Michael Sec 1 (Adv Vocab) Flashcards

Question

petition [verb] [noun]

Answer 1

1. to make a formal request to somebody in authority, especially by sending them a petition "Local residents have successfully petitioned against the siting of a prison in their area." "The group intends to petition Parliament for reform of the law." 2. to formally ask for something in court "His wife petitioned for divorce in 1997."

Answer 2

adverse: negative and unpleasant; not likely to produce a good result "This drug is known to have adverse side effects." adversity: a difficult or unpleasant situation "He overcame many personal adversities." '"adversity quotient"

Answer 3

the act of getting something, or buying something. "theories of child language acquisition" "The money will be spent on acquisitions for the university library." [verb] acquire

Answer 4

to make somebody responsible for doing something or taking care of somebody "His mother entrusted him to doctors at Charing Cross hospital." "He entrusted his nephew with the task."

Answer 5

to make somebody/yourself popular "She was a talented teacher who endeared herself to all who worked with her." "She had an unfriendly manner which did not exactly endear her to her colleagues."

Answer 6

tending to argue or become angry; slightly aggressive "‘'What do you want?’ he asked, sounding slightly truculent."

Answer 7

1. a false belief or opinion "He was suffering from paranoid delusions and hallucinations." 2. the act of believing or making yourself believe something that is not true "He seems to have retreated into a world of fear and delusion."

Answer 8

liking to be with other people SYNONYM sociable "She’s very outgoing and gregarious." "Hugh was a popular and gregarious man."

Answer 9

the act of speaking severely to somebody because they have done something wrong SYNONYM reprimand "He was silenced by her stinging rebuke."

Answer 10

to refuse to let somebody be a member of a social group; to refuse to meet or talk to somebody SYNONYM shun "He was ostracized by his colleagues for refusing to support the strike." "The regime risks being ostracized by the international community."

Answer 11

[noun] strong criticism "The opposition forced a vote of censure on the government's foreign policy." [verb] to criticize somebody severely, and often publicly SYNONYM rebuke "He was censured for leaking information to the press."

Answer 12

to remove the parts of a book, film, etc. that are considered to be offensive or a political threat "The news reports had been heavily censored."

Answer 13

conceive: to form an idea, a plan, etc. in your mind "He conceived the idea of transforming the old power station into an arts centre." conceivable: that can be imagined and believed "It's quite conceivable that she hasn't heard the news yet." "The poverty here is barely conceivable to the average tourist." OPP: inconceivable (unthinkable)

Answer 14

to be next to or joined to something "A barn adjoins the farmhouse."

Answer 15

having or showing the strength and energy that is considered typical of men "Craig was a younger and more virile version of his father." "The girls were all gazing adoringly at his muscular, virile young body."

Answer 16

to persuade somebody not to do something OPP persuade "I tried to dissuade him from giving up his job." "a campaign to dissuade young people from smoking"

Answer 17

a piece of jewellery that some people wear because they think it protects them from bad luck, illness, etc.

Answer 18

1. to stop a fire from burning by pouring water over it; to put out a light "He doused the flames with a fire extinguisher." 2. to pour a lot of liquid over somebody/something "The car was doused in petrol and set alight."

Answer 19

to decide by court that somebody is not guilty "The jury acquitted him of murder." "Both defendants were acquitted." "The jury voted for acquittal."

Answer 20

to provide evidence or information that supports a statement, theory, etc. SYNONYM confirm "The evidence was corroborated by two independent witnesses."

Answer 21

to stop doing something "We hope that the military regime will desist from its acts of violence." "They agreed to desist from the bombing campaign."

Answer 22

a mixture of oil, wine, spices, etc., in which meat, fish or other food is left before it is cooked

Answer 23

a line or ring of police officers, soldiers, etc. guarding something or stopping people from entering or leaving a place "Demonstrators broke through the police cordon."

Answer 24

(of a message or story) told in a way that confuses the person listening, usually by somebody who is shocked or in a hurry SYNONYM confused "There was a garbled message from her on my voicemail." "The papers had some garbled version of the story."

Answer 25

connected with fighting or war " martial law" "martial art" "He'd heard rumours that the military were planning to declare martial law."

Answer 26

a number of pieces of paper tied or held together "He waved a sheaf of documents at me."

Answer 27

a long piece of wool, thread or yarn that is loosely tied together 毛线团 "Sally held the skein of wool while her mother wound it into a ball."

Answer 28

rude; not showing respect (North American English, informal)

Answer 29

a person who does not drink alcohol “She’s a strict teetotaller.”

Answer 30

a person who, usually for religious reasons, lives a very simple life alone and does not meet or talk to other people --> recluse (wo chooses to lie alone, not by religion)

Answer 31

able to understand situations or behaviour very well and very quickly, especially so that you can get an advantage for yourself SYNONYM shrewd "It was an astute move to sell the shares then." "She was astute enough to realize that what Jack wanted was her money."

Answer 32

able to bend and move parts of your body easily into different positions OPP stiff "She exercises every day to keep herself supple." "The most important thing is to be supple, to be flexible."

Answer 33

to prevent something from happening or somebody from doing something; to make something impossible "Age alone will not preclude him from standing as a candidate." "Lack of evidence may preclude a trial."

Answer 34

to provide information or evidence to prove that something is true "The results of the tests substantiated his claims." "They made accusations which could not be substantiated."

Answer 35

to get money from someone by deceiving them SYN swindle "They’ll diddle you out of your last penny if you let them."

Answer 36

sympathy that you feel for somebody when a person in their family or that they know well has died; an expression of this sympathy "Our condolences go to his wife and family. (he is dead)" "The president condoled with the bereaved families."

Answer 37

a sign of what will happen in the future SYNONYM omen "Both records were auguries of things to come."

Answer 38

the crime of telling a lie in court after you have sworn to tell the truth "to commit perjury" "The defence witnesses were found guilty of perjury."

Answer 39

harmful to something; not helping something, not friendly "These policies are inimical to the interests of society." "Price controls are inimical to economic growth."

Answer 40

continuous and permanent "mountain peaks covered with perpetual snows and ice" "How can I work with these perpetual interruptions?"

Answer 41

looking attractive in photographs "I'm not very photogenic." "Both women are stunning - and photogenic."

Answer 42

1. (of a place, building, scene, etc.) pretty, especially in a way that looks old-fashioned SYNONYM quaint "a quiet fishing village with a picturesque harbour" 2. (of language) producing strong mental images by using unusual words "a picturesque description of life at sea"

Answer 43

(formal, disapproving) deserving to be laughed at rather than taken seriously SYNONYM ludicrous, ridiculous "The idea that any music scene could exist here seems risible."

Answer 44

a statement about what you think will happen in the future SYN forecast "gloomy prognostications"

Answer 45

behaviour or an action that is not natural or sincere and that is often intended to impress other people "His little affectations irritated her." "He speaks clearly and without affectation." "He raised his eyebrows with an affectation of surprise (= pretending to be surprised)."

Answer 46

a situation in which things are changing a lot and you cannot be sure what will happen "Everything is in flux at the moment."

Answer 47

quiet and polite, often in an exaggerated way; from, or pretending to be from, a high social class "Her genteel accent irritated me."

Answer 48

in a bad mood, especially because somebody has annoyed or upset you "She gets all huffy if you mention his name." "Some customers get huffy when you ask them for their ID."

Answer 49

1. suggested without being directly expressed. OPP explicit "Her words contained an implicit threat." 2. forming a central part of something, but without being openly stated "The ability to listen is implicit in the teacher's role." 3. complete and not doubted. SYNONYM absolute "She had the implicit trust of her staff." "They had implicit faith in his powers."

Answer 50

feeling or showing that you are sorry for having done something wrong SYNONYM remorseful "Phil was trying hard to look penitent."

Answer 51

not caring enough about rules, principles, or people’s feelings "a cavalier attitude to the laws" "The government takes a cavalier attitude to the problems of prison overcrowding."

Answer 52

tired and bored, usually because you have had or experienced too much of something "I felt terribly jaded after working all weekend." " After two years of the same routine I was feeling jaded."

Answer 53

that cannot be allowed or accepted, especially in court OPPOSITE admissible "The evidence was ruled inadmissible."

Answer 54

a round object around which you wind such things as thread, wire or film; a reel together with the film, wire, thread, etc. that is wound around it “a spool of thread”

Answer 55

(formal) to shout loudly, especially when you are complaining

Answer 56

a statue of a famous person, a saint or a god "stone effigies in the church"

Answer 57

to try hard to persuade somebody to do something SYNONYM urge "The party leader exhorted his members to start preparing for government." "Police exhorted the crowd to remain calm." "They had been exhorted to action."

Answer 58

to tell someone severely that they have done something wrong SYNONYM reprove /rɪˈpruːv/, rebuke "The witness was admonished for failing to answer the question." "She was admonished for chewing gum in class."

Answer 59

connected with the practice of helping the poor and those in need, especially by giving money "His intention was philanthropic rather than commercial."

Answer 60

1. if cloth frays or something frays it, the threads in it start to come apart "The cuffs of his shirt were fraying." "This material frays easily." 2. if somebody’s nerves or temper frays or something frays them, the person starts to get annoyed "As the debate went on, tempers began to fray." frayed [adj]: "The carpet was badly frayed."

Answer 61

1. if something such as wood smoulders, it burns slowly without a flame "The bonfire was still smouldering the next day." "a smouldering cigarette" "(figurative) The feud smouldered on for years." 2. if someone smoulders, or if their feelings smoulder, they have strong feelings that they do not fully express "He sensed a smouldering hostility towards him." "She had spent the evening smouldering with resentment."

Answer 62

1. a small mistake, especially one that is caused by forgetting something or by being careless "a lapse of concentration/memory" "A momentary lapse in the final set cost her the match." 2. a period of time between two things that happen. SYNONYM interval "After a lapse of six months we met up again." "He wrote to us after a considerable lapse of time."

Answer 63

to make somebody/something less valuable or respected SYNONYM devalue "Sport is being debased by commercial sponsorship." "Women were forced to debase themselves by selling their bodies."

Answer 64

to make a process happen more quickly. SYNONYM speed up "We have developed rapid order processing to expedite deliveries to customers."

Answer 65

that makes you feel very bored and tired. SYNONYM tedious "a repetitive and wearisome task" "I was beginning to find her endless chatter very wearisome."

Answer 66

(of a problem or a person) very difficult to deal with "Unemployment was proving to be an intractable problem." "There was no pleasing this intractable man." OPPOSITE tractable (easy to deal with or control)

Answer 67

to agree "Scientists generally concur that climate change is a reality."

Answer 68

to get money illegally from a person or an organization by tricking them "All three men were charged with conspiracy to defraud." "They were accused of defrauding the company of $14 millions " "She defrauded her employers of thousands of pounds."

Answer 69

1. to manage to do something despite difficulties "She contrived to spend a couple of hours with him every Sunday evening." "Somehow they contrived to live on her tiny income." 2. to succeed in making something happen despite difficulties "I decided to contrive a meeting between the two of them." 3. to think of or make something, for example a plan or a machine, in a clever way "They contrived a plan to defraud the company."

Answer 70

1. (of a tumour or disease) that cannot be controlled and is likely to cause death OPP: benign "She developed a malignant tumour in her breast." 2. having or showing a strong desire to harm somebody SYN: malevolent <> benevolent "a malignant look"

Answer 71

to come together to form one larger group, substance, etc. SYNONYM amalgamate /əˈmælɡəmeɪt/ (SYN: merge) "The puddles had coalesced into a small stream." "the markets have coalesced into a single global market."

Answer 72

work together or happen at the same time "Two designers worked in tandem on the plans." "Stock prices pushed sharply higher this afternoon in tandem with a rise in the dollar." tandem: a bicycle built for two riders sitting one behind the other

Answer 73

the violent killing of a large number of people SYNONYM slaughter "a scene of terrible carnage"

Answer 74

transcend something: to be or go beyond the usual limits of something SYNONYM exceed "His works by far transcend anything that has gone before." "What we felt for each other transcended all other emotions." "The desire for peace transcended political differences."

Answer 75

to add something to the end of a piece of writing "Footnotes have been appended to the document." "The principal has the right to append comments to the final report." appendix: a section giving extra information at the end of a book or document

Answer 76

1. sport something to have or wear something in a proud way. "She was sporting a T-shirt with the company's logo on it." 2. (literary) to play in a happy and lively way "lambs sporting in the meadow"

Answer 77

1. to change something in an unnatural and often harmful way "Some scientific discoveries have been perverted to create weapons of destruction." 2. to influence someone so that they begin to think or behave in an unacceptable or immoral way "SYNONYM corrupt" "TV violence perverts the minds of young children." pervert [noun]: a person whose sexual behaviour you consider to be strange and not acceptable "a sexual pervert"

Answer 78

[noun] an unreasonable dislike of or preference for a person, group, custom, etc., especially when it is based on their race, religion, sex, etc. "There was often prejudice against people with disabilities." "Women still face prejudice in the workplace." [verb] to influence somebody so that they have an unfair or unreasonable opinion about somebody/something "Poor handwriting might prejudice people against the applicant." "A criminal record will prejudice your chances of getting a job."

Answer 79

[verb] to make a loud unpleasant noise "police cars with lights flashing and sirens blaring" [noun] a loud unpleasant noise "the constant blare of music from the house next door"

Answer 80

peeved (about/at/by something) annoyed "He sounded peeved about not being told." "Ed was rather peeved about how Martin had handled the situation." peevish: easily annoyed SYN irritable

Answer 81

1. (a woman or a girl) behaving in a quiet, reserved, modest & shy way "a demure young lady" 2. demure clothes do not show much of a woman’s body "a demure white dress" "a demure navy blouse with a white collar"

Answer 82

to pay back money to somebody which they have spent or lost "The company will reimburse you for travel expenses." "You will be reimbursed for any loss or damage caused by our company."

Answer 83

[noun] money, that you are given because you have suffered in some way, or as a payment for something "There must be adequate recompense for workers who lose their jobs." [verb] SYN compensate "Higher pay is on offer to recompense players for the extra hours they’ll be working." "She believes that offenders should recompense their victims in some way."

Answer 84

1. a quick and clever reply, especially to criticism SYNONYM retort 2. a course of action that takes place in response to something that has happened "The US delivered an early riposte to the air attack." [verb] to make a quick and clever reply , especially to a criticism "At once he riposted that his country had no link with insurgents." "The MP riposted with some more, quite different, statistics."

Answer 85

[verb] to experience a chemical change because of the action of yeast or bacteria, often changing sugar to alcohol "Red wine is fermented at a higher temperature than white." " (figurative) A blend of emotions fermented inside her." [noun] a state of political or social excitement and activity, often with a lack of order "a period of intense political ferment" "The country is in ferment."

Answer 86

not directly connected with the particular situation, subject or problem SYNONYM irrelevant "We do not want any extraneous information on the page." "We shall ignore factors extraneous to the problem."

Answer 87

a movement of air going downwards, for example down a chimney OPPOSITE updraught

Answer 88

words or actions that are carefully planned to get an advantage over somebody else SYNONYM manoeuvre " It was all a ploy to distract attention from his real aims." "His usual ploy is to pretend he’s ill."

Answer 89

a machine or piece of equipment that looks strange or complicated and possibly does not work well She showed us a strange contraption that looked like a satellite dish. Origin: perhaps from contrive (on the pattern of pairs such as conceive, conception), by association with trap.

Answer 90

[noun] a feeling that something is true even though you do not have any evidence to prove it "It seemed that the doctor's hunch had been right." "My hunch is that the burglars are still in the area." [verb] to bend the top part of your body forward "She leaned forward, hunching over the desk."

Answer 91

a small object that is rare or unusual, often something that people collect "The street is lined with shops selling souvenirs and curios."

Answer 92

a young swan "A pair of swans cruised, with cygnets, and swallows were zipping to and fro above the water."

Answer 93

the young form of an insect, that looks like a small fat worm [verb] to look for something, especially by digging or by looking through or under other things "birds grubbing for worms" "The trees were grubbed up to make way for a new road."

Answer 94

an abridged book, play etc has been made shorter but keeps its basic structure and meaning "The book was only available in an abridged edition for schools." abridge [verb] make shorter by keeping only basic contents

Answer 95

a jacket made of wool like a sweater but fastened with buttons down the front

Answer 96

sweets, chocolate, etc. "Confectionery is a multimillion-dollar business."

Answer 97

the feeling of not being interested in or enthusiastic about something, or things in general "There is widespread apathy among the electorate." "Many health education campaigns are still greeted with apathy." apathetic: showing no interest or enthusiasm "The illness made her apathetic and unwilling to meet people."

Answer 98

to explode, or to make a bomb or other device explode "Two other bombs failed to detonate." "The bomb was detonated by remote control."

Answer 99

1. insincere or dishonest words or behaviour "political humbug" 2. (old-fashioned) a person who is not sincere or honest

Answer 100

without the ability to achieve much; weak; not achieving what you want to "an ineffectual leader" "The police were completely ineffectual in this matter."

Answer 101

1. to persuade somebody to have sex with you, especially somebody who is younger or who has less experience than you "The professor was sacked for seducing female students." 2. to persuade somebody to do something that they would not usually agree to do by making it seem very attractive SYNONYM entice "Leaders are people who can seduce other people into sharing their dream."

Answer 102

[often passive] to make a wild animal used to living with or working for humans "Mammals were first domesticated for their milk." "Corn was domesticated more than 6 000 years ago."

Answer 103

a person, often somebody who is involved with the arts, who lives in a very informal way without following accepted rules of behaviour "He liked to think of himself as a bit of a bohemian."

Answer 104

a tax on goods coming into a country or going out of a country "The agreement fixed tariffs for foreign goods coming into Japan at 5%." "They set a tariff of 36% on British wool cloth."

Answer 105

[noun, formal] a fine or compulsory payment. [verb] extract money from (someone) by fine or taxation.

Answer 106

if something enthrals you, it is so interesting, beautiful, etc. that you give it all your attention "The child watched, enthralled by the bright moving images." "This book will enthral readers of all ages."

Answer 107

to ask somebody to do something in a serious and often emotional way SYNONYM beg, implore "She entreated him not to go."

Answer 108

[adj] very small "She was a diminutive figure beside her husband." "He exercised frequently, trying to add strength to his diminutive body." [noun] a word or an ending of a word that shows that somebody/something is small, for example piglet (= a young pig), kitchenette (= a small kitchen) a short informal form of a word, especially a name ‘Nick’ is a common diminutive of ‘Nicholas’.

Answer 109

[noun] 1. a dangerous action that is done to entertain people, especially in a film "Not many actors do their own stunts." 2. something that is done to attract people’s attention, especially in advertising or politics "Todd flew over the city in a hot-air balloon as a publicity stunt." [verb] to prevent somebody/something from growing or developing as much as they/it should "The constant winds had stunted the growth of plants and bushes." "His illness had not stunted his creativity."

Answer 110

[adj] 1. (of a person) not knowing how to read or write. OPP: literate "A large percentage of the rural population was illiterate." 2. (of a document or letter) badly written, as if by somebody without much education "Many of the application forms we received were virtually illiterate." [noun] a person who is illiterate

Answer 111

an old person or thing golden oldie: a song, film etc that is old, but which many people still like

Answer 112

[verb] 1. to remove people from an organization, often violently, because their opinions or activities are unacceptable to the people in power "He purged extremists from the party." 2. to make yourself/somebody/something pure, healthy or clean by getting rid of bad thoughts or feelings "Nothing could purge the guilt from her mind."

Answer 113

a small amount of something, especially knowledge of a language "He only has a smattering of French." (no word as smatter)

Answer 114

1. to take part in a sport, an activity, etc. but not very seriously "She is a talented musician but is content to just dabble." 2. to move your hands, feet, etc. around in water "She dabbled her toes in the stream."

Answer 115

a metal ring placed around a prisoner’s wrist or ankle and joined by a chain to something [verb] to put shackles on someone SYN chain

Answer 116

1. simple, natural and honest "the artless sincerity of a young child" "a naive, artless young woman" 2. done or made without skill or art "an artless copy of European art"

Answer 117

1. false, although seeming to be real or true "He had managed to create the entirely spurious impression that the company was thriving." 2. insincere "spurious sympathy"

Answer 118

[verb] to decorate somebody/something with flowers, coloured paper, etc., often as part of a celebration "The streets were festooned with banners and lights." [noun] a chain of lights, coloured paper, flowers, etc., used to decorate something

Answer 119

1. if two ideas, facts, etc. colligate, or are colligated, they are linked together by a single explanation or theory 2. (linguistics) if two words colligate, or are colligated, they occur together and are linked by grammar

Answer 120

to spread through and be easy to notice in every part of something SYNONYM permeate "the sadness that pervades most of her novels" "The entire house was pervaded by a sour smell." pervasive [adj] spreading gradually to affect all parts of a place or thing "A sense of social change is pervasive in her novels." "the increasingly pervasive subculture in modern society"

Answer 121

a lazy person who spends their time and/or money in a careless and stupid way "They spent their gifts like wastrels."

Answer 122

a person who travels to a holy place for religious reasons "Muslim pilgrims on their way to Mecca" "Christian pilgrims visiting Lourdes" "pilgrims visiting a holy shrine"

Answer 123

(of somebody's words) sounding important but having little meaning and used to impress people "His bombastic style made him unpopular with his colleagues." bombast [noun] /ˈbɒmbæst/ words which sound important but have little meaning, used to impress people

Answer 124

1. to begin a word with a capital letter "All capitalized words are explained in the glossary." 2. (business) to sell possessions in order to change them into money "One option would be to capitalize part of your pension." 3. (business, usually passive) to provide a company, etc. with the money it needs to function

Answer 125

a loud sound like the one that is made when you walk on gravel (= small stones) "the scrunch of tyres on the gravel"

Answer 126

1. to say in a will that you want somebody to have your property, money, etc. after you die SYNONYM leave "He bequeathed his entire estate (= all his money and property) to his daughter." "His father bequeathed him a fortune." 2. to leave the results of your work, knowledge, etc. for other people to use or deal with, especially after you have died

Answer 127

(of things, not of people) producing the result that was wanted or intended SYNONYM effective "More efficacious treatments may soon be available." "They hope the new drug will prove especially efficacious in the relief of pain."

Answer 128

[adj] forming a basic, large or important part of something "Jeans are a staple part of everyone's wardrobe." [verb] to attach one thing to another using a staple or staples

Answer 129

[verb] to treat someone rudely, especially by ignoring them when you meet "I tried to be friendly, but she snubbed me completely." "He was not invited to the party, and felt snubbed." [noun] [noun] an action or a comment that is deliberately rude in order to show somebody that you do not like or respect them SYNONYM insult "Her refusal to attend the dinner is being seen as a deliberate snub to the president. "

Answer 130

pretermitted; pretermitting 1. to leave undone : NEGLECT 2. to let pass without mention or notice : OMIT "the grand jury voted to pretermit the case"

Answer 131

[noun] 1. a situation in which a group of people or large animals such as horses suddenly start running in the same direction, especially because they are frightened or excited "A stampede broke out when the doors opened." 2. a situation in which a lot of people are trying to do or achieve the same thing at the same time "Falling interest rates has led to a stampede to buy property." [verb] 1. (of large animals or people) to run in a stampede "A huge bunch of kids came stampeding down the corridor." 2. to make somebody rush into doing something without giving them time to think about it "I refuse to be stampeded into making any hasty decisions."

Answer 132

a person who loves or collects books biblio: connected with books

Answer 133

to describe, draw or explain something in detail "Our objectives need to be precisely delineated." "The ship's route is clearly delineated on the map."

Answer 134

[noun] a fault in something or in the way it has been made that means that it is not perfect "The builders agreed to remedy the structural defects." [verb] to leave a political party, country, etc. to join another that is considered to be an enemy "She defected from the party just days before the election." "They were paying him for defecting, for answering questions about his military service."

Answer 135

a person who belongs to another region, culture, or group : FOREIGNER, STRANGER

Answer 136

strange or extremely unusual SYNONYM bizarre "outlandish costumes/ideas" "As the show progressed, it got ever more outlandish."

Answer 137

to live somewhere "He dwelt in a ruined cottage on the hillside." "The gorillas dwell in the high rainforests of Rwanda." dweller: a person or an animal that lives in the particular place that is mentioned

Answer 138

to express inner feelings, give external existence or form to sth. "Alcoholics tend to externalize their problems." "His worries about losing his job were externalized in angry outbursts at home."

Answer 139

1. to make a feeling, an attitude, or a belief part of the way you think and behave, or part of your character "Minority groups tend to internalize the values of the dominant society." "At the end of colonial rule, many of the people had internalized foreign values." 2. If you internalize your emotions or feelings, you do not allow them to show although you think about them: "Many women tend to internalize their anxiety and distress."

Answer 140

1. to escape or enable somebody to escape from a difficult situation "He had managed to extricate himself from most of his official duties." "How was he going to extricate himself from this situation?" 2. to free someone from a place in which they are trapped "Firemen had to extricate the driver from the wreckage."

Answer 141

having a lot of different parts and small details that fit together "an intricate network of loyalties and relationships" " an amazingly intricate structure" "The building has intricate geometric designs on several of the walls."

Answer 142

1. to surround a building, city, etc. with soldiers until the people inside are forced to let you in "Paris was besieged for four months and forced to surrender." "(figurative) Fans besieged the box office to try and get tickets for the concert." 2. (especially of something unpleasant or annoying) to surround somebody/something in large numbers "The actress was besieged by reporters at the airport."

Answer 143

1. to include a large number or range of things "The job encompasses a wide range of responsibilities." "The group encompasses all ages." 2. to surround or cover something completely "The fog soon encompassed the whole valley."

Answer 144

to defeat somebody completely "Brazil trounced Italy 5–1 in the final." "He was roundly (strongly) trounced in last November’s election." compare flounce

Answer 145

if a meeting, parliament, etc. reconvenes or if somebody reconvenes it, it meets again after a break "Suggest that perhaps the meeting reconvene in half an hour after studying the material." convene: come or bring together for a meeting or activity; assemble. "he had convened a secret meeting of military personnel"

Answer 146

[verb] to behave or feel towards somebody in the same way as they behave or feel towards you "Her passion for him was not reciprocated." "He chose to reciprocate the gift with a sample of his own art." reciprocity [noun] reciprocal [adjective] /rɪˈsɪprəkl/ "Anita had a reciprocal arrangement with her brother—each would take care of the other’s children if the need arose."

Answer 147

to put right something that is wrong SYNONYM correct "We must take steps to rectify the situation." "The mistake can easily be rectified."

Answer 148

to burn a dead body, especially as part of a funeral ceremony "When she dies she wants to be cremated, not buried." "More people are choosing cremation rather than burial."

Answer 149

to remove a dead body from the ground especially in order to examine how the person died "The body was exhumed on the order of the judge."

Answer 150

a list of words on a particular subject or in a language in alphabetical order "a lexicon of technical scientific terms"

Answer 151

1. a song or poem that tells a story "a medieval ballad about a knight and a lady" 2. a slow song about love "Her latest single is a ballad." ballet /bæˈleɪ/ "She wants to be a ballet dancer."

Answer 152

the inside parts of an animal, such as the heart and liver, cooked and eaten as food "Every part of an animal is used: chicken's feet, fish eyes, offal and fat are great delicacies."

Answer 153

showing that you do not take something as seriously as other people think you should "Sorry, I didn't mean to sound flippant." "You can’t afford to be flippant about such matters."

Answer 154

1. a flag flown on a ship to show which country it belongs to 2. an officer of low rank in the US navy

Answer 155

1. an abrasive substance is rough and can be used to clean a surface or to make it smooth "abrasive kitchen cleaners" "Rub down with fine abrasive paper." 2. (of a person or their manner) rude and unkind; acting in a way that may hurt other people’s feelings "he was known for his abrasive manner." "Harris was abrasive and arrogant."

Answer 156

1. not well known SYNONYM unknown "We went to see one of Shakespeare’s more obscure plays." "The details of his life remain obscure." 2. difficult to understand "For some obscure reason, the group is very popular." "I found her lecture very obscure." "The meaning of his comment was obscure to everyone but himself."

Answer 157

1. a posh restaurant, hotel, car etc is expensive and looks as if it is used or owned by rich people "a posh private school" "You look very posh in your new suit." 2. British English upper class " Her parents are terribly posh." "They think they’re so important with their designer clothes and posh accents."

Answer 158

to steal money that you are responsible for or that belongs to your employer "He was found guilty of embezzling $150 000 of public funds."

Answer 159

1. an arrangement to meet someone at a particular time and place, often secretly "He made a rendezvous with her in Times Square." "He outlined his plan for a secret rendezvous with the foreign secretary." 2. a place where people have arranged to meet "He didn’t recognize the address of the rendezvous." "I took off at first light and made the rendezvous as planned." "Old Town Square is one of Prague's best known tourist rendezvous."

Answer 160

1. a journey to a holy place for religious reasons, by pilgrims "His parents made a pilgrimage to Lourdes." "She was on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land when she got sick." 2. a journey to a place that is connected with somebody/something that you admire or respect "His grave has become a place of pilgrimage." "She made a pilgrimage to visit the place where her hero was born."

Answer 161

easily made angry, bad-tempered SYNONYM bad-tempered "He was a choleric, self-important little man." "He was impatient and choleric.'

Answer 162

1. clearly expressed; easy to understand SYNONYM clear, perspicuous "He gave a very lucid account of the events." 2. able to think clearly, especially when somebody cannot usually do this "In a rare lucid moment, she called me by my name." pellucid: extremely clear SYNONYM transparent "a pellucid stream" "The light was so pellucid, so dazzling that she reached for her sunglasses."

Answer 163

to decorate a dish of food with a small amount of another food "Garnish the chicken with almonds." "Soup garnished with croutons (a small pieces of cold dry fried bread)"

Answer 164

that can be easily understood SYNONYM understandable "His lecture was readily intelligible to all the students." "The child’s speech was barely intelligible." "She found his motives perfectly intelligible."

Answer 165

showing good judgement and understanding SYNONYM wise "His writing is provocative and sagacious."

Answer 166

1. a word, phrase or sound that is repeated again and again, especially during prayer or meditation "a Buddhist mantra" 2. a statement or slogan that is often repeated "the environmental mantra of ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’"

Answer 167

(sometimes disapproving) a person who goes to a lot of fashionable parties, who is often rich "One anxious socialite complained that five of her dinner invitations had been cancelled."

Answer 168

the act of keeping something under control, stopping it becoming more powerful etc. "the containment of the epidemic" "containment of public expenditure" [verb] contain

Answer 169

(informal) to spend time enjoying yourself and going from place to place for pleasure – used humorously in order to show disapproval SYN gad "She should be home with the children, not gallivanting around.' "He has been gallivanting all over the world"

Answer 170

to punish somebody by officially stating that they can no longer be a member of a Christian Church "The local field workers now worry about being excommunicated by the Church."

Answer 171

intended to cheat somebody, usually in order to make money illegally "fraudulent advertising' "a fraudulent insurance claim" "If there is a fraudulent claim for benefits, who will be prosecuted?"

Answer 172

able to make mistakes or be wrong OPPOSITE infallible "Memory is selective and fallible." "All human beings are fallible." "These surveys are often a rather fallible guide to public opinion."

Answer 173

not typical or usual, OPPOSITE typical "atypical behaviour" "In some ways, the sample we studied for our research was atypical." "High school students who do volunteer work are not atypical."

Answer 174

(disapproving) no longer fashionable or useful SYN outdated "an outmoded attitude" "This organizational structure was now outmoded." "Alas, the library became outmoded."

Answer 175

connected with growing crops such as wheat arable land (=land that is suitable for growing crops) "Altogether cereals account for 54 percent. of the total arable area." "The potential economic damage is not restricted to arable farming."

Answer 176

courage shown by somebody who is suffering great pain or facing great difficulties SYNONYM bravery, courage "She endured her illness with great fortitude." "Winnie is a woman of quiet fortitude who has endured a lot of suffering." "Janet met each challenge with fortitude and a wry good humor.'

Answer 177

an outdoor entertainment at which people can play games to win prizes, buy food and drink, etc., usually arranged to make money for a special purpose "the school/village/church fete"

Answer 178

able to understand somebody/something quickly and accurately; showing this "a perspicacious remark" "He was perspicacious enough to realize that things were soon going to change."

Answer 179

(formal) clearly expressed and easily understood; SYN: lucid. "it provides simpler and more perspicuous explanations than its rivals"

Answer 180

a very small white fungus that grows on walls, plants, food, etc. in warm wet conditions "The rug was colourless with age and stained with mildew."

Answer 181

to give somebody so much of something that they do not feel they want any more "He drank greedily until his thirst was satiated." satiety [noun] vs satiation [noun]: Satiation occurs during a meal. It’s that point at which you feel that you’ve had enough to eat and don’t desire any more. Satiety, on the other hand, describes your experience after a meal—how long before you start to feel hungry again.

Answer 182

to make somebody feel less angry or upset SYNONYM placate /pləˈkeɪt/, pacify /ˈpæsɪfaɪ/ "His explanation failed to mollify her." "I tried to mollify her by giving her flowers."

Answer 183

to chomp (to chew food noisily) "He was chomping away on a bar of chocolate." "There she sat, happily chomping her breakfast."

Answer 184

1. to make or become damaged or sore by rubbing "The bracelet was so tight that it started to chafe (my wrist)." 2. (formal) to feel annoyed and impatient about something, especially because it limits what you can do "We have been chafing under petty regulations for too long." "He soon chafed at the restrictions of his situation." "Young people often go through a phase of chafing under parental control."

Answer 185

connected with society and the way it is organized "Such a development seems unlikely within the context of current societal values." "Rapid societal changes have complicated parents' task."

Answer 186

deserving great praise SYNONYM praiseworthy "Where is the line between the frivolous and the meritorious to be drawn?" "It has absolutely not one thing about it that is meritorious."

Answer 187

stupid or silly; with no meaning "an inane remark" "The last question was especially inane." "I wish you’d stop making these inane remarks!"

Answer 188

something said or done to make people laugh SYNONYM joke "He laughed uproariously at his own jest."

Answer 189

sanguine (about something) cheerful and confident about the future SYNONYM optimistic "They are less sanguine about the company's long-term prospects." "He tends to take a sanguine view of the problems involved."

Answer 190

1. to increase over a period of time "Interest will accrue if you keep your money in a savings account." "Little benefit will accrue to the city (= it will receive little benefit) from the new transport links." 2. accrue something to allow a sum of money or debts to grow over a period of time SYNONYM accumulate "The firm had accrued debts of over $6m." "The money was placed in a special account to accrue interest."

Answer 191

1. condescend to do something (often disapproving): to do something that you think it is below your social or professional position to do SYNONYM deign /deɪn/ "We had to wait almost an hour before he condescended to see us." "‘Yes. I know, ’ Clara said, condescending to look at Rose for the first time." 2. condescend to somebody: to behave towards somebody as though you are more important and more intelligent than they are "Take care not to condescend to your readers." "When giving a talk, be careful not to condescend to your audience."

Answer 192

(old-fashioned or humorous) a short journey for pleasure, sometimes including a stay SYNONYM excursion "You know, a little jaunt to break the monotony." Jaunty: cheerful

Answer 193

freedom to live as you choose without too many limits from government or authority "the fight for justice and liberty" "The concept of individual liberty is enshrined in the constitution."

Answer 194

that you cannot avoid or prevent SYNONYM unavoidable "It was an inevitable consequence of the decision." "It was inevitable that there would be job losses." "A rise in the interest rates seems inevitable."

Answer 195

the state of accepting what happens without reacting or trying to fight against it [adj] passive: accepting what happens or what people do without trying to change anything or oppose them "He played a passive role in the relationship."

Answer 196

laudatory: expressing praise "a laudatory book review" laudable: deserving to be praised or admired, even if not really successful. SYNONYM commendable "Laudable though these aims are, they are not likely to succeed."

Answer 197

an extremely strong wind "The gale blew down hundreds of trees." "Hundreds of old trees were blown down in the gales." "gale-force winds" "(British English) It's blowing a gale outside (= a strong wind is blowing)."

Answer 198

1. under the influence of alcohol or drugs "She was charged with driving while intoxicated." [verb] intoxicate /ɪnˈtɒksɪkeɪt/ [noun] intoxicant 2. very excited by something, so that you cannot think clearly "You cannot help but be intoxicated by their enthusiasm." "Looking out at the city, I suddenly felt intoxicated with pleasure."

Answer 199

unwilling to change your opinion about something, in a way that other people think is annoying and unreasonable SYNONYM obstinate, stubborn "Why are you being so pig-headed about this?" "that farmer is very ignorant or very pigheaded."

Answer 200

divination, a method of saying what will happen in the future, by means of figures or lines or geographic features

Answer 201

graze: a small injury where the surface of the skin has been slightly broken by rubbing against something "Adam walked away from the crash with just cuts and grazes." "Paul had a graze on his knee from where he had fallen over on the concrete." grazing [uncountable] land with grass that cows, sheep, etc. can eat "There is poor grazing in the hills." graze [verb] (of cows, sheep, etc.) to eat grass that is growing in a field "The horses were grazing on the lush grass." "The field had been grazed by sheep." "The land is used by local people to graze their animals." grazier: a farmer who keeps animals that eat grass

Answer 202

related to sound or to the sense of hearing "The microphone converts acoustic waves to electrical signals for transmission." "The vibration takes the form of an acoustic wave travelling down the rod."

Answer 203

connected with farming and the use of land for farming "This part of the country is mainly agrarian."

Answer 204

the science or practice of designing, building and flying of aircraft "There will be more job losses in the aviation industry" "More competition in aviation means more choice, better service and lower fares."

Answer 205

to demand too much tax from someone or to put too much tax on goods "I've been overtaxed this month." "Food should not be overtaxed."

Answer 206

mettlesome: spirited, full of mettle mettle [noun] the ability and determination to do something successfully despite difficult conditions "The next game will be a real test of their mettle." "She really showed her mettle under pressure." nettlesome: causing trouble or difficulty, annoying "He attempted to tackle the nettlesome issue of police and community relations."

Answer 207

[verb] 1. to think a lot about something that makes you annoyed, anxious or upset "You're not still brooding over what he said, are you?" "Try not to brood about last night." [verb] 2. hatch, bird hatches eggs [noun] a group of young birds all born at the same time, or a person's young children "The blackbird flew back and forth to its brood." "She grew up amidst a lively brood of brothers and sisters."

Answer 208

[adj] from a plane, or in the air; existing above the ground "an aerial view of Sentosa Island" "Aerial photographs are used in making these maps." [noun] a structure made of metal rods or wires that receives or sends out radio or television signals (US) SYN antenna "Many people will also need new aerials to receive the service."

Answer 209

not showing enough care or enthusiasm or effort "He has a lackadaisical approach to finding a job." "The food was nice enough but the service was somewhat lackadaisical."

Answer 210

[verb] to officially state that somebody is not responsible for something that they have been blamed for "The police report exonerated Lewis from all charges of corruption." "The report exonerated the crew from all responsibility for the collision."

Answer 211

1. to make an evil spirit leave a place or somebody’s body by special prayers or magic "The ghost was exorcised from the house." "They said they were exorcising her of evil spirits." 2. (formal) to remove something that is bad or painful from your mind "She had managed to exorcise these unhappy memories from her mind." "I'm trying to exorcize these past painful memories"

Answer 212

1. (of the weather or air) very hot and uncomfortable SYNONYM muggy "The weather was still very heavy and sultry." "We went out into the still, sultry heat of the afternoon." 2. (especially of a woman's face or voice) sexually attractive "She's the sultry blonde" "She threw him a sultry glance."

Answer 213

very worried and upset; excited in a nervous way SYNONYM distraught /dɪˈstrɔːt/ "She was so tired and overwrought that she burst into tears." "He was in an overwrought state/condition for weeks after the accident."

Answer 214

to spend time getting your health and strength back after an illness SYNONYM recuperate "She is convalescing at home after her operation." convalescence [noun] a [period when you convalesce. convalescent [adj] connected with convalescence convalescent [noun] a person who is getting well again after an illness or a medical operation "I treated him as a convalescent, not as a sick man."

Answer 215

to entertain somebody with stories, jokes, etc. "He regaled us with tales of his days as a jazz pianist." "Grandpa regaled us with tales of his small-town childhood."

Answer 216

[verb] to burn the surface of something slightly, usually by mistake; to be burnt in this way "The flames had singed her hair." "My sweater started to singe when I leaned over a burning candle." [noun] a mark on the surface of something where it has been burned slightly

Answer 217

sth bad done in an obvious and open way without caring if people are shocked SYNONYM flagrant "It was a blatant lie." "The company's refusal to hire him was a blatant act of discrimination."

Answer 218

[uncountable] (in writing, speech and plays) the power of a performance, description, etc. to make you feel sympathy or be sad "The scene was full of pathos." "There's a pathos in his performance" "The opera's mixture of comedy, pathos, and desire will break your heart." patho- /pæθəʊ/ connected with disease, pathogenesis (the way in which a disease develops), pathophysiology

Answer 219

(liquid) slightly warm (feeling, reaction) lacking of excitement or interest SYNONYM lukewarm "He soaked a handkerchief in some tepid water and wiped her forehead." "a tepid response from the audience"

Answer 220

1. [usually passive] to send or give somebody/something a large number of things at the same time SYNONYM flood, inundate "We have been deluged with applications for the job." "He was deluged with phone calls from friends and colleagues." 2. [often passive] (formal) to flood a place with water "The city was deluged when the river burst its banks." [noun] a very large amount of rain or water: "This little stream can become a deluge when it rains heavily."

Answer 221

lasting a very long time and therefore boring or annoying SYNONYM endless "The drive seemed interminable." "What's the reason for all these interminable delays?" OPP: terminable: capable of being terminated

Answer 222

to produce children or baby animals SYNONYM reproduce "Priests were denied the right to marry and procreate" "98 percent of couples applying for marriage licenses intend to procreate."

Answer 223

a situation or condition that is similar to what is wanted or expected, but is not exactly as hoped for "The ceasefire brought about a semblance of order." "Life at last returned to some semblance of normality" "He was executed without even the semblance of a fair trial."

Answer 224

1. to make somebody less friendly towards you "All these changes to the newspaper have alienated its traditional readers." 2. to make somebody feel that they do not belong in a particular group "Very talented children may feel alienated from the others in their class." [noun] alienation

Answer 225

making you feel strong dislike, causing a feeling of disgust SYNONYM repulsive, abhorrent (morally very bad) "I find your attitude towards these women quite repugnant." "The idea of cheating in an exam is morally repugnant to me."

Answer 226

to cross an area of land or water, travel through an area "Stanley traversed the continent from west to east." "The region is traversed by several roads." "An estimated 250,000 cars traverse the bridge daily."

Answer 227

a cupboard or small room in a house, used for storing food, especially in the past SYNONYM pantry "He comes home from school and raids the larder." "There wasn't much food left in the larder."

Answer 228

a small area at the entrance to a building, such as a house or a church, that is covered by a roof "She stood in the porch and rang the doorbell."

Answer 229

a weapon like a spear attached to a long rope that you can throw or fire from a gun and is used for catching large fish, whales, etc. "They hunt whales with harpoons."

Answer 230

a place where young children are cared for during the day "Does your employer provide a crèche?" "Her son was in the crèche while she worked." "There are no creche facilities provided for staff."

Answer 231

a person who has very strong, unreasonable beliefs or opinions about race, religion or politics and who will not listen to or accept the opinions of anyone who disagrees "He was removed from the committee for making bigoted remarks." "Some of the townspeople are bigots who call foreigners terrible names."

Answer 232

to walk with large, noticeable movements, especially to attract attention or show that you are angry "Don't expect any help from me in future!" he said and flounced out of the room. "He tossed his head and flounced away."

Answer 233

the act of taking control of a country, city, etc. by force "He continued to expand his kingdom by conquest." "the English colonial conquest of the Indian subcontinent"

Answer 234

1. changing mood or behaviour suddenly and unexpectedly SYNONYM unpredictable, impulsive, whimsical "a movie star who was capricious and difficult to please" 2. changing suddenly and quickly SYNONYM changeable "a capricious climate"

Answer 235

a large shop that sells many different types of goods, or a shop that sells a particular type of goods "This chain of discount emporia sells everything from wardrobes to paper clips." "an ice cream/antiques emporium"

Answer 236

so beautiful or interesting that you cannot think about anything else "He was mesmerized by her bewitching green eyes." [verb] bewitch SYNONYM enchant "He was completely bewitched by her beauty."

Answer 237

careful and sensible; showing good judgement "It is curable with judicious use of antibiotics." "Some dishes would be very bland without the judicious use of spices and other seasonings." OPPOSITE injudicious judiciary: the judges of a country or a state, when they are considered as a group

Answer 238

retro-: back or backward (disapproving, of an action) making a situation worse or returning to how something was in the past "The closure of the factory is a retrograde step." retrogressive: causing a return to an older and worse state, OPPOSITE progressive "Some people dismissed him as a retrogressive traditionalist."

Answer 239

1. maul somebody (of an animal) to attack and injure somebody by tearing their body SYNONYM savage "A small boy was mauled by the neighbour's dog." 2. to criticize something or someone severely: "Both films were mauled by the critics."

Answer 240

(disapproving) to do what somebody wants, or try to please them, especially when this is not acceptable or reasonable "The speech was pandering to prejudice." "He refuses to pander to the latest fashions." "It's not good the way she panders to his every whim."

Answer 241

mull something over to spend time thinking carefully about a plan or proposal SYNONYM consider "I need some time to mull it over before making a decision."

Answer 242

[noun] tempest /‘tempist/: a violent storm 1. (formal) full of extreme emotions SYNONYM stormy "They got divorced in 2010 after a tempestuous marriage." 2. (formal or literary) caused by or affected by a violent storm SYNONYM stormy "He said that the sea is "the water opposed to the land; anything rough and tempestuous"."

Answer 243

to jump or run about in a lively or happy way "Lambs were gambolling (about/around) in the spring sunshine." "The babies gambol in the water."

Answer 244

a small airport, old-fashioned for airfield

Answer 245

[noun] 1. a person who is killed because of their religious or political beliefs, and is often admired "She fought against racism all her life and died a martyr to the cause." [noun] 2. (usually disapproving) a person who tries to get sympathy from other people by telling them how much he or she is suffering "He makes a martyr of himself whenever it’s his turn to do the housework." "Stop playing the martyr." [verb] to kill somebody because of their religious or political beliefs "Many first-century Christians were martyred for their faith."

Answer 246

[noun] 1. a wonderful and surprising person or thing SYNONYM wonder "This miniature phone is the latest technological marvel from Japan." "The doctors have done marvels for her." [VERB] to be very surprised or impressed by something "Everyone marvelled at his courage." "I often marvel that humans can treat each other so badly." ""Just look at that waterfall! Isn't it amazing?" she marvelled."

Answer 247

(plural maestros) often used as a way of addressing somebody, showing respect, a great performer, especially a musician "The young maestro was called to the stage many times."

Answer 248

to make somebody, or the things that somebody does, seem unimportant She felt her husband constantly belittled her achievements. "By saying this, I do not mean to belittle the importance of his role."

Answer 249

[usually singular] (plural apexes) the top or highest part of something "the apex of the roof/triangle" "(figurative) At 37, she'd reached the apex of her career."

Answer 250

[usually singular] the most important or successful part of something "He spent more than twenty years at the pinnacle of his profession." "Formula One is the pinnacle of motor racing."

Answer 251

[verb] 1. to make somebody move quickly by pushing them in a rough aggressive way "He grabbed her arm and hustled her out of the room." "She was hustled away by some police officers." [verb] 2. to force somebody to make a decision before they are ready or sure "All the family felt that Stephen had been hustled into the engagement by Claire." [noun] 1. busy noisy activity of a lot of people in one place "We escaped from the hustle and bustle (busy activities) of the city for the weekend." [noun] (US) ways of getting money that involve cheating or deceiving people [noun] act of doing something quickly, with a lot of effort and eagerness "The team showed a lot of determination and hustle."

Answer 252

1. having a pleasantly strong or spicy taste "chicken served with a piquant wild mushroom sauce" 2. (figurative)exciting and interesting "a tale full of piquant characters and vivid descriptions"

Answer 253

a book, film etc that continues the story of an earlier one, usually written or made by the same person "We just watched the sequel to the 2009 movie Avatar" "She’s writing a sequel to her first novel." → prequel /ˈpriːkwəl/ a book, film etc that tells you what happened before the story told in a previous popular book or film "‘The Phantom Menace’ is a prequel to ‘Star Wars’."

Answer 254

[noun] a strong feeling of opposition, anger or hate SYNONYM hostility "She felt a certain amount of animosity towards him after the incident." "They managed to discuss their past disagreements without animosity." "In spite of his injuries, he bears no animosity towards his attackers."

Answer 255

[uncountable] the ability to invent things or solve problems in clever new ways SYNONYM inventiveness "The problem tested the ingenuity of even the most imaginative students." "There is always a solution, so long as you are prepared to use your ingenuity."

Answer 256

1. (geometry) a figure of diamond, is a form of rhombus. 2. a small sweet, often in a lozenge shape, containing medicine, which dissolves when sucked in the mouth "throat/cough lozenges"

Answer 257

a drug used to reduce pain, high temperature and inflammation "Take two aspirin(s) for a headache."

Answer 258

[noun] a medicine, food or drink that makes somebody empty their bowels easily， for constipation "They starved themselves and chewed gum laced with laxatives to lose weight." [adj] having the effect of a laxative

Answer 259

[verb] to correct something that is unfair or wrong "The king did little to redress the grievances of the people." "Little could be done to redress the situation." [noun] payment, etc. that you should get for something wrong that has happened to you or harm that you have suffered SYNONYM compensation "He went to the court to seek redress for the way his employers had discriminated against him."

Answer 260

involved in a war, fighting each other "All attempts to reconcile the two warring groups have failed."

Answer 261

involved in a war, fighting each other "All attempts to reconcile the two warring groups have failed."

Answer 262

[verb] to give a drug, to make someone unconscious "The wine was doped." "The girl had been doped and kidnapped." "Thieves doped a guard dog and stole $10 000 worth of goods." [noun] [uncountable] (informal) a drug that is used illegally for pleasure

Answer 263

strong and determined OPPOSITE irresolute "His resolute leadership was admired by many." "He became even more resolute in his opposition to the plan." "She remained resolute in her belief that the situation would improve."

Answer 264

1. (informal, disapproving) covered with soft, loose fat; fat "He’s got soft and flabby since he gave up running." "I was starting to get a bit flabby around my waist." 2. weak; with no strength or force "a flabby argument" "The band’s performance was tired and flabby."

Answer 265

[noun] [uncountable, singular] (formal) a feeling of emotional comfort at a time of great sadness or disappointment. SYNONYM comfort "His career took a nosedive and he turned to drugs for solace." "She took solace in the fact that her son died in peace." "After the death of her son, Val found solace in the church." [verb] to make somebody feel better or happier when they are sad or disappointed SYNONYM comfort "She smiled, as though solaced by the memory."

Answer 266

[adj] having or expressing a great love of your country "Voting is part of your patriotic duty." "Relatives remembered him as a deeply patriotic man." patriotism [noun] act of love of your country and the desire to defend it patriot [noun] /ˈpætriət/ a person who is patriotic "Candidates love to associate themselves with patriotic values."

Answer 267

a quiet laugh, especially a nervous or embarrassed one, SYNONYM giggle "His jokes barely raised a titter." [verb] to laugh quietly in a high voice, especially because you are nervous, often at something that you feel you should not be laughing at SYNONYM giggle "A couple of younger teachers tittered at his dirty jokes."

Answer 268

[verb 1] [often passive] to give or send somebody so many things that they cannot deal with them all SYNONYM overwhelm, swamp "We have been inundated with offers of help." "Fans inundated the radio station with calls." [verb 2] (formal) to cover an area of land with a large amount of water SYNONYM flood "Many sheep were lost in the floods and the city was inundated." inundation [noun]

Answer 269

thinking only about yourself and not about what other people need or want SYNONYM selfish, self-centred "Babies are entirely egocentric, concerned only with when they will next be fed." "Young children are usually egocentric because they haven’t learnt other forms of behaviour."

Answer 270

[adj] (disapproving) like a snob behaving in a way that shows you think you are better than other people because you are from a higher social class or know more than they do "He's quite snobbish (a snob) - if you haven't been to the right school he probably won't even speak to you." "He fell into the snobbish habit of connecting high social status with moral superiority."

Answer 271

(of handwriting) with the letters joined together "In cursive handwriting it is often difficult to determine where one letter stops and another starts."

Answer 272

to stop something before it is finished, or to reduce or limit something "Spending on books has been severely curtailed." "The new law will curtail police powers." "The lecture was curtailed by the fire alarm going off." "With all the snow, our daily walks have been severely curtailed."

Answer 273

(women) to make a formal movement in a dance or to say hello or goodbye to an important person, by bending her knees with one foot in front of the other "Sarah curtsied as the future queen entered the room." [noun] "She gave a curtsy before presenting the flowers to the princess."

Answer 274

not easily made angry or upset SYNONYM calm "He is a retired lawyer with a solid, phlegmatic manner." "Though normally phlegmatic, she was beginning to get alarmed."

Answer 275

SYN infatuated, intoxicated loving somebody/something so much that you do not behave in a sensible way "He is completely besotted with his new girlfriend." "He was so completely besotted with her that he couldn't see how badly she treated him."

Answer 276

[uncountable] drawings or writing on a wall, etc. in a public place "Someone had scrawled graffiti all over the school walls." "The memorial to dead soldiers had been defaced by graffitti."

Answer 277

to guess or suppose something using the evidence you have, without definitely knowing SYNONYM conjecture "From the looks on their faces, I surmised that they had had an argument." "What he had done with the money can only be surmised." "It is difficult to surmise where she might have been staying." [noun] a guess based on some facts that you know already "The article is pure surmise and innuendo (an indirect remark)." "Charles was glad to have his surmise confirmed."

Answer 278

an indirect remark about somebody/something, usually suggesting something bad or rude "innuendoes about her private life" "His writing is full of sexual innuendoes." "The family is being torn apart by rumor and innuendo."

Answer 279

[uncountable] (formal) the power to choose something freely or to make your own decisions SYNONYM free will "They left entirely of their own volition (= because they wanted to)." "The court does not, of its own volition, enquire into the merits of the case."

Answer 280

to imagine what will happen in the future "I can't envisage her coping with this job." "It is difficult to envisage how people will react." --> envision [verb] to imagine what a situation will be like in the future, especially a situation you intend to work towards "They envision an equal society, free of poverty and disease."

Answer 281

[uncountable] dirt that forms a layer on the surface of something SYNONYM dirt "a face covered with grime and sweat" "Keep plants healthy by regularly removing any dust and grime from their leaves." "The window sills were covered in dust and grime."

Answer 282

(literary) a person’s face "His entire visage is bright and cheerful." "the lighting illuminates the visages of the dancers, seem to manifest no facial expression."

Answer 283

(also formal political asylum) [uncountable] protection that a government gives to people who have left their own country, usually because they were in danger for political reasons "She fled the country, and is now seeking asylum in Sweden." "They applied for asylum after being tortured in their own country." "Those fleeing from the war have the right to asylum."

Answer 284

(also: a reform school) a type of school that young criminals are sent to instead of prison "Benny was placed in a reformatory for almost two years."

Answer 285

a military camp, a building or area where soldiers live "He was moved from the Army cantonment and confined to a diplomatic compound"

Answer 286

a view of a wide area of land SYNONYM vista (a beautiful view) "There is a superb panorama of the mountains from the hotel." "The tower offers a breathtaking panorama of Prague."

Answer 287

positive and enthusiastic; making you feel that the future will be good SYNONYM optimistic "The tone of the speech was upbeat." "The meeting ended on an upbeat note." OPPOSITE downbeat

Answer 288

(formal) very unpleasant or evil "It’s despicable the way he treats those kids." "Police have condemned the theft from an elderly widow as despicable." "What I find particularly despicable is their neglect of old people."

Answer 289

(connection, relationship, idea, or situation etc.) so weak or uncertain that it hardly exists "The police have only found a tenuous connection between the two robberies." "His links with the organization turned out to be, at best, tenuous." " For now, the band’s travel plans are tenuous." "The aging dictator’s hold on power is tenuous." "No one would risk so much money on so tenuous an enterprise."

Answer 290

[noun] a piece of writing that contains bad and false things about a person "He sued the newspaper for libel." "The article was a serious libel against the professor." [verb] to write or print / publish a libel "He claimed he had been libelled in an article the magazine had published."

Answer 291

1. the crime of attacking ships at sea in order to steal from them "Piracy is alive and flourishing on the world's commercial sea lanes." 2. the act of making illegal copies of DVDs, computer programs, books, etc., in order to sell them "software piracy" "Recording companies continue their efforts to combat internet piracy."

Answer 292

the act of committing a serious crime such as murder or rape, that can be punished by years in prison "He was convicted of a felony." "He was charged with felony assault." "He was indicted on three felony charges of lying to the grand jury."

Answer 293

the crime of stealing something from somebody; an occasion when this takes place SYNONYM theft grand/petty larceny (= stealing things that are valuable/not very valuable). "As a pickpocket, he was charged with larceny."

Answer 294

a harbour or other place of shelter.

Answer 295

1. to produce a sleep-like state in someone so that you can influence their thoughts and actions "She agreed to be hypnotized to try to remember what had happened." 2. [usually passive] (formal) to interest somebody so much that they can think of nothing else SYNONYM mesmerize "He was hypnotized by her beauty." "She gazed down into the ocean, hypnotized by the swirling tide." [noun] hypnosis /hɪpˈnəʊsɪs/: a state of being hypnotized [noun] hypnotist /ˈhɪpnətɪst/: a person who hypnotizes people

Answer 296

[verb] to find out something by guessing "She could divine what he was thinking just by looking at him." "I divined from his grim expression that the news was not good." [adj] coming from or connected with God or a god "He offered a brief prayer for divine guidance."

Answer 297

a piece of jewellery that fits very tightly around a woman’s neck "a diamond choker" a pearl choker

Answer 298

[noun] a circle of flowers and leaves that is worn on the head or around the neck or is hung in a room as decoration "a garland of white roses" "The office was decked with garlands for the party." [verb] to decorate with a garland or garlands "The arch /ɑːrtʃ/ was garlanded with posies of fresh flowers."

Answer 299

showing a lack of respect for somebody/something in a way that is funny rather than serious SYNONYM mischievous "At 70, he still retains his impish grin." "He takes an impish delight in shocking the press." "Flat-chested, narrow-hipped, her fair hair sleek from swimming, she looked like an impish boy."

Answer 300

to stop a group, to stop existing as an organization "The committee formally disbanded in August." "She formed a political group which disbanded a year later." [noun] disbandment

Answer 301

having many small holes that allow water or air to pass through slowly "porous soil with good drainage" "He added sand to the soil to make it more porous." [noun] porosity /pɔːˈrɒsəti/ the state of being porous

Answer 302

1. (of ships, buses, etc.) to travel regularly along a particular route or between two particular places "Ferries ply across a narrow strait to the island." "The train plies twice a day between Paris and Madrid." 2. to sell or to work regularly at something "Dealers are openly plying drugs in school playgrounds."

Answer 303

[uncountable] the thick outer layer of some types of fruit "Stir the grated orange rind into the mixture."

Answer 304

(often offensive) behaving in a confused or strange way, and unable to remember things, because you are old "I think she's going senile." "He spent many years caring for his senile mother." [noun] senility /səˈnɪləti/: the condition of being senile

Answer 305

to show something you are proud of to other people, in order to impress them "He's got a lot of money but he doesn't flaunt it." "She openly flaunted her affair with the senator." "The rich flaunted their wealth while the poor starved on the streets."

Answer 306

to surround a place, in order to stop people or goods from coming in or out "Employees blockaded the entrance to the offices." "There is still some hope that the economic blockade will work and make military intervention unnecessary." [noun] act of blockading "blockades of roads by truck drivers protesting over pay"

Answer 307

slow to act, move or happen; late in happening or arriving "people who are tardy in paying their bills" "The government’s tardy response to the situation has exacerbated matters." tardiness [noun]: state of being tardy

Answer 308

(literary) a disease that spreads quickly and kills a lot of people SYN plague pestilential [adj]: (literary) extremely unpleasant and annoying

Answer 309

to choose not to demand something , even though you have a legal or official right to do so SYNONYM forgo "He waived his right to appeal against the verdict." "We have decided to waive the tuition fees in your case." waiver [noun]: an official written statement saying that a right, legal process etc can be waived "Creditors agreed to a 30-day waiver of interest payments." "We had to sign a waiver, giving up any rights to the land in the future."

Answer 310

to officially end a law, a system or an institution "Slavery was abolished in the US in 1865." "She campaigned to abolish the death penalty altogether." "They called on the government to abolish tuition fees entirely." [noun] abolition /ˌæbəˈlɪʃn/: "The report recommended the complete abolition of the tax."

Answer 311

(formal) having the intention or effect of making angry people calm, having the tendency to placate or pacify "She had been too conciliatory towards her staff." "I had intended to adopt a more conciliatory approach, but his whole manner made me angry." conciliation [noun] a process that aims to end an argument between people or groups conciliator: a person who does conciliation.

Answer 312

(also mantel, mantle) a shelf above a fireplace "There was a clock on the mantelpiece."

Answer 313

1. to put things in the wrong order or mix them up "Don't do that—you're muddling my papers." "Their letters were all muddled up together in a drawer." "All the cups and saucers have been muddled up." 2. to confuse somebody "Slow down a little—you're muddling me." 3. muddle A (up) with B to confuse one person or thing with another SYN mix up "I muddled the dates and arrived a week early." "They look so alike, I always get them muddled up." [noun] muddle: 1. a state in which it is difficult to think clearly "Can you start from the beginning again—I'm in a muddle." 2. a situation with a lack of understanding "There followed a long period of confusion and muddle." 3. a state in which things are untidy and not in order SYN mess "My desk was the usual muddle of books, files and papers."

Answer 314

one who commits homicide (the act of killing another person)

Answer 315

to send somebody away from a court to wait for their trial which will take place at a later date "The two men were charged with burglary and remanded in custody (= sent to prison until their trial)." "She was remanded on bail (= allowed to go free until the trial after leaving a sum of money with the court)." [noun] on remand "He is currently being held on remand." "I was in prison on remand for three weeks."

Answer 316

a group of vehicles or ships travelling together, especially when soldiers or other vehicles travel with them for protection "The UN aid convoy finally got through with supplies of food." "A convoy of trucks containing supplies was sent to the famine area." go in convoy (=go together, in separate vehicles) "We could all meet up somewhere and go in convoy."

Answer 317

of very bad quality "Most of his songs are pretty crummy." "She lives in a really crummy area." "We stayed in a crummy little hotel near the railway station."

Answer 318

a tool with two long parts that are joined at one end, used for picking up and holding things a pair of tongs

Answer 319

a fashion for something or general liking, especially one that is temporary "In the 1920s, short hair for women became the vogue." "Short skirts are very much in vogue just now." "Suntanning first came into vogue in the mid-1930s." "Scooters have recently come back into vogue." "Cycling enjoyed a vogue at the end of the nineteenth century." "Disaster movies are currently out of vogue." [adj] vogish: suddenly or temporarily popular "that boutique always has the most voguish shoes"

Answer 320

to accept punishment for something that you have done wrong in order to show that you are sorry "She expiated her crime by becoming a nun." "He spent the rest of his life trying to expiate for his sins." "He had a chance to confess and expiate his guilt." expiation [noun]

Answer 321

to remove or get rid of something, from a book or list, or from your mind SYNONYM erase "Details of his criminal activities were expunged from the file." "What happened just before the accident was expunged from his memory." "She sought to expunge every trace of the event from her memory." "His name has been expunged from the list of members."

Answer 322

to decay and smell very bad. SYNONYM rot "The corpses were beginning to putrefy." putrefaction [noun] the process of decaying, especially that of a dead body "The smell was awful. Putrefaction had already set in."

Answer 323

not following one style or set of ideas but choosing from or using a wide variety. SYN diverse "She has very eclectic tastes in literature." "galleries with an eclectic range of styles and artists" "His house is an eclectic mixture of the antique and the modern."

Answer 324

the scientific study of the physical structure of humans, animals or plants, how its parts are arranged "An understanding of human anatomy is important to a dancer." "He later became professor of anatomy." [verb] anatomize 1. to cut something open, especially a dead body, in order to examine its structure "He was sentenced to be hanged and then anatomized." 2. to examine and describe something in detail "In his book, he anatomizes the scientific and political debate over global warming."

Answer 325

being very concerned for somebody and wanting to make sure that they are comfortable, well or happy SYNONYM attentive "She was very solicitous for our welfare." "My silences made him solicitous of me." [noun] solicitude /səˈlɪsɪtjuːd/ anxious care for somebody’s comfort, health or happiness "I was touched by his solicitude for the boy."

Answer 326

to ask someone for money, information, or help. "It is illegal for public officials to solicit gifts or money in exchange for favours." "Volunteers are being solicited to assist with the project." "Several members were persuaded to solicit for his removal from office." [noun] solicitation [adj] unsolicited: not asked for and sometimes not wanted "Never purchase anything advertised through an unsolicited email." solicitor [noun]: (UK) a lawyer (US) a person whose job is to visit or phone people and try to sell them something

Answer 327

a silly or stupid person

Answer 328

captious: often expressing criticisms about matters that are not important SYN: faultfinding carping: to keep complaining about somebody/something in an annoying way captious vs carping: captious suggests a readiness to detect trivial faults or raise objections on trivial grounds. carping implies an ill-natured or perverse picking of flaws. carping: implies an ill-natured or perverse picking of flaws.

Answer 329

illiberal: not allowing much freedom of opinion or action SYNONYM intolerant "illiberal and undemocratic policies" liberal: respecting and allowing many different types of opinions, beliefs or behaviour: "Her parents were far more liberal than mine."

Answer 330

1. feeling confident and positive about the future "She's being very bullish about the firm's future." 2. (financial) A bullish financial market is one in which share prices are rising. OPP bearish

Answer 331

not deserving any respect at all, showing contempt SYNONYM despicable "Her behaviour was contemptible."

Answer 332

ac‧cli‧ma‧tize /əˈklaɪmətaɪz/ acclimate /əˈklaɪmət/ OR /ˈækləmeɪt/ to get used to a new place, situation or climate "Runners had to acclimatize to the humid tropical conditions." "I found it hard to acclimatize myself to working at weekends." "Competitors should arrive two weeks earlier to get acclimated to the sweltering heat."

Answer 333

not having much confidence in yourself; not wanting to make people notice you or talk about you SYNONYM shy "He was modest and diffident about his own success." "She felt diffident about speaking in public." "You shouldn't be so diffident about your achievements - you've done really well!"

Answer 334

spartan conditions or ways of living are simple and without any comfort OPPOSITE luxurious "the spartan life of the training camp" "The hotel room was somewhat spartan." "They lead a spartan life, with very few comforts and no luxuries." Word Origin: the inhabitants of Sparta were traditionally held to be indifferent to comfort or luxury.

Answer 335

1. (of pop music) with a strong rhythm that is easy to dance to "Have you heard their new record? It's really funky." 2. (approving) fashionable and unusual "She wears really funky clothes." 3. (North American) having a strong unpleasant smell "The sour cream smells kind of funky."

Answer 336

1. in or connected with the first stages of a course of study "I'm taking classes in elementary Italian." "I’m only familiar with the subject at an elementary level." "I know a little elementary science." 2. simple, basic "How could you make such an elementary mistake?" 3. (US) elementary school SYN primary school (UK)

Answer 337

using only a few words to say something OPP verbose "a laconic comment" "His laconic comment was, ‘Too bad!’"

Answer 338

1. a person who drives a vehicle very fast 2. a machine or vehicle that works well at high speeds

Answer 339

A cogent argument, reason, etc. is clearly expressed and persuades people to believe it. SYNONYM convincing "She put forward some cogent reasons for abandoning the plan." "He makes a cogent argument for improving early childhood education." [noun] cogency " "Her writing combines fluency with cogency."

Answer 340

confused and unable to think normally "He was befuddled by drink." "I'm so tired, my poor befuddled brain can't absorb any more."

Answer 341

[adj] secret or hidden, making it difficult to notice "He stole a covert glance at her across the table." "A covert investigation was conducted to catch the drug-smuggling ring." COMPARE overt [adj] /əʊˈvɜːt/: done in an open way and not secretly "an overt attempt to silence their political opponents" "Overt race discrimination is illegal." "Every measure, both overt and covert, is being taken against terrorists."

Answer 342

a place that somebody visits often or where they spend a lot of time "The pub is a favourite haunt of artists." "We’ve been back to some of our old haunts." "Is this one of your usual haunts?" [verb] to cause repeated suffering or anxiety by ghost, bad deed or bad memory "For years she was haunted by guilt."

Answer 343

a very small amount of money that somebody receives, for example as a wage, and that is hardly enough to live on "He works hard but he's paid a pittance." "She could barely survive on the pittance she received as a pension."

Answer 344

an instrument that a doctor uses to listen to somebody’s heart and breathing " Putting on her stethoscope, she sounded his heart very carefully, then lifted his lips and looked at his gums."

Answer 345

a type of oil obtained from petroleum and used as a fuel for heat and light "a paraffin lamp/stove" "Those old-fashioned paraffin heaters can be very dangerous." "a kerosene lamp"

Answer 346

to do something that makes people lose respect for someone or something SYN degrade "I wouldn't demean myself by asking for charity." "Such images demean women." [adj] demeaning: causing someone to become or feel less respected. SYN humiliating "He found it demeaning to work for his former employee." [noun] demeanour: the way that somebody looks or behaves "He maintained a professional demeanour throughout." "Her demeanour seemed perfectly normal despite the shock." "his quiet, reserved demeanour"

Answer 347

to make something dirty or no longer pure, especially something that people consider important or holy "Many victims of burglary feel their homes have been defiled." "The altar had been defiled by vandals." "Hallam’s tomb had been defiled and looted." [noun] defile: a narrow way or passage through mountains

Answer 348

(of an animal) to wound a person or another animal with a horn or tusk "He was gored by a bull." [noun] thick blood that has flowed from a wound, especially in a violent situation "The movie is not just blood and gore (= scenes of violence); it has a thrilling story."

Answer 349

connected with the belief that plants, objects and natural things such as the weather have a living soul or spirits [noun] animism [noun] animist: a person who practices animism "He gave up his agnosticism and became an animist." agnosticism : the belief that it is not possible to know whether God exists or not

Answer 350

agnostic [adj]: 1. believing that it is not possible to know whether God exists or not "Whether we are religious, atheist, or agnostic, there are some moral values we all share." 2. not having a strong opinion, or not knowing about an activity or topic "She remained agnostic on the question of whether to join the war." atheistic [adj]: having the the belief that God does not exist agnostic [noun] : a person who believes that it is not possible to know whether God exists or not atheist [noun]: a person who does not believe that God or gods exist

Answer 351

strongly disliking or opposed to "He was averse to any change." "I mentioned it to Kate and she wasn't averse to the idea." "I'm not averse to (= I like) the occasional glass of champagne myself." aversion [noun]: "He had an aversion to getting up early."

Answer 352

1. (of a disease or poison) extremely dangerous or harmful "a virulent form of influenza" "A particularly virulent strain of flu has recently claimed many lives" 2. (formal) showing hate and violent opposition "She is a virulent critic of US energy policy."

Answer 353

without any expression or emotion; often pretending to be serious when you are joking "She looked up, completely deadpan." "His face went entirely deadpan." ""We're out of gas, so I guess you'll have to walk home, " he said, giving me a deadpan expression."

Answer 354

natural ability or skill at doing something SYNONYM talent "His aptitude for dealing with children got him the job." "She showed an aptitude for music" "My son has no/little aptitude for sport."

Answer 355

[noun] a long rope with one end tied into a loop that is used for catching horses, cows, etc. [verb] to catch an animal using a lasso "The terrified pony was finally lassoed."

Answer 356

1. to damage somebody’s body very severely, especially by cutting or tearing off part of it "The prisoners had been tortured and mutilated." "Self-hatred apparently drove her to mutilate her own face." 2. to damage something very badly. SYNONYM vandalize "Intruders slashed and mutilated several paintings." "The sculpture was badly mutilated in the late eighteenth century." [noun] mutilation

Answer 357

ophthalmologist: a doctor who studies and treats the diseases of the eye [adj] ophthalmic /ɒfˈθælmɪk/: connected with the eye oculist: (old-fashioned) a doctor who examines and treats people’s eyes Optician: who crafts and sells corrective lenses optometrist: who examines people’s eyes and recommends / sells glasses

Answer 358

that can be done; that will be successful SYNONYM feasible "If there was any delay then the rescue plan would cease to be viable." "The committee came forward with one viable solution."

Answer 359

1. if a decision or an opinion is unanimous, it is agreed or shared by everyone in a group "The jury reached a unanimous verdict of ‘not guilty’." "She was the unanimous choice of the selection committee." "The new format has unanimous support." 2. if a group of people are unanimous, they all agree about something "Local people are unanimous in their opposition to the proposed new road." "The school board was unanimous in its support of the decision."

Answer 360

1. a bunch of flowers to be carried in a ceremony or presented as a gift "She received a bouquet of red roses on Valentine’s Day." "The little girl presented the princess with a large bouquet of flowers." 2. the pleasant smell of wine "a red wine with a full flavour and a fragrant bouquet" "This wine has a rich, oaky bouquet." vs boutique /buːˈtiːk/ a small shop that sells fashionable clothes or expensive gifts

Answer 361

[verb] to make a mistake blooper: an embarrassing mistake that you make in public

Answer 362

the final result of a situation or a series of events SYNONYM outcome "The upshot of it all was that he left college and got a job." "The upshot was that after much argument they all agreed to help her."

Answer 363

1. to deal successfully with a difficulty SYNONYM overcome "There are several obstacles to be surmounted." "She had to surmount the difficulties of bringing up five children on her own." 2. (passive) to be placed on top of something "a high column surmounted by a statue" "The central twelve-foot column is surmounted by a bronze angel with outspread wings"

Answer 364

[noun] a loyal supporter who does a lot of work for an organization, especially a political party "They have been stalwarts of the local amateur dramatic society for over 30 years." [adj] very loyal to someone or something SYNONYM faithful " "She has been a stalwart supporter of the party for many years.""

Answer 365

(of motive, reason, purpose, etc.) for doing something that you deliberately hide in order to get an advantage for yourself "He must have some ulterior motive for being nice to me—what does he really want?" "He’s just being nice. I don’t think he has any ulterior motives." "He claims he just wants to help Lisa but I suspect he has an ulterior motive."

Answer 366

a loud, unpleasant noise that lasts for a long time SYNONYM racket "The children were making an awful din." "She could not be heard above the din of the crowd."

Answer 367

1. (usually disapproving) lack of energy; lack of desire or ability to move or change "I can't seem to throw off this feeling of inertia." "Projects were frequently abandoned through sheer inertia." "The forces for change in the government are not sufficient to overcome bureaucratic inertia." "Many teachers were reluctant to use computers in their classrooms simply out of inertia." 2. (physics) a property (= characteristic) of matter (= a substance) by which it stays still or, if moving, continues moving in a straight line unless it is acted on by a force outside itself [adj] inertial: connected with or caused by inertia

Answer 368

[adj] (often disapproving) full of exciting and extreme emotions or events; behaving or reacting to something in an exaggerated way "a melodramatic plot full of deceit and murder" [noun] melodrama: a story, play or novel that is full of exciting events and in which the characters and emotions seem too exaggerated to be real

Answer 369

[verb] to refuse to buy, use or take part in something as a way of protesting "We are asking people to boycott goods from companies that use child labour." "They have urged people to boycott foreign products." [noun] an act of boycotting somebody/something "Opposition groups declared a boycott of the elections." "The US has imposed a boycott on some European goods."

Answer 370

1.a very deep wide space or hole that seems to have no bottom "They took a long look into the abyss before deciding whether to jump." 2. a difficult situation that brings trouble or destruction "The country is sinking/plunging into an abyss of violence and lawlessness." "She found herself on the edge of an abyss."

Answer 371

clever and showing skill, especially in the way you use words and arguments SYNONYM skilful "an adroit negotiator" "an adroit reaction/answer/movement of the hand" "She became adroit at dealing with difficult questions."

Answer 372

to make it possible for air to become mixed with soil, water, etc. "Earthworms do the important job of aerating the soil." aeration [noun] the process of making it possible for air to become mixed with soil, water, etc. "The primary effect of soil flooding is to reduce aeration of the soil."

Answer 373

1. contend that (formal) to say that something is true, especially in an argument. SYNONYM maintain "I would contend that the minister's thinking is flawed on this point." 2. contend for: to compete against somebody in order to gain something "Three armed groups were contending for power." 3. contend with: to have to deal with a problem or with a difficult situation or person "Nurses often have to contend with violent or drunken patients." contender: a person or team with a chance of winning a competition "She is a strong contender for the party leadership."

Answer 374

1. the headache and sick feeling that you have the day after drinking too much alcohol "She woke up with a terrible hangover." 2. a feeling, custom, idea, etc. that remains from the past, although it is no longer practical or suitable "the insecure feeling that was a hangover from her childhood"

Answer 375

unable to do something because you are ill, or for a reason you do not want to give SYNONYM unwell "She cannot perform tonight as she is indisposed." "After their rude attitude in the past, we feel distinctly indisposed to help them now." [noun] indisposition: a slight illness that makes you unable to do something, or not willing "an indisposition to cooperate"

Answer 376

to do something badly or without skill; to fail at something SYNONYM botch "They bungled the job." "I can't believe the police bungled the investigation." bungled [adj]: "a bungled rescue attempt" bungle [noun]: "Their pay was late because of a computer bungle."

Answer 377

[noun] a small area of ink made by mistake [verb] to make a wet surface become dry by pressing soft paper or cloth on it blot out: 1. to cover or hide something completely "Clouds blotted out the sun." blot out: 2. to deliberately try to forget an unpleasant memory or thought "He tried to blot out the image of Helen's sad face." "She just wanted to sleep and blot out the terrifying events of the day."

Answer 378

1. connected with sex in a way that most people find offensive "obscene gestures/language/books" "Somebody's been posting obscene messages in this chat room." "In the raid, police found several boxes of obscene DVDs." 2. morally wrong, often describing something that is wrong because it is too large "The salaries some bankers earn are obscene." "It's obscene to spend so much on food when millions are starving." obscenity [noun]: an obscene word or act, language or behaviour

Answer 379

[verb] (usually be malingering, disapproving) to pretend to be ill, especially in order to avoid work "They weren't sure if she was really ill, or just malingering." malingerer: a person who pretends to be ill, especially in order to avoid work

Answer 380

[verb] to pay somebody for work that they have done Synonym: compensate "He is poorly remunerated for all the work he does." remuneration: an amount of money that is paid to somebody for the work they have done "They demanded adequate remuneration for their work." "In return for some caretaking duties, we are offering a free apartment and a small remuneration." "Generous remuneration packages are often attached to overseas postings."

Answer 381

gab [verb]: to talk continuously, usually about things that are not important "You two were gabbing so much you didn’t even see me!" "They’ve been gabbing on the phone for nearly two hours." gabby [adj] (informal, disapproving) talking a lot, especially about things that are not important

Answer 382

a bar, pub or hotel hostel: /ˈhɒstl/ a place where people can stay and eat fairly cheaply "We stayed at a student hostel during the conference."

Answer 383

something that encourages you to work harder, start a new activity etc. OPPOSITE disincentive "There is no incentive for people to save fuel." "Bonus payments provide an incentive to work harder." "There was little incentive to conduct research."

Answer 384

a piece of brightly coloured cloth worn around the neck or head "A woman in a red bandanna was wiping tables."

Answer 385

1. to defend or protect yourself from something/somebody that is attacking you SYNONYM fight off, ward off "The police officer fended off the blows with his riot shield." 2. to protect yourself from difficult questions, criticisms, etc., especially by avoiding them SYNONYM ward off "She managed to fend off questions about new tax increases." fend for yourself: to take care of yourself without help from anyone else

Answer 386

[uncountable] meat from a calf (= a young cow) "The wine is excellent with calf's liver or plain roast veal." "The interest of human consumers in eating veal has just increased"

Answer 387

a name used by somebody, especially a writer, instead of their real name "She writes under a pseudonym." "He adopted the pseudonym of George Banks." "He has used a variety of pseudonyms."

Answer 388

[noun] 1. an official order that limits trade, contact, etc. with a particular country "The UN called for sanctions against the invading country." "Trade sanctions were imposed against any country that refused to sign the agreement." [noun] 2. [uncountable] (formal) official permission or approval for an action or a change "These changes will require the sanction of the court." "No decision can be taken without the sanction of the committee." [noun] 3. a course of action that can be used, if necessary, to make people obey a law or behave in a particular way SYNONYM penalty "The school will use all available sanctions to maintain discipline." "There were strict sanctions against absenteeism." [verb] 1. to give permission for something to take place. SYN approve "The government refused to sanction a further cut in interest rates." "Slavery was once socially sanctioned in ancient times"

Answer 389

bent (for something): a natural skill or interest in something "She has a bent for mathematics." "Some students have no natural bent for literature at all." "She has an artistic bent." "a child with a scientific bent"

Answer 390

SYNONYM undermine 1. to try to destroy the authority of a political, religious, etc. system by attacking it secretly or indirectly "an attempt to subvert the democratic process" "The rebel army is attempting to subvert the government." 2. to challenge somebody’s ideas or expectations and make them consider the opposite "The film subverts notions of male and female identity."

Answer 391

[noun] something you receive as well as your wages for doing a particular job "Perks offered by the firm include a car and free health insurance." "He likes the travel and all the other little perks that go with the job." [verb] perk up: (informal) to become or to make somebody become more cheerful or lively, especially after they have been ill or sad SYNONYM brighten "He soon perked up when his friends arrived." "A cup of coffee will perk you up."

Answer 392

to have or take control of the largest part of something so that other people are prevented from sharing it "Men traditionally monopolized jobs in the printing industry." "As usual, she completely monopolized the conversation." mo'nopoly (1), du'opoly (2), oli'gopoly (several)

Answer 393

impute something to somebody/something (formal) to say, often unfairly, that somebody is responsible for something or has a particular quality SYNONYM attribute "They're trying to impute selfish motives to my actions." "I denied the motives that my employer was imputing to me." "How dare you impute such motives to me as you clearly have yourself?" "The court ruled that the police were not guilty of the violence imputed to them." "It is grossly unfair to impute blame to the United Nations." "I impute your success to nepotism"

Answer 394

a person, thing or situation that is mysterious and difficult to understand SYNONYM mystery, puzzle "Even after years he still remains an enigma to me." "Nobody really knows the answer. It's something of an enigma." "The tower presents an enigma. How old is it? Who built it?"

Answer 395

to keep yourself/somebody away from contact with other people "The monks secluded themselves from the rest of society." "She spent the morning secluded in her office." secluded: (especially of a place) quiet and private "We managed to find a secluded spot for our picnic." seclusion [noun] "He spends much of his time in seclusion in the mountains." "For the long summer vacation, I prefer the relative seclusion of the countryside."

Answer 396

a ruler with unlimited power, or someone who demands that people completely obey them Synonyms: despot /ˈdespɒt/; tyrant /ˈtaɪrənt/; dictator

Answer 397

a very clear and typical example or pattern of something "The war was a paradigm of the destructive side of human nature." "educators are hoping to produce a change in the current cultural paradigm." paradigmatic [adj] that is a typical example or pattern of something "Silicon Valley is the paradigmatic example of the new US economy, which relies on high-tech industries for growth."

Answer 398

large in amount, size, force, etc. "Her brothers were both hefty men in their forties." "Her salary will go up by a hefty 20 percent." "They sold it easily and made a hefty profit.' "She will have to pay a pretty hefty fine if she is caught.'

Answer 399

mal + adroit (skilful) done without skill, especially in a way that annoys or offends people SYNONYM clumsy "Both parties are unhappy about the maladroit handling of the whole affair."

Answer 400

agreement and peace between countries and people SYNONYM harmony; OPPOSITE discord "living in concord with neighbouring states" "They pursued a balanced policy for the sake of national concord"

Answer 401

1. (formal, disapproving) slow or unwilling to understand something Are you being deliberately obtuse? Perhaps I’m being obtuse, but what has all this got to do with me? 2. (geometry) (of an angle) between 90° and 180° (acute <90°)

Answer 402

getting pleasure, especially sexual pleasure, from hurting other people physically or mentally "He took sadistic pleasure in taunting the boy." "The prisoners rioted against mistreatment by sadistic guards." [adv] + ly: "Many were killed, often most sadistically." sadism [noun] /ˈseɪdɪzəm/

Answer 403

a difficult situation in which no progress can be made because the people involved cannot agree what to do SYNONYM deadlock "Negotiations have reached an impasse." "The Governor attempted to resolve the current budget impasse." "The company says it has reached an impasse in negotiations with the union."

Answer 404

[noun] behaviour that does not meet the moral standards or match the opinions that somebody claims to have "He condemned the hypocrisy of those politicians who do one thing and say another." "It’s hypocrisy for them to pretend that they were shocked at the news." hypocrite [noun] /ˈhɪpəkrɪt/ a person whose behaviour does not meet the moral standards or match the opinions that they claim to have "Charles was a liar and a hypocrite who married her for money." hypocritical [adj] "It would be hypocritical of me to have a church wedding when I don't believe in God."

Answer 405

[noun] an act intended to make somebody believe something that is not true, especially something unpleasant "He was accused of using a bomb hoax to empty a rival restaurant." "Detectives are still investigating the hoax calls." "The emergency call turned out to be a hoax." [verb] to trick somebody by making them believe something that is not true "He hoaxed us by sending a friend instead of coming himself. We’d never met him so we had no reason to think it wasn’t him."

Answer 406

neat and pleasing or cleverly done, showing skill "There's some nifty guitar work on his latest album." "Bridgeport was a pretty nifty place. " "It was a nifty arrangement"

Answer 407

a less common word for naïve, or a naive person: "The book's main character is a naïf who doesn't understand what's going on.'

Answer 408

(old-fashioned) a boxer or fighter

Answer 409

to increase the amount, value, size, etc. of something, by adding something to it "He wrote magazine articles in order to augment his income." "The band had been augmented by two extra trombonists." "We pay performance bonuses that augment your annual salary."

Answer 410

A vagrant is someone who moves a lot from place to place because they have no permanent home or job, and have to ask for or steal things in order to live. "He lived on the street as a vagrant."

Answer 411

1. a long story about events over a period of many years "Her new novel is a lengthy and compelling family saga." 2. a long series of events or adventures and/or a report about them "The front page is devoted to the continuing saga of the hijack." "It is small wonder this whole saga has been shrouded in secrecy." "It was just another episode in the ongoing saga of their marriage problems."

Answer 412

the liquid that forms in the mouth SYNONYM saliva, spit "She burst out laughing, spraying spittle all over me." "The reporter paused to wipe the spittle off his microphone."

Answer 413

[verb] to have a short sleep "He was tired in the day and would catnap and then be more wakeful at night." "He catnapped just before dawn and rose to the alarm at seven." [noun] short sleep "Thomas Edison was famous for his ability to catnap anywhere."

Answer 414

1. a state in which somebody seems to be asleep but is aware of what is said to them, for example if they are hypnotized "When a hypnotist puts you in(to) a trance, you no longer have conscious control of yourself." "He sat staring out of the window as if in a trance." 2. a state in which you are thinking so much about something that you do not notice what is happening around you SYNONYM daze "She drove, gripping the wheel in a trance, hardly aware of her surroundings."

Answer 415

1. good at deceiving people SYNONYM cunning "He had wary, foxy eyes." 2. (of woman) physically and sexually attractive SYNONYM sexy "a foxy blonde in a turtleneck sweater."

Answer 416

Morgue: usually in a hospital or medical center, to serve as a temporary storage space, essentially refrigerated drawers. "They found his body lying in the city morgue." Mortuary: where dead people are prepared for being buried or cremated (= burned) and where visitors can see the body

Answer 417

harmful, or expressing harmful intentions. "Her baleful eyes glared vindictively (spiteful, malicious)." "He gave me a baleful look." "That baleful glare demanded that you took him seriously."

Answer 418

pliable suggests something easily bent, folded, twisted, or manipulated SYNONYM flexible impressionable "The plant has long pliable stems." "He’d always thought of her as pliable." pliant may stress flexibility and sometimes connote springiness "The leather is soft and pliant." "He was deposed and replaced by a more pliant successor." "The government wanted to make the press more pliant."

Answer 419

a false reason that you give for doing something, usually something bad, in order to hide the real reason; an excuse "The border dispute was used as a pretext for military intervention." "I called her on the pretext of needing more information." "He came round to see her on some flimsy (= obviously false) pretext."

Answer 420

1. made or decorated using expensive materials SYNONYM luxurious "He has an opulent office on Wimpole Street in London" 2. (of people) extremely rich SYNONYM wealthy "Most of the cash went on supporting his opulent lifestyle."

Michael Sec 1 (Adv Vocab) Flashcards

(444 cards)