IELTS Vocab - U6 Flashcards
(134 cards)
1
Q
to work correctly and as expected
(verb, I)
… effectively/properly/well
Flights were delayed because the airport computer system was not … .
A
function
/ˈfʌŋkʃən/
2
Q
the ability to speak or write a language easily, well, and quickly
(noun, B2)
One of the requirements of the job is … in two or more African languages.
His time here is certainly improving his … .
A
fluency
/ˈfluː.ən.si/
3
Q
(a) talk between two or more people in which thoughts, feelings, and ideas are expressed, questions are asked and answered, or news and information is exchanged
(noun)
She had a strange … with the man who moved in upstairs.
It’s impossible to hold/carry on a … with all this noise going on!
I struck up (= started) an interesting conversation with your uncle.
Because of television, many people have lost the art of … (= talking to each other).
Whenever I’m in a social situation with my boss, we seem to run out of … (= things to say to each other) after two minutes!
A
conversation
ˌ/kɑːn.vɚˈseɪ.ʃən/
4
Q
to say things to someone who you do not know well, in order to be polite
(idiom)
I was just trying to … … .
A
make conversation
/kɑːn.vɚˈseɪ.ʃən/
5
Q
purpose or usefulness
(noun)
[ + -ing verb ] informal There’s no … arguing about it - we’re going and that’s that.
I’d like to write to him, but what’s the …? He never writes back.
I see little … in discussing this further.
A
point
/pɔɪnt/
6
Q
a place to stay or live
(noun)
They paid for his flights and hotel … .
There’s a shortage of cheap … in the city.
There is … for about five hundred students on campus.
Hostels are a temporary solution until the families can be housed in permanent … .
A
accommodation
/əˌkɑː.məˈdeɪ.ʃən/
7
Q
the fact of being exact or correct
(noun)
Patricia has checked the reports and can vouch for the … of the information.
Experience is needed to use the machine with … .
The computer will calculate your position with pinpoint … .
He always hits the ball with great … .
Predictions can be made with a high degree of ….
A
accuracy
/ˈæk.jɚ.ə.si/
8
Q
to change words into a different language
(verb)
We were asked to … a list of sentences.
She works for the UN, … from English into French.
A
translate
/trænsˈleɪt/
9
Q
to create something or bring into existence
(verb)
Bukowski .. poetry and novels.
Dairy goods and beef are … locally.
A
produce
/prəˈduːs/
10
Q
to get a particular number of points on a test or in an examination
(verb)
She did well in her exam, … 85, well above the necessary 60.
All the youngsters … well in intelligence tests.
A
score
/skɔːr/
11
Q
to continue making an effort to do or achieve something, even when this is difficult or takes a long time
(verb)
If you … long enough and work hard enough, you’ll eventually succeed.
I did not … with learning to play the violin.
We will … in this struggle for peace, no matter how long it takes.
The prime minister is aware of the risks of … with an unpopular policy.
He urged them to … in keeping the promises they had made.
A
persevere
/ˌpɝː.səˈvɪr/
12
Q
to find something or someone annoying or offensive
(idiom)
I … … real … with people who use their mobile phones on the train.
She can smoke - I don’t … … … with that.
A
have a problem with something/someone
13
Q
said when you are about to tell someone the most important fact they should remember in a situation
(idiom)
… … … … … …, you can only do your best.
A
when all is said and done
14
Q
to experience difficulty and make a very great effort in order to do something
[ + to infinitive ] The dog had been … to get free of the wire noose.
I’ve been … to understand this article all afternoon.
Fish … for survival when the water level drops in the lake.
A
struggle
/ˈstrʌɡ.əl/
15
Q
If something … someone or something, it is too much, or almost too much, for them to manage
(verb)
An attack that injures massive numbers would … hospitals.
Doctors’ offices would be … with phone calls.
A
overwhelm
/ˌoʊ·vərˈhwelm/
16
Q
or more exactly
(idiom)
Our friends, … … … … our son’s friends, will meet us at the airport.
A
this is to say …
17
Q
as you would expect; added to, or used to introduce, a remark giving information that is expected and not surprising
(idiom)
… … …, he’ll be off work for a while.
A
needless to say
18
Q
used to show that what you are describing is in fact much more serious or important than you have suggested
(idiom, C1)
It’s going to be awkward, … … … … .
A
to say the least
19
Q
said to mean that something has advantages
(idiom)
… … … … … … … living alone.
A
there’s something to be said for
(also there’s a lot to be said for)
20
Q
despite what has just been said
(idiom)
He forgets most things, but … … …, he always remembers my birthday.
A
having said that
21
Q
used to show that you completely agree with what someone has said
(idiom)
A
you can say that again!
22
Q
to repeat the main points of an explanation or a description
(verb)
Finally, the teacher … the main points of the lesson.
To …, our main aim is to increase sales by 15 percent this year.
A
recap
/ˈriː.kæp/ /ˌriːˈkæp/
23
Q
to bring the memory of a past event into your mind, and often to give a description of what you remember
(verb, B2)
he old man …the city as it had been before the war.
“As I …,” he said with some irritation, “you still owe me €150.”
[ + (that) ] He …(that) he had sent the letter over a month ago.
[ + question word ] Can you …what happened last night?
[ + -ing verb ] She …seeing him outside the shop on the night of the robbery.
A
recall
/riː.’kɑːl/
24
Q
a guess about something based on how it seems and not on proof
(noun [ C or U ])
There’s been a lot of … in the media recently about the marriage.
A
conjecture
/kənˈdʒek.tʃɚ/
25
to make clear what you think or want without saying it directly
(verb [ T ] formal)
[ + (that) ] She has ...that she will resign if she loses the vote.
intimate
/ˈɪn.tə.meɪt/
26
the official right to belong to a particular country
She has British ....
What ...are you?
nationality
/ˌnæʃ.ənˈæl.ə.t̬i/ /ˌnæʃˈnæl.ə.t̬i/
27
If someone has a ...to do or like something, they will probably do it or like it
(noun [ C ], C1)
[ + to infinitive ] His ... to exaggerate is well known.
tendency
/ˈten.dən.si/
28
to receive money, a house, etc. from someone after they have died
(verb, C2 )
Who will ... the house when he dies?
All her children will ... equally.
inherit
/ɪnˈher.ɪt/
29
existing as a natural or basic part of something
(adjective, C2)
There are dangers/risks ...in almost every sport.
I have an ...distrust of lawyers.
inherent
/ɪnˈhɪr.ənt/
30
to interest someone a lot, especially by being strange, unusual, or mysterious
(verb [ T ])
Throughout history, people have been ... by the question of whether there is intelligent life elsewhere in the universe.
intrigue
/ɪnˈtriːɡ/
31
to communicate what you think or feel, by speaking or writing, or in some other way
(verb [ T ], B2)
I'm afraid I'm not ... ... very clearly.
Children often ... ... in painting.
He felt he was unable to ... ... freely when his boss was around.
We were raised to debate issues and not to be afraid to ... ... .
Everyone she meets is impressed by the ease with which she ... ... .
express yourself
32
to show, point, or make clear in another way
(verb, B2)
Exploratory investigations have ... large amounts of oil below the sea bed.
[ + question word ] Please ... which free gift you would like to receive.
[ + (that) ] She ... to me (that) she didn't want me to say anything.
indicate
/ˈɪn.də.keɪt/
33
used when you want to say that two or more things are not true
(phrase, B2)
... my mother ... my father went to university.
They speak ... French ... German, but a mixture of the two.
I ... know ... care what happened to him.
He had ... the energy ... the inclination to help.
We have ... the time ... the resources to address the problem.
I ... praise ... criticize him.
neither ... nor
34
only; and nothing more
(adverb, B2)
I wasn't complaining, I ... said that I was tired.
I didn't say that you had to go - I ... suggested that you might want to go.
merely
/ˈmɪr.li/
35
to talk or write about someone or something, especially in only a few words
(phrasal verb, B2)
In her autobiography she occasionally ... ... her unhappy schooldays.
He always ... ... the house as his "refuge".
refer to someone/something
/rɪˈfɝː/
36
to have a conversation with someone
(verb, formal)
She's so shy that ... with her can be pretty hard.
converse
/kənˈvɝːs/
37
to notice or understand the difference between two things, or to make one person or thing seem different from another
(verb, B2)
He's colour-blind and can't ...(the difference) between red and green easily.
I sometimes have difficulty ...Spanish from Portuguese.
It's important to ...between business and pleasure.
It's not the beauty so much as the range of his voice that ...him from other tenors.
distinguish
/dɪˈstɪŋ.ɡwɪʃ/
38
existing or happening independently or in a different physical space
(adjective, B1)
The art department and the music department are in two ... buildings.
I try to keep meat ...from other food in the fridge.
I have my public life and my private life, and as far as possible I try to keep them ... .
Three youths have been shot and killed in ... incidents this month.
separate
/ˈsep.ɚ.ət/
39
to explain or examine something in order to make its meaning clearer
(verb, B1, [ T ])
He read the agreed statement to the group and then began to ...it for them.
unpack
/ʌnˈpæk/
40
a principle or idea
(noun)
The ... of free speech is unknown to them.
It is very difficult to define the ... of beauty.
I failed to grasp the film's central ... .
Kleenbrite is a whole new ... in toothpaste!
concept
/ˈkɑːn.sept/
41
after a period of time
(phrase)
I assume they plan to have children ... ... ... ... ... .
... ... ... ... ..., and once her parents' estate was settled, she received a small inheritance.
Shakespeare's plays were first printed in 1616, and, ... ... ... ... ..., more editions were published.
We hope that ... ... ... ... ... these two branches of the legal profession may be merged.
It is possible that ... ... ... ... ... scientific research may be able to shed more light on the origins of the universe.
over the course of time
(also in the course of time)
42
If a way of thinking, a system, or a machine is ..., it is complicated or made with great skill
(adjective, B2)
... computer systems
sophisticated
/səˈfɪs.tə.keɪ.t̬ɪd/
43
to understand something or to find the answer to something by thinking about it
(phrasal verb, C2)
[ + question word ] There will be a full investigation to ... ... what caused the accident.
[ + that ] Investigators needed several months to ... ... that a fraud had been committed.
work something out
(US usually figure sth out)
44
to teach someone how to do something
(verb, C2)
He works in a sports centre ... people in the use of the gym equipment.
instruct
/ɪnˈstrʌkt/
45
at the beginning
(adverb, B2)
..., most people approved of the new plan.
The damage was far more serious than ...believed.
initially
/ɪˈnɪʃ.əl.i/
46
to appear by coming out of something or out from behind something
She ... from the sea, blue with cold.
emerge
=> to appear
appear: One or two clouds appeared in the sky.
be/become visible: As the beach gets darker, the glow of city lights becomes more visible.
show itself: He believes the impact is showing itself clearly already.
emerge: A slender figure is seen emerging from the darkness.
loom: Clouds of volcanic ash loomed menacingly overhead.
47
to develop gradually, or to cause something or someone to develop gradually
(verb [ I or T ], C1)
Did humans ...from apes?
The company has ...over the years into a multi-million dollar organization.
Bacteria are ...resistance to antibiotics.
evolve
/ɪˈvɑːlv/
=> to make different
change: She'll always be like that - you can't change her.
alter: We've had to alter our plans.
vary: Try to vary the children's diet a little.
convert: We're going to convert the spare bedroom into an office.
turn into: There are plans to turn his latest book into a film.
transform: The riverside area has been transformed into a shopping and sports complex.
48
a movement of the hands, arms, or head, etc. to express an idea or feeling
(noun, C1)
The prisoner raised his fist in a ...of defiance as he was led out of the courtroom.
She made a rude ...at the other driver.
gesture
/ˈdʒes.tʃɚ/
49
a method or way of doing something
(noun, plural: means)
They had no ...of communication.
We need to find some other ...of transportation.
We need to use every ...at our disposal.
She tried to explain by ...of sign language.
There is no ...of tracing the debt at all.
The family had no ...of support (= way of getting money).
means
/miːnz/
50
in a way that is natural, often sudden, and not planned or forced
(adverb)
This story may prompt you to burst ...into uncontrollable sobs.
spontaneously
/spɑːnˈteɪ.ni.əs.li/
51
a hidden problem or disadvantage
(noun, S)
what's the catch Free food? It sounds too good to be true. What's the catch?
catch
/kætʃ/
52
the way something is naturally made or the way it has been arranged
(noun, C2)
a rock ...
cloud ...
formation
/fɔːrˈmeɪ.ʃən/
53
someone or something that is not included in a rule, group, or list or that does not behave in the expected way
(noun, [ C or U ], B2)
Men are usually quite good at map-reading but Tim is the ... .
There are ... to every rule.
I like all kinds of movies with the ... of (= but not) horror movies.
Her books are always entertaining and this one is no ... .
You must report here every Tuesday without ... .
exception
/ɪkˈsep.ʃən/
54
used to say that a particular choice would be more satisfactory
(phrase)
Why don't you give her a call or, ... ..., go and see her?
Try a bean burger instead of a regular burger. ... ..., choose a grilled mushroom.
Provide a bowl of water or, ... ... , a pond for visiting wildlife.
better still
(also even better)
55
a form of a language that people speak in a particular part of a country, containing some different words and grammar, etc.
(noun , C2)
a regional ...
The poem is written in northern ... .
dialect
/ˈdaɪ.ə.lekt/
56
to find information, a place, or an object, especially for the first time
Who ...America?
We searched all morning for the missing papers and finally ...them in a drawer.
[ + question word ] Scientists have ...how to predict an earthquake.
[ + (that) ] She ...(that) her husband was having an affair.
[ + to infinitive ] Following a routine check-up, Mrs Mason was ...to have heart disease.
[ + obj + -ing verb ] The boss ...him stealing money from the cash register.
discover
/dɪˈskʌv.ɚ/
57
someone who studies foreign languages or can speak them very well, or someone who teaches or studies linguistics
linguist
/ˈlɪŋ.ɡwɪst/
58
to start to happen or exist
(verb, C1 formal)
If the opportunity ..., I'd love to go to China.
Problems ...when the payment is late.
He died of complications ...from heart surgery.
should the need ...
(also if the need ...)
if it is necessary:
Could you work on Saturday, should the need ...?
We can always rent a car, should the need ... .
I will help you should the need ... .
They are prepared to make a higher bid if the need ... .
Production can be increased quickly if the need ... .
arise
/əˈraɪz/
(arose | arisen)
59
a set of animals or plants in which the members have similar characteristics to each other and can breed with each other
(plural: species)
Mountain gorillas are an endangered ... .
Over a hundred ... of insect are found in this area.
species
/ˈspiː.ʃiːz/ /ˈspiː.siːz/
60
not often
(adverb)
We ...see each other now.
I ...have time to read a newspaper.
(forma) ...have I seen such a beautiful sunset.
rarely
/ˈrer.li/
61
without any particular purpose
(adj, C2)
... chatter/gossip/speculation
an ... glance
This is no ... threat.
idle
/ˈaɪ.dəl/
62
the activity of guessing possible answers to a question without having enough information to be certain
(noun, C1)
Rumours that they are about to marry have been dismissed as pure ... .
... about his future plans is rife.
[ + that ] News of the president's illness fuelled/prompted ... that an election will be held later in the year.
speculation
/ˌspek.jəˈleɪ.ʃən/
63
united and working together effectively
(adjective)
a ... group
... forces
cohesive
/koʊˈhiː.sɪv/
64
a member of the most developed and intelligent group of mammals, including humans, monkeys, and apes
noun
primate
/ˈpraɪ.meɪt/
65
good knowledge and judgment about yourself
noun, C2
self-awareness
/ˌself.əˈwer.nəs/
66
representing something else
adjective, C2
The skull at the bottom of the picture is ... of death.
symbolic
/sɪmˈbɑː.lɪk/
67
relating to something's or someone's basic or most important qualities
adjective
I love the building as it is, and don't want to do anything to change its ... character.
She believes in the ... goodness of human beings.
essential
/ɪˈsen.ʃəl/
68
someone who follows people in order to harm them or commit a crime against them
noun, C1
predator
/ˈpred.ə.t̬ɚ/
69
an animal that hunts, kills, and eats other animals
noun
a ... predator
In court, he was accused of being a merciless ... who had tricked his grandmother out of her savings.
predator
/ˈpred.ə.t̬ɚ/
70
possibly
adverb, B2
Hepatitis is a ... fatal disease.
This crisis is ... the most serious in the organization's history.
potentially
/poʊˈten.ʃəl.i/
71
to send people to live in and govern another country
verb
Peru was ... by the Spanish in the 16th century.
European nations set about violently invading and ... large chunks of the globe.
Some scientists believe that we will have to ... other planets.
colonize
/ˈkɑː.lə.naɪz/
72
a little
adverb
slightly
/ˈslaɪt.li/
73
a country in Southeast Asia formed of a group of islands
noun
Indonesia
/ˌɪn.dəˈniː.ʒə/
74
a person related to you who lived a long time ago
noun
There were portraits of his ... on the walls of the room.
ancestor
/ˈæn.ses.tɚ/
75
unable to speak because you are so angry, shocked, surprised, etc.
adjective, C1
The news left us ... .
She was ... with indignation.
speechless
/ˈspiːtʃ.ləs/
76
to be completely different from something
idiom, C1
This flat is a ... ... .. the house they had before.
be a far cry from something
77
however, nevertheless
I don’t really like weddings. ..., I’ll have to go or they’ll be offended.
… there was not one air-conditioned room on the tour and there were not enough minibuses for all the passengers. ..., I did manage to get into one minibus but it broke down on the way to the hotel.
Still
/stɪl/
78
being the first of its type
adjective
... flight/voyage: The airline launched its Washington to Paris service with a ... flight for journalists and investors.
... bond/dividend: The phone operator is expected to pay a ... dividend to shareholders next spring.
maiden
/ˈmeɪ.dən/
79
If two or more facts, numbers, etc. ... or are ..., there is a relationship between them
verb
Stress levels and heart disease are strongly ... (= connected).
correlate
/ˈkɔːr.ə.leɪt/
80
a baby
noun
a newborn ...
infant
/ˈɪn.fənt/
81
the increase of something in size, number, or importance
noun
the rapid ... of the software industry
... into new areas of research is possible.
an ... of industry
expansion
/ɪkˈspæn.ʃən/
82
moving from one place to another rather than living in one place all of the time
adjective
... people/herdsmen
a ... life/existence
nomadic
/noʊˈmæd.ɪk/
83
of or belonging to an ancient period in history
adjective
an ... system of government
an ... law/rule/language
archaic
/ɑːrˈkeɪ.ɪk/
84
to try very hard to keep something
C2
He ... ... ... power for another ten years.
cling (on) to something
85
(of babies) to make a happy sound with the back of the throat
verb
The baby lay ... in her cot.
gurgle
/ˈɡɝː.ɡəl/
86
the simple form of language mothers often use when talking to their babies
noun
the special sing-song way in which parents vocalize to their infants, known as "baby talk" or ...
motherese
/ˌmʌð.ɚˈiːz/
87
a slight knowledge of something, or a small amount
noun
I know a ... of German.
There was a ... of boos when he was introduced.
smattering
/ˈsmæt̬.ɚ.ɪŋ/
88
conversation that is funny and not serious
noun
He considered himself a master of witty ....
banter
/ˈbæn.t̬ɚ/
89
the act or sound of laughing
noun
She roared with ... (= laughed very loudly).
As we approached the hall we could hear the sound of ....
laughter
/ˈlæf.tɚ/
90
the state of feeling healthy and happy
noun, C1
People doing yoga benefit from an increased feeling of ....
well-being
/ˌwelˈbiː.ɪŋ/
91
a drug that contains opium, especially one that causes sleep
noun
opiate
/ˈoʊ.pi.ət/
92
a group of countries, political parties, or people who have agreed to work together because of shared interests or aims
noun, C2
a military ...
NATO is sometimes called the Atlantic ....
alliance
/əˈlaɪ.əns/
93
to continue to be informed or know about someone or something
idiom
My sister’s had so many jobs, I can’t ... ... anymore.
keep track (of someone/something)
94
to be determined to do or have something
idiom
He was ... ... ... married as soon as possible.
be bent on something/doing something
95
a piece of information that is only known by one person or a few people and should not be told to others
noun, B1
Why did you have to go and tell Bob about my illness? You just can't keep a ..., can you?
A close couple should have no ... from each other.
Aren't you going to let me in on (= tell me) the ...?
There's no ... (= everyone knows) about his homosexuality.
She makes no ... of (= makes very clear) her dislike of her father.
That restaurant is one of the best-kept ... in Rome.
secret
/ˈsiː.krət/
96
based on real facts and not influenced by personal beliefs or feelings
adjective
an ... and impartial report
I can't really be ... when I'm judging my daughter's work.
objective
/əbˈdʒek.tɪv/
97
used to show that you do not believe that something you have been told is true
adverb, C1
Well, the tickets are ... in the mail.
supposedly
/səˈpoʊ.zɪd.li/
98
to get or obtain something
verb
From humble beginnings he went on to ... great wealth.
newly ...: I was wearing a newly ... jacket.
recently ...: The museum will put the recently ...:Picasso on display this spring.
seem to have ...:I seem to have ... (= have got although I don't know how) two copies of this book.
acquire
/əˈkwaɪɚ/
99
to move your hand or an object gently over something, usually repeatedly
verb, B2
... the dog if you want, he won't bite.
She lovingly ... Chris's face with the tips of her fingers.
stroke
/stroʊk/
100
to control and limit something
verb, C2
The country's progress was ... by a leader who refused to look forward.
constrain
/kənˈstreɪn/
101
to need or depend on something or someone in order to be able to do something
C2
Census data revealed today showed just how ... we have all become ... technology.
We need to make the transition towards an energy economy which is not ... ... fossil fuels.
be reliant on/upon sb/sth
/rɪˈlaɪ.ənt/
102
related to the human body and how its parts are arranged
adverb
Michelangelo’s sketches were ... accurate and detailed.
an ... correct doll
anatomically
/ˌæn.əˈtɑː.mɪ.kəl.i/
103
the area around a fireplace or the area of floor in front of it
noun
A bright fire was burning in the ... .
hearth
hɑːrθ
104
something that happened or existed before another thing, especially if it either developed into it or had an influence on it
noun
Sulphur dioxide is the main ... of acid rain.
Biological research has often been a ... to medical breakthroughs.
precursor
/ˌpriːˈkɝː.sɚ/
105
to make something necessary, or to involve something
verb, formal
Such a large investment inevitably ... some risk.
[ + -ing verb ] Repairing the roof will ... spending a lot of money.
entail
/ɪnˈteɪl/
106
to be having or likely to have serious problems or difficulties
idiom informal
With seven members of the team missing, Hull are going to ... ... ... ... .
Many families ... ... ... ..., unable to afford even basic items.
be up against it
/əˈɡenst/
107
to begin by doing something, or to make something begin by doing something
B1
She ... ... the meeting with the monthly sales report.
I'd like to ... ... by thanking you all for coming today.
start (something) off
/stɑːrt/
108
the state of having many parts and being difficult to understand or find an answer to
noun, C2
a problem of great ...
complexity
/kəmˈplek.sə.t̬i/
109
to end
phrase
The singer's tour ... ... ... ... in Tokyo tonight.
As the interview was ... ... ... ..., she said something surprising.
The lobster season has ... ... ... ....
Her sixth and final term as chair of the organization will ... ... ... ... next March.
As his presidency ... ... ... ..., he started to make plans for the future.
The year ... ... ... ... with the prospect of great change ahead.
come/draw to a close
110
a natural ability to hear, see, think, move, etc.
noun, C1
Even at the age of 100, she still had all her ....
Is he in command/possession of all his ...(= can he still hear, speak, see, and think clearly)?
faculty
/ˈfæk.əl.t̬i/
111
spoken rather than written
adjective, C2
a ...agreement/description/explanation
Airport officials received a stream of ...abuse from angry passengers whose flights had been delayed.
verbal
/ˈvɝː.bəl/
112
in a way that uses too many words
adverb, disapproving
He tirelessly and ...protested his innocence.
Some topics had been dealt with too ....
verbosely
/vɚˈboʊs.li/
113
(of a person) to make a short, low sound instead of speaking, usually because of anger or pain
verb
He hauled himself over the wall, ...with the effort.
[ + speech ] "Too tired," he ...and sat down.
grunt
/ɡrʌnt/
114
without limits; extremely large or great
adjective, C2
an ...number/variety
The universe is theoretically ... .
With ...patience, she explained the complex procedure to us.
infinite
/ˈɪn.fə.nət/
115
modern humans considered together as a species
noun
Homo sapiens
/ˌhoʊ.moʊ ˈsæp.i.enz/
116
in or at the beginning
idiom, B1
... ..., I thought he was joking but then I realized he meant it.
at first
117
a physical condition in which something is wrong with a part of someone's body
noun, C1
She suffers from a heart/sight/speech ... .
The drug has been shown to cause birth ... .
Cystic fibrosis is caused by a genetic ... .
defect
/ˈdiː.fekt/
118
the way in which genes change and produce permanent differences
noun
It is well known that radiation can cause ... .
mutation
/mjuːˈteɪ.ʃən/
119
something that shows what a situation is like
noun, C2
Commodity prices can be a useful ...of inflation, he claimed.
an economic ...
indicator
/ˈɪn.də.keɪ.t̬ɚ/
120
to move or make loose someone or something that is caught or held somewhere
verb
After a ten-hour siege the gunman agreed to ...the hostages.
Anti-vivisectionists last night ...a number of animals from a laboratory.
free
/fri/
121
someone or something that has the power to make things happen
noun
a ... ... behind/for/in sth: The explosion in stock market wealth has been an important ... ... behind consumer spending.
Trade is the ... ... for sustained economic prosperity.
Women are definitely a ... ... in the industry, she said.
driving force
122
a round, wheel-shaped object on which sewing thread, fishing wire, film, etc. can be rolled, or the amount of thread, etc. stored on one of these
noun
reel
/rɪəl/
123
the arrangement of genes that controls the development of characteristics and qualities in a living thing
noun
genetic code
/dʒəˌnet̬.ɪk ˈkoʊd/
124
in the beginning
(phrase, B2)
The trousers shrank when I washed them, but they weren't really big enough ... ... ... ... .
Thankfully, he wasn't hurt, but he never should have been there ... ... ... .... .
If you hadn't been so rude ... ... ... ..., none of this would have happened.
These buildings should never have been built on this land ... ... ... ... .
I began to wonder why I'd ever thought I was a good writer ... ... ... ... .
in the first place
125
the activity of guessing possible answers to a question without having enough information to be certain
noun, C1
Rumours that they are about to marry have been dismissed as pure ... .
.... about his future plans is rife.
[ + that ] News of the president's illness fuelled/prompted ... that an election will be held later in the year.
speculation
/ˌspek.jəˈleɪ.ʃən/
126
informal conversation about matters that are not important
noun [ U ] informal
"What did you talk about?" "Oh, it was just ...-... ."
chit-chat
127
sometimes, but not regularly
idiom
I still think of her ... ... ... ... .
from time to time
128
done in order to discover more about something
adjective
an ...expedition to Antarctica
She's having some ...tests done to find out what's causing the illness.
We're having an ...meeting next week to talk about merging the two companies.
exploratory
/ekˈsplɑː.rə.tɔːr.i/
129
everything that exists, especially all physical matter, including all the stars, planets, galaxies, etc. in space
noun, B1
Is there intelligent life elsewhere in the ...?
universe
/ˈjuː.nə.vɝːs/
130
the beginning or cause of something
noun, B2
It's a book about the ... of the universe.
Her unhappy childhood was the ... of her problems later in life.
What's the ... of this saying? (= Where did it come from?)
origin
/ˈɔːr.ə.dʒɪn/
131
existing as a natural or basic part of something
adjective, C2
There are dangers/risks ... in almost every sport.
I have an ... distrust of lawyers.
inherent
/ɪnˈhɪr.ənt/
132
to receive money, a house, etc. from someone after they have died
verb, C2
Who will ...the house when he dies?
All her children will ...equally.
inherit
/ɪnˈher.ɪt/
133
money or objects that someone gives you when they die
noun, C2
The large ...from his aunt meant that he could buy his own boat.
At 21 she came into her ...(= it was given to her).
inheritance
/ɪnˈher.ɪ.təns/
134
a machine in a shop or other business that records sales and into which money received is put
noun
cash register
/ˈkæʃ ˌredʒ.ɪ.stɚ/
