V Flashcards
(145 cards)
0
Q
vacate
A
(v) to cease to occupy (a place or position).
1
Q
vacancy
A
(n)1. The condition of being vacant, emptiness. 2. An unoccupied position of employment, (we have a vacancy for a typist). 3. Unoccupied accommodation, (this hotel has no vacancies).
2
Q
vacillate
A
(v)1. To waver, to keep changing one’s mind. 2. To swing or sway unsteadily. Vacillation (n).
3
Q
vacuity
A
(n)1. Emptiness. 2. Vacuousness.
4
Q
vacuous
A
(adj) empty-headed, inane, expressionless, (a vacuous stare). Vacuously (adj), vacuousness (n).
5
Q
vagabond
A
(n) a wanderer, a vagrant, especially an idle or dishonest one. (adj) of or like a vagabond.
6
Q
vagary
A
(n) a capricious act or idea or fluctuation, (vagaries of fashion).
7
Q
vagrant
A
(n) a person without a settled home or regular work. Vagrancy (n).
8
Q
in vain
A
with no result, uselessly, (we tried, but in vain).
9
Q
vainglory
A
(n) extreme vanity, boastfulness. Vainglorious (adj).
10
Q
vale
A
(n) a valley, (the Vale of Evesham).
11
Q
valediction
A
(n) saying farewell, the words used in this. Valedictory (adj).
12
Q
valet
A
(n)1. A man’s personal attendant who takes care of clothes etc. 2. A hotel employee with similar duties. (v)(valeted, valeting) to act as valet to.
13
Q
valetudinarian
A
(n) a person who pays excessive attention to preserving his health.
14
Q
valiant
A
(adj) brave, courageous; valiantly (adv).
15
Q
valid
A
(adj)1. Having legal force, legally acceptable or usable, (a valid passport). 2. (of reasoning etc.) sound and to the point, logical. Validity (n).
16
Q
valour
A
(n) bravery, especially in fighting.
17
Q
valuer
A
(n) a person who estimates values professionally.
18
Q
vamp
A
(1) (n) the upper front part of a boot or shoe. (v)1. To make from odds and ends, (we’ll vamp something up). 2. To improvise a musical accompaniment to a song or dance.
(2) (n) a seductive woman who uses her attraction to exploit men, an unscrupulous flirt. (v) to exploit or flirt with (a man) unscrupulously.
19
Q
vanguard
A
(n)1. The foremost part of an army or fleet advancing or ready to do so. 2. The leaders of a movement or fashion.
20
Q
vanquish
A
(v) to conquer.
21
Q
vantage
A
(n) advantage, especially as a score in tennis. Vantage-point: (n) a place from which one has a good view of something.
22
Q
vapid
A
(adj) insipid, uninteresting.
23
Q
at variance
A
disagreeing, conflicting, (of people) in a state of discord or enmity.
24
vassal
(n) a humble servant or subordinate.
25
vat
(n) a tank or other great vessel for holding liquids.
26
Vatican
(n)1. The pope's official residence in Rome. 2. The papal government.
27
vaudeville
(n) variety entertainment.
28
vault (1)
(1) (n)1. An arched roof. 2. A vault-like covering; (the vault of heaven), the sky. 3. A cellar or underground room used as a place of storage. 4. A burial chamber, (the family vault).
29
vaunt
(v) to boast. (n) a boast.
30
vector (2)
(n)2. The carrier of a disease or infection.
31
vegan
(n) a strict vegetarian who eats no animal products (eg. eggs) at all.
32
vegetate
(v) to live an uneventful or monotonous life.
33
vehement
(adj) showing strong feeling, intense, (a vehement denial). Vehemently (adv), vehemence (n).
34
vehicle
(n)1. A conveyance for transporting passengers or goods on land or in space. 2. A means by which something is expressed or displayed, (art can be a vehicle for propaganda); (the play was an excellent vehicle for this actress's talents). Vehicular (adj).
35
veil (v)
to cover with or as if with a veil; (a veiled threat), partially concealed.
36
vein (n3-5)
(n)3. A narrow strip or streak of a different colour, eg. in marble. 4. A long continuous or branching deposit of mineral or ore, especially in a fissure. 5. A mood or manner, (she spoke in a humorous vein). Veined (adj).
37
velour
(n) a plush-like fabric.
38
velveteen
(n) cotton velvet.
39
vend
(v) to sell or offer for sale. Vendor (n).
40
vendetta
(n) a feud.
41
veneer
(n)1. A thin layer of finer wood covering the surface of cheaper wood in furniture etc. 2. A superficial show of some good quality, (a veneer of politeness). (v) to cover with a veneer.
42
venerable
(adj)1. Worthy of deep respect because of age or associations etc., (these venerable ruins). 2. The title of an archdeacon in the Church of England. Venerability (n). Venerate (v): to regard with deep respect, to honour as hallowed or sacred. Veneration (n).
43
vengeance
(n) retaliation for hurt or harm done to oneself or to a person etc. whom one supports. Take vengeance: to inflict harm in retaliation. With a vengeance: in an extreme degree. Vengeful (adj): seeking vengeance. Vengefully (adv).
44
venial
(adj)(of a sin or fault) pardonable, not serious.
45
venison
(n) deer's flesh as food.
46
venom
(n)1. Poisonous fluid secrete by certain snakes, scorpions, etc. and injected by a bite or sting. 2. Strong bitter feeling or language, hatred. Venomous (adj):1. Secreting venom, (venomous snakes). 2. Full of bitter feeling or hatred.
47
give vent to
to give an outlet to (feelings etc.), to express freely, (gave vent to his anger).
48
ventriloquist
(n) an entertainer who produces voice-sounds so that they seem to come from a source other than himself. Ventriloquism (n).
49
venture
(n) an undertaking that involves risk. (v)1. To dare, (did not venture to stop him). 2. To dare to go or do or utter, (did not venture forth; ventured an opinion). Venturesome (adj): ready to take risks, daring.
50
veracious
(adj)1. Truthful. 2. True. Veraciously (adv), veracity (n).
51
veranda
(n) a roofed terrace along the side of a house.
52
verbatim
(adv & adj) in exactly the same words, word for word, (copied it verbatim).
53
verbiage
(n) an excessive number of words used to express an idea.
54
verbose
(adj) using more words than are needed. Verbosely (adv), verbosity (n).
55
verdant
(adj) (of grass or fields) green.
56
verge on
(v) to border on, to approach closely.
57
verisimilitude
(n) an appearance of being true.
58
veritable
(adj) real, rightly named, (a veritable villain).
59
vermilion
(n & adj) bright red.
60
vermin
(pl n)1. Common animals and birds of an objectionable kind, especially those (such as foxes, rats, mice, owls) that injure crops or food or game. 2. Unpleasant or parasitic insects (eg. lice). 3. People who are unpleasant or harmful to society. Verminous (adj): infested with vermin.
61
vernacular
(n)1. The language of a country or district. 2. Homely speech.
62
vernal
(adj) of or occurring in spring.
63
versatile
(adj) able to do, or be used for, many different things. Versatility (n).
64
versed (adj)
(adj) versed in: experienced or skilled in, having a knowledge of.
65
vertex
(n)(pl vertices)1. The highest point of a hill or structure. 2. The meeting-point of lines that form an angle, eg. any point of a triangle or polygon. 3. (in graph theory) any of a set of points that may be joined together by edges.
66
vertigo
(n) a sensation of dizziness and of losing one's balance.
67
verve
(n) enthusiasm, liveliness, vigour.
68
vespers
(pl n) (in the Roman Catholic church) a church service held in the evening, evensong.
69
vest (v)
(v)1. To confer as a firm or legal right, (the power of making laws is vested in Parliament); (Parliament is vested with this power). 2. (old use) to clothe. Vested interest: an advantageous right which is securely held by a person or group.
70
vestibule
(n)1. An entrance hall or lobby of a building. 2. A church porch.
71
vestige
(n)1. A trace, a small remaining bit of what once existed. 2. A very small amount, (not a vestige of truth in it). Vestigial (adj): remaining as a vestige of what once existed.
72
veteran
(n) a person with long experience, especially in the armed forces.
73
vex
(v) to annoy, to irritate, to cause worry to (a person). Vexed question: a problem that is difficult and much discussed. Vexation (n). Vexatious (adj).
74
via
(prep) by way of, through, (from Exeter to York via London).
75
viable
(adj)1. (of a foetus) sufficiently developed to be able to survive after birth. 2. (of plants) able to live or grow. 3. Practicable, able to exist successfully, (a viable plan). Viability (n).
76
viaduct
(n) a long bridge-like structure (usually with a series of arches) for carrying a road or railway over a valley or dip in the ground.
77
vial
(n) a small bottle, especially for liquid medicine.
78
vibes
(pl n)(informal) 1. A vibraphone. 2. Mental or emotional vibrations.
79
vicarious
(adj)(of feelings or emotions) felt through sharing imaginatively in the feelings or activities etc. of another person, (vicarious pleasure). Vicariously (adv).
80
vice (1,2)
1. (n)1. Evil or grossly immoral conduct, great wickedness. 2. A particular form of this, a fault or bad habit, (smoking is not one of my vices).
2. (n) an instrument with two jaws that grip a thing securely so as to leave the hands free for working on it, used especially in carpentry and metal-working.
81
vice-
(prefix)1. Acting as substitute or deputy for, (vice-president). 2. Next in rank to, (vice-admiral).
82
viceroy
(n) a person governing a colony or province etc. as the sovereign's representative.
83
vicious circle
a state of affairs in which a cause produces an effect which itself produces or intensifies the original cause. Vicious spiral: a similar continual interaction, eg. causing a steady increase of both prices and wages.
84
vicissitude
(n) a change of circumstances affecting one's life.
85
victuals
(pl n) food, provisions.
86
in view of
having regard to, considering, (in view of the excellence of the work, we do not grudge the cost).
87
on view
displayed for inspection.
88
with a view to
with the hope or intention of.
89
vigil
(n)1. Staying awake to keep watch or to pray, a period of this, (keep vigil). 2. The eve of a religious festival. Vigilant (adj): watchful, on the look-out for possible danger etc. Vigilantly (adv), vigilance (n).
90
vigilante
(n) a member of a self-appointed group of people who try to prevent crime and disorder in a community where law enforcement is imperfect.
91
vignette
(n)1. A photograph or portrait with the edges of the background gradually shaded off. 2. A short description or character-sketch. (v) to shade off in the style of a vignette.
92
vile
(adj)1. Extremely disgusting. 2. Despicable on moral grounds. Vilely (adv), vileness (n).
93
vilify
(v)(vilified, vilifying) to say evil things about. Vilification (n).
94
villa
(n)1. A detached or semi-detached house in a suburban or residential district. 2. A country house, especially in Italy or southern France. 3. A house for holiday-makers at the seaside etc.
95
villainous
(adj)1. Wicked, worthy of a villain. 2. (informal) abominably bad, (villainous handwriting). Villainously (adv).
96
vim
(n)(informal) vigour, energy.
97
vindicate
(v)1. To clear of blame or suspicion. 2. To justify by evidence or results, to prove (a thing) to be valid, (our policy has been vindicated by this success); (he vindicated his claim to the title). Vindication (n), vindicator (n).
98
vindictive
(adj) having or showing a desire for revenge. Vindictively (adv), vindictiveness (n).
99
vintage
(n)1. The gathering of grapes for wine-making, the season of this. 2. Wine made from a particular season's grapes, the date of this as an indication of the wine's quality. 3. The date or period when something was produced or existed. (adj): of high quality, especially from a past period.
100
violate car
(v)1. To break or act contrary to (an oath or treaty etc.). 2. To treat (a sacred place) with irreverence or disrespect. 3. To disturb (a person's privacy). 4. To rape. Violation (n), violator (n).
101
viper
(n) a small poisonous snake; (a viper in the bosom), a person who betrays those who have helped him.
102
virago
(n)(pl viragos) a shrewish bullying woman.
103
virgin (adj)
(adj) 1. Virginal. 2. Spotless, undefiled. 3. Untouched, in its original state, not yet used; (virgin soil), not yet dug or used for crops.
104
virile
(adj) having masculine strength or vigour, having procreative power. Virility (n).
105
virology
(n) the scientific study of viruses.
106
virtual
(adj) being so in effect though not in name or according to strict definition, (a virtual promise). Virtually (adv).
107
virtue
(n)1. Moral excellence, goodness, a particular form of this, (patience is a virtue). 2. Chastity, especially of a woman. 3. A good quality, an advantage, (the seat has the virtue of being adjustable). By/in virtue of: by reason of, because of, (he is entitled to a pension by virtue of his long service). Make a virtue of necessity: to do with a good grace what one must do anyway. Virtuous (adj).
108
virulent
(adj)1. (of poison or disease) extremely strong or violent. 2. Strongly and bitterly hostile, (virulent abuse). Virulence (n).
109
visage
(n) a person's face.
110
viscera
(pl n) the internal organs of the body, especially the intestines.
111
viscous
(adj) thick and gluey, not pouring easily. Viscosity (n).
112
visionary
(adj)1. Existing only in the imagination, fanciful, not practical, (visionary schemes). 2. Indulging in fanciful ideas or theories. (n) a person with visionary ideas.
113
vista
(n)1. A view, especially one seen through a long narrow opening such as an avenue of trees. 2. A mental view of an extensive period or series of past or future events.
114
vital statistics
statistics relating to population figures or births and deaths; (informal) the measurement of a woman's bust, waist, and hips.
115
vitality
(n) liveliness, vigour, persistent energy. Vitalise (v): to put life or vitality into. Vitalisation (n).
116
vitiate
(v)1. To make imperfect, to spoil. 2. To weaken the force of, to make ineffective, (this admission vitiates your claim). Vitiation (n).
117
vitreous
(adj) having a glass-like texture or finish, (vitreous enamel).
118
vitriol
(n)1. Sulphuric acid or one of its salts. 2. Savagely hostile comments or criticism. Vitriolic (adj).
119
vivacious
(adj) lively, high-spirited. Vivaciously (adv), vivacity (n).
120
viva voce
(of an examination in universities) oral, conducted orally, an oral examination.
121
vivid
(adj)1. (of light or colour) bright and strong, intense. 2. Producing strong and clear mental pictures, (a vivid description). 3. (of the imagination) creating ideas etc. in an active and lively way. Vividly (adv), vividness (n).
122
vivisection
(n) performance of surgical experiments on living animals.
123
vixen
(n) a female fox.
124
viz.
(adv) namely, (the case is made in three sizes, viz. large, medium, and small.
125
vocation
(n)1. A feeling that one is called by God to a certain career or occupation. 2. A natural liking for a certain type of work. 3. A person's trade or profession. Vocational (adj).
126
vociferous
(adj) making a great outcry, expressing one's views forcibly and insistently. Vociferously (adv). Vociferate (v): to say loudly or noisily, to shout. Vociferation (n).
127
vogue
(n)1. Current fashion, (large hats are the vogue). 2. Popular favour or acceptance, (his novels had a great vogue ten years ago). In vogue: in fashion.
128
void
(adj)1. Empty, vacant. 2. Not legally valid. (n) empty space, emptiness. (v):1. To make legally void, (the contract was voided by his death). 2. To excrete (urine or faeces).
129
volatile
(adj)1. (of a liquid) evaporating rapidly. 2. (of a person) lively, changing easily from one mood or interest to another. Volatility (n).
130
vole
(n) any of several small animals resembling rats or mice.
131
volition
(n) use of one's own will in choosing or making a decision etc.; (she did it of her own volition), voluntarily.
132
volte-face
(n) a complete change of one's attitude towards something.
133
voluble
(adj) talking very much, speaking or spoken with great fluency. Volubly (adv), volubility (n).
134
voluminous
(adj)1. Having great volume, bulky; (voluminous skirts), large and full. 2. (of writings) great in quantity, (of a writer) producing many works, copious. Voluminously (adv).
135
voluptuous
(adj)1. Fond of luxury or sumptuous living. 2. Giving a sensation of luxury and pleasure. Voluptuously (adv), voluptuousness (n).
136
voodoo
(n) a form of religion based on belief in witchcraft and magical rites, practised by certain Blacks in the West Indies and America. Voodooism (n).
137
voracious
(adj)1. Greedy in eating, ravenous. 2. Desiring much; (a voracious reader), one who reads much and eagerly. Voraciously (adv), voracity (n).
138
vortex
(n)(p vortices or vortexes) a whirling mass of water or air, a whirlpool or whirlwind.
139
votive
(adj) given in fulfillment of a vow, (votive offerings at the shrine).
140
vouch
(v) vouch for: to guarantee the certainty or accuracy or reliability etc. of.
141
vulgar
(adj)1. Lacking in refinement or good taste, coarse. 2. Commonly used and incorrect (but not coarse; see 'vulgarism'). Vulgarly (adv), vulgarity (n).
142
vulnerable
(adj)1. Able to be hurt or wounded or injured. 2. Unprotected, exposed to danger or attack. Vulnerability (n).
143
vulture
(n)1. A large bird of prey that lives on the flesh of dead animals. 2. A greedy person seeking to profit from the misfortunes of others.
144
vying/ vie
(v) to carry on a rivalry, to compete, (vying with each other for the title).
