F Flashcards
(327 cards)
0
Q
fabricate
A
(v)1. To construct, to manufacture. 2. To invent (a story), to forge (a document). Fabrication (n), fabricator (n).
1
Q
fable
A
(n)1. A short story not based on fact, often with animals as characters and conveying a moral. 2. These stories or legends collectively. 3. Untrue statements, (sort out fact from fable). Fabled (adj): told of in fables, legendary.
2
Q
façade
A
(n)1. The principal face or the front of a building. 2. An outward appearance, especially a deceptive one.
3
Q
face the music
A
to face unpleasant consequences bravely.
4
Q
face up to
A
to face (a difficulty etc) resolutely.
5
Q
in the face of
A
despite.
6
Q
on the face of it
A
judging by appearances, acceptance of something.
7
Q
to a person’s face
A
openly in his presence.
8
Q
facet
A
(n)1. One of the many sides of a cut stone or jewel. 2. One aspect of a situation or problem.
9
Q
facetious
A
(adj) intended or intending to be amusing. Facetiously (adv), facetiousness (n).
10
Q
facilitate
A
(v) to make easy, to lessen the difficulty of. Facilitation (n).
11
Q
factual
A
(adj) based on or containing facts. Factually (adv).
12
Q
faculty
A
(n)1. Any of the powers of the body or mind, (the faculty of sight). 2. A particular kind of ability, (a faculty for learning languages). 3. A department teaching a particular subject in a university or college, (the faculty of Law).
13
Q
fad
A
(n) a person’s particular like or dislike, a craze.
14
Q
without fail
A
for certain, whatever happens.
15
Q
fair play
A
equal opportunities and treatment for all
16
Q
fairly
A
(adv)1. In a fair manner. 2. Moderately, (fairly difficult). 3. Actually, (fairly jumped for joy). Fairly and squarely = fair and square: straightforwardly, above-board; exactly.
17
Q
fait accompli
A
a thing that is already done and not reversible.
18
Q
fakir
A
(n) a Muslim or Hindu religious beggar regarded as a holy man.
19
Q
fallacy
A
(n)1. A false or mistaken belief. 2. False reasoning. Fallacious (adj): containing a fallacy.
20
Q
fallible
A
(adj) liable to make mistakes. Fallibility (n).
21
Q
falsehood
A
(n)1. An untrue statement, a lie. 2. Telling lies.
22
Q
falsify
A
(v)(falsified, falsifying) 1. To alter (a document) fraudulently. 2. To misrepresent (facts). Falsification (n).
23
Q
falter
A
(v)1. To go or function unsteadily. 2. To become weaker, to begin to give way. 3. To speak or utter hesitantly, to stammer.
24
famished
(or famishing) (adj) suffering from extreme hunger.
25
fanatic
(n) a person filled with excessive enthusiasm for something. Fanatical (adj), fanatically (adv).
26
fancy oneself
(informal) to be rather conceited, to admire oneself.
27
a far cry from
greatly different from
28
by far
by a great amount
29
far and away
by far.
30
far and wide
over a large area.
31
far-fetched
(adj) (of an explanation etc.) strained, traced from something very remote and therefore unlikely.
32
far-reaching
(adj) having a wide range or influence or effect.
33
farce
(n)1. A light comedy. 2. This kind of drama. 3. Absurd and useless proceedings, a pretence. Farcical (adj).
34
farrier
(n) a smith who shoes horses.
35
farther
(adv & adj) at or to a greater distance, more remote. Farthest (adv & adj): at or to the greatest distance, most remote. (only used where the sense of 'distance' is involved, otherwise 'further' and 'furthest').
36
fascism
(n) a system of extreme right-wing dictatorial government. Fascist (n).
37
play fast and loose
to change one's attitude repeatedly, to ignore one's obligations.
38
fastidious
(adj)1. Selecting carefully, choosing only what is good. 2. Easily disgusted. Fastidiously (adv), fastidiousness (n)..
39
fastness
(n)1. The state of being fast or firm, (colour fastness). 2. A stronghold.
40
fatal
(adj)1. Causing or ending in death. 2. Causing disaster, (a fatal mistake). 3. Fateful (adj: bringing or producing great and usually unpleasant events), (the fatal day). Fatally (adv). Fatality (n): death caused by accident or in war etc.
41
fathom
(n) a measure of 6ft, used in stating the depth of water. (v)1. To measure the depth of. 2. To get to the bottom of, to understand. Fathomless (adj): too deep to fathom.
42
fatuous
(adj) foolish, silly. Fatuously (adv), fatuousness (n), fatuity (n).
43
faucet
(n)1. A tap for a barrel. 2. (Amer.) any kind of tap.
44
at fault
responsible for a mistake or shortcoming.
45
be in/out of favour
To have/not have a person's goodwill.
46
in favour of
in support of, in sympathy with; to the advantage of, (the exchange rate is in our favour); (of cheques) made out to (a person or his account).
47
for fear of
because of the risk of
48
without fear or favour
impartially
49
feasible
(adj)1. Able to be done, possible. 2. Likely, plausible. Feasibly (adv), feasibility (n).
50
feat
(n) a remarkable action or achievement.
51
feather in one's cap
an achievement one can be proud of.
52
feather-brained
(adj) empty-headed.
53
featherweight
(n)1. A boxing weight (57kg) between lightweight and bantamweight. 2. A very lightweight thing or person.
54
feckless
(adj) feeble and incompetent, irresponsible. Fecklessness (n).
55
federal
(adj)1. Of a system of government in which several States unite under a central authority but remain independent in internal affairs. 2. Belonging to this group as a whole (not to its separate parts). 3. Of an association of units that are largely independent. Federally (adv), federalism (m). Federate (v):1. To unite on a federal basis. 2. To band together for a common object; federation (n).
56
feeble
(adj) weak, without strength or force or effectiveness. Feebly (adv), feebleness (n). Feeble-minded (adj): mentally deficient, especially with a mental age of 8 or 9.
57
feign
(v) to pretend.
58
feint
(n) a slight attack or movement made in one place to divert attention from the main attack coming elsewhere. (v) to make a feint. (adj) (of ruled lines) faint.
59
felicitate
(v) to congratulate. Felicitation (n). Felicitous (adj): (of words or remarks) well chosen, apt. Felicitously (adv). Felicity (n):1. Being happy, great happiness. 2. A pleasing manner or style, (expressed himself with great felicity).
60
feline
(adj) of cats, cat-like. (n) an animal of the cat family.
61
at one fell swoop
in a single deadly action.
62
felony
(n)(old use) a crime regarded by the law as serious. Felonious (adj), felon (n).
63
fend for
to provide a livelihood for, to look after.
64
fend off
to ward off.
65
ferocious
(adj) fierce, savage. Ferociously (adv), ferocity (n).
66
fervent
(adj) showing warmth of feeling. Fervently (adv), fervour (n).
67
fester
(v) 1. To make or become septic and filled with pus. 2. To cause continuing resentment.
68
fetching (adj)
(adj) attractive.
69
fête
(n)1. A festival. 2. An outdoor entertainment or sale, usually to raise funds for a cause or charity. (v)(fêted, fêting) to entertain (a person) in celebration of some achievement etc.
70
fetid
(adj) stinking.
71
fetish
(n)1. An object worshipped by primitive peoples who believe it to have magical powers or to be inhabited by a spirit. 2. Anything to which foolishly excessive respect or attention is given.
72
feud
(n) lasting hostility between people or groups. (v) to carry on a feud.
73
feudal
(adj) of or according to the feudal system, a method of holding land (during the Middle Ages in Europe) by giving one's services to the owner. Feudalism (n), feudalistic (adj).
74
fiasco
(pl fiascos) a complete and ludicrous failure in something attempted.
75
fiat
(n) an order or decree.
76
fib
(n) an unimportant lie. (v)(fibbed, fibbing) to tell a fib. Fibber (n).
77
fickle
(adj) often changing, not constant or loyal. Fickleness (n).
78
fictitious
(adj) imagined, not real, not genuine, (a fictitious account).
79
fiddlesticks
nonsense
80
fiddly
(adj)(informal) small and awkward to use or do.
81
field-day
(n) a day of much activity, especially of brilliant and exciting events.
82
fieldwork
(n) practical work done outside libraries and laboratories eg. by surveyors, scientists, and social workers who visit people in their homes. Fieldworker (n).
83
fiend
(n)1. An evil spirit. 2. A very wicked or cruel person, one who causes mischief or annoyance. 3. A devotee or addict, (a fresh-air fiend). Fiendish (adj), fiendishly (adv).
84
fiery
(adj)1. consisting of fire, flaming. 2. Looking like fire, bright red. 3. Intensely hot, producing a burning sensation. 4. Intense, passionate, (a fiery speech). 5. Easily aroused, (a fiery temper). Fieriness (n).
85
fiesta
(n) a religious festival in Spanish-speaking countries.
86
fife
(n) a kind of small shrill flute used with a drum in military music.
87
figment
(n) a thing that does not exist except in the imagination.
88
figurative
(adj) using or containing a figure of speech, metaphorical, not literal. Figuratively (adv).
89
figure out
to work out by arithmetic; (Amer.) to interpret, to understand.
90
figurine
(n) a statuette.
91
filch
(v) to pilfer, to steal (something of small value).
92
filibuster
(n)(Amer.) 1. A person who tries to delay or prevent the passage of a bill by making long speeches. 2. This action. (v) to delay things in this way.
93
fill in
to complete by writing or drawing inside an outline; to complete (an unfinished document etc.); (informal) to inform (a person) more fully; to act as a substitute.
94
fill out
to enlarge, to become enlarged or plumper.
95
fill the bill
to be suitable for what is required.
96
fill up
(v) to fill completely; to fill in (a document).
97
filling station
an establishment selling petrol from pumps to motorists.
98
fillip
(n)1. A quick smart blow or stroke given with a finger. 2. Something that boosts or stimulates (trade etc.) (v)(filliped, filliping) to propel with a fillip.
99
filly
(n) a young female horse.
100
filth
(n)1. Disgusting dirt. 2. Obscenity.
101
finality
(n) the quality of being final.
102
finalise
(v)1. To bring to an end. 2. To put into its final form. Finalisation (n).
103
finance
(n)1. The management of money. 2. Money as support for an undertaking. (v) to provide the money for. Finances (pl n): the money resources of a country or company or person.
104
find one's feet
to become able to stand or walk; to develop one's powers and become able to act independently.
105
find oneself
to discover one's natural powers or one's vocation.
106
fine arts
those appealing to the sense of beauty, especially painting, sculpture, and architecture.
107
finery (1)
(n) fine clothes or decorations.
108
finesse
(n)1. Delicate manipulation. 2. Tact and cleverness.
109
have a finger in the pie
to be actively involved in a project.
110
finicking
(adj & n)1. Being fastidious. 2. Giving or requiring extreme care about details.
111
finish with
to complete one's use of; to end one's association with.
112
finite
(adj)1. Limited, not infinite. 2. (maths)...
113
fiord/ fjord
(n) a long narrow inlet of the seas between high cliffs as in Norway, formed where a glacier deepened a river valley.
114
fire away
(informal) to begin, to go ahead.
115
firearm
(n) a rifle, gun, pistol, or revolver.
116
firebrand
(n) a person who stirs up trouble.
117
in the firing line
in the forefront of an activity and liable to receive blame etc. (like in the front line of a battle).
118
firm (1)
(n) a partnership for carrying on a business, a commercial establishment.
119
at first hand / firsthand
obtained directly, from the original source.
120
first blood
the first success in a contest.
121
first-fruits
(pl n) the first of a season's agricultural products, offered to God; the first results of work etc.
122
first name
a personal or Christian name.
123
first-rate
(adj & adv) of the best class, excellent; (informal) very well.
124
firth
(n) an estuary or a narrow inlet of the sea in Scotland.
125
fiscal
(adj) of public revenue.
126
fishery
(n)1. Part of the sea where fishing is carried on. 2. The business of fishing.
127
fissure
(n) a cleft made by splitting or separation of parts.
128
fisticuffs
(n) fighting with the fists.
129
in fits and starts
in short bursts of activity, not steadily or regularly.
130
fit in
to make room or time etc. for; to be or cause to be harmonious or in a suitable relationship.
131
fit out/up
to supply or equip.
132
see/think fit
to decide or choose to do something, especially when this is unwise or without good reason.
133
fitful
(adj) occurring in short periods, not regularly or steadily. Fitfully (adv).
134
fittings
(pl n) the fixtures and fitments (pieces of fixed furniture) of a building.
135
fivefold
(adj & adv)1. Five times as much or as many. 2. Consisting of five parts.
136
fixation
(n)1. Fixing, being fixed. 2. An abnormal emotional attachment to a person or thing. 3. Concentration on one idea, an obsession.
137
fixedly
(adv) in a fixed way.
138
fixture
(n)1. A thing that is fixed in position. 2. A person or thing that is firmly established and unlikely to leave. 3. A date appointed for a match or race etc., the match or race itself.
139
fizzle out
to end feebly or unsuccessfully.
140
flabbergast
(v) to overwhelm with astonishment.
141
flaccid
(adj) hanging loose or wrinkled, not firm. Flaccidly (adv), flaccidity (n).
142
flag (2)
(v)(flagged, flagging)1. To hang down limply, to droop. 2. To lose vigour.
143
flagellate
(v) to whip. Flagellation (n).
144
flagon
(n)1. A large rounded bottle in which wine or cider etc. is sold, usually holding twice as much as an ordinary bottle. 2. A vessel with a handle, lip, and lid for serving wine at the table.
145
flagrant
(adj)(of an offence or error or an offender) very bad and obvious. Flagrantly (adv), flagrancy (n).
146
flail
(n) an old-fashioned tool for threshing grain, consisting of a strong stick hinged on a long handle. (v)1. To beat with or as if with a flail. 2. To wave or swing about wildly.
147
flair
(n) a natural ability to do something well or to select and recognise what is good or useful etc.
148
flamboyant
(adj)1. Coloured or decorated in a very showy way. 2. (of people) having a very showy appearance or manner. Flamboyantly (adv), flamboyance (n).
149
flammable
(adj) able to be set in fire. Flammability (n).
150
flank
(n)1. The fleshy part of the side of the body between the last rib and the hip. 2. The side of a building or mountain. 3. The right or left side of a body of troops etc. (v) to place or be situated at the side of.
151
flare up
to become suddenly angry.
152
flash in the pan
something that makes a promising start and then fails.
153
flashpoint
(n) the temperature at which vapour from oil etc. will ignite; the point at which anger is ready to break out.
154
flat out
at too speed; using all one's strength or resources.
155
flat rate
a rate that is the same in all cases, not proportional.
156
flattery
(n)1. Flattering. 2. Excessive or insincere compliments.
157
flatulent
(adj) causing or suffering from the formation of gas in the digestive tract. Flatulence (n).
158
flaunt
(v)1. To display proudly or ostentatiously. 2. (of a flag etc.) to wave proudly.
159
flawless
(adj) without a flaw (imperfection, blemish), flawlessly (adv), flawlessness (n).
160
fleck
(n)1. A very small patch of colour. 2. A small particle, a speck.
161
fledged
(adj)1. (of young birds) with fully grown wing deaths, able to fly. 2. Mature, trained and experienced, (a fully-fledged engineer).
162
fleece
(n)1. The woolly hair of a sheep or similar animal. 2. A soft fabric used for linings etc. (v) to defraud, to rob by trickery. Fleecy (adj).
163
fleet (2)
(adj) moving swiftly, nimble. Fleetly (adv), fleetness (n).
164
fleeting
(adj) passing quickly, brief, (a fleeting glimpse).
165
flesh and blood
human nature, people with their emotions and weaknesses; (one's own flesh and blood), relatives, descendants.
166
in the flesh
in bodily form, in person.
167
flexion
(n) bending, a bent state, especially of a joint or limb.
168
flick through
to turn over cards or pages etc. quickly.
169
flicker
(v)1. To burn or shine unsteadily. 2. (of hope etc.) to occur briefly. 3. To quiver, to move quickly to and fro. (n) a flickering movement of light, a brief occurrence of hope etc.
170
take flight
to flee.
171
flighty
(adj)(flightier, flightiest) (of a girl or woman) without a serious purpose or interest, frivolous. Flightiness (n).
172
flimsy
(adj)(flimsier, flimsiest) 1. Light and thin, of loose structure, fragile. 2. Unconvincing, (a flimsy excuse). Flimsily (adv), flimsiness (n).
173
flinch
(v)1. To draw back in fear, to wince. 2. To shrink from one's duty etc.
174
flip side
the reverse side of a gramophone record.
175
flippant
(adj) not showing proper seriousness. Flippantly (adv), flippancy (n).
176
flit
(v)(flitted, flitting)1. To fly or move lightly and quickly. 2. To decamp in a stealthy way. (n) a move of this kind.
177
floe
(n) a sheet of floating ice.
178
flog
(v)(flogged, flogging)1. To beat severely with a rod or whip, as a punishment. 2. (slang) to sell. Flogging (n).
179
floodgate
(n) a gate that can be opened or closed to control the flow or water, especially the lower gate of a lock.
180
have the floor
to have the right to speak next in a debate.
181
floodlight
(n) a lamp used for producing a broad bright beam of light to light up a stage or building etc. (v)(floodlit, floodlighting) to illuminate with this.
182
flop
(v)(flopped, flopping) 1. To hang or sway heavily and loosely. 2. To fall or move or sit down clumsily. 3. (slang) to be a failure. (n)1. A flooding movement or sound. 2. (slang) a failure. (adv) with a flop.
183
florid
(adj)1. Elaborate and ornate. 2. (of the complexion) ruddy.
184
flotilla
(n)1. A small fleet. 2. A fleet of boats or small ships.
185
flotsam and jetsam
odds and ends.
186
flounce (1)
(v) to go in an impatient annoyed manner, (flounced out of the room). (n) a flouncing movement.
187
flounder (2)
(v)1. To move clumsily and with difficulty as in mud. 2. To make mistakes or become confused when trying to do something.
188
flout
(v) to disobey openly and scornfully.
189
in flower
with the flowers out.
190
fluctuate
(v) (of levels, prices, etc) to vary irregularly, to rise and fall. Fluctuation (n).
191
fluent
(adj)1. (of a person) able to speak smoothly and readily. 2. (of speech) coming smoothly and readily. Fluently (adv), fluency (n).
192
fluke (1)
(n) an accidental stroke of luck.
193
flummox
(v)(informal) to baffle.
194
flurry
(n)1. A short sudden rush if wind or rain or snow. 2. A commotion. 3. A state of nervous agitation. (v)(flurried, flurrying) to fluster.
195
fluster
(v) to make nervous and confused. (n) a flustered state.
196
fly in the ointment
one small thing that spoils enjoyment.
197
fly at
to attack violently, either physically or with words.
198
fly in the face of
to disregard or disobey openly.
199
fly off the handle
(informal) to become uncontrollable angry.
200
send flying
to knock (a person or thing) violently aside.
201
flying start
a vigorous start giving one an initial advantage.
202
flyover
(n) a bridge that carries one road or railway over another.
203
foal
(n) the young of a horse or of a related animal. (v) to give birth to a foal.
204
fob off
to palm (a thing) off, to get (a person) to accept something of little or no value instead of what he is seeking. (fobbed, fobbing)
205
in/out of focus
seen or not seen sharply by the eye of a lens.
206
fodder
(n) dried food, hay, etc. for horses and farm animals.
207
fogy
(n) a person with old-fashioned ideas, (an old fogy).
208
foible
(n) a harmless peculiarity in a person's character.
209
foil
(n)1. Metal hammered or rolled into a thin sheet, (tin foil). 2. A person or thing that contrasts strongly with another and therefore makes the other's qualities more obvious. (v) to thwart, to frustrate. (n) a long thin sword with a button on the point, used in fencing.
210
foist
(v) to cause a person to accept (something inferior or unwelcome or undeserved), (the job was foisted on us).
211
fold (2)
(n)1. An enclosure for sheep. 2. An established body of people with the same beliefs or aims, the members of a Church. Return to the fold: to rejoin such a group.
212
foliage
(n) the leaves of a tree or plant.
213
folksy
(adj)1. Simple in manner. 2. Friendly, sociable.
214
follow suit
to play a card of the suit led; to follow a person's example.
215
follow up
to add a further action or blow etc. to a previous one; to perform further work or investigation etc. upon. Follow-up (n).
216
foment
(v) to arouse or stimulate (trouble, discontent, etc.)
217
foolery
(n) foolish acts or behaviour.
218
foolhardy
(adj) bold but rash, delighting in taking unnecessary risks. Foolhardiness (n).
219
foolproof
(adj)1. (of rules or instructions) plain and simple and unable to be misinterpreted. 2. (of machinery) very simple to operate.
220
feet of clay
a great weakness, in a person or thing that is honoured.
221
have a foot in both camps
to be a member of each of two opposing factions.
222
have one foot in the grave
to be nearing death or very old.
223
on foot
walking not riding.
224
to one's feet
to a standing position
225
footing
(n)1. A placing of the feet, a foothold; (lost his footing), slipped. 2. A status, conditions, (put the army on a war footing).
226
footloose
(adj) independent, without responsibilities.
227
forage
(n)1. Food for horses and cattle. 2. Foraging. (v) to go searching, to rummage.
228
foray
(n) a sudden attack or raid, especially to obtain something.
229
forbearance
(n) patience, tolerance. (v)(forbear, forbore, forborne, forbearing) to refrain, to refrain from, (could not forbear criticising or from criticising; forbore to mention it).
230
force a person's hand
to compel him to take action.
231
force the issue
to make an immediate decision necessary.
232
force the pace
to adopt a high speed in a race etc. and so tire out others who are taking part.
233
force-feed
(v)(force-fed, force-feeding) to feed (a prisoner etc.) against his will.
234
forcible
(adj) done by force, forceful. Forcibly (adv).
235
to the fore
in front; conspicuous.
236
forebears
(pl n) ancestors.
237
forebode
(v) to be an advance sign or token (of trouble).
238
forefront
(n) the very front.
239
foregone conclusion
a result that can be foreseen easily and with certainty.
240
foreground
(n)1. The part of a scene or picture that is nearest to an observer. 2. The most conspicuous position.
241
foreknowledge
(n) knowledge of something before it occurs.
242
foreman
(n) (pl foremen) 1. A workman whose job is to superintend other workmen. 2. A man acting as president and spokesman of a jury.
243
forensic
(adj)1. Of or used in law courts. 2. Of or involving forensic medicine, the medical knowledge needed in legal matters or police investigations (eg. in a poisoning case).
244
forerunner
(n) a person or thing that comes in advance of another which it foreshadows.
245
foresight
(n) the ability to foresee and prepare for future needs.
246
foreshadow
(v) to be a sign of (something that is to come).
247
forestall
(v) to prevent or foil (a person or his plans) by taking action first.
248
foretaste
(n) an experience of something in advance of what is to come.
249
foretell
(v)(foretold, foretelling) to forecast, to prophesy.
250
forethought
(n) careful thought and planning for the future.
251
forewarn
(v) to warn beforehand.
252
forge (v)
(v) 1. To shape by heating in fire and hammering. 2. To make an imitation or copy of (a thing) in order to pass it off fraudulently as real. Forger (n). Forgery (n).
253
forgo
(v)(forwent, forgone, forgoing) to give up, to go without.
254
forlorn
(adj) left alone and unhappy. Forlornly (adv). Forlorn hope: the only faint hope left.
255
formal
(adj)1. Conforming to accepted rules or customs, showing or requiring formality. 2. Outward, (only a formal resemblance). 3. regular or geometrical in design, (formal gardens). Formally (adv). Formality (n). Formalise (v).
256
formative
(adj) forming something; (a child's formative years), while its character is being formed.
257
formidable
(adj)1. Inspiring fear or awe. 2. Difficult to do or overcome, (a formidable task). Formidably (adv).
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formulate
(v) to express clearly and exactly. Formulation (n).
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forth
(adv)1. Out. 2. Onwards, forwards, (from this day forth). And so forth: and so on, back and forth: to and fro.
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forthcoming
(adj)1. About to come forth or appear; (forthcoming events), things about to take place. 2. Made available when needed, (money was not forthcoming). 3. (informal) willing to give information.
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forthright
(adj) frank, outspoken.
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fortify
(v)(fortified, fortifying)1. To strengthen (a place) against attack, especially by constructing fortifications. 2. To strengthen mentally or morally, to increase the vigour of. 3. To increase the food value of (bread etc.) by adding vitamins, to strengthen (wine, eg. sherry) with alcohol.
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fortitude
(n) courage in bearing pain or trouble.
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fortuitous
(adj) happening by chance. Fortuitously (adv).
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foster
(v)1. To promote the growth or development of. 2. To take care of and bring up (a child that is not one's own).
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foul play
a foul in sport; a violent crime, especially murder.
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found (2)
(v)1. To establish, to originate, to provide money for starting (an institution etc.) 2. To base, (a novel that is founded in fact). Founder (n), foundress (n).
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founder (3)
(v)1. To stumble or fall. 2. (of a ship) to fill with water and sink. 3. To fail completely, (the plan foundered).
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foursome
(n)1. A company of four people. 2. A golf match between two pairs, with partners playing the same ball. (adj) for four people, (a foursome reel).
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foxy
(adj)(foxier, foxiest)1. Reddish brown. 2. Crafty. 3. Looking like a fox.
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fracas
(n)(pl fracas) a noisy quarrel or disturbance.
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fractious
(adj) irritable, peevish. Fractiously (adv), fractiousness (n).
273
frailty
(n)1. Being frail, weakness. 2. Moral weakness, liable to yield to temptation.
274
frame of mind
a temporary state of mind.
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frame of reference
a set of principles or standards by which ideas and behaviour etc. are evaluated.
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frame-up
(n)(slang) the arrangement of false evidence against an innocent person.
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franchise
(n)1. The right to vote at public elections. 2. Authorisation to sell a company's goods or services in a particular area.
278
fraternal
(adj) of a brother or brothers. Fraternally (adv).
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fraternise
(v) to associate with others in a friendly way. Fraternisation (n). Fraternity (n).
280
fraudulent
(adj) acting with fraud, obtained by fraud. Fraudulently (adv), fraudulence (n).
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fraught
(adj) filled, involving, (fraught with danger).
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fray
(n) a fights a conflict, (ready for the fray). (v)(frayed, fraying) 1. To make worn so that there are loose threads, especially at the edge. 2. To strain or upset (nerves or temper). 3. To become frayed.
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frazzle
(n) a completely exhausted state (worn to a frazzle).
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freak
(n) 1. A person or thing that is abnormally in form. 2. Something very unusual or irregular (a freak storm). 3. A person who dresses absurdly. Freakish (adj).
285
free and easy
Informal
286
free-for-all
(n) a free fight, a discussion in which anyone present may join.
287
free lance
A person who sells his services to various employers, not employed by one only.
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free port
One open to all traders alike.
289
free-standing
(adj) not supported by a framework.
290
free speech
The right to express opinions of any kind.
291
free trade
Trade left to its natural course, without restrictions on imports etc.
292
free will
The power of choosing one's own course of action.
293
freemasonry
(n) sympathy and mutual help between people of similar interests.
294
freeway
(n) (Amer.) a motorway on which there are no tolls.
295
freight
(n) 1. The transport of goods in containers or by water or by air (in the USA also by land). 2. The goods transported, cargo. 3. The charge for this. (v) to load (a ship) with cargo, to send or carry as cargo. Freighter: (n) a ship or aircraft carrying mainly freight.
296
frenzied
(adj) in a state of frenzy, wildly excited or agitated. Frenziedly (adj), frenzy (n).
297
fret
(v) (fretted, fretting) 1. To make or become unhappy, to worry, to vex. 2. To wear away by gnawing or rubbing. (n) a state of unhappiness or worry, vexation. Fretful (adj), fretfully (adv).
298
friar
(n) a man who is a member of certain Roman Catholic religious orders (especially the Franciscans, Augustinians, Dominicans, and Carmelites), working among people in the outside world and not as enclosed orders. Friary: (n) a monastery of friars.
299
frigate
(n) a small fast naval escort vessel or a small destroyer.
300
frigid
(adj) 1. Intensely cold. 2. Very cold and formal in manner. Frigidly (adv), frigidity (n).
301
frill
(n) 1. A gathered or pleated strip of trimming attached at one edge. 2. An unnecessary extra (simple accommodation with no frills). Frilled (adj), frilly (adv).
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fringe
(n) 1. An ornamental edging of hanging threads or cords etc. 2. Something resembling this. 3. Front hair cut short to hang over the forehead. 4. The edge of an area or a group etc. (v) 1. To decorate with a fringe. 2. To form a fringe to. Fringe benefits: benefits that are provided for an employee in addition to wages or salary.
303
frisk
(v) 1. To leap or skip playfully. 2. To pass one's hands over (a person) in order to search for concealed weapons etc. Frisky (adj) (friskier, friskiest), friskiness (n).
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fritter
(v) to waste little by little, especially on trivial things.
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frivolous
(adj) lacking a serious purpose, pleasure-loving. Frivolously (adv), frivolity (n). Frivol (v) (frivolled, frivolling): to spend one's time frivolously.
306
frock
(n) a women's or girl's dress.
307
have a frog in one's throat
To be unable to speak except hoarsely.
308
frogman
(n) a swimmer equipped with a rubber suit, flippers etc., and an oxygen supply for swimming and working under water.
309
frolic
(v) (frolicked, frolicking) to play about in a lively cheerful way. (n) lively cheerful playing or entertainment.
310
front runner
The contestant who seems most likely to succeed.
311
frontage
(n) 1. The front of a building. 2. The land bordering its front.
312
frontal
(adj) 1. Of or on the front. 2. Of or associated with a warm or cold front. Frontally (adv).
313
frontier
(n) 1. The land-border of a country. 2. The limit of attainment or knowledge achieved in a subject.
314
frosty
(adj) (frostier, frostiest) 1. Cold with frost. 2. Very cold and unfriendly in manner. Frostily (adv), frostiness (n).
315
frugal
(adj) 1. Careful and economical. 2. Scanty, costing little (a frugal meal). Frugally (adv), frugality (n).
316
frump
(n) a dowdily-dressed woman. Frumpish (adj).
317
fuddle
(v) to stupefy, especially with alcoholic drink.
318
fuddy-duddy
(adj) (slang) out of date, unable to accept new ideas. (n) (slang) a person of this kind.
319
fugitive
(n) a person who is fleeing or escaping from something. (adj) 1. Fleeing, escaping. 2. Transient.
320
fulfil
(v) (fulfilled, fulfilling) 1. To accomplish, to carry out (a task). 2. To do what is required by (a treaty etc.), to satisfy the requirements of. 3. To make (a prophecy) come true. Fulfilment (n). Fulfil oneself or be fulfilled: (of persons) to develop and use one's abilities etc. fully.
321
in full
With nothing omitted, for the whole amount (paid in full).
322
to the full
Thoroughly, completely
323
fume
(n) (usually fumes) strong-smelling smoke or gas or vapour. (v) 1. To treat with chemical fumes, especially to darken wood (fumed oak). 2. To emit fumes. 3. To seethe with anger.
324
furore
(n) an uproar of enthusiastic admiration or fury.
325
furtive
(adj) sly, stealthy. Furtively (adv), furtiveness (n).
326
futile
(adj) producing no result, useless. Futility (n).
