Unit 42

Question 1

accident (n)

Answer 1

something that happens without being planned
I didn’t do it on purpose – it was an accident!

Question 2

assume(v)

Answer 2

to believe that something is true, even though you cannot be certain
I assume everyone here has an e-mail address.

Question 3

cause(v)

Answer 3

to make something happen, usually something bad
Bad weather continues to cause problems for travellers.

Question 4

cause(n)

Answer 4

an event, thing, or person that makes something happen
We had to write an essay on the causes of the First World War.

Question 5

claim(v)

Answer 5

to say that something is true, even though there is no definite proof
He claims he is innocent.

Question 6

complain(v)

Answer 6

to say that you are not happy about something
She complained that it was too hot.

Question 7

convince(v)

Answer 7

to make someone believe something is true; persuade someone to do something
He failed to convince the judge that he was innocent.

Question 8

criticise(v)

Answer 8

to say what you think is wrong or bad about something or someone
Why are you always criticising me?

Question 9

deny(v)

Answer 9

to say that something is not true
He still denies stealing the money.

Question 10

discussion(n)

Answer 10

a conversation about something important
We need to have a discussion about your schoolwork.

Question 11

doubt(v)

Answer 11

to think something is probably not true
‘Do you think they’ll win?’ ‘I doubt it.’

Question 12

doubt(n)

Answer 12

a feeling of not being certain about something There’s no doubt about it – we’re in trouble.

Question 13

encourage(v)

Answer 13

to give someone confidence or hope
Mum always encouraged us when we took part in competitions.

Question 14

get rid of(v phr)

Answer 14

to throw away, give away, or sell something no longer wanted or needed
We’re moving, so we have to get rid of a lot of our furniture.

Question 15

gossip (v)

Answer 15

to talk about other people or unimportant things
You shouldn’t gossip about people.

Question 16

gossip(n)

Answer 16

a conversation about unimportant things or people’s private lives
Here’s an interesting piece of gossip for you!

Question 17

ideal(adj)

Answer 17

perfect
Upgrading your computer seems the ideal solution.

Question 18

insult(v)

Answer 18

to say or do something that is offensive
You’ll insult the cook if you don’t at least taste the meal.

Question 19

insult(n)

Answer 19

an offensive remark
I’ve never heard such a dreadful insult.

Question 20

investigate(v)

Answer 20

to try to find all the facts to learn the truth about something
We sent a reporter to investigate the rumour.

Question 21

negative (adj)

Answer 21

harmful or bad
Does TV have a negative effect on children?

Question 22

positive (adj)

Answer 22

a positive experience, situation, result, etc is a good one
School was a totally positive experience for me.

Question 23

praise(v)

Answer 23

to express strong approval or admiration
If you never praise your kids, how can they know when they’re right?

Question 24

praise(n)

Answer 24

an expression of strong approval or admiration
I never got much praise as a child.

Question 25

pretend(v)

Answer 25

to behave a certain way to make others believe something untrue *She closed her eyes and pretended to be asleep.*

Question 26

purpose (n)

Answer 26

an aim or use *The purpose of this dictionary is to help students of English.*

Question 27

refuse(v)

Answer 27

to say you will not do or accept something *I asked him to apologise, but he refused.*

Question 28

result(v)

Answer 28

to cause or produce something *The fight resulted in three people being hurt.*

Question 29

result(n)

Answer 29

something caused directly by something else *He said the argument was the result of a misunderstanding.*

Question 30

rumour(n)

Answer 30

something people are saying that may or may not be true *A student had been spreading rumours about the teachers.*

Question 31

sensible (adj)

Answer 31

reasonable and practical *This seems to be a sensible way of dealing with the problem.*

Question 32

serious(adj)

Answer 32

bad or dangerous enough to make you worried *It’s not a serious problem.*

Question 33

spare(adj)

Answer 33

kept in addition to others so you can use it if needed *Bring a towel and some spare clothes.*

Question 34

theory(n)

Answer 34

an idea you believe is true, though unproven *I have my own theory about why he left.*

Question 35

thought (n)

Answer 35

a word, idea, or image that comes into your mind *I’ve just had an interesting thought.*

Question 36

warn(v)

Answer 36

to tell someone about a possible problem or danger *Police are warning everyone to take care when going out alone.*