE) (informal)
used to say that doing something is not going to help or be useful:
There’s no percentage in worrying.
182
Immerse
(V.)
To put someone or something deep into a liquid so that they are completely covered:
•immerse somebody/ something in something
Immerse your foot in ice cold water to reduce the swelling.
Immerse yourself in something
to become completely involved in an activity:
He left school at 16 and immersed himself in the Labour Party.
immersed adjective:
She was far too immersed in her studies.
183
Assimilate
(V.)
To completely understand and begin to use new ideas, information etc
SYN absorb
It will take time to assimilate all these facts.
If people assimilate, or are assimilated into a country or group, they become part of that group and are accepted by the people in that group:
assimilate into
Refugees find it difficult to become assimilated into the community.
184
Commemorate
(V.)
To do something to show that you remember and respect someone important or an important event in the past:
a parade to commemorate the town’s bicentenary
commemorative adjective:
a commemorative plaque
185
Custom
(N.)
Something that is done by people in a particular society because it is traditional➔ tradition:
•local/ ancient/ French etc custom
The guide offers information on local customs.
•it is the custom (for somebody) to do something
It’s the custom for the bride’s father to pay for the wedding.
•the custom of doing something
The custom of naming women after flowers is becoming less common.
(formal) Something that you usually do every day, or in a particular situation
SYN habit
He awoke early, as was his custom.
(formal) The practice of regularly using a particular shop or business:
an advertisement to attract more custom
Smaller shops lose a lot of custom when supermarkets open nearby.
186
Greeting
(N.)
Something you say or do when you meet someone:
•in greeting
She raised her hand in greeting.
I smiled a polite greeting, but the woman hardly acknowledged me.
The two cousins exchanged greetings (=greeted each other).
•birthday/ Christmas etc greetings
a message saying that you hope someone will be happy and healthy on their birthday, at Christmas etc
187
Display
(V.)
To show something to people, or put it in a place where people can see it easily:
shop windows displaying the latest fashions
All the exam results will be displayed on the noticeboard.
To clearly show a feeling, attitude, or quality by what you do or say:
She displayed no emotion on the witness stand.
ten piano pieces, each written to display the talents of individual
If a computer or something similar displays information, it shows it on its screen:
I pressed ‘return’ and an error message was displayed.
If a male bird or animal displays, it behaves in a particular way as a signal to other birds or animals, especially to attract a female
188
Nativity
(N.) (plural Nativities)
the Nativity
the birth of Jesus Christ
A picture or model of the baby Jesus Christ and his parents in the place where he was born:
a Nativity scene
189
Holly
(N.)
(plural hollies)
a small tree with sharp dark green leaves and red berries (berry), or the leaves and berries of this tree, used as a decoration at Christmas
190
Carol
(N.)
(also Christmas carol)
a traditional Christmas song
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(V.)
(literary)
(carolled, carolling (BrE), caroled, caroling (AmE))
To sing or say something in a happy way:
‘Goodbye,’ carolled Boris happily
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191
Gravy
(N.)
A sauce made from the juice that comes from meat as it cooks, mixed with flour and water
(AmE) (informal) Something good that is more than you expected to get
192
Mince Pie
(N.)
| A pie filled with mincemeat, especially one that people eat at Christmas
193
Apprehensive
(Adj.)
Worried or nervous about something that you are going to do, or about the future:
•apprehensive about/ of
We’d been a little apprehensive about their visit.
•apprehensive that
I was apprehensive that something would go wrong.
Some had apprehensive looks on their faces.
apprehensively adv:
‘What’s wrong?’ I asked apprehensively.
194
Assertion
(N.)
Something that you say or write that you strongly believe:
•assertion that
the assertion that house prices are falling
•assertion of
her assertion of independence
•assertion about
her assertions about the murder of her father
She makes very general assertions about marriage in the poem
195
Peer
(N.)
(formal)
Your peers are the people who are the same age as you, or who have the same type of job, social class etc:
American children did less well in math than their peers in Japan.
Staff members are trained by their peers.
➔ peer group,
peer pressure
196
Craze
(N.)
Fashion, game, type of music etc that becomes very popular for a short time
SYN fad
•craze for
She started a craze for this type of jewellery.
At that time, scooters were the latest craze.
•fitness/ dance/ fashion etc craze
The jogging craze began in the 1970s.
Word
197
Clutter
(N.)
A large number of things that are scattered somewhere in an untidy way
SYN junk:
clutter of
the clutter of soaps, shampoos, and towels in the bathroom
Could you get rid of some of that clutter in your bedroom?
198
Hone
(V.)
To improve your skill at doing something, especially when you are already very good at it:
He set about honing his skills as a draughtsman.
finely honed (=extremely well-developed) intuition
(formal) To make knives, swords etc sharp
SYN sharpen
