Word groups 1 Flashcards
(57 cards)
abridge
to make a book, play, or piece of writing shorter by removing details and information that is not important:
The book was abridged for children.
compendium
a short but complete account of a particular subject, especially in the form of a book (резюме, конспект, краткое содержание):
the Gardener’s Compendium
cursory
quick and probably not detailed:
a cursory glance/look
a cursory examination
curtail
to stop something before it is finished, or to reduce or limit something:
to curtail your holiday/spending
With all the snow, our daily walks have been severely curtailed.
syllabus
(a plan showing) the subjects or books to be studied in a particular course, especially a course that leads to an exam:
Which novels are on the syllabus this year?
synopsis
a short description of the contents of something such as a film or book
terse
using few words, sometimes in a way that seems rude or unfriendly:
"”Are you feeling any better?”” ““No!”” was the terse reply.
apace
quickly:
The project is coming on apace (= advancing quickly).
abrupt
sudden and unexpected, and often unpleasant:
an abrupt change/movement
Our conversation came to an abrupt end when George burst into the room.
The road ended in an abrupt (= sudden and very steep) slope down to the sea.
headlong
with great speed or without thinking:
The car skidded and plunged headlong over the cliff.
In the headlong rush to buy houses, many people got into debt.
impetuous
- likely to do something suddenly, without considering the results of your actions:
He’s so impetuous - why can’t he think things over before he rushes into them?
2. said or done suddenly, without considering the likely results:
The governor may now be regretting her impetuous promise to reduce unemployment by half.
precipitate
formal to make something happen suddenly or sooner than expected:
An invasion would certainly precipitate a political crisis.
Fear of losing her job precipitated (= suddenly forced) her into action.
mordacious
expressing severe criticism of someone (язвительный)
abet
to help or encourage someone to do something wrong or illegal:
His accountant had aided and abetted him in the fraud.
advocate
to publicly support or suggest an idea, development, or way of doing something:
[ + -ing verb ] She advocates taking a more long-term view.
He advocates the return of capital punishment.
ancillary
providing support or help:
ancillary staff/workers
an ancillary role
Campaigning to change government policy is ancillary to the charity’s direct relief work.
bolster
to support or improve something or make it stronger:
More money is needed to bolster the industry.
She tried to bolster my confidence/morale (= encourage me and make me feel stronger) by telling me that I had a special talent.
They need to do something to bolster their image.
corroborate
to add proof to an account, statement, idea, etc. with new information:
Recent research seems to corroborate his theory.
countenance
the appearance or expression of someone’s face (самообладание):
He was of noble countenance.
espouse
to become involved with or support an activity or opinion:
Vegetarianism is one cause she does not espouse.
mainstay
the mainstay of sth (главная опора)
the most important part of something, providing support for everything else:
Cattle farming is the mainstay of the country’s economy.
The white blouse will be the mainstay of your wardrobe this summer.
calumny
(the act of making) a statement about someone that is not true and is intended to damage the reputation of that person (клевета):
He was subjected to the most vicious calumny, but he never complained and never sued.
munificent
very generous with money (необычайно щедрый):
A former student has donated a munificent sum of money to the college.
proponent
a person who speaks publicly in support of a particular idea or plan of action:
He is one of the leading proponents of capital punishment.
