D_19/07/20(SE: 16-40;5lb) Flashcards
(100 cards)
1
Q
monarch
A
COUNTABLE NOUN
The monarch of a country is the king, queen, emperor, or empress.
Synonyms: ruler, king or queen, sovereign, tsar
2
Q
pessimist
A
COUNTABLE NOUN
A pessimist is someone who thinks that bad things are going to happen.
I’m a natural pessimist; I usually expect the worst.
It looks as if the pessimists are being proved right.
Synonyms: defeatist, cynic, melancholic, worrier
3
Q
expedition
A
- COUNTABLE NOUN
An expedition is an organized journey that is made for a particular purpose such as exploration.
…Byrd’s 1928 expedition to Antarctica. [+ to]
Synonyms: journey, exploration, mission, voyage
4
Q
aggravated
A
ADJECTIVE [ADJECTIVE noun]
Aggravated is used to describe a serious crime which involves violence.
[law]
He was jailed for aggravated assault.
5
Q
flabbergasted
A
ADJECTIVE [usually verb-link ADJECTIVE, ADJECTIVE to-infinitive]
If you say that you are flabbergasted, you are emphasizing that you are extremely surprised.
[emphasis]
Everybody was flabbergasted when I announced I was going to emigrate to Australia.
Synonyms: astonished, amazed, stunned, overcome
6
Q
bedazzled
A
ADJECTIVE
If you are bedazzled by someone or something, you are so amazed and impressed by them that you feel confused.
Many people are bedazzled by fame. [+ by]
to impress someone very much, because of being very intelligent, beautiful, etc.:
She had bedazzled him with her knowledge and beauty.
to make someone slightly confused, and not able to think clearly:
The strange atmosphere in the room had bedazzled her.
7
Q
xenophobia
A
UNCOUNTABLE NOUN
Xenophobia is strong and unreasonable dislike or fear of people from other countries.
[formal]
Synonyms: racism, nationalism, bigotry, isolationism
8
Q
indoctrinate
A
VERB
If people are indoctrinated, they are taught a particular belief with the aim that they will reject other beliefs.
[disapproval]
They have been completely indoctrinated. [be VERB-ed]
I wouldn’t say that she was trying to indoctrinate us. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: brainwash, school, train, teach
9
Q
prone
adjective
A
likely to suffer from an illness or show a particular negative characteristic:
I’ve always been prone to headaches.
He was prone to depression even as a teenager.
She’s prone to exaggerate, that’s for sure.
More examples
This stretch of road is prone to foggy patches.
Our window boxes were prone to vandalism.
He is rather prone to making tactless remarks.
10
Q
disposed
A
- ADJECTIVE
If you are disposed to do something, you are willing or eager to do it.
[formal]
We passed one or two dwellings, but were not disposed to stop.
I might have been disposed to like him in other circumstances.
He is then more generously disposed to admit the validity of opposing views.
Synonyms: inclined, given, likely, subject
11
Q
chaff
A
- UNCOUNTABLE NOUN
Chaff is the outer part of grain such as wheat. It is removed before the grain is used as food. - See to separate the wheat from the chaff
12
Q
triage
A
UNCOUNTABLE NOUN [oft NOUN noun]
Triage is the process of quickly examining sick or injured people, for example after an accident or a battle, so that those who are in the most serious condition can be treated first.
[medicine]
…the triage process.
13
Q
requite
A
VERB
(transitive)
to make return to (a person for a kindness or injury); repay with a similar action
respond to (love or affection). "she did not requite his love"
return a favour to (someone).
“to win enough to requite my friends”
14
Q
dogged
A
ADJECTIVE [ADJECTIVE noun]
If you describe someone’s actions as dogged, you mean that they are determined to continue with something even if it becomes difficult or dangerous.
They have gained respect through sheer dogged determination.
…his dogged insistence on their rights.
Synonyms: determined, steady, persistent, stubborn
15
Q
uncouth
A
ADJECTIVE If you describe a person as uncouth, you mean that their behaviour is rude, noisy, and unpleasant. [disapproval] ...that oafish, uncouth person. Synonyms: coarse, rough, gross, awkward
16
Q
sustainability
A
NOUN
1. economics
the ability to be sustained, without causing problems such as inflation
doubts about the sustainability of the current economic expansion
2. ecology
(of economic development, energy sources, etc) the ability to be maintained at a steady level without exhausting natural resources or causing severe ecological damage
the growing concern about environmental sustainability
17
Q
radical
A
- ADJECTIVE [usually ADJECTIVE noun]
Radical changes and differences are very important and great in degree.
The country needs a period of calm without more surges of radical change.
The Football League has announced its proposals for a radical reform of the way football is run in England. - ADJECTIVE [usually ADJECTIVE noun]
Radical people believe that there should be great changes in society and try to bring about these changes.
…threats by left-wing radical groups to disrupt the proceedings.
…political tension between radical and conservative politicians.
Synonyms: revolutionary, reforming, extreme, militant
18
Q
abridge
A
- to reduce the length of (a written work) by condensing or rewriting
- to curtail; diminish
- archaic
to deprive of ( privileges, rights, etc)
19
Q
Crete
A
a mountainous island in the E Mediterranean, the largest island of Greece: of archaeological importance for the ruins of Minoan civilization. Pop: 601 131 (2001). Area: 8331 sq km (3216 sq miles)
Modern Greek name: Kríti
20
Q
deify
A
VERB [usually passive]
If someone is deified, they are considered to be a god or are regarded with very great respect.
[formal]
Valentino was virtually deified by legions of female fans. [be VERB-ed]
21
Q
distort
A
- VERB
If you distort a statement, fact, or idea, you report or represent it in an untrue way.
The media distorts reality; categorises people as all good or all bad. [VERB noun]
The minister has said his remarks at the weekend have been distorted. [VERB noun]
distorted ADJECTIVE
These figures give a distorted view of the significance for the local economy.
Synonyms: deformed, bent, twisted, crooked - VERB
If something you can see or hear is distorted or distorts, its appearance or sound is changed so that it seems unclear.
A painter may exaggerate or distort shapes and forms. [VERB noun]
His size was persistently distorted by the cartoonists. [VERB noun]
This caused the sound to distort. [VERB]
distorted ADJECTIVE
Sound was becoming more and more distorted through the use of hearing aids.
Synonyms: deformed, bent, twisted, crooked
22
Q
defame
A
VERB
If someone defames another person or thing, they say bad and untrue things about them.
[formal]
Sgt Norwood complained that the article defamed him. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: slander, smear, libel, discredit
23
Q
parrot
A
- VERB
If you disapprove of the fact that someone is just repeating what someone else has said, often without really understanding it, you can say that they are parroting it.
[disapproval]
Generations of students have learnt to parrot the standard explanations. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: repeat, echo, imitate, copy
24
Q
compatriot
A
COUNTABLE NOUN [usually poss NOUN]
Your compatriots are people from your own country.
Chris Robertson of Australia beat his compatriot Chris Dittmar in the final.
Synonyms: fellow countryman, countryman, fellow citizen
25
putative
| adjective [ before noun ] formal
generally thought to be or to exist, even if this may not really be true:
The putative leader of the terrorist cell was arrested yesterday.
generally considered or reputed to be.
"the putative author of the book"
26
subterfuge
VARIABLE NOUN
Subterfuge is a trick or a dishonest way of getting what you want.
Most people can see right through that type of subterfuge.
The party has predictably rejected the proposals as a subterfuge.
Synonyms: trick, dodge, ploy, shift
27
upstanding
Upstanding people behave in a morally acceptable way.
[formal]
...a fine, upstanding and decent Irish citizen.
You look like a nice upstanding young man.
Synonyms: honest, principled, upright, honourable
28
nemesis
UNCOUNTABLE NOUN [oft with poss]
The nemesis of a person or thing is a situation, event, or person which causes them to be seriously harmed, especially as a punishment.
...Harry Potter's evil nemesis, Voldemort.
Yet the imminent crisis in its balance of payments may be the President's nemesis.
29
overt
ADJECTIVE [usually ADJECTIVE noun]
An overt action or attitude is done or shown in an open and obvious way.
His recent productions have been beautifully crafted works with little overt political content.
Although there is no overt hostility, Black and White students do not mix much.
Synonyms: open, obvious, plain, public
30
sobriety
2. UNCOUNTABLE NOUN
Sobriety is serious and thoughtful behaviour.
[formal]
...the values society depends upon, such as honesty, sobriety and trust.
Synonyms: seriousness, gravity, steadiness, restraint
1. UNCOUNTABLE NOUN
Sobriety is the state of being sober rather than drunk.
[formal]
31
vivacious
ADJECTIVE
If you describe someone as vivacious, you mean that they are lively, exciting, and attractive.
[written, approval]
She's beautiful, vivacious, and charming.
Synonyms: lively, spirited, vital, gay [old-fashioned]
32
mirth
UNCOUNTABLE NOUN
Mirth is amusement which you express by laughing.
[literary]
That caused considerable mirth amongst pupils and sports masters alike.
It was all he could do to stop tears of mirth falling down his cheeks.
Synonyms: merriment, amusement, fun, pleasure
33
allegation
COUNTABLE NOUN
An allegation is a statement saying that someone has done something wrong.
The company has denied the allegations.
Allegations of brutality and theft have been levelled at the army. [+ of]
Synonyms: claim, charge, statement, profession
34
preferential
ADJECTIVE [usually ADJECTIVE noun]
If you get preferential treatment, you are treated better than other people and therefore have an advantage over them.
Despite her status, the Duchess will not be given preferential treatment.
Synonyms: privileged, favoured, superior, better
35
solemn
1. ADJECTIVE
Someone or something that is solemn is very serious rather than cheerful or humorous.
His solemn little face broke into smiles.
He looked solemn.
Synonyms: serious, earnest, grave, sober
36
scathing
| adjective
criticizing someone or something in a severe and unkind way:
scathing criticism
He was very scathing about the report, saying it was inaccurate.
Synonyms
critical (NOT PLEASED)
disparaging
vituperative formal
37
fictitious
1. ADJECTIVE [usually ADJECTIVE noun]
Fictitious is used to describe something that is false or does not exist, although some people claim that it is true or exists.
We're interested in the source of these fictitious rumours.
38
citizenry
SINGULAR NOUN [with singular or plural verb]
The people living in a country, state, or city can be referred to as the citizenry.
[US, also British, formal]
He used the medium of radio when he wanted to reassure the citizenry.
I think we lack a citizenry that is adequately willing to take responsibility.
39
unduly
adverb formal
undulate
more than is necessary, acceptable, or reasonable:
There's no need to be unduly pessimistic about the situation.
He believes this approach would unduly harm the nation's economy.
VERB
Something that undulates has gentle curves or slopes, or moves gently and slowly up and down or from side to side in an attractive manner.
[literary]
As we travel south, the countryside begins to undulate. [VERB]
His body slowly undulated in time to the music. [VERB]
[Also VERB noun]
Synonyms: wave, roll, surge, swell
40
venal
ADJECTIVE
If you describe someone as venal, you disapprove of them because they are prepared to do almost anything in return for money, even things which are dishonest or immoral.
[disapproval]
Government propaganda made the radicals appear at best deluded, at worst venal.
...venal politicians.
Synonyms: corrupt, bent [slang], crooked [informal], prostituted [old-fashioned, derogatory]
41
onerous
ADJECTIVE
If you describe a task as onerous, you dislike having to do it because you find it difficult or unpleasant.
[formal]
...parents who have had the onerous task of bringing up a very difficult child.
Synonyms: trying, hard, taxing, demanding
42
mercantilism
an economic theory developed in the 16th to 18th centuries that says that a government should control the economy and that a nation should increase its wealth by selling more than it buys from other nations
43
unwind
1. VERB
When you unwind, you relax after you have done something that makes you tense or tired.
It helps them to unwind after a busy day at work. [VERB]
Singing is a nice way of unwinding. [VERB]
Synonyms: relax, wind down, take it easy, slow down
44
effusive
ADJECTIVE
If you describe someone as effusive, you mean that they express pleasure, gratitude, or approval in a very enthusiastic way.
He was effusive in his praise for the general.
She was very gushing and very effusive.
Synonyms: demonstrative, enthusiastic, lavish, extravagant
45
pacific
ADJECTIVE [usually ADJECTIVE noun]
A pacific person, country, or course of action is peaceful or has the aim of bringing about peace.
[formal]
The Liberals were traditionally seen as the more pacific party.
46
blithe
1. ADJECTIVE [usually ADJECTIVE noun]
You use blithe to indicate that something is done casually, without serious or careful thought.
[disapproval]
It does so with blithe disregard for best scientific practice.
Synonyms: heedless, casual, rash, reckless
2. GRADED ADJECTIVE
Someone who is blithe is cheerful and has no serious problems.
[literary]
She said 'hi' with the blithe assurance of someone who knew how much she'd been missed.
47
fetid
ADJECTIVE [usually ADJECTIVE noun]
Fetid water or air has a very strong unpleasant smell.
[formal]
...the fetid river of waste.
...the fetid stench of vomit.
Synonyms: stinking, rank, offensive, foul
48
wizened
ADJECTIVE
A wizened person is old and has a lot of lines on their skin.
...a little wizened old fellow with no teeth.
Synonyms: wrinkled, lined, worn, withered
49
arid
1. ADJECTIVE [usually ADJECTIVE noun]
Arid land is so dry that very few plants can grow on it.
...new strains of crops that can withstand arid conditions.
...the arid zones of the country.
Synonyms: dry, desert, dried up, barren
50
hale
ADJECTIVE [usually verb-link ADJECTIVE]
If you describe people, especially people who are old, as hale, you mean that they are healthy.
[old-fashioned]
She is remarkable and I'd like to see her remain hale and hearty for years yet.
Synonyms: healthy, well, strong, sound
51
comical
ADJECTIVE
If you describe something as comical, you mean that it makes you want to laugh because it seems funny or silly.
Her expression is almost comical.
Events took a comical turn.
Synonyms: funny, entertaining, comic, silly
52
farcical
ADJECTIVE
If you describe a situation or event as farcical, you mean that it is so silly or extreme that you are unable to take it seriously.
[disapproval]
...a farcical nine months' jail sentence imposed yesterday on a killer.
Synonyms: ludicrous, ridiculous, absurd, preposterous
very silly, unlikely, or unreasonable, often in a way that is humorous:
The whole situation has become farcical.
There were farcical scenes at the meeting.
53
labile
| adjective
changing often or easily:
emotionally labile characters
a labile pulse
54
soggy
DJECTIVE
Something that is soggy is unpleasantly wet.
...soggy cheese sandwiches.
...a gray and soggy afternoon.
Synonyms: sodden, saturated, moist, heavy
55
lukewarm
```
1. ADJECTIVE
Something, especially a liquid, that is lukewarm is only slightly warm.
Wash your face with lukewarm water.
The coffee was weak and lukewarm.
Synonyms: tepid, warm, blood-warm
```
2. ADJECTIVE
If you describe a person or their attitude as lukewarm, you mean that they are not showing much enthusiasm or interest.
Economists have never been more than lukewarm towards him.
The study received a lukewarm response from the Home Secretary.
Synonyms: half-hearted, cold, cool, indifferent
56
chronicle
1. VERB
To chronicle a series of events means to write about them or show them in broadcasts in the order in which they happened.
The series chronicles the everyday adventures of two eternal bachelors. [VERB noun]
[Also VERB wh]
Synonyms: record, tell, report, enter
57
clairvoyant
1. ADJECTIVE
Someone who is believed to be clairvoyant is believed to know about future events or to be able to communicate with dead people.
...clairvoyant powers.
Synonyms: psychic, visionary, prophetic, prescient
58
triumphant
ADJECTIVE
Someone who is triumphant has gained a victory or succeeded in something and feels very happy about it.
Duncan and his triumphant soldiers celebrate their military victory.
The captain's voice was triumphant.
This trip was not like his first triumphant return home in 1990.
59
defile
1. VERB
To defile something that people think is important or holy means to do something to it or say something about it which is offensive.
[literary]
He had defiled the sacred name of the Holy Prophet. [VERB noun]
2. COUNTABLE NOUN
A defile is a very narrow valley or passage, usually through mountains.
[formal]
Synonyms: gorge, pass, passage, way through
60
mercenaries
1. COUNTABLE NOUN
A mercenary is a soldier who is paid to fight by a country or group that they do not belong to.
Synonyms: hireling, freelance [history], soldier of fortune, condottiere [history] More Synonyms of mercenary
2. ADJECTIVE
If you describe someone as mercenary, you are criticizing them because you think that they are only interested in the money that they can get from a particular person or situation.
[disapproval]
61
erratic
ADJECTIVE
Something that is erratic does not follow a regular pattern, but happens at unexpected times or moves along in an irregular way.
অনিশ্চিত
Argentina's erratic inflation rate threatens to upset the plans.
...the family's erratic affairs.
erratically (ɪrætɪkli ) ADVERB
Police stopped him for driving erratically.
62
myriad
1. QUANTIFIER
A myriad or myriads of people or things is a very large number or great variety of them.
They face a myriad of problems bringing up children. [+ of]
These myriads of fish would be enough to keep any swimmer entranced for hours. [+ of]
2. ADJECTIVE [ADJECTIVE noun]
Myriad means having a large number or great variety.
...British pop and culture in all its myriad forms.
...the myriad tiny animals and plants living in the ice.
Synonyms: innumerable, countless, untold, incalculable More Synonyms of myriad
63
expeditious
ADJECTIVE
Expeditious means quick and efficient.
[formal]
The judge said that arbitration was a fair and expeditious decision-making process.
Synonyms: quick, fast, active, prompt More Synonyms of expeditious
expeditiously ADVERB [ADVERB with verb]
The matter has certainly been handled expeditiously by the authorities.
64
quagmire
1. COUNTABLE NOUN
A quagmire is a difficult, complicated, or unpleasant situation which is not easy to avoid or escape from.
His people had fallen further and further into a quagmire of confusion. [+ of]
We have no intention of being drawn into a political quagmire.
2. COUNTABLE NOUN [usually singular]
A quagmire is a soft, wet area of land which your feet sink into if you try to walk across it.
Rain had turned the grass into a quagmire.
Synonyms: bog, marsh, swamp, slough
65
pontificate
1. VERB
If someone pontificates about something, they state their opinions as if they are the only correct ones and nobody could possibly argue against them.
[formal]
Politicians like to pontificate about falling standards. [V + about/on]
[Also VERB]
Synonyms: expound, preach, sound off, pronounce More Synonyms of pontificate
2. COUNTABLE NOUN
The pontificate of a pope is the period of time during which he is pope.
Pope Formosus died after a pontificate of four and a half years.
66
pyrrhic
NOUN
1. a metrical foot of two short or unstressed syllables
ADJECTIVE
2. of or relating to such a metrical foot
3. (of poetry) composed in pyrrhic
NOUN
1. a war dance of ancient Greece
ADJECTIVE
2. of or relating to this dance
A Pyrrhic victory is a victory that inflicts such a devastating toll on the victor that it is tantamount to defeat. A Pyrrhic victory takes a heavy toll that negates any true sense of achievement or damages long-term progress
67
Fleeting
ADJECTIVE [usually ADJECTIVE noun]
Fleeting is used to describe something which lasts only for a very short time.
The girls caught only a fleeting glimpse of the driver.
She wondered for a fleeting moment if he would put his arm around her.
Synonyms: momentary, short, passing, flying More Synonyms of fleeting
fleetingly ADVERB [usually ADVERB with verb, oft ADVERB adjective]
A smile passed fleetingly across his face.
I think I saw her, fleetingly, at a football match.
68
revivify
VERB
To revivify a situation, event, or activity means to make it more active, lively, or efficient.
[formal]
They've revivified rhythm and blues singing by giving it dance beats. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: revive, restore, renew, refresh More Synonyms of revivify
69
obsequiously
ADJECTIVE
If you describe someone as obsequious, you are criticizing them because they are too eager to help or agree with someone more important than them.
[disapproval]চাটুকার
Perhaps your mother was very obsequious to doctors.
Synonyms: servile, flattering, cringing, fawning More Synonyms of obsequious
obsequiously ADVERB [ADVERB with verb]
He smiled and bowed obsequiously to Winger.
Synonyms: ingratiatingly, slavishly, on your knees, abjectly
70
inadvertently
ADJECTIVE
An inadvertent action is one that you do without realizing what you are doing.
The government has said it was an inadvertent error.
Synonyms: unintentional, accidental, unintended, chance More Synonyms of inadvertent
inadvertently ADVERB [ADVERB with verb]
I inadvertently pressed the wrong button.
Synonyms: carelessly, negligently, unthinkingly, thoughtlessly More Synonyms of inadvertent
Synonyms: unintentionally, accidentally, by accident, mistakenly
71
sycophant
COUNTABLE NOUN
A sycophant is a person who behaves in a sycophantic way.
চাটুকার
[formal, disapproval]
...a dictator surrounded by sycophants, frightened to tell him what he may not like.
Synonyms: crawler, yes man, toady, slave
72
dismay
1. UNCOUNTABLE NOUN
Dismay is a strong feeling of fear, worry, or sadness that is caused by something unpleasant and unexpected.
[formal]
Local councillors have reacted with dismay and indignation.
Lucy discovered to her dismay that she was pregnant.
The ministers expressed dismay at the continued practice of ethnic cleansing.
Meg looked up at her in dismay.
2. VERB
If you are dismayed by something, it makes you feel afraid, worried, or sad.
[formal]
The committee was dismayed by what it had been told. [be VERB-ed]
The thought that she was crying dismayed him. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: alarm, frighten, scare, panic More Synonyms of dismay
dismayed ADJECTIVE [usually verb-link ADJECTIVE, ADJ to-inf/that]
He was dismayed at the cynicism of the youngsters. [+ at]
He was dismayed to find that his hands were shaking.
73
sneer
VERB
If you sneer at someone or something, you express your contempt for them by the expression on your face or by what you say.
There is too great a readiness to sneer at anything the Opposition does. [VERB + at]
If you go to a club and you don't look right, you're sneered at. [VERB at noun]
'Hypocrite,' he sneered. [VERB with quote]
Although some may sneer, working as a secretary can be a route to career success. [VERB]
[Also VERB that]
Synonyms: scorn, mock, ridicule, laugh More Synonyms of sneer
Sneer is also a noun.
Canete's mouth twisted in a contemptuous sneer.
He looked at us with the sneer of a man who knows he has no rivals
74
gauche
ADJECTIVE
If you describe someone as gauche, you mean that they are awkward and uncomfortable in the company of other people.
We're all a bit gauche when we're young.
She was a rather gauche, provincial creature.
Synonyms: awkward, clumsy, inept, unsophisticated
75
irredentist
NOUN
1. a person who favours the acquisition of territory that once was part of his or her country or is considered to have been
ADJECTIVE
2. of, relating to, or advocating this belief
supporting or relating to a policy of returning land to a country that it belonged to in the past:
They asserted an irredentist claim on the territory.
nationalist and irredentist forces
More examples
The province has been at the centre of irredentist unrest.
This is an irredentist attempt to extend their borders.
People leave patriotic messages in Spanish that are full of irredentist sentiment.
an irredentist border dispute between Latvia and Russia
76
ludicrously
ADJECTIVE
If you describe something as ludicrous, you are emphasizing that you think it is foolish, unreasonable, or unsuitable.
[emphasis]
It was ludicrous to suggest that the visit could be kept secret.
It's a completely ludicrous idea.
Synonyms: ridiculous, crazy [informal], absurd, preposterous More Synonyms of ludicrous
ludicrously ADVERB
By Western standards the prices are ludicrously low.
77
dismal
gloomy,sad,unpleasant
78
outpace
VERB
To outpace someone or something means to perform a particular action faster or better than they can.
These hovercraft can easily outpace most boats. [VERB noun]
The economy will continue to outpace its foreign rivals for years to come. [VERB noun]
She outpaced the former Olympic champion. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: outdistance, leave behind, outstrip, lose
79
pulchritude
NOUN
| physical beauty
80
ravish
VERB [usually passive]
To ravish someone means to rape them.
[literary]
She'll never know how close she came to being dragged off and ravished
to give great pleasure to someone:
I was utterly ravished by the way she smiled.
81
corroborated
proved
82
assay
COUNTABLE NOUN
An assay is a test of a substance to find out what chemicals it contains. It is usually carried out to find out how pure a substance is.
[technical]
Synonyms: analysis, test, trial, investigation
83
fortitude
UNCOUNTABLE NOUN
If you say that someone has shown fortitude, you admire them for being brave, calm, and uncomplaining when they have experienced something unpleasant or painful.
[formal, approval]
He suffered a long series of illnesses with tremendous dignity and fortitude.
Synonyms: courage, strength, resolution, determination
84
purported
ADJECTIVE
alleged; supposed; rumoured
a purported two million dollar deal
85
indict
VERB [usually passive]
If someone is indicted for a crime, they are officially charged with it.
[mainly US, law]
He was later indicted on corruption charges. [be V-ed + on]
She has been indicted for possessing cocaine. [be VERB-ed + for]
The police said he'd been formally indicted on Saturday. [be VERB-ed]
Attorneys for the indicted officers tried to delay the trial. [VERB-ed]
Synonyms: charge, accuse, prosecute, summon
86
erudite
ADJECTIVE
If you describe someone as erudite, you mean that they have or show great academic knowledge. You can also use erudite to describe something such as a book or a style of writing.
[formal]
He was never dull, always erudite and well informed.
...an original and highly erudite style.
Synonyms: learned, lettered, cultured, educated
87
poignant
ADJECTIVE
Something that is poignant affects you deeply and makes you feel sadness or regret.
...a poignant combination of beautiful surroundings and tragic history.
...a poignant love story.
Harry thought the sight of her was inexpressibly poignant.
88
wane
1. VERB
If something wanes, it becomes gradually weaker or less, often so that it eventually disappears.
While his interest in these sports began to wane, a passion for rugby developed. [VERB]
...her mother's waning strength. [VERB-ing]
2. wax and wane
3. See on the wane
4. VERB [usually cont]
When the moon is waning, it is showing a smaller area of brightness each day as it changes from a full moon to a new moon.
89
quietus
NOUN
Word forms: plural -tuses
1. anything that serves to quash, eliminate, or kill
to give the quietus to a rumour
2. a release from life; death
3. the discharge or settlement of debts, duties, etc
LITERARY
death or something that causes death, regarded as a release from life.
ARCHAIC
something that has a calming or soothing effect.
90
myrmidons
someone who follows and obeys a powerful person or authority, even when this means doing bad things for them:
They each claimed that they were only doing their job - the standard reply from the myrmidons of authoritarian regimes everywhere.
91
siren
1. COUNTABLE NOUN
A siren is a warning device which makes a long, loud noise. Most fire engines, ambulances, and police cars have sirens.
It sounds like an air raid siren.
Synonyms: alert, warning, signal, alarm More Synonyms of siren
2. COUNTABLE NOUN
Some people refer to a woman as a siren when they think that she is attractive to men but dangerous in some way.
[literary]
He depicts her as a siren who has drawn him to his ruin.
...the voluptuous siren with a husky voice.
Synonyms: seductress, vamp [informal], femme fatale, witch
92
hectic
ADJECTIVE
A hectic situation is one that is very busy and involves a lot of rushed activity.
Despite his hectic work schedule, Benny has rarely suffered poor health.
The two days we spent there were enjoyable but hectic.
Synonyms: frantic, chaotic, frenzied, heated
93
go-between
A go-between is a person who takes messages between people who are unable or unwilling to meet each other.
He will act as a go-between to try and work out an agenda.
Synonyms: intermediary, agent, medium, broker
94
unseemly
ADJECTIVE
If you say that someone's behaviour is unseemly, you disapprove of it because it is not polite or not suitable for a particular situation or occasion.
[literary, disapproval]
It would be unseemly for judges to receive pay increases when others are struggling. [+ for]
...unseemly drinking, brawling and gambling.
Synonyms: improper, inappropriate, unsuitable, out of place
95
middle-of-the-road
1. ADJECTIVE
If you describe someone's opinions or policies as middle-of-the-road, you mean that they are neither left-wing nor right-wing, and not at all extreme.
Consensus need not be weak, nor need it result in middle-of-the-road policies.
...the Archbishop, who is middle-of-the-road in politics.
Synonyms: moderate, non-radical, non-extreme, non-reactionary More Synonyms of middle-of-the-road
2. ADJECTIVE
If you describe something or someone as middle-of-the-road, you mean that they are ordinary or unexciting.
I actually don't want to be a middle-of-the-road person, married with a mortgage.
Synonyms: ordinary, average, typical, normal More Synonyms of middle-of-the-road
3. ADJECTIVE
Middle-of-the-road music is pop music which a large number of people like because it is pleasant and does not sound extreme or unusual. The abbreviation MOR is also used.
96
impoverish
1. VERB
Something that impoverishes a person or a country makes them poor.
We need to reduce the burden of taxes that impoverish the economy. [VERB noun]
...a society impoverished by wartime inflation. [VERB-ed]
Synonyms: bankrupt, ruin, beggar, break More Synonyms of impoverish
impoverished ADJECTIVE
...an attempt to lure businesses into impoverished areas.
Synonyms: barren, sterile More Synonyms of impoverish
Synonyms: depleted, spent, reduced, empty More Synonyms of impoverish
Synonyms: poor, needy, destitute, ruined More Synonyms of impoverish
2. VERB
A person or thing that impoverishes something makes it worse in quality.
...plants that impoverish the soil quickly. [VERB noun]
97
decipherable
VERB
If you decipher a piece of writing or a message, you work out what it says, even though it is very difficult to read or understand.
I'm still no closer to deciphering the code. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: decode, crack, solve, understand
98
***its very important***
Nothing but A
Means only A. You don't want anything else.
Anything but A
Means that you don't want A. You could have B or C, or maybe even both B and C (and even E if someone offers) - but NOT A!
Everything but A
Means that A is the only thing you don't want. You do want the rest of the entire alphabet - but NOT A!
99
temper
1. VARIABLE NOUN
If you refer to someone's temper or say that they have a temper, you mean that they become angry very easily.
He had a temper and could be nasty.
His short temper had become notorious.
I hope he can control his temper.
Synonyms: irritability, anger, irascibility, passion More Synonyms of temper
2. VARIABLE NOUN [oft adjective NOUN, oft in NOUN]
Your temper is the way you are feeling at a particular time. If you are in a good temper, you feel cheerful. If you are in a bad temper, you feel angry and impatient.
I was in a bad temper last night.
He was in a very good temper.
In a fit of bad temper, Dougie threw the deep fat fryer overboard.
Synonyms: rage, fury, bad mood, passion More Synonyms of temper
3. VERB
To temper something means to make it less extreme.
[formal]
For others, especially the young and foolish, the state will temper justice with mercy. [VERB noun + with]
He had to learn to temper his enthusiasm. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: moderate, restrain, tone down, calm
100
Assault
1. COUNTABLE NOUN
An assault by an army is a strong attack made on an area held by the enemy.
The rebels are poised for a new assault on the government garrisons. [+ on/upon/against]
Most U.S. soldiers welcomed the ground assault when the order was finally given.
Synonyms: attack, campaign, strike, rush More Synonyms of assault
2. ADJECTIVE [ADJECTIVE noun]
Assault weapons such as rifles are intended for soldiers to use in battle rather than for purposes such as hunting.
...a high-powered assault rifle.
3. VARIABLE NOUN
An assault on a person is a physical attack on them.
The attack is one of a series of savage sexual assaults on women in the university area. [+ on/upon]
At the police station, I was charged with assault.
Synonyms: battery, attack, beating, mugging More Synonyms of assault
4. VERB
To assault someone means to physically attack them.
The gang assaulted him with iron bars. [VERB noun]
She may have been sexually assaulted by her killer. [be VERB-ed]
Synonyms: strike, attack, beat, knock More Synonyms of assault
5. COUNTABLE NOUN
An assault on someone's beliefs is a strong criticism of them.
He leveled a verbal assault against his Democratic opponents. [+ on/upon/against]
Synonyms: abuse, attack, blame, criticism
