TOEFL,GRE,GMAT word list

[editor]

abase lower; degrade; humiliate; make humble; make
(oneself) lose self-respect
abbess n. woman who is head of a convent or nunnery
abbey n. buildingin which monks or nuns live as a
community under an abbot or abbess
abbot n. man who is head of a monastery or abbey
abdicate renounce; give up (position, right, or
responsibility)
abdomen n. part of the body below the chest and diaphragm,
containing the stomach, bowels and digestive organs
abduction A carrying away of a person against his will, or
illegally.
abed In bed; on a bed.
aberration deviation from the normal; mental disorder
abet assist usually in doing something wrong; encourage
abeyance suspended action
abhorrence n. hatred and disgust
abhorrent adj. ~ disgusting; hateful
abidance An abiding.
abjure renounce upon oath
able-bodied adj. healthy, fit and strong
ablution washing
abnegate vt. to give up (rights or a claim, for example);
renounce.
abnormal adj. different, esp in an undesirable way, from what
is normal, ordinary or expected
abominable detestable; extremely unpleasant
abominate loathe; hate
abomination n. feeling of disgust and extreme hatred
aboriginal being the first of its kind in a region; primitive;
native; indigenous; N. aborigine
aborigine n. aboriginal inhabitant
aboveboard be in a straightforward manner
abrade v. wear away by rubbing; scrape off
abrasion n. scraping or wearing away; rubbing off ;
abridge condense or shorten
abridgment a shortened version of a written work
abrogate abolish
abrupt adj. sudden and unexpected
abscess n. swollen part of the body in which a thick
yellowish liquid has collected
abscission cutting off; separation
abscond depart secretly and hide
absence n. ~ being away
absolution n. formal declaration by a priest that a person's
sins have been forgiven
absolve pardon (an offense)
absorb v. take (sth) in; suck up
absorption n. ~ absorbing or being absorbed
abstain refrain; withhold from participation; intentionally
not use one's vote;
abstemious sparing in eating and drinking; temperate
abstinence restraint from pleasant things, esp. eating or
drinking; CF. abstention: act of abstaining from vote
abstruse obscure; profound; difficult to understand
absurd adj. unreasonable; not sensible
abundant adj. more than enough; plentiful
abusive coarsely insulting; physically harmful
abut border upon; adjoin
abyss enormous chasm; vast bottomless pit
academic related to a school; not practical or directly useful
academician n. member of an academy
academy n. school for special training
accede agree
accelerate move faster
accept v. take (sth offered) willingly
access n. ~ means of approaching or entering (a place); way
in
accessible easy to approach; obtainable
accession n. ~ reaching a rank or position
accessory additional object; useful but not essential thing
acclaim applaud; praise; greet with great approval; announce
with great approval; Ex. The new drung has been acclaimed as the most
important discoveries for years; N: strong expression of approval and
praise
accommodate oblige or help someone; adjust or bring into harmony;
adapt; make enough space for; ADJ. accommodative; CF. accomodating:
helpful and obliging
accompaniment n. thing that naturally or often goes with another
thing
accompanist n. person who plays a musical accompaniment
accompany v. walk or travel with (sb) as a companion or
helper; escort
accomplice partner in crime
accomplish v. succeed in doing (sth); complete successfully;
achieve
accordion n. portable musical instrument with a bellows, metal
reeds and a keyboard .
accost approach and speak first to a person
account n. statement of money paid or owed for goods or
services
accredit v. ~ sth to sb/~ sb with sth attribute to sb; credit
sb with (a saying, etc)
accumulate v. gradually get or gather together an increasing
number or quantity of get (sth) in this way
accuracy n. precision or exactness, esp resulting from careful
effort
accurate adj. free from error
accursed adj. hateful; detestable; annoying
accusation n. accusing or being accused
accusatory adj. of or indicating an accusation
accuse v. ~ sb say that sb has done wrong, is guilty (of
sth) or has broken the law
accustom v. ~ oneself/sb/sth to sth make oneself, etc used to
sth
acerbity bitterness of speech and temper; ADJ. acerbic:
bitter; acrid (in taste, manner, or tone)
acetate n. compound derived from acetic acid
ache n. continuous dull pain
achromatic designating color perceived to have zero saturation
and therefore no hue, such as neutral grays, white, or black
acid n. substance that contains hydrogen, which can be
replaced by a metal to form a salt
acidify v. (cause sth to) become acid
acknowledge recognize; admit
acknowledgment Recognition.
acme peak; pinnacle; highest point
acoustic adj. of sound or the sense of hearing
acquaint v. ~ sb/oneself with sth make sb/oneself familiar
with or aware of sth
acquiesce assent; agree passively; comply without protest
acquiescence submission; compliance
acquire v. gain (sth) by one's own ability, efforts or
behaviour
acquisition n. action of acquiring
acquit v. ~ sb (of sth) declare sb to be not guilty (of a
crime, etc); free or clear sb (of blame, responsibility, etc)
acquittal deliverance from a charge; V. acquit: free from a
charge or accusation; discharge from a duty; conduct (oneself) in a
specified manner
acquittance Release or discharge from indebtedness, obligation,
or responsibility.
acreage n. area of land measured in acres
acrid bitter (to the taste or smell); sharp; bitterly
pungent
acrimonious stinging; caustic; bitter in words or manner; N.
acrimony: bitter ill-natured animosity in speech or behavior
acrimony n. bitterness of manner or words
actionable adj. giving sufficient cause for a lawsuit
actuality n. actual existence; reality ;
actuary someone who advises insurance companies
actuate motivate; activate; cause to act
acumen mental keenness; sharpness of judgment; ability to
judge quickly and well; Ex. business acumen
acute (of the senses) sharp; quickly perceptive; keen;
penetrating; brief and severe; Ex. acute sense of smell/analysis/pain
adamant hard; inflexible
addendum addition; appendix to book; something that is added
(as at the end of a speech or book)
addle make or become confused; muddle; drive crazy; become
rotten (egg)
adduce v. put (sth) forward as an example or as proof
adhere stick fast; be a devotd follower; N. adhesion:
adhering; devotion; loyality
adherence n. ~ (to sth)
adherent supporter; follower
adhesion n. ~ being or becoming attached (to sth)
adieu Good-by; farewell.
adjacency The state of being adjacent.
adjacent adjoining; neighboring; close by
adjudge v. (also adjudicate) declare officially or decide by
law
adjunct something attached to but holding an inferior
position
adjuration solemn urging; V. adjure: entreat earnestly; enjoin
solemnly
adjutant staff officer assisting the commander; assistant
administrator n. person responsible for managing (esp business)
affairs
admissible adj. that can be allowed
admittance n. allowing sb or being allowed to enter (esp a
private place); right of entry
admonish warn or speak to with gentle disapproval; reprove
admonition warning
ado n. trouble; fuss; unnecessary activity
adoration n. great love or worship
adroit skillful (in using mind or hand)
adulterant An adulterating substance.
adulterate make impure or of poorer quality by adding inferior
or tainted(contaminated) substances
adumbrate v. indicate (sth) faintly or in outline
Advent arrival
adverse going against; opposing; unfavorable; hostile
adversity great hardship or affliction; misfortune; calamitous
event
advert refer
advisory adj. having the power to advise; giving advice
advocacy support; active pleading on behalf of someone or
something
advocate speak in favor of; support (an idea or plan); urge;
plead for
aerial n. one or more wires or rods for sending or receiving
radio waves .
aeronaut One who navigates the air, a balloonist.
aeronautics n. scientific study or practice of flying and
navigating aircraft
aerostat A balloon or other apparatus floating in or sustained
by the air.
aerostatics The branch of pneumatics that treats of the
equilibrium, pressure, and mechanical properties.
affable easily approachable; easy to talk to; warmly friendly
affect v. have an influence on (sb/sth); produce an effect
on
affectation n. unnatural behaviour, manner of speaking, etc,
intended to impress others
affiliate to bring or receive into close connection as a member
or branch
affirmative adj. expressing agreement; indicating `yes'
affix v. ~ sth (fml ) stick, fasten or attach sth
affluence abundance; wealth
affront insult; offense; intentional act of disrespect; V:
insult or hurt the feelings of intentionally
afire & adj. On fire, literally or figuratively.
afoot adj. being prepared or progressing
aforesaid Said in a preceding part or before.
afresh adv. again, esp from the very beginning
afterthought n. thing that is thought of or added later
agglomerate v. become collected into a mass
aggrandize make greater; increase in power, wealth, rank, or
honor; N. aggrandizement
aggravate v. make worse or more serious
aggravation n. making more serious; irritation ;
aggregate sum; total; ADJ. V: gather into a mass or whole;
accumulate; add up to; Ex. aggregate 100 dollars
aggress To make the first attack.
aggression n. unprovoked attacking or hostility by one country
against another
aggrieve to give pain or trouble to:DISTRESS
aghast filled with great surprise or fear; horrified
agile adj. able to move quickly and easily; active; nimble
agitate stir up; disturb
agrarian pertaining to land or its cultivation; Ex. agrarian
reform
aide-de-camp n. (abbr ADC) naval or military officer who acts as
assistant to a senior officer
ailment n. illness, esp a slight one
airy of air; high in the air; lofty; immaterial; unreal
akin adj. ~ similar; related
alabaster n. soft stone, like marble in appearance, often
carved to make ornaments ,
alacrity cheerful promptness without reluctance
albeit conj although
albino n. person or animal born with no colouring pigment in
the skin and hair (which are white) and the eyes (which are pink)
album n. book in which a collection of photographs,
autographs, postage stamps, etc can be kept ,
alchemy medieval chemistry
alcohol n. colourless liquid that can cause drunkenness,
contained in drinks such as beer, wine, brandy and whisky
alcoholism n. continual heavy drinking of alcohol
alcove nook; recess
alder n. tree of the birch family, usu growing in marshy
places ,
alderman n. (Brit) (esp formerly) member of a county or
borough council, next in rank below the mayor
alias an assumed name esp. by a criminal (usually to
mislead people); ADV. alias
alien n. person who is not a naturalized citizen of the
country in which he is living
alienable Capable of being aliened or alienated, as lands.
alienate make unfriendly or hostile; estrange; separate;
change the ownership of
alienation n. ~ alienating or being alienated; estrangement
aliment That which nourishes.
alkali n. any of a class of substances (eg caustic soda and
ammonia) that neutralize acids and form caustic or corrosive solutions
in water
allay calm; pacify
allege state without proof
allegory story, play, or picture in which characters are used
as symbols; fable
alleviate relieve (pain)
alley n. narrow passage, esp between or behind houses or
other buildings, usu for pedestrians only
alliance n. action or state of being joined or associated
allot v. ~ sth (to sb/sth) give (time, money, duties, etc)
as a share of what is available; apportion sth
allotment n. action of allotting
allude refer indirectly; N. allusion: indirect reference
allusion n. ~ indirect reference
alluvion Flood.
ally v. ~ (sb/oneself) with/to sb/sth join or become
joined with sb/sth by treaty, marriage, etc
almanac n. annual book or calendar of months and days,
giving information about the sun, moon, tides, anniversaries, etc ,
aloof apart; not open in one's relationship with other
people; reserved; ADV.
altar n. table on which bread and wine are consecrated in
the Communion service .
alter v. become different; change in character, position,
size, shape, etc
alteration n. changing; making a change
altercate To contend angrily or zealously in words.
alternate adj. happening or following one after the other
alternative adj. available in place of sth else; other
altitude n. height above sea-level
alto n. (music ) (singer with a) voice of the highest
adult male pitch
altruism n. principle of considering the welfare and happiness
of others before one's own; unselfishness ;
altruist n. unselfish person
amalgam combination of different things; mixture of metals
(containing mercury) used for filling holes in teeth
amalgamate (of societies or groups) combine; unite in one body
amateur n. person who practises a sport or artistic skill
without receiving money for it
amatory adj. relating to or inspired by sexual love
ambidextrous capable of using either hand with equal ease
ambiguous unclear or doubtful in meaning; having more than one
possible interpretation
ambitious adj. ~ ~ (for sth) full of ambition, esp for success
or money
ambulance n. vehicle equipped to carry sick or injured people
to hospital, etc
ambulate To walk about
ambush act of lying in wait to attack by surprise; sudden
attack made from a concealed position; Ex. lie in ambush; V.
ameliorate improve
amenable obedient; compliant; readily managed; responsive;
willing to be led; answerable or accountable legally; responsible;
able to be tested by; Ex. amenable to sensible suggestions; Ex. He is
very amenable; Ex. amenable to the usual tests
Americanism n. word or phrase used in American English but not in
standard English in Britain
amicable peaceful; politely friendly; not quarrelsome; Ex.
amicable settlement
amity friendship; peaceful relationship as between nations
amorous moved by sexual love; loving; of sexual love; Ex.
amorous advances
amorphous formless; lacking shape or definition
amour n. (esp secret) love affair
ampere n. unit for measuring electric current .
ampersand n. sign meaning `and' `&' , `and'
amphibious adj. living or operating both on land and in water
amphitheater oval building with tiers of seats; CF. arena
amplitude n. breadth; largeness; abundance ;
amputate cut off part of body; prune (a limb)
amusement thing that makes time pass pleasantly
anachronism an error involving time in a story; something or
someone misplaced in time; ADJ. anachronistic
anagram n. word or phrase made by rearranging the letters of
another word or phrase
analogous comparable; similar
analogy similarity; parallelism; comparing two similar things
analyst n. person skilled in making analyses
analyze To examine minutely or critically.
anarchy absence of governing body; state of disorder
anathema solemn curse; someone or something regarded as a
curse; V. anathematize
anatomy n. scientific study of the structure of animal
bodies
ancestry family descent; ADJ. ancestral
anecdote short story of an amusing or interesting event
anemia condition in which blood lacks red corpuscles; ADJ.
anemic
anemic lacking force, vitality, or spirit
anemometer n. instrument for measuring the force of the wind
anesthetic substance that removes sensation with or without loss
of consciousness; N. anesthesia
anew adv. in a new or different way; again
Anglophobe n. person who hates or fears England or English
things
Anglo-Saxon n. person of English descent
angular sharp-cornered; having an angle; not rounded (body);
bony; lean; gaunt; stiff in manner
anhydrous free from water and especially water of
crystallization
animadversion critical remark; V. animadvert: comment critically
with disapproval
animadvert v. ~ (fml ) make (esp critical) remarks about sb/sth
animalcule n. microscopically small animal
animate adj. living; having life
animosity active enmity
annalist n. person who writes annals
annals records arranged in yearly parts; history
annex attach; add to a large thing; take possession of;
incorporate (territory) into a larger existing political unit (by
force); N: building added to a large one
annihilate destroy
annotate comment; make explanatory notes
annual adj. happening every year
annuity yearly allowance
annunciation n. the Annunciation (festival held on 25 March to
commemorate) the announcement to Mary that she was to be the mother of
Christ , ; 325
anode n. positive electrode by which an electric current
enters a device
anonymous adj. with a name that is not known or not made
public
antagonism hostility; active opposition; V. antagonize: cause to
become an enemy; N. antagonist: person who is opposed to another;
opponent; adversary; principal character in oppostion to the
protagonist
antarctic adj. of the regions around the South Pole .
ante n. stake in poker2, etc that a player must make
before receiving new cards
antecede precede
antecedent n. thing or circumstance that is or comes before
another
antechamber n. = ante-room
antedate v. put an earlier date on than the one at the time
of writing
antediluvian antiquated; extremely ancient
antenatal adj. existing or occurring before birth; pre-natal
anterior adj. coming before in position or time; nearer the
front ;
anteroom A room situated before and opening into another,
usually larger.
anthology book of literary selections by various authors; CF.
omnibus
anthracite n. very hard form of coal that burns with little
smoke or flame
anthropology n. study of mankind, esp of its origins, development,
customs and beliefs ,
antic n. absurd or exaggerated movement or behaviour
intended to amuse people
Antichrist Any opponent or enemy of Christ, whether a person or
a power.
anticlimax letdown in thought or emotion; something unexciting,
ordinary, or disappointing coming after something important or
exciting
anticyclone n. area in which atmospheric pressure is high,
producing fine and settled weather, with an outward flow of air
antidote remedy to counteract a poison or disease; Ex.
antidote to the economic troubles
antiphon A response or alteration of responses, generally
musical.
antiphony An anthem or other composition sung responsively.
antipode the exact or direct opposit
antiquary n. person who studies, collects or sells antiques ,
antiquate To make old or out of date.
antique made in an earlier period and usu. valuable; N:
object that was made in an earlier period and that is rare or valuable
antiseptic substance that prevents infection in a wound; ADJ.
antispasmodic Tending to prevent or relieve non-inflammatory
spasmodic affections.
antistrophe The inversion of terms in successive classes, as in
"the home of joy and the joy of home".
antitoxin n. substance that acts against a poisonous substance
and prevents it from having a harmful effect
antonym n. word that is opposite in meaning to another
anxious adj. ~ feeling anxiety; worried; uneasy
apathy lack of caring; indifference; lack of concern or
interest in important matters; Ex. He was sunk in apathy after his
failure; ADJ. apathetic
aperture opening; hole; adjustable opening in a camera that
limits the amount of light
apex tip; summit; climax; highest point
aphorism pithy maxim or saying; ADJ. aphoristic
apiary a place where bees are kept
apogee highest point; the point farthest from the earth; OP.
perigee
apology n. ~ (for sth) statement to say one is sorry for
having done wrong or hurt sb's feelings
apostasy n. abandoning one's religious beliefs, principles,
political party, etc
apostate one who abandons his religious faith or political
beliefs; N. apostasy
apostle n. any of the twelve men sent out by Christ to
spread his teaching
apothecary druggist; pharmacist
apotheosis elevation to godhood; an ideal example of something
appall dismay; shock deeply
apparent evident; easily seen or understood; appearing as
such; Ex. apparent improvement
apparition ghost; phantom
appease pacify or soothe; Ex. appease a crying baby; N.
appeasement
appellate Capable of being appealed to.
appellation name; title
append attach
appertain v. ~ to sb/sth belong or relate to sb/sth as a right;
be appropriate to sb/sth ;
apposite appropriate; fitting
apposition n. addition of one word or phrase to another word or
phrase as an explanation
appraise estimate value of; N. appraisal
appreciable adj. that can be seen or felt; considerable
apprehend arrest (a criminal); dread; perceive; N. apprehension
apprehensible Capable of being conceived.
approbation approval
appropriate acquire; take possession of for one's own use without
permission; set aside for a particular purpose; allocate; CF.
misappropriate
aqueduct n. structure for carrying water across country, esp
one built like a bridge over a valley or low ground ,
aqueous adj. of or like water; produced by water
arbiter person with power to decide a matter in dispute;
judge who is in a position ot make influential judgments; Ex. supreme
arbiter of fashion in beachware
arbitrary unreasonable or capricious; random; tyrannical; Ex.
arbitrary ruler
arbitrate act as judge (at the request of both sides)
arbor a shelter of vines or branches or of latticework
covered with climbing shrubs or vines
arboreal of or living in trees
arborescent Having the nature of a tree.
arboretum place where different trees and shrubs are studied
and exhibited
arboriculture The cultivation of trees or shrubs.
arcade a covered passageway usually lined with shops
archaeology study of artifacts and relics of early mankind
archaic antiquated; no longer used; belonging to the past; N.
archaism n. archaic word or expression
archangel n. angel of the highest rank
archbishop n. bishop of the highest rank, responsible for a
large church district
archdeacon n. priest next below the rank of bishop
archetype prototype; primitive pattern
archipelago group of closely located islands
ardent adj. full of ardour; enthusiastic
ardor heat; passion; zeal; ADJ. ardent
arid (of land) dry; barren; unproductive
aristocracy hereditary nobility; privileged class; government by
nobility; N. aristocrat
aristocrat n. member of the aristocracy; nobleman or
noblewoman ;
armada fleet of warships
armful n. quantity that can be carried by one or both arms
armory a place where arms and military equipment are stored
aroma n. distinctive smell; fragrance
arraign charge in court; indict
arrange v. put in order; make tidy, neat or attractive
arrangement n. putting in order; arranging
arrant adj. to the highest degree; utter
arrear Something overdue and unpaid.
arrival n. act of arriving
arrogant adj. behaving in a proud and superior manner; showing
too much pride in oneself and too little consideration for others
arrogate v. ~ sth to oneself claim or take sth to which one
has no right
artful exhibiting art or skill; deceitful; cunning; CF.
artifice
Arthurian Pertaining to King Arthur, the real or legendary hero
of British poetic story.
artifice deception; trickery
artless without guile; open and honest
ascendant n. in the ascendant rising in power and influence
ascension n. act of ascending
ascent n. act of ascending
ascetic practicing self-denial; avoiding physical pleasures
and comforts; austere; Ex. ascetic life of Buddhist monks; N.
asceticism
ascribe refer; attribute; assign
asexual adj. without sex or sex organs
ashen ash-colored; deadly pale
askance with a sideways or indirect look (with disapproval or
distruct); Ex. look askance at
asperity sharpness; roughness; severity (of temper or
weather); Ex. asperities of a Russian winter
aspirant seeker after position or status
aspiration n. ~ ~ (to do sth) strong desire or ambition
aspire seek to attain (position or status); long for; Ex.
aspire to become president; Ex. aspire to/after the leadership
assassin n. killer, esp one who kills an important or famous
person for money or for political reasons ,
assassinate v. kill for money or for political reasons
assassination n. murder of this kind
assay analyze (to discover what materials are present);
evaluate (soil or ore)
assent agree; accept; N. assessment
assess v. ~ sth decide or fix the amount of sth
assessor n. person who assesses taxes or the value of
property, etc ,
assiduous diligent
assignee One who is appointed to act for another in the
management of certain property and interests.
assimilate absorb; take (food) into the body and digest it;
understand (knowledge) completely and be able to use properly; cause
to become homogeneous (the people of a country or race in the wasy of
behaving or thinking)
assonance n. similarity between the vowel sounds only or the
consonant sounds only of two words or syllables, as in sharper and
garter or killed and cold , sharper garter killed cold
assuage mak less severe; ease or lessen (pain); satisfy
(hunger); soothe (anger)
astringent binding; causing contraction (stopping bleeding);
harsh or severe; stringent; Ex. astringent criticism
astute wise; shrewd; keen; seeing quickly something that is
to one's advantage
atheism n. belief that there is no God
athirst Wanting water.
athwart adv, prep obliquely across (sth); from one side to
the other side (of)
atomizer An apparatus for reducing a liquid to a fine spray,
as for disinfection, inhalation, etc.
atone make amends for; pay for; Ex. atone for
atonement n. act of atoning
atrocious adj. very wicked, cruel or shocking
atrocity brutal deed; ADJ. atrocious
attache n. person attached to an ambassador's staff with a
particular responsibility
attest testify; bear witness
auburn adj. reddish-brown
audacious daring; bold; N. audacity
audible adj. that can be heard clearly
audition n. trial hearing of a person who wants to perform as
an actor, a singer, a musician, etc
auditory adj. of or concerned with hearing
augment increase; add to
augur to foretell especially from omens
Augustinian Pertaining to St. Augustine, his doctrines, or the
religious orders called after him.
aura n. distinctive atmosphere that seems to surround and
be caused by a person or thing
aural adj. of or concerning the ear or hearing
auricle One of the two chambers of the heart which receives
the blood from the veins.
auricular adj. of or like the ear
auriferous Containing gold.
aurora n. (also the northern lights) bands of coloured
light, mainly red and green, seen in the sky at night near the North
Pole and caused by electrical radiation
auspice protection or support, patronage
austere forbiddingly stern; ascetic; without comfort or
enjoyment; severely simple and unornamented; Ex. a monk's austere
life; Ex. austere grandeur of the cathedral; N. austerity
autarchy Unrestricted power.
authentic adj. known to be true or genuine
autobiography n. story of a person's life written by that person
autocracy n. government by one person with unlimited power;
despotism ;
autocrat n. ruler of an autocracy
automaton mechanism that imitates actions of humans; machine
that works by itself
autonomous self-governing; N. autonomy
autonomy n. self-government; independence
autopsy examination of a dead body; postmortem; V.
auxiliary offering or providing help; additional or subsidiary;
N: helper; assistant
avalanche great mass of falling snow and ice
avarice greediness for wealth
aver state confidently; declare as true
averse reluctant; disinclined; not liking or opposed; Ex.
averse to cats/doing the house work
aversion firm dislike
avert prevent; avoid; turn away (eyes or thought); Ex. An
accident was averted by his quick thinking; Ex. She averted her eyes
from the terrible sight.
aviary enclosure for birds; large cage
avidity n. eagerness
avocation secondary or minor occupation
avow declare openly; N. avowal
awaken v. stop sleeping; waken
awry distorted; crooked; bent; Ex. Our plans have gone
awry.
aye interj yes
azalea n. flowering shrub of the rhododendron family
azure sky blue
Baconian Of or pertaining to Lord Bacon or his system of
philosophy.
bacterium A microbe.
badger pester; annoy continually with demands; persuade by
asking again and again; Ex. The children badgered me into taking them
into the cinema; N: a kind of mountain animal
baffle frustrate; perplex
bailiff n. law officer who helps a sheriff in issuing writs
and making arrests
baize n. thick woollen cloth used for covering billiard-
tables, card-tables, doors, etc ,
bale n. large bundle of paper, straw, goods, etc pressed
together and tied with rope or wire ready to be moved, sold, etc
baleful evil; malignant in intent or effect; deadly; having a
malign influence; portending evil; ominous; threatening; Ex. baleful
look
ballad n. simple song or poem, esp one that tells a story
balsam n. flowering plant grown in gardens
banal hackneyed; commonplace; trite; lacking originality;
clich\'ed
barcarole n. piece of music, esp for the piano, with a steady
lilting rhythm ,
baritone n. male voice between tenor and bass
barograph An instrument that registers graphically and
continuously the atmospheric pressure.
barometer n. instrument for measuring atmospheric pressure,
used esp for forecasting the weather
bask luxuriate; take pleasure in warmth
bass n. any of several freshwater or sea fish of the perch
family used as food
baste v. sew together with long temporary stitches
baton n. = truncheon
battalion army unit made up of four or more companies
batten n. long board, esp one used to keep other boards in
place, or to which other boards are nailed
batter v. ~ at/on sth hit hard and often
bauble trinket; cheap jewel; trifle
bawl v. ~ (out) shout or cry loudly
beatify v. (of the Pope) honour (a dead person) by stating
officially that he or she is in heaven
beatitude blessedness; state of great happiness
beau n. (US) boy-friend; lover ;
becalm To make quiet.
beck n. mountain stream; brook ;
bedaub To smear over, as with something oily or sticky.
bedeck to clothe with finery:DECK
bedlam n. scene of noisy confusion; uproar
befog v. confuse (sb/sth); make unclear or obscure
befriend v. act as a friend to be kind to (esp sb needing
help)
beget father; become the father of; produce; give rise to
begrudge envy; give or allow unwillingly; grudge; Ex. We
shouldn't begrudge him his success.
belay v. fix (a rope) round a peg, rock, etc in order to
secure it
belie contradict; give a false impression; disguise; Ex.
The poor sales belied our high hopes; Ex. Her smile belies her true
feeling of displeasure.
believe v. feel sure of the truth of accept the statement of
(sb) as true
belittle disparage; depreciate
belle n. beautiful woman or the most beautiful woman in a
group, etc
bellicose warlike
belligerent quarrelsome
bemoan lament; moan for; express sorrow or disapproval of
benediction blessing
benefactor gift giver; patron; person who does good or who gives
money for a good purpose
benefice n. position that provides a clergyman with his income
beneficent kindly; doing good
beneficial helpful; useful; advantageous
beneficiary person entitled to benefits or proceeds of an
insurance policy or will
benefit advantage; anything that brings helpl, advantage, or
profit; money provided by the government to the people; fund-raising
public entertainment; Ex. unemployment benefit; V: receive benefits;
be beneficial to; give benefits
benevolence n. desire to do good; kindness and generosity ;
benevolent generous; charitable; having a wish to do good
benign kindly; favorable; not malignant (disease); Ex.
benign tumor
benignant Benevolent in feeling, character, or aspect.
benison blessing
bequeath leave to someone by means of a will; hand down in his
will; N. bequest
bereave v. ~ sb (fml ) deprive sb (esp of a relative) by
death
berth n. sleeping-place on a ship, train, etc
beseech beg; plead with
beset harass or trouble from all directions; hem in
besmear v. ~ sth/sb (fml ) make sth/sb dirty; smear sth/sb
(with greasy or sticky stuff)
bestial beastlike; brutal; inhuman; very cruel
bestrew To sprinkle or cover with things strewn.
bestride v. (fml ) sit or stand with one leg on each side of
(sth)
bethink To remind oneself.
betide v. woe betide sb
betimes In good season or time.
betroth become engaged to marry
betrothal n. engagement to be married
bevel n. sloping edge or surface, eg at the side of a
picture frame or a sheet of plate glass .
bewilder v. puzzle (sb); confuse
bibliography n. list of books or articles about a particular
subject or by a particular author
bibliomania preoccupation with the acquisition and possession of
books
bibliophile n. person who loves or collects books
bibulous adj. excessively fond of or addicted to alcoholic
drink
bide v. = abide
biennial every two years
bier n. frame on which a coffin or a dead body is carried
or placed before burial
bigamy n. marrying a person when still legally married to
someone else
bight n. long inward curve in a coast
bilateral adj. having two sides; affecting or involving two
parties, countries, etc
bilingual adj. able to speak two languages equally well
biography n. story of a person's life written by sb else
biology n. scientific study of the life and structure of
plants and animals
biped n. animal with two feet
birthright n. privilege or property which a person may claim
because of birth or status
blaspheme v. ~ swear or curse using the name of God; speak in
an irreverent way about (God or sacred things)
blatant extremely (offensively) obvious; loudly offensive;
Ex. blatant lie; N. blatancy
blaze n. bright flame or fire
blazon n. heraldic shield; coat of arms ;
bleak cold or cheerless; frigid; unlikely to be favorable;
depressing
blemish mar; spoil the beauty or perfection of; N: flaw or
defect (that spoils perfection); Ex. blemishes in the crystal; CF.
unblemished
blithe adj. happy and carefree; casual
blithesome Cheerful.
blockade n. surrounding or closing of a place by warships or
soldiers to prevent people or goods getting in or out
boatswain n. senior seaman on a ship who supervises the crew
and is responsible for the ship's equipment
bodice n. upper part of a woman's dress, down to the waist
bodily adj. of the human body; physical
boisterous violent; rough; noisy
bole n. trunk of a tree
bolero n. 1 (music for a) type of Spanish dance
boll n. seed-case of the cotton plant or flax
bolster support; reinforce
bomb n. container filled with explosive or incendiary
material, made to explode when dropped or thrown, or by a timing
device
bombard v. ~ sb/sth attack (a place) with bombs or shells
(esp from big guns)
bombardier n. non-commissioned officer in an artillery regiment
below a sergeant
bombast grandiloquent, pompous speech
boorish rude; insensitive
bore v. make with a revolving tool or by digging
borough n. town or district with a corporation and certain
rights of self-government granted by royal charter
bosom n. person's chest, esp a woman's breasts
botanical adj. of or relating to botany
botanize To study plant-life.
botany n. scientific study of plants and their structure
bountiful generous; graciously generous; showing bounty
bowdlerize expurgate; CF. Thomas Bowdler
bowler n. person who bowls in cricket
boycott v. (usu of a group of people) refuse to have social
or commercial relations with (a person, company, country, etc)
brae n. steep slope; hillside ;
braggart boaster; bragger
brandish wave around (a weapon); flourish
bravado swagger; assumed air of defiance; false show of
bravery
bravo interj, n shout of approval, esp to an actor or a
performer
bray n. cry of a donkey
braze To make of or ornament with brass.
brazier n. open metal framework for holding a charcoal or
coal fire
breach breaking of contract or duty; fissure or gap;
opening; V.
breaker n. large wave that breaks into foam as it moves
towards the shore
breech n. back part of a gun barrel where the bullet or
shell is placed
brethren n. brothers
brevity conciseness; shortness of duration
bric-a-brac n. ornaments, trinkets and small items of furniture
of little value
bridle harness fitted about a horse's head (used to
restrain); curb; check; V: put a bridle on; control or restrain; show
anger
brigade n. army unit, usu of three battalions, forming part
of a division
brigadier n. officer in the British Army between the ranks of
colonel and major general, commanding a brigade; staff officer having
similar status , ; .
brigand n. member of a band of robbers, esp one attacking
travellers in forests and mountains ,
brimstone n. sulphur
brine n. very salty water used esp for pickling
bristle short stiff hair; V: (hair or fur) stand up stiffly
Briticism A word, idiom, or phrase characteristic of Great
Britain or the British.
brittle hard but easily broken; difficult; unstable; Ex.
brittle situation
broach introduce as a subject; moot; open up
broadcast v. send out (programmes) by radio or television
brogan A coarse, heavy shoe.
brogue n. strong outdoor shoe with thick soles and a pattern
in the leather
brokerage n. broker's fee or commission
bromine n. chemical element, a non-metallic liquid, compounds
of which are used in medicine and photography .
bronchitis n. inflammationof the mucous membrane inside the
bronchial tubes
bronchus Either of the two subdivisions of the trachea
conveying air into the lungs.
brooch ornamental clasp; pin
brotherhood n. relationship of brothers
browbeat bully; intimidate
brusque blunt; abrupt; curt; not wanting to waste time being
nice
buffoon stupid person; clown
buffoonery clowning
bulbous adj. growing from a bulb
bullock n. bull that has been castrated
bulrush n. type of tall rushwith a thick velvety head
bulwark strong wall built for defense; earthwork or other
strong defense; person who defends
bumper n. bar fixed to the front and back of a motor vehicle
to lessen the effect of a collision .
bumptious adj. (of a person, his manner, etc) self-important
and conceited
bungle mismanage; blunder; botch; blow; spoil by clumsy
behavior
buoyancy cheerfulness that bubbles to the surface ; the
property of something weightless and insubstantial
buoyant able to float; cheerful and optimistic; N. buoyancy;
Ex. buoyancy of wood/water/American market
bureau n. (Brit) writing desk with drawers
bureaucracy overregulated administrative system marked by red
tape; ADJ. bureaucratic
burgess In colonial times, a member of the lower house of the
legislature of Maryland or Virginia.
burgher n. (esp respectable) citizen of a particular town
burnish make shiny by rubbing; polish
bursar n. person who manages the finances of a school or
college
bustle v. move busily and energetically (in the specified
direction)
butt n. large cask or barrel for storing wine or beer
butte A conspicuous hill, low mountain, or natural turret,
generally isolated.
buttress support; prop up; N. stationary structure to support
wall; Ex. flying buttress
cabal small group of persons secretly united to promote
their own interests
cabbalah
cabinet n. piece of furniture with drawers or shelves for
storing or displaying things
cacophony n. loud unpleasant mixture of discordant sounds
cadaverous like a corpse; pale
cadence rhythmic rise and fall (of words or sounds); beat;
regular beat of sound; rhythm
cadenza n. elaborate passage played by the soloist, usu near
the end of a movement in a concerto
caitiff Cowardly.
cajole persuade by praise or false promise; coax; wheedle
calculable adj. that can be calculated
calculus n. branch of mathematics, divided into two parts
(differential calculus and integral calculus), that deals with
problems involving rates of variation
callosity n. area of hardened skin; callus
callow youthful; immature; inexperienced
calorie n. unit for measuring a quantity of heat
calumny malicious misrepresentation; slander
calvary The place where Christ was crucified.
Calvinism n. religious teaching of the French Protestant John
Calvin and of his followers , 1509-1564,
cameo shell or jewel carved in relief; star's special
appearance in a minor role in a film
campaign n. series of military operations with a particular
aim, usu in one area
Canaanite A member of one of the three tribes that dwelt in the
land of Canaan, or western Palestine.
canary n. small yellow songbird, usu kept in a cage as a pet
candid adj. not hiding one's thoughts; frank and honest
candor frankness; open honesty; ADJ. candid
canine related to dogs; doglike
cant insincere speech or expression of piety; jargon of
thieves; special words used by a particular group of people
cantata story set to music to be sung by a chorus (shorter
than an oratorio)
canto division of a long poem
cantonment n. place where soldiers live
capacious spacious
capillary having a very fine bore; resembling a hair; fine and
slender; Ex. capillary attraction; N: very fine hairlike tube; CF.
capillarity
capitulate surrender; give up all resistance
caprice whim; sudden change of mind without any real cause
caption title; chapter heading; text under illustration
captious faultfinding; too critical
captivate v. fascinate (sb); charm; enchant
carcass n. dead body of an animal, esp one prepared for
cutting up as meat
cardiac adj. of or relating to the heart or heart disease
cardinal chief; most important; N: priest; cardinal number:
number that shows quantity rather thatn order
caret n. symbol used to show where sth is to be inserted in
written or printed material
caricature distortion; burlesque
carnage destruction of life; slaughter; killing of large
numbers of people or animals
carnal fleshly; sensual; concerning the desires of the body
carnivorous meat-eating; N. carnivore; CF. herbivore
carouse v. drink and be merry with others (at a noisy meal,
party, etc)
carrion rotting flesh of a dead body; CF. vulture
cartilage n. tough white flexible tissue attached to the bones
of animals; gristle
cartridge n. tube or case containing explosive (for blasting),
or explosive with a bullet or shot (for firing from a gun)
caste one of the hereditary classes in Hindu society;
social stratification; prestige
castigate n. scold, criticize or punish (sb) severely
casual happening by chance; irregular; occasional; informal;
showing or feeling little interest; Ex. casual reader/labor/remark
casualty serious or fatal accident; person killed or wounded
in an accident or battle
cataclysm deluge; upheaval; earthquake; violent and sudden
event or change
cataract great waterfall; eye abnormality (causing a gradual
loss of eyesight)
catastrophe calamity ; disaster
cathode n. negative electrode, by which an electric current
leaves a device such as a battery
Catholicism n. = Roman Catholicism (Roman)
catholicity n. universalityor breadth
caucus private meeting of a group of people in a political
party to select officers or determine policy; CF. the Caucus club of
Boston
causal implying a cause-and-effect relationship; N.
causality
caustic burning; corrosive; able to burn by chemical action;
sarcastically biting; (of remarks) intended to hurt; bitter; harmful;
OP. harmless
cauterize burn (a wound or snakebite, etc.) with hot iron or
caustic substance to stop bleeding and prevent infection
cede yield (title or territory) to (esp. after losing a
war); surrender formally; N. cession
censor (in ancient Rome) overseer of morals (also taking the
census); person who eliminates inappropriate matter; V.
censorious severely critical
census n. official counting of a country's population or of
other classes of things, eg traffic, for statistical purposes
centenary n. 100th anniversary of sth 100
centiliter A hundredth of a liter.
centimeter A length of one hundredth of a meter.
centurion Roman army officer (commanding a company of about 100
soldiers)
cereal n. any of various types of grass producing edible
grains, eg wheat, rye, oats, barley .
ceremonial adj. of, used for or involving a ceremony; formal
ceremonious marked by formality; extremely formal and polite; CF.
ceremony: conventional social courtesy
cessation stoppage
cession yielding to another; ceding
chagrin annoyance and disappointment; vexation (caused by
humiliation or injured pride)
chameleon lizard that changes color in different situations
chancery n. Lord Chancellor's division of the High Court of
Justice
chaos n. complete disorder or confusion
characteristic adj. ~ forming part of the character(1a) of a person
or thing; typical
characterize To describe by distinctive marks or peculiarities.
charlatan quack; pretender to knowledge (esp. in medicine)
chasm abyss; very deep crack
chasten discipline; punish in order to correct; CF. castigate
chastise punish as by beating; criticize severely
chastity n. being chaste (1
chateau n. castle or large country house in France
chattel n. sb's goods and chattels
check stop motion; curb or restrain
chiffon n. thin, almost transparent fabric made of silk,
nylon, etc
chivalry n. (in the Middle Ages) ideal qualities expected of
a knight, such as courage, honour, courtesy and concern for the weak
and helpless
cholera n. infectious and often fatal disease causing severe
diarrhoea and vomiting, common in hot countries
choleric hot-tempered; bad-tempered; irritable; easily
angered; CF. cholera
choral adj. of, composed for or sung by a choir
Christ n. the founder of the Christian religion
christen v. receive into the Christian Church by sprinkling
water on his head and giving him a name
Christendom n. all Christian people throughout the world
chromatic adj. of colour
chronology n. science of fixing the dates of historical events
chronometer n. instrument that keeps very accurate time, used esp
for navigating at sea
cipher nonentity; worthless person or thing; zero; secret
code; V.
circulate v. (cause sth to) go round continuously
circumference n. line that marks out a circle or other curved
figure1(2b)
circumlocution indirect or roundabout expression (by using an
uncecessarily large number of words esp. when trying to avoid
answering a difficult question directly)
circumnavigate v. sail round (esp the world)
circumscribe limit; confine; draw a line around
circumspect prudent; cautious; acting after careful thought
citadel fortress
cite quote; commend; Ex. cited for bravery in an official
record
claimant n. person who makes a claim
clairvoyance n. supposedpower of seeing in the mind either future
events or things that exist or are happening out of sight
clamorous adj. making loud demands or protests
clan n. group of families, esp in Scotland, descended
from a common ancestor
clandestine secret
clangor loud resounding noise; sound of repeated clanging
clarify v. (cause sth to) become clear or easier to
understand
clarion shrill, trumpetlike sound; kind of trumpet used in
former times
classify v. (a)arrange (sth) systematically in classes or
groups
clearance n. clearing, removing or tidying sth
clemency disposition to be lenient in deciding punishments;
mildness as of the weather; ADJ. clement
clement adj. (esp of weather) mild
close-hauled adj. (of a sailing-ship) with the sails set for
sailing as nearly as possible in the direction from which the wind is
blowing
clothier One who makes or sells cloth or clothing.
clumsy adj. awkward and ungraceful in movement or shape
coagulant something that produces coagulation
coagulate congeal; thicken; clot; N. coagulant
coalition partnership; league; union of separate political
parties
coddle treat gently; indulge excessively; pamper;
mollycoddle; baby; cook in water just below boiling point; Ex. coddled
eggs
codicil supplement to the body of a will; later addition to a
will
coerce v. ~ sb (fml ) make sb do sth by using force or
threats; compel sb to do sth
coercion use of force to get someone to object; compelling; V.
coerce
coercive adj. using force or threats
cogent convincing
cognate having a common origin; related linguistically;
allied by blood; similar or akin in nature; Ex. cognate languages; N.
cognizant adj. ~ of sth having knowledge of sth; aware of sth ;
cohere stick together
cohesion tendency to keep together
cohesive adj. tending to stick together
coincide v. ~ (of events) occur at the same time or occupy
the same period of time as sth else
coincidence the chance occurrence, at the same time, of two or
more seemingly connected events; V. coincide: happen at the same time;
be in agreement; CF. coincident; CF. coincidental
coincident adj. happening at the same time by chance
collaborate work together; cooperate treasonably with the enemy
collapse v. fall down or in suddenly
colleague n. person with whom one works, esp in a profession or
business
collective adj. of, by or relating to a group or society as a
whole; joint; shared
collector n. person who collects (collect 4) things
collegian A college student.
collide v. ~ (of moving objects or people) strike violently
against sth or each other
collier n. coal-miner
collision n. ~ ~ (between A and B) (instance of) one object or
person striking against another; (instance of) colliding; crash
colloquial pertaining to conversational or common speech;
informal; N. colloquialism: colloquial expression
colloquialism n. colloquial word or phrase
colloquy informal discussion; conversation
collusion conspiring in a fraudulent scheme to cheat or deceive
others; V. collude
colossus gigantic statue; person or thing of great size or
importance
comely attractive; agreeable; having a pleasing appearance
comestible something fit to be eaten
comical adj. amusing
commemorate honor the memory of; serve as a memorial to; Ex.
commemorate the 100th anniversary/those who died in the war
commentary n. ~ spoken description of an event asit happens
commingle mingle together
commissariat The department of an army charged with the provision
of its food and water and daily needs.
commission n. ~ action, task or piece of work given to sb to do
commitment n. ~ committing or being committed (commit
committal n. action of committing (commit 2), esp to prison
commodity n. thing bought in a shop and put to use, esp in the
home
commotion n. noisy confusion or excitement
commute v. travel regularly by bus, train or car between
one's place of work and one's home (usu at a distance)
comparable adj. ~ able or suitable to be compared
comparative adj. involving comparison or comparing
comparison n. comparing
compensate v. ~ for sth give (sb) sth good to balance or lessen
the bad effect of damage, loss, injury, etc; recompense
competence n. ~ ~ (in doing sth/to do sth) being competent;
ability
competent adj. ~ ~ (to do sth) (of people) having the
necessary ability, authority, skill, knowledge, etc
competitive adj. of or involving competition
competitor n. person who competes
complacence Satisfaction with one's acts or surroundings.
complacent adj. ~ (usu derog ) calmly satisfied with oneself,
one's work, etc
complaisance n. willingness to do what pleases others
complaisant trying to please; obliging; willing to please others
complement complete; consummate; make perfect; N.
complex adj. made up of (usu several) closely connected parts
compliant readily acting in accordance with a rule, order, or
the wishes or others; yielding; comforming to requirements
complicate v. make more difficult to do, understand or deal with
complication n. state of being complex, intricate or difficult;
involved condition
complicity participation; involvement (in a questionable act or
a crime)
compliment n. ~ expression of praise, admiration, approval, etc
component element; ingredient
comport bear one's self; behave; Ex. comport oneself; N.
comportment
composure mental calmness
comprehensible adj. ~ that can be understood fully
comprehension n. understanding
comprehensive broad; including a lot or everything; thorough;
inclusive
compress force into less space; squeeze; contract; put into
fewer words; N: thick mass of cloth pressed to part of the body to
stop bleeding or swelling, reduce fever, etc.
compressible Capable of being pressed into smaller compass.
compression n. compressing or being compressed
comprise include; consist of
compulsion compelling; strong desire that is difficult to
control; irresistible impulse
compulsory obligatory; that must be done
compunction remorse; strong uneasiness caused by guilt
compute reckon; calculate
concede admit; acknowledge as being true (often reluctantly);
yield; grant; Ex. concede a goal
conceit vanity or self-love; too high opinion of one's own
value; extravagant metaphor (in poetry)
conceive v. become pregnant
concerto n. musical composition for one or more solo
instruments and an orchestra
concession an act of yielding; conceding; something conceded;
point, right, etc. given unwillingly; privilege of maintaining a
business in a certain place; Ex. oil concessions in the North sea; CF.
concessionaire
conciliate v. make less angry or more friendly (esp by being
pleasant or making some concessions)
conclusive decisive; ending all debate
concord harmony; accord
concordance n. alphabeticalindex of the words used by an author
or in a book
concur agree; coincide; happen at the same time
concurrence n. agreement
concurrent happening at the same time; in agreement
concussion n. injury to the brain caused by a blow, violent
shaking, etc, resulting in temporary unconsciousness
condensation n. condensing or being condensed
condense v. ~ (into/to sth) (cause sth to) become thicker or
more concentrated
condescend (derog.) bestow courtesies with a superior air;
descend to the level of one considered inferior
condolence n. sympathy
conduce v. ~ to/towards sth help to bring sth about
conducive helpful; contributive; V. conduce; Ex. conduce to/
towards
conduit aqueduct; passageway for fluids
confectionery n. sweets, chocolates, cakes, etc
confederacy n. alliance or league, esp of states
confederate adj. joined together by an agreement or a treaty
confer v. ~ (with sb) (on/about sth) have discussions (esp
in order to exchange opinions or get advice)
conferee A person with whom another confers.
confessor n. priest who hears confessions
confidant n. trusted person to whom one speaks about one's
private affairs or secrets
confide tell in confidence (to a person one trusts); be
confident about
confidence self-assurance; calm unworried feeling based on a
strong belief in one's abilities; strong belief in the ability of a
person or plan; trust or faith in a person or thing; something
confided; secret; Ex. confidence in your ability; Ex. I'm telling yo
confident adj. ~ feeling or showing trust in oneself or one's
ability
confinement n. being confined; imprisonment
confiscate seize; take possession of (private property) by
official order (usu. as a punishment); commandeer
conflagration great fire
confluence flowing together; the place where two rivers flow
together; crowd; gathering together
confluent adj. flowing or coming together; uniting ;
conformable Harmonious.
conformance The act or state or conforming.
conformation n. way in which sth is formed; structure ;
conformity harmony; agreement with established rules or customs;
similarity; Ex. behave in conformity with; V. conform: be similar; act
in agreement; comply; Ex. conform to the rule; CF. conformance
confront v. ~ sb with sb/sth make sb face or consider sb/sth
unpleasant, difficult, etc
congeal freeze; coagulate
congenial pleasant; friendly; in agreement with one's tastes
and nature; Ex. congenial weather
congest become or cause to become obstructed
congregate v. come together in a crowd
conjecture surmise; guess; V.
conjoin v. (cause people or things to) join together; unite ;
conjugal pertaining to marriage
conjugate v. give the different forms of (a verb), as they
vary according to number, tense, etc
conjugation n. conjugating
conjunction n. word that joins words, phrases or sentences, eg
and, but, or , and but or
connive v. ~ at sth disregard or seem to allow (a wrong
action)
connoisseur person competent to act as a judge of art, etc.
(whose judgments are respected); a lover of an art
connote v. suggest (sth) in addition to the main meaning
connubial pertaining to marriage or the matrimonial state
conquer v. take possession of (sth) by force
consanguineous adj. Descended from the same parent or ancestor.
conscience n. person's awareness of right and wrong with regard
to his own thoughts and actions
conscientious scrupulous; through and careful; Ex. conscientious
worker
conscious adj. knowing what is going on around one because one
is able to use bodily senses and mental powers; awake
conscript draftee; person forced into military service; V.
consecrate dedicate; sanctify; declare as sacred; Ex. consecrate
one's life to helping the poor
consecutive adj. coming one after the other without interruption;
following continuously
consensus general agreement; opinion reached by a group
conservatism n. tendency to resist great or sudden change
conservative adj. opposed to great or sudden change
conservatory n. room with glass walls and roof used to protect
plants from cold, built against an outside wall of a house, and with a
door into the house .
consign send to a person or place for sale; deliver
officially; entrust; put into the care of another; set apart (for a
special purpose); N. consignment; CF. consignor, consignee
consignee n. person to whom sth is consigned
consistency absence of contradictions; uniformity; degree of
thickness or firmness; Ex. consistency of thick cream; CF. viscous
console lessen sadness or disappointment; give comfort; allay
the sorrow of; N. consolation
consolidate v. become more solid, secure, or strong
consonance harmony; agreement
consonant harmonious; in agreement; N.
consort associate with; keep company; N: husband or wife (or
a ruler)
conspicuous adj. ~ easily seen; noticeable; remarkable
conspirator n. person who conspires
conspire take part in a conspiracy; (of events) work together;
combine; Ex. Events conspired to produce great difficulties.
constable n. = police constable (police)
constellation n. named group of stars
consternation great shock; dismay
constituency voters represented by an elected official; district
so represented; group of supporters (or constituents)
constituent supporter; voter; member of a constituency; component
constrict v. make tight, smaller or narrower
consul n. official appointed by a state to live in a
foreign city in order to help people from his own country who are
travelling or living there, and protect their interests
consulate n. offices of a consul
consummate complete; V.
consumption n. using up of food, energy, resources, etc
consumptive adj. suffering or tending to suffer from consumption
(2)
contagion infection (by contact); ADJ. contagious; CF.
infectious: that can be passed by infection in the air
contagious adj. (of a disease) spreading by contact
contaminate pollute
contemplate v. look at or consider (sth) thoughtfully
contemporaneous adj. ~ (fml ) existing or happening at the same time
contemporary adj. ~ of the time or period being referred to;
belonging to the same time
contemptible adj. deserving contempt; despicable
contemptuous adj. ~ feeling or showing contempt
contender n. person who tries to win sth in competition with
others
contiguity n. being contiguous
contiguous adjacent to; touching upon
continence self-restraint; sexual chastity; sexual abstinence;
voluntary control over bladder and bowel functions; ADJ. continent
contingency n. event that may or may not occur; event that
happens by chance
contingent dependent on something uncertain or in the future;
conditional; happening by chance; accidental; N: a group of soldiers,
ships to a larger force; CF. contingency: future event that may or may
not occur; possibility; Ex. prepare for every contingency
continuance n. continuing existence; remaining; staying
continuation n. carrying sth on beyond a certain point without
stopping; prolongation
continuity n. state of being continuous
continuous adj. going on without stopping or being interrupted
contort v. ~ (with sth) (cause sth to) twist out of its
natural shape
contraband illegal trade; smuggling; smuggled goods; ADJ.
contradiction n. contradicting
contradictory adj. contradicting
contraposition A placing opposite.
contravene contradict; oppose; violate (a rule, law, or custom);
N. contravention
contribution n. ~ action of contributing
contrite penitent; repentant; N. contrition
contrivance something contrived; machine or apparatus; clever
deceitful plan; scheme
contrive invent or fabricate in a clever way (by
improvisation); manage; Ex. contrive to attract his attention
control n. ~ power or authority to direct, order or limit
controller n. person who controls or directs sth, esp a
department or division of a large organization
contumacious stubborn and disobedient; resisting authority (esp.
disobedient to an order made by a court)
contumacy n. obstinate resistance or disobedience
contusion bruise
convalesce v. regain one's health and strength after an illness
convalescence n. gradual recovery of health and strength .
convalescent n, adj (person who is) recovering from illness
convene come together; assemble; call to meet; Ex. convene
the council
convenience n. quality of being convenient or suitable; freedom
from trouble or difficulty
converge approach; tend to meet; come together
convergent tending to move toward one point or to approach each
other:CONVERGING
conversant familiar with; having knowledge of
conversion n. ~ (into/to sth) converting or being converted
convertible adj. ~ that can be converted
convex curving outward
conveyance vehicle; transfer; act of conveying; Ex. public
conveyance
convivial pleasantly merry; festive; joyous; gay; characterized
by joviality; jovial
convolution n. coil; twist
convolve To move with a circling or winding motion.
convoy n. group of vehicles or ships travelling together
convulse v. cause to make sudden violent uncontrollable
movements
convulsion violent uncontrollable shaking movement (caused by
illness); V. convulse; ADJ. convulsive
copious plentiful
coquette flirt; flirtatious woman; woman who tries to attract
the admiration of men without sincere feelings; V.
cornice projecting molding on building (usually above columns
or pillars);
cornucopia horn (or horn-shaped container) overflowing with
fruit and grain; symbol of abundance; horn of plenty
corollary natural consequence (which naturally follows from
something else)
coronation n. ceremony of crowning a king, a queen or some other
sovereign ruler
coronet n. small crown worn by a peer or peeress
corporal adj. of the human body
corporate adj. of or shared by all the members of a group;
collective
corporeal bodily (rather than spiritual); of a bodily form;
material; tangible
corps n. military force made up of two or more divisions
corpse n. dead body
corpulent very fat; N. corpulence
corpuscle red or white cell in the blood
correlate either of the correlated things; V.
correlative adj. having or showing a relation to sth else
corrigible Capable of reformation.
corroborate confirm; support; strengthen
corrode destroy or wear away gradually by chemical action
(over a long period)
corrosion n. corroding or being corroded; corroded area or part
corrosive eating away by chemicals or disease; (of language)
fierce
corruption n. corrupting or being corrupted
cosmetic n. substance for putting on the body, esp the face,
to make it beautiful
cosmic pertaining to the universe; vast
cosmogony n. theory of the origin and development of the
universe
cosmography The science that describes the universe, including
astronomy, geography, and geology.
cosmology n. scientific study of the universe and its origin
and development
cosmopolitan adj. containing people from all over the world
cosmopolitanism A cosmopolitan character.
cosmos the cosmos n the universe, ie all space, seen as a
well-ordered system
counteract v. act against and reduce the force or effect of
counterbalance n. ~ weight or force that balances another
counterfeit n, adj made or done so that it is very similar to
another thing, in order to deceive; fake
counterpart thing that completes another; things very much alike;
thing that has the same purpose in a different system
countervail counterbalance
countryman n. person living in or born in the same country(1a)
as sb else
courageous adj. brave; fearless
course n. forward movement in time
courser A fleet and spirited horse.
courtesy n. courteous behaviour; good manners
covenant binding agreement between two groups or people;
compact; V: enter into a covenant; promise
covert secret; hidden; implied; OP. overt
covey n. small flock of partridges
cower shrink quivering as from fear; cringe
coxswain n. man in charge of a ship's rowing-boat and its
crew
crag n. high, steep or rugged mass of rock
cranium n. (anatomy ) bony part of the head enclosing the
brain; skull ;
crass very unrefined; grossly insensible; crude and
undiscriminating; Ex. crass behavior
creak v. make a harsh sound like that of an unoiled door-
hinge, or badly-fitting floor-boards when trodden on
creamery n. place where milk, cream, butter, etc are sold
credence belief
credible adj. that can be believed; believable
credulous adj. too ready to believe things
creed system of religious or ethical belief
crematory A place for cremating dead bodies.
crevasse n. deep open crack in the ice of a glacier
crevice crack; fissure
criterion n. standard by which sth is judged
critique n. critical analysis
crockery n. cups, plates, dishes, etc made of baked clay ,
crucible n. pot in which metals are melted
crusade n. any one of the military expeditions by the
European Christian countries to recover the Holy Land from the Muslims
in the Middle Ages
crustacean n. any of various types of animal that have a hard
outer shell and live mostly in water; shellfish ;
crustaceous Having a crust-like shell.
cryptogram n. message written in code
crystallize To bring together or give fixed shape to.
cudgel n. short thick stick or club
culinary relating to cooking or kitchen
cull pick out from others (to kill the weakest members);
reject; select; collect (information); N.
culpable deserving blame; blameworthy
culprit one guilty of a crime
culvert artificial channel for water; drain crossing under a
road
cupidity greed (for wealth); CF. cupid; CF. Cupid
curable adj. that can be cured
curator superintendent; manager (in charge of a museum or a
library)
curio n. small object that is quite rare or unusual
cursive (of writing) flowing; running; having the successive
letters joined
cursory casual; hastily done with little attention to detail
curt adj. (of a speaker, his manner, what he says) rudely
brief; abrupt
curtail shorten; reduce
curtsy A downward movement of the body by bending the knees.
cycloid Like a circle.
cygnet n. young swan
cynical skeptical or distrustful of human motives; N.
cynicism; CF. cynic: person who believes all people are motivated by
selfishness
cynicism n. cynical attitude
cynosure object of general attention; person or thing that is
a center of attention; CF. Ursa Minor
darkle to grow dark; darken
Darwinism The doctrine that natural selection has been the
prime cause of evolution of higher forms.
dastard a person who acts treacherously or underhandedly
datum A premise, starting-point, or given fact.
dauntless bold; fearless
dearth scarcity
debase degrade; reduce in quality or value; degenerate;
lower in esteem; disgrace; N. debasement
debatable adj. not certain; open to question; arguable
debonair (of men) friendly, charming, and fashionably dressed;
aiming to please; CF. of good disposition
debut d\'ebut; first public appearance; formal presentation
of a young woman to society
decagon A figure with ten sides and ten angles.
decagram A weight of 10 grams.
decaliter A liquid and dry measure of 10 liters.
decalogue n. the Decalogue the Ten Commandments given to Moses
by God
decameter A length of ten meters.
decamp v. ~ go away suddenly and often secretly (taking sth
with one)
decapitate behead
decapod Ten-footed or ten-armed.
decasyllabic [ decasyllable: ] adjectiv
deceit n. deliberately leading sb to believe or accept sth
that is false, usu so as to get sth for oneself; deceiving
deceitful adj. often deceiving people; dishonest
deceive v. ~ sb/oneself make sb believe sth that is not true
(so as to make him do sth); deliberately mislead sb
decency n. quality of being or appearing as respectable
people would wish
decent adj. proper; acceptable
deciduous falling off at a specific season or stage of growth
as of leaves; Ex. deciduous tree/teeth
decimal adj. based on or reckoned in tens or tenths
decimate kill (usually one out of ten or every tenth man);
destroy or kill a large part of
decipher decode; CF. indecipherable
decisive adj. having a particular, important or conclusive
effect
declamation n. declaiming
declamatory adj. formal and rhetorical; with great feeling
declarative Containing a formal, positive, or explicit statement
or affirmation.
declension n. varying the endings of nouns and pronouns
according to their function in a sentence
decorate v. ~ sth make sth (more) beautiful by adding
ornaments to it
decorous proper (in behavior, conduct, or appearance)
decoy lure or bait; V.
decrepit weak and in bad condition from old age or hard use;
Ex. decrepit old chair/man
dedication n. ~ devotion to a cause or an aim
deduce v. ~ sth arrive at (facts, a theory, etc) by
reasoning; infer sth
deface mar; disfigure
defalcate embezzle
defamation n. defaming or being defamed
defame harm someone's reputation; malign; speak evil of;
slander; N. defamation; ADJ. defamatory
default failure to act; failure to perform a task or be
present; V.
defendant n. person accused or sued in a legal case
defensible adj. that can be defended
defensive adj. used for or intended for defending
defer give in respectfully; submit; delay till later;
exempt temporarily; N. deferment; CF. show respect, comply with,
courteous
deference courteous regard for another's wish; courteous
yielding to another's wish or opinion (showing respect); ADJ.
deferential; OP. effrontery
defiant adj. showing defiance; openly opposing or resisting
sb/sth
deficiency n. ~ state of lacking sth essential
deficient adj. ~ in sth lacking in sth
definite adj. clear; not doubtful
deflect turn aside; turn away from a straight course
deform v. spoil the shape or appearance of
deformity n. being deformed
defraud v. ~ sb get sth from sb by deception; cheat sb
defray provide for the payment of; undertake the payment of;
pay
degeneracy A becoming worse.
degenerate become worse in quality; deteriorate; ADJ: having
become worse; Ex. a degenerate species; N: depraved or corrupt person
degradation humiliation; debasement; degeneration; V. degrade:
debase; disgrace; degenerate; reduce (something) in worth; demote
(someone); reduce in rank
degrade v. cause to be less moral and less deserving of
respect
dehydrate remove water from; dry out
deify turn into a god; make a god of; idolize; Ex. Kings
were deified; CF. deity
deign condescend; stoop
deism n. belief in the existence of God that is based more
on natural laws of the world than on divine revelation
deity n. god or goddess
deject to make gloomy
dejection n. sad or dejected state; depression
delectable adj. (esp of food) delightful; pleasant
delectation n. enjoyment; entertainment
deleterious harmful
delicacy n. softness or tenderness when touched
delineate portray; depict; sketch; describe; N. delineation
deliquesce To dissolve gradually and become liquid by absorption
of moisture from the air.
delirious adj. suffering from delirium
delude deceive
deluge flood; rush; V.
delusion false belief; hallucination; deluding; Ex. delusions
of grandeur; Ex. under the delusion that
demagnetize To deprive (a magnet) of magnetism.
demagogue person who appeals to people's prejudice; false
leader of people; CF. demagoguery
demeanor behavior; bearing
demented insane
demerit fault; bad quality
demise death
demobilize relieve from military service
demolish v. pull or knock down (a building, etc)
demonstrable adj. that can be shown or proved
demonstrate v. ~ sth (to sb) show sth clearly by giving proof or
evidence
demonstrative adj. (of people) showing the feelings readily
demonstrator n. person who teaches or explains by demonstrating
(demonstrate
demulcent Any application soothing to an irritable surface
demurrage the detention of a vessel beyond the specified time
of sailing.
dendroid Like a tree.
dendrology The natural history of trees.
denizen (animal, person, or plant) inhabitant or resident of
a particular place; regular visitor
denominate To give a name or epithet to.
denomination religious group; unit in a system; name or
designation; CF. denominator: common trait or characteristic
denominator n. number below the line in a fraction, showing how
many parts the whole is divided into, eg 4 in 4
denote v. be the name, sign or symbol of (sth); refer to
denouement final outcome; final development of the plot of a
play or other literary work; the end of a story when everything is
explained
denounce condemn; criticize; N. denunciation
dentifrice n. powder or paste used for cleaning the teeth
denude to strip of all covering or surface layers
denunciation n. denouncing
deplete reduce; exhaust
deplorable adj. that is, or should be, condemned
deplore regret; express sorrow and severe disapproval for
something bad; Ex. deplore their violent behavior; ADJ. deplorable:
very bad; deserving severe disapproval; Ex. deplorable living
condition
deponent n. person who makes a written statement for use in a
lawcourt
depopulate v. reduce the number of people living in
deport send out of the country; behave; N. deportation,
deportment
deportment n. (Brit) way of standing and walking; bearing
deposition testimony under oath; deposing; dethroning
depository n. place where things, eg furniture, are stored;
storehouse ;
deprave v. make (sb) morally bad; corrupt
deprecate express disapproval of; deplore; protest against;
belittle; ADJ. deprecatory
depreciate lessen in value; belittle; represent as of little
value
depress v. make sad and without enthusiasm
depression n. being depressed; low spirits
depth n. distance from the top down
derelict negligent; (of someone) neglectful of duty; (of
something) deserted by an owner; abandoned; N: abandoned property;
homeless or vagrant person
deride ridicule; treat with contempt; make fun of; OP.
respect
derision ridicule; ADJ. derisive; CF. derisory
derivation deriving; origin or source of something; Ex. the
derivation of the word
derivative unoriginal; obtained from another source; Ex.
derivative prose style; N.
derive v. ~ sth from sth obtain sth from sth; get sth from
sth
dermatology n. medical study of the skin and its diseases, etc
derrick n. large crane for moving or lifting heavy weights,
esp on a ship
descendant n. person descended from another
descent n. coming or going down
descry catch sight of (something distant)
desert v. go away from (a place) without intending ever to
return
desiccant n. substance that absorbs moisture, and is often used
to keep food in good condition
designate adj. appointed to a job (but not yet having
officially started it)
desist v. ~ (fml ) stop sth/doing sth; cease
despair n. state of having lost all hope
desperado reckless, desperate outlaw
desperate having lost all hope; despairing; reckless and
violent because of loss of hope or despair; undertaken as a last
resort
despicable adj. ~ (to do sth) deserving to be despised;
contemptible
despite prep without being affected by
despond To lose spirit, courage, or hope.
despondent without hope and courage; depressed; gloomy; N.
despondency: loss of hope with gloom; dejection
despot tyrant; harsh, authoritarian ruler; CF. despotism
despotism tyranny
destitute extremely poor; lacking means of subsistence; utterly
lacking; devoid; Ex. destitute of any experience
desultory aimless; haphazard; digressing at random
deter v. ~ sb (from doing sth) make sb decide not to do sth
deteriorate v. ~ become worse in quality or condition
determinate having a fixed order of procedure; precisely defined;
invariable; fixed; conclusive; final
determination resolve; firmness of purpose; measurement or
calculation; decision
deterrent something that discourages or deters
detest v. dislike very much; hate
detract v. ~ from sth make sth seem less valuable or
important
detriment harm; damage
deviate turn away from (a principle, norm); move away from an
accepted standard; swerve; depart; diverge; N. deviation; Ex.
deviation of the path of light by a prism
devilry Malicious mischief.
devious roundabout; erratic; deviating from the straight
course; not straightforward; not completely honest; Ex. devious route
devise think up; invent; plan; bequeath; N: bequest
devout pious; deeply religious; sincere; earnest; Ex. my
devout hope
dexterity n. skill, esp in using one's hands
diacritical Marking a difference.
diagnose v. ~ sth find out the nature of (esp an illness) by
observing its symptoms
diagnosis n. diagnosing
dialect n. form of a language used in a part of a country or
by a class of people
dialectician n. person who is skilled in dialectic
dialogue n. (writing in the form of a) conversation or talk
diaphanous sheer; transparent
diatomic Containing only two atoms.
diatribe bitter scolding or denunciation; invective; abuse
dictum authoritative and weighty statement (made by a judge
in court); saying; maxim; CF. obiter dictum: incidental, nonbinding
remark (something said in passing)
didactic (of speech or writing) intended to teach a moral
lesson; teaching; instructional; N. didacticism
difference n. ~ ~ (in/of sth) state or way in which two people
or things are not the same, or in which sb/sth has changed
differentia Any essential characteristic of a species by reason
of which it differs from other species.
differential adj. of, showing or depending on a difference
differentiate v. ~ between A and B; ~ A (from B) see or show (two
things) to be different; show sth to be different (from sth else)
diffidence shyness; lack of self-confidence; timidity; ADJ.
diffident
diffident adj. ~ not having or showing much belief in one's own
abilities; lacking self-confidence
diffusion n. diffusing or being diffused
dignitary person of high rank or position
digraph n. two letters that represent a single sound
digress v. ~ turn or wander (from the main topic) in speech
or writing
dilate expand; dilate on/upon: speak or write at length on
(a subject)
dilatory delaying; tending to delay
dilemma situation that requires a choice between equally
unfavorable options; problem; choice of two unsatisfactory
alternatives
dilettante aimless follower of an art or a field of knowledge
(not taking it seriously); amateur; dabbler; CF. delight
diligence steadiness of effort; persistent hard work
dilute make (a liquid) less concentrated; reduce in
strength; Ex. dilute the influence of the president
diminution lessening; reduction in size; V. diminish
diphthong n. union of two vowel sounds or vowel letters, eg the
sounds / aI; aI/ in pipe / paIp; paIp/, the letters ou in doubt ,
pipe / paIp; paIp/ / aI; aI/; doubtou
diplomacy n. management of relations between countries by each
country's representatives abroad; skill in this
diplomat n. person in the diplomatic service, eg an
ambassador
diplomatic adj. of diplomacy
diplomatist n. = diplomat
disagree v. ~ (with sb/sth) (about/on sth) have a different
opinion (from sb); not agree
disallow v. refuse to accept as valid
disappear v. no longer be visible; vanish
disappoint v. fail to be or do sth as good, interesting etc as
was hoped for or desired or expected by
disapprove v. ~ consider (sb/sth) to be bad, immoral, foolish,
etc
disarm v. take weapons away from
disarrange v. make (sth) disorderly or untidy
disavow v. say one does not know of, is not responsible for,
or does not approve of (sth)
disburden To disencumber.
disburse pay out (as from a fund); N. disbursement; CF. purse
discard v. throw (sth) out or away
disciple n. follower of a religious, political, artistic, etc
leader or teacher ,
disciplinary adj. concerning discipline
discipline n. training, esp of the mind and character, aimed at
producing self-control, obedience, etc
disclaim disown; renounce claim to; deny; CF. disclaimer
discolor To stain.
discomfit frustrate; put to rout; defeat; disconcert;
embarrass; perturb
discomfort n. lack of comfort; slight pain
disconnect v. ~ A detach sth (from sth); undo a connection
disconsolate hopelessly sad (at the loss of something)
discontinuance Interruption or intermission.
discord conflict; lack of harmony; dissonance (when musical
notes are played)
discountenance v. disapprove of (sb); discourage ;
discover v. find or learn about
discredit defame; disgrace; destroy confidence in; disbelieve;
N. CF. discreditable: causing discredit; shameful
discreet adj. careful or showing good judgement in what one
says or does; not too obvious
discrepant Opposite.
discriminate distinguish; make distinctions on the basis of
preference
discursive (of a person or writing) digressing; rambling
(without any clear plan)
discussion n. discussing sth
disenfranchise disfranchise; deprive of a civil right; OP.
enfranchise
disengage uncouple; separate; disconnect; stop fighting; OP.
engage
disfavor Disregard.
disfigure mar the appearance of; spoil
dishabille in a state of undress
dishonest adj. not honest
disillusion v. destroy the pleasant but mistaken beliefs or
ideals of
disinfect v. clean by destroying germs that cause disease
disinfectant n. substance that disinfects
disinherit v. prevent from inheriting one's property (by making
a new will naming another person as heir)
disjunctive adj. (of a conjunction) showing opposition or
contrast between two ideas (eg either... or) , either... or
dislocate v. put out of its proper position in a joint
dismissal n. action of dismissing
dismount v. ~ get off (a motor cycle, bicycle, horse, etc)
disobedience n. failure or refusal to obey
disobedient adj. not obedient
disown v. refuse to be connected with (sb/sth), esp because
one is shocked by some action
disparage belittle
dispel scatter; drive away; cause to vanish
dispensation n. action of dispensing or distributing
displace v. move from the usual or correct place
dispossess v. ~ sb take away property, land, a house, etc from
sb
disputation n. (instance of) disputing; controversy ;
disqualify v. ~ sb (from sth/doing sth) prevent sb from doing
sth, usu because he has broken a rule or is not able enough
disquiet n. anxiety
disregard v. pay no attention to treat (sth) as of no
importance; ignore
disreputable adj. having a bad reputation
disrepute n. state of having a bad reputation
disrobe v. (fml or joc ) undress
disrupt v. cause disorder in
dissatisfy To displease.
dissect v. cut up in order to study its structure
dissection analysis; cutting apart in order to examine
dissemble disguise; hide the real nature of; pretend
disseminate distribute; spread; scatter (like seeds)
dissension disagreement of opinions causing strife within a
group
dissent disagree
dissentient One who disagrees.
dissentious Contentious.
dissertation formal essay; treatise
disservice n. ~ harmful or unhelpful action
dissever To divide.
dissimilar adj. ~ not the same; unlike
dissipate squander; waste foolishly; scatter
dissipation n. dissipating or being dissipated
dissolute adj. immoral; dissipated
dissolution disintegration; reduction to a liquid form; looseness
in morals; sensual indulgence; debauchery; ADJ. dissolute: lacking in
moral restraint; leading an immoral life
dissolve v. (of a liquid) make (a solid) become liquid
dissonance discord
dissonant adj. not harmonious; discordant ;
dissuade persuade not to do; discourage; N. dissuasion
dissuasion advice against
distemper n. (old method of painting with) colouring matter
mixed with water and brushed on walls, etc
distend expand; swell out
distensible Capable of being stretched out or expanded in every
direction.
distill refine (a liquid by evaporating and subsequent
condensation); concentrate; separate the most important parts from;
Ex. distill fresh water from sea water; CF. brew
distillation n. distilling
distiller n. person or company that distils
distinction honor; excellence; difference; contrast;
discrimination; Ex. graduated with distinction; Ex. a writer of real
distinction
distort twist out of shape; give a false account of;
misrepresent; N. distortion
distrain v. ~ (law ) seize a person's property or belongings
to force him to pay what he owes (esp rent)
distraught upset; distracted by anxiety; very anxious and
troubled almost to the point of madness; Ex. distraught with grief/
worry
distrust n. lack of trust; suspicion
disunion n. separating or being separated
disyllable n. disyllabic word or metrical foot
diurnal daily; occurring during the daytime
divergent adj. divergent paths, opinions
diverse differing in some characteristics (from each other);
various; N. diversity: | variety; dissimilitude; lack of resemblance
diversion act of turning aside; pastime; V. divert: turn aside
from a course; distract; amuse
diversity n. state of being varied; variety
divert v. ~ sb/sth (to sth) turn sb/sth from one course to
another
divest strip (as of clothes); deprive (as of rights);
dispossess; N. divestiture(divestment)
divination n. foretelling the future by supernatural means
divinity n. quality of being divine1
divisible adj. ~(mathematics ) that can be divided, usu with no
remainder
divisor n. number by which another number is divided
divulge reveal
docile obedient; easily managed; submissive
docket program as for trial; book where such entries are
made; list of things to be done; agenda; label fixed to a package
listing contents or directions; V: describe in a docket
doe n. female deer, reindeer, rabbit or hare
dogma n. belief or set of beliefs put forward by some
authority, esp a Church, to be accepted as a matter of faith
dogmatic opinionated; holding stubbornly to one's opinion;
arbitrary; doctrinal
dogmatize To make positive assertions without supporting them
by argument or evidence.
doleful adj. sad; mournful
dolesome Melancholy.
dolor Lamentation.
dolorous sorrowful; N. dolor
domain n. lands owned or ruled by a nobleman, government,
etc
domesticity n. home or family life
domicile home; V. ADJ. domiciled: having one's domicile; Ex.
He is domiciled in Britain.
dominance Ascendancy.
dominant exercising the most influence; high and easily seen;
stronger than the other part of a system; not recessive
dominate control; rule; enjoy a commanding position in;
overlook from a height; ³»·Á´Ùº¸´Ù
domination supremacy or preeminence over another
domineer rule over tyrannically
donate v. ~ sth give (money, goods, etc), esp to a charity;
contribute sth
donator One who makes a donation or present.
donee A person to whom a donation is made.
donor n. person who gives or donates sth
dormant sleeping; temporarily inactive; lethargic; latent
doublet n. short close-fitting jacket worn by men, with or
without sleeves
doubly adv. to twice the extent or amount
dowry money or property brought by a bride to her husband
at marriage
drachma n. unit of money in Greece
dragnet A net to be drawn along the bottom of the water.
dragoon n. heavily-armed cavalryman
drainage n. draining or being drained
dramatist n. writer of plays
dramatize To relate or represent in a dramatic or theatrical
manner.
drastic strong; violent and severe; Ex. drastic changes/
measures
drought n. continuous dry weather, esp when there is not
enough water for people's needs
drowsy adj. half asleep; feeling sleepy
drudgery hard unpleasant work; menial work
dubious questionable; (of something) causing doubt; (of
someone) filled with doubt; N. dubiety
duckling n. young duck
ductile malleable; pliable; (of metals) easily pulled into
shape; flexible; (of someone) easily influenced or controlled
duet n. piece of music for two players or singers
dun adj. n dull greyish-brown colour
duplex adj. having two parts
duplicity double-dealing; hypocrisy; being dishonest and
deceitful; ADJ. duplicitous
durance restraint; imprisonment
duration length of time something lasts
duteous adj. = dutiful
dutiable adj. on which customs or other duties must be paid
dutiful adj. showing respect and obedience; fulfilling all
one's obligations
dwindle shrink; reduce gradually
dyne The force which, applied to a mass of one gram for 1
second, would give it a velocity of 1 cm/s.
earnest adj. serious; determined; not light-hearted
earthenware n. pottery made of baked clay
eatable adj. fit to be eaten; good to eat
ebullient showing excitement; overflowing with enthusiasm;
boiling; N. ebullience; N. ebullition: state of boiling
eccentric irregular; odd; unconventional; whimsical; bizarre;
not concentric
eccentricity oddity; idiosyncrasy
eclipse darken; extinguish; outshine; surpass; cause an
eclipse
economize To spend sparingly.
ecstasy rapture; very strong feeling of joy and happiness;
any overpowering emotion; ADJ. ecstatic: causing or experiencing
ecstasy
ecstatic adj. causing or showing ecstasy
edible adj. fit to be eaten
edict decree (especially one issued by a sovereign);
official command
edify instruct; correct morally
editorial adj. of an editor
educe draw forth; elicit
efface rub out; remove the surface of
effect n. ~ change produced by an action or cause; result
or outcome
effective effectual; producing a strong response; striking; in
operation; in effect; Ex. effective speech/photograph
effectual able to produce a desired effect; valid
effeminacy Womanishness.
effeminate having womanly traits
effervesce v. release bubbles of gas; fizz
effete having lost one's original power; barren; worn out;
exhausted
efficacious adj. (not of people) producing the desired result;
effective
efficacy power to produce desired effect; ADJ. efficacious:
effectual
efficiency n. state or quality of being efficient
efficient adj. able to work well; capable
efflorescence n. action or time of bursting into flower
effluvium noxious(harmful) smell
effrontery rudeness without any sense of shame; shameless
boldness; presumptousness; nerve; cheek
effulgence the quality of being bright and sending out rays of
light
effuse To pour forth.
effusion pouring forth; unrestrained outpouring of feeling; V.
effuse: pour out; ADJ. effusive: pouring forth; gushing
egoism excessive interest in one's self; belief that one
should be interested in one's self rather than in others; selfishness;
ADJ. egoistic, egoistical
egoist n. person who believes in or shows egoism
egotism tendency to speak or write of oneself excessively;
conceit; self-importance
egotist n. person who practises or shows egotism; selfish
person ;
egregious notorious; conspicuously bad or shocking
egress exit; opening for going out; act of going out; OP.
ingress
eject v. ~ sb/sth (fml ) force sb/sth out; expel sb/sth ;
elapse v. (of time) pass
elasticity n. quality of being elastic
electrolysis n. separation of a substance into its chemical parts
by an electric current
electrotype A metallic copy of any surface, as a coin.
elegy poem or song expressing lamentation (for the dead);
ADJ. elegiacal, elegiac
element n. ~ necessary or characteristic part of sth
elicit draw out fact or information (by discussion or from
someone)
eligible adj. ~ suitable or fit to be chosen; having the right
or proper qualifications
eliminate v. ~ sb/sth remove (esp sb/sth that is not wanted or
needed)
Elizabethan adj. of the time of Queen Elizabeth I of England
15581603
elocution n. art or style of speaking clearly and effectively,
esp in public
eloquent adj. having or showing eloquence
elucidate explain; make clear; clarify; enlighten; CF. lucid
elude v. escape (sb/sth), esp by a trick or cleverness;
avoid
elusion Evasion.
emaciate to cause to lose f unaffectlesh so as to become very
thin
emanate issue forth; come out
emancipate set free; liberate
embargo ban on commerce or other activity
embark commence; go on board a boat; begin a journey
embarrass v. cause (sb) to feel self-conscious, awkward or
ashamed
embellish adorn; ornament; enhance as a story (by adding
fictitious details)
embezzle v. use in a wrong way to benefit oneself
emblazon ornament richly (a shield or flag); N. emblazonment
emblem n. object that represents sth; symbol
embody give a bodily form to; incorporate; include
embolden to instill with boldness or courage
embolism n. blockage of an artery or a vein caused by a clot
of blood, an air-bubble, etc
embroil throw into confusion; involve in strife, dispute, or
quarrel; entangle; CF. imbroglio
emerge v. ~ come out or up (from water, etc)
emergence n. action of emerging
emergent adj. in the process of emerging
emeritus adj. (of a university teacher, esp a professor)
retired, but keeping his title as an honour
emigrant n. person who emigrates
emigrate v. ~ (to...) leave one's own country to go and live
in another
eminence n. state of being famous or distinguished
eminent rising above others; high; lofty; distinguished; Ex.
eminent position
emit v. give or send (sth) out; discharge
emphasis n. force or stress given to a word or words when
spoken, to make the meaning clear or to show importance
emphasize To articulate or enunciate with special
impressiveness upon a word, or a group of words.
emphatic adj. having, showing or using emphasis
employee n. person who works for sb or for a company in return
for wages
emporium n. (joc or fml ) centre of trade; market ;
empower v. give lawful power or authority (to sb) to act
emulate imitate; rival; try to equal or excel (through
imitation)
enact make (a bill) into law
enamor To inspire with ardent love.
encamp v. settle in camp
encomium n. (fml ) very high praise in speech or writing
encompass surround; include; Ex. His activities encompass
publishing and computers.
encore interj Again! Repeat!!
encourage v. ~ sb give support, confidence or hope to sb
encroach v. ~ (fml ) go beyond what is right or natural or
desirable; intrude
encumber burden; N. encumbrance
encyclical n. letter written by the Pope for wide circulation
encyclopedia n. book or set of books giving information about
every branch of knowledge, or about one particular subject, with
articles in alphabetical order
endanger v. cause danger to (sb/sth); put in danger
endear make beloved; Ex. endear her to everyone; ADJ. dear:
loved; cherished; high-priced
endemic prevailing among a specific group of people or in a
specific area or country; peculiar to a particular region or people;
CF. pandemic
endue provide with some quality; endow
endurable adj. that can be endured; bearable
endurance n. state or power of enduring
energetic full of or done with energy
enervate weaken; take away energy from
enfeeble v. make weak or feeble
enfranchise admit to the rights of citizenship (especially the
right to vote); CF. franchise
engender cause; produce; give rise to
engrave v. ~ B on A/~ A cut or carve (words, designs, etc)
on (a hard surface)
engross occupy fully; absorb
enhance increase; make greater (as in value, reputation, or
usefulness); improve
enigma puzzle; mystery; ADJ. enigmatic: obscure; puzzling
enjoin command; order; forbid
enkindle v. cause (flames, passion, etc) to flare up
enlighten v. ~ sb give more knowledge or information to sb;
free sb from false beliefs or ignorance
enlist (cause to) join the armed forces; obtain (help,
sympathy, or support)
enmity ill will; hatred; hostility
ennoble v. make (sb) a member of the nobility
enormity hugeness (in a bad sense); excessive wickedness; Ex.
enormity of the crime; ADJ. enormous
enormous adj. very large; immense
enrage v. make very angry
enrapture please intensely; fill with rapture and delight
enshrine v. ~ sth (in sth) place or keep sth (in, or as if in,
a shrine or holy place)
ensnare v. ~ sb/sth (in sth) (often fig ) catch sb/sth in,
or as if in, a trap or snare
entail make necessary; require; necessitate; involve; limit
the inheritance of (property) to a specified succession of heirs; Ex.
entail A on/upon B
entangle v. ~ sb/sth/oneself cause sb/sth/oneself to become
twisted, tangled or caught (in sth)
enthrall capture; enslave; captivate; hold the complete
attention of (as if magic); hold spellbound
enthrone v. place (a king, queen or bishop) on a throne, esp
with ceremony; exalt
enthuse v. ~ show great admiration or interest for
enthusiastic adj. ~ full of enthusiasm
entirety n. state of being entire; completeness
entomology study of insects
entrails n. internal organs of a person or animal, esp the
intestines
entreaty n. earnest request or requesting
entree n. ~ (into sth) right or privilege of admission or
entry
entrench v. surround or protect with a trench or trenches
entwine v. ~ sth make sth by twisting one thing around
another
enumerate list; mention one by one
epic long heroic poem, novel, or similar work of art
(celebrating the feats of a hero); ADJ: (of stories or events)
resembling an epic; grand
epicure connoisseur of food and drink; gourmet; ADJ.
epicurean; CF. Epicurus
epicurean believing that pleasure is good and suffering is bad
and should be avoided; N.
epicycle A circle that rolls upon the external or internal
circumference of another circle.
epicycloid A curve traced by a point on the circumference of a
circle which rolls upon another circle.
epidemic n, adj spreading quickly among many people in the
same place for a time
epidermis n. outer layer of the skin
epigram witty thought or saying, usually short
epilogue short speech at conclusion of dramatic work
epiphany n. Christian festival held on 6 January, in memory of
the coming of the Magi to the baby Jesus at Bethlehem , 16
episode n. event occurring as part of a long series of
events as in a novel, one's life, etc
epitaph inscription in memory of a dead person (as on a
tombstone)
epithet word or phrase characteristically used to describe a
person or thing; descriptive phrase to characterize a person (often
contemptous)
epitome perfect example or embodiment; brief summary; Ex.
epitome of good manners; V. epitomize: make an epitome of; be an
epitome of; embody
epizootic Prevailing among animals.
epoch period of time
epode A species of lyric poems.
equalize To render uniform.
equanimity calmness of temperament; composure
equestrian rider on horseback; ADJ.
equilibrium balance of opposing forces; balance of the mind;
equanimity
equitable fair; impartial; OP. inequitable
equity fairness; justice; OP. inequity
equivalent adj. ~ equal in value, amount, meaning, importance,
etc
equivocal (of words or statements) ambiguous; intentionally
misleading; (of behavior) questionable; OP. unequivocal
equivocate use equivocal language to deceive people; lie;
mislead; attempt to conceal the truth; N. equivocation
eradicate v. destroy completely; put an end to (sth)
errant wandering (esp. in search of adventure); straying
from proper moral standards; Ex. knight-errant
erratic odd; irregular in movement or behavior; unpredictable
erroneous mistaken; wrong; incorrect
erudite (of a person or book) learned; full of learning;
scholarly; N. erudition
erudition n. learning
eschew avoid habitually; Ex. eschew alcoholic drinks
espy v. (dated or joc ) catch sight of (sb/sth)
esquire n. (abbr Esq) polite title added after a man's
surname (instead of Mr before it), esp in addressing letters , Mr
essence n. that which makes a thing what it is; most
important or indispensable quality of sth
estimable (of a person) worthy of esteem; admirable; deserving
esteem; possible to estimate
estrange to arouse especially mutual enmity or indifference in
where there had formerly been love, affection, or
friendliness:ALIENATE
estuary n. wide river mouth into which the tide flows
eugenic pertaining to the improvement of race; N. eugenics:
study of hereditary improvement of the human race
eulogize to speak or write in high praise of:EXTOL
eulogy expression of praise, often on the occasion of
someone's death; V. eulogize
euphemism mild expression in place of an unpleasant one; ADJ.
euphemistic
euphonious adj. of a pleasing sound
euphony sweet sound; ADJ. euphonious
eureka interj I have found it! (a cry of triumph at making a
discovery )
evade v. get or keep out of the way of
evanesce To vanish gradually.
evanescent fleeting; vanishing; soon disappearing; V. evanesce
evangelical adj. of or according to the teachings of the
Christian Gospel, or the Christian religion
evangelist n. any one of the four writers of the Gospels in the
Bible
evasion n. keeping out of the way of sb; avoidance
eventual happening at last as a result; Ex. eventual victory
evert To turn inside out.
evict to force out:EXPEL
evidential adj. of, based on, or providing evidence
evince show clearly
evoke call forth (memory or feeling); Ex. That old film
evoked memories of my childhood; N. evocation
evolution n. (theory of the) gradual development of the
characteristics of plants and animals over many generations, esp the
development of more complicated forms from earlier, simpler forms
evolve v. (cause to) develop naturally and (usu) gradually
exacerbate worsen; aggravate; embitter
exaggerate v. make seem larger, better, worse, etc than it
really is; stretch (a description) beyond the truth
exasperate vex; annoy or make angry (by testing the patience)
excavate v. make (a hole or channel) by digging; remove
(soil, etc) by digging
exceed v. be greater or more numerous than (esp a quantity)
excel v. ~ in/at sth be exceptionally good at sth
excellence n. ~ quality of being excellent; great merit
excellency n. title given to ambassadors, governors, their
husbands or wives, and some other officers and officials
excellent adj. very good; of very high quality
excerpt selected passage (written or musical) taken from a
longer work; V.
excess n. an ~ of sth more than the reasonable, expected or
moderate degree or amount of sth
excitable adj. easily excited
excitation Intensified emotion or action.
exclamation n. sound(s) or word(s), expressing sudden surprise,
pain, etc
exclude v. ~ sb/sth prevent sb from entering somewhere,
taking part in sth, etc; keep sb out
exclusion n. ~ (from sth) action of excluding; being excluded
excrescence n. abnormal (ugly and useless) growth on an animal
body or a plant
excretion n. action of excreting
excruciate to subject to intense mental distress
excursion n. short journey, esp one made by a group of people
together for pleasure
execrable very bad; detestable
execration An accursed thing.
executor person designated to execute the terms of a will;
exegesis explanation, especially of biblical(of the bible)
passages
exemplar A model, pattern, or original to be copied or
imitated.
exemplary serving as a model; outstanding; Ex. exemplary
punishment/behavior; N. exemplar: typical example; model
exemplify show by example; furnish an example; serve as an
example of; Ex. His pictures exemplify that sort of painting.
exempt not subject to a duty or obligation; free from a
duty; V.
exert v. ~ sth bring (a quality, skill, pressure, etc)
into use; apply sth
exhale breathe out; OP. inhale
exhaust n. waste fumes, gases, steam, etc expelled from an
engine or a machine
exhaustion n. total loss of strength; extreme tiredness
exhaustive adj. very thorough; complete
exhilarate v. make feel very happy or lively
exhume dig out of the ground; remove from a grave
exigency urgent situation; ADJ. exigent
exigent adj. requiring immediate action; urgent
existence n. state or fact of existing
exit n. action of leaving; departure, esp that of an
actor from the stage
exodus departure (of a large number of people)
exonerate acquit; exculpate; free from blame or guilt
exorbitance n. (fml ). exorbitantly
exorbitant (of costs or demands) excessive; exceeding reasonable
bounds
exorcise drive out evil spirits
exotic not native; from another part of the world; strange;
intriguingly unusual; Ex. exotic flower/dress
expand v. ~ (into sth) (cause sth to) become greater in
size, number or importance
expanse n. ~ wide and open area (of land, sea, etc)
expansion n. action of expanding; state of being expanded
expatriate exile; someone who has withdrawn from his native
land; V: exile; banish; leave one's country
expect v. ~ sth (from sb/sth) think or believe that sth will
happen or that sb/sth will come
expectancy n. state of expecting or hoping
expectorate v. send out (phlegm from the throat, blood from the
lungs) by coughing; spit
expediency that which is advisable or practical
expedient suitable (for a particular purpose although not
necessarily morally correct); practical; politic(prudent); N:
something expedient
expedite hasten; make go faster
expeditious done with speed; quick; N. expedition
expend v. ~ sth (fml ) spend, use (money, etc) in doing sth
expense n. spending of money etc; cost
expiate make amends for (a sin)
explicate explain in detail; interpret; clarify; CF. explicable
explicit totally clear; definite; outspoken
explode v. burst with a loud noise; blow up
explosion n. (loud noise caused by) sudden and violent
bursting; exploding
explosive adj. likely or easily able to explode
exposition n. explaining or making clear by giving details
expository explanatory; serving to explain; N. exposition:
explaining; exhibition
expostulate v. ~ (on/about sth) (fml ) make a protest (to sb);
reason or argue (with sb), esp to persuade him not to do sth
exposure risk, particularly of being exposed to disease or to
the elements; unmasking; act of laying something open; Ex. exposure of
governmental corruption
expressive adj. showing one's feelings or thoughts
expulsion n. ~ action of expelling or being expelled
extant (of something written or painted) still in existence
extemporaneous not planned; impromptu; extempore
extempore adj. adv without previous thought or preparation;
impromptu
extensible Capable of being thrust out.
extension n. process or action of extending (extend 1,2,3);
state of being extended
extensive adj. large in area; extending far
extensor A muscle that causes extension.
extenuate weaken; mitigate; lessen the seriousness of (bad
behavior)
exterior adj. on or coming from the outside; outer
external adj. outside; situated on the outside of sth (esp
the body)
extinct adj. no longer in existence
extinguish v. cause (sth) to stop burning; put out
extol praise very highly; glorify
extort wring from; get money by threats, etc.; obtain by
force or threats; CF. extortionate: exorbitant
extortion n. action of extorting
extradite v. give up or send back to the country where the
crime was (said to be) committed
extradition surrender of prisoner by one state to another; Ex.
extradition treaty; V. extradite
extrajudicial Happening out of court.
extraneous not essential; irrelevant; superfluous; external;
coming from the outside; Ex. extraneous details/noise/to the subject
extraordinary adj. beyond what is ordinary; very unusual;
remarkable
extravagance n. being extravagant
extravagant adj. using or spending too much; (of actions)
showing this tendency
extremist n. person who holds extreme(3) views (esp in
politics)
extremity n. (fml ) furthest point, end or limit of sth
extricate free from an entanglement or difficulty; disentangle
extrude force or push out; thrust out; shape (plastic or
metal) by forcing through a die
exuberance overflowing abundance; joyful enthusiasm;
flamboyance; lavishness; ADJ. exuberant: high-spirited and lively;
growing abundantly and strongly
exuberant adj. overflowing with happiness and excitement; very
lively and cheerful
fabricate build; lie; make up (a story) in order to deceive;
Ex. fabricate the whole story; CF. fabric: underlying structure; Ex.
fabric of society
fabulous adj. incredibly great
facet small plane surface (of a gem(precious stone)); a
side
facetious joking (often inappropriately); unserious; humorous
facial adj. of or for the face
facile easily accomplished; ready or fluent; superficial;
not deep; Ex. facile solution to a complex problem; Ex. facile
speaker; N. facility: ability to do something easily and well; ease in
doing resulting from skill or aptitude; something that facil
facilitate help bring about; make less difficult
facility n. ability to learn or do things easily
facsimile copy
faction party; clique (within a large group); dissension
factious inclined to form factions; causing dissension
fallacious false; based on a fallacy; misleading; N. fallacy:
false idea or notion; false reasoning; Ex. popular fallacy; Ex.
fallacy of the argument
fallacy n. false or mistaken belief
fallible liable to err
fallow (of land) plowed but not sowed (to improve the
quality); uncultivated
famish To suffer extremity of hunger or thirst.
fanatic n. person who is too enthusiastic about sth, esp
religion or politics
fancier breeder or dealer of animals; one who has a special
interest, as for raising specific plant or animal
fastidious difficult to please; squeamish; fussy; finicky
fathom comprehend; investigate; determine the depth of; N.
unit of measurement for the depth of water
fatuous smugly and unconsciously foolish; inane; silly; N.
fatuity, fatuousness
faulty adj. having a fault or faults; imperfect
faun n. god of the fields and woods, with goat's horns and
legs but a human torso ,
fawn n. deer less than one year old
fealty n. (oath of) loyalty owed by a feudal tenant, etc to
his lord
feasible practical; able to be carried out; practicable
federate v. unite into a federation
feint trick; shift; sham blow; feigned attack to draw away
defensive action; V.
felicitate v. ~ sb (fml ) congratulate sb
felicity happiness; appropriateness (of a remark, choice,
etc.); quality of being felicitous
felon person convicted of a grave crime; CF. felony:
serious crime
felonious adj. of or involving felony; criminal ;
felony n. serious crime, eg murder, armed robbery or arson
feminine adj. of or like women; having the qualities or
appearance considered characteristic of women
fernery A place in which ferns are grown.
ferocious fierce; violent; N. ferocity
ferocity n. fierceness; violence
fervent ardent; zealous; hot
fervid ardent; zealous; hot
fervor glowing ardor; intensity of feeling; quality of being
fervent or fervid; zeal; intense heat
festal adj. of a festival; gay and joyful ;
festive joyous; celebratory; relating to a feast or festival
fete n. outdoor entertainment or sale, usu to raise money
for a special purpose
fetus = foetus
feudal adj. of or according to the system as during the
Middle Ages in Europe, under which people receive land and protection
from the landowner and work and fight for him in return
feudalism n. the feudal system
fez n. red felt hat with a flat top and a tassle but no
brim, worn by men in certain Muslim countries .
fiasco total failure; CF. bottle
fickle changeable (in affections or friendship); faithless
fictitious imaginary; non-existent; purposely invented to
deceive; untrue; Ex. fictitious name/boyfriend; CF. fictional
fidelity loyalty; accuracy
fiducial Indicative of faith or trust.
fief a piece of land held under the feudal system
filibuster block legislation or prevent action in a lawmaking
body by making very slow long speeches; N; freebooter
finale conclusion; concluding part
finality n. quality or fact of being final
financial adj. concerning money and finance
financier n. person engaged in financing businesses, etc on a
large scale
finery beautiful clothes for a special occasion
finesse delicate skill; V: handle with finesse
finite limited
fiscal adj. of or related to government money or public
money, usu taxes
fishmonger n. person whose job it is to sell fish in a shop
fissure crevice; crack
fitful spasmodic; intermittent; irregular
fixture n. thing, such as a bath, water tank or toilet, that
is fixed in a building and is not removed when the owner moves house
flagrant conspicuously wicked, bad, or offensive; blatant;
outrageous
flamboyant ornate; highly elaborate; richly colored;
ostentatious; showy; CF. flame
flatulence n. gas in the stomach or digestive tract
fledgling inexperienced
flexible adj. that can bend easily without breaking
flimsy adj. (of cloth or material) light and thin
flippant lacking proper seriousness; Ex. flippant remarks
about death; N. flippancy
floe flat mass of floating ice
flora plants of a region or era
floral adj. made of flowers
florid ruddy; (of a complexion) reddish; flowery; very
ornate; CF. rose
florist n. person who has a shop that sells flowers
fluctuate waver; shift; rise and fall as if in waves; change or
vary irregularly
fluctuation n. ~ (of/in sth)
flue n. channel, pipe, etc through which smoke, fumes or
hot air pass from a boiler or oven, usu to a chimney
fluent adj. able to speak or write a language or perform an
action smoothly, accurately and with ease
flux flowing; series of changes; fluctuation; Ex. in a
state of flux
foggy adj. not clear because of fog; very misty
foible small weakness of character; slight fault; CF. feeble
foist insert improperly; impose upon another by coercion;
palm off; pass off as genuine or worthy; CF. fist
foliage masses of leaves; CF. defoliate
folio n. large sheet of paper folded once, making two
leaves or four pages of a book
fondle v. touch or stroke gently and lovingly; caress
foolery n. foolish behaviour
foppery Dandyism.
foppish vain about dress and appearance; N. fop: man who
takes too much interest in his clothes and appearance
forbearance patience; forgiveness; V. forbear: refrain from (in a
generous and forgiving way); be patient; Ex. forbear to send him to
prison
forby Besides.
forcible adj. done by or involving the use of physical force
forebode v. be a sign or a warning of (esp trouble)
forecast v. tell in advance (what is expected to happen);
predict with the help of information
forecastle n. part of the front of certain ships where the crew
live and sleep
foreclose v. ~ (of a bank, etc that has lent money for a
mortgage) take possession of the property of (sb), usu because
repayments have not been made
forecourt n. large open area or courtyard in front of a
building, esp the front of a filling station where petrol is sold
forefather n. person from whom one is descended; ancestor, esp a
male
forego To deny oneself the pleasure or profit of.
foreground n. the foregroundfront part of a view, scene,
picture, etc; part nearest the observer
forehead n. part of the face above the eyebrows and below the
hair .
foreign adj. of, in or from a country or an area other than
one's own
foreigner n. person from a country other than one's own
forejudge To judge of before hearing evidence.
foreman n. experienced worker who supervises and directs
other workers
foreordain in theology ; foreordain or determine beforehand
forepeak The extreme forward part of a ship's hold, under the
lowest deck.
forerun To go before as introducing or ushering in.
foresail n. main sail on the front mast of a ship
foresee v. see or know that sth is going to happen in the
future; predict
foreshore n. part of the shore between the limits of high and
low tides, or between the sea and land that is cultivated or built on
foresight ability to foresee future happenings; prudence in
providing for the future
foretell v. (fml) tell (what will happen in the future);
predict
forethought n. careful thought or planning for the future
forfeit something surrendered as punishment for a crime or
breach of contract; V: lose as a forfeit; N. forfeiture
forfend To ward off.
forgery n. forging (forge
forgo v. give up or do without (esp sth pleasant)
formation n. organizing and developing
formidable menacing; arousing fear; threatening; difficult to
defeat; Ex. formidable foe/question
formula n. (chemistry ) set of symbols showing the elements
that a substance is made of
forswear renounce under oath; abandon; make a solemn promise
to give up; CF. abjure
forte strong point or special talent in a person's
character
forth adv. part out from home, etc
forthright straightforward; direct; frank
fortify v. ~ sth (against sth) strengthen (a place) against
attack, by building walls, etc
fortitude bravery; courage; strength of mind
foursome n. four people joining together to play a game, esp
golf
fracture n. instance of breaking (esp a bone)
fragile adj. easily damaged or broken; delicate
frailty n. physical weakness
frankincense n. type of sweet-smelling gum from a tree, burnt as
incense ,
frantic wild; distraught as from fear or worry; Ex. frantic
with fear
fraternal adj. of a brother or brothers; brotherly or friendly
fraudulence Deceitfulness.
fraudulent cheating; deceitful; Ex. fraudulent means; N. fraud:
deception; swindle
fray brawl; fight; V: wear away or unravel by rubbing;
have loose threads developing; cause to become worn out (a person's
temper or nerves); CF. rub
free adj. (of a person) not a slave or prisoner; allowed
to move where one wants; having physical freedom
Freemason n. member of an international secret society with the
aims of offering mutual help and developing friendly relations among
its members
freethinker One who rejects authority or inspiration in religion.
frequency n. rate of occurrence or repetition of sth, usu
measured over a particular period of time
fresco painting on wet plaster (usually fresh)
fretful adj. irritable or complaining, esp because unhappy or
worried
frightful adj. very unpleasant; dreadful
frigid intensely cold; cold in manner; Ex. frigid zone
frivolity n. frivolous behaviour
frivolous lacking in seriousness; flippant; self-indulgently
carefree; unworthy of serious attention; relatively unimportant;
trivial
frizz v. form into small tight curls
frizzle v. ~ (up) twist (hair) into small tight curls
frolicsome prankish; gay; playful; merry; frisky
frontier n. ~ (between sth and sth); ~ (with sth) border
between two countries
frugal adj. careful and thrifty, esp with money and food
fruition bearing of fruit; fulfillment; realization; Ex. come
to/be brought to fruition
fugacious Fleeting.
fulcrum support on which a lever rests or pivots
fulminate thunder; explode; issue a severe denunciation
fulsome disgustingly excessive; offensively flattering; Ex.
fulsome praise/expressions of admire
fumigate v. destroy infectious germs, insects, etc in with the
fumes ofcertain chemicals
functionary official (who performs a particular function)
fundamental basic; primary; essential
fungible That may be measured, counted, or weighed.
fungous adj. of, like or caused by fungus
fungus n. any of varioustypes of plant without leaves,
flowers or green colouring-matter, growing on other plants or decaying
matter
furbish v. ~ sth polish, clean or renovate (esp sth that has
not been used for a long time)
furlong n. distance of
furlough n. absence from duty, esp that granted to civil
servants, soldiers, etc working abroad
furrier n. person who prepares or sells fur or fur clothing
furtherance n. advancement of sb's interests, a cause, etc
furtive stealthy; quiet and secret (trying to escape notice);
sneaky; Ex. furtive glance
fuse n. piece of easily burnt material along which a
spark moves to ignite a firework, bomb, etc so that it explodes
fusible adj. that can be melted or joined together
futile useless; hopeless; ineffectual
futurist n, adj of futurism
gaiety n. merriment; cheerfulness; being gay
gaily Merrily.
gait manner of walking or running; speed
gallant adj. brave
galore adv. (following ns ) in plenty
galvanic of the production of electricity by the action of an
acid on a metal; having the effect of an electric shock; Ex. galvanic
cell; galvanic effect; CF. Luigi Galvani
galvanism Current electricity, especially that arising from
chemical action.
galvanize stimulate or shock by an electric current; stimulate
by shock; shock into action; stir up; coat with rust-resistant zinc by
using electricity
gamble v. play games of chance, etc for money
gambol romp; skip about; leap about playfully; frolic; N.
gamester A gambler.
gamut entire range
garnish decorate; add a garnish to; decorate (food or drink)
with small items such as lemon slices; N.
garrison n. troops stationed in a town or fort
garrote To execute by strangling.
garrulous loquacious; wordy; talkative; N. garrulity
gaseous adj. like, containing or being gas
gastric adj. of the stomach
gastritis n. inflammation of the stomach
gastronomy art and science of preparing and serving good food;
CF. gastronome
gauge n. standard measure, esp of width or thickness
gendarme n. member of a military force employed on police
duties, esp in France and French-speaking countries
genealogist n. student of or expert in genealogy
genealogy record of descent; lineage; ancestry; study of
ancestry
generality vague statement; general statement which is not
detailed; quality of being general; greater part; most; Ex. generality
of people
generalize To draw general inferences.
generally adv. by most people; widely
generate cause; produce; create
generic characteristic of an entire class or species; of a
genus
generosity n. quality of being generous
genesis beginning; origin
genital adj. of animal reproduction or reproductive organs
genitive n. special form of a noun, a pronoun or an adjective
used (in certain inflected languages) to indicate or describe esp
possession ,
genteel well-bred; elegant; striving to convey an appearance
of refinement; Ex. genteel poverty
gentile n, adj not Jewish
geology n. scientific study of the earth's crust, rocks,
strata, etc and of the history of its development
germane pertinent; bearing upon(having connection with) the
case at hand; appropriate
germinate cause to sprout; sprout
gestation n. carrying or being carried in the womb between
conception and birth
gesticulate v. move the hands or arms instead of speaking or to
emphasize one's words
gesture n. expressive movement of a part of the body, esp
the hand or head
ghastly horrible; terrifying; resembling ghosts; CF. aghast
gibe mock; make jeering remarks; N: jeering remarks
giddy light-hearted; not serious; frivolous; dizzy; causing
dizziness; Ex. giddy youth; Ex. giddy climb/height
gigantic adj. of very great size or extent; immense
giver n. one who gives
glacial like a glacier; of an ice age; extremely cold; Ex.
glacial epoch; CF. iceberg
glacier n. mass of ice, formed by snow on mountains, moving
slowly down a valley
gladden v. make glad or happy
glazier n. person who fits glass into the frames of windows,
etc
glimmer shine erratically; twinkle; N: dim or unsteady light;
faint indication; Ex. glimmer of hope
glimpse n. ~ (at sth) short look
globose Spherical.
globular adj. shaped like a globe or ball; spherical ;
glorious adj. having, worthy of or bringing great fame or
glory
glutinous sticky; viscous; gluey
gluttonous adj. very greedy for food
gnash v. grind (one's teeth) together as a sign of great
emotion
gosling n. young goose
gossamer sheer; very light; like cobwebs; N: soft and sheer
fabric; cobweb
gourd n. type of climbing or trailing plant
gourmand epicure; person who takes excessive pleasure in food
and drink
graceless adj. without grace or elegance
gradation series of gradual stages; degree in such a
progression
gradient n. degree of slope, as on a road, railway, etc
granary storehouse for grain
grandeur impressiveness; stateliness; majesty
grandiloquent (of a person or speech) using high sounding or
important-sounding language; pompous; bombastic
grandiose affectedly grand; pretentious; high-flown;
ridiculously exaggerated; impressive; great in size or scope; grand;
Ex. grandiose ideas
grantee The person to whom property is transferred by deed.
granular adj. like, containing or consisting of small hard
pieces
granulate form into grains or granules; N. granule: grain or
particle
granule n. small hard piece; small grain
grapple wrestle; come to grips with; take hold of and
struggle with; Ex. grapple with the burglar
gratification n. gratifying or being gratified; state of being
pleased or satisfied
gratify please; satisfy; Ex. gratify a desire
gratuitous given freely; unwarranted; uncalled for; done without
good reason; Ex. gratuitous comment
gratuity n. money given to sb who has done one a service;
tip ;
gravity seriousness; ADJ. grave
gregarious sociable; (of an animal) tending to form a group
grenadier n. soldier who threw grenades; (now) soldier in the
Grenadiers (or Grenadier Guards), a British infantry regiment ;
grief n. ~ deep or violent sorrow
grievance cause of complaint; complaint
grievous adj. causing grief or suffering
grimace facial distortion to show feeling such as pain,
disgust, etc; V.
grindstone n. stone shaped like a wheel, turned on an axle,
against which one holds knives or other tools to sharpen them
grisly ghastly; horrifying; Ex. grisly remains of the bodies
grotesque fantastic; comically hideous; strange and unnatural
(causing fear or amusement)
grotto small cavern
guess v. ~ (at sth) give an answer, form an opinion or
make a statement about (sth) without calculating or measuring and
without definite knowledge
guile deceit; duplicity; wiliness; cunning; Ex. persuade
her by guile
guileless without deceit
guinea n. (gold coin worth the) sum of
guise outward appearance; costume; Ex. in a new guise
gullible easily deceived
gumption n. common sense and initiative; qualities likely to
bring success
gusto eager enjoyment; zest; enthusiasm
guy cable or chain attached to something that needs to be
braced or steadied; CF. guide
guzzle v. ~ ~ sth (down/up) (infml ) eat or drink sth
greedily
gynecocracy Female supremacy.
gynecology The science that treats of the functions and diseases
peculiar to women.
gyrate v. move around in circles or spirals; revolve ;
gyroscope apparatus used to maintain balance, ascertain
direction, etc.
habitable adj. suitable for living in
habitant Dweller.
habitual adj. regular; usual
habitude Customary relation or association.
hackney To make stale or trite by repetition.
haggard wasted away; gaunt; Ex. haggard faces of the rescued
miners
halcyon calm; peaceful; Ex. halcyon days
hale healthy
hanger-on n. (usu derog ) person who tries to become or appear
friendly with others, esp in the hope of personal gain
happy-go-lucky adj. accepting events cheerfully as they happen;
carefree
harangue long, passionate, and vehement speech; V.
harass annoy by repeated attacks
harbinger forerunner (which foreshadows what is to come)
hard-hearted adj. lacking in feeling or sympathy; unkind ;
hardihood the trait of being willing to undertake things that
involve risk or danger
harmonious adj. free from disagreement or ill feeling
havoc widespread damage; disorder; chaos
hawthorn n. thorny shrub or tree with white, red or pink
blossom and small dark red berries
hazard venture; put in danger; risk; Ex. hazard a guess; N:
possible source of danger
head n. part of the body containing the eyes, nose, mouth
and brain
heartrending causing intense sorrow or distress
heathenish adj. of or like heathens; barbarous ;
heedless not noticing; disregarding
heifer n. young cow, esp one that has not yet had a calf
heinous atrocious; wicked; hatefully bad; Ex. heinous crime
hemorrhage Discharge of blood from a ruptured or wounded blood-
vessel.
hemorrhoid
henchman n. faithful follower or political supporter who
always obeys the orders of his leader
henpeck To worry or harass by ill temper and petty
annoyances.
heptagon n. geometric figure with seven sides and angles
heptarchy A group of seven governments.
herbaceous adj. of or like herbs
herbarium A collection of dried plants scientifically arranged
for study.
herbivorous grain-eating; CF. herbivore
hereditary adj. passed on from parent to child, or from one
generation to following generations
heredity n. passing on of physical or mental characteristics
from parents to children
heresy opinion contrary to popular belief; opinion contrary
to accepted religion; ADJ. heretical; CF. heretic
heretic n. person who is guilty of heresy or who supports a
heresy
heritage n. things such as works of art, cultural
achievements and folklore that have been passed on from earlier
generations
hernia n. rupture, esp one caused by a part of the bowel
being pushed through a weak point of the muscle wall of the abdomen
hesitancy n. state or quality of being hesitant
hesitant adj. tending to be slow inspeaking or acting because
of uncertainty or unwillingness
hesitation n. state of hesitating
heterodox (of beliefs) against accepted opinion; unorthodox;
unconventional
heterogeneity Unlikeness of constituent parts.
heterogeneous dissimilar; mixed; not homogeneous; consisting of
dissimilar elements or plants
heteromorphic Deviating from the normal form or standard type.
hexagon n. geometric figure with six sides and angles
hexapod Having six feet.
hiatus gap; pause; gap or interruption in space or time;
break
hibernal wintry; wintery; of or like winter
Hibernian Pertaining to Ireland, or its people.
hideous repulsive to the sight; ugly; repugnant; Ex. hideous
face/scream
hilarious adj. extremelyamusing; very funny
hillock n. small hill; mound ;
hinder v. ~ sb/sth prevent the progress of sb/sth; obstruct
or delay sb/sth ;
hindmost furthest behind; farthest to the rear
hindrance block; obstacle; V. hinder
hirsute hairy; having a lot of hair
hoard stockpile; accumulate for future use; N: supply
stored for future use
hoarse adj. (of the voice) sounding rough and harsh
homage honor; tribute; great respect; Ex. pay/do homage to
homogeneity n. quality of being alike
homogeneous of the same kind; uniform in composition throughout
homologous Identical in nature, make-up, or relation.
homonym n. word spelt and pronounced like another word but
with a different meaning
homophone n. word pronounced like another word but with a
different meaning or spelling , some, sum ; knew, new
honorarium n. voluntary payment made for professional services
for which a fee is not normally paid or required by law
hoodwink deceive; delude
horde crowd; swarm
hosiery n. stockings, socks and knitted or woven underwear
hospitable adj. ~ (of a person) pleased to welcome and entertain
guests; giving hospitality
hospitality n. friendly and generous reception and entertainment
of guests or strangers, esp in one's own home
hostility unfriendliness; hatred; enmity; ADJ. hostile
huckster n. person who sells goods in the street; hawker
humane marked by kindness or consideration; kind and
compassionate; humanitarian
humanitarian one devoted to the promotion of human welfare; CF.
humanism
humanize To make gentle or refined.
humbug n. dishonest behaviour or talk that is intended to
deceive people and win their support or sympathy
humiliate v. make feel ashamed or disgraced; lower the dignity
or self-respect of
hussar n. soldier of a cavalry regiment, carrying light
weapons
hustle v. push roughly and hurriedly; jostle; shove
hybrid mongrel; mixed breed; V. hybridize
hydraulic adj. of water moving through pipes
hydrodynamics study of fluids in motion
hydroelectric adj. using water-power to produce electricity
hydromechanical [ hydromechanics: ] another name for: hydrodynamics
hydrometer n. scientificinstrument that measures the density of
liquids
hydrostatics The branch of science that treats of the pressure and
equilibrium of fluids.
hydrous Watery.
hygiene science and practice of the promotion and
preservation of health; ADJ. hygienic: showing careful attention to
cleanness (to prevent disease); Ex. hygienic condition
hypercritical excessively exacting; too critical (without noticing
good qualities)
hypnosis induced sleeping state; ADJ. hypnotic; V. hypnotize
hypnotic adj. of or producing hypnosis or a similar condition
hypnotism n. production or practice of hypnosis
hypnotize To produce a somnambulistic state in which the mind
readily acts on suggestions.
hypocrisy n. practice of misrepresenting one's real character,
opinions, etc, esp by pretending to be more virtuous than one really
is; insincerity ;
hypocrite n. person who pretends to have opinions which he does
not have or to be what he is not
hypodermic adj. (of drugs, etc) injected beneath the skin
hypotenuse n. side opposite the right angle of a right-angled
triangle
hypothesis n. idea or suggestion that is based on known facts
and is used as a basis for reasoning or further investigation
hysteria excessive or uncontrollable excitement; N. hysteric:
person suffering from hysteria; CF. hysterics: attack of hysteria
ichthyology study of fish; CF. ichthyo-: fish
icon n. painting, carving, etc of a holy person, itself
regarded as sacred
iconoclast n. person who attacks popular beliefs or established
customs
idealize To make to conform to some mental or imaginary
standard.
idiom expression whose meaning as a whole differs from the
meanings of its individual words; distinctive style (of expression);
Ex. idiom of the modern popular music; ADJ. idiomatic
idiosyncrasy individual trait usually odd in nature; behavioral
peculiarity; eccentricity; attitude, behavior, or opinion peculiar to
a person; anything highly individual or eccentric; ADJ. idiosyncratic
idolize To regard with inordinate love or admiration.
ignoble unworthy; not noble; dishonorable; Ex. ignoble deed
ignominious adj. shameful or humiliating; causing disgrace
Iliad A Greek epic poem describing scenes from the siege of
Troy.
illegal adj. against the law; not legal ;
illegible adj. difficult or impossible to read; not legible
illegitimate adj. born of parents not married to each other; not
legitimate by birth
illiberal adj. nottolerant; narrow-minded
illicit illegal
illimitable infinite; limitless
illiterate adj. not able to read or write
ill-natured adj. bad-tempered; unkind
illogical adj. without reason or logic; not sensible
illuminant That which may be used to produce light.
illuminate brighten; clear up or make understandable; enlighten;
enable to understand; Ex. illuminating remarks
illumine To make bright or clear.
illusion misleading vision or visual image; false idea or
belief; CF. delusion
illusive deceiving; based on illusion; causing illusion;
deceptive
illusory illusive; deceptive; not real
imaginable adj. that can be imagined
imaginary adj. existing only in the mind or imagination; not
real
imbibe drink in
imbroglio complicated situation (as in a play); painful or
complex misunderstanding (as in a play); entanglement; confused mass
(as of papers); V. embroil
imbrue drench, stain, especially with blood
imitation n. thing produced as a copy of the real thing
immaculate spotless; flawless; absolutely clean
immaterial adj. ~ not important; irrelevant
immature adj. not sensible in behaviour or in controlling
one's feelings; less mature than one would expect
immeasurable adj. that cannot be measured, esp because of
largeness in size or extent
immense adj. extremely large
immerse v. ~ sth put sth under the surface of a liquid
immersion n. immersing; being immersed ;
immigrant n. person who has come to live permanently in a
foreign country
immigrate v. ~ enter a foreign country in order to live there
permanently
imminence the state of being imminent and liable to happen soon
imminent impending; near at hand
immiscible Separating, as oil and water.
immoral adj. not following accepted standards of morality;
not moral
immortalize To cause to last or to be known or remembered
throughout a great or indefinite length of time.
immovable adj. that cannot be moved; impossible to move; fixed
immune resistant to; free or exempt from; N. immunity
immutable unchangeable
impair injure; hurt; damage
impalpable imperceptible(not easily understood); intangible; OP.
palpable: tangible; easily perceptible
impartial not biased; fair; N. impartiality
impassable not able to be traveled or crossed
impassible Not moved or affected by feeling.
impassive without feeling; expressionless; imperturbable;
stoical; Ex. impassive face
impatience Unwillingness to brook delays or wait the natural
course of things.
impeccable faultless
impecunious without money
impede hide; retard or obstruct the progress of; block
impel drive or force onward; drive to take action; urge to
action
impend to be about to occur
imperative absolutely necessary; that must be done; critically
important; expressing command; Ex. It is imperative that; N: something
that must be done
imperceptible unnoticeable; impossible to perceive; undetectable
imperil put in danger
imperious domineering; too commanding; haughty; CF. imperial/
emperor
impermissible adj. not allowed or permitted
impersonal not being a person; not showing personal feelings;
Ex. impersonal force/manner/organization
impersonate v. pretend to be in order to entertain others
impertinence Rudeness.
imperturbable unshakably calm; placid
impervious impenetrable; incapable of being damaged or
distressed; incapable of being affected (in one's opinions); Ex.
impervious to water/criticism
impetuosity Rashness.
impetuous violent; hasty; rash; impulsive; without careful
thought; Ex. impetuous decision
impetus moving force; momentum; force of a moving body;
incentive; stimulus; impulse
impiety irreverence; lack of respect for God or piety
impious irreverent
implausible unlikely (to be true); unbelievable; Ex. implausible
alibi
implicate incriminate; involve incriminatingly; show to be
involved (in a crime); Ex. implicate someone in the crime
implicit understood but not stated; implied; unquestioning and
complete; Ex. implicit trust
imply suggest a meaning not expressed; signify
impolitic not wise; not expedient; not politic
importation The act or practice of bringing from one country into
another.
importunate urging; always demanding; troublesomely urgent or
persistent
importune beg persistently; make repeated requests (in an
annoying way)
impotent weak; ineffective; lacking in physical strength or
power
impoverish make poor; deprive of natural strength or something
important; Ex. impoverished soil
impracticable adj. impossible to put into practice; not practicable
impregnable invulnerable; impossible to capture or enter by
force; Ex. impregnable fort/argument; CF. take
impregnate make pregnant; fill thoroughly; saturate
impromptu without previous preparation; off the cuff(end of a
sleeve); on the spur of the moment
improper adj. wrong or incorrect
impropriety improperness; unsuitableness
improvident thriftless; not providing for the future
improvise compose on the spur of the moment
imprudent lacking caution; not prudent; injudicious
impudence impertinence; insolence
impugn dispute or contradict (often in an insulting way);
attack as false or questionable; challenge; gainsay; CF. fight
impulsion n. ~ (fml ) strong urge (to do sth)
impulsive adj. marked by sudden action that is undertaken
without careful thought
impunity freedom from punishment or harm; CF. punish
impure adj. morally wrong, esp in one's sexual behaviour
impute attribute; ascribe; charge; N. imputation
inaccessible adj. ~ very difficult or impossible to reach,
approach, or be contacted (by sb); not accessible
inaccurate adj. having errors; not correct or accurate
inactive adj. not active; idle
inadequate adj. not sufficient or enough; not good enough for a
particular purpose
inadmissible adj. that cannotbe allowed or admitted, esp in a
court of law
inadvertent adj. done without thinking or not deliberately
inadvisable adj. unwise; not sensible
inane silly; senseless; Ex. inane remarks; N. inanity
inanimate lifeless; not animate
inapt adj. not relevant, appropriate or useful
inarticulate speechless; producing indistinct speech; not
articulate; not expressing oneself clearly
inaudible adj. not loud enough to be heard; not audible
inborn adj. existing in a person or animal from birth;
natural; innate
inbred adj. natural; innate
incandescence The state of being white or glowing with heat.
incandescent strikingly bright; shining with intense heat;
emitting visible light when heated; Ex. incandescent light bulb; CF.
candle
incapacitate disable; N. incapacity: lack of capacity
incapacity n. ~ ~ (for sth/doing sth) lack of ability and
necessary strength (to do sth); weakness or inability
incarcerate imprison
incendiary arsonist; ADJ: causing fire; of arson; Ex. incendiary
bomb
incentive spur; motive; something which encourages one to
greater activity
inception start; beginning
inceptive Beginning.
incessant uninterrupted; unceasing
inchmeal Piecemeal.
inchoate (of desire, wish, plan) recently begun; not explicit;
at the beginning of development; rudimentary; elementary; Ex. inchoate
mass
inchoative That which begins, or expresses beginning.
incidence rate of occurrence; particular occurrence; Ex. high
incidence of infant mortality
incident event; event that causes a crisis
incidentally adv. by the way
incinerate burn to ashes
incipience beginning to exist or to be apparent
incipient beginning; in an early stage
incisor n. one of the eight sharp cutting teeth at the front
of the mouth
incite arouse to action; goad; motivate; induce to exist;
Ex. incite a riot/the crowd to rebellion
incoercible Incapable of being forced, constrained, or compelled.
incoherence Want of connection, or agreement, as of parts or
ideas in thought, speech, etc.
incoherent unintelligible; muddled; unable to express one's
thoughts in an orderly manner; illogical; lacking cohesion; not
coherent
incombustible adj. that cannot be burnt
incomparable adj. too good, great, etc to have an equal; beyond
comparison
incompatible inharmonious; N. incompatibility
incompetence n. lack of skill or ability to do a task successfully
incompetent adj. nothaving or showing the necessary skills to do
sth successfully
incomplete adj. not having all its parts; not complete
incomprehensible adj. that cannot be understood; not comprehensible
incompressible adj. that cannot be compressed; unyielding
inconceivable adj. very difficult to believe
incongruous adj. strange because not in harmony with the
surrounding features; out of place
inconsequential insignificant; unimportant
inconsiderable adj. small in size or value; not worth considering
inconsistent adj. ~ not in harmony (with sth); containing parts
that do not agree with one another
inconstant adj. (of people) having feelings and intentions that
change often; not faithful
incontrovertible indisputable; impossible to dispute; not open to
question; unquestionable
inconvenient adj. causing trouble, difficulty or discomfort;
awkward
indefensible adj. that cannot be defended, justified or excused
indelible not able to be erased
indescribable adj. too bad or good to be described
indestructible adj. that cannot be destroyed
indicant That which points out.
indicator n. person or thing that points out or gives
information
indict charge; N. indictment
indigence poverty
indigenous native; Ex. plant indigenous to the New World
indigent poor; destitute
indigestible adj. difficultor impossible to digest
indigestion n. difficulty in digesting food
indignant adj. ~ (at/over/about sth) angry and scornful, esp at
injustice or because of undeserved blame, etc
indignity treatment or situation that causes shame or loss of
dignity, respect; offensive or insulting treatment; humiliating or
degrading treatment; Ex. I suffered the indignity of having to say
that in front of them.
indiscernible adj. that cannot be discerned
indiscreet adj. too open in what one says or does; lacking tact
or caution
indiscriminate choosing at random; confused; not based on careful
distinctions
indispensable Necessary or requisite for the purpose.
indistinct adj. not distinct; vague
indivisible adj. that cannot be divided
indolence laziness
indolent lazy
indomitable unconquerable; unyielding
induct place formally in office; install; admit as a member;
initiate; N. induction: inducting; process of deriving general
principles from particular facts
indulgence n. state of being allowed whatever one wants
indulgent humoring; yielding; lenient; showing indulgence
inebriate make drunk; intoxicate; N. intoxicated person
inedible adj. not suitable to be eaten
ineffable unutterable; not to be uttered; taboo; that cannot be
expressed in speech; indescribable; unspeakable; inexpressible; Ex.
ineffable name/joy
inefficiency That which does not accomplish an intended purpose.
inefficient adj. not producing adequate results; wasteful
ineligible adj. ~ not having the appropriate or necessary
qualifications (for sth)
inept unsuited; inappropriate; lacking skill; incompetent;
CF. inapt: (of statements or ideas) inappropriate
inert inactive; lacking power to move; unable to move or
act; Ex. chemically inert; N. inertia: state of being inert; force
which keeps a thing in the position or state
inestimable impossible to estimate; (apprec) invaluable; of
immeasurable worth
inevitable unavoidable
inexcusable adj. too bad to be excused
inexhaustible adj. that will always continue; that cannot be used
up
inexorable relentless; unyielding; implacable; not capable of
being changed by entreaty or efforts; Ex. inexorable price rises
inexpedient adj. not serving a useful purpose; unwise; not
expedient
inexpensive adj. low priced; not expensive ;
inexperience n. ~ lack of experience
inexplicable adj. that cannot be explained
inexpressible adj. too great to be expressed in words
infallible unerring; never making mistakes
infamous notoriously bad; notorious; well known for being bad;
Ex. infamous behavior; N: infamy: infamous act; evil fame or
reputation
infamy n. infamousbehaviour; wickedness ;
inference n. process of inferring
infernal pertaining to hell; devilish; N. inferno: place of
fiery heat or destruction
infest inhabit in numbers large enough to be harmful; Ex.
Mice infested the house; Ex. shark-infested waters
infidel unbeliever (with respect to a particular religion)
infidelity n. (act of) disloyalty or unfaithfulness, esp
adultery
infinite adj. without limits; endless
infinity n. state of being endless or boundless; infinite
nature
infirm adj. physically weak
infirmary n. hospital
infirmity weakness
inflammable adj. that can be set on fire
inflammation n. condition in which a part of the body is red,
swollen and sore or itchy, esp because of infection
inflexible adj. that cannot be bent or turned
influence n. ~ power to produce an effect; action of natural
forces
influential adj. ~ having influence; persuasive
influx flowing into
infrequence Rareness.
infrequent adj. not frequent; rare
infringe violate (a law); encroach (the right of another
person)
infuse v. ~ sth into sb/sth; ~ sb/sth with sth put into sb/
sth; fill sb/sth with (a quality) ;
infusion n. ~ of sth infusing a quality or being infused into
sb/sth
ingenious marked by inventive skill; clever; resourceful; N.
ingenuity
ingenuity n. cleverness and originality in solving problems
ingenuous naive and trusting; young; unsophisticated; candid
inglorious adj. shameful; ignominious
ingratiate become popular with; bring (oneself) in favor of
another; Ex. ingratiate himself with the boss
ingratitude n. lack of gratitude
ingredient n. any of the foods that are combined to make a
particular dish
inherence The state of being permanently existing in something.
inherent firmly established by nature or habit; intrinsic
inhibit restrain; prohibit; retard or prevent; N. inhibition
inhospitable adj. (of people) not giving a friendly or polite
welcome to guests
inhuman adj. lacking normal human qualities of kindness,
pity, etc; extremely cruel or brutal
inhume To place in the earth, as a dead body.
inimical (of someone) unfriendly; hostile; (of something)
harmful; detrimental; CF. enemy
iniquity n. (rhet ) wickedness and unjustness
initiate begin; originate; receive into a group; introduce to
a new field or activity; Ex. initiate someone into the mysteries of a
secret religion; N: one who has been initiated
inject v. ~ sth ~ sb/sth (with sth) force (a drug or other
liquid) into sb/sth with a syringe or similar implement
injunction n. official order, esp a written order from a
lawcourt, demanding that sth shall or shall not be done
inkling hint; slight indication
inland adj. situated in the interior of a country, not by
the sea or by a frontier
inlet n. strip of water extending into the land from the
sea or a lake, or between islands ,
inmost adj. most inward; furthest from the surface
innocuous harmless
innovate v. make changes; introduce new things
innuendo indirect or subtle (derogatory) hint; insinuation;
Ex. sexual innuendo
innumerable adj. too many to be counted
inoffensive adj. not giving offence; not objectionable
inopportune untimely; inappropriate or ill-timed; poorly chosen
inquire v. ~ sth (of sb) ask to be told sth (by sb)
inquisition n. the Inquisitionorganization appointed by the
Roman Catholic Church to suppress heresy (esp from the 15th to the
17th century) , 1517
inquisitive eager for knowledge; unduly curious
inquisitor questioner (especially harsh); investigator; person
making an inquisition
inroad hostile invasion; advance that lessens the quantity
or difficulty of something; Ex. The long illness made serious inroads
on his savings; CF. raid
insatiable not easily satisfied; unquenchable; Ex. insatiable
appetite
inscribe v. ~ A ~ B (with A) write (words, one's name, etc) on
or in sth, esp as a formal or permanent record
inscrutable difficult to understand; impenetrable; not readily
understood; mysterious
insecure adj. not secure or safe; not providing good support;
that cannot be relied on
insensible unconscious; unresponsive; insensitive; unaware;
imperceptible; Ex. insensible of his danger/to pain; Ex. insensible
change; CF. not the opposite of sensible
insentient Lacking the power of feeling or perceiving.
inseparable adj. ~ that cannot be separated
insidious treacherous; stealthy; sly; working or spreading
harmfully in a stealthy manner; Ex. insidious spreading of dry rot
insight n. ~ (approv ) ability to see into the true nature
(of sth); deep understanding
insignificance Lack of import or of importance.
insignificant adj. having little or no value, use, meaning or
importance
insinuate hint; imply; suggest indirectly; creep in; introduce
or insert (oneself) by artful means; Ex. insinuate himself into the
boss's favor; CF. ingratiate
insipid lacking in flavor; lacking interest; dull; Ex.
insipid food/character
insistence n. ~ (about/on sth); ~ (that...)
insistent adj. ~ ~ (that...) tending to insist; not allowing
refusal or opposition
insolence impudent disrespect; haughtiness; ADJ. insolent; CF.
haughty + rude
insolent adj. ~ extremely rude, esp in expressing contempt
insomnia wakefulness; inability to sleep
inspector n. official who inspects eg schools, factories,
mines
instance n. ~ particular occurrence of sth that happens
generally or several times; example; case
instant adj. coming or happening at once
instantaneous adj. happening or done immediately
instigate start; urge; provoke; incite; Ex. instigate a search/
quarrel
instill to impart gradually
instructive adj. giving much useful information
insufficiency a lack of competence ; (pathology) inability of a
bodily part or organ to function normally
insufficient adj. ~ not sufficient
insular adj. of an island
insulate v. ~ (from/against sth) (with sth) protect (sth) by
covering it with a material that prevents sth (esp heat, electricity
or sound) from passing through
insuperable insurmountable; unbeatable; Ex. insuperable
difficulties
insuppressible Incapable of being concealed.
insurgence Uprising.
insurgent rebellious; N.
insurrection rebellion; uprising
intangible not able to be perceived by touch; vague
integrity honesty; uprightness; wholeness; state of being whole
and undivided; completeness
intellect higher mental powers; person of great intellectual
ability
intellectual adj. of the intellect
intelligence n. power of learning, understanding and reasoning;
mental ability
intelligible adj. that can be understood
intemperance Immoderate action or indulgence, as of the appetites.
intension The act of stringing or stretching, or state of being
strained.
intensive adj. concentrating all one's effort on a specific
area
intention n. ~ (of doing sth/that...) that which one proposes
or plans to do
interact v. ~ act or have an effect on each other
intercede v. ~ (with sb) (for/on behalf of sb) plead (with sb)
to be merciful (to sb)
intercept v. stop or catch before he or it can reach a
destination
intercession n. interceding
interdict prohibit; forbid; N.
interim meantime; Ex. in the interim; ADJ. taking place
during an interim; Ex. interim paper
interlocutor n. person taking part in a conversation or discussion
interlude n. short period of time separating the parts of a
play, film, etc; interval
intermediate adj. ~ situated or coming between two people, things,
etc in time, space, degree, etc
interminable endless
intermission n. period of time during which sth stops before
continuing; interval; pause
intermit To cause to cease temporarily.
intermittent periodic; on and off; stopping and starting at
intervals
interpolation n. interpolating or being interpolated
interpose v. ~ sb/sth (between A and B) place sb/sth between
others
interposition n. interposing or being interposed
interpreter n. person who gives a simultaneous translation of
words spoken in another language
interrogate question closely; cross-examine; cross-question
interrogative adj. asking or seeming to ask a question; inquiring
interrogatory adj. interrogative(1)
interrupt v. break the continuity of temporarily
intersect v. divide by going across it
intervale A low tract of land between hills, especially along a
river.
intervene come between; interfere; Ex. intervened to prevent a
fight; N. intervention
intestacy n. condition of being intestate
intestate adj. not having made a will before death occurs
intestine n. long tube in the body which helps to digest food
and carries it from the stomach to the anus
intimacy n. state of being intimate; close friendship or
relationship ;
intimidate frighten; N. intimidation
intolerable adj. too bad to be borne or endured
intolerance Inability or unwillingness to bear or endure.
intolerant not willing to accept ways of thinking different from
one's own; CF. tolerant; CF. tolerate
intoxicant n. intoxicating substance, esp alcoholic drink
intoxicate make drunk; stimulate or excite; Ex. intoxicated by
all the money he might win
intracellular Occurring or situated within a cell.
intramural adj. intended for full-time students living within a
college
intrepid fearless
intricacy n. quality of being inticate
intricate adj. made up of many small parts put together in a
complex way, and therefore difficult to follow or understand
intrigue make secret plans; plot; arouse the curiosity of; N:
secret scheme; plot; secret love affair
intrinsic essential; inherent; built-in
introductory adj. acting as an introduction
introgression Entrance.
intromit To insert.
introspection n. introspecting
introversion n. state of being introverted
introvert one who is introspective or inclined to think
more about oneself; ADJ. introverted
intrude put or force in without being asked; trespass; enter
as an uninvited person; Ex. intrude one's own opinion into the report;
CF. thrust in
intrusion n. ~ intruding
intuition immediate insight; power of knowing without
reasoning; ADJ. intuitive; V. intuit: know by intuition
inundate flood; overflow; submerge; cover completely; Ex.
inundated with work
inundation n. (instance of) flooding
inure to accustom to accept something undesirable
invalid one incapacitated(disabled) by a chronic illness;
ADJ: incapacitated by illness; not valid; null; V: allow to leave (a
military force) because of ill-health
invalidate weaken; destroy; make invalid; nullify
invaluable adj. ~ of value too high to be measured; extremely
valuable
invariable adj. never changing; always the same; constant
invasion n. invading or being invaded
invective abuse
inveigh denounce; utter censure or invective; Ex. inveigh
against the evils of drink
inventive adj. of or for invention
inverse opposite
inversion n. inverting or being inverted; instance of this
invert turn upside down or inside out; reverse the position
or condition of
investor n. person who invests money
inveterate deep-rooted; habitual; CF. grow old
invidious designed to create ill will or envy; tending to rouse
ill will or envy; Ex. invidious comparison
invigorate v. make feel more lively and healthy
invincible unconquerable
inviolable secure from corruption, attack, or violation(or
profanation); unassailable; Ex. inviolable oath/rights; N.
inviolability
invoke call and bring into use (a right or law); call on/
upon (a higher power or god) for help; ask for; beg for; conjure (a
spirit); Ex. invoke the veto power; Ex. invoke one's advisor/God
involuntary adj. done without intention; done unconsciously
involution Complication.
involve v. make necessary as a condition or result; entail
invulnerable incapable of injury; impossible to damage or injure
inwardly adv. in mind or spirit
iota very small quantity
irascible irritable; easily angered
irate angry; CF. ire: anger; wrath
ire n. anger
iridescence a lustrous rainbowlike play of color caused by
differential refraction of light waves (as from an oil slick, soap
bubble, or fish scales) that tends to change as the angle of view
changes
iridescent exhibiting rainbowlike colors; Ex. iridescent oil
slick; N. iridescence
irk v. be tiresome to (sb); annoy
irksome annoying; tedious; V. irk: annoy
irony hidden sarcasm or satire; use of words that seem to
mean the opposite of what they actually mean; use of words to convey
the opposite of their literal meaning
irradiance Luster.
irradiate v. ~ sth (with sth) send rays of light upon sth;
subject sth to sunlight, ultraviolet rays or radioactivity ;
irrational adj. not guided by reason; illogical or absurd
irreducible adj. that cannot be reduced or made smaller
irrefragable not to be disproved; indisputable
irrelevant not applicable; unrelated
irreligious adj. feeling no interest in, or feeling hostile to,
religion; irreverent
irreparable not able to be corrected or repaired; impossible to
repair
irrepressible unable to be restrained or held back; impossible to
hold back
irresistible adj. too strong tobe resisted
irresponsible adj. not showing a proper sense of responsibility
irreverence lack of proper respect or reverence; ADJ. irreverent
irreverent adj. feeling or showing no respect for sacred things
irreversible adj. that cannot be reversed or revoked; unalterable
irrigate v. supply with water (by means of streams,
reservoirs, channels, pipes, etc)
irritable adj. easily annoyed or made angry; touchy ;
irritant adj. causing irritation; irritating
irritate v. make angry, annoyed or impatient
irrupt to enter forcibly or suddenly
isle n. (esp in poetry and proper names ) island
islet n. small island
isobar n. line on a map, esp a weather chart, joining places
with the same atmospheric pressure at a particular time
isochronous Relating to or denoting equal intervals of time.
isolate v. ~sb/sth put or keep sb/sth entirely apart from
other people or things; separate sb/sth ;
isothermal Having or marking equality of temperature.
itinerant wandering; traveling from place to place (to perform
work); Ex. itinerant preacher
itinerary plan of a trip; record of a trip
itinerate to travel from place to place, to peregrinate
jargon language used by special group; technical
terminology; gibberish; nonsensical or incoherent talk
jaundice medical condition in which the skin, the white part
of the eyes, etc. turn yellow; V: affect with jaundice; affect with
prejudice, envy, or hostility; bias
jeopardize endanger; imperil; put at risk; N. jeopardy: danger
jingo One of a party in Great Britain in favor of spirited
and demonstrative foreign policy.
jocose given to(having a tendency of) joking
jocular said or done in jest or playfully; marked by joking
joggle v. move or shake slightly, usu up and down ,
journalize To keep a diary.
joust v. fight on horseback with lances
jovial good-natured; merry; cheerful
jubilation rejoicing; great joy
judgment The faculty by the exercise of which a deliberate
conclusion is reached.
judicature n. administration of justice
judicial adj. of or by a court of law; of a judge or of
judgement
judiciary judicial branch of government
judicious sound on judgment; wise
juggle v. ~ throw (a number of objects, usu balls) up into
the air, catch them and throw them into the air again and again,
keeping one or more in the air at the same time
jugglery The art or practice of sleight of hand.
jugular adj. of the neck or throat
juicy adj. containing a lot of juice and being enjoyable
to eat; succulent
junction n. place where roads or railway lines meet
juncture crisis; point in time; joining point; joint; act of
joining
junta group of persons joined in political intrigue; cabal;
group of military officers ruling a country after seizing power (by
force)
juridical of the law and its administration; CF. judicial: of
courts of law; CF. judiciary
jurisdiction right and power to apply the law; authority
jurisprudence science of law
juror n. member of a jury
justification n. ~ acceptable reason (for doing sth)
juvenile n. young person who is not yet adult
juxtapose place side by side; CF. next
keepsake n. gift, usu small and often not very costly, that is
kept in memory of the giver or previous owner
kerchief n. square piece of cloth worn on the head or round
the neck, esp by women ,
kernel central or vital part; core; whole seed (as of corn)
kiln n. oven for baking pottery or bricks, drying hops or
wood, burning lime, etc
kiloliter One thousand liters.
kilometer A length of 1,000 meters.
kilowatt n. unit of electrical power; 1000 watts , 1000
kimono n. long loose Japanese robe with wide sleeves, worn
with a sash
kingship n. condition of being, or official position of, a
king
kinsfolk n. = kin
knavery n. dishonesty; trickery ;
knead mix; work dough; mix and work into a uniform mass
(with the hands); Ex. knead dough
knickknack A small article, more for ornament that use.
knight n. man to whom the sovereign has given a rank of
honour, lower than that of baronet, having the title `Sir' used before
the first name, with or without the surname , Sir
knighthood n. title and rank of a knight
laborious demanding much work or care; tedious
labyrinth maze
lacerate v. injure by tearing
lackadaisical lacking interest or effort; lacking purpose or zest;
lazy; halfhearted; languid
lactation n. production of milk in the breasts of women or the
udders of female animals
lacteal Milky.
lactic adj. of or from milk
laddie n. boy; young man ;
ladle n. long-handled cup-shaped spoon for serving or
transferring liquids
laggard slow; sluggish; N: one who lags; straggler
landholder n. owner or tenant of land
landlord n. person who lets land, a house, a room, etc to a
tenant
landmark n. object, etc easily seen and recognized from a
distance
landscape n. scenery of an area of land
languid lacking energy or vitality; weary; sluggish; listless
languor lack of physical or mental energy; lassitude;
depression
lapse n. small error, esp one caused by forgetfulness or
inattention
lascivious lustful
lassie A little lass.
latency n. latency period stage of personal development from
the age of about five to the start of puberty
latent present but not yet noticeable or active; dormant;
hidden; N. latency; CF. potential
lateral of or coming from the side
latish adj. adv fairly late
lattice n. framework of crossed laths or bars with spaces
between, used as a screen, fence, support for climbing plants, etc
laud praise; N. ADJ. laudable: praiseworthy; ADJ.
laudatory: expressing praise
laudable adj. deserving praise; praiseworthy
laudation High praise.
laudatory adj. expressing or giving praise
laundress n. woman who earns money by laundering
laureate n. = Poet Laureate (poet)
lave wash
lawgiver A legislator.
lawmaker n. person who makes laws; legislator ;
lax careless; negligent; not paying enough attention; Ex.
lax service
laxative n, adj causing or helping the bowels to empty
lea n. area of open grassland; meadow ;
leaflet n. printed sheet of paper, usu folded and free of
charge, containing information
leaven add leaven to; cause to rise or grow lighter;
enliven; N: agent, such as yeast, that causes dough to rise (by
fermentation); element that lightens or enlivens
leeward adj. adv on or to the side sheltered from the wind
left-handed Using the left hand or arm more dexterously than the
right.
legacy gift made by a will; something handed down from an
ancestor
legalize To give the authority of law to.
legible adj. clear enough to be read easily
legionary n, adj of a legion(1)
legislate v. ~ make laws
legislative adj. law-making
legislator n. member of a legislature
legitimacy n. (fml )
legitimate adj. in accordance with the law or rules; lawful
leisure n. time free from work or other duties; spare time
leniency mildness; permissiveness; ADJ. lenient: not severe in
judgment or punishment
lenient adj. not severe (esp in punishing people); merciful
leonine like a lion
lethargy n. extreme lack of energy or vitality; inactivity;
apathy
levee earthen or stone embankment to prevent flooding; CF.
raise
lever n. bar or other device turning on a fixed point
which lifts or opens sth with one end when pressure is applied to the
other end
leviathan n. sea-monster
levity lack of seriousness or steadiness; frivolity;
lightness of manner
levy impose (a fine); collect (a payment); impose or
collect (a tax); Ex. levy a tax on tobacco
lewd lustful
lexicographer compiler of a dictionary; CF. lexicography: work of
compiling a dictionary
lexicography n. theory and practice of compiling dictionaries
lexicon dictionary
liable adj. ~ responsible by law
libel defamatory written statement; act of writing
something that smears a person's character; V. ADJ. libelous
liberalism n. liberal opinions and principles
liberate v. ~ sb/sth set (sb/sth) free
licentious amoral; lewd and lascivious; unrestrained
licit sanctioned by custom or morality especially sexual
morality ; authorized, sanctioned by, or in accordance with law
liege n. (in feudal times) sovereign or lord, entitled to
loyal service ,
lien legal claim or right on a property
lieu n. in lieu (of sth) instead
lifelike adj. exactly like a real person or thing
lifelong adj. extending throughout one's life
lifetime n. duration of sb's life or sth's existence
ligament n. tough flexible tissue in a person's or an animal's
body that connects bones and holds organs in position
ligature n. thread, bandage, etc used for tying, esp in
surgical operations ,
ligneous like wood
likelihood n. probability
likely adj. ~ (to do sth/that...) that is expected;
probable
limitation n. limiting; being limited
linear adj. of or in lines
liner n. large passenger or cargo ship travelling on a
regular route
lingo n. (infml joc or derog , ) foreign language
lingua The tongue.
lingual consisting of or related to language ; pertaining to
or resembling or lying near the tongue
linguist n. person who knows several foreign languages well
linguistics n. scientific study of language or of particular
languages
liniment n. liquid, esp one made with oil, for rubbing on the
body to relieve aches or bruises
liquefy v. (cause sth to) become liquid
liqueur n. strong alcoholic spirit, drunk in small quantities
esp after a meal
liquidate settle accounts; pay off (a debt); clear up;
eliminate; kill or abolish
liquor n. (Brit) any alcoholic drink
listless lacking in spirit or energy; languid
literacy n. ability to read and write
literal adj. corresponding exactly to the original
literature n. writings that are valued as works of art, esp
fiction, drama and poetry (as contrasted with technical books and
journalism)
lithe flexible; supple; CF. limber
lithesome Nimble.
lithograph n. picture, etc printed by lithography
litigant n. person involved in a lawsuit
litigate v. engage in a lawsuit; go to law ;
litigious adj. of lawsuits
littoral n, adj (part of a country that is) along the coast
liturgy n. fixed form of public worship used in churches
livelihood n. means of living; income
livid lead-colored; black and blue (as from a bruise);
ashen; enraged; extremely angry
loam n. rich soil containing clay, sand and decayed
vegetable matter
loath reluctant; unwilling; disinclined; Ex. Romeo and
Juliet were both loath for him to go.
loathe detest; ADJ. loathsome: arousing loathing; offensive;
Ex. loathsome smell
locative Indicating place, or the place where or wherein an
action occurs.
loch n. (often in names ) lake
locomotion n. moving, or the ability to move, from place to
place
lode metal-bearing vein(long deposit of an ore)
lodgment The act of furnishing with temporary quarters.
logic n. science of reasoning
logical adj. in accordance with the rules of logic;
correctly reasoned
loneliness Solitude.
longevity long life; long duration
loot n. goods taken from an enemy in war, or stolen by
thieves ,
loquacious talkative; N. loquacity
lordling A little lord.
lough n. lake or long inlet of the sea
louse n. small insect living on the bodies of animals and
human beings, esp in dirty conditions
lovable adj. easy to love; worthy of love
lowly adj. (dated ) of humble rank or condition
low-spirited Despondent.
lucid easily understood; clear; intelligible; N. lucidity
lucrative profitable; producing wealth
ludicrous laughable; ridiculous; trifling
luminary celebrity (in a specific field); dignitary; object
that gives light (as a celestial body)
luminescence Showing increase.
luminosity n. quality of being luminous
luminous shining (esp. in the dark); issuing light; Ex.
luminous paint/road signs
lunacy n. unsoundness of mind; insanity; madness ;
lunar pertaining to the moon
lunatic insane; Ex. lunatic asylum
lune The moon.
lurid wild; sensational; graphic; gruesome; horrible; Ex.
lurid details of the murder
luscious pleasing to taste or smell; delicious
lustrous shining; brilliant; Ex. lustrous hair
luxuriance n. luxuriant growth
luxuriant abundant; growing healthily and in large amounts;
excessively ornate; rich and splendid; fertile; Ex. luxuriant forests/
prose; CF. luxurious, luxuriate
luxuriate take pleasure in great comfort
lyre n. ancient musical instrument with strings fixed in a
U-shaped frame, played by plucking with the fingers , U
lyric adj. expressing direct personal feelings
macadamize To cover or pave, as a path or roadway, with small
broken stone.
machinery n. moving parts (of a machine)
machinist n. person who operates a machine, esp a sewing-
machine
macrocosm n. the macrocosm the universe
madden v. make mad(4); irritate; annoy
Madonna n. the Madonna the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus
Christ
magician n. person who is skilled in magic(
magisterial authoritative; imperious; commanding; of a
magistrate; Ex. magisterial study of Roman law; Ex. magisterial manner
magistracy n. position of a magistrate
magnanimous adj. having or showing great generosity
magnate person of prominence or influence; powerful or
influential person (in business or industry); Ex. oil magnate
magnet n. piece of iron, often ina horseshoe shape, which
can attract iron, either naturallyor because of an electric current
passed through it, and which points roughly north and south when
freely suspended
magnetize To make a magnet of, permanently, or temporarily.
magnificence The exhibition of greatness of action, character,
intellect, wealth, or power.
magnificent adj. splendid; remarkable; impressive
magnitude greatness (in size or extent); extent
maharaja n. Indian prince
maidenhood n. state of being a maiden; virginity ;
maintain v. ~ sth cause sth to continue; keep sth in
existence at the same level, standard, etc
maintenance n. maintaining or being maintained
maize n. tall cereal plant bearing yellow grain on large
ears
makeup The arrangements or combination of the parts of which
anything is composed.
malady illness
malaria n. fever produced when germs are introduced into the
blood by a bite from certain mosquitoes
malcontent person dissatisfied with existing state of affairs;
discontented person; ADJ: discontented
malediction curse
malefactor evildoer; criminal
maleficent adj. causing or doing evil
malevolence n. desire to do evil or cause harm to others; ill-
will ;
malevolent wishing evil; exhibiting ill will; N. malevolence
malign speak evil of; bad-mouth(criticize spitefully);
defame; ADJ: harmful; Ex. malign influence
malignant tending to cause death; highly injurious;
aggressively malevolent; Ex. malignant tumor
malleable (of a metal) capable of being shaped by pounding
(beating); pliable; (of someone) impressionable(easily influenced);
easily controlled; tractable
mallet n. hammer with a wooden head, eg for striking the
handle of a chisel .
maltreat v. treat (a person or an animal) with violence or
cruelty; mistreat ;
mandate order; charge; authoritative command; power to govern
another country; power to given to a government; region under
administration; V: give a mandate to; place under a mandate; Ex.
mandated territory
mandatory obligatory; compulsory; of a mandate
mane n. long hair on the neck of a horse, lion, etc
man-eater n. lion, tiger, etc that attacks men
maneuver = manoeuvre
mania n. mental disorder marked by extreme excitement or
violence
maniac n. mad person
manifesto public declaration of principles; statement of policy
mannerism distinctive behavioral trait; affected style in art
(according to a set of styles)
manor n. unit of land under the feudal system, part of
which was used by the lord of the manor (lord), the rest being farmed
by tenants ,
mantel n. = mantelpiece
mantle loose sleeveless outer garment; cloak; something that
covers or envelops; the layer of the earth between the crust and the
core
manufacturer n. person or firm that manufactures things
manumission Emancipation.
manumit emancipate; free from slavery or bondage
marine adj. of, near, found in or produced by the sea
maritime bordering on(adjacent to) the sea; nautical; of the
ships or the sea; Ex. Maritime Provinces
maroon leave helpless on a deserted island or coast; ADJ.
red brown
martial warlike; of war; Ex. martial art/law
martian n, adj of the planet Mars
martyrdom n. martyr'ssuffering or death
marvel n. wonderful or miraculousthing; thing causing
astonishment
masonry n. that part of a building that is made of stone and
mortar; stonework
masquerade wear a mask or disguise; pretend; N: costume party or
ball at which masks are worn; pretense; disguise
massacre n. cruel killing of a large number
massive adj. large, heavy and solid
masterpiece n. task done with great skill, esp an artist's
greatest work
mastery n. (~ complete) knowledge; great skill
material n. substance or things from which sth else is or can
be made; thing with which sth is done
materialize To take perceptible or substantial form.
maternal motherly; N. maternity: motherhood
matinee n. afternoon performance at a cinema or theatre
matricide n. killing one's own mother
matrimony state of being married
matrix point of origin; array of numbers or algebraic
symbols; mold or die; Ex. the matrix of Western civilization
matter n. affair, topic or situation being considered
maudlin effusively sentimental
mausoleum monumental tomb; large stately tomb; CF. Mausolos
mawkish mushy(sentimental) and gushy; icky-sticky
sentimental; excessively and objectionably sentimental
maxim proverb; truth pithily stated
maze n. network of paths or hedges designed as a puzzle
in which one must find one's way
mead n. alcoholic drink made from fermented honey and
water
meager scanty; inadequate
meander wind or turn in its course; follow a winding or
turning course; move aimlessly and idly
medallion n. large medal
meddlesome interfering; V. meddle: interfere
medial adj. situated in the middle
mediate settle a dispute through the services of an outsider;
act as an intermediary; produce by mediating; Ex. mediate a cease-fire
medicine n. prevention and cure of disease, esp by drugs,
diet, etc, but sometimes including surgery also
medieval adj. of the Middle Ages, about AD 1100-1400 ,
1100-1400
mediocre ordinary; commonplace; neither good nor bad
meditation reflection; thought; V. meditate
medley mixture
meliorate To make better or improve, as in quality or social or
physical condition.
mellifluous (of words or a voice) sweetly or smoothly flowing;
melodious; having a pleasant tune
melodious adj. of or producingpleasant music; tuneful
melodrama n. drama full of sensational events and exaggerated
characters, often with a happy ending
memento token; reminder of the past; keepsake; Ex. memento of
your visit
memorable adj. deserving to be remembered; easily remembered
menace threat; V: threaten
menagerie collection of wild animals on exhibition; zoo
mendacious lying; habitually dishonest; N. mendacity
mendicant beggar; ADJ: living as a beggar
mentality n. characteristic attitude of mind; way of thinking
mentor counselor; teacher
mercantile concerning trade or merchants
mercenary motivated solely by money or gain; N.
merciful => mercy
merciless adj. ~ showing no mercy; pitiless
meretricious flashy; tawdry; attractive on the surface but of no
real value; Ex. metericious argument/jewel; CF. prostitute
mesmerize hypnotize; N. mesmerism; CF. Franz Mesmer
metal n. any of a class of mineral substances such as tin,
iron, gold, copper, etc, which are usu opaque and good conductors of
heat and electricity, or any alloy of these
metallurgy The art or science of extracting a metal from ores,
as by smelting.
metamorphosis change of form; Ex. metamorphosis of caterpillar to
butterfly; V. metamorphose: change by metamorphosis
metaphor implied comparison; CF. simile
metaphysical pertaining to speculative philosophy; of metaphysics;
N. metaphysics: branch of philosophy that examines the nature of
reality
metaphysician One skilled in metaphysics.
mete measure; distribute; administer; Ex. mete out justice/
punishment
metempsychosis Transition of the soul of a human being at death into
another body, whether human or beast.
meticulous excessively careful (with great attention to detail);
painstaking; scrupulous
metonymy A figure of speech that consists in the naming of a
thing by one of its attributes.
metric adj. of or based on themetre1
metronome n. device, usu with an inverted pendulum that can
move back and forward at various speeds, which is used by a musician
to mark time
metropolis large city
metropolitan adj. of or in a large or capital city
mettle courage (to continue bravely in spite of
difficulties); spirit; ADJ. mettlesome
mettlesome adj. (usu of horses, etc) high-spirited; courageous ,
microcosm small representative world; world in miniature; Ex.
microcosm of English society
micrometer n. device for measuring very small objects, angles or
distances
microphone n. instrument that changes sound waves into
electrical current
microscope n. instrumentwith lenses for making very small
objects appear larger
microscopic adjs. too small to be seen without the help of a
microscope
microscopy The art of examing objects with the microscope.
midsummer n. the middle of summer, around
midwife n. person, esp a woman, trained to assist women in
childbirth
mien n. person's appearance or bearing, esp as an
indication of mood, etc
migrant changing its habitat; wandering; Ex. migrant birds/
workers; N: one that migrates
migrate v. ~ (to...) move from one place to go to live or
work in another
migratory wandering; V. migrate: move from one region and
settle in another; move periodically from one region to another
mileage n. distance travelled, measured in miles
militant combative; bellicose; N.
militarism n. believing in or depending on military strength and
methods, esp as a government policy
militate work against; Ex. militate against the chances of
promotion; CF. serve as a soldier
militia army composed of ordinary citizens rather than
professional soldiers
milky adj. of or like milk
millet n. type of cereal plant growing 3 to 4 feet high and
producing a large crop of small seeds
mimic v. copy the appearance or manner of (sb/sth) in a
mocking or amusing way
miniature small model; small painting; ADJ: small
minimize To reduce to the smallest possible amount or degree.
minion servile dependent; obsequious follower
ministration n. helping or serving, eg at a religious ceremony
ministry n. (buildings containing a) government department
minority n. (usu sing ) smaller number or part (esp of people
voting or of votes cast)
minute extremely small; CF. minutes: official record of the
proceedings at a meeting
minutia a minute or minor detail
mirage unreal reflection; optical illusion
misadventure mischance; ill luck; Ex. death by misadventure
misanthropic adj. hating or distrusting mankind or human society
misanthropy n. hatred or distrust of mankind
misapprehend v. understand (words or a person) wrongly
mischievous adj. filled with, fond of or engaged in mischief
miscount v. count wrongly
miscreant wretch; wrongdoer; villain; Ex. kindness to the
miscreant; CF. believe
misdeed n. (fml ) wicked act; crime
misdemeanor minor crime; misdeed; wrongdoing
miser n. person who loves wealth for its own sake and
spends as little as possible
mishap unfortunate accident
misinterpret v. interpret wrongly; make a wrong inference from
(sth)
mislay v. (often euph ) put (sth) where it cannot easily be
found; lose (sth), usu for a short time only
misnomer wrong or improper name; incorrect designation
misogamy hatred of marriage
misogyny Hatred of women.
misplace v. put (sth) in the wrong place
misrepresent to give a false or misleading representation of
usually with an intent to deceive or be unfair
misrule n. bad government; disorder or confusion
missal n. book containing the prayers, etc for Mass
throughout the year in the Roman Catholic Church
missile object to be thrown or projected
missive letter; written statement; CF. sent
mistrust v. feel no confidence in
misty adj. full of or covered with mist
misunderstand v. interpret (instructions, messages, etc)
incorrectly; form a wrong opinion of (sb/sth)
misuse v. use in the wrong way or for the wrong purpose
mite very small object or insect-like creature; small coin
miter The junction of two bodies at an equally divided
angle.
mitigate appease; moderate; make or become less in force or
intensity
moat n. deep wide ditch filled with water, dug round a
castle, etc as a defence
mobocracy Lawless control of public affairs by the mob or
populace.
moccasin n. flat-soled shoe made from soft leather, as
originally worn by N American Indians
mockery n. action of mocking sb/sth; scorn or ridicule
moderation n. quality of being moderate; freedom from excess;
restraint
moderator n. person who arbitrates in a dispute; mediator ;
modernize To make characteristic of the present or of recent
times.
modification n. modifying or being modified
modify v. change (sth) slightly, esp to make it less
extreme or to improve it
modish fashionable; conforming to the current fashion
modulate tone down in intensity; change the intensity or tone
of; regulate; change from one musical key to another; Ex. modulate
from E to G
mollify soothe an angry person
molt the act or process of sheding hair, feathers, shell,
horns, or an outer layer periodically; specifically :ECDYSIS
momentary adj. lasting for a very short time
momentous very important; N. moment; CF. momentary
momentum quantity of motion of a moving body; impetus; moving
force
monarchy government under a single ruler
monastery n. building in which monks live as a community
monetary pertaining to money
mongrel plant or animal (esp. a dog) of mixed breed; ADJ.
monition Friendly counsel given by way of warning and implying
caution or reproof.
monitory Admonition or warning.
monocracy Government by a single person.
monogamy n. practice or custom of being married to only one
person at a time
monogram design composed of one or more initials of a name; V.
monograph scholarly article
monolith n. large single upright block of stone, usu shaped
into a pillar or monument
monologue n. long speech by one person in a conversation,
which prevents other people from talking; soliloquy ;
monomania n. state of mind in which a person is obsessed with
one idea or subject
monopoly n. sole right to supply or trade in some commodity
or service
monosyllable n. word with only one syllable, eg it, and, no it and
no
monotone n. way of speaking in which the pitch of the voice
remains level and unchanging
monotonous adj. not changing and therefore uninteresting; boring
or tedious
monotony sameness leading to boredom; monotonousness; ADJ.
monotonous; CF. monotone
monsieur n. (French) (title used before the name of a man to
refer to him, or used alone as a formal and polite term of address)
Mr; sir
monstrosity n. thing that is large and very ugly
moonbeam n. ray of moonlight
morale n. state of confidence, enthusiasm, determination,
etc of a person or group at a particular time
moralist n. person who expresses or teaches moral principles,
esp one who tells people how they should behave
morality n. principles of good behaviour
moralize To render virtuous.
moratorium legal delay of payment or action; Ex. declare
moratorium on the building of new houses
morbid given to unwholesome or unhealthy thought; moody;
characteristic of disease; Ex. morbid curiosity; N. morbidity; CF.
disease
mordant biting; sarcastic; stinging; (apprec.) incisive;
cutting; Ex. mordant pen/wit
moribund dying; at the point of death; CF. death
morose ill-humored; sullen; sullenly melancholy
morphology n. scientific study of the form and structure of
animals and plants
motley multi-colored (as of a garment worn by a jester);
mixed; heterogeneous; CF. jester: one who jests (as a paid fool at
medieval courts)
motto brief statement used to express a principle
mountaineer n. person who is skilled at climbing mountains
mountainous adj. having many mountains
mouthful n. as much as can easily be put into the mouth at
one time
muddle confuse; mix up confusedly; N: state of confusion
muffle v. ~ sb/sth (in sth) wrap or cover sb/sth for warmth
or protection
mulatto n. person who has one black parent and one white
muleteer n. person who leads mules
multiform having many forms
multiplicity state of being numerous or multiple; large number;
Ex. multiplicity of details; ADJ. multiple: of more than one element
mundane worldly as opposed to spiritual; everyday; of the
ordinary; Ex. mundane existence; CF. world
municipal adj. of a town or city with its own local government
municipality n. town, city or district with its own local
government; governing body of such a town, etc ;
munificence n. great generosity
munificent very generous in giving; Ex. munificent benefactor;
N. munificience
muster gather; assemble (troops); Ex. muster up one's
strength for the ordeal; N.
mutation n. change; alteration
mutilate maim; injure lastingly; deprive of a limb or an
essential part
mutiny n. rebellion against lawful authority, esp by
soldiers or sailors
myriad very large number; ADJ. CF. ten thousand
mystic of hidden meaning and spiritual power; Ex. mystic
ceremonies; N. CF. mysticism
mystification n. mystifying or being mystified
myth n. story that originated in ancient times, esp one
dealing with ideas or beliefs about the early history of a race, or
giving explanations of natural events, such as the seasons
mythology n. study or science of myths
nameless adj. having no name or no known name; anonymous
naphtha n. type of inflammable oil obtained from coal tar and
petrol
narcissus n. any of severaltypes of spring flowering bulbs,
including the daffodil
narrate v. tell (a story); give a written or spoken account
of
narration n. activity of telling a story, etc
narrative related to telling a story; N: narrated account;
story; V. narrate: tell (a story); CF. narration
narrow-minded adj. not readyto listen to or tolerate the views of
others
nasal adj. of, for or in the nose
natal connected with birth; CF. prenatal; CF. postnatal
nationality n. membership of a particular nation
naturally adv. by nature
nausea feeling of sickness and desire to vomit; disgust; CF.
seasickness
nauseate cause to become sick; fill with disgust; fill nausea
nauseous causing nausea; feeling nausea
nautical pertaining to ships or navigation
naval adj. of a navy; of warships
navel n. small hollow in themiddle of the belly where the
umbilical cord was attachedat birth .
navigable (of a body of water) wide and deep enough to allow
ships to pass through; (of a ship or aircraft) able to be steered
navigate v. find the position and plot the course of a ship,
an aircraft, a car, etc, using maps and instruments
nebula diffuse mass of interstellar dust or gas; galaxy
necessary adj. essential for a purpose; that cannot be done
without or avoided
necessitate v. make (sth) necessary
necessity n. ~ circumstances that force one to do sth; state
of being necessary; need
necrology obituary notice; list of the dead
necropolis n. cemetery, esp a large ancient one
necrosis the death of part of the body.
nectar drink of the gods; sweet liquid collected by bees
nectarine n. type of peach with a thin smooth skin and firm
flesh
needlework n. sewing or embroidery
needy adj. without the things that are needed for life, ie
food and shelter; very poor
nefarious very wicked
negate cancel out; nullify; cause to have no effect; deny;
N. negation
negation n. action of denying
neglectful adj. ~ in the habit of neglecting things or people
negligee A loose gown worn by women.
negligence neglect; failure to take reasonable care; ADJ.
negligent: neglectful; lax; not taking enough care
negligent adj. not giving proper attention or care to sth;
careless
negligible so small, trifling, or unimportant as to be easily
disregarded
negotiable adj. that can be settled by discussion
nemesis someone seeking revenge; source of downfall or ruin;
CF. Nemesis
Neo-Latin Modernized Latin.
neolithic adj. of the later part of the Stone Age
neophyte recent convert; new member of a religious group;
beginner; CF. plant
nestle v. settle comfortably and warmly in a soft place
nettle irritate; annoy; vex; ADJ. nettlesome
network n. complex system of roads, etc crossingeach other
neural adj. of the nerves
neurology n. scientific study of nerves and their diseases
neuter adj. (of a word) neither masculine nor feminine in
gender
neutral adj. not supporting or helping either side in a
dispute, contest,war, etc; impartial
nevertheless adv, conj in spite of this; however; still
Newton n. one of the deepest craters on the moon, over 7300
metres deep and about 112 kilometres in diameter, situated in the SE
quadrant
niggardly meanly stingy; parsimonious; N. niggard: stingy
person
nil n. nothing, esp as the score in games
nimble quick in movement; agile; quick in understanding; Ex.
nimble climber/mind
nit n. louse or other parasitic insect
nocturnal done or active at night; Ex. nocturnal animals/raids;
CF. nocturne
noisome foul smelling; very unpleasant; unwholesome
noisy adj. making or accompanied by a lot of noise
nomad n. member of a tribe that wanders from place to
place looking for pasture for its animals and having no fixed home
nominal in name only; of a name; trifling; (of a sum of
money) very small; CF. nominate: propose as a candidate; appoint
nominate v. ~ sb formally propose that sb should be chosen
for a position, office, task, etc
nomination n. nominating or being nominated
nominee n. person who is nominated for an office, a position,
etc
nonchalance indifference; lack of concern; composure; ADJ.
nonchalant: unconcerned; cool; indifferent; Ex. nonchalant attitude to
his debts
nondescript undistinctive; ordinary; ordinary-looking; Ex.
nondescript fellow in a crowd
nonentity person of no importance; nonexistence
nonpareil n. adj (person or thing) without an equal or rival
norm n. standard or pattern that is typical (of a group,
etc)
normalcy The state of being normal.
Norman adj. of the style introduced into England in the
11th century by invaders from Normandy in France (Normans) 11
nostrum questionable medicine; quack medicine; CF. our
(remedy)
noticeable adj. easily seen or noticed
notorious adj. ~ (derog ) well-known for some bad quality,
deed, etc
novice beginner
nowadays adv. at the present time
nowhere adv. not anywhere
noxious harmful; CF. obnoxious
nuance shade of slight difference in meaning or color;
subtle distinction
nucleus n. central part, around which other parts are
grouped or collected
nude adj. naked
nugatory worthless; futile
nuisance n. thing, person or behaviour that is troublesome or
annoying
numeration n. method or process of numbering
numerical adj. of, expressed in or representing numbers
nunnery n. house where an order of nuns lives; convent ;
nuptial related to marriage or the wedding ceremony; N.
nuptials: wedding ceremony
nurture nourish; feed; educate; rear; care for while it is
growing or developing; foster; cultivate; N: something that nourishes;
rearing
nutriment n. nourishing food
nutritive adj. serving as food
oakum Hemp-fiber obtained by untwisting and picking out
loosely the yarns of old hemp rope.
obdurate stubborn; refusing to change one's belief
obelisk tall column tapering(becoming gradually narrower
toward the end) and ending in a pyramid
obese excessively fat; N. obesity
obesity n. being obese
obituary death notice (esp. in a newspaper); ADJ.
objective not influenced by emotions; fair; N: goal; aim
obligate v. compel (sb) legally or morally (to do sth)
obligatory binding; required; compulsory; V. oblige: constrain;
make grateful; do a favor; accommodate
oblique indirect; slanting (deviating from the perpendicular
or from a straight line); Ex. oblique reference
obliterate destroy completely; wipe out; Ex. obliterate the
village
oblivion obscurity; condition of being completely forgotten;
forgetfulness
oblong n, adj with four straight sides and angles of 90,
longer than it is wide
obnoxious offensive; disagreeable; Ex. obnoxious smell
obsequious slavishly attentive; servile; full of servile
compliance; sycophantic
observance n. ~ keeping or observing (observe
observant adj. quick at noticing things
observatory n. building from which the stars, the weather, etc
can be observed by scientists
obsolescence n. being obsolescent
obsolescent adj. becoming out of date; going out of use
obsolete outmoded; no longer used
obstetrician physician specializing in delivery(assisting in
giving birth) of babies; N. obstetrics; CF. midwife
obstetrics n. branch of medicine and surgery concerned with
childbirth
obstinacy n. being obstinate; stubbornness
obstreperous boisterous; noisy and uncontrollable
obstruct v. ~ sth (with sth) be or get in the way of (sb/sth);
block (a road, passage, etc) ,
obstruction n. action of obstructing; being obstructed
obtrude push (oneself or one's ideas) forward or intrude;
impose (oneself or one's ideas) on others; butt in; stick out or
extrude; thrust out; Ex. obtrude A on B; ADJ. obtrusive; N. obtrusion;
CF. unobtrusive
obtrusive adj. very noticeable or obvious; inclined to obtrude
obviate make unnecessary; get rid of; Ex. obviate the need
occasion n. particular time
Occident the West
occlude shut; close; obstruct; Ex. A blood clot occluded an
artery.
occult mysterious; secret; supernatural; beyond human
comprehension; CF. mysterious to human ?; OP. bare
occupant n. person who occupies a house, room or position, or
who possesses and occupies land
occurrence n. event; incident; happening
octagon n. flat figure with eight sides and eight angles
octave n. note that is six whole tones above or below a
given note
octavo n. (abbrs oct) (size of a) book or page produced by
folding a piece of paper of standard size three times to give eight
sheets
octogenarian n. person between 80 and 89 years of age 8089
ocular adj. of, for, by, the eyes
oculist physician who specializes in treatment of the eyes
oddity n. quality of being odd(1); strangeness
ode n. poem expressing noble feeling, often written to a
person or thing, or celebrating some special event
odious arousing strong dislike; hateful(causing hatred);
vile
odium detestation; quality of being odious; hatefulness;
disrepute (resulting from hateful conduct)
odoriferous giving off an odor
odorous having an odor
off adj. = off-side
offhand casual; done without prior thought or preparation
officiate v. ~ perform the duties of an office(4) or position
officious meddlesome; excessively pushy in offering one's
services; overly eager in offering unwanted services or advices; Ex.
officious bellboy
offshoot n. stem or branch growing from a main stem
ogre n. (in legends and fairy stories) cruel and
frightening giant who eats people
ointment n. smooth greasy paste rubbed on the skin to heal
injuries or roughness, or as a cosmetic
olfactory concerning the sense of smell
ominous threatening; of an evil omen
omission n. action of omitting or leaving out sb/sth
omnipotence Unlimited and universal power.
omnipotent all-powerful; having unlimited power
omniscience Unlimited or infinite knowledge.
omniscient all-knowing
omnivorous eating both plant and animal food; devouring
everything
onerous burdensome
onrush n. strong forward rush or flow
onset n. vigorous beginning
onslaught vicious assault; fierce attack; Ex. unexpected
onslaught of the enemy
onus burden; responsibility
opalescence The property of combined refraction and reflection of
light, resulting in smoky tints.
opaque dark; not transparent; N. opacity
operate v. (fml ) work; be in action
operative adj. operating; effective; in use
operator n. person who operates equipment, a machine, etc
operetta n. short light musical comedy
opinion n. ~ belief or judgement (about sb/sth) not
necessarily based on fact or knowledge
opponent n. ~ (at/in sth) person who is against another person
in a fight, a struggle, a game or an argument
opportune timely; well-chosen
opportunity n. ~ ~ (to do sth) favourabletime, occasion or set of
circumstances
opposite adj. ~ having a position on the other side (of sb/
sth); facing
opprobrium infamy; disgrace arising from shameful conduct;
vilification(slander); scorn; contempt; Ex. opprobrium hurled against
him; ADJ. opprobrious: expressing contempt; shameful or infamous
optic adj. of or concerned with the eye or the sense of
sight
optician maker and seller of eyeglasses
optimism n. tendency to expect the best in all things;
confidence in success; belief that good will triumph over evil in the
end
option n. power or freedom of choosing; choice
optometry Measurement of the powers of vision.
opulence extreme wealth; luxuriousness; abundance; ADJ.
opulent: possessing great wealth; abundant
opulent adj. having or showing signs of great wealth
oral adj. not written; spoken
orate To deliver an elaborate or formal public speech.
oration n. formal speech made on a public occasion, esp as
part of a ceremony
orator public speaker
oratorio dramatic poem set to music; long musical work with
singing but without acting; CF. cantata
oratory n. small chapel for private prayer or worship
ordeal severe trial or affliction; difficult experience;
trial(test of patience or endurance); affliction
ordinal adj. showing order or position in a series . >
ordinal n (also ,ordinal `number)
ordination ceremony conferring holy orders; ceremony of
ordaining a priest
ordnance n. military supplies and materials
origin n. starting-point; source
original adj. existing from the beginning; first or earliest
originate v. ~ in sth; ~ from/with sb have sth/sb as a cause or
beginning
ornate excessively or elaborately decorated
orthodox traditional; (of someone) conservative in belief;
adhering to an established doctrine
orthodoxy n. state of being orthodox or holding orthodox
beliefs
orthogonal Having or determined by right angles.
orthopedic Relating to the correcting or preventing of deformity
oscillate vibrate pendulumlike; waver
osculate To kiss.
ossify change or harden into bone; become hard and
unchanging in one's ideas
ostentation n. exaggerated display (of wealth, knowledge, skill,
etc) intended to impress people or make them envious
ostracism n. action of ostracizing; state of being ostracized
ostracize banish from a group; exclude from public favor; ban;
Ex. His friends ostracized him. N. ostracism
ought To be under moral obligation to be or do.
oust expel; drive out; force out; N. ouster: ousting
out-and-out adj. thorough; complete
outbreak n. sudden appearance or start
outburst n. bursting out; explosion
outcast one that has been excluded from a society; ADJ.
outcry n. ~ (about/against sth) strong public protest
outdo v. do more or better than (sb)
outlandish bizzare; peculiar; unconventional
outlaw fugitive from the law (excluded from legal
protection); V: declare (someone) to be an outlaw; deprive of the
protection of the law; declare illegal; Ex. Drinking has been
outlawed.
outlive v. live longer than
out-of-the-way Remotely situated.
outpost n. observation point some distance away from the
main army
outrage act of extreme violence or viciousness; resentful
anger; V: commit an outrage on; produce anger in; ADJ. outrageous:
offensive
outrageous adj. very offensive or immoral; shocking
outreach To reach or go beyond.
outride To ride faster than.
outrigger n. structure projectingover the side of a boat or
ship, eg for the rowlocks in a racing boat or to give stability to a
canoe
outright adv. openly and honestly, with nothing held back
outskirt A border region.
outstretch To extend.
outstrip outrun; surpass; outdo
outweigh v. be greater in weight, value or importance than
overdo v. do, perform or express (sth) too fully or for too
long; exaggerate
overdose n. too great an amount taken at one time
overeat v. eat more than one needs or more than is healthy
overhang v. hang over or stand out over (sth) like a shelf
overleap To leap beyond.
overlord n. nobleman on whose land people of lower rank worked
overpass n. (Brit also flyover ) bridge that carries a road
over a motorway ;
overpower v. be too strong or powerful for defeat (sb) by
greater strength or numbers
overreach v. ~ oneself fail by trying to achieve more than is
possible
overrun v. spread over and occupy (a place) in great numbers
oversee watch over and direct; supervise; N. oversight:
unintentional failure to notice or do something; supervision
overseer n. person whose job is to take charge of work and see
that it is properly done
overshadow v. cause to be shaded or to have little light
overstride To step beyond.
overthrow topple; N.
overtone n. something suggested or implied in addition to what
is actually stated; hint
overture musical introduction to a long musical piece; first
offer or proposal (to begin talks in the hope of reaching an
agreement); Ex. overtures for peace
overweight adj. heavier than is usual or allowed
pacify soothe; make calm or quiet; subdue; bring peace to
packet n. (US usu package) small paper or cardboard
container in which goods are packed for selling
pact n. agreement (between people, groups,countries, etc);
treaty
pagan n. person who is not a believer in any of the
world's chief religions, esp one who is neither a Christian, a Jew nor
a Moslem
pageant n. public entertainmentconsisting of a procession of
people in costume, or an outdoor performance of scenes from history
palate roof of the mouth; sense of the taste
palatial of or suitable for a palace; magnificent
paleontology study of prehistoric life or fossils; CF. paleo-:
ancient or prehistoric; Ex. paleography: study of ancient written
documents
palette board on which painter mixes pigments(coloring
matters)
palinode A retraction.
pall become boring; grow tiresome
palliate ease pain (without curing); make less severe or
offensive (a crime or illness)
pallid pale; wan; Ex. pallid complexion
palpable tangible; (of something bad) easily perceptible;
obvious; Ex. palpable blunder
palsy n. paralysis, esp with trembling of the limbs
paly Lacking color or brilliancy.
pamphlet n. small book with a paper cover, usu containing
information on a subject of public interest or expressing a political
opinion
pamphleteer n. person who writes pamphlets
panacea cure-all; remedy for all diseases
Pan-American Including or pertaining to the whole of America, both
North and South.
pandemic widespread; affecting the majority of people; N:
pandemic disease; CF. all people
Pandemonium wild tumult(commotion); wild noisy disorder; CF.
Paradise Lost
panegyric formal praise; encomium; Ex. I don't deserve such
panegyrics.
panel n. separate, usu rectangular, part of the surface of
a door, wall, ceiling, etc, usu raised above or sunk below the
surrounding area
panic n. sudden irrational feeling of great fear
panoply n. complete or splendid display of sth
panorama n. view of a wide area
pantheism n. belief that God is everything and everything is
God
pantheon n. temple dedicated to all the gods
pantomime acting without dialogue; V.
papacy n. the Papacy position or authority of the Pope
papyrus ancient paper made from stem of papyrus plant
parable short simple story teaching a moral
paradox something apparently contradictory in nature (that
may nonetheless be true); statement that looks false but is actually
correct
paragon model of perfection; Ex. paragon of virtue
parallel similar; analogous; corresponding; N: parallel line;
person or thing that is parallel (to another); similarity; Ex. know of
no parallel to the case; Ex. without parallel; V: be similar to; make
parallel; Ex. Your experience parallels mine; CF. unp
parallelism state of being parallel; similarity; analogy
paralysis n. loss of feeling in or control of a part of the
body, caused by a disease of or an injury to the nerves
paralyze To deprive of the power to act.
paramount foremost in importance; supreme; CF. para-: beyond;
above; Ex. paranormal
paramour illicit lover
paraphernalia equipment; odds and ends used in a particular
activity; personal belongings; Ex. photographic paraphernalia; CF.
married woman's property exclusive of her dowry
paraphrase restate a passage in one's own words while retaining
thought of author; N: restatement of a text in other words
pare cut away the outer covering or skin of (with a
knife); trim; Ex. pare apples/expenses
parentage n. descent from parents; origin; ancestry
pariah social outcast; Ex. Mariah the pariah
Paris the capital of France, in the north on the River
Seine:
parish area in the care of a single priest and served by one
main church
parity equality; close resemblance; CF. disparate
parlance language; manner of speaking; idiom; Ex. in legal/
common parlance
parley conference (between opponents); CF. speak
parliament n. assembly that makes the laws of a country
parlor A room for reception of callers or entertainment of
guests.
parody humorous imitation; spoof; takeoff; travesty; V.
paronymous Derived from the same root or primitive word.
paroxysm fit or attack of pain, laughter, rage; sudden
outburst
parricide n. killing one's father or a close relative
parse v. describe the grammatical form and function of (a
word), giving its part of speech, case1(8), etc
parsimonious adj. very careful in spending money or using
resources; mean
partible Separable.
participant n. ~ person or group of people who participate in sth
participate v. ~ take part or become involved (in an activity)
partisan one-sided; prejudiced; committed to a party (with
dislike of any others); N: strong supporter of a party; guerrilla
partition divide into parts
passible Capable of feeling of suffering.
passive not active; acted upon; receiving an action without
acting in return; accepting without resistance
pastoral rural; of rural life; idyllic; of a pastor
paternal adj. of a father; fatherly
paternity n. state of beinga father; fatherhood
pathos tender sorrow; pity; quality in art or literature
that produces these feelings; Ex. pathos that runs through the novel
patriarch father and ruler of a family or tribe
patrician noble; aristocratic; N: person of high rank;
aristocrat; CF. member of the governing classes in ancient Rome; CF.
plebian
patrimony property inherited from a father
patriotism n. love of one's country and readiness to defend it
patronize support; act superior toward; treat in a
condescending manner; be a customer of; N. patron: one that supports;
regular customer; N. patronage; CF. boycott
patronymic n, adj derived from the name of one's father or some
other male ancestor
patter n. rapid and often glib speech used by a comedian,
conjuror or salesman
paucity scarcity; dearth
pauper very poor person
pavilion n. building next to a sports ground, esp a cricket
field, used by players and spectators
payee n. person to whom sth is paid
peaceable adj. not quarrelsome; wishing to live in peace with
others
peaceful adj. not involving war or violence
peccadillo slight offense or fault; CF. sin
peccant Guilty.
pectoral adj. of the chest or breast
pecuniary pertaining to money
pedagogics The science and art of teaching.
pedagogue teacher; CF. child leader
pedagogy teaching; art of education
pedal n. lever that drives a machine when pressed down by
the foot or feet
pedant scholar who overemphasizes book learning, trivial
details of learning, or technicalities
peddle travel about selling (wares); CF. foot
peddler n. = pedlar
pedestal support or base as for a pillar or statue
pedestrian ordinary; dull; unimaginative(lacking in
imagination); going on foot; Ex. pedestrian prose; N.
pediatrics The department of medical science that relates to the
treatment of diseases of childhood.
pedigree ancestry; lineage
peerage n. the whole body of peers
peerless having no equal; incomparable
peevish bad-tempered; irritable; V. peeve: make angry
pellucid transparent; limpid(crystal clear); clear in meaning;
easy to understand
penalty n. ~ punishment for breaking a law, rule or contract
penance self-imposed punishment for sin; Ex. do penance for
one's sins; CF. penitent
penchant strong inclination; strong liking (esp. for something
that is disapproved of by other people); Ex. penchant for fast cars
pendant n. ornament that hangs from a chain worn round the
neck
pendulous hanging; suspended
pendulum n. weight hung on a cord from a fixed point so that
it can swing freely
penetrable adj. that can be penetrated
penetrate enter into; pierce; permeate; see through; grasp the
inner significance of; understand
penetration n. penetrating
penitence n. ~ sorrow or regret for having done sth wrong
penitential adj. of or relatingto penitence or penance
pennant n. long narrow flag tapering to a point, used on a
ship for signalling or as identification .
pension n. sum of money paid regularly by the State to people
above a certain age and to widowed or disabled people, or by an
employer to a retired employee
pentad The number five.
pentagon n. geometric figure with five sides and angles
pentagram A figure having five points or lobes.
pentahedron A solid bounded by five plane faces.
pentameter n. line of verse with five metrical feet
pentathlon n. athletic contest in which each competitor takes
part in five events
pentavalent Quinqeuvalent.
penultimate adj. next to and before the last one; last but one
penurious adj. very poor
penury extreme poverty; stinginess; ADJ. penurious: very
poor; stingy
perambulate v. walk about, through or over (a place)
perceive v. become aware of (sb/sth); notice; observe
perceptible adj. ~ (fml ) that can be observed with the senses
perception n. ability to see, hear or understand
percipience The act of perceiving.
percipient adj. noticing or understanding things quickly or
clearly; perceptive
percolate v. ~ (through sth)/~ (through) (of water) pass
slowly through (coffee); filter through
percolator n. pot for making and serving coffee, in which
boiling water is repeatedly forced up a central tube and filtered down
through ground coffee
percussion striking one object against another sharply; Ex.
percussion instrument; N: striking together of two bodies; sound
caused by percussion
peremptory demanding and leaving no choice; imperative; Ex.
peremptory decree/knock
perennial something long-lasting; perennial plant; ADJ: lasting
through the year or many years; lasting for a long time; enduring
perfectible adj. that can be perfected
perfidy n. ~ (fml ) acting in a treacherous or disloyal way
perforate pierce; put a hole through
perform To accomplish.
perfumery n. place where perfumes are made or sold
perfunctory done routinely and with little care; superficial; not
thorough; lacking interest, care, or enthusiasm; Ex. perfunctory kiss
perhaps adv. it may be (that); possibly
perigee point of moon's orbit when it is nearest the earth;
CF. apogee
periodicity The habit or characteristic of recurrence at regular
intervals.
peripatetic walking about from place to place (to work); moving;
Ex. peripatetic school of philosophy
perjure v. ~ oneself tell a lie (esp in a court of law) after
one has sworn an oath to tell the truth
perjury false testimony while under oath; V. perjure oneself:
testify falsely under oath
permanence n. state of continuing or remaining for a long time
permanent adj. lasting or expected to last for a long time or
for ever
permeate v. ~ sth (fml ) enter sth and spread to every part
permissible adj. that is or may be allowed
permutation n. (esp mathematics ) variation in the order of a
set of things
pernicious very harmful; deadly; very destructive; Ex.
pernicious effect/anemia
perpendicular adj. ~ at an angle of 90 (to another line or
surface)
perpetuate make perpetual; make something last for a long time;
preserve from extinction; N. perpetuity
perquisite n. (fml ) (infml perk) money or goods given or
regarded as a right in addition to one's pay
persecution n. persecuting or being persecuted
perseverance n. continued steady effort to achieve an aim;
steadfastness
persevere continue steadily in spite of difficulties
persiflage n. light good-humoured teasing; banter ;
persist continue in existence; last; continue in a course of
action in spite of opposition; Ex. persist in/with something; ADJ.
persistent
persistence n. being persistent
personage n. person, esp an important or distinguished one
personal adj. of or belonging to a particular person rather
than a group or an organization
personality n. characteristics and qualities of a person seen as
a whole
personnel n. people employed in one of the armed forces, a
firm or a public office; staff
perspective n. art of drawing solid objects on a flat surface so
as to give the right impression of their height, width, depth and
position in relation to each other
perspicacious (of someone) having insight; penetrating; astute
perspicacity quick judging and understanding
perspicuous (of something) plainly expressed; easy to understand;
Ex. perspicuous comments
perspiration n. moisture given off by the body; sweat
perspire v. give off moisture through the skin; sweat
persuadable capable of influencing to action by entreaty,
statement, or anything that moves the feelings.
persuade v. ~ sb cause sb to do sth by arguing or reasoning
with him
pertinacious holding tenaciously to an action; stubborn;
persistent
pertinent suitable; to the point; relevant
perturb disturb greatly
perturbation n. state of being perturbed; anxiety ;
pervade v. spread to and be perceived in every part of
pervasion n. pervading or being pervaded
pervasive spread throughout; V. pervade: (of smells, ideas,
feelings) spread throughout; charge; permeate
perverse purposely continuing to do something wrong;
stubbornly wrongheaded; perverted; directed away from what is right;
wicked and unacceptable; Ex. perverse satisfaction; Ex. Hannibal
Lecter in a perverse mood; N. perversity
perversion corruption; turning from right to wrong
perversity stubborn maintenance of a wrong cause
pervert corrupt; turn from right to wrong; misuse; Ex.
perverted sexual desire/scientific knowledge; N: person whose sexual
behavior is not natural
pervious penetrable
pestilence n. (any of various types of) deadly infectious
disease that spreads quickly through large numbers of people, esp
bubonic plague
pestilent adj. of or like a pestilence
pestilential causing plague; baneful
peter v. peter out decrease or fade gradually before coming
to an end
petrify turn to stone; cause to become stonelike; stun or
paralyze
petulance the quality or state of being petulant:PEEVISHNESS
petulant touchy; peevish; ill-tempered
pharmacopoeia n. book containing a list of medicinal drugs and
directions for their use, esp one officially published for use in a
particular country
pharmacy n. preparation and giving out of medicines and drugs
phenomenal adj. very remarkable; extraordinary
phenomenon n. fact or occurrence, esp in nature or society,
that can be perceived by the senses
philander v. ~ (usu derog ) (of a man) amuse oneself by
flirting with women
philanthropic adj. of or inspired by philanthropy
philanthropist lover of mankind; doer of good; N. philanthropy
philanthropy n. concern for the welfare of mankind; benevolence ;
philately n. collecting and studying postage stamps
philharmonic adj. devoted to or loving music
philology study of language or words
philosophize To seek ultimate causes and principles.
philosophy n. search for knowledge and understanding of the
nature and meaning of the universe and of human life
phlegmatic calm and unexcitable; not easily disturbed; CF.
phlegm: sticky mucus produced in the respiratory tract
phonetic adj. of or concerning the sounds of human speech
phonic adj. of or concerning sound
phonogram A graphic character symbolizing an articulate sound.
phonology n. study of the system of speech sounds, esp in a
particular language
phosphorescence n. giving out of light without heat or with so little
heat that it cannot be felt
photoelectric adj. of or using the electrical effects produced by
light
photometer Any instrument for measuring the intensity of light
or comparing the intensity of two lights.
photometry The art of measuring the intensity of light.
physicist n. expert in or student of physics
physiognomy face (as showing the character and the mind); art of
judging human character from facial features
physiography Description of nature.
physiology n. scientific study of the normal functions of living
things
physique n. general appearance and size of a person's body,
esp of the muscles
picayune Of small value.
piccolo n. small musical instrument like the flute but
producing notes an octave higher than those of the flute .
piece n. any of the parts of which sth is made
piecemeal one part at a time; gradually; in stages; Ex. read a
novel piecemeal
pillage plunder
pillory punish by placing in a wooden frame or pillory;
subject or expose to criticism and ridicule; N.
pincher
pinnacle peak; highest point; acme; Ex. pinnacle of fame
pioneer n. person who is among the first to go into an area
or country to settle or work there
pious devout; religious; N. piety
pique irritation; resentment from wounded pride (eg. loss
in a contest); V: provoke; arouse; annoy; cause to feel resentment;
Ex. pique her curiosity
piteous adj. arousing or deservingpity
pitiable adj. deserving or arousing pity
pitiful adj. arousing pity
pitiless adj. showing no pity or mercy; cruel
pittance small amount (of money); small allowance or wage
placate pacify; bring peace to; conciliate; appease
placid peaceful; calm; Ex. placid child/lake
plagiarism n. action of plagiarizing
planisphere A polar projection of the heavens on a chart.
plasticity ability to be molded; ADJ. plastic: capable of being
shaped or molded; Ex. plastic material such as clay
platitude trite remark; commonplace statement; ADJ.
platitudinous
plaudit praise; enthusiastic approval; round(succession or
series) of applause; ADJ. plauditory; CF. applaud
plausible conceivably true; having a show of truth but open to
doubt; specious
playful adj. fond of playing; full of fun
playwright n. person who writes plays; dramatist
plea n. ~ (for sth) earnest request; appeal
pleasant adj. ~ (to sth) giving pleasure to the mind, feelings
or senses; enjoyable
pleasurable adj. givingpleasure; enjoyable
plebeian common; vulgar; pertaining to the common people; N:
common people in ancient Rome; CF. patrician
pledgee The person to whom anything is pledged.
plenary (of power) complete; full; fully attended by all
qualified members; Ex. plenary power
plenipotentiary n. person with full powers to act on behalf of his
government (esp in a foreign country)
plenitude abundance; plenty; great amount; completeness;
fullness; CF. plenary, plenty
plenteous adj. plentiful
plumb exactly vertical; N: weight on the end of a line; V:
examine very carefully or critically in order to understand; measure
depth (by sounding); Ex. plumb the depth of
plummet fall sharply; fall straight down; Ex. Stock prices
plummeted.
pluperfect adj. (grammar) (of the form of the verb phrase)
expressing an action completed before a particular pointin the past
plural n. form of a noun or verb which refers to more than
one person or thing
plurality n. state of being plural
plutocracy society ruled by the wealthy
pneumatic adj. filled with air
poesy Poetry.
poetaster An inferior poet.
poetic adj. like or suggesting poetry, esp in being
graceful and aesthetically leasing
poetics The rules and principles of poetry.
poignancy quality of being deeply moving; keenness of emotion;
ADJ. poignant: touching; deeply moving; (of sorrow, grief, etc.)
painful; keenly distressing to the mind; Ex. poignant memory/anxiety;
CF. prick
poignant adj. affecting one's feelings deeply, making one sad,
full of pity, etc
poise good judgment with composure; balance; V: place in a
carefully balanced position
polar of a pole; characterized by opposite extremes; Ex.
polar opposites
pollen n. fine powder formed in flowers, which fertilizes
other flowers when carried to them by the wind, insects, etc
pollute v. ~ sth make sth dirty or impure, esp by adding
harmful or unpleasant substances
polygamy n. custom of having more than one wife at the same
time
polyglot speaking several languages; multilingual; Ex.
polyglot person/society; N.
polygon n. figure with many (usu five or more) straight sides
polyhedron n. solid figure with many (usu seven or more) faces
polysyllable n. word of several syllables
polytechnic n. college for advanced full-time and part-time
education, esp in scientific and technical subjects
polytheism n. belief in or worship of more than one god
pommel n. rounded part of a saddle which sticks up at the
front
pomposity self-important behavior; acting like a stuffed shirt
(pompous person); ADJ. pompous: self-important
pompous adj. feeling, or showing that one feels, that one is
much more important than other people
ponder v. ~ think about (sth) carefully and for a long time,
esp in trying to reach a decision; consider
ponderous having great weight; weighty; unwieldy; lacking
lightness; dull; Ex. ponderous body/style of writing
pontiff n. bishop; chief priest; high priest ;
populace n. (fml ) the general public; ordinary people
populous adj. having a large population; densely populated
portend foretell; presage; be a sign or warning of; N.
portent: sign; omen; forewarning
portent n. ~ (fml ) sign or warning of a future (often
unpleasant) event; omen
portfolio n. flat case (often made of leather) for carrying
loose papers, documents, drawings, etc ,
posit v. suggest or assume (sth) as a fact; postulate ;
position n. place where sb/sth is
positive adj. with no possibility of doubt; clear and
definite
posse n. group of people who can be summoned by an officer
of the law, eg a sheriff, to find a criminal, maintain order, etc
possess v. have (sth) as one's belongings; own
possession n. state of possessing; ownership
possessive adj. ~ (with sth/sb) showing a desire to own things
and an unwillingness to share what one owns
possible adj. that can be done
postdate To make the date of any writing later than the real
date.
posterior adj. ~ (to sth) later (than sth) in time or in a
series
postgraduate adj. (of studies, etc) done after taking a first
degree
postscript n. ~ (abbr PS) extra message added at the end of a
letter after the signature
potency Power.
potent powerful; convincing; persuasive; greatly influential
potentate monarch; sovereign
potential expressing possibility; latent; N: capacity for
growth
potion dose (of liquids); liquid dose
powerless adj. without power or strength
practicable feasible
prate talk idly; speak foolishly; boast idly
prattle talk idly; babble; N. CF. prate
preamble introductory statement
precarious unsafe; lacking in stability; uncertain; risky; Ex.
precarious living
precaution n. ~ thing done in advance to avoid danger, prevent
problems, etc
precede v. come or go before in time, order, rank, etc
precedence n. ~ right to come before sb/sth in time, order,
rank, etc
precedent preceding (in time, rank, etc.)
precession n. gradual change in the angle at which the earth
revolves daily, causing the equinoxes to occur slightly earlier in
each successive year ,
precipice cliff; dangerous position; Ex. on the edge of the
precipice
precipitant something that causes a substance in a chemical
solution to separate out in solid form; OP. solvent
precipitate hurl downward; throw headlong; hasten; cause to
happen sooner; condense and fall as rain or snow; cause (a solid
substance) to be separated from a solution; ADJ. hasty; rash;
premature; sudden
precise exact
precision n. exactness and clarity; quality of being precise
(1)
preclude make impossible; prevent; exclude; eliminate
precocious advanced in development; N. precocity
precursor forerunner; predecessor
predatory adj. (living by) killing other animals for food
predecessor former occupant of a post
predicament difficult situation; tricky or dangerous situation;
dilemma
predicate n. part of a statement that says sth about the
subject, eg `is short' in `Life is short' , Life is short is short
predict v. say in advance that will happen; forecast
prediction n. predicting
predominance n. ~ state of being greater in strength, numbers,
etc
predominant adj. having more power or influence than others
predominate v. ~ have control, power or influence(over sb/sth)
preeminence Special eminence.
preempt prevent in advance; head off(forestall); forestall by
acting first; appropriate for oneself before others; supplant; take
the place of; displace; Ex. preempt any attempts; ADJ. preemptive
preemption the judicial principle asserting the supremacy of
federal over state legislation on the same subject ; the right of a
government to seize or appropriate something (as property)
preexist To exist at a period or in a state earlier than
something else.
preexistence Existence antecedent to something.
preface n. introductory statement atthe beginning of a book,
esp one that explains the author'saims
prefatory introductory; of a preface
prefer v. ~ sth (to sth) choose sth rather than sth else;
like sth better
preferable adj. ~ (to sth/doing sth) to be preferred (to sth);
more desirable or suitable
preference n. ~ (for sth) liking for sth (more than sth else)
preferential adj. of, giving, receiving or showing preference(
preferment n. promotion to a higher position or rank
prefix n. word or syllable (eg co-, ex-, non-, pre-, re-)
placed in front of a word to add to or change the meaning of that
word, eg un- in unhappy , co- ex- non- pre- re-, unhappy un-
prehensile capable of grasping or holding (esp. by wrapping
around); Ex. prehensile tails
prehension The act of laying hold of or grasping.
prejudice n. opinion, or like or dislike of sb/sth, that is not
founded on experience or reason
prelacy n. office, rank or see of a prelate
prelate church dignitary; priest of high position in the
church (esp. bishop)
prelude introduction; introductory performance or event;
forerunner
premature adj. happening before the proper or expected time
premier adj. first in importance, position, etc
premise assumption; postulate; proposition upon which an
argument is based
premonition forewarning; presentiment; foreboding
preoccupation n. state of being preoccupied; absent-mindedness ;
preoccupy v. engage (sb or his mind, thoughts, etc) so that he
cannot think of other things; obsess
preordain To foreordain.
preparation n. preparing or being prepared
preparatory adj. preparing for sth; introductory
preponderant adj. greater in influence, importance, quantity, etc
preponderate v. ~ (fml ) be greater in influence, importance,
quantity, etc (than sth else)
prepossession A preconceived liking.
preposterous absurd; completely unreasonable; ridiculous
prerogative privilege; unquestionable right; CF. ask before
presage foretell; be a warning or sign of; N: presentiment;
foreboding; omen
prescience ability to foretell the future; knowledge of actions
before they occur; ADJ. prescient
prescient adj. knowing about things before they take place;
able to see into the future ;
prescript n. law, rule or command
prescription n. doctor's written instruction for the composition
and use of a medicine
presentient Perceiving or feeling beforehand.
presentiment premonition; foreboding; feeling something will
happen; anticipatory fear
presentment Semblance.
presumption n. ~ (of sth) presuming sth to be true or the case
presumptuous going beyond what is right; excessively forward;
arrogant; taking liberties
pretension pretentiousness; claim (without foundation); Ex. I
make no pretensions to skill as an artist.
pretentious ostentatious; showy; pompous; making unjustified
claims; overambitious; Ex. pretentious films that claim to be art
preternatural beyond what is normal in nature; supernatural; Ex.
preternatural strength/forces
pretext excuse
prevalence n. being prevalent
prevalent widespread; generally accepted
prevaricate lie; hide the truth (by equivocating)
prevention n. preventing
prickle n. small pointed growth on the stem or leaf of a
plant; thorn
priggery [ prig: ] another word for: steal
prim proper to the point of affectation; very precise and
formal; exceedingly proper
primer n. textbook for people just starting to study a
subject
primeval adj. of the earliest period of the history of the
world
primitive adj. of or at an early stage of social development
principal adj. first in rank or importance; chief; main
principality n. country ruled by a prince
principle n. basic general truth that underlies sth
priory n. monastery governed by a prior or convent governed
by a prioress
pristine unspoiled; remaining in a pure state; characteristic
of earlier times; primitive; Ex. an old book in pristine condition
privateer n. (captainof or sailor on a) ship used for attacking
and robbing other ships; pirate (ship)
privilege n. special right or advantage available only to a
particular person, class or rank, or to the holder of a certain
position
privity Knowledge shared with another or others regarding a
private matter.
privy secret; hidden; not public; made a participant in
something secret; Ex. privy chamber government; Ex. be privy to a
discussion; CF. private
probate n. official process of proving that a will is
correct
probation n. (system of) keeping an official check on the
behaviour of (esp young) people found guilty of crime as an
alternative to sending them to prison
probe explore with a probe or tools; investigate; N:
slender instrument used to explore a wound or body cavity; device
designed to investigate an unknown region; thorough investigation; Ex.
space probe
probity uprightness; honesty; incorruptibility
procedure n. order or way of doing things, esp in business,
law, politics, etc
proceed v. ~ (to sth) go to a further or the next stage; go
on
proclamation n. action of proclaiming
procrastinate postpone; delay or put off
procrastination n. procrastinating
proctor n. (at the universities of Oxford and Cambridge)
either of two officials with responsibility for discipline
prodigal wasteful; reckless with money; profuse; Ex. a mind
prodigal of ideas; N. prodigality
prodigious enormous; marvelous; extraordinary; Ex. prodigious
amount/memory
prodigy highly gifted child; person with exceptional talents;
marvel; wonder
productive adj. producing or able to produce goods or crops,
esp in large quantities
profession n. paid occupation, esp one that requires advanced
education and training, eg architecture, law or medicine
professor n. (US also full professor) (title of a) university
teacher of the highest grade who holds a chair(3) in a subject
proffer v. ~ sth(fml ) offer sth
proficiency n. ~ eing proficient (in sth)
proficient adj. ~ doing or able to do sth in a skilled or an
expert way because of training and practice
profile n. side view, esp of the human face
profiteer v. maketoo large a profit, esp by exploiting people
in difficult times (eg in a war or famine)
profligacy n. being profligate
profligate wasteful (of money); dissipated; wildly immoral;
dissolute; N: profligate person; N. profligacy
profuse adj. in large amounts; abundant
progeny children; offspring; descendants
progression n. ~ (to sth) (process of) moving forward or
developing,esp in stages or gradually; progressing
prohibition n. forbidding or being forbidden
prohibitionist n. person who supports the prohibition of sth by law,
esp the sale of alcoholic drinks
prohibitory adj. intended to prohibit sth
projection n. projecting or being projected
proletarian member of the working class; blue collar guy; N.
proletariat: working class (who have to work for wages)
prolific producing offspring or fruit in abundance; fertile;
fecund; abundantly fruitful; producing abundant works; Ex. prolific
writer
prolix adj. (of a speech, writer, etc) using too many words
and so boring to listen to or read
prologue introduction (to a poem or play)
prolong lengthen; extend; draw out
promenade n. (also Brit infml prom) public place for walking,
esp a paved area along the waterfront at the seaside
prominence n. state of being prominent
prominent protruding(sticking out); conspicuous; notable;
eminent
promiscuous mixed indiscriminately; indiscriminate; not choosing
carefully; indiscriminate in the choice of sexual partners; irregular,
particularly sexually; Ex. promiscuous life/girl; N. promiscuity
promissory adj. conveying a promise
promontory headland
promoter n. person who organizes or finances (esp a business
company or a sporting event)
promulgate announce; proclaim a doctrine or law; make known by
official publication
propaganda n. publicity that is intended to spread ideas or
information which will persuade or convince people
propagate increase in number by producing young; multiply;
spread; Ex. Most plants propagate by seed; Ex. newspaper propagating
their ideas
propel v. move, driveor push (sth) forward
propellant n. propelling agent, eg an explosive that propels a
bullet from a weapon, a fuel that provides thrust for a rocket, or
compressed gas that forces out the contents of an aerosol container
propeller n. two or more spiral blades fixed to a revolving
shaft for propelling a ship or an aircraft
prophecy n. saying what will happen in the future
propitious favorable; auspicious; advantageous; fortunate; Ex.
propitious day/sign
proportionate adj. ~ (fml ) in proportion (to sth); corresponding
to sth
propriety fitness; quality of being proper; correct conduct;
conformity to prevailing customs and usages; CF. proprietor,
proprietary
propulsion n. driving forward or being driven forward
prosaic lacking in imagination; dull and unimaginative;
matter-of-fact(concerned with facts, not imagination or feelings);
factual; CF. prose
proscenium part of stage in front of curtain; front arch of a
stage
proscribe prohibit; ostracize; banish; outlaw
proscription n. (instance of) proscribing or beingproscribed
proselyte n. person who has been converted from one set of
religious, political, etc beliefs to another
prosody art of versification; study of the metrical structure
of verse
prospectus n. printed document, leaflet, etc giving details of
and advertising sth, eg a private school or a new business
prostrate stretch out full on ground; make prostrate; enervate;
Ex. prostrating illness; ADJ: lying face down; having lost all
strength
protagonist leader or noticeable supporter of an idea; chief
character in a play or story
protection n. ~ (against sth) protecting or being protected
protector n. person who protects
protestant n, adj of any of the Christian bodies that separated
from theChurch of Rome in the 16th century, or of their branchesformed
later 16
protocol diplomatic etiquette; ceremony and etiquette observed
by diplomats; first copy of a treaty before its ratification; Ex.
Protocol demands that the queen meet him at the airport.
protomartyr The earliest victim in any cause.
protoplasm n. colourless jelly-like substancethat forms the
basis of all animal and plant cells and tissues
prototype original work used as a model by others
protract prolong; lengthen in time; draw out
protrude stick out; jut; project; Ex. protruding teeth
protrusion n. protruding
protuberance protrusion; swelling; bulge
protuberant adj. bulging, curving or swelling outwards from a
surface; prominent
proverb adage; someone or something well known for notoriety;
ADJ. proverbial: of a proverb; widely known; ADV. proverbially
provident providing for future needs; displaying foresight;
thrifty; preparing for emergencies; OP. improvident
providential adj. occurring just at the right time when needed
provincial pertaining to a province; limited in outlook; narrow;
unsophisticated
proviso stipulation; condition in an agreement; provision
provocation n. making sb angry by deliberately doing sth
annoying or offensive; provoking or being provoked
prowess extraordinary ability; military bravery; Ex. prowess
in battle
proxy authorized agent; authority to act for another
prudence n. (quality of) being prudent; forethought or wisdom
prudential Proceeding or marked by caution.
prudery n. behaviour or attitude of a prude
prurient having or causing lustful desires and thoughts;
arousing immoderate sexual desire
pseudonym pen name; fictitious name assumed by an author; ADJ.
pseudonymous
pseudonymity The state or character of using a fictitious name.
psychiatry n. study and treatment of mental illness
psychic of psyche; mental; of or possessing extraordinary
mental powers
psychopathic pertaining to mental dearrangement; N. psychopath:
person with an antisocial personality disorder
psychotherapy n. treatment of mental disorders by psychological
methods
pudgy adj. (infml ) short and fat; podgy
puerile childish; immature; CF. puer: boy
pugnacious adj. inclined or eager to fight; aggressive
puissant powerful; strong; potent; N. puissance: power
pulmonary pertaining to the lungs
punctilious minutely attentive (perhaps too much so) to fine
points; stressing niceties of conduct or form; N. punctilio,
punctiliousness: careful attention payed to every small exact detail
punctual adj. happening or doing sth at the agreed or proper
time
pungency n. quality or state of being pungent
pungent stinging; acrid; sharp in taste or smell; (of speech
or writing) caustic; N. pungency
punitive punishing; Ex. punitive measures
pupilage The state or period of being a student.
purgatory place of spiritual expiation; temporary state or
place in which the souls must expiate their sins
purl n. stitch in knitting that produces ridges on the
upper side
purloin v. steal (sth)
purport intention; purpose; meaning; V: claim; profess; Ex.
order which purports to be signed by the general
purveyor furnisher of foodstuffs; caterer; V. purvey: supply
(eg. food); furnish; CF. provide
pusillanimous cowardly; lacking courage; fainthearted
putrescent becoming putrid; putrefying
pyre n. large pile of wood, etc for burning a dead body as
part of a funeral ceremony
pyromania n. illness that causes an uncontrollable desire to
start fires
pyrotechnic Pertaining to fireworks or their manufacture.
pyx n. container in which bread that has been consecrated
for Holy Communion is kept
quackery n. methods or practices of a quack
quadrate To divide into quarters.
quadruple adj. consisting of four parts, individuals or groups
qualification n. qualifying or becoming qualified
qualify reach a necessary standard; limit the meaning of
something stated
qualm n. feeling of doubt, esp about whether what one is
doing is right; misgiving
quandary dilemma; state of uncertainty; Ex. She is in a
quandary about whether to go.
quantity n. that which makes it possible to measure things
through having number, size, weight, etc
quarantine isolation of a person, place, or ship to prevent
spread of infection; V: isolate in quarantine
quarrelsome adj. likely to start a quarrel; quick-tempered ;
quarter n. each of four equal or corresponding parts of sth
quarterly adj. adv produced or occurring once every three
months
quartet n. four players or singers
quarto n. (abbrs 4to, qto) size of page made by folding a
standard sheet of paper twice to form eight pages
quay dock; wharf; pier; landing place (for boats)
querulous given to complaining; complaining; fretful; whining
query inquiry; question; V.
queue line (of waiting people or vehicles)
quibble minor objection or complaint; V: raise minor
objections; carp; cavil
quiescence Quiet.
quiescent dormant; temporarily inactive; at rest; N. quiescence
quiet adj. with little or no sound; not noisy or loud
quietus n. (fml ) release from life; extinction
quintessence purest and highest embodiment; perfect example;
apotheosis; most essential element; Ex. quintessence of wit; ADJ.
quintessential; CF. fifth essence
quintet n. five players or singers
quite adv. (used esp with adjs or advs that refer to a
gradable quality ) to some extent; not very; fairly
quixotic idealistic but impractical; CF. Don Quixote
rabid of or suffering rabies; like a fanatic; extremely
zealous; furious; CF. rabies: hydrophobia
racy adj. (of speech, writing, etc) lively or spirited;
vivid
radiance n. quality of being radiant(1
radiate v. send out rays of (light or heat)
radical adj. of or from the root or base; fundamental
radix That from or on which something is developed.
raillery n. good-humoured mockery or ridicule
ramify branch out; divide into branches or subdivisions
ramose Branch-like.
rampant growing or spreading uncontrollably; growing in
profusion; unrestrained; Ex. rampant lawlessness/weed
rampart defensive mound of earth
rancor long-lasting hatred; bitterness; Ex. negotiation
without rancor; ADJ. rancorous
rankle irritate; fester; annoy
rapacious voracious; ravenous; taking everything one can;
excessively grasping; plundering; subsisting on live prey; Ex.
rapacious birds
rapid adj. moving or acting with great speed; fast
rapine n. act of seizing property by force; plundering
raptorial Seizing and devouring living prey.
ration fixed portion; V: distribute as rations
rationalism n. practiceof testing all religious belief and
knowledge by reason and logic
raucous (of voice) harsh and unpleasant; (of people)
disorderly and boisterous; Ex. raucous shouts
ravage devastate; plunder; despoil; Ex. crops ravaged by
storms
ravenous extremely hungry; voracious
ravine narrow valley with steep sides; gorge; CF. gully,
canyon
reaction n. ~ response to a situation, an act, an influence,
etc
reactionary strongly opposed to social or political change;
opposing progress; politically ultraconservative; N. OP. radical
readily adv. without hesitation; willingly
ready adj. ~ (for sth/to do sth) in a fit state for
immediate use or action; fully prepared or completed
realism n. attitudes and behaviour based on the acceptance
of facts and the rejection of sentiment and illusion
reassure v. ~ sb remove sb's fears or doubts; make sb
confident again
rebellious adj. showing a desire to rebel; not easily controlled
rebuff reject bluntly; snub; beat back; Ex. She rebuffed his
invitation; N.
rebuild v. build or put (sth) together again
rebut v. prove (a charge, piece of evidence, etc) to be
false; refute ;
recant disclaim or disavow; retract a previous statement;
openly confess error; Ex. recant one's faith/a statement
recapitulate summarize
recapture v. capture again
recede v. ~ (seem to) move back from a previous position or
away from an observer
receivable adj. (commerce ) (of bills, accounts, etc) for which
money has not yet been received
receptive quick or willing to receive (ideas, suggestions,
etc.); Ex. receptive to the proposal
recessive adj. (of characteristics inherited from a parent,
such as the colour of the eyes or of the hair) not appearing in a
child but remaining hidden because of the presence of stronger
characteristics ,
recidivist n. person who commitscrimes repeatedly and seems
unable to be cured of criminal tendencies; persistent offender ;
reciprocal mutual; given and received in return; exchangeable;
interacting; Ex. reciprocal trade agreement
reciprocate do or give something in return; repay in kind; give
or take mutually; interchange; move
reciprocity n. principleor practice of mutual exchange, esp of
making concessions or granting privileges, etc in return for
concessions or privileges received
recitation n. public delivery of passages of prose or poetry
learnt by heart
reck To have a care or thought for.
reckless adj. ~ (of people or their actions) not thinking of
the consequences or of danger; rash or impulsive
reclaim v. ~ sth recover possession of sth
recline lie down
recluse hermit; loner; ADJ. reclusive
recognizance An acknowledgment entered into before a court with
condition to do some particular act.
recognize To recall the identity of (a person or thing).
recoil v. ~ ~ (at sth) draw oneself back in fear, disgust,
etc
recollect v. succeed in calling back to the mind; remember
reconnoiter To make a preliminary examination of for military,
surveying, or geological purposes.
reconsider v. consider again, esp to change an earlier
opinion,decision, etc
reconstruct v. construct or build again, eg after damage ,
recourse resorting to help when in trouble; Ex. without
recourse to
recover v. ~ sth find again (sth stolen, lost, etc); regain
possession of sth
recreant disloyal; cowardly; N: disloyal and cowardly person
recreate To refresh after labor.
recrudescence n. new outburst; recurrence
recrudescent Becoming raw or sore again.
recruit n. ~ (from sth) person who has just joined the armed
forces or police and is not yet trained
rectify set right; correct; CF. rect-: right
rectitude moral correctness; moral uprightness; moral virtue;
correctness of judgment
recuperate recover; return to health; regain; Ex. recuperate
losses
recur v. happen again; happen repeatedly
recurrent occurring again and again
redemption n. redeeming or being redeemed
redolence Smelling sweet and agreeable.
redolent odorous; fragrant; suggestive (of an odor); Ex.
redolent of onions/mystery
redoubtable formidable; causing fear
redound v. redound on sb/sth (fml ) come back on sb/sth;
rebound or recoil on sb/sth
redress remedy; compensation; Ex. seek redress for the damage
to your car; V: put right; remedy or rectify (a wrong); make amends
for
redundant superfluous; more than is necessary; verbose;
excessively wordy; repetitious
refer v. (-rr-) ~ to sb/sth mention or speak of sb/sth;
allude to sb/sth
referee n. (in football, boxing, etc) official who controls
matches, prevents rules being broken, etc .
refinery n. factory, etc where sth is refined
reflection The throwing off or back of light, heat, sound, or
any form of energy that travels in waves.
reflector n. thing that reflects heat, light or sound
reform v. become or make better by removing or putting right
faults, errors, etc
reformer n. person who brings about or advocates reform
refract v. bend where it enters eg water or glass at an
oblique angle from a medium of different density
refractory unmanageable; disobedient and stubborn; Ex.
refractory horse
refusal n. refusing or being refused
refute disprove; prove to be false; N. refutation
regale entertain
regality Royalty.
regenerate v. give fresh strength or life to (sb/sth); restore
regent a person who governs in place of a ruler who is ill,
absent, or still a child; ADJ. Ex. the Prince regent
regicide murder of a king or queen
regime method of system or government
regimen prescribed course of diet or exercise; prescribed
diet and habits; Ex. daily regimen of a dancer
regiment military unit; V: subject to strict order; Ex.
regimented society
regnant Exercising royal authority in one's own right.
regress v. ~ (fml ) return to an earlier or less advanced
form or state
regretful adj. feeling or expressing regret
rehabilitate restore to proper condition (health or useful life);
restore the former rank of
reign n. rule of a king or queen
reimburse repay; pay back
rein n. long narrow strap fastened to the bit of a bridle
and used to guide and control a horse
reinstate restore to a previous condition or position
reiterate repeat
rejoin v. join again; be reunited with
rejuvenate make young again
rejuvenescence A renewal of youth.
relapse return to a former state (esp. after improvement); N.
relegate put into a lower or worse place; banish to an
inferior position; delegate; assign; Ex. relegate the old furniture to
the children's room; Ex. relegated to the second division
relent become less severe; give in(surrender); ADJ.
relentless: unyielding; continuously severe
relevant having importance; pertinent; referring to the case
in hand; N. relevance, relevancy
reliance n. ~ on sb/sth confidence or trust in sb/sth;
dependence on sb/sth
reliant adj. ~ on sb/sth having reliance on sb/sth; dependent
on sb/sth ;
relinquish give up something (with reluctance); yield; release;
Ex. relinquish power/the claim to the land/his hold on my arm
reliquary n. containerfor a relic or relics of a holy person
relish enjoy; savor; N: enjoyment; zest
reluctance Unwillingness.
reluctant adj. ~ unwilling and therefore slow to co-operate,
agree, etc
remembrance n. remembering or being remembered; memory
reminiscence recollection; V. reminisce: recollect the past
reminiscent suggestive of something (in the past); of
reminiscence
remiss negligent; careless about a duty
remission temporary moderation (of disease symptoms); remitting
of a debt or punishment; cancelation of a debt; pardon; Ex. The
disease went into remission; Ex. Christians pray for the remission of
sins.
remodel to alter the structure of:REMAKE
remonstrance n. remonstrating; protest ;
remonstrant Having the character of a reproof.
remonstrate protest; objection; V. remonstrate: say in protest
remunerate v. ~ sb (fml ) pay or reward sb for work or services
remuneration n. payment; reward ;
renaissance n. the Renaissance revival of art and literature in
the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries, based on classical forms 14 15 16
rendezvous meeting place; meeting at a set time or place; V.
rendition rendering; translation; artistic interpretation of a
song, etc
renovate restore to good condition; renew
renunciation n. (formal declaration of) giving sth/sb up;
renouncing
reorganize To change to a more satisfactory form of
organization.
reparable capable of being repaired
reparation compensation (for loss or wrong); amends; Ex. make
reparation for the damage; CF. repair
repartee quick clever reply
repeal revoke; annul
repel drive away; disgust; Ex. repel the attack/moisture;
Ex. repelled by the dirty room; CF. repulsion
repellent driving away; disgusting; offensive; repulsive;
unattractive; N.
repentance n. ~ regret or sorrow for wrongdoing
repertory n. performance of various plays for short periods by
one company
repetition n. repeating or being repeated
repine fret; complain; be annoyed; Ex. repine over the
undone work
replenish fill up again
replete fully filled; filled to the brim or to the point of
being stuffed; abundantly supplied; Ex. report replete with errors
replica copy
repository storehouse
reprehend v. criticize or rebuke (sb or sb's behaviour)
reprehensible deserving blame; blameworthy; V. reprehend: blame
reprehension Expression of blame.
repress hold back (the natural expression of); restrain;
crush; oppress; Ex. repressed child; Ex. repress a laugh/rebellion
reprieve postponement or cancelation of a punishment;
temporary stay; V: postpone or cancel the punishment of
reprimand reprove severely; rebuke; N.
reprisal retaliation
reprobate morally disapproved person; person hardened in sin,
devoid of a sense of decency; CF. disapproved by God ?
reproduce v. make a copy of
reproduction n. reproducing or being reproduced
reproof n. (remark, etc expressing) blame or disapproval
repudiate disown; disavow; deny
repugnance disgust; strong dislike; loathing; ADJ. repugnant:
arousing disgust; repulsive
repugnant adj. ~ (fml ) causing a feeling of strong opposition
or dislike; abhorrent
repulse reject with rudeness or coldness (an offer or
friendship); drive back (an enemy attack); CF. repulse $\neq$ cause
repulsion
repulsive adj. causing a feeling of loathing or aversion;
disgusting
repute v. (idm ) be reputed as/to be sb/sth be generally
said or considered to be sb/sth
requiem mass for the dead; dirge
requisite necessary requirement; something required; ADJ:
required; necessary
requital n. repayment
requite make return for; repay; reciprocate; revenge; N.
requittal
rescind repeal; annul; cancel (a law, decision, or agreement)
resemblance n. ~ ~ (between A and B) (instance of) likeness or
similarity
resent v. feel bitter, indignant or angry about
reservoir n. natural or artificial lake used as a source or
store of water for a town, etc ,
residue remainder; balance
resilience n. quality of being springy
resilient elastic; having the power of springing back; able to
recover quickly (as from misfortune)
resistance n. ~ (action of) using force to oppose sth/sb
resistant adj. ~ offering resistance
resistive Having or exercising the power of resistance.
resistless Powerless.
resonance n. quality of being resonant
resonate v. produce or show resonance
resource n. supply of raw materials, etc which bring a
country, person, etc wealth
respite time for rest; interval of relief; delay in
punishment; reprieve
resplendent brilliant; splendid in appearance; dazzling; glorious
respondent n. defendant, esp in a divorce case
restitution returning something (lost or stolen) to the rightful
owner; reparation; indemnification; compensation for loss, damage, or
injury
resumption taking up again; recommencement; V. resume: begin or
take up again; take or occupy again; Ex. Kindly resume your seats.
resurgent adj. rising or reviving after destruction, defeat,
disappearance, etc
resurrection n. the Resurrection the rising of Jesus from the
tomb
resuscitate revive; bring back to life or consciousness; Ex.
resuscitate the drowned child
retaliate repay in kind (usually for bad treatment); V.
retaliate
retch v. make the sounds and movements of vomiting, esp
involuntarily, but without bringing anything up from the stomach
retention n. possession or use of sth
reticence reserve; uncommunicativeness; inclination to be
silent
reticent inclined to silence; uncommunicative; reserved; Ex.
He was reticent about the reasons; N. reticence
retinue following; attendants
retort quick sharp reply; V.
retouch v. improve or alter by removing flaws or making minor
changes
retract withdraw; take back; draw back; Ex. retract a
statement/an offer/claws; N. retraction; CF. retractile
retrench cut down; cut down expenses; economize
retrieve recover; put right; find and bring in; regain; Ex.
retrieve the situation
retroactive taking effect before its enactment (as a law) or
imposition (as a tax); (of a law) having effect on the past as well as
the future
retrograde go backwards; recede; degenerate; deteriorate; ADJ.
retrogression n. return to a less advanced state; decline ;
retrospect n. in retrospect looking back on a past event or
situation
retrospective looking back on the past; N. retrospection; V.
retrospect
reunite v. ~ (with sb/sth) (cause sb/sth to) come together
again
revelation n. making known sth that was secret or hidden;
revealing
revere v. ~ sb/sth (for sth) (fml ) feel deep respect or
(esp religious) veneration for sb/sth
reverent respectful; worshipful; V. revere: regard with
reverence; N. reverence: profound respect
reversion n. reverting
revert relapse; backslide; turn back to; return to the
former owner; N. reversion
revile attack with abusive language; vilify(slander)
revisal Revision.
revise v. re-examine (sth), esp in order to correct or
improve it
revocation n. (instance of) revoking or being revoked
revoke cancel; retract; CF. irrevocable
rhapsody excessively enthusiastic expression of feeling;
musical composition of irregular form (as if made up as one plays it)
rhetoric art of effective communication; art of using language
effectively and persuasively; style of speaking or writing;
grandiloquent language; Ex. political rhetoric; ADJ. rhetorical; CF.
rhetorical question: question to which no answer is expected as
rhetorician A showy writer or speaker.
ribald marked by vulgar lewd humor; wanton; profane; N.
ribaldry: ribald language or joke
riddance n. good riddance (to sb/sth) (said to express relief,
etc at being free of an unwanted or unpleasant person or thing )
ridicule n. making sb/sth appear foolish or absurd; scorn
ridiculous adj. deserving to be laughed at; absurd
rife (of something bad) widespread; abundant; current
rightful legally correct; Ex. rightful owner
rigmarole n. (unnecessarily) complicated procedure
rigor severity; Ex. rigors of the Russian winter
rigorous adj. severe; strict
risible adj. fit to be laughed at; ridiculous
rivulet small stream; CF. rill < rivulet < river
robust strong; vigorous
rondo n. piece of music in which the main theme returns a
number of times ()()
rookery n. colony of rooks
rotary adj. (of motion) moving round a central point;
circular
rotate v. move in circles round a central point
rote repetition; memorization through repetition without
understanding; Ex. learn poetry by rote
rotund (of a person) fat and round
rudimentary elementary; not developed; crude; N. rudiment:
fundamental element or principle; Ex. rudiments of the language
rue regret; lament; mourn; Ex. He will rue the day; N.
ADJ. rueful
ruffian violent scoundrel; bully
ruminant animal that ruminates; ADJ.
ruminate chew over and over (mentally or, like cows,
physically); mull over(ponder)
rupture n. (instance of) breaking apart or bursting
rustic pertaining to country people; unsophisticated;
simple; crude; uncouth; (of furniture) rough with the bark left on; N.
rural person; rustic person
ruth Sorrow for another's misery.
sacrifice n. ~ offering of sth valuable, often a slaughtered
animal, to a god
sacrificial adj. of or like a sacrifice
sacrilege n. treating a sacred thing or place with disrespect
sacrilegious desecrating; profane; N. sacrilege: desecration,
misuse, or theft of something sacred
safeguard n. ~ thing that serves as a protection from harm,
risk or danger
sagacious wise; perceptive; shrewd; having insight; N. sagacity
salacious lascivious; lustful; Ex. salacious monk
salience The condition of standing out distinctly.
salient prominent; projecting beyond a line; conspicuous; Ex.
salient features
saline salty
salutary tending to improve; beneficial; wholesome; Ex. The
punishment had a salutary effect on the boy; CF. health
salutation n. greeting or respect
salutatory The opening oration at the commencement in American
colleges.
salvage rescue (goods or property) from loss; N: saving;
property saved
salvo n. firing of several guns at the same time, esp as a
salute
sanctimonious displaying ostentatious or hypocritical devoutness;
N. sanctimony: hypocritical piety
sanction approve; ratify; N: permission; penalty intended to
enforce compliance
sanctity n. holiness; sacredness
sanguinary bloody; with much bloodshed
sanguine optimistic; cheerful; hopeful; of the color of blood;
red
sanguineous Consisting of blood.
sapid Affecting the sense of taste.
sapience Deep wisdom or knowledge.
sapient adj. wise
saponaceous Having the nature or quality of soap.
sarcasm cutting ironic remark; scornful remarks; stinging
rebuke; ADJ. sarcastic
sarcophagus n. stone coffin, esp one with carvings, etc, used in
ancient times
sardonic scornfully mocking; disdainful; sarcastic; cynical;
Ex. sardonic smile
satiate satisfy fully (physical needs such as hunger); sate;
N. satiety: condition of being satiated
satire form of literature in which irony, sarcasm, and
ridicule are employed to attack human vice and folly
satiric Resembling poetry, in which vice, incapacity ,or
corruption is held up to ridicule.
satirize To treat with sarcasm or derisive wit.
satyr half-human, half-bestial being in the court of
Dionysus (resembling a goat), portrayed as wanton(unrestrained) and
cunning; lecher; CF. faun; CF. goat: lecherous man
savage adj. wild and fierce
savor enjoy; have a distinctive flavor, smell, or quality;
N: taste or smell; distinctive quality
scabbard case for a sword blade; sheath
scarcity n. shortage
scholarly full of learning; erudite; like a scholar; Ex.
scholarly journal
scholastic adj. of schools and education
scintilla trace; minute amount; shred; least bit; Ex. There is
not a scintilla of truth; CF. spark
scintillate sparkle; flash; be animated; be full of life; Ex.
scintillating conversation
scope n. ~ opportunity to do or achieve sth
scoundrel n. person who has no moral principles and no
conscience; villain ;
scribble v. write very fast or carelessly
scribe n. person who made copies of writings before
printing was invented
script n. text of a play, film, broadcast, talk, etc
scriptural adj. of or based on the Bible
scruple hesitate for ethical reasons; fret about; Ex. She did
not scruple to read his diary; N: uneasy feeling arising from
conscience; conscience
scrupulous conscientious; extremely thorough; Ex. scrupulous
worker
scurrilous abusive; obscene; indecent; Ex. scurrilous remark
scuttle sink (a ship) by cutting holes in the hull; scrap;
discard; N: small hatch in a ship's deck or hull
scythe n. tool with a slightly curved blade on a long pole,
sometimes with two handles, used for cutting long grass, corn, etc
seance n. meeting, esp of spiritualists, at which people try
to talk with the spirits of the dead
sear burn the surface of; char or burn; brand; parch;
cause (a plant) to wither
sebaceous adj. producing an oily or greasy substance
secant Cutting, especially into two parts.
secede v. ~ (fml ) withdraw (from membership of an
organization, state, etc)
secession withdrawal; V. secede: withdraw formally from
membership
seclude v. ~ sb/oneself (fml ) keep sb/oneself apart (from
others)
seclusion isolation; solitude; V. seclude: set apart from
others; isolate
secondary adj. ~ coming after sth that is first or primary; of
less importance, value, etc than what is primary
second-rate adj. of poor quality; not very good
secrecy n. keeping secrets; ability or tendency to keep
secrets; state of being secret
secretary n. employee in an office, usu working for another
person, dealing with letters, typing, filing, etc and making
appointments and arrangements
secretive adj. liking to keep things secret or to hide one's
thoughts, feelings, etc
sedate composed (with no excitement); grave; V: administer a
sedative to; CF. sedative
sedentary requiring sitting; done while sitting; not moving
from one place to another; settled; Ex. sedentary job/population
sediment n. matter that settles to the bottom of a liquid
sedition conduct or language inciting rebellion; rebellion;
resistance to authority; insubordination; ADJ. seditious
seditious adj. of, causing or spreading sedition
seduce lead away from proper conduct; entice; ADJ. seductive
sedulous diligent; assiduous; paying attention; N. sedulity
seer A prophet.
seethe be violently disturbed; boil; (of a liquid) move
about wildly as if boiling; Ex. The nation was seething with
discontent.
seignior A title of honor or respectful address, equivalent to
sir.
seismograph n. instrument for detecting earthquakes and recording
how strong they are and how long they last
seize v. take hold of (sth), suddenly and violently; grab
selective careful in choosing; having an effect only on certain
things; not general; Ex. eclectic weed killer
self-respect n. feeling that one is behaving and thinking in ways
that will not make one ashamed of oneself
semblance outward appearance; guise; Ex. We called in the
troops to bring a/some semblance of order to the city.
semiannual Recurring at intervals of six months.
semicircle n. half of a circle or of its circumference; thing
arranged like this
semicivilized Half-civilized.
semiconscious Partially conscious.
seminar n. small group of students at a university, etc
meeting to discuss or study a particular topic with a teacher
seminary school for training future ministers; secondary
school, especially for young women
senile adj. suffering from bodily or mental weakness because
of old age
sensation n. feeling in one's body resulting from sth that
happens or is done to it
sense n. any of the five powers of the body by which a
person, an animal, etc receives knowledge of things in the world
around, ie sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch
sensibility n. ability to receive and appreciate delicate
impressions; sensitivity
sensitive adj. easily hurt or damaged
sensorium The sensory apparatus.
sensual devoted to the pleasures of the sense; carnal;
voluptuous; Ex. sensual woman/curves/lips
sensuous giving pleasure to the senses; pertaining to the
physical senses; operating through the senses; sensuous feeling of
soft velvet on the skin
sentence n. largest unit of grammar, usu containing a
subject, a verb, an object, etc and expressing a statement, question
or command
sentience Capacity for sensation or sense-perception.
sentient capable of sensation and conscious; aware; sensitive;
Ex. sentient creature; N. sentience
sentinel sentry; lookout
separable adj. ~ that can be separated
separate adj. ~ forming a unit by itself; existing apart
separatist A seceder.
septennial Recurring every seven years.
sequacious Ready to be led.
sequel n. ~ thing that happens after or as a result of an
earlier event
sequence n. set of events, numbers, actions, etc with each
following the one before continuously or in a particular order
sequent Following in the order of time.
sequester isolate; segregate; seclude; retire from public life
sequestrate v. take temporary possession of (a debtor's
property, funds, etc) until a debt has been paid or other claims met
sergeant n. non-commissioned army officer ranking above a
corporal and below a warrant officer .
service n. ~ performing duties, eg in the armed forces, or
working for a government, company, etc
serviceable adj. in usable condition
servitude slavery; compulsory labor imposed as a punishment
severance n. cutting or being cut; discontinuation
sextet n. group of six singers or players
sextuple Multiplied by six.
sheer pure; thin and transparent; very steep
shiftless adj. lazy and unambitious; lacking the ability to
find ways of getting things done
shrewd clever; astute
shriek v. ~ with sth; ~ (out) utter a shrill scream
shrinkage n. process of shrinking; amount by which sth shrinks
shrivel make or become shrunken and wrinkled (often by
drying)
shuffle mix together; jumble; move (something) from one place
to another; slide (the feet) along the ground while walking; Ex.
shuffle papers from one pile to another; N.
sibilance A hissing sound.
sibilant adj. like or produced with a hissing sound
sibilate To give a hissing sound to, as in pronouncing the
letter s.
sidelong adj. , adv to or from the side; sideways
sidereal relating to stars; Ex. sidereal day
siege n. surrounding of a town, fortress, etc by armed
forces in order to capture it or force it to surrender
significance n. meaning
significant expressing a meaning; important; Ex. significant
smile; N. significance: importance; meaning; V. signify: denote; mean;
signal; make known; matter; be significant
signification n. meaning of a word, etc
similar adj. ~ resembling sb/sth but not the same; alike
simile comparison of one thing with another, using the word
like or as
similitude n. being similar; similarity ;
simplify v. make (sth) easy to do or understand; make simple
(1)
simulate feign; imitate
simultaneous adj. ~ happening or done at the same time (as sth)
sinecure well-paid position with little responsibility; CF.
sine cure: without care; CF. San Serif
singe v. blacken (sth) by burning; scorch
sinister evil; ominous
sinuosity n. quality of being sinuous
sinuous twisting; winding; bending in and out; not morally
honest
sinus n. cavity in a bone, esp any of the air-filled spaces
in the skull that are connected to the nostrils ,
siren apparatus for making sounds; womanlike creature
sirocco n. hot moist wind reaching Italy from Africa
sisterhood n. relationship of sisters (1
skeptic sceptic; doubter; person who suspends judgment until
he has examined the evidence supporting a point of view; ADJ.
skeptical; N. skepticism; scepticism
skepticism The entertainment of doubt concerning something.
skiff small light sailboat or rowboat
skirmish minor fight; minor battle in war; V.
sleight dexterity; CF. sleight of hand: legerdemain;
quickness of the hands in doing tricks
slight insult to one's dignity; snub; V: treat as if of
small importance; insult; snub; ADJ. small in size; of small
importance
slothful adj. lazy; idle ;
sluggard lazy person
sociable adj. fond of the company of other people; friendly
socialism n. political and economic theory advocating that a
country's land, transport, natural resources and chief industries
should be owned and controlled by the whole community or by the State,
and that wealth should be equally distributed
socialist supporter of socialism
sociology n. scientific study of the nature and development of
society andsocial behaviour
sol The sun.
solace comfort in sorrow or trouble; consolation; V: comfort
or console in time of sorrow or trouble
solar adj. of, concerningor related to the sun
solder repair or make whole by using a metal alloy; N: metal
alloy (usually tin and lead) used in the molten state to join metallic
parts
soldier n. member of an army, esp one who is not an officer
solecism nonstandard grammatical construction; construction
that is flagrantly incorrect grammatically; violation of social
etiquette
solicitor lawyer in the lower court of law
solicitude n. ~ (fml ) being solicitous; concern or anxiety
soliloquy talking to oneself (esp. in a play); CF. monologue:
soliloquy; long speech by one person (often monopolizing a
conversation)
solstice point or time at which the sun is farthest from the
equator
soluble able to be dissolved in a liquid; able to be worked
out or solved
solvent substance that dissolves another; ADJ: capable of
dissolving another substance
somber dark; gloomy; melancholy; depressing; CF. shadow
somniferous Tending to produce sleep.
somnolence n. sleepiness; drowsiness ;
somnolent half asleep; drowsy; N. somnolence
sonata n. piece of music composed for one instrument (eg the
piano), or two (eg piano and violin), usu with three or four movements
sonnet 14-line poetic verse form with a fixed rhyme pattern
sonorous resonant; producing a full deep sound; producing
sound
soothsayer one who foretells the future
sophism n. (use of) such arguments
sophistic of or relating to sophists or sophistry
sophisticate n. sophisticated person
sophistry seemingly plausible but fallacious reasoning; sophism
soprano n. singing voice of the highest range for a woman or
boy
sorcery n. art, use or practice of magic, esp with evil
spirits; witchcraft ;
sordid filthy; foul; base; vile; Ex. sordid bed/story
souvenir n. thing taken, bought or received as a gift, and
kept to remind one of a person, a place or an event
sparse not thick; thinly scattered; scanty
Spartan without attention to comfort; lacking luxury and
comfort; sternly disciplined; Ex. spartan living condition/life
spasmodic fitful; periodic; of or like a spasm; N. spasm:
sudden involuntary muscular contraction; sudden burst of energy or
emotion
specialize To pursue a special activity, occupation, or field of
study
specialty An employment limited to one particular line of work.
specie n. money in the form of coins (contrasted with paper)
specimen n. thing or part of a thing taken as an example of
its group or class
specious seemingly reasonable but incorrect; misleading (often
intentionally)
spectator n. person who watches
specter Apparition.
spectrum colored band produced when a beam of light passes
through a prism; broad and continuous range; Ex. whole spectrum of
modern thoughts
speculate v. ~ form opinions without having definite or
complete knowledge or evidence; guess
spheroid n. solid object that is almost, but not perfectly,
spherical
spherometer An instrument for measuring curvature or radii of
spherical surfaces.
spinous Having spines.
spinster n. (law or fml ) unmarried woman
spontaneous adj. done,happening, said, etc because of a voluntary
impulse from within, not caused or suggested by sth/sb outside
sprightly adj. lively and full of energy
spurious false; counterfeit; forged; illogical; Ex. spurious
arguments
squabble minor quarrel; bickering; V: engage in a minor
quarrel; Ex. squabbling children
squalid adj. very dirty and unpleasant (esp because of
neglect or poverty)
stagnant (of water) not flowing (often bad-smelling);
motionless; stale; not developing; inactive; dull; Ex. stagnant
industrial output
stagnate v. be or become stagnant
stagnation The condition of not flowing or not changing.
stagy adj. (usu derog ) (too) theatrical in style, manner
or behaviour; exaggerated for effect
staid serious and sedate; sober; Ex. staid during the
funeral ceremony
stallion n. fully grown male horse thathas not been castrated,
esp one used for breeding
stanchion n. upright bar or post forming a support
stanza division of a poem (composed of two or more lines)
statecraft n. skill in managing State affairs; statesmanship ;
static having no motion; unchanging; lacking development; N.
stasis: stable state
staticky
stationary adj. not moving
statistician n. person who studies or works with statistics
statuesque adj. like a statue in size, dignity or stillness ,
statuette n. small statue
stature n. natural height of the body
statute law enacted by the legislature
stealth action of moving secretly or unseen; slyness;
sneakiness; secretiveness; ADJ. stealthy
stellar pertaining to the stars; of a star performer;
outstanding; Ex. stellar attraction of the entire performance
steppe n. flat grassy plain with few trees, esp in SE Europe
and Siberia
sterling adj. (of coins or precious metal) of standard value
and purity; genuine
stifle suppress; extinguish; inhibit; smother or suffocate
stigma token of disgrace; brand; V. stigmatize: mark with a
stigma; characterize as disgraceful
stiletto n. small dagger or tool with a narrow pointed blade
stimulant n. drug that increases physical or mental activity
and alertness
stimulate v. ~ sb/sth make sb/sth more active or alert; arouse
sb/sth
stimulus n. (to sth/to do sth) thing that produces a reaction
in living things
stingy adj. spending, using or giving unwillingly; mean
stipend pay for services
stoicism n. behaving stoically
stolid dull; impassive; showing little emotion when strong
feelings are expected
strait n. narrow passage of water connecting two seas or
two large areas of water
stratagem deceptive scheme; clever trick
stratum layer of earth's surface; layer of society; PL.
strata
streamlet Rivulet.
stringency Strictness.
stringent (of rules) binding; rigid; marked by scarcity of
money; Ex. stringent economic conditions
stripling n. male person between boyhood and manhood; youth or
lad
studious given to diligent study
stultify make stupid in mind; cause to appear or become stupid
or inconsistent; suppress; frustrate or hinder; Ex. stultifying effect
of uninteresting work; Ex. stultify free expression
stupendous adj. amazingly large, impressive, good, etc
stupor state of being stupefied; state of apathy; daze; lack
of awareness
suasion The act of persuading.
suave adj. (usu of a man) having self-confidence and smooth
sophisticated manners
subacid Somewhat sharp or biting.
subaquatic Being, formed, or operating under water.
subconscious adj. of or concerning the thoughts, instincts, fears,
etc in the mind, of which one is not fully aware but which influence
one's actions
subjacent Situated directly underneath.
subjection n. subjecting or being subjected
subjugate conquer; bring under control
subliminal below the threshold of conscious perception; Ex.
subliminal advertisement
sublingual Situated beneath the tongue.
submarine n. naval vessel that can operate underwater as well
as onthe surface
submerge place under water; dip; go under water; cover
completely (as with water); Ex. submerged in work
submerse [ submerge: ] to plunge, sink, or dive or cause to
plunge, sink, or dive below the surface of water, etc.
submersible n, adj that can be submerged
submission n. ~ acceptance of another`s power; submitting
subordinate occupying a lower rank; inferior; submissive; N. V:
put in a lower rank or class
subsequent following in time or order; later
subservience The quality, character, or condition of being
servilely following another's behests.
subservient behaving like a slave; servile; obsequious;
subordinate; N. subservience
subside sink to a lower level; settle down; sink to the
bottom (as a sediment); descend; grow quiet; become less; moderate;
abate
subsist v. ~ (fml ) (continue to) stay alive, esp with little
food or money; exist
subsistence existence; means of subsisting; means of support;
livelihood; V. subsist: exist; maintain life (at a meager level)
substantive substantial; essential; pertaining to the substance;
substantial; considerable; Ex. substantive issues
subtend v. (of a chord
subterfuge stratagem(deceptive scheme); pretense; evasion; Ex.
resort to a harmless subterfuge
subterranean adj. underthe earth's surface; underground
subtle adj. (esp approv ) not easy to detect or describe;
fine; delicate
subtrahend That which is to be subtracted.
subversion An overthrow, as from the foundation.
subvert v. destroy the authority of
succeed v. ~ do what one is trying to do; achieve thedesired
end
success n. achievement of a desired end, or of fame, wealth
or social position; succeeding
successful adj. having success
successor n. ~ person or thing that comes after and takes the
place of (sb/sth)
succinct adj. expressedbriefly and clearly; concise
succulent juicy; full of juice or sap; full of richness; N:
succulent plant such as a cactus
succumb yield (to something overwhelming); give in; die; Ex.
succumb to the illness
sufferance n. on `sufferance tolerated but not actually wanted
sufficiency n. ~ of sth sufficient quantity of sth
suffrage n. right to vote in political elections
suffuse spread through or over (with a color or liquid);
charge; Ex. A blush suffused her cheeks.
suggestible adj. easily influenced
suggestive adj. ~ putting particular ideas or associations into
sb's mind
summary n. brief statement of themain points of sth
sumptuous grand suggesting great expense; lavish; rich; Ex.
sumptuous feast
superabundant very abundant; more than enough
superadd To add in addition to what has been added.
superannuate v. send into retirement with a pension
superb adj. excellent; splendid
supercilious haughty; arrogant; condescending; patronizing; CF.
eyebrow, cilium
superficial of the surface; not deep; shallow; not thorough;
trivial; Ex. superficial analysis/knowledge
superfluity n. ~ (fml ) superfluous amount
superfluous excessive; overabundant; unnecessary; N. superfluity
superheat To heat to excess.
superintend v. manage and control (workers, their work, etc);
supervise
superintendence n. superintending
superintendent n. person who superintends
superlative adj. of the highest degree or quality
supernatural adj. that cannot be explained by natural or physical
laws; of the world of spirits, magic, etc
supernumerary person or thing excess of what is necessary; extra;
ADJ: additional to the usual or necessary number
supersede replace; cause to be set aside; make obsolete; N.
supersession
supine lying on back; passive; inactive; Ex. The defeated
pugilist lay supine; Ex. supine acceptance of the decision
supplant take the place of unfairly; usurp; replace
supple flexible; limber; pliant
supplementary ~ additional; extra
supplicant one who supplicates; ADJ.
supplicate petition humbly; pray to grant a favor
supposition assumption; hypothesis; surmise; V. suppose
suppress put an end to forcibly; subdue; stifle; overwhelm;
inhibit the expression of; check; prevent from being published or made
public; Ex. suppress a smile; Ex. suppress the magazine/truth
suppression n. suppressing or being suppressed
surcharge n. ~ payment that is demanded in addition to the
usual charge
surety n. guarantee that sb will pay his debts, perform a
duty, etc
surfeit satiate; feed or supply to excess; stuff; indulge to
excess in anything; N: surfeiting; excessive amount; Ex. surfeit of
food
surmise guess; N.
surmount overcome
surreptitious done secretly; secret; furtive; sneaky; hidden
surrogate substitute; person or thing used in place of another;
Ex. surrogate mother; ADJ.
surround To encircle.
surveyor n. person who surveys and values buildings, etc
susceptibility n. ~ state of being susceptible
susceptible impressionable; easily influenced; sensitive; having
little resistance as to a disease; likely to suffer; receptive to;
capable of accepting; Ex. susceptible to persuasion/colds; Ex. The
agreement is not susceptible of alteration; N. susceptibility
suspense state of being undecided; anxiety or apprehension
resulting from uncertainty
suspension n. suspending or being suspended
suspicious adj. ~ having or showing suspicion
sustenance sustaining; means of livelihood, support, food,
nourishment; something that maintains life; food
swarthy (of a skin or complexion) dark; dusky; Ex. swarthy
Italian ?
sybarite lover of luxury; person devoted to pleasure and
luxury; CF. Sybaris: an ancient Greek city in Italy
sycophant servile flatterer; bootlicker; yes man; ADJ.
sycophantic
syllabic adj. of or in syllables
syllabication Division of words into that which is uttered in a
single vocal impulse.
syllable n. any of the units into which a word may be
divided, usu consisting of a vowel-sound with a consonant before or
after
syllabus n. list of subjects, topics, texts, etc included in a
course of study
sylph n. one of a type of female nature spirits believed
to inhabit the air
symmetrical Well-balanced.
symmetry arrangement of parts so that balance is obtained;
congruity; ADJ. symmetrical
sympathetic adj. ~ feeling, showing or resulting fromsympathy
sympathize To share the sentiments or mental states of another.
symphonic adj. of or like a symphony
symphonious Marked by a harmonious or agreeable mingling of
sounds.
symphony n. long complex musical composition, usu in three or
four parts for a large orchestra
synchronism Simultaneousness.
syndicate n. group of people or business companies combined to
undertake a joint project
syneresis The coalescence of two vowels or syllables, as e'er
for ever.
synod n. official assembly of church members to discuss and
decide on matters of religious teaching, church policy and
administration, etc ,
synonym n. word or phrase with the same meaning as another in
the same language, though perhaps with a different style, grammar or
technical use
synopsis n. summary or outline of a book, play, etc
systematic adj. done or acting according to a system or plan;
methodical
tableau n. representation of a picture or scene by a silent
and motionless group of people, esp on stage
tacit understood (without actually being expressed); not
put into words; Ex. tacit agreement
taciturn habitually silent; talking little
tack n. small nail with a broad head
tact skill or sensitivity in dealing with people without
causing offence
tactician n. expert in tactics
tangency The state of touching.
tangent n. straight line that touches the outside of a curve
but does not cross it .
tangible able to be touched; real; concrete; palpable;
possible to realize or understand; Ex. tangible proof
tannery n. place where skins are tanned to make leather
tantalize tease; excite by exposing something desirable while
keeping it out of reach; torture with disappointment; CF. Tantalus:
Greek mythological figure
tantamount equivalent in effect or value; Ex. This invasion is
tantamount to a declaration of war; CF. amount
tapestry n. cloth into which threads of coloured wool are
woven or embroidered by hand to make pictures or designs, used for
covering walls and furniture
tarnish make or become dull or discolored; N.
taut tight; strained; tense; ready; OP. slack
taxation n. raising money by taxes; taxes to be paid
taxidermy n. art of preparing and stuffing the skins of dead
animals, birds and fish so that they look like living ones
technic Technical.
technicality n. technical term or point
technique n. method of doing or performing sth, esp in the arts
or sciences
technology n. scientificstudy and use of mechanical arts and
applied sciences, eg engineering
teem v. ~ with sth have sth in great numbers
telepathy n. communication of thoughts or ideas from one mind
to another withoutthe normal use of the senses
telephony n. process of transmitting sound by telephone
telescope n. optical instrument shaped like a tube, with lenses
to make distant objects appear larger and nearer
telltale That gives warning or information.
temerity boldness; nerve; rashness; Ex. temerity to ask for a
pay increase after only three day's work
temporal of time; not lasting forever; limited by time;
temporary; secular; worldly
temporary adj. lasting or meant to last for a limited time
only; notpermanent
temporize gain time as by postponing an action; avoid
committing oneself
tempt v. ~ sb persuade or try to persuade sb to do sth,
esp sth wrong or unwise
tempter n. person who tempts
tenacious holding fast (as to a belief); persistent
tenant one that pays rent to use property owned by another
tendency n. ~ (to do sth) way a person or thing tends to be
or behave
tenet doctrine; dogma
tenor n. the ~ of sth general routine or course of sth
tense adj. stretched tightly; taut ;
tentative not fully worked out or developed; provisional;
experimental; uncertain; hesitant; not definite or positive; Ex.
tentative agreement/reply
tenure holding of an office or real estate; time during
which such an office is held
tercentenary n. 300th anniversary 300
termagant n. bad-tempered bullying woman
terminal part that forms the end; railroad or bus station;
ADJ. forming an end; ending in death; fatal; Ex. terminal cancer
terminate v. come to an end or bring (sth) to an end
termination end; V. terminate
terminus last stop of railroad; end
terrify v. fill (sb) with terror; make very frightened
territorial adj. of a country'sterritory
terse concise; abrupt; pithy
testament n. (usu sing ) ~ (to sth) thing that provides clear
proof of sth
testator maker of a will; CF. testatrix
testimonial n. written statement testifying to a person's
character, abilities or qualifications
theism n. belief in the existence of a God or gods, esp a
God revealed to man as the creator and ruler of the universe
theocracy government run by religious leaders
theologian n. expert in or student of theology
theological adj.
theology n. formal study of the nature of God and of the
foundations of religious belief
theoretical based on theory; not practical or applied;
hypothetical
theorist n. person who forms theories
theorize To speculate.
thereabouts adv. somewhere near there
therefor For that or this.
thermal pertaining to heat; producing heat; warm; Ex. thermal
bath; N: rising current of warm air
thermoelectric adj. producing electricity by difference of
temperature
thermoelectricity Electricity generated by differences of temperature,
thesis opinion put forward and supported by reasoned
arguments
thoroughbred n, adj of pure or pedigree stock
thoroughfare n. public road or street that is open at both ends,
esp for traffic
thrall slave; bondage; slavery; Ex. Her beauty held him in
thrall; CF. enthrall
tilth n. depth of soil affected by cultivation
timbre quality of a musical tone produced by a musical
instrument (which distinguishes it from others of the same pitch)
timorous fearful; timid; demonstrating fear
tincture n. ~ medical substance dissolved in alcohol
tinge give a slight degree of a color or quality to; N:
slight degree of a color or quality; Ex. tinged with grey/jealousy
tipsy adj. (infml ) slightly drunk
tirade long angry denunciatory speech; diatribe; harangue;
extended scolding; denunciation
tireless adj. not tiring easily; energetic
tiresome adj. troublesome, tedious or annoying
titanic gigantic; N. titan
toilsome Laborious.
tolerable adj. that can be tolerated; endurable
tolerance n. willingness or ability to tolerate sb/sth
tolerant adj. ~ having or showing tolerance
tolerate v. allow without interfering
toleration n. action or practice of tolerating (tolerate1
topography physical features of a region (such as the shape and
height); CF. topo-: place
torpor lethargy; sluggishness; dormancy; ADJ. torpid:
lethargic; lazy; inactive; (of an animal) dormant; hibernating
torrid (of weather) hot or scorching; passionate; Ex. torrid
love affairs
tortious Wrongful.
tortuous winding; full of curves; Ex. tortuous mountain road
torturous Marked by extreme suffering.
tractable docile; easily managed; (of something) easily changed
or molded; N. tractability
trait n. element in sb's personality; distinguishing
characteristic
trajectory path taken by a projectile; Ex. trajectory of a
bullet
trammel v. (fml or rhet ) take away the freedom of action of
(sb); hamper; impede
tranquil adj. calm, quiet and undisturbed
tranquility Calmness.
tranquilize To soothe.
transact v. ~ sth (fml ) conduct or carry out (business), esp
between two people
transalpine Situated on the other side of the Alps.
transatlantic adj. on or from the other side of the Atlantic
transcend v. be or go beyond the range of (human experience,
belief, powers of description, etc)
transcendent exceeding ordinary limits; superior; surpassing; V.
transcend: go beyond; exceed; surpass; N. transcendancy
transcontinental adj. crossing a continent
transcribe copy; write a copy of; N. transcription
transcript n. written or recorded copy of what has been said or
written
transfer v. ~ sth/sb (from...) (to...) move sth/sb from one
place to another
transferee The person to whom a transfer is made.
transference n. transferring or being transferred
transfigure v. change the appearance of (sb/sth), esp so as to
make him/it nobler or more beautiful
transfuse To pour or cause to pass, as a fluid, from one vessel
to another.
transfusion n. act or process of putting one person's blood into
another person's body
transgress v. go beyond (the limit of what is morally or
legally acceptable)
transience transiency ns
transient staying for a short time; momentary; temporary; N:
one that is transient
transition going from one state of action to another
transitory transient; impermanent; fleeting; N. transitoriness
translate v. ~ (from sth) (into sth) express (sth spoken or
esp written) in another language or in simpler words
translucence translucency ns
translucent partly transparent
transmissible That may e sent through or across.
transmission n. action or process of transmitting or being
transmitted
transmit To send trough or across.
transmute transform; change; convert to something different
transparent permitting light to pass through freely; easily
detected; obvious; clear; Ex. transparent lie
transpire (of a fact) become known; be revealed; happen; give
off (watery waste matter) through pores
transplant v. ~ sth (to...); ~ sth (in/into sth) remove (a
growing plant) with its roots and replant it elsewhere
transposition n. transposing or being transposed
transverse adj. lying or acting in a crosswise direction
travail strenuous work; toil; painful labor; labor of
childbirth
travesty copy or example of something that completely
misrepresents the true nature of the real thing; comical parody or
imitation; treatment aimed at making something appear ridiculous; Ex.
travesty of justice; OP. paragon
treacherous adj. behaving withor showing treachery
treachery n. betrayinga person or cause, esp secretly
treasonable adj. a treasonable offence, ie one that can be
punished as treason
treatise article treating a subject systematically and
thoroughly
treble adj. n three times as much or as many
trebly Triply.
tremendous adj. very great; immense
tremor trembling; slight quiver (as of the earth or from
nervous agitation)
tremulous trembling; wavering
trenchant cutting; incisive; keen
trepidation fear; nervous apprehension
trestle n. structure of wood, metal, etc withlegs, used in
pairs to support planks, a table-top, a bench,etc ,
triad n. group or set of three related people or things
tribune official of ancient Rome elected by the plebians to
protect their rights; protector of the people
trickery n. deception; cheating ;
tricolor Of three colors.
tricycle n. vehicle like a bicycle but with one wheel at the
front and two at the back
trident three-pronged spear
triennial adj. lasting for or happening every three years
Trinity n. group of three things or people; trio ;
trio n. group of three people or things
triple adj. having three parts or involving three people,
groups, etc
triplicate n. in triplicate consisting of three identical
copies, of which one is the original
triplicity The state of being triple or threefold.
tripod n. support with three legs for a camera, telescope,
etc
trisect v. divide into three equal parts
trite hackneyed; commonplace
triumvir One of three men united coordinately in public office
or authority.
trivial adj. that has little importance
troublesome adj. giving trouble; causing annoyance, pain, etc
truculence aggressiveness; ferocity; ADJ. truculent: aggressive;
pugnacious; fierce
truculent adj. defiantand aggressive
truism self-evident truth
truthful adj. honest in what he says; never lying
turgid swollen; distended (as from liquid)
turpitude depravity; baseness; Ex. moral turpitude
tutelage guardianship; training; function of a tutor;
instruction
tutelar Protective.
tutorship The office of a guardian.
twinge n. short sudden spasm of pain
typical adj. ~ having the distinctive qualities of a
particular type of person or thing; representative
typify v. (usu not in the continuous tenses ) be
arepresentative example of (sb/sth)
typographical Pertaining to typography or printing.
typography n. art or practice of printing
tyrannical adj. of or like a tyrant; obtaining obedience by
force or threats
tyranny oppression; cruel government; ADJ. tyrannical: of a
tyrant or tyranny; despotic; V. tyrannize: treat tyrannically; oppress
tyro beginner; novice
ubiquitous being everywhere; omnipresent; N. ubiquity
ulterior intentionally hidden; beyond what is evident;
situated beyond; unstated and often questionable; Ex. ulterior motive
ultimate final; not susceptible to further analysis;
fundamental; Ex. The sun is the ultimate source of energy.
ultimatum last demand; last warning; last statement of
conditions that must be met; Ex. They have ignored our ultimatum.
ultramontane Beyond the mountains, especially beyond the Alps
(that is, on their Italian side).
umbrage resentment; anger; sense of injury or insult; Ex.
take umbrage at his rudeness
unaccountable unexplicable; impossible to account for; unreasonable
or mysterious
unaffected adj. ~ not changed or affected (by sth)
unanimity complete agreement; ADJ. unanimous
unanimous adj. ~ (in sth) all agreeing on a decision or an
opinion
unavoidable adj. that cannotbe avoided
unbearable adj. that cannot be tolerated or endured
unbecoming adj. not suited to the wearer
unbelief n. lack of belief or state of not believing, esp in
God, religion, etc
unbiased Impartial, as judgment.
uncommon adj. not common; unusual
unconscionable unscrupulous; not guided by conscience; excessive;
beyond reason; Ex. unconscionable demand
unconscious adj. not conscious; insensible
unction the act of anointing with oil; Ex. extreme unction
unctuous oily; bland; insincerely suave
undeceive v. free (sb) from an illusion or a deception
undercharge v. ~ (for sth) charge (sb) too low a price (for sth)
underexpose v. expose for too short a time or in too poor a light
undergarment n. article of underclothing
underhanded Clandestinely carried on.
underlie v. lie or exist beneath (sth)
underling n. person in a subordinate and inferior position
undermine weaken gradually; sap; dig a mine beneath
underrate v. have toolow an opinion of
undersell v. sell (goods) at a lower price than (one's
competitors)
undersized adj. of less than the usual size
understate state with less truth than seems warranted by the
facts; Ex. He understated the seriousness of the crime; N.
understatement; OP. overstate
undervalue v. ~ sb/sth put too low a value on sb/sth
underworld n. the underworld place under the earth inhabited by
the departed spirits of the dead
underwrite v. sign and accept liability under (an insurance
policy, esp for ships), thus guaranteeing payment in the event of loss
or damage ,
undue adj. more than is right or proper; excessive
undulate v. have a wave-like movement or appearance
unfavorable Adverse.
ungainly (of someone) awkward in movement; clumsy; (of
something) unwieldy; Ex. ungainly dancer/instrument
unguent ointment
unicellular adj. (of an organism) consisting of a single cell
unify v. form (sth) into a single unit or make uniform
unique without an equal; single in kind
unison unity of pitch (in musical performance); complete
accord; Ex. The choir sang in unison.
unitarian n, adj of the Christian religious sect which rejects
the doctrine of the Trinity and believes that God is one person
unlawful adj. against the law; illegal
unlimited adj. not limited; very great in number or quantity
unnatural adj. not natural or normal; differing from what is
the usual or expected
unnecessary adj. not necessary or desirable; superfluous
unsettle v. disturb the normal calm state of (sth/sb); upset
unsophisticated adj. simple and natural
unspeakable adj. that cannot be expressed in words; indescribable
untimely adj. happening at an unsuitable time
untoward unexpected and adverse; unfortunate or unlucky; Ex.
untoward encounter
unutterable adj. too great, intense, etc to be expressed in words
unwieldy awkward (to carry or move); cumbersome; unmanageable
unwise adj. not wise; foolish
unyoke To separate.
upbraid reprimand; severely scold
upcast A throwing upward.
upheaval n. sudden violent upwardmovement
upheave To raise or lift with effort.
uppermost adj. highest in place or position or importance
uproarious marked by commotion or uproar; very noisy (esp. with
laughter); hilarious; causing loud laughter; extremely funny
uproot v. pull out of the ground together with its roots
upturn n. ~ upward trend in business, fortune, etc;
improvement
urban adj. of, situated in or living in a city or town
urbanity Refined or elegant courtesy.
urchin mischievous child (usually a boy); CF. urchin:
hedgehog; CF. porcupine: pig with spikes ?; CF. sea urchin
urgency The pressure of necessity.
usage act or manner of using; accepted practice; way in
which words are actually used
usurious Taking unlawful or exorbitant interest on money
loaned.
usurp seize another's power or rank (without legal
authority); supplant; appropriate; N. usurpation; CF. take for one's
own use
usury lending money at illegal high rates of interest
utilitarianism The ethical doctrine that actions are right because
they are useful or of beneficial tendency.
utility n. quality of being useful
utmost adj. greatest; furthest; most extreme
vacate v. cease to occupy (a place or position)
vaccinate v. ~ sb/sth protect sb/sth (against a disease) by
injecting vaccine
vacillate waver (in opinion); fluctuate; sway to and fro; N.
vacillation
vacuous empty; lacking in ideas; inane; stupid; Ex. vacuous
expression; N. vacuity
vacuum n. space that is completely empty of all matter orgas
(es)
vagabond wanderer (without a permanent home); tramp
vagrant homeless wanderer
vainglory n. extreme vanity or pride in oneself; boastfulness ;
vale n. valley
valediction saying farewell; expression of leave-taking
valedictorian n. student giving a valedictory
valedictory pertaining to farewell; N: farewell address (esp. at
graduation exercises)
valid logically convincing; sound; legally acceptable;
effective; Ex. valid reasoning/passport
valorous Courageous.
vapid lacking liveliness; dull and unimaginative; insipid
and flavorless; Ex. vapid lecture
vaporizer An atomizer.
variable adj. varying; changeable
variance n. at variance (with sb/sth) (fml ) disagreeing or
having a difference of opinion (with sb); in conflict (with sth)
variant n. thing that differs from other things or from a
standard
variation n. ~ (degree of) varying or being variant
variegate change the appearance of (by marking with different
colors)
vassal in feudalism, one who held land of a superior lord;
subordinate or dependent
vaudeville n. = variety 4
vegetal Of or pertaining to plants.
vegetarian n. person who,for humane, religious or health
reasons, eats no meat
vegetate live in a monotonous way (without interests or
activity); CF. vegetation: plants of an area; CF. vegetarian; CF.
vegan
vegetation n. plants in general; those found in a particular
environment
vegetative Pertaining to the process of plant-life.
vehement forceful; intensely emotional; with marked vigor;
strong; N. vehemence
velocity speed
velvety adj. soft like velvet
venal capable of being bribed; corrupt; CF. vernal
vendible Marketable.
vendor seller
veneer thin surface layer (of good quality wood, glued to a
base of inferior material); cover; surface show; fa\c{c}ade; V.
venerable deserving high respect; commanding respect; CF.
command: deserve and get
venerate revere; treat with great respect
venereal Pertaining to or proceeding from sexual intercourse.
venial (of a fault or sin) forgivable; trivial
venison meat of a deer; CF. cow: beef; CF. pig: pork, ham,
bacon; CF. calf: veal; CF. sheep: mutton; CF. lamb: lamb
venom poison (of an animal); hatred; Ex. remarks full of
venom; ADJ. venomous
venous adj. of or contained in the veins
veracious (of a person) truthful
veracity truthfulness; adherence to the truth
verbatim word for word; in the same words; repeating the
actual words exactly
verbiage pompous array of words; too many unnecessary words;
wordiness
verbose wordy; N. verbosity
verdant green; covered with green plants or grass; lush in
vegetation; Ex. verdant meadows
verification n. verifying or being verified
verify v. make sure that (sth) is true or accurate; check
verily In truth.
verity quality of being true; lasting truth or principle;
Ex. the verity of his testimony; Ex. one of the eternal verities
vermin n. certain wild animals and birds which are harmful
to crops and farmyard animals and birds
vernacular living language (as compared to the official
language); language spoken in a country or region; natural style; Ex.
lapse into the vernacular
vernal pertaining to spring
versatile having many talents; capable of working in many
fields; having many uses or functions; N. versatility
version n. account of an event, etc from the point of view
of one person
vertex summit; highest point; PL. vertices
vertical adj. at a right angle to another line or plane, or
to the earth's surface
vertigo severe dizziness; giddiness
vestige trace; remains; Ex. vestiges of some ancient religion
vestment n. ceremonial garment, esp one worn by a priest in
church ; ,
veto vested power to reject a bill; exercise of this
right; V: prevent or forbid by exercising the power of veto
vicarious experienced as if one were taking part in the
experience of another; done by a deputy for other people; acting as a
substitute; Ex. vicarious thrill at the movies; Ex. the vicarious
sufferings of Christ
viceroy n. person governing a colony, province, etc as the
deputy of a sovereign
vicissitude change (esp. from good to bad); change of fortune;
CF. the last emperor of China
vie contend; compete
vigilance watchfulness
vigilant watchful; on the alert; watchfully awake; alert to
spot danger; N. vigilance
vignette small drawing placed at the beginning or end of a
chapter; picture; short literary sketch; short written description of
a character or scene
vincible Conquerable.
vindicate clear from blame; free from blame or accusation (with
supporting proof); exonerate; substantiate; justify or support;
avenge; Ex. vindicate one's client; Ex. vindicate one's claim; CF.
vindicator
vindicative Revengeful.
vindicatory Punitive.
vinery A greenhouse for grapes.
viol A stringed instrument of the violin class.
viola n. stringed musical instrument played with a bow, of
larger size than a violin .
violation n. violatingor being violated
violoncello A stringed instrument held between the player's
knees.
virago n. (fml ) violent and bad-tempered woman who scolds
and shouts
virile manly; having masculine spirit or strength; full of
strength
virtu Rare, curious, or beautiful quality.
virtual in essence; existing in essence though not in actual
form; for practical purposes; Ex. virtual ruler/space
virtuoso highly skilled artist (esp. in music); Ex. piano
virtuoso
virulence Extreme poisonousness.
virulent (of a disease or poison) extremely harmful or
poisonous; (of a feeling) hostile; bitter; N. virulence; CF. virus;
CF. venom
visage face; appearance
viscount n. noblemanranking higher than a baron but lower
than an earl
vista n. view as seen between long rows of trees,
buildings, etc
visual adj. concerned with or used in seeing
visualize To give pictorial vividness to a mental
representation.
vitality n. persistent energy; liveliness or vigour
vitalize To endow with life or energy.
vitiate spoil the effect of; make inoperative; corrupt
morally
vivacity Liveliness.
vivify To endue with life.
vivisection act of dissecting living animals
vocable a word, especially one regarded in relation merely to
its qualities of sound.
vocative n. special form of a noun, a pronoun or an adjective
used (in some inflected languages) when addressing or invoking a
person or thing
vociferate v. say (sth) loudly or noisily; shout ;
vociferous clamorous; noisy; V. vociferate: cry out loudly (when
complaining)
vogue popular fashion; Ex. Jeans became the vogue.
volant Flying or able to fly.
volatile changeable; of a quickly changing nature (as of
temper); mercurial; tending to violence; evaporating rapidly; Ex.
volatile character/situation in the street
volition act of using one's will; act of making a conscious
choice; Ex. She selected this dress of her own volition.
volitive Exercising the will.
voluble fluent; talkative; glib; N. volubility
voluptuous sensual; of or giving sensual pleasure; indulging in
sensual pleasures; Ex. voluptuous lines; Ex. voluptuous life of the
Romans; N. voluptuary: voluptuous person
voracious ravenous; eating large quantities of food;
exceedingly eager; insatiable; Ex. voracious animal/reader
vortex whirlwind; whirlpool; center of turbulence;
predicament into which one is inexorably plunged
votary n. ~ (fml ) person who dedicates himself to sth, esp
religious workand service
votive adj. presented to fulfil a promise made to God
vulgarity n. rude or obscene act or expression
vulnerable susceptible to wounds or attack; N. vulnerability
waif homeless child or animal; Ex. waifs and strays
waistcoat n. close-fitting sleeveless garment, buttoned down
the front, usu worn under a jacket or coat and often forming part of a
man's suit
waive give up temporarily; yield; N. waiver: waiving a
right or claim; document that waives a right or claim
wampum n. ornaments made of shells threaded on a string like
beads, used formerly by N American Indians as money ,
wane decrease in size or strength (after being full); grow
gradually to an end; Ex. The moon waxes and wanes every month; N.
warlike adj. fond of or skilled in fighting; aggressive
wavelet A ripple.
weak-kneed adj. (of a person) lacking determination or courage
weal n. raised mark on the skin made by hitting it with a
stick, whip, etc
wean accustom a baby not to nurse; accustom (the young of
a mammal) to take nourishment other than by suckling; give up a
cherished activity; cause to gradually leave (an interest or habit);
Ex. wean oneself from cigarettes
wearisome adj. causing one to feel tired or bored
wee adj. little
well-bred of good upbringing; well-mannered and refined
well-to-do adj. prosperous; wealthy ;
whereabouts interrog adv in or near what place; where
whereupon conj after which; and then
wherever conj in any place, regardless of where
wherewith The necessary means or resources.
whet sharpen; stimulate; Ex. whet someone's appetite
whimsical capricious; fanciful; amusingly strange
whine complain (in a sad voice); make a high sad sound (as
in pain or supplication)
wholly adv. completely; entirely
wield v. hold in one's handand use (a weapon, tool, etc)
wile An act or a means of cunning deception.
winsome charming (in a childlike way); agreeable; gracious;
engaging
wintry adj. of or like winter; cold, snowy, etc
wiry adj. (of a person) lean but strong
witchcraft n. use of magic powers, esp evil ones; sorcery ;
witless lacking intelligence or wit; foolish; idiotic
witling A person who has little understanding.
witticism witty saying; wisecrack(clever joking remark)
witting deliberate; intentional
wizen to become dry, shrunken, and wrinkled often as a
result of aging or of failing vitality
workmanlike Like or befitting a skilled workman.
workmanship The art or skill of a workman.
wrangle quarrel noisily; obtain through arguing; herd cattle;
N.
wreak inflict; Ex. wreak one's vengeance on
wrest obtain by pulling violently; pull away; take by
violence; Ex. wrest victory from their grasp
writhe twist in coils; contort in pain
wry (esp. of an expression of the face) twisted; with a
humorous twist (expressing displeasure)
yearling n. animal, esp a horse, between one and two years old
zealot one who is zealous; fanatic; person who shows
excessive zeal
zeitgeist n. spirit of a particular period of history as shown
by the ideas, beliefs, etc of the time
zenith point directly overhead in the sky; summit; acme;
highest point
zephyr gentle breeze; west wind
zodiac n. the zodiac imaginary band of the sky containing
the positions of the sun, the moon and the main planets, divided into
12 equal parts (the signs of the zodiac), named after 12 groups of
stars , 12 , 12 signs of the zodiac, 12 .
abject (of a condition) wretched; as low as possible;
lacking pride; very humble; showing lack of self-respect; Ex. abject
apology
band n. thin flat strip, hoop or loop used for fastening
things together or for placing round an object to strengthen it
bandanna n. large handkerchief with coloured spots, usu worn
round the neck
bankruptcy n. state of being bankrupt
barge n. large flat-bottomed boat for carrying goods and
people on rivers, canals, etc
barrel n. large round container with flat ends and bulging
in the middle, made of wood, metal or plastic
barrelful
barren adj. not good enough to produce crops
barrier n. thing that prevents or controls progress or
movement
base contemptible; morally bad; inferior in value or
quality; Ex. base motives/conduct; Ex. base metal such as iron
basin n. = wash-basin (wash)
bass n. any of several freshwater or sea fish of the perch
family used as food
beacon n. fire lit on a hilltop as a signal
beam n. long piece of wood, metal, concrete, etc, usu
horizontal and supported at both ends, that carries the weight of part
of a building or some other structure
bear n. large heavy animal with thick fur
beast n. animal, esp a large four-footed one
beaver n. fur-coated animal with strong teeth that lives
both on land and in water and gnaws down trees to build dams
bed n. thing to sleep or rest on, esp a piece of
furniture with a mattress and coverings
bedrock n. solid rock beneath loose soil, sand, etc
belle n. beautiful woman or the most beautiful woman in a
group, etc
beloved adj. ~ (by/of sb) much loved
beluga a large white sturgeon, Acipenser (or Huso) huso, of
the Black and Caspian Seas: a source of caviar and isinglass
bend v. force (sth that was straight) into an angle; make
crooked or curved
beneficial helpful; useful; advantageous
benefit advantage; anything that brings helpl, advantage, or
profit; money provided by the government to the people; fund-raising
public entertainment; Ex. unemployment benefit; V: receive benefits;
be beneficial to; give benefits
besiege surround with armed forces; harass (with requests);
annoy continually
bestow confer
beyond prep at or to a more distant point than
bifocal adj. designed for looking at both distant and close
objects
billion pron, det 1000000000000; one million million(s) ; .
biographer n. person who writes a biography
biographical [ biography: ] an account of a person's life by
another
biography n. story of a person's life written by sb else
biologic [ biological: ] of or relating to biology
birthright n. privilege or property which a person may claim
because of birth or status
bison n. American buffalo
bituminous adj. containing bitumen
blackout the extinguishing or hiding of all artificial light,
esp. in a city visible to an enemy attack from the air
blame v. ~ sb ~ sth on sb consider or say that sb is
responsible for sth done (badly or wrongly) or not done
blanket n. thick woollen covering used, esp on beds, for
keeping people warm
blast n. explosion; destructive wave of air from an
explosion
blaze n. bright flame or fire
bleak cold or cheerless; frigid; unlikely to be favorable;
depressing
blink v. shut and open the eyes quickly
block n. large solid piece of wood, stone, metal, etc, usu
with flat surfaces
blower n. device that produces a current of air
board n. long thin flat piece of cut wood used for
building walls, floors, boats, etc
boast v. ~ talk (about one's own achievements, abilities,
etc) with too much pride and satisfaction
bombard v. ~ sb/sth attack (a place) with bombs or shells
(esp from big guns)
bonanza n. source of sudden great wealth or luck; increase
in profits
bond n. written agreement or promise that has legal
force; covenant
bony adj. of or like bone
booklet n. thin book, usu in paper covers
boom v. make a deep hollow resonant sound
border n. (land near the) line dividing two countries or
areas; frontier
bore v. make with a revolving tool or by digging
botanical adj. of or relating to botany
botanist n. expert in botany
botany n. scientific study of plants and their structure
boundary n. line that marks a limit; dividing line
branch n. arm-like division of a tree, growing from the
trunk or from a bough
brawl noisy quarrel
breakdown n. mechanical failure
breakthrough n. act of breaking through an enemy's defences
breathtaking adj. very exciting; spectacular
breed produce young; rear; bring up; produce (an
undesirable condition); N: kind or sort of animal or plant
breeze n. light wind
brilliance brilliancy ns
brittle hard but easily broken; difficult; unstable; Ex.
brittle situation
bromine n. chemical element, a non-metallic liquid, compounds
of which are used in medicine and photography .
bubble n. floating ball formed of liquid and containing air
or gas
buckskin n. soft leather made from the skin of deer or goats,
used for making gloves, bags, etc
bud n. small knob from which a flower, branch or cluster
of leaves develops
bugle n. brass musical instrument like a small trumpet but
without keys or valves, used for giving military signals .
built-in adj. constructed to form part of a structure
bulge protruding part; swelling of a surface; Ex. The apple
made a bulge in his pocket; V: swell outward; protrude
bulk size or volume (esp. when very large); main part; Ex.
The bulk of the work has already been done; ADJ. bulky: having great
size
bulldoze v. remove or flatten with a bulldozer
bulldozer n. powerful tractor with a broad steel blade in
front, used for moving earth or clearing ground .
bunch n. number of things growing, fastened or grouped
together
burdensome adj. hard to bear; troublesome
burgeon grow rapidly; grow forth; send out buds; Ex.
burgeoning computer industry; CF. bludgeon
burial n. burying, esp of a dead body; funeral
burrow n. hole made in the ground and used as a home or
shelter by rabbits, foxes, etc
burst v. (cause sth to) break violently open or apart, esp
because of pressure from inside; explode
bush n. low thickly-growing plant with several woody
stems coming up from the root; shrub
cabinet n. piece of furniture with drawers or shelves for
storing or displaying things
calculate v. work out by using numbers or one's judgement;
estimate
Calvinism n. religious teaching of the French Protestant John
Calvin and of his followers , 1509-1564,
camouflage n. way of hiding or disguising soldiers, military
equipment, etc, eg with paint, netting or leaves, so that they look
like part of their surroundings
campaign n. series of military operations with a particular
aim, usu in one area
canal n. channel cut through land for boats or ships to
travel along, or to carry water for irrigation
canary n. small yellow songbird, usu kept in a cage as a pet
candidate n. person who applies for a job or is nominated for
election
cane n. hollow jointed stem of certain plants, eg bamboo
or sugar-cane
canoe n. light narrow boat moved by one or more paddles
capability n. ~ ~ (for sth) quality of being able to do sth;
ability
capacity mental or physical ability; role; position or duty;
ability to accommodate; Ex. in my capacity as president
capital n. town or city that is the centre of government of
a country, state or province
captain n. person in charge of a ship or civil aircraft
carbohydrate n. any of various types of organic compound, such as
sugar and starch, containing carbon, hydrogen and oxygen
cardinal chief; most important; N: priest; cardinal number:
number that shows quantity rather thatn order
career rush wildly; go at full speed
caribou n. N American reindeer
carnivorous meat-eating; N. carnivore; CF. herbivore
cartoon n. amusing drawing in a newspaper or magazine, esp
one that comments satirically on current events
carve v. ~ (in sth); ~ sth (out of/from/of/in sth) form
(sth) by cutting away material from wood or stone
casual happening by chance; irregular; occasional; informal;
showing or feeling little interest; Ex. casual reader/labor/remark
catalog [ catalogue: ] a complete, usually alphabetical list
of items, often with notes giving details
catalyze vt. to modify, especially to increase, the rate of (a
chemical reaction) by catalysis
category n. class or group of things in a complete system of
grouping
caterpillar n. larva of a butterfly or moth
cathedral n. main church of a district under the care of a
bishop
cattle n. animals with horns and cloven hoofs such as cows,
bulls and bullocks, bred for their milk or meat; oxen
cautious adj. ~ showing or having caution(1); careful
cave-in n. sudden collapse of a roof, etc
cavity n. empty space within sth solid, eg a hole in a
tooth ,
cease v. come or bring (sth) to an end; stop
celebrate v. mark (a happy or important day, event, etc) with
festivities and rejoicing
celebrity n. famous person
cell n. very small room, eg for a monk in a monastery or
for one or more prisoners in a prison
cellar n. underground room for storing things
cellular adj. of or consisting of cells (cell 4)
census n. official counting of a country's population or of
other classes of things, eg traffic, for statistical purposes
centimeter A length of one hundredth of a meter.
centralize to draw or move (something) to or towards a centre
ceremonial adj. of, used for or involving a ceremony; formal
ceremony n. formal act or series of formal acts performed on
a religious or public occasion
chafe warm by rubbing; make sore by rubbing; N.
chain n. (length of) connected metal links or rings, used
for hauling or supporting weights or for fastening or restraining
things
challenge n. ~ (to do sth) invitation or call (to sb) to take
part in a game, contest, fight etc to prove who is better, stronger,
more able, etc
champion support militantly; fight for; N: person who fights
for or supports strongly (a principle, movement, person, etc.)
channel n. sunken bed of a river, stream or canal
chaos n. complete disorder or confusion
character n. mental or moral qualities that make a person,
group, nation, etc different from others
characteristic adj. ~ forming part of the character(1a) of a person
or thing; typical
characterize To describe by distinctive marks or peculiarities.
charge n. claim that a person has done wrong, esp a formal
claim that he has committed a crime; accusation
charitable adj. ~ generous in giving money, food, etc to poor
people ,
charm quality of pleasing; amulet; action or formula
thought to have magical power; spell; V: attract; cast a spell on;
bewitch
charter n. written statement by a ruler or a government
granting certain rights and privileges to a town, company, university,
etc
chase ornament a metal surface by indenting; follow rapidly
to catch
chaste morally pure; virginal; abstaining from illicit
sexual acts; modest; simple (of a style of writing); not highly
decorated; austere
check stop motion; curb or restrain
cheerless adj. gloomy; dreary
cherish v. protect or tend lovingly; care for ;
Chicano (plural: -nos)
chief n. leader or ruler, esp of a tribe or clan
chilly adj. rather cold; unpleasantly cold
chimpanzee n. type of small African ape .
chip lose a small piece from the surface or edge; N: small
piece broken off something; CF. French fry; Potato chip/crisp
chirp n. short sharp sound made by a small bird or a
cricket
chlorine n. chemical element, a poisonous greenish-yellow gas
with a pungent smell, used to sterilize water and in industry .
chlorophyll n. green substance in plants that absorbs energy from
sunlight to help them grow
chondrite adjectiv
choppy adj. (of the sea) moving in short broken waves;
slightly rough
chord n. combination of notes usu sounded together in
harmony
choreographer n.
choreography art of representing dances in written symbols;
arrangement of dances
chromosphere adjectiv
chronological adj. arranged in the order in which they occurred
chunk n. thick solid piece cut or broken off sth
churn n. machine in which milk or cream is beaten to make
butter
cipher nonentity; worthless person or thing; zero; secret
code; V.
circle n. curved line every point on which is the same
distance from the centre
circulate v. (cause sth to) go round continuously
citadel fortress
cite quote; commend; Ex. cited for bravery in an official
record
civic adj. of a town or city; municipal
civilian n. person not serving in the armed forces or the
police force
civilization a human society that has highly developed material
and spiritual resources and a complex cultural, political, and legal
organization; an advanced state in social development
claim v. demand or request (sth) because it is or one
believes it is one's right or one's property
clarify v. (cause sth to) become clear or easier to
understand
clarity n. clearness; lucidity
clash v. ~ (together) (cause things to) strike together
with a loud, harsh noise
class n. group of people at the same social or economic
level
classic adj. having a high quality that is recognized and
unquestioned; of lasting value and importance
classify v. (a)arrange (sth) systematically in classes or
groups
clavichord n. early type of keyboard instrument with a very soft
tone
claw n. any of the pointed nails (nail1) on the feet of
some mammals, birds and reptiles
clay n. stiff sticky earth that becomes hard when baked,
used for making bricks and pottery
clear-cut adj. not vague; definite
clergy n. people who have been ordained as priests or
ministers of esp the Christian Church
clergyman n. priest or minister of the Christian Church, esp
the Church of England
click n. short sharp sound
client n. person who receives help or advice from a
professional person
cliff n. steep, usu high, face of rock, esp at the edge of
the sea .
clip cut off with shears; fasten; N: something clipped off
(as a short extract from film); clasp or fastener
clue n. ~ fact or piece of evidence that helps to solve a
problem or reveal the truth in an investigation
clumsy adj. awkward and ungraceful in movement or shape
cluster n. number of things of the same kind growing closely
together
coach n. bus for carrying passengers over long distances
coalition partnership; league; union of separate political
parties
coaming n. raised rim round a ship's hatches to keep water
out
coarse adj. consisting of large particles; not fine
coat n. long outer garment with sleeves, usu fastened at
the front with buttons
coax persuade by flattery
code n. (system of) words, letters, symbols, etc that
represent others, used for secret messages or for presenting or
recording information briefly
codify arrange (laws or rules) as a code; classify; N. code:
system of words used instead of ordinary writing; collection of laws,
rules, established social customs
coelenterate any invertebrate of the phylum Cnidaria (formerly
Coelenterata), having a saclike body with a single opening (mouth),
which occurs in polyp and medusa forms. Coelenterates include the
hydra, jellyfishes, sea anemones, and corals
cognitive having to do with knowing or perceiving related to
the mental processes; N. cognition: the mental process of knowing
coherence n. being coherent
cohesive adj. tending to stick together
coincidence the chance occurrence, at the same time, of two or
more seemingly connected events; V. coincide: happen at the same time;
be in agreement; CF. coincident; CF. coincidental
collapse v. fall down or in suddenly
collection n. collecting (collect1 5) sth
collision n. ~ ~ (between A and B) (instance of) one object or
person striking against another; (instance of) colliding; crash
colonel n. army officer between the ranks of lieutenant-
colonel and brigadier, commanding a regiment
colonize to send colonists to or establish a colony in (an
area)
colossal huge
column n. tall pillar, usu round and made of stone, either
supporting part of the roof of a building or standing alone as a
monument
combat n. fight or fighting between two people, armies, etc
comedy n. light or amusing play or film, usu with a happy
ending
comet n. object that moves round the sun and looks like a
bright star with a long, less bright tail
comical adj. amusing
commemorate honor the memory of; serve as a memorial to; Ex.
commemorate the 100th anniversary/those who died in the war
commercial adj. of or for commerce
commissioner n. member of a commission, esp one with particular
duties
commitment n. ~ committing or being committed (commit
commodity n. thing bought in a shop and put to use, esp in the
home
commonwealth nation governed by the people; republic; people of a
nation
communal held in common; public; of a group of people; of a
commune
community n. the community the people living in one place,
district or country, considered as a whole
commute v. travel regularly by bus, train or car between
one's place of work and one's home (usu at a distance)
compact agreement; contract; ADJ: tightly packed; firm;
brief; concise; Ex. compact statement
compaction [ compact: ] closely packed together; dense
company n. being together with another or others
compass n. (also magnetic compass) device for finding
direction, with a needle that points to magnetic north
compete v. ~ (in sth) (for sth) try to win sth by defeating
others who are trying to do the same
competence n. ~ ~ (in doing sth/to do sth) being competent;
ability
competition n. event in which people compete; contest
competitive adj. of or involving competition
compilation listing of information in tabular or book form;
compiling
compile assemble; gather; accumulate; make (a report or a
book) from facts and information found in various places; Ex. compile
a dictionary
complement complete; consummate; make perfect; N.
complementary serving to complete something
complex adj. made up of (usu several) closely connected parts
complexity n. state of being complex
compose v. write (music, opera, etc)
composer n. person who composes
composition n. thing composed, eg a piece of music, a poem or a
book
comprehensible adj. ~ that can be understood fully
comprehensive broad; including a lot or everything; thorough;
inclusive
compress force into less space; squeeze; contract; put into
fewer words; N: thick mass of cloth pressed to part of the body to
stop bleeding or swelling, reduce fever, etc.
comprise include; consist of
compromise adjust or settle by making mutual concessions;
endanger the interests or reputation of; put into danger, disrepute,
or a dishonorable position; Ex. compromise one's principle; N.
concave hollow; curved inwards; OP. convex
conceal v. ~ sth/sb (from sb/sth) keep sth/sb from being
seen or known about; hide sth/sb
concede admit; acknowledge as being true (often reluctantly);
yield; grant; Ex. concede a goal
conceive v. become pregnant
concentration n. ~ (power of) concentrating (on sth)
concept n. ~ idea underlying sth; general notion
concern v. be the business of (sb); be important to;
affect ;
concert n. musical entertainment given in public by one or
more performers
concrete adj. existing in material form; that can be touched,
felt, etc
condemn v. ~ sb/sth say that one disapproves of sb/sth
condense v. ~ (into/to sth) (cause sth to) become thicker or
more concentrated
conduct n. person's behaviour
conductor n. person who directs the performance of an
orchestra, a choir, etc
confederacy n. alliance or league, esp of states
confer v. ~ (with sb) (on/about sth) have discussions (esp
in order to exchange opinions or get advice)
confide tell in confidence (to a person one trusts); be
confident about
confidence self-assurance; calm unworried feeling based on a
strong belief in one's abilities; strong belief in the ability of a
person or plan; trust or faith in a person or thing; something
confided; secret; Ex. confidence in your ability; Ex. I'm telling yo
confident adj. ~ feeling or showing trust in oneself or one's
ability
configuration n. arrangement of the parts of sth; shape or outline
confine shut in an enclosed space; restrict; keep within
limits; N. confinement
confirm v. provide evidence for the truth or correctness of
(a report, an opinion, etc); establish the truth of
conflict n. struggle; fight
confluence flowing together; the place where two rivers flow
together; crowd; gathering together
conform v. ~ keep to or comply with (generally accepted
rules, standards, etc)
conformity harmony; agreement with established rules or customs;
similarity; Ex. behave in conformity with; V. conform: be similar; act
in agreement; comply; Ex. conform to the rule; CF. conformance
confront v. ~ sb with sb/sth make sb face or consider sb/sth
unpleasant, difficult, etc
congenial pleasant; friendly; in agreement with one's tastes
and nature; Ex. congenial weather
conifer pine tree (usu. evergreen); cone-bearing tree; ADJ.
coniferous; CF. deciduous; CF. evergreen
connect v. ~ (up) (to/with sth) come or bring together or
into contact; join
connection the act or state of connecting; union
connoisseur person competent to act as a judge of art, etc.
(whose judgments are respected); a lover of an art
conscription n. conscripting of people into the armed forces
consent v. ~ give agreement or permission
consequence n. thing that is a result or an effect of sth else
consequent adj. ~ (fml ) following sth as a result or an effect
consequently adv. as a result; therefore
conservation n. prevention of loss, waste, damage, destruction,
etc
conservative adj. opposed to great or sudden change
considerate adj. ~ ~ (of sb) (to do sth) careful not to hurt or
inconvenience others; thoughtful
consortium n. temporary association of a number of countries,
companies, banks, etc for a common purpose
constitution constituting; system of laws; composition of
something; physical makeup or structure of a person; Ex. men with
strong constitutions
constitutional adj. of a constitution
constrain v. make (sb) do sth by strong (moral) persuasion or
by force
constrict v. make tight, smaller or narrower
construction n. action or manner of constructing; being
constructed
consume v. use (sth) up
consumer n. person who buys goods or uses services
consumption n. using up of food, energy, resources, etc
contemporary adj. ~ of the time or period being referred to;
belonging to the same time
contend struggle; compete; assert earnestly; state strongly
contender n. person who tries to win sth in competition with
others
content adj. ~ (with sth); ~ to do sth satisfied with what
one has; not wanting more; happy
contest dispute; argue about the rightness of; compete for;
try to win; Ex. contest the election results; Ex. contest a seat in
Parliament; N.
continental adj. belonging to or typical of a continent
continuum n. graded sequence of things of a similar kind, so
that the ones next to each other are almost identical, but the ones at
either end are quite distinct; cline
contract n. ~ (for sth/to do sth) legally binding agreement,
usu in writing
contradict v. say sth that conflicts with by (sb), suggesting
that the person is mistaken or not telling the truth
contribution n. ~ action of contributing
controversial adj. causing or likely to cause controversy
controversy n. ~ public discussion or argument, often rather
angry, about sth which many people disagree with
convention social or moral custom; established practice; formal
meeting; international agreement
conventional ordinary; typical; not nuclear; Ex. conventional
weapons
converge approach; tend to meet; come together
converse opposite; ADJ.
convex curving outward
convey v. ~ sb/sth (from...) (to...) (fml ) take sb/sth;
carry sb/sth; transmit sb/sth ;
convict v. ~ sb (of a jury or judge) declare in a lawcourt
that sb is guilty (of a crime)
conviction judgment that someone is guilty of a crime; strongly
held belief
convince v. ~ sb make sb feel certain; cause sb to realize
coordination balanced and effective interaction of movement,
actions, etc.
copy n. thing made to look like another, esp a
reproduction of a letter, picture, etc
coral n. red, pink or white hard substance formed on the
sea bed from the skeletons of tiny animals known as polyps
cord n. long thin flexible material made of twisted
strands, thicker than string and thinner than rope
corona n. (astronomy) ring of light seen round the sun or
moon, eg during an eclipse
corps n. military force made up of two or more divisions
corral n. enclosure for horses, cattle, etc on a ranch or
farm
correspondingly [ correspond: ] [usually foll by with or to] to
conform, be in agreement, or be consistent or compatible (with); tally
(with)
corridor n. long narrow passage, from which doors open into
rooms or compartments
corset n. close-fitting undergarment worn to shape the body,
or support it in case of injury
cosmic pertaining to the universe; vast
cosmopolitan adj. containing people from all over the world
cosmos the cosmos n the universe, ie all space, seen as a
well-ordered system
costume n. garment or style of dress, esp of a particular
period or group or for a particular activity
council n. group of people elected to manage affairs in a
city, county, etc
counterbalance n. ~ weight or force that balances another
counterpart thing that completes another; things very much alike;
thing that has the same purpose in a different system
course n. forward movement in time
cowhand n. person who looks after cows
crack n. ~ line along which sth has broken, but not into
separate parts
craft skill (esp. with one's hands); skill in deceiving
people; guile; ADJ. crafty: cleverly deceitful; cunning
crash n. (usu sing ) (loud noise made by a) violent fall,
blow or breakage
crater n. hole in the top of a volcano .
crawl v. move slowly, with the body on or close to the
ground, or on hands and knees
creature n. living being, esp an animal
credit n. permission to delay payment for goods and
services until after they have been received; system of paying in this
way
crew n. people working on a ship, an aircraft, an oil-
rig, etc
crisscross to move or cause to move in a crosswise pattern
critic n. person who expresses a low opinion of sb/sth,
points out faults in sb/sth, etc
critical adj. ~ looking for faults; pointing out faults
crowbar n. straight iron bar, usu with a hooked end, used as
a lever to open crates, move heavy objects, etc
crucial adj. ~ very important; decisive
crude adj. in the natural state; unrefined
crumple v. ~ (into sth); ~ (sth) (up) (cause sth to) be
pressed or crushed into folds or creases
crunch v. ~ sth crush sth noisily with the teeth when
eating
crush v. press or squeeze hard so that there is breakage
or injury
crust hard outer covering (as of earth or snow)
crustacean n. any of various types of animal that have a hard
outer shell and live mostly in water; shellfish ;
crystal n. transparent colourless mineral, such as quartz
cubic adj. having the volume of a cube with sides of the
specified length
cultivate v. prepare and use (land, soil, etc) for growing
crops
curator superintendent; manager (in charge of a museum or a
library)
curio n. small object that is quite rare or unusual
curiosity n. ~ being curious(1a); inquisitiveness
current adj. of the present time; happening now
curriculum n. subjects included in a course of study or taught
at a particular school, college, etc
cut-and-try
cyan a highly saturated green-blue that is the
complementary colour of red and forms, with magenta and yellow, a set
of primary colour
cycle n. series of events that are regularly repeated in
the same order
cylindrical adj. cylinder-shaped
dam n. barrier built across a river to hold back the
water and form a reservoir, prevent flooding, etc
dampen v. make damp
dart move or throw suddenly and quickly
data n. facts or information used in deciding or
discussing sth
dean n. clergyman who is head of a cathedral chapter
debris rubble; wreckage; scattered remains of something
broken or destroyed
debt n. sum of money owed to sb that has not yet been
paid
debtor n. person who owes money to sb
debut d\'ebut; first public appearance; formal presentation
of a young woman to society
decade n. period of ten years
decay v. become bad; rot; decompose
deception n. deceiving or being deceived
decline v. say `no' to (sth); refuse (sth offered), usu
politely
decor n. furnishing and decoration of a room, stage, etc
decorative adj. that makes sth look beautiful
deed n. act; thing done
deem v. consider; regard
deficiency n. ~ state of lacking sth essential
define v. ~ sth state precisely the meaning of (eg words)
definite adj. clear; not doubtful
definition n. stating the exact meaning (of words, etc)
deforestation n.
deity n. god or goddess
delectable adj. (esp of food) delightful; pleasant
delineate portray; depict; sketch; describe; N. delineation
deliver v. ~ (to sb/sth) take (letters, parcels, goods, etc)
to the places or people they are addressed to
demobilize relieve from military service
democratic adj. based on the principles of democracy
demolition destruction; V. demolish
demonstrate v. ~ sth (to sb) show sth clearly by giving proof or
evidence
denomination religious group; unit in a system; name or
designation; CF. denominator: common trait or characteristic
dense adj. very heavy in relation to each unit of volume
density n. quality of being dense(1b
dentist n. person whose work is filling, cleaning and taking
out teeth, and fitting artificial teeth
deny v. say that (sth) is not true
departure n. ~ (from.) departing; going away
dependable adj. ithat may be depended on
depict portray
deplete reduce; exhaust
deposit v. put (money) into a bank, esp to earn interest,
etc
depot n. storehouse, esp for military supplies; warehouse ;
depression n. being depressed; low spirits
deprivation n. depriving or being deprived
derive v. ~ sth from sth obtain sth from sth; get sth from
sth
derrick n. large crane for moving or lifting heavy weights,
esp on a ship
desalinate v. remove salt from
descend v. come or go down (sth)
descendant n. person descended from another
descent n. coming or going down
desert v. go away from (a place) without intending ever to
return
designate adj. appointed to a job (but not yet having
officially started it)
designation n. ~ (as sth) appointing of sb to an office
desirable adj. ~ worth having; to be wished for
desolate make desolate; forsake; abandon and desert
desperate having lost all hope; despairing; reckless and
violent because of loss of hope or despair; undertaken as a last
resort
despite prep without being affected by
destroy v. damage so badly that it no longer exists, works,
etc; wreck
destructive adj. causing destruction or serious damage
detect v. discover or recognize that (sth) is present
determine v. fix (sth) precisely; decide
devastate v. completely destroy (sth); ruin
devise think up; invent; plan; bequeath; N: bequest
devotion n. ~ deep strong love
devour v. eat (sth) hungrily or greedily
dial n. face of a clock or watch
diameter n. straight line connecting the centre of a circle or
sphere, or of the base of a cylinder, to two points on its sides
Dictaphone n. machine that records speech, esp dictated letters,
and plays it back so that a secretary can type it out
dictate v. ~ (to sb) say or read aloud (words to be typed,
written down or recorded on tape)
diction n. style or manner of speaking or (sometimes) writing
diet n. sort of food that is usually eaten
differentiate v. ~ between A and B; ~ A (from B) see or show (two
things) to be different; show sth to be different (from sth else)
diffuse wordy; verbose; rambling; spread out (like a gas); V:
spread out in all directions; disperse; N. diffusion; CF. suffuse
digest n. short condensed account; summary
digestion n. digesting
dilemma situation that requires a choice between equally
unfavorable options; problem; choice of two unsatisfactory
alternatives
dilute make (a liquid) less concentrated; reduce in
strength; Ex. dilute the influence of the president
dime n. coin of the US and Canada worth ten cents 10.
dimension n. measurement of any sort
dimensional [ dimension: ] [often pl] a measurement of the size
of something in a particular direction, such as the length, width,
height, or diameter
dinosaur n. large extinct reptile
direct adj. straight; not curved or crooked; not turned
aside
directive n. official instruction
dirt n. matter that is not clean esp when it is where it
is not wanted (eg on the skin, on clothes, in buildings)
disadvantage n. unfavourable condition; thing that tends to
prevent sb succeeding, making progress, etc
disaster n. event that causes great harm or damage, eg a
fire, a serious defeat, the loss of a large sum of money
disastrous adj. being or causing a disaster
discard v. throw (sth) out or away
discern v. see clearly (with the senses or the mind), esp
with an effort
discharge v. unload unload (cargo) from a ship
disciple n. follower of a religious, political, artistic, etc
leader or teacher ,
discipline n. training, esp of the mind and character, aimed at
producing self-control, obedience, etc
discontent n. ~ lack of satisfaction
discount disregard; regard (a story or news) as unimportant;
deduct from a cost
disguise v. ~ sb/sth ~ sb/sth (as sb/sth) make sb/sth look or
sound different from normal; give sb/sth a false appearance
disgust n. ~ (for/with sb) strong dislike for sth/sb that one
feels is not right or good
disintegrate v. (cause sth to) break into small parts or pieces
disinterest freedom from bias or involvement
dismal adj. causing or showing sadness; gloomy; miserable
dismember cut into small parts; cut (a body) apart limb from
limb
dispense distribute; prepare and give out (medicines); N.
dispensation: dispensing; religious system; official exemption from an
obligation or a rule
dispersal n. action or process of dispersing
disperse scatter; Ex. disperse the cloud/crowd
displacement n. displacing or being displaced
display v. ~ sth put sth on show
disposal n. action of getting rid of sth
dispute n. argument; debate
disregard v. pay no attention to treat (sth) as of no
importance; ignore
dissenter n. person who dissents
dissolve v. (of a liquid) make (a solid) become liquid
distasteful adj. ~ unpleasant; disagreeable
distinct clearly different; clearly noticed
distinction honor; excellence; difference; contrast;
discrimination; Ex. graduated with distinction; Ex. a writer of real
distinction
distinctive clearly different from others of the same kind
distinguish v. ~ A and B; ~ A from B recognize the difference
between (people or things)
distribution n. giving or being given to each of several people,
etc
ditch n. narrow channel dug at the edge of a field, road,
etc, esp to hold or carry off water
dive v. ~ (from/off sth) (into sth); ~ (off/in) go head
first into water
diverge vary; go in different directions from the same point;
ADJ. divergent: differing; deviating
divergent adj. divergent paths, opinions
diverse differing in some characteristics (from each other);
various; N. diversity: | variety; dissimilitude; lack of resemblance
diversify v. give variety to (sth); vary
diversity n. state of being varied; variety
divert v. ~ sb/sth (to sth) turn sb/sth from one course to
another
division n. dividing or being divided
divorce n. ~ (instance of the) legal ending of a marriage
dizzy adj. (of a person) feeling as if everything is
spinning around; unable to balance; confused
doctrine teachings in general; particular principle
(religious, legal, etc.) taught; dogma; tenet; ADJ. doctrinal
document provide written evidence (for a claim); record with
documents; N.
documentation n. documenting or being documented
dolphin n. mammal that looks like a large fish and lives in
the sea
domain n. lands owned or ruled by a nobleman, government,
etc
domestic adj. of the home, household or family
dominance Ascendancy.
dominant exercising the most influence; high and easily seen;
stronger than the other part of a system; not recessive
dominate control; rule; enjoy a commanding position in;
overlook from a height; ³»·Á´Ùº¸´Ù
domination supremacy or preeminence over another
don put on; OP. doff
donation n. thing donated
dot n. small round mark
drag n. thing made to be dragged, eg a drag-net, or heavy
harrow
drain n. pipe or channel that carries away sewage or other
unwanted liquid
drainage n. draining or being drained
drama prose or verse composition to be performed by actors;
play; exciting and unusual situation
dramatic adj. of drama
drape v. ~ sth round/over sth hang (cloth, curtains, a
cloak, etc) loosely on sth
draw choosing of a lot or card
drawback n. ~ disadvantage; problem
dread n. great fear; terror
drift n. drifting movement
drill n. tool or machine with a detachable pointed end for
making holes
drip fall or let fall in drops; shed drops; N: action or
sound of falling in drops; liquid that falls in drops
droplet n. small drop
drugstore n. chemist's shop which also sells many kinds of
goods and often serves light meals
dubious questionable; (of something) causing doubt; (of
someone) filled with doubt; N. dubiety
duct n. tube or channel carrying liquid, gas, electric or
telephone wires, etc; tube through which air passes
due adj. ~ (to sb) owed as a debt or an obligation
duke n. (fem duchess ) (title of a) nobleman of the
highest rank
dump v. put in a place and leave as rubbish
dupe someone easily fooled or deceived; V: deceive
durable adj. lasting for a long time
dwarf n. person, animal or plant that is much smaller than
the normal size
dwell v. ~ in, at, etc . (arch or rhet ) live as an
inhabitant of or reside at (a place)
dye v. colour (sth), esp by dipping in a liquid
dynamic energetic; vigorously active
eagle n. large strong bird of prey of the falcon family
with very good eyesight
earnestness n.
earthenware n. pottery made of baked clay
eccentric irregular; odd; unconventional; whimsical; bizarre;
not concentric
eclipse darken; extinguish; outshine; surpass; cause an
eclipse
ecological adj. of ecology
ecology n. the relation of plants and living creatures to
each other and to their surroundings
ecosystem ecological community together with its environment
edible adj. fit to be eaten
edition n. form in which a book is published
editorial adj. of an editor
effect n. ~ change produced by an action or cause; result
or outcome
effective effectual; producing a strong response; striking; in
operation; in effect; Ex. effective speech/photograph
elaborate work out carefully; add more detail or information;
ADJ.
electrocardiogram n. (medical ) record of sb's heartbeat traced by an
electrocardiograph, used in the diagnosis of heart disease
electroencephalogram n. pattern traced by an electroencephalograph
electromagnetic adj. having both electrical and magnetic properties
elegance n. elegantly
elementary adj. of or in the beginning stages (of a course of
study)
elevate v. ~ sb/sth (fml ) lift sb/sth up; raise sb/sth to a
higher place or rank ;
elevation elevated position; altitude; height; flat upright
side of a building; angle made by pointing a gun; Ex. The elevation of
her style is much admired; Ex. front elevation of the house
elevator n. = lift
elicit draw out fact or information (by discussion or from
someone)
eligible adj. ~ suitable or fit to be chosen; having the right
or proper qualifications
eliminate v. ~ sb/sth remove (esp sb/sth that is not wanted or
needed)
elixir cure-all; panacea; something invigorating
eloquent adj. having or showing eloquence
elusive evasive; not frank; baffling; hard to grasp, catch,
or understand; V. elude: escape from; escape the understanding or
grasp of; Ex. elude the hunter; Ex. His name eludes me.
emanate issue forth; come out
emancipate set free; liberate
embody give a bodily form to; incorporate; include
embroidery n. decoration with needlework
embryo n. young animal or plant in the early stages of its
development before birth (or before coming out of its egg or seed)
emergence n. action of emerging
eminence n. state of being famous or distinguished
emotional adj. of the emotions
empire n. group of countries or states under a single ruler
or ruling power
employ v. ~ sb ~ sb (as sth) give work to sb, usu for
payment
enactment n. enacting
encase to place or enclose in or as if in a case
enchantment n. being enchanted
encircle surround
encompass surround; include; Ex. His activities encompass
publishing and computers.
encounter v. meet or find oneself faced by (sth/sb unpleasant,
dangerous, difficult, etc)
endear make beloved; Ex. endear her to everyone; ADJ. dear:
loved; cherished; high-priced
endeavor [ endeavour: ] to try (to do something)
endocrine of or denoting endocrine glands or their secretions
endocrinology the branch of medical science concerned with the
endocrine glands and their secretions
endotherm
endurance n. state or power of enduring
enforce v. ~ sth force people to obey (a law, etc); make sth
effective
engage attract; employ; hire; pledge oneself; confront;
fight; enter into confliction; interlock; lock together; participate;
N. engagement: agreement to marry; arrangement to meet someone or to
do something; battle
enhance increase; make greater (as in value, reputation, or
usefulness); improve
enlargement n. action of enlarging or being enlarged
enlightenment n. act of enlightening or state of being enlightened
enormous adj. very large; immense
enroll [ enrol: ] to record or note in a roll or list
ensure v. make sure; guarantee
entail make necessary; require; necessitate; involve; limit
the inheritance of (property) to a specified succession of heirs; Ex.
entail A on/upon B
enterprise willingness to take new ventures; initiative;
business organization; plan (that is difficult or daring); Ex. their
latest enterprise to sail round the world in a small boat
entertainment n. entertaining or being entertained
enthusiasm n. ~ strong feeling of admiration or interest; great
eagerness
enthusiastic adj. ~ full of enthusiasm
entrench v. surround or protect with a trench or trenches
entry n. ~ act of coming or going in
envelope n. wrapper or covering, esp one made of paper for a
letter
envision to picture to oneself
enzyme n. organic chemical substance that is formed in
living cells and assists chemical changes (eg in digestion) without
being changed itself
Eocene of, denoting, or formed in the second epoch of the
Tertiary period, which lasted for 20000000 years, during which hooved
mammals appeared
eohippus (plural: -puses)
ephemeral short-lived; fleeting
epic long heroic poem, novel, or similar work of art
(celebrating the feats of a hero); ADJ: (of stories or events)
resembling an epic; grand
episode n. event occurring as part of a long series of
events as in a novel, one's life, etc
equator n. imaginary line around the earth at an equal
distance from the North and South Poles
equilibrium balance of opposing forces; balance of the mind;
equanimity
equivalent adj. ~ equal in value, amount, meaning, importance,
etc
era n. period in history starting from a particular time
or event
erect adj. standing on end; upright; vertical
erode eat away; wear away gradually by abrasion; Ex. The
sea erodes the rocks.
erosion n. process of eroding or being eroded
erupt v. suddenly throw out lava, etc
escalator n. moving staircase carrying people up or down
between floors or different levels
esoteric hard to understand; known only to the chosen few,
esp. initiates; N. esoterica
essence n. that which makes a thing what it is; most
important or indispensable quality of sth
establish v. set up on a firm or permanent basis
estimate n. judgement or calculation of the approximate size,
cost, value, etc of sth
etch v. ~ sth (on/onto sth) use a needle and acid to make
(a picture, etc) on a metal plate from which copies may be printed
eternal adj. without beginning or end; lasting or existing
for ever
ethnic relating to races
evaluate v. find out or form an idea of the amount or value of
(sb/sth); assess
evaporate v. change into vapour and disappear
evaporation n.
eventually adv. in the end; at last
everlasting adj. going on or lasting for ever
evoke call forth (memory or feeling); Ex. That old film
evoked memories of my childhood; N. evocation
evolution n. (theory of the) gradual development of the
characteristics of plants and animals over many generations, esp the
development of more complicated forms from earlier, simpler forms
evolve v. (cause to) develop naturally and (usu) gradually
exaggerate v. make seem larger, better, worse, etc than it
really is; stretch (a description) beyond the truth
excavation n. activity of excavating
exceed v. be greater or more numerous than (esp a quantity)
exceedingly adv. extremely; to an unusual degree
excel v. ~ in/at sth be exceptionally good at sth
exceptional adj. very unusual; outstanding
excess n. an ~ of sth more than the reasonable, expected or
moderate degree or amount of sth
exclude v. ~ sb/sth prevent sb from entering somewhere,
taking part in sth, etc; keep sb out
exclusive adj. (of a group, society, etc) not readily
admitting new members (esp if they are thought to be socially
inferior); select
executive person having administrative authority; one branch of
government executing laws; ADJ: relating to executing
exemplary serving as a model; outstanding; Ex. exemplary
punishment/behavior; N. exemplar: typical example; model
exemplify show by example; furnish an example; serve as an
example of; Ex. His pictures exemplify that sort of painting.
exert v. ~ sth bring (a quality, skill, pressure, etc)
into use; apply sth
exhibit n. object or collection of objects displayed for the
public, eg in a museum
exocrine of or relating to exocrine glands or their secretions
exotic not native; from another part of the world; strange;
intriguingly unusual; Ex. exotic flower/dress
expand v. ~ (into sth) (cause sth to) become greater in
size, number or importance
expansion n. action of expanding; state of being expanded
expedition n. organized journey or voyage with a particular aim
expenditure payment or expense; expending; something expended;
output; Ex. receipt for the expenditure; Ex. expenditure of all the
energy
explicit totally clear; definite; outspoken
exploit make use of, sometimes unjustly; N. exploitation
exploration n. activity of exploring
explosion n. (loud noise caused by) sudden and violent
bursting; exploding
explosive adj. likely or easily able to explode
export n. exporting
exposure risk, particularly of being exposed to disease or to
the elements; unmasking; act of laying something open; Ex. exposure of
governmental corruption
extend v. make longer or larger (in space or time)
extensive adj. large in area; extending far
extent n. length; area; range
exterior adj. on or coming from the outside; outer
external adj. outside; situated on the outside of sth (esp
the body)
extinct adj. no longer in existence
extinction n. action of making extinct; state of being extinct
extra adj. more than or beyond what is usual, expected or
necessary; additional
extract v. ~ sth take or get sth out, usu with effort or by
force
extremity n. (fml ) furthest point, end or limit of sth
eyelid n. upper or lower of two movable folds of skin that
close to cover the eyeball
eyewitness n. = witness
fabric n. type of cloth, esp one that is woven
facade n. front (of a building)
facet small plane surface (of a gem(precious stone)); a
side
facilitate help bring about; make less difficult
facility n. ability to learn or do things easily
facsimile copy
factor n. fact, circumstance, etc that helps to produce a
result
faculty mental or bodily powers; teaching staff
Fahrenheit adj. of a temperature scale with the freezing-point
of water at 3
faint adj. that cannot be clearly perceived by the senses;
indistinct; not intense in colour or sound or smell
fair adj. ~ (to/on sb) treating each person, side, etc
equally and according to the law, rules, etc; impartial
fall v. come or go down from force of weight, loss of
balance, etc; descend or drop
fame n. being known or talked about by many people
fanatical adj. surpassing what is normal or accepted in
enthusiasm for or belief in something; excessively or unusually
dedicated or devoted
fancy imagination (of a whimsical or fantastic nature);
capricious liking; V: imagine; be fond of; ADJ. decorative; elaborate
farce broad comedy; mockery; humorous play full of silly
things happening; ADJ. farcical
farm n. area of land, and the buildings on it, used for
growing crops or raising animals
fascinate v. attract or interest greatly
fashion give shape to; make; Ex. fashion the pot out of clay
fatal adj. ~ causing or ending in death
fate n. power believed to control all events in a way
that cannot be resisted; destiny
fatigue n. great tiredness, usu resulting from hard work or
exercise
faucet n. tap for a barrel, etc ,
fauna animals of a period or region; CF. flora
favor [ favour: ] an approving attitude; good will
favorable [ favourable: ] advantageous, encouraging, or
promising
fear n. emotion caused by the nearness or possibility of
danger, pain, evil, etc
fearsome adj. frightening in appearance
feat n. successful completion of sth needing skill,
strength or courage
feathery adj. light and soft like feathers
feature distinctive part of the faces (as the eyes or mouth);
features: overall appearance of the face; prominent or distinctive
quality; prominent article; film; V: make prominent
federal of or relating to a form of government or a country
in which power is divided between one central and several regional
government
fellowship n. friendly association with others; companionship
female adj. of the sex that can give birth to children or
produce eggs
feminist n. supporter offeminism
ferromagnetic [ ferromagnetism: ] adjectiv
fertilize to make fertile
fervor glowing ardor; intensity of feeling; quality of being
fervent or fervid; zeal; intense heat
feud bitter prolonged quarrel (usually between two peoples
or families); V. CF. Romeo and Juliet; CF. feudal, feudalism
fiber a natural or synthetic filament that may be spun into
yarn, such as cotton or nylon
fiction n. type of literature describing imaginary events
and people
field n. area of land used for pasturing animals or
cultivating crops
fieldstone building stone found in field
fieldwork (Military) a temporary structure used in defending
or fortifying a place or positio
figure written symbols; number; amount represented in
numbers; outline or silhouette of a thing or human body; person (well-
known); impression; diagram; pattern; group in a dance; Ex. figure of
speech; V. calculate with numbers; adorn with figures; app
film n. ~ thin coating or covering on or over sth
filmy adj. thin and almost transparent
filter n. device containing paper, sand, cloth, etc used to
hold back any solid material or impurities in a liquid or gas passed
through it
fin n. thin flat projecting part of a fish, used for
swimming and steering .
finance n. management of money
find v. discover (sth/sb) unexpectedly or by chance; come
across
fitness n. condition of being physically fit
fix v. fasten firmly to sth
flagellum (Biology) a long whiplike outgrowth from a cell that
acts as an organ of locomotion: occurs in some protozoans, gametes,
spores, etc.
flair talent
flamboyant ornate; highly elaborate; richly colored;
ostentatious; showy; CF. flame
flannel n. type of soft loosely woven woollen cloth
flash n. sudden bright burst of light or flame
flatcar n. railway carriage without a roof or raised sides,
used for carrying freight ,
flatten v. ~ (out) become or make (sth) flat
flee v. ~ (from sb/sth) run or hurry away; escape (esp
from danger, threat, etc)
flexibility easily bent without braking
flicker burn unsteadily or fitfully; move waveringly; N:
flickering movement or light; brief sensation; Ex. flicker of
excitement
float v. stay on or at the surface of a liquid and not
sink; be held up in air or gas
flock n. ~ group of sheep, goats or birds of the same
kind, either kept together or feeding and travelling together
flood v. (cause a place that is usu dry to) be filled or
overflow with water; inundate
flora plants of a region or era
florist n. person who has a shop that sells flowers
flourish grow well; prosper; make sweeping gestures; wave;
brandish; Ex. The trees flourished in the sun. N: showy movement or
gesture; embellishment or ornamentation (esp. in handwriting)
flow v. (of a liquid) move freely and continuously
flu n. = influenza
fluctuate waver; shift; rise and fall as if in waves; change or
vary irregularly
fluctuation n. ~ (of/in sth)
fluffy adj. like fluff; covered with fluff
fluid adj. able to flow freely, as gases and liquids do;
not solid or rigid
fluorine n. element, a pale yellow gas that is both poisonous
and corrosive .
flute n. wind instrument in the form of a pipe, with holes
stopped by fingers or keys and a mouth-hole at the side
flyspeck the small speck of the excrement of a fly
focus n. =>Usage at data data. point at which rays (of
light, sound, etc) meet or from which they appear to come ,
foghorn a mechanical instrument sounded at intervals to serve
as a warning to vessels in fog
fold v. ~ sth (up) bend or turn sth so that one part of
it lies on another; close or flatten sth by pressing two parts of it
together
foliage masses of leaves; CF. defoliate
folklore n. traditions, stories, customs, etc of a community
folly n. ~ foolishness; lack of wisdom
footnote n. additional piece of information at the bottom of a
page in a book .
footprint n. impression of a human or an animal foot on a
surface; mark left by a foot
foray raid; sudden raid or military advance; V.
forbearance patience; forgiveness; V. forbear: refrain from (in a
generous and forgiving way); be patient; Ex. forbear to send him to
prison
forefather n. person from whom one is descended; ancestor, esp a
male
foresee v. see or know that sth is going to happen in the
future; predict
foresight ability to foresee future happenings; prudence in
providing for the future
forestall prevent by taking action in advance
forge counterfeit; reproduce fraudulently; form by heating
in a forge and hammering into shape; move with a sudden increase of
speed or power; Ex. forged ahead in the last two years; N: furnace
where metals are heated
formalize to be or make formal
formula n. (chemistry ) set of symbols showing the elements
that a substance is made of
fort n. buildingspecially made or strengthened for the
military defence of an area
fortify v. ~ sth (against sth) strengthen (a place) against
attack, by building walls, etc
fossil n. remains of a prehistoric animal or plant
preserved by being buried in earth and now hardened like rock
fossilize to convert or be converted into a fossil
foster rear; bring up (for a certain period only);
encourage; promote the development of (feelings or ideas); Ex. help
foster friendly relations; ADJ: giving parental care although not
related by blood; Ex. foster parents
foul very bad or disagreeable; very dirty; Ex. foul smell/
flavor/temper/language/air/deed/weather/means; N. act against the
rules; V. make or become foul; commit a foul
foundation n. act of founding
fraction n. small part, bit, amount, or proportion
fragile adj. easily damaged or broken; delicate
fragment n. small part or piece broken off
fragrance n. pleasant or sweet smell; scent or perfume
frame n. border of wood, metal, etc in which a picture,
door, pane of glass, etc is enclosed or set
framework n. structure giving shape and support
fray brawl; fight; V: wear away or unravel by rubbing;
have loose threads developing; cause to become worn out (a person's
temper or nerves); CF. rub
frequent adj. happening often; habitual
fresco painting on wet plaster (usually fresh)
freshwater adj. from, of, living in or containing fresh water
friction clash or conflict in opinion; rubbing against
frigid intensely cold; cold in manner; Ex. frigid zone
frisky adj. lively and energetic, wanting to enjoy oneself
frivolity n. frivolous behaviour
fruitless adj. producing little or no result; unsuccessful
fuel n. material burned to produce heat or power, eg
wood, coal, oil, etc
fulfil v. perform (sth) or bring (sth) to completion
fumigate v. destroy infectious germs, insects, etc in with the
fumes ofcertain chemicals
function n. special activity or purpose of a person or thing
fundamental basic; primary; essential
fungus n. any of varioustypes of plant without leaves,
flowers or green colouring-matter, growing on other plants or decaying
matter
funnel n. tube or pipe that is wide at the top and narrow
at the bottom, used for pouring liquids, powders, etc into a small
opening
fur n. soft thick hair covering the bodies of certain
animals
furnace n. enclosed fireplace for heating the water used to
warm a building by means of pipes
furniture n. movable articles, eg tables, chairs, beds, etc put
into a house or an office to make it suitable for living or working
in .
fuse n. piece of easily burnt material along which a
spark moves to ignite a firework, bomb, etc so that it explodes
futility n. uselessness; pointlessness
galaxy large isolated system of stars, such as the Milky
Way; collection of brilliant personalities
gallery n. room or building for showing works of art
gallop n. fastest pace (of a horse, etc) with all four feet
off the ground at each stride
gambit opening in chess in which a piece is sacrificed;
action made to produce a future advantage
gamble v. play games of chance, etc for money
gang n. organized group of criminals
gap n. ~ opening or break in sth or between two things
garb n. clothing (esp as worn by a particular type of
person)
gateway n. way in and out that can be closed by a gate or
gates
gender n. (in certain languages) classification of a noun
or pronoun as masculine or feminine
generate cause; produce; create
generosity n. quality of being generous
generous adj. giving or ready to give freely
genetic adj. of genes; of genetics
genius n. exceptionally great mental or creative ability
genre particular variety of art or literature
gentility those of gentle birth; high social class; refinement;
quality of being genteel
gentle kindly; soft; mild; of good family
gentlemanly adj. of or like a gentleman(1)
geologic [ geology: ] the scientific study of the origin,
history, structure, and composition of the earth
geometric adj. of geometry; of or like the lines, figures, etc
used in geometry
ghost n. spirit of a dead person appearing to sb who is
still living
giant n. person of human shape but enormous size and
strength (often cruel and stupid)
gibe mock; make jeering remarks; N: jeering remarks
gingham n. cotton or linen cloth with a striped or check
pattern
glacial like a glacier; of an ice age; extremely cold; Ex.
glacial epoch; CF. iceberg
glacier n. mass of ice, formed by snow on mountains, moving
slowly down a valley
glamorous adj. full of glamour
gland n. organ that separates from the blood those
substances that are to be used by or removed from the body
glandular adj. of, like or involving a gland or glands
glare shine intensely and blindingly; stare fixedly and
angrily; N.
glaze cover with a thin and shiny surface; apply a glaze
to; N: thin, smooth, shiny coating (as for pottery); Ex. unglazed
pottery
glean gather leavings; gather grain left behind by reapers;
gather bit by bit (facts or information) often with difficulty
glide v. move along smoothly and continuously
glimpse n. ~ (at sth) short look
global adj. covering or affecting the whole world; world-
wide
glow shine brightly without a flame (as of eyes or
metals); show redness and heat (in the face) after hard work or
because of strong feelings; N: light produced by a heated body;
brilliance of a color
glue n. thick sticky liquid used for joining things
gnaw v. ~ sth bite sth hard continually until it is worn
away
golly interj (used to express surprise )
gospel n. the Gospel (the life and teaching of Jesus as
recorded in) the first four books of the New Testament
gouache n. type of thick watercolour paint; method of
painting pictures using this material ;
gourd n. type of climbing or trailing plant
graceful adj. showing a pleasing beauty of form, movement or
manner
gradation series of gradual stages; degree in such a
progression
grade n. step, stage or degree of rank, quality, etc;
level of classification
grain n. small hard seeds of food plants such as wheat,
rice, etc
grandeur impressiveness; stateliness; majesty
grant v. agree to give or allow (what is asked for)
grasshopper n. jumping insect that makes a shrill chirping noise
grassland n. land covered with grass, esp as used for grazing
gratuitous given freely; unwarranted; uncalled for; done without
good reason; Ex. gratuitous comment
gravitational adj. a gravitational field
gravity seriousness; ADJ. grave
greedy adj. ~ (for sth) filled with greed or desire
grind v. ~ sth (down/up) (to/into sth) crush sth to very
small pieces or to powder between millstones, the teeth, etc or using
an electrical or a mechanical apparatus
grit n. tiny hard bits of stone, sand, etc
groom man employed to take care of horses; V: make neat and
trim; clean and brush (an animal)
grope v. ~ (for/after sth) feel or search about (for sth)
as one does in the dark
guarantee n. ~ (against sth) promise (usu in writing) that
certain conditions agreed to in a transaction will be fulfilled
guideline a principle put forward to set standards or determine
a course of actio
gunfire n. firing of a gun or guns
gush (of liquid) pour out in large quantities from a hole;
make an excessive display of feeling (without true feeling); Ex. Blood
gushed from the wound.
gymnastic adj. of physical exercises and training
habitat natural home of a plant or animal; CF. habitation
hacienda n. large landed estate with a house
hail frozen rain drop; V: salute or greet; precipitate
hail
hairdo (plural: -dos)
hallmark n. mark used for indicating the standard of gold,
silver and platinum on articles made of these metals
halt n. temporary stop; interruption of progress
hammer n. tool with a heavy metal head at right angles to
the handle, used for breaking things, driving nails in, etc
hamper obstruct; prevent the free movement of;
handicap n. thing that makes progress or success difficult
handily adv: We're handily placed for the shopping centre.
handle n. part of a tool, cup, bucket, door, drawer, etc,
by which it may be held, carried or controlled ,
hanker v. ~ after/for sth/to do sth have a strong desire for
sth
hardware n. metal tools and household implements, eg pans,
nails, locks; ironmongery ;
harem n. separate part of a traditional Muslim house in
which the women live
harmony n. agreement
harness n. equipment consisting of leather straps and saddle
and metal fittings by which a horse is controlled and fastened to the
cart, plough, etc that it pulls
harpsichord n. musical instrument similar to a piano, but with
strings that are plucked mechanically ,
harvest n. cutting and gathering of grain and other food
crops
hatch deck opening; lid covering a deck opening; V: emerge
from an egg; produce (young) from an egg
hatchery (plural: -eries)
hatchet n. light short-handled axe .
haunt (of a spirit) visit (a place); come to mind
continually; visit (a place) regularly; frequent; Ex. haunted house;
Ex. haunted by his last words; N: place much frequented
hazard venture; put in danger; risk; Ex. hazard a guess; N:
possible source of danger
head n. part of the body containing the eyes, nose, mouth
and brain
heat n. high temperature; hotness
heighten v. becomehigher or more intense
helium n. chemical element, a light colourless gas that does
not burn, used in airships .
hemlock n. poisonous plant with small white flowers
herald messenger; sign of something to come; V: announce;
proclaim; Ex. unheralded researcher
Herculean adj. having or needing very great strength
heritage n. things such as works of art, cultural
achievements and folklore that have been passed on from earlier
generations
hexagon n. geometric figure with six sides and angles
hibernation n.
hide skin of an animal
hierarchy arrangement by rank or standing; authoritarian body
divided into ranks; body of persons having authority
highlight n. best, most interesting or most exciting part of
something
highly adv. to an unusually great extent; very
hillside n. sloping side of a hill
hind adj. situated at the back
hinder v. ~ sb/sth prevent the progress of sb/sth; obstruct
or delay sb/sth ;
hippopotamus n. (also hippo) large African river animal with short
legs and thick dark skin .
Hispanic adj. of Spain and Portugal
hit v. ~ sb/sth (with sth) strike sb/sth with a blow,
missile, etc
hive box for bees; V: cause to go in a hive
hold v. take and keep or support (sb/sth) in one's arms,
hands, teeth, etc
homely not good-looking; unattractive
homeothermic
hominid any primate of the family Hominidae, which includes
modern man (Homo sapiens) and the extinct precursors of man
homogeneous of the same kind; uniform in composition throughout
honeycomb n. wax structure of six-sided cells made by bees for
holding their honey and eggs
horde crowd; swarm
horizon n. the horizon the line at which the earth and sky
appear to meet
hormonal adj. of a hormone or hormones
hormone a chemical substance produced in an endocrine gland
and transported in the blood to a certain tissue, on which it exerts a
specific effect
horn n. bony outgrowth, usu curved and pointed and one of
a pair, on the heads of cattle, deer, rams and various other
animals .
horsefly (plural: -flies)
hospitable adj. ~ (of a person) pleased to welcome and entertain
guests; giving hospitality
hostile adj. ~ showing strong dislike or enmity; very
unfriendly
house n. building made for people to live in, usu for one
family or for a family and lodgers
hover hang about; (of birds or aircraft) stay in the air in
one place; (of people) wait nearby; stay around one place; waver; be
in an uncertain state
hue color; aspect; Ex. opinions of every hue
hum v. make a low steady continuous sound like that made
by bees
humanitarian one devoted to the promotion of human welfare; CF.
humanism
humble of low rank or position; modest; having a low opinion
of oneself and a high opinion of others; unassuming; not proud; V.
humiliate: make humble; cause to feel ashamed or to lose the respect
of others
humid damp; N. humidity
humidity n. degree of moisture, esp in the air; dampness ;
humiliate v. make feel ashamed or disgraced; lower the dignity
or self-respect of
hump n. round projecting part on the back of a camel,
etc .
hydra-headed
hydrogen n. gas that has no colour, taste or smell and is the
lightest substance known, combining with oxygen to form water .
hygiene science and practice of the promotion and
preservation of health; ADJ. hygienic: showing careful attention to
cleanness (to prevent disease); Ex. hygienic condition
hypothesis n. idea or suggestion that is based on known facts
and is used as a basis for reasoning or further investigation
hypothesize verb to form or assume as a hypothesis
hypothetical based on assumptions or hypotheses; supposed; N.
hypothesis
iceberg n. huge mass of ice floating in the sea .
ichthyosaur ichthyosaurus
icicle n. pointed piece of ice formed by the freezing of
dripping water
iconographic [ iconography: ] a the symbols used in a work of art
or art movement
identical adj. the ~ the same
identifiable [ identify: ] to prove or recognize as being a
certain person or thing; determine the identity of
identification n. identifying or being identified
identify v. ~ sb/sth as sb/sth show, prove, etc who or what
sb/sth is; recognize sb/sth (as being the specified person or thing)
identity n. who or what sb/sth is
ideology system of ideas characteristic of a group or culture
idiom expression whose meaning as a whole differs from the
meanings of its individual words; distinctive style (of expression);
Ex. idiom of the modern popular music; ADJ. idiomatic
idyllic charmingly carefree; simple and happy; Ex. idyllic
scene
ignorance n. ~ lack of knowledge or information (about sth)
ignore v. take no notice of
illuminate brighten; clear up or make understandable; enlighten;
enable to understand; Ex. illuminating remarks
illusion misleading vision or visual image; false idea or
belief; CF. delusion
illustrate v. supply with pictures, diagrams, etc
illustration n. illustrating or being illustrated
image n. copy of the shape of a person or thing, esp one
made in stone or wood; statue
imagism a poetic movement in England and America between 1912
and 1917, initiated chiefly by Ezra Pound, advocating the use of
ordinary speech and the precise presentation of images
imitate v. copy the behaviour of (sb/sth); take or follow as
an example
immigrant n. person who has come to live permanently in a
foreign country
imminent impending; near at hand
immortal adj. living for ever; not mortal
impact n. hitting of one object against another
impair injure; hurt; damage
impart grant a share of; make known; Ex. news to impart
impediment hindrance; stumbling-block; speech defect preventing
clear articulation; Ex. speech impediment
imperative absolutely necessary; that must be done; critically
important; expressing command; Ex. It is imperative that; N: something
that must be done
imperceptibly adv: Almost imperceptibly her expression changed.
impersonate v. pretend to be in order to entertain others
implement put into effect; enforce; carry out; supply with
tools; Ex. implement the plan/suggestion; N: tool or instrument
implementation n.
implication something hinted at or suggested; implying;
implicating
implicit understood but not stated; implied; unquestioning and
complete; Ex. implicit trust
imply suggest a meaning not expressed; signify
impose v. ~ sth place (a penalty, tax, etc) officially on
sb/sth
impractical adj. not sensible, useful or realistic
imprisonment n. state of being imprisoned
improvise compose on the spur of the moment
impulse n. ~ (to do sth) sudden urge to act without thinking
about the results
impurity n. state orquality of being impure
inaccessible adj. ~ very difficult or impossible to reach,
approach, or be contacted (by sb); not accessible
inactivity n.
inanimate lifeless; not animate
incandescent strikingly bright; shining with intense heat;
emitting visible light when heated; Ex. incandescent light bulb; CF.
candle
incentive spur; motive; something which encourages one to
greater activity
inclination n. ~ ~ (to do sth) feeling that makes sb want to
behave in a particular way; disposition
income n. money received over a certain period, esp as
payment for work or as interest on investments
incorporate introduce something into a larger whole; include;
embody; give material form to; ADJ.
incur bring upon oneself
indenture bind as servant or apprentice to master; bind by
indenture; N: contract binding one party into the service of another
for a specified time (as between an apprentice and his master)
independent adj. ~ not dependent (on other people or things);
not controlled (by other people or things)
indicate v. ~ sth (to sb) show sth, esp by pointing
indication n. indicating or being indicated
indicator n. person or thing that points out or gives
information
indifference n. ~ state of being indifferent; absence of interest,
feeling or reaction
indifferent unmoved or unconcerned by; having no interest in;
mediocre; neither good nor bad
indiscernible adj. that cannot be discerned
indispensable Necessary or requisite for the purpose.
individuality n. all the characteristics that belong to a
particular person and that make him/her different from others
induce persuade; lead to do something; bring about; N.
inducement
industrious diligent; hard-working; N. industry
inedible adj. not suitable to be eaten
inefficient adj. not producing adequate results; wasteful
inequity unfairness; ADJ. inequitable
infant n. child during the first few years of life
inferiority n. state of being inferior
infertile adj. not fertile; barren
inflation n. process of inflating (inflate 1a); being
inflated ;
influence n. ~ power to produce an effect; action of natural
forces
influx flowing into
infrared the part of the electromagnetic spectrum with a
longer wavelength than light but a shorter wavelength than radio
waves; radiation with wavelength between 0.8 micrometres and 1
millimetre
ingenuity n. cleverness and originality in solving problems
ingredient n. any of the foods that are combined to make a
particular dish
inhabit v. live in (sth); occupy
inhabitant n. person or animal living in a place
inherent firmly established by nature or habit; intrinsic
inherit v. ~ sth receive (property, a title, etc) as a
result of the death of the previous owner
initial adj. of or at the beginning; first
initially adv. at the beginning; at first
initiate begin; originate; receive into a group; introduce to
a new field or activity; Ex. initiate someone into the mysteries of a
secret religion; N: one who has been initiated
inject v. ~ sth ~ sb/sth (with sth) force (a drug or other
liquid) into sb/sth with a syringe or similar implement
injection n. ~ (into sb/sth) injecting
injustice n. lack of justice
inland adj. situated in the interior of a country, not by
the sea or by a frontier
innate inborn
innocent adj. ~ not guilty (of wrongdoing)
innovate v. make changes; introduce new things
innovation change; something newly introduced; introduction of
something new; V. innovate: begin or introduce (something new); be
creative; ADJ. innovative
innovative adj. introducing or using new ideas, techniques, etc
innumerable adj. too many to be counted
inquire v. ~ sth (of sb) ask to be told sth (by sb)
insect n. type of small animal having six legs, no backbone
and a body divided into three parts (head, thorax and abdomen)
insert v. ~ sth put, fit, place sth into sth or between two
things
insight n. ~ (approv ) ability to see into the true nature
(of sth); deep understanding
insightful discerning; perceptive
insist v. ~ demand (sth) forcefully, not accepting a
refusal
inspect v. examine (sth) closely
inspiration n. ~ stimulation of the mind, feelings, etc to do
sth beyond a person's usual ability, esp creative ability in art,
literature, music, etc; state or quality of being inspired
inspire v. ~ sb fill sb with the ability or urge to do,
feel, etc sth beyond his usual ability, esp to write, paint, compose,
etc
instability n. lack of stability
install v. ~ sth fix equipment, furniture, etc inposition
for use, esp by making the necessary connectionswith the supply of
electricity, water, etc
instantaneous adj. happening or done immediately
instinct n. ~ ~ (to do sth) natural inborn tendency to behave
in a certain way without reasoning or training
instinctive adj. based on instinct; not coming from training or
based on reasoning
institute organization for a special purpose; V: establish
institution instituting; (building for the) organization;
established custom, practice, or relationship in a society; mental
hospital; Ex. institution of marriage
instruct to direct to do something; order
instruction n. ~ process of teaching; knowledge or teaching
given
insufficient adj. ~ not sufficient
insulation n. insulating or (state of) being insulated
insulator n. substanceor device for insulating, esp a porcelain
support for bare electric wires and cables
intact adj. undamaged; complete
intelligence n. power of learning, understanding and reasoning;
mental ability
intelligent adj. having or showing intelligence
intelligible adj. that can be understood
intend v. ~ sth (as sth) have (a particular purpose or
plan) in mind; mean
intense adj. (of sensations) very great or severe; extreme
intensity n. state or quality of being intense
intent adj. full of eager interest and concentration
intention n. ~ (of doing sth/that...) that which one proposes
or plans to do
interact v. ~ act or have an effect on each other
interior n. inner part; inside
interject v. ~ sth make (a sudden remark) that interrupts what
sb else is saying
intermittent periodic; on and off; stopping and starting at
intervals
internal adj. of or on the inside
interplay n. ~ way in which two or more things have an effect
on each other; interaction
interpret v. explain (sth which is not easily understandable)
interpretation n. interpreting
intersperse v. ~ B among/between/in/throughout A; ~ A with B vary
sth by placing other things at irregular intervals among it
interstellar adj. between the stars
interval n. ~ time between two events
intervene come between; interfere; Ex. intervened to prevent a
fight; N. intervention
intestine n. long tube in the body which helps to digest food
and carries it from the stomach to the anus
intimacy n. state of being intimate; close friendship or
relationship ;
intimate hint; suggest; imply; ADJ: marked by close
relationship; familiar; private; personal; Ex. intimate knowledge/
thoughts in the diary; N: close friend or confidant; CF. intimacy
intrepid fearless
intricate adj. made up of many small parts put together in a
complex way, and therefore difficult to follow or understand
intrinsic essential; inherent; built-in
invade v. ~ (sth) (with sth) enter (a country or territory)
with armed forces in order to attack, damage or occupy it
invariable adj. never changing; always the same; constant
invasion n. invading or being invaded
invertebrate n, adj not having a backbone or spinal column
investigate v. find out and examine in order to obtain the truth
investment n. ~ investing of money
investor n. person who invests money
invisible adj. ~ that cannot be seen; not visible
invite v. ~ sb ask sb in a friendly way to go somewhere or
do sth
involve v. make necessary as a condition or result; entail
iodine n. non-metallic element found in sea water and
seaweed .
ironwork n. things made of iron, eg gratings, rails, railings
irony hidden sarcasm or satire; use of words that seem to
mean the opposite of what they actually mean; use of words to convey
the opposite of their literal meaning
irradiate v. ~ sth (with sth) send rays of light upon sth;
subject sth to sunlight, ultraviolet rays or radioactivity ;
irrational adj. not guided by reason; illogical or absurd
irregular adj. ~ not regular in shape, arrangement, etc;
uneven
irreversible adj. that cannot be reversed or revoked; unalterable
irrigate v. supply with water (by means of streams,
reservoirs, channels, pipes, etc)
issue n. outgoing; outflow
item n. single article or unit in a list, etc
jack n. device for raising heavy weights off the ground,
esp one for raising the axle of a motor vehicle so that a wheel may be
changed ,
jail = gaol
jazz n. music of American Negro origin, characterized by
the use of improvisation and strong, often syncopated, rhythms
jellyfish n. sea animal with a jelly-like body and stinging
tentacles
jeweler [ jeweller: ] a person whose business is the cutting,
polishing, or setting of gemstones or the making, repairing, or
selling of jeweller
jolt v. move with sudden jerky movements
jostle shove; bump; push against (someone) rather roughly;
Ex. jostled by the crowds
judge n. public officer with authority to decide cases in
a lawcourt
judgment The faculty by the exercise of which a deliberate
conclusion is reached.
juggle v. ~ throw (a number of objects, usu balls) up into
the air, catch them and throw them into the air again and again,
keeping one or more in the air at the same time
juice n. liquid obtained from a fruit; drink made from
this
jumble mix in a confused way
jungle n. area of land, usu in a tropical country, that is
covered with a thick growth of trees and tangled plants
Jupiter n. the largest planet of the solar system, fifth in
order from the sun
jury n. group of people in a lawcourt who have been
chosen to listen to the facts in a case and to decide whether the
accused person is guilty or not guilty
justify v. show that (sb/sth) is right, reasonable or just
juvenile n. young person who is not yet adult
kerosene another name (esp. U.S. and Canadian) for: paraffin
kiln n. oven for baking pottery or bricks, drying hops or
wood, burning lime, etc
kilocalorie another name for: Calori
kilowatt n. unit of electrical power; 1000 watts , 1000
kinsman n. (fml ) male relative
kiosk n. small open structure where newspapers,
refreshments, etc are sold ,
knight n. man to whom the sovereign has given a rank of
honour, lower than that of baronet, having the title `Sir' used before
the first name, with or without the surname , Sir
knit contract into wrinkles; grow together; join together
closely; make (a fabric or garment) by interwining yarn or thread; Ex.
knit the brow; Ex. The bones should knit together in a few weeks.
knuckle n. bone at the finger-joint
krill n. mass of tiny shellfish eaten by whales
lace cord used to draw and tie together two opposite edges
(as of a shoe); delicate fabric made of fine threads; V: draw together
by tying a lace
lacquer n. varnish used on metal or wood to give a hard
glossy surface
lad n. boy; young man
lade to put cargo or freight on board (a ship, etc.) or
(of a ship, etc.) to take on cargo or freight
lag move or develop more slowly; straggle; Ex. lag behind
the rest; N.
landmark n. object, etc easily seen and recognized from a
distance
landscape n. scenery of an area of land
lantern n. light for use outdoors in a transparent case that
protects it fromthe wind, etc
larva n. insect in the first stage of its life, after
coming out of the egg
lash n. flexible part of a whip
last adj. coming after all others in time or order
lathe n. machine that shapes pieces of wood, metal, etc by
holding and turning them against a fixed cutting tool
launch v. put into motion; send on its course
lavish liberal; wasteful; generous or wasteful in giving or
using; abundant; profuse; great; Ex. decorated lavishly; V. give in
abundance
layer n. thickness of material laid over a surface or
forming a horizontal division
ledge n. narrow horizontal shelf coming out from a wall,
cliff, etc
legendary adj. of or mentioned in legend
legislative adj. law-making
legislature legislating branch of government; CF. legislate: make
laws
leisure n. time free from work or other duties; spare time
lens n. piece of glass or other transparent material with
one or more curved surfaces used to make things appear clearer, larger
or smaller when viewed through it, and used in spectacles, cameras,
telescopes, etc
lessen v. become less
level adj. having a horizontal surface; flat; not sloping
levy impose (a fine); collect (a payment); impose or
collect (a tax); Ex. levy a tax on tobacco
liable adj. ~ responsible by law
liberal adj. tolerant and open-minded; free from prejudice
liberate v. ~ sb/sth set (sb/sth) free
lifeblood the blood, considered as vital to sustain life
light n. kind of natural radiation that makes things
visible
lighthouse n. tower or other structure containing a beacon light
to warn or guide ships
likely adj. ~ (to do sth/that...) that is expected;
probable
likewise adv. similarly
limb n. leg, arm or wing
limestone n. type of rock, eg chalk, composed esp of the
remains of prehistoric plants and animals
line n. long narrow mark, either straight or curved,
traced on a surface
linen n. cloth made of flax
linguist n. person who knows several foreign languages well
link n. one ring or loop of a chain
linkage n. action or manner of linking or being linked
linkup the establishing of a connection or union between
objects, groups, organizations, etc.
lipid (Biochem) any of a large group of organic compounds
that are esters of fatty acids (simple lipids, such as fats and waxes)
or closely related substances (compound lipids, such as phospholipids)
literally adv. in a literal manner; exactly
literary adj. of or concerned with literature
literature n. writings that are valued as works of art, esp
fiction, drama and poetry (as contrasted with technical books and
journalism)
lithograph n. picture, etc printed by lithography
lithosphere the rigid outer layer of the earth, having an average
thickness of about 75 km and comprising the earth's crust and the
solid part of the mantle above the asthenospher
lizard n. reptile with a rough skin, four legs and a long
tail
load n. thing that is being carried or to be carried, esp
if heavy
loan n. thing that is lent, esp a sum of money
lobster n. large bluish-black shellfish with eight legs and
two long claws that turns scarlet when it is boiled .
locate v. discover the exact position or place of
location n. place or position
lock n. portion of hair that hangs or lies together
locomote
locomotive adj. of, having or causing locomotion
lodge n. small house at the gates of a park or in the
grounds of a large house, occupied by a gate-keeper or other employee
loft room or space under the roof; attic
log record of a voyage or flight; record of day-to-day
activities; section of a trunk; V.
logger another word for: lumberjack
lone adj. without companions; solitary
long-range adj. of or for a period of time far in the future
long-standing adj. that has existed or lasted for a long time
long-term adj. of or for a long period of time
loom appear or take shape (usually in an enlarged,
indistinct, or distorted form); Ex. The shadow of the gallows loomed
threateningly. N: apparatus for making thread into cloth
loop n. shape produced by a curve crossing itself
lopsided heavier or larger on one side than the other; Ex.
lopsided way of walking
lordly adj. haughty; insolent in a superior way
lovelorn adj. unhappy because one's love is not returned
loyalist n. person who is loyal, esp to the established ruler
or government during a revolt
lucrative profitable; producing wealth
lull moment of calm; period of reduced activity; Ex. a
lull in the rain; V: cause to become less active; cause to sleep or
rest; Ex. lull the opponents into a false sense of security; CF.
lullaby
lumber move heavily or clumsily; Ex. The bear lumbered
through the woods; N: timber
lump n. hard or compact mass, usu without a regular shape
lunar pertaining to the moon
lure n. thing that attracts or invites
luxurious adj. supplied with luxuries; very comfortable
luxury n. the best and most expensive food and drink,
clothes, surroundings, etc
lyric adj. expressing direct personal feelings
lyrical adj. = lyric
magenta adj. n bright purplish red
magical adj. of, used in or like magic
magnetize To make a magnet of, permanently, or temporarily.
magnification n. magnifying
magnify v. make (sth) appear larger, as a lens or microscope
does
mainsheet (Nautical) the line used to control the angle of the
mainsail to the win
mainstay n. rope from the top of the mainmast to the base of
the foremast
maintain v. ~ sth cause sth to continue; keep sth in
existence at the same level, standard, etc
maintenance n. maintaining or being maintained
majestic adj. having or showing majesty; stately; grand
majority n. the greater number or part; most
make v. (pt, pp made / meId; med/)
mammal vertebrate animal whose female suckles its young
mammoth gigantic; enormous
management n. control and organization
maneuver = manoeuvre
mantle loose sleeveless outer garment; cloak; something that
covers or envelops; the layer of the earth between the crust and the
core
margin border; room; allowance beyond what is needed; Ex.
margin of safety
marine adj. of, near, found in or produced by the sea
mark n. stain, spot, line, etc, esp one that spoils the
appearance of sth
marked noticeable; targeted for vengeance or attack; Ex.
marked improvement/man
market n. gathering of people for buying and selling goods;
place where they meet
marketplace a place where a public market is held
marriage n. legal union between a man and a woman as husband
and wife; state of being married
marshy adj. of, like or containing a marsh
marvel n. wonderful or miraculousthing; thing causing
astonishment
masonry n. that part of a building that is made of stone and
mortar; stonework
mass Christian religious ceremony; CF. Mass: ceremony of
the Eucharist
massive adj. large, heavy and solid
mast n. upright post of wood or metal used to support a
ship's sails
masterpiece n. task done with great skill, esp an artist's
greatest work
match n. short piece of wood or pasteboard with a head made
of material that bursts into flame when rubbed against a rough or
specially prepared surface
materialize To take perceptible or substantial form.
mathematical adj. of mathematics
matron n. woman who manages the domestic affairs of a
school, etc
matter n. affair, topic or situation being considered
maturity n. state of being mature
maximum n. (abbr max) greatest amount, size, intensity, etc
possible or recorded
meander wind or turn in its course; follow a winding or
turning course; move aimlessly and idly
measure v. ~ (sth) (up) find the size, length, volume, etc
of (sth) by comparing it with a standard unit
measurement n. measuring
mechanic n. worker skilled in using or repairing machines or
tools
mechanism n. working parts of a machine, etc
medium element that is a creature's natural environment;
nutrient setting in which microorganisms are cultivated; appropriate
occupation or means of expression; channel of communication;
compromise; middle position between extremes; intervening substan
megawatt one million watts.
melange n. mixture; medley ;
melody n. arrangement of words put to music; song or tune
melt v. become liquid through heating
membership n. state of being a member of a group, society, etc
memorandum n. note made for future use, esp to help oneself
remember sth
memorize to commit to memory; learn so as to remember
merit deserve; ADJ. meritorious: deserving reward or praise
mesmerize hypnotize; N. mesmerism; CF. Franz Mesmer
mesquite any small mimosaceous tree of the genus Prosopis,
esp. the tropical American P. juliflora, whose sugary pods (mesquite
beans) are used as animal fodder
metabolic adj. of metabolism
metabolism n. chemical process by which food is built up into
living matter in an organism or by which living matter is broken down
into simpler substances
metallic adj. of or like metal
metallurgy The art or science of extracting a metal from ores,
as by smelting.
metazoan any multicellular animal of the group Metazoa:
includes all animals except sponges
meteorite n. piece of rock or metal that has reached the
earth's surface from outer space
metropolis large city
metropolitan adj. of or in a large or capital city
microbe n. tiny organism that can only be seen under a
microscope, esp one that causes disease or fermentation
micron n. one millionth of a metre; micrometre
microscope n. instrumentwith lenses for making very small
objects appear larger
microscopic adjs. too small to be seen without the help of a
microscope
midwife n. person, esp a woman, trained to assist women in
childbirth
mild adj. (of a person or his manner) gentle; soft
milieu social environment; means of expression; Ex. feel out
of one's milieu; Ex. His proper milieu is watercolor.
militant combative; bellicose; N.
mill n. machinery or apparatus for grinding grain into
flour
millennium thousand-year period (as in the New Testament); hoped-
for period of happiness and prosperity
millimeter [ millimetre: ] one thousandth of a metre.
mime pantomime(act without dialogue); mimicry; mimer; V:
mimic; pantomime
mimetic adj. of imitating or mimicking
mimic v. copy the appearance or manner of (sb/sth) in a
mocking or amusing way
mine possess pron of or belonging to me
mineral n. substance that is not vegetable or animal, esp
one with a constant chemical composition which is found naturally in
the earth
minimal adj. smallest in amount or degree
minimalist a person advocating a minimal policy, style,
technique, action, etc.
minimize To reduce to the smallest possible amount or degree.
minimum n. least or smallest amount, degree, etc possible
ministry n. (buildings containing a) government department
mint n. any of various types of aromatic herb whose
leaves are used for flavouring food, drinks, toothpaste, chewing-gum,
etc
minute extremely small; CF. minutes: official record of the
proceedings at a meeting
mirage unreal reflection; optical illusion
mission n. group of people sent abroad, esp on political or
commercial business
missionary n. person sent to preach usu the Christian religion,
esp amongpeople who are ignorant of it
mistrust v. feel no confidence in
mitigate appease; moderate; make or become less in force or
intensity
mobile movable; not fixed; N. mobility
mobilize to prepare for war or other emergency by organizing
(national resources, the armed services, etc.)
mode prevailing style; current fashion; manner; way of
doing something; Ex. in the latest mode; Ex. simple mode of life
model n. representation of sth, usu smaller than the
original
modem n. device linking a computer system and eg a
telephone line so that data can be transmitted at high speeds from one
computer to another
modest adj. not large in amount, size, etc; moderate
modify v. change (sth) slightly, esp to make it less
extreme or to improve it
moisture n. tiny drops of water on a surface, in the air, etc
molasses n. thick dark syrup drained from raw sugar during
the refining process
mold = mould
moldy = mouldy (mould3)
molecule the smallest particle (one or more atoms) of a
substance that has all the properties of that substance
mollusk invertebrate having a soft unsegmented body usually
enclosed in a shell
monitor n. device used to observe, record or test sth
monochrome painting in only one color; ADJ.
monotonous adj. not changing and therefore uninteresting; boring
or tedious
monster n. large, ugly and frightening creature, esp an
imaginary one
monument n. building, column, statue, etc built to remind
people of a famous person or event
mood n. state of one's feelings or mind at a particular
time
moral adj. concerning principles of right and wrong
behaviour; ethical
morphology n. scientific study of the form and structure of
animals and plants
mortal adj. that must die; that cannot live for ever
mosaic picture made of small colorful inlaid tiles; ADJ.
moth n. insect like a butterfly but less brightly
coloured, flying mainly at night and attracted to bright lights
motif theme; recurrent thematic element in a musical or
literary work; single or repeated pattern; figure
motivate v. be the reason for cause (sb) to act in a
particular way; inspire
motivation n.
motorcycle Also called: motorbike a two-wheeled vehicle, having
a stronger frame than a bicycle, that is driven by a petrol engine,
usually with a capacity of between 125 cc and 1000 cc
mount n. mountain; hill
multiplication n. multiplying or being multiplied
multiply v. ~ A by B/~ A and B (together) add a number to
itself a particular number of times
mundane worldly as opposed to spiritual; everyday; of the
ordinary; Ex. mundane existence; CF. world
municipal adj. of a town or city with its own local government
mural wall painting
muscle n. length of stretchable tissue in an animal body
that is attached at each end to bone and can be tightened or relaxed
to produce movement
mutation n. change; alteration
mycology n. science or study of fungi
myriad very large number; ADJ. CF. ten thousand
mysterious adj. full of mystery; hard to understand or explain
mystery n. thing of which the cause or origin is hidden or
impossible to explain
mystical relating to or characteristic of mysticism
mystify v. make (sb) confused through lack of understanding;
puzzle; bewilder
myth n. story that originated in ancient times, esp one
dealing with ideas or beliefs about the early history of a race, or
giving explanations of natural events, such as the seasons
mythological adj. of or in mythology or myths
naive adj. natural and innocent in speech and behaviour;
unaffected
namely adv. that is to say; specifically
narration n. activity of telling a story, etc
narwhal n. Arctic animal like a whale, the male of which has
a long spiral tusk
nascent incipient; coming into being or existence; Ex.
nascent ability in music
native n. person born in a place, country, etc, and
associated with it by birth
nature n. the whole universe and every created, not man-
made, thing
navigate v. find the position and plot the course of a ship,
an aircraft, a car, etc, using maps and instruments
nectar drink of the gods; sweet liquid collected by bees
negative adj. expressing denial or refusal; indicating `no'
or `not'
neglect v. give no or not enough care or attention to
negotiation n. discussion aimed at reaching an agreement;
negotiating
neolithic adj. of the later part of the Stone Age
Neptune n. the planet eighth in order from the sun, one of
the furthest in the solar system
net n. loose open material made of string, thread, wire,
etc knotted or woven together
network n. complex system of roads, etc crossingeach other
neutral adj. not supporting or helping either side in a
dispute, contest,war, etc; impartial
niche n. shallow recess, esp in a wall
nickel n. chemical element, a hard silver-white metal often
used in alloys
nickname n. familiar or humorous name given to a person
instead of or as well as his real name, often a short form of the real
name, or a referenceto the person's character, etc
nightmare n. frightening dream
nitinol
nitrate n. salt formed by the chemical reaction of nitric
acid with an alkali, esp potassium nitrate or sodium nitrate, used as
fertilizers
nitrogen n. chemical element, a gas without colour, taste or
smell that forms about four-fifths of the atmosphere .
nonconformity n. failure to conform to normal social conventions
nonfiction writing dealing with facts and events rather than
imaginative narration
normal adj. in accordance with what is typical, usual or
regular
nostalgia homesickness; longing for the past; Ex. nostalgia for
the clothes of 1920s; ADJ. nostalgic
notably adv. noticeably; remarkably
note n. short written record to aid the memory
notion n. ~ idea or belief; concept
notwithstanding prep (can also follow the n to which it refers )
without being affected by (sth); in spite of
nourishment something that nourishes; food
noxious harmful; CF. obnoxious
numerical adj. of, expressed in or representing numbers
nutrient nourishing substance; ADJ: providing nourishment
nutrition process of nourishing or being nourished; CF.
malnutrition
nutritionist n. expert in nutrition
nutritious providing nourishment
object n. solid thing that can be seen and touched
objectify to represent concretely; present as an object
objective not influenced by emotions; fair; N: goal; aim
obligation n. law, moral pressure, promise, etc that forces one
to do sth
oblivious inattentive or unmindful; unaware; wholly absorbed;
forgetful(having the habit of forgetting)
obscure dark; vague; unclear; not well known; Ex. obscure
meaning/village; V: darken; cover; make unclear; Ex. obscure the moon/
meaning
observation n. action of observing; being observed
observe v. see and notice (sb/sth); watch carefully
obsession n. ~ state of being obsessed
obsolete outmoded; no longer used
obstacle n. thing in the way that either stops progress or
makes it difficult
obstruct v. ~ sth (with sth) be or get in the way of (sb/sth);
block (a road, passage, etc) ,
odds chances; probability; disagreement; Ex. The odds are
that it will rain. Ex. at odds with
odor smell; favor; reputation
offensive attacking; insulting; distasteful; V. offend:
violate; hurt the feelings of; N. offense: offending; violating of a
moral or social code; crime; attack; Ex. first offense
office n. room(s) or building used as a place of business,
esp for clerical or administrative work
off-road
offshore adj. at sea not far from the land
offspring n. (fml ) child or children of a particular person or
couple
oilskin n. (coat, etc made of) cloth treated with oil to make
it waterproof
ongoing adj. continuing to exist or progress
onlooker n. person who watches sth happening (without taking
part); spectator
onset n. vigorous beginning
ooze (of a thick liquid) pass or flow slowly; N: mud or
thick liquid as at the bottom of a river
operate v. (fml ) work; be in action
operation n. way in which sth works; working
opponent n. ~ (at/in sth) person who is against another person
in a fight, a struggle, a game or an argument
oppose v. express strong disapproval of or disagreement
with (sth/sb), esp with the aim of preventing or changing a course of
action
opposition n. ~ state or action of opposing (sb/sth);
resistance
optimum most favorable; optimal; N: most favorable condition
optometrist one who fits glasses to remedy visual defects
orbit n. path followed by a planet, star, moon, etc round
another body
orchestra n. group of people playing various musical
instruments together
orchid n. plant, usu with flowers of unusual shapes and
brilliant colours, having one petal larger than the other two
ordinance decree; authoritative order
ordnance n. military supplies and materials
ore n. rock, earth, mineral, etc from which metal can be
obtained
organ n. part of an animal body or plant serving a
particular purpose
organism n. (usu small) living being with parts that work
together
origin n. starting-point; source
originally adv. in an original(
originate v. ~ in sth; ~ from/with sb have sth/sb as a cause or
beginning
ornamental adj. of or for ornament
ornamentation n. that which ornaments; decoration
orphanage n. home for children who are orphans
oust expel; drive out; force out; N. ouster: ousting
outbreak n. sudden appearance or start
outcome n. effect or result (of an event, circumstances, etc)
outcry n. ~ (about/against sth) strong public protest
outermost adj. farthest from the inside or centre; most remote
outgrow v. grow too big for (esp one's clothes)
outgrowth n. naturaldevelopment or result
outline n. lineshowing the shape or outer edge (of sth)
outlying adj. far from a centre or a city; remote
output n. quantity of goods, etc produced
outright adv. openly and honestly, with nothing held back
outweigh v. be greater in weight, value or importance than
overall adj. including everything; total
overburden [ overburden
verb

: ]
verb

: ] vt. to load with excessive weight, work, etc.
overcome v. succeed in a struggle against (sth); defeat
overcrowd to fill (a room, vehicle, city, etc.) with more
people or things than is desirable
overgraze to graze (land) beyond its capacity to sustain stoc
overlap v. partly cover (sth) by extending over its edge
overlook v. have or give a view of from above
overnight adv. during or for the night
override v. disregard or set aside (sb's opinions, etc)
overshadow v. cause to be shaded or to have little light
oversight n. unintentional failure to notice sth
overt open to view; public; not secret; CF. covert
overwhelm (of water) cover completely; defeat completely by
much greater force; Ex. overwhelmed by grief
oyster n. shellfish some types of which produce pearls
inside their shells
pace n. single step in walking or running
package n. object or objects wrapped in paper or packed in a
box; parcel
paddle n. short oar with a broad blade at one end or both
ends, used to move a canoe through the water .
painstaking taking pains; showing hard work; taking great care;
very careful and through
palatable agreeable; pleasing to the taste
pale adj. (of a person, his face, etc) having little
colour; having less colour than usual
pamphlet n. small book with a paper cover, usu containing
information on a subject of public interest or expressing a political
opinion
pancreas n. gland near the stomach that produces substances
which help in the digestion of food
parallel similar; analogous; corresponding; N: parallel line;
person or thing that is parallel (to another); similarity; Ex. know of
no parallel to the case; Ex. without parallel; V: be similar to; make
parallel; Ex. Your experience parallels mine; CF. unp
paralyze To deprive of the power to act.
paraphrase restate a passage in one's own words while retaining
thought of author; N: restatement of a text in other words
parasite animal or plant living on another; toady; sycophant;
CF. para-: beside
parcel n. thing or things wrapped up for carrying or
sending by post
parliament n. assembly that makes the laws of a country
parlor A room for reception of callers or entertainment of
guests.
partial incomplete; favoring one side over another; having a
liking for something
partially adv. not completely; partly
participation n. ~ (action of) participating in sth
particle n. very small bit or piece
particularly adv. especially
partner n. person who takes part in an activity with another
or others, esp one of several owners of a business
party n. social gathering to which people are invited, esp
in order to celebrate sth
passage n. process of passing
patent obvious; easily seen; open for the public to read; of
or protected by a patent; Ex. patent to everyone; N.
paternal adj. of a father; fatherly
patriarch father and ruler of a family or tribe
patriarchal adj. of or like a patriarch
patriot n. person who loves his country, esp one who is ready
to defend it against an enemy
patron n. person who gives money or other support to a
person, cause, activity, etc
patronage n. support and encouragement given by a patron
pattern n. arrangement of lines, shapes, colours, etc, esp
as a decorative design on clothes, carpets, wallpaper, etc
peak n. pointed top, esp of a mountain
pearly adj. of or like a pearl
pebble n. small stone made smooth and round by the action
of water, eg in a stream or on the seashore
peculiar adj. odd or strange
peculiarity n. quality of being peculiar
pedagogy teaching; art of education
pedal n. lever that drives a machine when pressed down by
the foot or feet
pedestrian ordinary; dull; unimaginative(lacking in
imagination); going on foot; Ex. pedestrian prose; N.
peer one who has equal standing with another; nobleman; V:
look intently; N. peerage; CF. peeress
penal adj. of, relating to or used for punishment, esp by
law
penalty n. ~ punishment for breaking a law, rule or contract
penchant strong inclination; strong liking (esp. for something
that is disapproved of by other people); Ex. penchant for fast cars
pentagon n. geometric figure with five sides and angles
perceive v. become aware of (sb/sth); notice; observe
percentage n. rate, number or amount in each hundred
perception n. ability to see, hear or understand
percussion striking one object against another sharply; Ex.
percussion instrument; N: striking together of two bodies; sound
caused by percussion
percussive adj. of, caused by, or relating to percussion
perennial something long-lasting; perennial plant; ADJ: lasting
through the year or many years; lasting for a long time; enduring
perfect adj. having everything needed; complete
perform To accomplish.
periodical n, adj that is published at regular intervals, eg
weekly or monthly ; . periodically adv at (esp regular) intervals ;
peripheral of a periphery; marginal; outer; of minor importance;
not central; Ex. peripheral nerve/interest
periphery outside edge especially of a round surface;
perimeter; Ex. periphery of the town
perishable adj. likely to decay or go bad quickly
permanent adj. lasting or expected to last for a long time or
for ever
perpetual everlasting
perpetuate make perpetual; make something last for a long time;
preserve from extinction; N. perpetuity
persevere continue steadily in spite of difficulties
persist continue in existence; last; continue in a course of
action in spite of opposition; Ex. persist in/with something; ADJ.
persistent
persistent adj. refusing to give up
personality n. characteristics and qualities of a person seen as
a whole
personalize to endow with personal or individual qualities or
characteristics
perspective n. art of drawing solid objects on a flat surface so
as to give the right impression of their height, width, depth and
position in relation to each other
persuasive adj. able to persuade; convincing
pervasive spread throughout; V. pervade: (of smells, ideas,
feelings) spread throughout; charge; permeate
pest n. annoying person or thing
pestilential causing plague; baneful
pet n. tame animal or bird kept as a companion and
treated with care and affection
petal n. any of the delicate, coloured, leaf-like divisions
of a flower
petrify turn to stone; cause to become stonelike; stun or
paralyze
petroleum n. mineral oil that forms underground and is obtained
from wells sunk into the ground, from which petrol, paraffin, diesel
oil, etc are obtained by processing
phase n. stage in a process of change or development
phenomenon n. fact or occurrence, esp in nature or society,
that can be perceived by the senses
philanthropist lover of mankind; doer of good; N. philanthropy
photoconductive [ photoconductivity: ] adj. "photocon'ductor nou
photosphere adjectiv
physical adj. of or concerning material things
pickax [ pickaxe: ] a large pick or mattock
pictograph a picture or symbol standing for a word or group of
words, as in written Chinese
picture n. painting, drawing, sketch, etc, esp as a work of
art
piece n. any of the parts of which sth is made
pigment coloring matter (usually powder to be mixed with
water or oil)
pile n. heavy column of wood, metal or concrete placed
upright in the ground or the sea-bed as a foundation for a building,
support for a bridge, etc
pilot n. person who operates the controls of an aircraft
pinhead the head of a pin
piston n. round plate or short cylinder,usu made of metal
or wood, that fits closely inside another cylinder or tube and moves
up and down or backwards and forwards inside it
pit n. large hollow or opening in the ground
pivotal of a pivot; central; critical; crucial
place n. particular area or position in space occupied by
sb/sth
plague n. the plague =bubonic plague (bubonic)
plainspoken
plane carpenter's tool for smoothing and leveling wood; V.
CF. flat
planetary adj. of orlike a planet or planets
plankton n. any of the forms of plant and animal life that
drift in or float on the water of seas, rivers, lakes, etc
plaque n. flat piece of stone, metal or porcelain fixed on a
wall as an ornament or a memorial
plate n. (often in compounds ) shallow (usu round) dish
made usu of earthenware or china, from which food is served or eaten
platypus n. (also ,duck-billed `platypus) small Australian
furred animalwith a duck-like beak, webbed feet and a flat tail, that
lays eggs but gives milk to its young
playground n. area of land where children play, eg as part of a
school ,
plight difficult condition; condition or state (esp. a bad
state or condition); predicament
plot n. small marked or measured piece of land, esp for a
special purpose
plum n. soft round smooth-skinned fruit with sweet flesh
and a flattish pointed stone
plummet fall sharply; fall straight down; Ex. Stock prices
plummeted.
plunge v. ~ into sth; ~ (sth) in (cause sth to) fall into
sth suddenly and with force
poetic adj. like or suggesting poetry, esp in being
graceful and aesthetically leasing
poikilotherm
polarity state of having two opposite qualities
polish adj. of Poland or the Poles
pollen n. fine powder formed in flowers, which fertilizes
other flowers when carried to them by the wind, insects, etc
pollutant n. substance that pollutes, eg exhaust fumes from
motor vehicles
pollute v. ~ sth make sth dirty or impure, esp by adding
harmful or unpleasant substances
polygon n. figure with many (usu five or more) straight sides
ponytail a hairstyle in which the hair is pulled tightly into
a band or ribbon at the back of the head into a loose hanging fal
pool n. small area of still water, esp one that has
formed naturally
populous adj. having a large population; densely populated
porcupine n. animal related to the squirrel, with a body and
tail covered with long spines which it can stick out to protect itself
when attacked
porpoise n. sea mammal with a blunt rounded snout, similar to
a dolphin or small whale
portion n. part or share into which sth is divided
portray v. ~ sb make a picture of sb
portrayal n. action of portraying
pose assume a particular posture; put forward; present;
affect a particular attitude (to impress others); Ex. pose a threat;
N.
posit v. suggest or assume (sth) as a fact; postulate ;
position n. place where sb/sth is
positive adj. with no possibility of doubt; clear and
definite
poster n. large placard displayed in a public place
posthumous after death (as of child born after father's death or
book published after author's death); coming or occurring after one's
death; Ex. posthumous fame/novel
postmodern adj. (in the arts, architecture, etc.) characteristic
of a style and school of thought that rejects the dogma and practices
of any form of modernism
potent powerful; convincing; persuasive; greatly influential
potential expressing possibility; latent; N: capacity for
growth
potentiality n. (fml ) power or quality that exists but has not
been developed
potion dose (of liquids); liquid dose
pottery n. earthenware pots, etc made by hand
pound n. (abbr lb) standard measure of weight, 16 ounces
in the avoirdupoissystem, equal to 0.454 kg , 160.454
pour v. (of a liquid or substance that flows like liquid)
flow, esp downwards, in a continuous stream
practicality n. quality or state of being sensible and realistic
practice n. actual doing of sth; action as contrasted with
theory
prairie n. wide area of level grassland, esp in N America;
plain2
preach v. ~ (to sb) (about/against/on sth) give a sermon,
esp in church
precede v. come or go before in time, order, rank, etc
precious adj. of great value
precipitate hurl downward; throw headlong; hasten; cause to
happen sooner; condense and fall as rain or snow; cause (a solid
substance) to be separated from a solution; ADJ. hasty; rash;
premature; sudden
precipitation n. violent haste
predator predatory animal or bird; predatory person; creature
that seizes and devours another animal; person who robs or exploits
others; ADJ. predatory: living by preying on other organisms;
plundering; N. predation
predecessor former occupant of a post
predominance n. ~ state of being greater in strength, numbers,
etc
predominate v. ~ have control, power or influence(over sb/sth)
preeminent outstanding; superior
pregnant adj. having a baby or young animal developing in the
womb
prehistoric adj. of or concerning the time before recorded
history
preliminary adj. ~ coming before a more important action or
event; preparatory
prelude introduction; introductory performance or event;
forerunner
preponderance superiority of power, quantity, etc.; V.
preponderate: be greater in power, weight, or importance; ADJ.
preponderant
prerequisite adj. ~ (infml ) required as a condition (for sth)
present adj. ~ (of a person) being in the place in question
preserve v. keep or maintain (sth) in an unchanged or perfect
condition
pressure n. force or weight of sth pressing continuously on
or against sth that it touches
prestige respect or admiration; impression produced by
achievements or reputation; ADJ: causing admiration; ADJ. prestigious:
having prestige
prestigious adj. having or bringing prestige
pretense an inadequate or insincere attempt to attain a
certain condition or quality
pretension pretentiousness; claim (without foundation); Ex. I
make no pretensions to skill as an artist.
prevail be widespread; triumph over; gain victory; prevail
on: persuade; induce; Ex. Justice has prevailed; Ex. prevail on
someone to do something
prevalence n. being prevalent
previous adj. coming before in time or order
prey target of a hunt; victim; V: hunt and eat as prey;
victimize; Ex. Cats prey on mice.
primal first in rank or importance; being first in time;
original; Ex. man's primal innocence
primary first in rank or importance; principal; earliest in
time; Ex. primary stages; N. CF. first
primate group of mammals including humans
prime period of ideal or peak condition; earliest or
beginning stage; Ex. in the prime of life; Ex. prime of the year
(spring); ADJ: first in importance or rank; first; V: make ready;
prepare
primitive adj. of or at an early stage of social development
primordial existing at the beginning (of time); rudimentary
principal adj. first in rank or importance; chief; main
priority n. ~ (state of) being more important (in rank)
procedure n. order or way of doing things, esp in business,
law, politics, etc
proceed v. ~ (to sth) go to a further or the next stage; go
on
process n. series of actions or operations performed in
order to do, make or achieve sth
proclaim v. make known officially or publicly; announce
prodigious enormous; marvelous; extraordinary; Ex. prodigious
amount/memory
produce v. ~ sth create sth by making, manufacturing,
growing, etc
production n. action of manufacturing, extracting, etc, esp in
large quantities
productive adj. producing or able to produce goods or crops,
esp in large quantities
proficiency n. ~ eing proficient (in sth)
profiteer v. maketoo large a profit, esp by exploiting people
in difficult times (eg in a war or famine)
profound deep; not superficial; complete; Ex. profound thinker/
remark/silence/deafness; N. profundity
programmability [ programmable: ] adj. (esp. of a device or
operation) capable of being programmed for automatic operation or
computer processing
project n. scheme or undertaking
projection n. projecting or being projected
proliferate grow rapidly (in numbers); spread; multiply; N.
proliferation
prolific producing offspring or fruit in abundance; fertile;
fecund; abundantly fruitful; producing abundant works; Ex. prolific
writer
prolong lengthen; extend; draw out
prominent protruding(sticking out); conspicuous; notable;
eminent
promote advance in rank; advance; help to flourish; advocate;
help actively in forming; publicize or popularize; Ex. Milk promotes
health; Ex. promote a match/bill; Ex. promote a new product
promoter n. person who organizes or finances (esp a business
company or a sporting event)
promptly adv: She replied promptly to my letter
propel v. move, driveor push (sth) forward
propeller n. two or more spiral blades fixed to a revolving
shaft for propelling a ship or an aircraft
propensity natural inclination
property n. thing or things owned; possession
proponent supporter; backer; opposite of opponent
proportion n. comparative part or share of a whole; fraction
proposal n. action of suggesting or putting forward
propose v. offer or put forward for consideration; suggest
proprietor n. owner, esp of a business firm, hotel or patent
prose n. written or spoken language that is not in verse
form
prosecute v. ~ sb bring a criminal charge against sb in a
court of law
prospect n. (dated ) wide view of a landscape, etc
prosper become successful (esp. financially); thrive; grow
well; Ex. children prospering under his care
protagonist leader or noticeable supporter of an idea; chief
character in a play or story
protein n. substance found in meat, eggs, fish, etc that is
an important body-building part of the diet of humans and animals
prototype original work used as a model by others
providence quality of being provident; divine care; god's care;
Providence: god; Ex. It seemed like providence that the doctor
happened to be there; ADJ. providential: of divine providence;
fortunate
province n. any of the main administrative divisions in
certain countries
provincialism n. provincial (
prudent cautious; careful; prudential
psychologist n. student of or expert in psychology
publisher n. person or firm that publishes books, newspapers,
etc
puddle n. small pool of water, esp of rain-water on the road
pulp n. soft fleshy inner part of fruit; flesh
pulse rhythmical throbbing of arteries; brief sudden change
in a normally constant quantity; V: pulsate
pump n. machine or device for forcing liquid, gas or air
into, out of or through sth, eg water from a well, petrol from a
storage tank, air into a tyre or oil through a pipe-line
punch n. grotesque humpbacked figure in a traditional
puppet show called Punch and Judy
purchase secure grasp or hold; firm grasp or footing
purple adj. having the colour of red and blue mixed
together
pursue v. follow (sb/sth), esp in order to catch or kill;
chase ,
pursuit n. ~ of sth action of pursuing (pursue
purveyor furnisher of foodstuffs; caterer; V. purvey: supply
(eg. food); furnish; CF. provide
puzzling adj. a puzzling statement, affair, attitude
pyramid n. structure with a flat square or triangular base
and sloping sides that meet in a point at the top, esp one of those
built of stone by the ancient Egyptians as tombs
quadrilateral n, adj with four sides
qualitative adj. of or concerned with quality
quality n. degree of goodness or worth
quantitative adj. of or concerned with quantity
quartz n. any of various types of hard mineral
quench assuage or satisfy (thrust); slake; douse or
extinguish; put out; suppress
quest n. ~ (for sth) act of seeking sth; search or pursuit
quotation n. quoting or being quoted
quote v. ~ (from sb/sth) repeat in speech or writing
(words previously said or written by another person)
radiant adj. sending out rays of light; shining brightly
radiation n. (the sending out of) heat, energy, etc in the
form of rays
radical adj. of or from the root or base; fundamental
radically adv: radically altered, improved, etc
radioactive adj. having atoms that break up and send out
radiation which canpenetrate opaque bodies and sometimes produce
harmfulelectrical effects
radius n. (length of a) straight line from the centre of a
circle or sphere to any point on its circumference or surface .
raft n. flat floating structure of logs, barrels, etc tied
together, used esp as a substitute for a boat
rage n. (fit of) violent anger
rail complain bitterly; scold; rant; Ex. the weaker
railing against injustices
railhead n. furthest point reached by a railway that is being
built
rainbow n. arch containing the colours of the spectrum,
formed in the sky when the sun shines through rain or spray
raise v. lift or move (sth) to a higher level; cause to
rise
rally come or bring together; call up or summon (forces,
vital powers, etc.); revive or recuperate (after illness or
difficulty); N: act of rallying; mass gathering
ranch n. large farm, esp in the US or Canada, where cattle
are bred; similar farm producing crops, fruit, chickens, etc
rancher n. person who owns, manages or works on a ranch
random without definite purpose, plan, or aim; haphazard;
Ex. random shots; Ex. chosen at random
range n. connected line or row of mountains, hills, etc
rank offensive in odor or flavor
ratchet n. device consisting of a toothed wheel or bar with
a catch that fits between the teeth allowing movement in one direction
only
ratify approve formally; confirm; verify
ratio n. relation between two amounts determined by the
number of times one contains the other
rational (of a person) having reason; (of ideas) based on
reason; logical
rattle v. make short sharp sounds quickly, one after the
other; (cause sth to) shake while making such sounds
rattlesnake n. poisonous American snake that makes a rattling
noise with its tail when alarmed or threatened
ravine narrow valley with steep sides; gorge; CF. gully,
canyon
rawhide n. untanned leather
reach v. ~ for sth; ~ out stretch out (one's hand) in
order to touch, grasp or take sth
reaction n. ~ response to a situation, an act, an influence,
etc
reality n. quality of being real or of resembling an
original
realm kingdom; field or sphere; Ex. not within the realms
of possibility
rear n. the back part
reason n. ~ (to do sth); ~ (why.../that...) (fact put
forward as or serving as the) cause of, motive for or justification
for sth
rebel n. person who fights against, or refuses to serve,
the established government
rebellion n. ~ open (esp armed) resistance to the established
government; resistance to authority or control
recall v. ~ sb (from...) (to...) order sb to return (from a
place)
reception n. action of receiving or being received
receptor (Physiol) a sensory nerve ending that changes
specific stimuli into nerve impulses
recital act of reciting publicly; detailed account;
performance of music or dance (by a solo performer)
reckon count; calculate; regard as; think; suppose
reclaim v. ~ sth recover possession of sth
recognition n. recognizing or being recognized
recoil v. ~ ~ (at sth) draw oneself back in fear, disgust,
etc
recompose to restore to composure or calmness
reconstitute v. restore to its original state, eg by adding water
record n. ~ permanent account, esp in writing, of facts,
events, etc
recreation n. refreshing or entertaining oneself after work;
relaxation
rectangle n. four-sided geometricfigure with four right angles,
esp one with unequal adjacent sides ; .
rectangular adj. having the shape of a rectangle
recycle v. treat (used material) so that it can be used again
reddish adj. rather red
redefine
reduce diminish; bring to a weaker or more difficult
condition; demote; lower in rank; separate into components by
analysis; Ex. reduced to the ranks; Ex. reduce the house to rubble; N.
reduction
reduction n. reducing or being reduced
reelect
reflect to undergo or cause to undergo a process in which
light, other electromagnetic radiation, sound, particles, etc., are
thrown back after impinging on a surface
reflection The throwing off or back of light, heat, sound, or
any form of energy that travels in waves.
reform v. become or make better by removing or putting right
faults, errors, etc
refurbish renovate; make clean, bright, or fresh (make new)
again; make bright by polishing; Ex. refurbish an old theater; CF.
furbish: polish
refuse anything discarded or rejected as worthless; trash
regeneration spiritual rebirth; Ex. regeneration of the prisoners;
V. regenerate: give or obtain new life; reform spiritually
regime method of system or government
regimentation the imposition of order or discipline
regulate v. control or direct by means of rules and
restrictions
rehabilitate restore to proper condition (health or useful life);
restore the former rank of
reinforce v. make stronger by adding material, etc
reject v. refuse to accept
rejoin v. join again; be reunited with
relative adj. ~ considered in relation or proportion to sb/
sth else; comparative
release v. ~ sb/sth (from sth) allow (a person or an animal)
to go; set free or liberate sb/sth ;
relevant having importance; pertinent; referring to the case
in hand; N. relevance, relevancy
reliance n. ~ on sb/sth confidence or trust in sb/sth;
dependence on sb/sth
relieve v. lessen or remove
remark v. ~ on/upon sth/sb say or write by way of comment;
observe
remarkable adj. ~ worth noticing or unusual; exceptional
remedy n. ~ (fml ) treatment, medicine, etc that cures or
relieves a disease or pain
remnant remainder
remodel to alter the structure of:REMAKE
remote adj. ~ (from sth) far away from other communities,
houses, etc; isolated
remove v. ~ sth/sb (from sth) take sth/sb away from one
place to another
render give; deliver; provide; represent in verbal or
artistic form; depict; perform; make; translate; Ex. render the song
beautifully
renewal n. renewing or being renewed
renin a proteolytic enzyme secreted by the kidneys, which
plays an important part in the maintenance of blood pressure
rentability [ rent: ] a payment made periodically by a tenant to
a landlord or owner for the occupation or use of land, buildings, or
other property, such as a telephone
rental n. amount of rent paid or received
renunciation n. (formal declaration of) giving sth/sb up;
renouncing
repertoire list of works of music, drama, etc., a performer is
prepared to present; CF. repertory
repertory n. performance of various plays for short periods by
one company
repetitive adj. characterized by or given to unnecessary
repetition; boring
replace v. put back in its place
replenish fill up again
replicate reproduce; duplicate
represent v. make an image of or show in a picture,
sculptureor play; depict
representation n. act of representing or state of being represented
representative adj. ~ serving to show or portray a classor group
reproduce v. make a copy of
reproduction n. reproducing or being reproduced
reproductive adj. of or for reproduction of offspring
reptile n. any of the class ofcold-blooded, egg-laying
animals including lizards, tortoises,crocodiles, snakes, etc with
relatively short legs or no legs at all ,
reputation n. ~ what is generally said or believed about the
abilities, qualities, etc of sb/sth
rescue v. ~ sb/sth (from sth/sb) save or bring away sb/sth
from danger, captivity, etc
resemblance n. ~ ~ (between A and B) (instance of) likeness or
similarity
resemble to possess some similarity to; be like
reserve self-control; self-restraint; formal but distant
manner; reticence; Ex. without reserve: freely and openly; ADJ.
reserved: shy and uncommunicative
reservoir n. natural or artificial lake used as a source or
store of water for a town, etc ,
reshape
residency a variant of: residence
resist v. use force in order to prevent sth happening or
being successful; oppose
resolution determination; resoluteness; ADJ. resolute: firm or
determined in purpose
resolve decide; settle; solve; separate; make a determined
decision; N. resolution
resonance n. quality of being resonant
resource n. supply of raw materials, etc which bring a
country, person, etc wealth
respect n. ~ admiration felt or shown for a person or thing
that has good qualities or achievements; regard
respective adj. of or for or belonging to each as an individual
restoration n. ~ return of sth lost, etc to its owner
restore v. ~ sth (fml ) give back (sth lost, etc) to its
owner
restrict v. ~ sb/sth (to sth) put a limit on sb/sth
resultant adj. happening as a result or consequence
resume v. begin (sth) again or continue (sth) after
stoppingfor a time
retain keep; maintain possession of; employ (esp. a lawyer
or advisor); N. retainer: servant; fee paid to retain an advisor
retention n. possession or use of sth
retentive holding; able to retain things (esp. facts in the
mind); having a good memory
retire v. ~ (from sth) give up one's regular work, esp
because of age
retirement n. retiring or being retired from work
retool to replace, re-equip, or rearrange the tools in (a
factory, etc.)
retract withdraw; take back; draw back; Ex. retract a
statement/an offer/claws; N. retraction; CF. retractile
retreat v. withdraw after being defeated or when faced with
danger or difficulty
retrieve recover; put right; find and bring in; regain; Ex.
retrieve the situation
reveal v. ~ sth make (facts, etc) known
reverse adj. ~ contrary or opposite to what is expected
review n. re-examinationor reconsideration
revival n. coming or bringing back to health, strength or
consciousness; recovery
rhetoric art of effective communication; art of using language
effectively and persuasively; style of speaking or writing;
grandiloquent language; Ex. political rhetoric; ADJ. rhetorical; CF.
rhetorical question: question to which no answer is expected as
rhinoceros n. large thick-skinned heavily-built animal of
Africa and S Asia, with either one or two horns on its nose
rhythm n. pattern produced by emphasis and duration of
notes in music or by stressed and unstressed syllables in words
ridge n. raised line where two sloping surfaces meet;
narrow raised strip
ridicule n. making sb/sth appear foolish or absurd; scorn
rift narrow opening in a large mass; break in a friendly
relation; Ex. through a rift in the clouds; OP. reconcilation
rigid hard and unbending; stiff and unyielding; fixed in
behavior or views; strict; rigorous; Ex. rigid rule
risk n. ~ (instance of the) possibility of meeting danger
or suffering harm, loss, etc
ritual the prescribed or established form of a religious or
other ceremony
rival n. ~ person or thing competing with another
roam v. walk or travel without any definite aim or
destination
roar n. long loud deep sound made by a lion
rock n. (usu solid) part of the earth's crust
rod n. thin straight piece of wood or metal
rodent n. type of small animal that gnaws things with its
strong front teeth, eg a rat, squirrel or beaver
rodeo n. rounding up of cattle on a ranch, for branding,
etc
roll n. cylinder made by turning flexible material over
and over on itself without folding it
romance adj. of those languages which are descended from
Latin, eg French, Italian, Spanish ,
root n. part of a plant that keeps it firmly in the soil
and absorbs water and food from the soil
rosy adj. of the colour of red roses; deep pink
rotate v. move in circles round a central point
routine n. fixed and regular way of doing things
row n. number of people or things arranged in a line
rub v. ~ (sth) (with sth) (cause sth to) press against
(a surface) with a to-and-fro sliding movement
rudiment n. rudiments ~s basic or elementary principles (of a
subject)
rugged adj. rough; uneven; rocky
rumble make or move with a deep rolling sound (as thunder or
stomach)
rumor [ rumour: ] a information, often a mixture of truth
and untruth, passed around verbally
run v. move at a speed faster than a walk, never having
both or all the feet on the ground at the same time
runoff
rural adj. of, in or suggesting the countryside
sac n. bag-like part of an animal or plant
sack n. any large bag of strong material used for storing
and carrying eg cement, coal, flour, potatoes
saddle n. seat, often of leather, for a rider on a horse,
donkey, etc or on a bicycle or motor cycle
saguaro sahuaro
saline salty
salmon n. large fish with pinkish flesh, sometimes fished
for with rod and line as a sport
sample n. one of a number of things, or part of a whole,
that can be looked at to see what the rest is like; specimen
sanction approve; ratify; N: permission; penalty intended to
enforce compliance
sanitation n. systems thatprotect people's health, esp those
that dispose efficiently of sewage
save v. ~ sb/sth make or keep sb/sth safe (from harm,
loss, etc)
scale climb up; ascend; remove or come off in scales; N:
flake of epidermis; ascending or descending series of musical tones
scan v. Tn] look at every part of (sth) carefully;
examine (sth) with great attention
scar n. mark left on the skin by a wound, sore, etc
scarce adj. not easily obtained and much less than is
needed
scatter v. move, usu quickly, in different directions
scavenge hunt through discarded materials for usable items or
food; search, especially for food; N. scavenger: one who scavenges;
animal that feeds on refuse and carrion
scavenger n. animal, bird or person that scavenges
scenic adj. having or showing beautiful natural scenery
schedule n. programme of work to be done or of planned events
scheme systematic plan; plot; clever dishonest plan; orderly
arrangement of elements; Ex. health insurance scheme; Ex. a scheme to
escape taxes; Ex. a color scheme; Ex. a story with no scheme; V:
contrive a scheme
school n. institution for educating children
scold v. ~ sb express anger, criticism, etc, esp to a
child; rebuke sb
score number of points; written form of a musical
composition; reason; group of 20; notch or incision; Ex. full/vocal
score; Ex. Don't worry on that score; V: mark with lines or notches;
Ex. score the paper to make it easy to fold
scour v. ~ sth make the dirty surface of sth clean or
bright by rubbing it with sth rough
scout n. person, ship or aircraft sent out to get
information about the enemy's position, strength, etc
scrap small bit or fragment; discarded waste material;
fight; Ex. a scrap of paper/cloth; V: break into parts for disposal;
discard as worthless; fight; quarrel
scratch v. I, Ipr, Tn] make marks on or in (a surface) with
a sharp tool, nails, claws, etc; make a shallow wound in (the skin) in
this way
sculpture n. art of making figures, objects, etc by carving
wood or stone, shaping clay, making metal casts, etc
seal n. animal with flippers that lives near and in the
sea and eats fish
sear burn the surface of; char or burn; brand; parch;
cause (a plant) to wither
seasonal of a particular season; Ex. seasonal rise in
employment
seat n. thing made or used for sitting on, eg a chair,
bench or box
seclude v. ~ sb/oneself (fml ) keep sb/oneself apart (from
others)
seclusion isolation; solitude; V. seclude: set apart from
others; isolate
second det 1
secrecy n. keeping secrets; ability or tendency to keep
secrets; state of being secret
secrete conceal; hide away or cache; produce and release a
substance into an organism; CF. secretive
secretin a peptic hormone secreted by the mucosae of the
duodenum and jejunum when food passes from the stomach
sect separate religious body; faction; group of people
with common beliefs within a larger group
secure adj. ~ not feeling worry, doubt, etc
security n. freedom or protection from danger or worry
sediment n. matter that settles to the bottom of a liquid
sedimentation n. process of depositing sediment
seduce lead away from proper conduct; entice; ADJ. seductive
seed n. part of a plant from which a new plant of the
same kind can grow
seedling n. young plant newly grown from a seed
seek v. ~ (after/for sth) look (for sth); try to find or
obtain (sth)
seep pass slowly through small openings; ooze; trickle; N.
seepage
seepage n. process of seeping
segment n. (geometry ) part of a circle cut off by a line
selective careful in choosing; having an effect only on certain
things; not general; Ex. eclectic weed killer
selenium n. non-metallic element whose power to conduct
electric current increases as the light reaching it becomes more
intense .
self-expression
self-limiting
self-realization
self-sufficient adj. ~ able to fulfil one's own needs, without help
from others
self-taught
self-winding adj. winding itself automatically from the movements
of the wearer's wrist
seminar n. small group of students at a university, etc
meeting to discuss or study a particular topic with a teacher
senate n. upper house of the law-making assembly in some
countries, eg France, the US and Australia
sensational adj. causing a sensation(2)
sensible adj. (approv ) having or showing good sense(3);
reasonable
sensitive adj. easily hurt or damaged
sensitivity n. ~ quality or degree of being sensitive
sensory adj. of the senses or of sensation
sentimental swayed by sentiment; appealing to the sentiments
sentimentalism the state or quality of being sentimentalism
sentimentalize verb to make sentimental or behave sentimentally
sequence n. set of events, numbers, actions, etc with each
following the one before continuously or in a particular order
sequester isolate; segregate; seclude; retire from public life
sequoia n. either of two types of large evergreen coniferous
trees of California, the redwood or the giant sequoia ,
set n. ~ group of similar things that belong together in
some way
settle n. wooden seat for two or more people, with a high
back and arms, the seat often being the lid of a chest ,
settlement n. settling or being settled
severe adj. ~ (on/with sb/sth) strict or harsh in attitude
or treatment; imposing stern discipline
sew v. make stitches in cloth, etc with a needle and
thread
sewage n. waste matter from human bodies, factories, towns,
etc that flows away in sewers
sexton n. person who takes care of a church and its
churchyard, rings the church bell, etc
shade slight difference in degree; nuance; degree of color;
Ex. shades of meaning/grey
shadow n. shade caused by an object blocking direct rays of
light
shaft n. long slender stem of an arrow or a spear
shale n. type of soft rock that splits easily into thin
flat pieces
shallow adj. not deep
shape n. outer form or appearance; outline of an area, a
figure, etc
sheer pure; thin and transparent; very steep
shell n. hard outer covering of eggs, of nut-kernels, of
some seeds and fruits, and of animals such as oysters, snails, crabs
and tortoises
shelter n. ~ condition of being protected, kept safe, etc,
eg from rain, danger, attack; refuge
ship n. large vessel carrying people or goods by sea
shipwreck n. loss or destruction of a ship at sea by storm,
collision, etc
shortage n. lack of sth needed; deficiency
shovel n. tool like a spade with curved edges, used for
moving earth, snow, sand, etc
show n. any type of public entertainment, eg a circus, a
theatre performance, or a radio or TV programme
shrill adj. (of sounds, voices, etc) high-pitched;
piercing; sharp
shrimp n. small marine shellfish that is used for food,
becoming pink when boiled .
shrink v. (cause sth to) become smaller, esp because of
moisture or heat or cold
shrub n. plant with a woody stem, lower than a tree and
often having smaller stems branching off near the ground
signal n. sign, gesture, sound, etc that conveys a message,
command, etc
signature n. person's name written by himself
signify v. be a sign of (sth); mean
silhouette n. dark outline of sb/sth seen against a light
background
silica n. compound of silicon occurring as quartz or flint,
and in sandstone and other rocks
silicate n. any of the insoluble compounds of silica
siliceous of, relating to, or containing silica
silicon n. non-metallic chemical element found combined with
oxygen in quartz, sandstone, etc .
silt sediment deposited by running water (at the entrance
to a harbor or by a bend in a river)
silverware n. articles made of silver
simplicity n. being easy, plain or straightforward
sin n. the breaking of a religious or moral law
site n. place where a building, town, etc was, is, or
will be situated
skeleton n. framework of bones supporting an animal or a
human body
skeptical Doubtful; unbelieving.
skepticism The entertainment of doubt concerning something.
sketch n. rough quickly-made drawing, without many details
skull n. bony framework of the head under the skin
skylight n. window in a roof or ceiling .
skyrocket another word for: rocket1 [1]
skyscraper n. very tall modern city building
slide n. act of sliding
slime n. thick soft slippery liquid substance, esp mud
slimy adj. of, like or covered with slime
slip n. act of slipping; false step
slipper n. loose-fitting light soft shoe worn in the house
slope n. slanting line; surface that is at an angle of
less than 90 to the earth's surface or a flat surface
sloth slow moving tree-dwelling mammal; laziness; ADJ.
slothful: lazy; indolent
slothful adj. lazy; idle ;
slumber v. sleep, esp peacefully and comfortably
smite v. (fml or joc ) hit (sb/sth) hard; strike
snout n. projecting nose and mouth of an animal
snowdrift a bank of deep snow driven together by the win
snowflake n. any one of the soft small collections of ice
crystals that fall as snow
soak v. ~ (in sth) become thoroughly wet by being in
liquid or by absorbing liquid
sociology n. scientific study of the nature and development of
society andsocial behaviour
sodium n. chemical element, asilver-white metal that comes
naturally only in compounds.
softball game similar to baseball played on a smaller field
with a larger soft ball
solar adj. of, concerningor related to the sun
solid adj. not in the form of a liquid or gas; keeping its
shape; firm
solidarity n. unity and agreement resulting from shared
interests, feelings, actions, sympathies, etc
solidify v. ~ (into sth) (cause sth to) become solid, hard or
firm
solitary adj. (living) alone; without companions
solitude state of being alone; seclusion; ADJ. solitary:
existing or living alone (esp. by choice); remote or secluded; single;
sole; Ex. solitary life/inn; Ex. no solitary piece of proof
solution n. ~ (action or way of finding an) answer to a
problem, question, difficulty, etc
somewhat indef adv to some degree; rather
sophistication n. quality of being sophisticated
sow plant or scatter seed
span n. distance or part between the supports of an arch
or a bridge
spare give; use; refrain from harming; save from
experiencing; exempt; Ex. spare me 5 minutes; Ex. Take this money and
spare my life; Ex. The emperor was spared the onus; ADJ: kept in
reserve; free for other use; unoccupied; Ex. spare time
spark n. tiny glowing particle thrown off from sth burning
or produced when two hard substances (eg stone, metal, flint) are
struck together
spat squabble; minor dispute; minor quarrel
spawn lay eggs (in large numbers); produce offspring (in
large numbers); N: eggs of aquatic animals
specify v. (esp fml ) state or name clearly and definitely
(details, materials, etc)
specimen n. thing or part of a thing taken as an example of
its group or class
speckle n. small mark or spot, esp one of many, often
occurring as natural markings on a different coloured background
spectacle n. grand public display, procession, performance,
etc
spectacular adj. making a very fine display or show
spectator n. person who watches
spectrum colored band produced when a beam of light passes
through a prism; broad and continuous range; Ex. whole spectrum of
modern thoughts
speculate v. ~ form opinions without having definite or
complete knowledge or evidence; guess
speculation n. ~ (over/about/upon/on sth) action of speculating
(speculate1)
speculative adj. concerned with or formed by speculation
spherical adj. shaped like a sphere
spidery adj. having thin angular lines like a spider's legs
spine n. row of bones along the back of humans and some
animals; backbone
spinet n. old type of musical instrument with a keyboard,
similar to a harpsichord
spinster n. (law or fml ) unmarried woman
spiral adj. advancing or ascending in a continuous curve
that winds round a central point
splash v. ~ sth (about) (on/onto/over sb/sth); ~ sb/sth
(with sth) cause (a liquid) to fly about in drops; make sb/sth wet in
this way ;
splinter n. small thin sharp piece of wood, metal, glass, etc
broken off a larger piece
split v. ~ (sth/sb) (up) (into sth) (cause sth to) break
or be broken (into two or more parts), esp from end to end
spoil v. =>Usage at dream2 dream2. make (sth) useless,
valueless or unsatisfactory; ruin
sponge n. type of simple sea animal with a light elastic
body-structure full of holes that can absorb water easily
sponsor n. person who makes himself responsible for another
spontaneity lack of premeditation; naturalness; freedom from
constraint; ADJ. spontaneous: self-generated; unpremeditated;
happening without being planned
spontaneous adj. done,happening, said, etc because of a voluntary
impulse from within, not caused or suggested by sth/sb outside
spot n. small mark different in colour, texture, etc from
the surface it is on
sprawl v. ~ (out/about/around) (across, in, on, etc sth)
sit, lie or fall with the arms and legs spread out loosely
spray n. small branch of a tree or plant, with its leaves
and flowers
spring n. act of springing or jumping up; jump
springboard n. strong flexible board from which a person can
jump high before diving or performing a gymnastic feat
sprout begin to grow; give off shoots or buds; N: new growth
on a plant; shoot
spur n. either of a pair of sharp-toothed wheels or
projecting points, worn on the heels of a rider's boots and used to
make a horse go faster
spy n. person who tries to get secretinformation about
military affairs, etc, esp one employedby a government to do this in
another country
square adj. having four equal sides and four right angles;
having the shape of a square2
squarely adv. so as to form a right angle; directly centred
squeak n. short high-pitched cry or sound
squeeze v. press on (sth) from opposite sides or all sides
stable adj. firmly established or fixed; not likely to move
or change
stack n. circular or rectangular pile of hay, straw,
grain, etc, usu with a sloping top for storage in the open; rick
staff n. strong stick or pole used as a support when
walking or climbing, as a weapon, or as a symbol of authority or sign
of office
stage n. platform or area on which plays are performed to
an audience
stagecoach a large four-wheeled horse-drawn vehicle formerly
used to carry passengers, mail, etc., on a regular route between towns
and citie
stain to mark or discolour with patches of something that
dirties
stalk n. main stem of a plant
stand n. stationary condition; halt or standstill
state n. condition in which a person or thing is (in
circumstances, appearance, mind, health, etc); quality of
circumstances, characteristics, etc
stately formal; ceremonious; grand in style or size; majestic
statement n. stating sth or expressing sth in words
stationary adj. not moving
statistical adj. of or shown by statistics
stature n. natural height of the body
status n. person's social, legal or professional position
or rank in relation to others
steady adj. firmly fixed, supported or balanced; not
shaking, rocking or likely to fall over
steamer a boat or ship driven by steam engines
steep soak; saturate; Ex. steep the fabric in the dye bath;
ADJ: precipitous
steer v. direct or control the course of (a boat, car,
etc)
stem stop or check (the flow of); Ex. stem the bleeding
from the slashed artery; N: main axis of a plant; stalk
stench strong foul odor; reek; stink
sterile incapable of producing young; free from
microorganism; V. sterilize
stern adj. serious and grim, not kind or cheerful;
expecting to be obeyed
stickpin n. = tie-pin (tie1)
stiff adj. not easily bent, folded, moved, changed in
shape, etc
stifle suppress; extinguish; inhibit; smother or suffocate
stilt n. either of a pair of poles, each with a support
for the foot, on which a person can walk raised above the ground
stimulate v. ~ sb/sth make sb/sth more active or alert; arouse
sb/sth
sting n. sharp pointed organ of some insects and other
animals, used for wounding and (usu) injecting poison
stipulate state as a necessary condition (of an agreement);
make express conditions; specify; Ex. He stipulated payment in advance
stir v. ~ sth (with sth) move a spoon, etc round and
round in (a liquid or some other substance) in order to mix it
thoroughly
stocky adj. (usu of people) short, strong and solid in
appearance
stomach n. bag-like organ of the body into which food passes
when swallowed and in which the first part of digestion occurs
stony adj. full of, covered in or having stones
storage n. storing of goods, etc
store n. quantity or supply of sth kept for use as needed
storeroom a room in which things are stored
story n. ~ account of past events, incidents, etc
stout rather fat; strong in body; sturdy; resolute;
determined; strong in determination; Ex. stout stick/supporter
straight adj. without a bend or curve; extending or moving
continuously in one direction only
strain v. stretch tightly by pulling
strap n. strip of leather, cloth or other flexible
material, often with a buckle, used to fasten things together or to
keep things in place or to support, hold or hang sth by
strategist n. person skilled in strategy
strategy n. planning and directing an operation in a war or
campaign
stream n. small river or large brook
streamline v. give a streamlined form to
strength n. quality of being strong; degree of intensity of
this
strenuous adj. making great efforts; energetic
stress n. mental or physical distress, difficult
circumstances, etc
stretch v. make longer, wider or tighter by pulling
strike n. organized stopping of work by employees because
of a disagreement (eg over pay, conditions, etc); act or instance of
striking (strike
string n. thin cord made of twisted threads; twine
stringent (of rules) binding; rigid; marked by scarcity of
money; Ex. stringent economic conditions
stripe n. long narrow band on a surface that is usu
different from it in colour, material or texture
studio n. work-room of a painter, sculptor, photographer,
etc ,
style n. manner of writing or speaking, esp contrasted
with what is actually written or said
stylize to give a conventional or established stylistic form
to
subject n. person or thingthat is being discussed or
described (in speech or writing),or represented, eg in a painting;
topic; theme
submerge place under water; dip; go under water; cover
completely (as with water); Ex. submerged in work
submit v. ~ (to sb/sth) accept the control, superior
strength, etc (of sb/sth); yield (to sb/sth) ; ,
suborder (Biology) a taxonomic group that is a subdivision of
an order
subsequent following in time or order; later
subsidiary serving to assist; subordinate; secondary; of a
subsidy; N.
subsidy direct financial aid by government, etc.; V.
subsidize: assist with a subsidy
subsistence existence; means of subsisting; means of support;
livelihood; V. subsist: exist; maintain life (at a meager level)
subspecies adj. "subspe'cifically adve
substance n. particular type of matter
substantial of substance; material; solid; essential or
fundamental; ample; considerable; well-to-do; wealthy
substantiate support (a claim) with evidence; establish with
evidence; verify
substitute n. ~ person or thing that replaces, acts for or
serves as sb or sth else
substrate (Biochem) the substance upon which an enzyme acts
subtitle n. secondary title of a book, etc
subtle adj. (esp approv ) not easy to detect or describe;
fine; delicate
subtraction n. process of subtracting
suburb n. district outside the central part of a town or
city
suburbanize to make suburba
subway n. underground pedestrian tunnel, esp one beneath a
road or railway
succeed v. ~ do what one is trying to do; achieve thedesired
end
sufficient adj. ~ enough
sully defile; soil; tarnish; Ex. sully one's hands in
menial labor
sum n. arithmetical calculation
summarization [ summarize: ] to make or be a summary of; express
concisely
summary n. brief statement of themain points of sth
superficial of the surface; not deep; shallow; not thorough;
trivial; Ex. superficial analysis/knowledge
superintendent n. person who superintends
superior adj. better than average
supernatural adj. that cannot be explained by natural or physical
laws; of the world of spirits, magic, etc
supervisor n. person who supervises
supplant take the place of unfairly; usurp; replace
supplement n. ~ thing added to sth else to improve or complete
it
supplementary ~ additional; extra
supremacy n. ~ being supreme; position of the highest power,
authority or status
surface n. outside of an object
surge powerful movement of or like a wave; V.
surmount overcome
surpass exceed
surplus n. amount left over after one has used all that one
needs; amount by which money received is greater than money spent
surrender v. ~ (to sb) stop resisting an enemy, etc; yield;
give up
survive v. ~ ~ (on sth) continue to live or exist
suspect v. have an idea of the existence, presence or truth
of (sth); believe
suspend cause to stop for a period; interrupt; hold in
abeyance; defer; hang from above; exclude for a period from a
position; Ex. suspended state; Ex. suspend judgment; Ex. suspended
from the team; N. suspension
suspender n. short elastic strap for holding up a sock or
stocking by its top
sustain suffer (harm or loss); experience; support; prop;
maintain; keep in existence; nourish (to maintain life); Ex. sustain
the family/the trapped miners
swamp wetland; marsh; V: flood; overwhelm; drench in with
liquid
swampy adj. (-ier, -iest)
swarm large group of insects moving in a mass; crowd of
people or animals; V: move in a crowd or mass
sway swing from side to side; influence (someone) to
change one's opinion; N.
sweaty adj. covered or damp with sweat
sweep v. ~ sth (from, off, into, etc sth); ~ sth (away,
up, etc) remove (dust, dirt, etc) with or as if with a broom or brush
swift adj. ~ (to do sth/in doing sth) quick or rapid;
prompt
swing v. (cause sb/sth to) move to and fro while hanging or
supported
switch n. device for completing or breaking an electric
circuit
switchyard
syllable n. any of the units into which a word may be
divided, usu consisting of a vowel-sound with a consonant before or
after
symbol n. ~ image, object, etc that suggests or refers to
sth else; emblem
symbolic symbolical adjs ~ of, using or used as a symbol
symbolize vt. to serve as or be a symbol
sympathetic adj. ~ feeling, showing or resulting fromsympathy
symphony n. long complex musical composition, usu in three or
four parts for a large orchestra
synapse the point at which a nerve impulse is relayed from
the terminal portion of an axon to the dendrites of an adjacent neuro
synthetic not natural; artificial; resulting from synthesis;
Ex. synthetic fiber; N.
table n. piece of furniture consisting of a flat top
supported on one or more legs
tabulate v. arrange in the form of a table(5) or list
tadpole n. form of a frog or toad at the stage when it lives
under water and has gills and a tail
taint contaminate; cause to lose purity; modify with a
trace of something bad; Ex. tainted reputation; N: stain; touch of
decay or bad influence; CF. touch
tale n. narrative or story
talent n. ~ (instance of) special or very great ability
tambourine n. percussion instrument that consists of a small
shallow drum with jingling metal discs set in the rim, and is played
by shaking or hitting with the hand ,
tank n. large container, usu for liquid or gas
tanyard n. (tannery)
tap n. device for controlling the flow of liquid or gas
out of a pipe or container
tapeworm n. tape-like worm that lives as a parasite in the
intestines of man and other animals
tapir n. small pig-like animal of tropical America and
Malaysia, with a long flexible nose
taproot
tardiness n.
tardy slow; sluggish; not on time; late; Ex. tardy arrival
tavern n. inn or public house
tectonic denoting or relating to construction or building
tectonics the art and science of construction or building
telecommute
temporarily adv.
tempt v. ~ sb persuade or try to persuade sb to do sth,
esp sth wrong or unwise
tendency n. ~ (to do sth) way a person or thing tends to be
or behave
tentacle n. slender flexible part extending from the body of
certain animals (eg snails, octopuses), used for feeling or grasping
things or for moving
tepee n. cone-shaped tent made of skins orbark on a frame
of poles, used by AmericanIndians
term n. period of time for which sth lasts; fixed or
limited time
termination end; V. terminate
terminology terms used in a science or art; study of nomenclature
terrain n. stretch of land, with regard to its natural
features
terrestrial on or relating to the earth
terrifying [ terrify: ] to inspire fear or dread in; frighten
greatly
territorial adj. of a country'sterritory
territory n. land under the control of a ruler, country, city,
etc
tessellation the act of tessellating
textile n. woven or machine-knitted fabric
texture n. way a surface, substance or fabric looks or feels
to the touch, ie its thickness, firmness, roughness, etc
thaw v. ~ (sth) (out) (cause sth to) pass into an
unfrozen or a liquid state after being frozen
theme n. subject of a talk, a piece of writing or a
person's thoughts; topic
thereafter adv. after that
thermodynamics n. branch of physics dealing with the relations
between heat and other forms of energy .
thigh n. part of the human leg between the knee and the hip
thorny adj. having thorns
thorough adj. done completely and with great attention to
detail; not superficial
thread n. spun cotton, wool, silk, etc; thin strand of
nylon, etc
threaten v. ~ sb make a threat or threats against sb; try to
influence sb by threats
threshold n. piece of wood or stone forming the bottom of a
doorway
thrifty careful about money; economical; N. thrift
thrust v. push (sth/sb/oneself) suddenly or violently
thunderous adj. like thunder; very loud
thunderstorm n. storm with thunder and lightning and usu heavy
rain
thwart block or hinder; baffle; frustrate
tie n. strip of decorative material worn round the neck
under the collar and knotted in front .
tile n. slab of baked clay or other material used in rows
for covering roofs, walls, floors, etc
till => until
tilt v. move into a sloping position
timber n. wood prepared for use in building or carpentry
timer n. person or device that times sth
tint slight degree of color; V: give a tint to
tissue n. mass of cells forming the body of an animal or a
plant
titanium a strong malleable white metallic element, which is
very corrosion-resistant and occurs in rutile and ilmenite. It is used
in the manufacture of strong lightweight alloys, esp. aircraft parts.
Symbol: Ti; atomic no.: 22; atomic wt.: 47.88; valency: 2, 3,
title name (of a book, film, etc.); mark of rank; formal
appellation as of rank or office (such as Lord or General); right or
claim to possession; championship; Ex. title as head of the family;
Ex. title to the estate
toad n. frog-like animal that lives on land except when
breeding
toil v. ~ away (at/over sth) work long or hard
tolerance n. willingness or ability to tolerate sb/sth
tolerant adj. ~ having or showing tolerance
tolerate v. allow without interfering
tonal adj. of tone or tones
topaz n. transparent yellow mineral
topographical adj. a topographical map
topsoil n. soil near the surface
tornado n. violent and destructive storm over a small area;
whirlwind
torpor lethargy; sluggishness; dormancy; ADJ. torpid:
lethargic; lazy; inactive; (of an animal) dormant; hibernating
total adj. complete; entire
totality n. state of being total
tough adj. not easily cut, broken, or worn out
tour n. journey for pleasure during which various places
of interest are visited
tourniquet n. device for stopping the flow of blood through an
artery by twisting sth tightly around a limb
tow v. pull along with a rope, chain, etc
tower n. tall narrow structure, usu square or circular,
either standing alone or forming part of a church or a castle or some
other large building
toxic poisonous; N. toxicity
trace n. mark, track, sign, etc showing what has existed
or happened
track n. line or series of marks left by a moving vehicle,
person, animal, etc
trade n. ~ (with sb/sth) exchange of goods or services for
money or other goods; buying and selling
tragedy n. terrible event that causes great sadness
trail n. mark or sign in the form of a long line left by
sth or sb passing by
trainload
trait n. element in sb's personality; distinguishing
characteristic
tranquil adj. calm, quiet and undisturbed
transaction n. ~ transacting
transcend v. be or go beyond the range of (human experience,
belief, powers of description, etc)
transformation n. transforming or being transformed
transmission n. action or process of transmitting or being
transmitted
transmit To send trough or across.
transmontane adj. n. nother word for: tramontan
transparent permitting light to pass through freely; easily
detected; obvious; clear; Ex. transparent lie
transplant v. ~ sth (to...); ~ sth (in/into sth) remove (a
growing plant) with its roots and replant it elsewhere
transport strong emotion; rapture; Ex. in a transport/
transports of; V: move to strong emotion; enrapture
transpose reverse the order or position of
trap n. device for catching animals, etc
treason n. treachery to one's country or its ruler (eg by
plotting to kill him)
treasurer n. person responsible for the money, bills, etc of a
club or society ,
treasury n. the Treasury government department that controls
public revenue
treaty n. formal agreement between two or more countries
trend n. general tendency or direction
trespass v. ~ enter sb's land or property without his
permission or other authority
trestle n. structure of wood, metal, etc withlegs, used in
pairs to support planks, a table-top, a bench,etc ,
trial n. examination of evidence in a lawcourt, by a judge
and often a jury, to decide if sb accused of a crime is innocent or
guilty
triangle n. geometric figure withthree straight sides and
three angles
tribe n. racial group united by language, religion,
customs, etc and living as a community under one or more chiefs
tributary n. river or stream that flows into a larger one or
into a lake
trillion n, pron, det (the number) 1000000000000000000; one
million million million.
trilogy group of three related works (connected by a shared
subject but each complete in itself)
trim make neat or tidy by clipping; reduce by removing
what is unnecessary; ornament; decorate (round the edges); Ex. trim
the cost; Ex. jacket trimmed with fur; N. ADJ: tidy; in good order
trivial adj. that has little importance
troop n. large group of people or animals, esp when moving
troupe n. group of performing artists, esp those of a circus
or ballet ,
trout n. any of various types of freshwater fish that are
good to eat and fished for by anglers
trumpeter a person who plays the trumpet, esp. one whose duty
it is to play fanfares, signals, etc.
trunk main wooden stem of a tree; human body excluding the
head and limbs; torso; prehensile nose of an elephant
tube n. long hollow cylinder of metal, glass, rubber, etc
for holding or conveying liquids, gases, etc
tuner n. person who tunes musical instruments,esp pianos
tunic n. close-fitting jacket worn as part of a uniform by
police officers, soldiers, etc
tunnel n. underground passage, eg for a road or railway
through a hill or under a river or the sea
turbulence state of violent agitation; ADJ. turbulent: violently
agitated or disturbed
turbulent adj. moving violently and unevenly
twig n. small thin branch that grows out of a larger
branch on a shrub or tree
twist v. ~ sth (round sth/round) coil or wind sth round
sth else
tycoon wealthy and powerful businessperson; wealthy leader;
magnate; Ex. business tycoon
typical adj. ~ having the distinctive qualities of a
particular type of person or thing; representative
typify v. (usu not in the continuous tenses ) be
arepresentative example of (sb/sth)
tyrannical adj. of or like a tyrant; obtaining obedience by
force or threats
ubiquity n. quality of being ubiquitous
ultimate final; not susceptible to further analysis;
fundamental; Ex. The sun is the ultimate source of energy.
ultimately adv. in the end; finally
unaffected adj. ~ not changed or affected (by sth)
unanimity complete agreement; ADJ. unanimous
unattached adj. not connected with or belonging to a particular
body, group, etc
unbalance v. upset the balance of
uncharted adj. not marked on a map or chart
unconventional adj. not conforming to accepted rules or standards
uncover v. remove a cover or covering from
uncrumple
underestimate v. make too low an estimate of
undergo v. experience or endure (sth unpleasant or painful)
undergraduate n. university or college student who has not yet
taken his first or bachelor's degree
underlie v. lie or exist beneath (sth)
undermine weaken gradually; sap; dig a mine beneath
underscore underline; emphasize
undertake v. (fml ) (start to) make oneself responsible for
(sth)
unearth dig up; discover (facts) by careful searching; Ex. He
unearthed some secrets about her; OP. conceal
uneven adj. not level or smooth or regular
unfailing adj. never coming to an end; constant
unfair adj. ~ not rightor just
unfold v. open or spread out from a folded state
uniform adj. not changing in form or character; unvarying
unionization [ unionize: ] to organize (workers) into a trade
union
unique without an equal; single in kind
unit n. individual thing, person or group regarded for
purposes of calculation, etc as single and complete, or as part of a
complex whole
universe n. the universe all existing things, including the
earth and its creatures and all the stars, planets, etc in space
unlikely adj. not likely or expected to happen
unsophisticated adj. simple and natural
untapped adj. not yet used or exploited
untimely adj. happening at an unsuitable time
unto prep. to
untwist
unwieldy awkward (to carry or move); cumbersome; unmanageable
upgrade v. ~ sb/sth raise sb/sth to a higher grade or rank
upheaval n. sudden violent upwardmovement
uphold v. support (a decision, etc) against attack
upholster v. ~ sth provide (an armchair, etc) with padding,
springs, fabric covering, etc
uproot v. pull out of the ground together with its roots
upset v. (cause sth to) become overturned or spilt, esp
accidentally
urban adj. of, situated in or living in a city or town
urge drive or force forward (by causing impulses); drive
to take action; impel; entreat earnestly; Ex. urge horses; N: impulse
that prompts action
utilitarian adj. designed to be useful rather than luxurious or
decorative, etc; severely practical
utility n. quality of being useful
utilize to make practical or worthwhile use of
utter adj. complete; total; absolute
vacant adj. not filled or occupied; empty
vaccinate v. ~ sb/sth protect sb/sth (against a disease) by
injecting vaccine
vacuum n. space that is completely empty of all matter orgas
(es)
vague adj. not clearly expressed or perceived
valiant adj. brave or determined
validity n. state of beinglegally acceptable
valor bravery; ADJ. valiant: possessing valor; brave
vanish v. disappear completely and suddenly
vapor stim/mist
variable adj. varying; changeable
variance n. at variance (with sb/sth) (fml ) disagreeing or
having a difference of opinion (with sb); in conflict (with sth)
variation n. ~ (degree of) varying or being variant
varied adj. of different sorts; diverse
vary v. ~ (in sth) be different in size, volume,
strength, etc
vast adj. very large in area, size, quantity or degree;
immense
vaudeville n. = variety 4
vector n. quantitythat has both magnitude and direction, eg
velocity
vegetation n. plants in general; those found in a particular
environment
vehicle n. conveyance such as a car, lorry or cart used for
transporting goods or passengers on land
veil n. covering of fine net or other (usu transparent)
material worn, esp by women, to protect or hide the face, or as part
of a head-dress
venerable deserving high respect; commanding respect; CF.
command: deserve and get
vent release or discharge through a vent; express (esp.
unfairly); utter; Ex. He vented his wrath on his family.
ventilation n. ventilating or being ventilated
venture risk; expose to risk; dare; undertake a risk; N.
venturesome (of a person) bold; adventurous; daring; (of an
action) risky
versatile having many talents; capable of working in many
fields; having many uses or functions; N. versatility
versatility n.
version n. account of an event, etc from the point of view
of one person
vertical adj. at a right angle to another line or plane, or
to the earth's surface
vessel n. ship or boat, esp a large one
vest n. (Brit) (US undershirt) garment worn under a
shirt, etc next to the skin
vestige trace; remains; Ex. vestiges of some ancient religion
veteran n. person with much or long experience, esp as a
soldier
via prep by way of (sth); through
viability n.
vibrant full of vigor or energy; vibrating
vibration n. vibrating movement or sensation
vigorous adj. strong, active or energetic
viral => virus
virginal adj. of orsuitable for a virgin
virtual in essence; existing in essence though not in actual
form; for practical purposes; Ex. virtual ruler/space
virtually adv. in every important respect; almost
virtue goodness; moral excellence; good quality; advantage;
Ex. by virtue of; Ex. make a virtue of necessity
virtuosity n. skill of a virtuoso
virus disease communicator
visible adj. ~ that can be seen; in sight
vision eyesight; foresight; mental image produced by the
imagination; experience of seeing the supernatural
vista n. view as seen between long rows of trees,
buildings, etc
visual adj. concerned with or used in seeing
vital full of life; animated; vibrant and lively; critical;
of great importance; necessary to stay alive; of life; living;
breathing; N. vitality; V. vitalize
void n. (fml or rhet ) empty space; vacuum
volcanic adj. of, from or like a volcano
volcanism vulcanism
volcano n. mountain or hill with an opening or openings
through which lava, cinders, gases, etc come up from below the earth's
surface (an active volcano), may come up after an interval (a dormant
volcano)
volt n. unit of electrical force, defined as the force
needed to carry one ampere of current against one ohm of resistance
volume n. book, esp one of a matching set or a series
voluntary adj. acting,done or given willingly
vote n. ~ ~ (on sth) formal expression of one's opinion
or choice eg by ballot or show of hands
voter n. person who votes or has the right to vote, esp in
a political election
vow n. solemn promise or undertaking, esp of a religious
nature
vulnerable susceptible to wounds or attack; N. vulnerability
wade walk through a substance, such as water, that impedes
movement
wagon any of various types of wheeled vehicles, ranging
from carts to lorries, esp. a vehicle with four wheels drawn by a
horse, tractor, etc., and used for carrying crops, heavy loads, etc.
waist n. part of the body between the ribs and the hips,
usu narrower than the rest of the trunk
walrus n. large sea-animal living in the Arctic regions,
similar to a seal but having two long tusks
wander v. move around in an area or go from place to place
without any special purpose or destination; roam
warehouse n. building where goods are stored before being sent
to shops
warfare n. (fighting a) war
warrior n. (esp formerly) person who fights in battle;
soldier
watercourse n. stream, brook or man-made waterway
waterfall n. stream or river that falls from a height, eg over
rocks or a cliff
waterfront n. street, part of a town, etc that is next to
water ,
wax increase gradually (as the moon); grow
wealth n. large amount of money, property, etc; riches
weaponry n. weapons
weather pass safely through (a storm or difficult period);
endure the effects of weather or other forces
weather-beaten adj. tanned, damaged, roughened, etc as a result of
being exposed to the sun and wind
weave v. ~ sth (from sth) make (fabric, etc) by passing
threads or strips crosswise over and under lengthwise ones, by hand or
on a machine
weed n. wild plant growing where it is not wanted, esp
among crops or garden plants
welfare n. good health, happiness, prosperity, etc of a
person or group
well n. shaft dug in the ground, usu lined with brick or
stone, for obtaining water from an underground source
whale n. any of several types of very large mammal that
live in the sea, some of which are hunted for their oil and flesh
wharf n. structure made of wood or stone at the water's
edge, where ships may moor to load or unload cargo
whereas conj taking into consideration the fact that ...
whilst conjunction (Chiefly Brit)
whim sudden capricious idea; fancy
whistle n. clear shrill sound made by forcing breath through
a small hole between partly closed lips
wholesale n. selling of goods to shopkeepers for resale to the
public
wick n. length of thread in the centre of a candle, the
top end of which is lit and burns as the wax melts .
wicker n. twigs or canes woven together, esp to make baskets
or furniture
widow n. woman whose husband has died and who has not
married again
wildcatter (U.S. and Canadian) (informal)
wilderness n. area of wild uncultivated land; desert
willow n. (also `willow-tree) any of various types of tree
and shrub with thin flexible branches and long narrow leaves, usu
growing near water
wisp small bunch (of hair); faint streak (of smoke)
wit n. ability to combine words, ideas, etc so as to
produce a clever type of humour
withdraw v. ~ sb/sth (from sth) pull or take sb/sth back or
away
withstand stand up against; resist successfully
witness n. (also `eye-witness) person who sees an event take
place (and is therefore able to describe it to others)
woolly adj. covered with wool or wool-like hair
wow interj (used to express astonishment or admiration )
wreck n. vehicle, aeroplane, etc that has been badly
damaged, esp in an accident
wretched adj. very unhappy; miserable or pitiable
wrist n. part of the body between the hand and the forearm;
joint on which the hand moves ; .
writhe twist in coils; contort in pain
x-ray n. type of short-wave electromagnetic radiation that
can penetrate solids and make it possible to see into or through them
*X
yelp n. a short sharp cry
yield amount produced; crop; income on investment; profit
obtained from an investment; V: produce; give in; surrender
youngster n. child; youth; young person
zigzag adj. turning right and left alternately at sharp
angles
zone n. area, band or stripe that is different from its
surroundings in colour, texture, appearance, etc