400 must have words for the toefl

1,2,3,4
abandon verb [ T ] LEAVE
1. to leave a place, thing or person forever
We had to abandon the car.
By the time the rebel troops arrived, the village had already been abandoned.
As a baby he'd been abandoned by his mother.
We were sinking fast, and the captain gave the order to abandon ship .
adapt verb CHANGE
1. [ T ] to change something to suit different conditions or uses
Many software companies have adapted popular programs to the new operating
system.
The recipe here is a pork roast adapted from Caroline O'Neill's book 'Louisiana
Kitchen'.
[ + to infinitive ] We had to adapt our plans to fit Jack's timetable.
The play had been adapted for (= changed to make it suitable for) children.
Davies is busy adapting Brinkworth's latest novel for television.
adverse adjective [ before noun ]
having a negative or harmful effect on something
The match has been cancelled due to adverse weather conditions .
They received a lot of adverse publicity/criticism about the changes.
So far the drug is thought not to have any adverse effects .
aggregate noun [ C or U ]
something formed by adding together several amounts or things; a total
They purchased an aggregate of 3000 shares in the company.
Snowflakes are loose aggregates of ice crystals.
Arsenal lost the second game, but got through to the final on aggregate (= adding
together the goals in both matches) .
anticipate verb [ T ]
to imagine or expect that something will happen, sometimes taking action in
preparation for it happening
We don't anticipate any trouble.
We had one or two difficulties along the way that we didn't anticipate.
Are you anticipating a lot of people at the party tonight?
[ + -ing verb ] They anticipate hav ing several applicants for the job.
[ + that ] They anticipate that they will have several applicants for the job
It's always best to anticipate a problem before it arises.
[ + question word ] At this stage we can't really anticipate wh at will happen.
The anticipated inflation figure is lower than last month's.
The army anticipated (= took action in preparation for) the explosion by evacuating
the town.
catastrophic adjective
An unchecked increase in the use of fossil fuels could have catastrophic results for
the planet.
collide verb [ I ]
(especially of moving objects) to hit something violently
The two vans collided at the crossroads.
It was predicted that a comet would collide with one of the planets.
constraint noun
1. [ C ] something which controls what you do by keeping you within particular
limits
 The constraints of politeness wouldn't allow her to say what she really thought
about his cooking.
Financial constraints on the company are preventing them from employing new
staff.
2. [ U ] FORMAL unnatural behaviour which is sometimes the result of forcing
yourself to act in a particular way
She tried to appear friendly, but her constraint was obvious.
3. under constraint FORMAL
If you do something under constraint, you do it only because you have been forced
to
They confessed, but only under severe constraint.
contamination noun [ U ]
The water supply is being tested for contamination (= the presence of unwanted or
dangerous substances) .
cultivation noun [ U ]
deplete verb [ T ]
to reduce something in size or amount, especially supplies of energy, money, etc.
If we continue to deplete the Earth's natural resources, we will cause serious
damage to the environment.
The illness depletes the body of important vitamins.
HUMOROUS That last holiday has seriously depleted my bank account!
dispose of sb/sth phrasal verb
to get rid of someone or something or deal with something so that the matter is
finished
How did they dispose of the body?
It took a mere five minutes for the world champion to dispose of (= defeat) his
opponent.
diverse adjective
varied or different
Students from countries as diverse as Colombia and Lithuania use Cambridge
textbooks.
New York is a very culturally/ethnically diverse city.
elementary adjective
1. basic
I have an elementary knowledge of physics.
They made some elementary mistakes .
Millions of travellers fail to take even the most elementary of precautions.
2. relating to the early stages of studying a subject
This book contains a series of elementary exercises for learners.
emission noun
1. [ U ] when gas, heat, light, etc. is sent out
The Green Party have called for a substantial reduction in the emission of
greenhouse gases by the UK.
2. [ C ] an amount of gas, heat, light, etc. that is sent out
carbon dioxide emissions
eruption noun [ C or U ]
a volcanic eruption
There was a violent eruption of anti-government feeling.
evolve verb [ I or T ]
to develop gradually, or to cause something or someone to develop gradually
Humans evolved from apes.
The company has evolved over the years into a multi-million dollar organization.
Bacteria are evolving resistance to antibiotics.
extinction noun [ U ]
a situation in which something no longer exists
The extinction of the dinosaurs occurred millions of years ago.
 Many species of plants and animals are in danger of/threatened with extinction
(= being destroyed so that they no longer exist) .
Some people predict the extinction of family life as we know it today.
famine noun [ C or U ]
when there is not enough food for a great number of people, causing illness and
death, or a particular period when this happens
Another crop failure could result in widespread famine.
There were reports of refugees dying of famine.
Thousands of people emigrated during the Irish potato famine of 1845-46.
feature noun QUALITY
1. [ C ] a typical quality or an important part of something
The town's main features are its beautiful mosque and ancient marketplace.
Our latest model of phone has several new features.
A unique feature of these rock shelters was that they were dry.
2. [ C ] a part of a building or of an area of land
a geographical feature
This tour takes in the area's best-known natural features, including the Gullfoss
waterfall.
The most striking feature of the house was a huge two-storey room running the
entire breadth and height of the building.
3. [ C usually plural ] one of the parts of someone's face that you notice when you
look at them
He has wonderful strong features.
regular (= even and attractive) features
Her eyes are her best feature.
fertilize , UK USUALLY fertilise verb [ T ] LAND
1. to spread a natural or chemical substance on land or plants, in order to make
the plants grow well
flood verb ARRIVE OR FILL
2. [ I usually + adverb or preposition T ] to fill or enter a place in large numbers or
amounts
Donations are flooding into the appeal office.
She drew back the curtains and the sunlight came flooding in .
Japanese cars have flooded the market (= a lot of them are on sale) .
He was flooded with (= suddenly felt a lot of) joy when his first child was born.
For Proust, the taste of a madeleine brought childhood memories flooding back (=
made him suddenly remember a lot of things) .
generation noun AGE GROUP
1. [ C + singular or plural verb ] all the people of about the same age within a
society or within a particular family
The younger generation smoke/smokes less than their parents did.
There were at least three generations - grandparents, parents and children - at the
wedding.
It's our duty to preserve the planet for future generations.
This painting has been in the family for generations.
2. [ C + singular or plural verb ] a period of about 23 to 30 years, in which most
human babies become adults and have their own children
A generation ago, home computers were virtually unknown.
3. first/second/third, etc. generation
describes the nationality of someone belonging to the first/second/third, etc. group
of people of the same age in the family to have been born in that country
She's a second generation American (= her parents were American, although their
parents were not) .
impact noun [ C usually singular U ]
1. the force or action of one object hitting another
The impact of the crash reduced the car to a third of its original length.
 The bullet explodes on impact (= when it hits another object) .
2. a powerful effect that something, especially something new, has on a situation
or person
The anti-smoking campaign had had/made quite an impact on young people.
The new proposals were intended to soften the impact of the reformed tax system.
inherent adjective
existing as a natural or basic part of something
There are dangers/risks inherent in almost every sport.
I have an inherent distrust of lawyers.
intensify verb [ I or T ]
to become greater, more serious or more extreme, or to make something do this
Fighting around the capital has intensified in the last few hours.
irrigation noun [ U ]
migration noun [ C or U ]
There was a mass migration of poverty-struck farmers into the cities.
obtain verb FORMAL GET
1. [ T ] to get something, especially by asking for it, buying it, working for it or
producing it from something else
to obtain permission
First editions of these books are now almost impossible to obtain.
In the second experiment they obtained a very clear result.
Sugar is obtained by crushing and processing sugar cane.
persevere verb [ I ] MAİNLY APPROVİNG
to try to do or continue doing something in a determined way, despite having
problems
It looks as if the policy will be a success, providing that the government perseveres
and does not give in to its critics.
The education director is persevering in his attempt to obtain additional funding for
the school.
Despite receiving little support, the women are persevering with their crusade to
fight crime.
physical adjective BODY
1. connected with the body
physical exercise/fitness/strength/disabilities
I'm not a very physical sort of person (= I don't enjoy physical activities) .
2. İNFORMAL violent
The referee stepped in because the game had started to get a bit physical.
3. sexual
There was obviously a great physical attraction between them.
plunge verb [ I or T usually + adv/prep ]
to (cause someone or something to) move or fall suddenly and often a long way
forward, down or into something
We ran down to the beach and plunged into the sea.
The car went out of control and plunged over the cliff.
Cook the peas by plunging them into boiling water.
Niagara Falls plunges 55.5 metres.
The fall in demand caused share prices to plunge.
Our income has plunged dramatically.
precipitation noun [ U ] RAIN
1. SPECİALİZED water which falls from the clouds towards the ground, especially as
rain or snow
Hail and sleet are types of precipitation.
The forecast is for dry, cloudy weather with no precipitation expected.
process noun [ C ]
1. a series of actions that you take in order to achieve a result
the peace process
 Increasing the number of women in top management jobs will be a slow process.
This decision may delay the process of European unification.
The party has begun the painful (= difficult) process of rethinking its policies and
strategy.
Going to court to obtain compensation is a long process.
She arrived at the correct answer by a process of elimination (= by deciding
against each answer that was unlikely to be correct until only one was left) .
2. a series of changes that happen naturally
the digestive process
the ageing process
It's all part of the learning process.
3. a method of producing goods in a factory by treating raw materials
They have developed a new process for extracting aluminium from bauxite.
reservoir noun [ C ]
1. a place for storing liquid, especially a natural or artificial lake providing water for
a city or other area
2. a large supply of something
The universities constitute a reservoir of expert knowledge.
shrink verb shrank , shrunk BECOME SMALLER
1. [ I or T ] to become smaller, or to make something smaller
Your sweater will shrink if you wash it at too high a temperature.
The company's profits have shrunk from £5.5 million to £1.25 million.
The productivity improvements have shrunk our costs by 25%.
stable adjective
1. firmly fixed or not likely to move or change
If the foundations of the house aren't stable, collapse is possible.
After several part-time jobs, he's now got a stable job in a bank.
The hospital said she was in a stable condition (= not likely to get worse) following
the operation.
2. describes someone who is mentally healthy
She seems more stable these days.
3. SPECİALİZED describes a substance that keeps the same chemical or atomic state
survive verb
1. [ I or T ] to continue to live or exist, especially after coming close to dying or
being destroyed or after being in a difficult or threatening situation
The baby was born with a heart problem and only survived for a few hours.
These plants cannot survive in very cold conditions.
None of Shakespeare's plays survives in its original manuscript form.
The family are struggling to survive on very little money.
The front passengers were lucky to survive the accident.
The prime minister succeeded in surviving the challenge to his authority.
"How are you?" "Oh, (I'm) surviving (= life is satisfactory, but not very good) ."
2. [ T ] to continue to live after someone, especially a member of your family, has
died
He is survived by his wife and four children.
unleash verb [ T ]
to release suddenly a strong, uncontrollable and usually destructive force
At worst, nuclear war could be unleashed.
Rachel's arrival on the scene had unleashed passions in him that he could scarcely
control.
 accelerated word memory power set
(1)
agitate verb MAKE LESS CALM
1. [ T ] to make someone feel anxious or angry
I didn't want to agitate her by telling her.
barricade noun [ C ]
a line or pile of objects put together, especially quickly, to stop people from going
where they want to go
Inmates erected a barricade between themselves and prison officers.
blizzard noun SNOW
1. [ C ] a severe snow storm with strong winds
We once got stuck in a blizzard for six hours.
In Sussex, blizzard conditions made the main roads almost impassable.
brim noun TOP
2. [ C ] the very top edge of a container
She poured the cream until it reached the brim.
He filled the jug to the brim.
She passed him the mug, filled/full to the brim with hot black coffee.
brittle adjective EASILY BROKEN
1. delicate and easily broken
As you get older your bones become increasingly brittle.
The pond was covered in a brittle layer of ice.
bully verb [ T ]
to hurt or frighten someone who is smaller or less powerful than you, often forcing
them to do something they do not want to do
Our survey indicates that one in four children is bullied at school.
Don't let anyone bully you into doing something you don't want to do.
bump verb HIT
1. [ I + adverb or preposition ] to hit something with force
She bumped into his tray, knocking the food onto his lap.
2. [ T usually + adverb or preposition ] to hurt part of your body by hitting it
against something hard
I bumped my head on the shelf as I stood up.
callous adjective
unkind or cruel; without sympathy or feeling for other people
It might sound callous, but I don't care if he's homeless. He's not living with me!
captive noun [ C ]
1. a person or animal whose ability to move or act freely is limited by being closed
in a space; a prisoner, especially a person held by the enemy during a war
When the town was recaptured, we found soldiers who had been captives for
several years.
2. hold/take sb captive
to keep someone as a prisoner or make someone a prisoner
The terrorists were holding several British diplomats captive.
chasm noun [ C ]
1. a very deep narrow opening in rock, ice or the ground
They leaned over the rails and peered down into the dizzying chasm below.
2. FORMAL a very large difference between two opinions or groups of people
There is still a vast economic chasm between developed and developing countries.
commend verb [ T ]
to formally praise someone or something
 The judge commended her for/on her bravery.
For a low-budget film, it has much to commend it (= it deserves praise) .
It says on the back cover of the book ' highly commended'.
confide verb [ I or T ]
to tell something secret or personal to someone who you trust not to tell anyone
else
[ + that ] He confided ( to her) that his hair was not his own.
[ + speech ] "My husband doesn't know yet, but I'm going to leave him, " she
confided.
crude noun [ U ]
( ALSO crude oil ) oil in a natural state that has not yet been treated
deck noun [ C ] FLOOR
1. a flat area for walking on, especially one built across the space between the
sides of a boat or a bus; a type of floor
We sat on deck until it was dark.
The upper/top deck of the bus was always full of people smoking.
2. US a raised area without a roof, which is connected to a house, similar to a
balcony
3. below decks
on a level of a ship below the main deck
Our cabin was below decks.
deformed adjective
with a shape that has not developed normally
deformed hands
demolish verb [ T ] DESTROY
1. to completely destroy a building, especially in order to use the land for
something else
A number of houses were demolished so that the supermarket could be built.
2. to say or prove that an argument or theory is wrong
He completely demolished all her arguments.
diffidence noun [ U ]
digress verb [ I ]
to move away from the main subject you are writing or talking about and to write
or talk about something else
But I digress. To get back to what I was saying, this poem reflects the poet's love
of nature and his religious beliefs.
The lecturer temporarily digressed from her subject to deal with a related theory.
diligent adjective
1. APPROVİNG careful and using a lot of effort
a diligent student
Leo is very diligent in/about his work.
Their lawyer was extremely diligent in prepar ing their case.
2. done in a careful and detailed way
The discovery was made after years of diligent research.
dingy adjective
dark and often also dirty
a dingy room/corridor
Her hair was a dingy brown colour.
dusk noun [ U ]
the time before night when it is not yet dark
As dusk fell , bats began to fly between the trees.
emit verb [ T ] -tt-
to send out a beam, noise, smell or gas
The alarm emits infra-red rays which are used to detect any intruder.
The machine emits a high-pitched sound when you press the button.
enervate verb [ T ] LİTERARY
eradicate verb [ T ] FORMAL
to get rid of completely or destroy something bad
The government claims to be doing all it can to eradicate corruption.
The disease which once claimed millions of lives has now been eradicated.
escort verb [ T ] GO WITH
1. to go with someone or a vehicle especially to make certain that they arrive
safely or that they leave a place
Several little boats escorted the sailing ship into the harbour.
Security guards escorted the intruders from the building.
The police escorted her to the airport, and made sure that she left the country.
2. to go with someone and show them a place
People on the tour will be escorted by an expert on archaeology.
evolve verb [ I or T ]
to develop gradually, or to cause something or someone to develop gradually
Humans evolved from apes.
The company has evolved over the years into a multi-million dollar organization.
Bacteria are evolving resistance to antibiotics.
expanse noun [ C ]
a large, open area of land, sea or sky
She gazed at the immense expanse of the sea.
vast expanses of sand and pine
exploit verb [ T ] USE WELL
1. to use something for advantage
We need to make sure that we exploit our resources as fully as possible.
falter verb [ I ]
1. to lose strength or purpose and stop, or almost stop
The dinner party conversation faltered for a moment.
Her friends never faltered in their belief in her.
Nigel's voice faltered and he stopped speaking.
2. to move awkwardly as if you might fall
The nurse saw him falter and made him lean on her.
feud noun [ C ]
an argument which has existed for a long time between two people or groups,
causing a lot of anger or violence
a family feud
a 10-year-old feud between the two countries
a bitter feud over land
flicker verb
1. [ I ] to shine with a light that is sometimes bright and sometimes weak
I felt a cold draft and the candle started to flicker.
2. [ I or T ] to appear for a short time or to make a sudden movement
A smile flickered across her face.
He'd been in a coma for weeks, when all of a sudden he flickered an eyelid.
flicker noun [ C usually singular ] LIGHT
1. when a light is sometimes bright and sometimes weak
the soft flicker of candlelight
flimsy adjective THIN
1. very thin, or easily broken or destroyed
You won't be warm enough in that flimsy dress.
We spent the night in a flimsy wooden hut.
a flimsy cardboard box
fret verb [ I ] -tt-
to be nervous or worried
Don't fret - I'm sure he's OK.
She spent the day fretting about/over what she'd said to Nicky.
germinate verb SEED
1. [ I or T ] SPECİALİZED to (cause a seed to) start growing
The beans will only germinate if the temperature is warm enough.
glitter verb [ I ]
1. to produce a lot of small bright flashes of reflected light
Her diamond necklace glittered brilliantly under the spotlights.
2. LİTERARY If someone's eyes glitter, they look bright and express strong feeling
His dark eyes glittered with anger behind his spectacles.
greedy adjective
wanting a lot more food, money, etc. than you need
greedy, selfish people
He's greedy for power/success.
grumble verb [ I ]
1. to complain about someone or something in an annoyed way
She spent the evening grumbling to me about her job.
[ + speech ] "You never hang your coat up, " she grumbled.
2. If your stomach grumbles, it makes a low continuous noise, usually because you
are hungry.
haphazard adjective DİSAPPROVİNG
not having an obvious order or plan
He tackled the problem in a typically haphazard manner.
hasty adjective
describes something that is done in a hurry, sometimes without the necessary care
or thought
He warned against making hasty decisions.
Now let's not leap to any hasty conclusions.
We saw the rain and made a hasty retreat into the bar.
I think perhaps we were a little hasty in judg ing him.
humid adjective
(of air and weather conditions) containing extremely small drops of water in the air
New York is very hot and humid in the summer.
a hot and humid climate
imminent adjective
coming or likely to happen very soon
imminent disaster/danger
A strike is imminent.
incredible adjective DIFFICULT TO BELIEVE
1. impossible, or very difficult, to believe
an incredible story
The latest missiles can be fired with incredible accuracy.
It seems incredible that no one foresaw the crisis.
initiate verb [ T ] START
1. SLİGHTLY FORMAL to cause something to begin
Who initiated the violence?
invalid adjective
1. An invalid document, ticket, law, etc. is not legally or officially acceptable
I'm afraid your driving licence is invalid in Eastern Europe.
2. An invalid opinion, argument, etc. is not correct, usually because it is not logical
or not based on correct information
an invalid argument
lift verb RAISE
1. [ T ] to move something from a lower to a higher position
Could you help me lift this table, please?
Could you lift your chair a bit - I've got my bag caught under it.
She lifted the cigarette (up) to her lips.
 He lifted his eyes (= looked up) from the paper and glared.
2. [ T ] SPECİALİZED to dig underground vegetables or plants out of the ground
They're lifting potatoes.
light adjective MEAL/DRINK
10. A light meal is small and easy to digest
I don't eat much for lunch - just a light snack.
11. describes alcoholic drinks that are not strong in flavour
It's described on the label as 'light, fruity wine'.
limb noun [ C ]
an arm or leg of a person or animal, or a large branch of a tree
The accident victims mostly had injuries to their lower limbs (= legs) .
an artificial limb
litter verb
1. [ T ] to spread across an area or place untidily
The park was littered with bottles and cans after the concert.
Dirty clothes littered the floor of her bedroom.
2. be littered with sth
A place, document or other object that is littered with something, has or contains a
lot of that thing
The newspaper has a reputation for being littered with spelling mistakes.
3. [ I ] to drop rubbish on the ground in a public place
People who litter often have no pride in the area.
margin noun [ C ] OUTER PART
2. the empty space to the side of the text on a page, sometimes separated from
the rest of the page by a vertical line
If I have any comments to make, I'll write them in the margin.
3. the outer edge of an area
The plant tends to grow in the lighter margins of woodland areas.
4. on the margins of sth
If someone is on the margins of a group of people, they are part of that group, but
they are different in important ways, and if someone is on the margins of an activity,
they are only slightly involved
He spent the 1980s on the margins of British politics.
The government needs to reach out to those on the margins of society .
merger noun [ C ]
when two or more companies join together
She's an attorney who advises companies about mergers and takeovers.
The merger of these two companies would create the world's biggest accounting
firm.
monstrous adjective BAD
1. very bad or cruel
a monstrous crime
monstrous cruelty
But that's monstrous - he can't be allowed to get away with it!
moron noun [ C ] İNFORMAL
a very stupid person
Some moron smashed into the back of my car yesterday.
[ as form of address ] You moron!
morsel noun [ C ]
1. a very small piece of food
a morsel of cheese
The prisoners ate every last morsel.
2. a very small piece or amount
a morsel of good news
munch verb [ I or T ]
to eat something, especially noisily
 He was munching on an apple.
We watched her munch her way through two packets of peanuts.
nadir noun [ S ] FORMAL
the worst moment, or the moment of least hope and least achievement
The defeat was the nadir of her career.
obstinate adjective
1. unreasonably determined, especially to act in a particular way and not to change
at all, despite what anyone else says
He can be very obstinate at times.
her obstinate refusal to compromise
2. [ before noun ] describes a problem, situation or thing that is difficult to deal
with, remove or defeat
obstinate weeds
Invading troops met with obstinate resistance by guerilla forces.
obstruct verb [ T ]
1. to block a road, passage, entrance, etc. so that nothing can go along it, or to
prevent something from happening correctly by putting difficulties in its way
After the earthquake many roads were obstructed by collapsed buildings.
Her view of the stage was obstructed by a pillar.
An accident is obstructing traffic on the M11.
2. to try to stop something from happening or developing
to obstruct a police investigation
He got five years in prison for withholding evidence and obstructing the course of
justice.
omit verb [ T ] -tt-
to fail to include or do something
She was omitted from the list of contributors to the report.
The Prince's tour conveniently omitted the most deprived areas of the city.
[ + to infinitive ] FORMAL She omitted to mention that she was going to Yorkshire
next week.
orchard noun [ C ]
an area of land where fruit trees (but not orange trees or other citrus trees) are
grown
an apple/cherry orchard
ordeal noun [ C ]
a very unpleasant and painful or difficult experience
The hostages' ordeal came to an end when soldiers stormed the building.
outrageous adjective
1. shocking and morally unacceptable
The judge criticized the "outrageous greed" of some of the lawyers.
[ + that ] It is outrageous that these buildings remain empty while thousands of
people have no homes.
These prices are just outrageous (= much too high) .
2. describes something or someone that is shocking because they are unusual or
strange
outrageous clothes/behaviour
an outrageous character
pauper noun [ C ]
a very poor person
perilous adjective FORMAL
extremely dangerous
The country roads are quite perilous.
permanently adverb
always and forever
Smoking is likely to damage your health permanently.
Michael and his family have settled permanently in the States.
 I seem to be permanently broke.
persuade verb [ T ]
to make someone do or believe something by giving them a good reason to do it or
by talking to them and making them believe it
If she doesn't want to go, nothing you can say will persuade her.
[ + ( that ) ] It's no use trying to persuade him (that) you're innocent.
[ + to infinitive ] He is trying to persuade local and foreign businesses to invest in
the project.
Using a bunch of bananas, the zoo-keeper persuaded the monkey back into its
cage.
FORMAL The first priority is to persuade the management of the urgency of this
matter.
Her legal advisers persuaded her into/out of mentioning (= to mention/not to
mention) the names of the people involved in the robbery.
pessimist noun [ C ]
Don't be such a pessimist!
phlegmatic adjective FORMAL
describes someone who doesn't usually get emotional or excited about things
As a footballer his great asset was his calm, phlegmatic manner.
pilfer verb [ I or T ]
to steal things of small value
He was caught pilfering (sweets) from the shop.
ponder verb [ I or T ] FORMAL
to think carefully about something, especially for a noticeable length of time
She sat back for a minute to ponder her next move in the game.
posterity noun [ U ] FORMAL
the people who will exist in the future
Every attempt is being made to ensure that these works of art are preserved for
posterity.
prank noun [ C ]
a trick that is intended to be funny but not to cause harm or damage
When I was at school we were always playing pranks on our teachers.
I've had enough of your childish pranks.
predict verb [ T ]
to say that an event or action will happen in the future, especially as a result of
knowledge or experience
It's still not possible to accurately predict the occurrence of earthquakes.
[ + that ] Who could have predicted that within ten years he'd be in charge of the
whole company?
[ + to infinitive ] The hurricane is predicted to reach the coast tomorrow morning.
[ + question word ] No one can predict wh en the disease will strike again.
prestigious adjective
very much respected and admired, usually because of being important
a prestigious literary award
a prestigious university
proximity noun [ U ] FORMAL
the state of being near in space or time
The best thing about the location of the house is its proximity to the town centre.
rash adjective
careless or unwise, without thought for what might happen or result
That was a rash decision - you didn't think about the costs involved.
[ + to infinitive ] I think it was a bit rash of them to get married when they'd only
known each other for a few weeks.
reconcile verb [ T ]
1. to find a way in which two situations or beliefs that are opposed to each other
can agree and exist together
 It is sometimes difficult to reconcile science and religion.
It's difficult to reconcile such different points of view.
How can you reconcile your fur coat and/with your love of animals?
2. be reconciled
When two people are reconciled they become friendly again after they have argued
They were finally reconciled with each other, after not speaking for nearly five
years.
refined adjective POLITE
3. very polite and showing knowledge of social rules
risky adjective
involving the possibility of something bad happening
It's risky to buy a car without some good advice.
rustic adjective
simple and often rough in appearance; typical of the countryside
a rustic bench/cabin
The property has a certain rustic charm.
sentry noun [ C ]
a soldier who guards a place, usually by standing at its entrance
My squad were on sentry duty last night.
sever verb [ T ]
1. to break or separate, especially by cutting
The knife severed an artery and he bled to death.
Her foot was severed from her leg in a car accident.
Electricity cables have been severed by the storm.
2. to end a connection with someone or something
The US severed diplomatic relations with Cuba in 1961.
The company has severed its connection/links/relationship/ties with its previous
partners.
shawl noun [ C ]
a large piece of cloth worn especially by women or girls over their shoulders and/or
head
sinuous adjective LİTERARY
moving in a twisting, curving or indirect way, or having many curves
He enjoyed watching the sinuous bodies of the dancers.
The walkers followed the sinuous path through the trees.
sip verb [ I or T ] -pp-
to drink, taking only a very small amount at a time
This tea is very hot, so sip it carefully.
She slowly sipped (at) her wine.
slap noun HIT
1. [ C ] a quick hit with the flat part of the hand or other flat object
She gave her son a slap for behaving badly.
2. a slap in the face
İNFORMAL an action that insults or upsets someone
It was a real slap in the face for him when she refused to go out to dinner with him.
3. a slap on the back
when someone hits you in a friendly way on the back in order to show praise for
something you have done
He's won - give him a slap on the back.
4. a slap on the wrist
İNFORMAL a gentle warning or punishment
The judge gave Minna a slap on the wrist for not wearing her seat belt.
slay verb [ T ] slew or slayed , slain
1. UK OLD USE OR LİTERARY to kill in a violent way
St George slew the dragon .
2. (used especially in newspapers) to murder someone
 He was found slain in an alley two blocks from his apartment.
sneak verb sneaked or US ALSO snuck , sneaked or US ALSO snuck MOVE SECRETLY
1. [ I or T usually + adverb or preposition ] to go somewhere secretly, or to take
someone or something somewhere secretly
I managed to sneak in through the back door while she wasn't looking.
Jan hasn't got a ticket but I thought we might sneak her in .
I thought I'd sneak up on him (= move close to him without him seeing) and give
him a surprise.
soothe verb [ T ] ANGER
1. to make someone feel calm or less worried
to soothe a crying baby
sporadic adjective
happening sometimes; not regular or continuous
sporadic gunfire
a sporadic electricity supply
More than 100 people have been killed this year in sporadic outbursts of ethnic
violence.
stack noun [ C ] PILE
1. a pile of things arranged one on top of another
He chose a cartoon from the stack of videos on the shelf.
2. İNFORMAL a large amount
Don't worry, we've got stacks of time.
3. the stacks
a set of shelves in a library which are positioned close together so that a lot of
books can be stored on them
surmise verb [ T ] FORMAL
to guess something, without having much or any proof
[ + ( that ) ] The police surmise (that) the robbers have fled the country.
terminate verb [ I or T ] FORMAL
1. to (cause something to) end or stop
They terminated my contract in October.
This train will terminate at the next stop - passengers who wish to continue should
change trains.
thump verb [ I or T ]
1. to hit someone with your fist (= closed hand) or to hit something and cause a
noise
He thumped him in the face.
He thumped on the door but nobody came.
2. sb's head thumps
If your head thumps, you can eel pain in strong beats in your head
When I woke up my mouth was dry and my head was thumping.
3. sb's heart thumps
If your heart thumps, it beats more strongly and quickly than usual, because of
exercise, fear or excitement
She stood outside his room, her heart thumping.
torture verb [ T ]
1. to cause great physical or mental pain to someone intentionally
It is claimed that the officers tortured a man to death in 1983 in a city police
station.
2. to cause mental pain
[ R ] He tortured himself for years with the thought that he could have stopped the
boy from running into the road.
traverse verb [ T ] FORMAL
to move or travel through an area
Stanley traversed the continent from west to east.
 Bounded on the east by Lake Winnebago, the county is traversed by the Wolf and
Fox rivers.
tug verb [ I or T ] -gg-
to pull something quickly and usually with a lot of force
Tom tugged at his mother's arm.
tumble verb [ I ]
1. to fall quickly and without control
I lost my footing and tumbled down the stairs.
At any moment the whole building could tumble down .
He lost his balance and tumbled over .
2. to fall a lot in value in a short time
Share prices tumbled yesterday.
3. to move in an uncontrolled way, as if falling or likely to fall
An excited group of children tumbled out of school/the bus.
tyro noun [ C ] plural tyros
a person who is new to an activity
I look forward to seeing this young tyro's next ballet.
vague adjective
1. not clearly expressed, known, described or decided
I do have a vague memory of meeting her many years ago.
The patient had complained of vague pains and backache.
2. not clear in shape, or not clearly seen
Through the mist I could just make out a vague figure.
3. describes someone who is not able to think clearly, or who, sometimes as a way
of hiding what they really think, does not express their opinions clearly
My aunt is incredibly vague - she can never remember where she's left things.
Their report is studiously vague (= intentionally not exact) on future economic
prospects.
vibrate verb [ I or T ]
to shake slightly and quickly, or to cause something to do this, in a way that is felt
rather than seen or heard
The whole station seemed to vibrate as the express train rushed through.
His voice vibrated with anger.

accelerated word memory power set

(2)
akin adjective [ after verb ]
similar; having some of the same qualities
They speak a language akin to French.
beneficiary noun [ C ]
a person or group who receives money, advantages, etc. as a result of something
else
Her husband was the chief beneficiary of her will.
boundary noun [ C ]
1. a real or imagined line that marks the edge or limit of something
The Ural mountains mark the boundary between Europe and Asia.
Residents are opposed to the prison being built within the city boundary.
2. the limit of a subject or principle
Electronic publishing is blurring the boundaries between dictionaries and
encyclopedias.
brawl noun [ C ]
a noisy, rough, uncontrolled fight
a drunken brawl
bribe verb [ T ]
to try to make someone do something for you by giving them money, presents or
something else that they want
He bribed immigration officials and entered the country illegally.
[ + to infinitive ] They bribed the waiter to find them a better table.
chaos noun [ U ]
a state of total confusion with no order
Snow and ice have caused chaos on the roads.
Ever since our secretary walked out, the office has been in a state of total/utter
chaos.
We muddled up the name labels and chaos ensued (= resulted) .
chum noun [ C ] OLD-FASHİONED İNFORMAL
a friend
They were old school/college chums.
[ as form of address ] That's all right by me, chum.
colloquy noun [ C ] FORMAL
a formal conversation
compliment noun
1. [ C ] a remark that expresses approval, admiration or respect
She complained that her husband never paid her any compliments any more.
I take it as a compliment (= I am pleased) when people say I look like my mother.
Are you fishing for (= trying to get) compliments?
2. [ S ] an action which expresses approval or respect
You should take it as a compliment when I fall asleep in your company - it means
I'm relaxed.
Thank you so much for your help - I hope one day I'll be able to return/repay the
compliment (= do something good for you) .
3. My compliments... FORMAL
an expression of your admiration or respect
That was an excellent meal! My compliments to the chef.
4. with your compliments FORMAL
If you give something to someone with your compliments, you give it to them free
We enclose a copy of our latest brochure, with our compliments.
conventional adjective
1. traditional and ordinary
conventional behaviour/attitudes/clothes
conventional medicine/farming
a conventional wedding
DİSAPPROVİNG I find his art rather dull and conventional.
2. describes weapons which are not nuclear, or methods of fighting a war that do
not involve nuclear weapons
conventional weapons/bombs
depict verb [ T ]
to represent or show something in a picture or story
Her paintings depict the lives of ordinary people in the last century.
In the book, he depicts his father as a tyrant.
[ + -ing verb ] People were shocked by the advertisement which depicted a woman
beat ing her husband.
detect verb [ T ]
1. to notice something that is partly hidden or not clear, or to discover something,
especially using a special method
Some sounds cannot be detected by the human ear.
Financial experts have detected signs that the economy is beginning to improve.
 2. to discover something, usually using special equipment
High levels of lead were detected in the atmosphere.
Radar equipment is used to detect (= find the position of) enemy aircraft.
dungeon noun [ C ]
an underground prison, especially in a castle
eccentric adjective STRANGE
1. strange or unusual, sometimes in a humorous way
eccentric behaviour
eccentric clothes
erosion noun [ U ]
soil/coastal erosion
exceed verb [ T ]
to be greater than a number or amount, or to go past an allowed limit
The final cost should not exceed $5000.
The success of our campaign has exceeded our wildest expectations.
She was found guilty on three charges of exceeding the speed limit.
flee verb [ I or T never passive ] fleeing , fled , fled
1. to escape by running away, especially because of danger or fear
She fled (from) the room in tears.
In order to escape capture, he fled to the mountains.
2. flee the country
to quickly go to another country in order to escape from something or someone
It is likely that the suspects have fled the country by now.
fraction noun [ C ]
a number that results from dividing one whole number by another, or a small part
of something
¼ and 0.25 are different ways of representing the same fraction.
Although sexual and violent crimes have increased by 10%, they remain only a
tiny/small fraction of the total number of crimes committed each year.
They can produce it at a fraction of the cost of (= much more cheaply than)
traditional methods.
gash noun [ C ]
a long deep cut, especially in the skin
glib adjective glibber , glibbest
speaking or spoken in a confident way, but without careful thought or honesty
He's a glib, self-centred man.
No one was convinced by his glib answers/explanations .
heavy adjective WEIGHING A LOT
1. weighing a lot; needing effort to move or lift
heavy equipment
heavy work/lifting
How heavy is that box (= How much does it weigh) ?
hectic adjective
full of activity; very busy and fast
a hectic schedule
The area has become a haven for people tired of the hectic pace of city life.
induce verb FORMAL PERSUADE
1. [ T + object + to infinitive ] to persuade someone to do something
They induced her to take the job by promising editorial freedom.
Nothing could induce me (= I definitely cannot be persuaded) to climb a
mountain/ride a bike.
modify verb [ T ] CHANGE
1. to change something such as a plan, opinion, law or way of behaviour slightly,
usually to improve it or make it more acceptable
Instead of simply punishing them, the system encourages offenders to modify their
behaviour.
 The proposals were unpopular and were only accepted in a modified form.
rebut verb [ T ] -tt- FORMAL
to argue that a statement or claim is not true
She has rebutted charges that she has been involved in any financial malpractice.
resolute adjective FORMAL
determined in character, action or ideas
Their resolute opposition to new working methods was difficult to overcome.
She's utterly resolute in her refusal to apologise.
span noun LENGTH
2. [ C ] the length of something from one end to the other
huge wings with a span of over a metre
3. [ C ] the area of a bridge, etc. between two supports
The bridge crosses the river in a single span.
subsequent adjective
happening after something else
The book discusses his illness and subsequent resignation from the government.
Those explosions must have been subsequent to our departure, because we didn't
hear anything.
trend noun [ C ]
1. a general development or change in a situation or in the way that people are
behaving
Surveys show a trend away from home-ownership and towards rented
accommodation.
There's been a downward/upward trend in sales in the last few years.
2. a new development in clothing, make-up, etc.
Whatever the latest fashion trend, you can be sure Nicki will be wearing it.
The trend at the moment is towards a more natural and less made-up look.
zealot noun [ C ]
a person who has very strong opinions about something, and tries to make other
people have them too
a religious zealot

accelerated word memory power set

(3)
abate verb [ I ] FORMAL
to become less strong
The storm/wind/rain has started to abate.
The fighting in the area shows no sign of abating.
abet verb [ T ] -tt-
to help or encourage someone to do something wrong or illegal
His accountant had aided and abetted him in the fraud.
abhor verb [ T not continuous ] -rr- FORMAL
to hate a way of behaving or thinking, often because you think it is not moral
I abhor all forms of racism.
adore verb [ T not continuous ] LOVE
1. to love someone very much, especially in an admiring or respectful way, or to
like something very much
She has one son and she adores him.
I absolutely adore chocolate.
[ + -ing verb ] Don't you just adore ly ing in a hot bath?
affluent adjective
having a lot of money or owning a lot of things; rich
affluent nations/neighbourhoods
agile adjective PHYSICALLY
1. able to move your body quickly and easily
Monkeys are very agile climbers.
You need to have agile fingers to do this kind of work.
aglow adjective [ after verb ] LİTERARY
bright; shining with light and colour
a city at night, aglow with lights
His face was all aglow with excitement.
aloof adjective
1. describes an unfriendly person who refuses to take part in things
She seemed rather aloof when in fact she was just shy.
2. not interested or involved, usually because you do not approve of what is
happening
Whatever is happening in the office, she always remains aloof.
She kept herself aloof from her husband's business.
ambiguous adjective
having or expressing more than one possible meaning, sometimes intentionally
His reply to my question was somewhat ambiguous.
The wording of the agreement is ambiguous.
The government has been ambiguous on this issue.
amnesia noun [ U ]
loss of the ability to remember
After the accident he suffered periods of amnesia.
ankle noun [ C ]
the joint (= place where two bones are connected) between the foot and the leg, or
the thin part of the leg just above the foot
I fell over and sprained/twisted my ankle.
arouse verb [ T ]
1. to cause someone to have a particular feeling
It's a subject which has aroused a lot of interest .
Our suspicions were first aroused when we heard a muffled scream.
2. to cause someone to feel sexual excitement
arraign verb [ T ] LEGAL
to formally accuse someone in a court of law of a particular crime and ask them to
state whether they are guilty or not
He was arraigned on charges of aiding and abetting terrorists.
assert verb [ T ]
1. assert yourself
to behave in a way which expresses your confidence, importance or power and
earns you respect from others
I really must assert myself more in meetings.
2. FORMAL to say that something is certainly true
[ + that ] He asserts that she stole money from him.
3. to do something to show that you have power
Throughout the Cold War, the Allies asserted their right to move freely between
the two Berlins.
She very rarely asserts her authority over the children.
asset noun
1. [ C ] a useful or valuable quality, skill or person
He'll be a great asset to the team.
Her eyes are her best asset (= most attractive feature) .
Knowledge of languages is a real asset in this sort of work.
 2. [ C usually plural ] something valuable belonging to a person or organization
which can be used for the payment of debts
A company's assets can consist of cash, investments, buildings, machinery,
specialist knowledge or copyright material such as music or computer software.
liquid assets (= money or things which can easily be changed into money)
assuage verb [ T ] FORMAL
to make unpleasant feelings less strong
The government has tried to assuage the public's fears.
astray adverb
away from the correct path or correct way of doing something
The letter must have gone astray in the post.
I was led astray by an out-of-date map.
Her parents worried that she might be led astray (= encouraged to behave badly)
by her unsuitable friends.
avarice noun [ U ] FORMAL
an extremely strong want to get or keep money or possessions; greed
Her business empire brought her wealth beyond the dreams of avarice (= an
extremely large amount of money) .
baffle verb [ T ]
to cause someone to be completely unable to understand or explain something
She was completely baffled by his strange behaviour.
bellow verb [ I or T ]
to shout in a loud voice, or (of a cow or large animal) to make a loud, deep sound
[ + speech ] "Keep quiet!" the headmaster bellowed across the room.
We could hear the sergeant bellowing commands to his troops.
boulder noun [ C ]
a very large rock
boundless adjective
having no limit
boundless optimism
She has boundless energy and enthusiasm .
brink noun [ S ]
1. the point where a new or different situation is about to begin
Extreme stress had driven him to the brink of a nervous breakdown.
Scientists are on the brink of (= extremely close to) a major new discovery.
2. LİTERARY the edge of a cliff or other high area
She was standing right on the brink of the gorge.
broom noun BRUSH
1. [ C ] a brush with a long handle, used for cleaning the floor
brutal adjective
1. cruel, violent and completely without feelings
a brutal dictator
He had presided over a brutal regime in which thousands of people had
'disappeared'.
He was imprisoned in 1945 for the brutal murder of a 12-year old girl.
2. not considering someone's feelings
She spoke with brutal honesty - I was too old for the job.
chore noun [ C ]
a job or piece of work which is often boring or unpleasant but needs to be done
regularly
I'll go shopping when I've done my chores (= done the jobs in or around the
house) .
I find writing reports a real chore (= very boring) .
cider noun [ U ]
1. UK ( US hard cider , AUSTRALİAN rough cider ) an alcoholic drink made from apples
 2. US ( US AND UK apple juice , AUSTRALİAN sweet cider ) juice from crushed apples,
used as a drink or to make vinegar
conceal verb [ T ]
to prevent something from being seen or known about; to hide something
The listening device was concealed in a pen.
I tried to conceal my surprise when she told me her age.
It was said that the police concealed vital evidence.
Is there something you're concealing from me?
confine verb
1. [ T ] to limit an activity, person or problem in some way
Let's confine our discussion to the matter in question, please!
Please confine your use of the telephone to business calls.
By closing the infected farms we're hoping to confine the disease to the north of
the region (= stop it from spreading to other areas) .
2. [ T usually passive ] to keep someone closed in a place, often by force
The hostages had been confined for so long that they couldn't cope with the outside
world.
3. be confined to somewhere/sth
to exist only in a particular area or group of people
We know that the illness is not confined to any one group in society.
This attitude seems to be confined to the upper classes.
confiscate verb [ T ]
to take a possession away from someone when you have the right to do so, usually
as a punishment and often for a limited period, after which it is returned to the owner
Miss Edwards has confiscated my comics till the end of term!
His passport was confiscated by the police to prevent him from leaving the country.
congenital adjective
1. SPECİALİZED describes a disease or condition that exists at or from birth
a congenital abnormality/disease
2. describes someone who always shows a particular bad quality
a congenital liar
cryptic adjective
mysterious and difficult to understand
I received a cryptic message through the post.
curtail verb [ T ]
to stop something before it is finished, or to reduce or limit something
to curtail your holiday/spending
The last government severely curtailed trade union rights.
debtor noun [ C ]
someone who owes money
decline verb GO DOWN
1. [ I ] to gradually become less, worse, or lower
His interest in the project declined after his wife died.
The party's popularity has declined in the opinion polls.
FORMAL The land declines sharply away from the house.
dedicate verb [ T ] GIVE TIME/ENERGY
1. to give your energy, time, etc. completely
He has dedicated his life to scientific research.
[ R ] The new President said she would dedicate herself to protect ing the rights of
the old, the sick and the homeless.
dent noun [ C ]
a small hollow mark in the surface of something, caused by pressure or by being hit
a dent in the door of a car
deviate verb [ I ] BEHAVIOUR
1. to do something which is different from the usual or common way of behaving
The recent pattern of weather deviates from the norm for this time of year.
dilate verb [ I or T ] MAİNLY SPECİALİZED
to (cause a part of the body to) become wider or further open
The pupils of the eyes dilate as darkness increases.
This drug will dilate the arteries.
disband verb [ I ]
to stop being a group
She formed a political group which disbanded a year later.
discard verb
1. [ T ] to throw something away or get rid of it because you no longer want or
need it
Discarded food containers and bottles littered the streets.
2. [ I or T ] to get rid of a card you are holding during a card game
dispatch , UK ALSO despatch verb [ T ] SEND
1. to send something, especially goods or a message, somewhere for a particular
purpose
Two loads of woollen cloth were dispatched to the factory on December 12th.
disseminate verb [ T ] FORMAL
to spread or give out something, especially news, information, ideas, etc., to a lot
of people
One of the organization's aims is to disseminate information about the disease.
durable adjective
able to last a long time without becoming damaged
The machines have to be made of durable materials.
The resolution calls for a durable peace settlement.
enhance verb [ T ]
to improve the quality, amount or strength of something
These scandals will not enhance the organization's reputation.
equitably adverb
If the law is to be effective it must be applied equitably.
equivocal adjective FORMAL
not clear and seeming to have two opposing meanings, or confusing and able to be
understood in two different ways
His words to the press were deliberately equivocal - he didn't deny the reports but
neither did he confirm them.
exorbitant adjective
Exorbitant prices and demands, etc. are much too large
The bill for dinner was exorbitant.
expire verb [ I ] END
1. If something which lasts for a fixed length of time expires, it comes to an end or
stops being in use
Our television license expires next month.
The contract between the two companies will expire at the end of the year.
extol verb [ T ] -ll- FORMAL
to praise something or someone very much
His book extolling the benefits of vegetarianism sold thousands of copies.
She is forever extolling the virtues of her children.
extravagance noun
1. [ U ] when you spend more money than you need to
I think she was shocked by my extravagance.
2. [ C ] something you buy which you do not need and which costs a lot of money
Perfume is my greatest extravagance.
exultant adjective FORMAL
very happy, especially at someone else's defeat or failure
an exultant cheer
an exultant crowd
flip verb [ I or T usually + adv/prep ] -pp-
If you flip something, you turn it over quickly one or more times, and if something
flips, it turns over quickly
When one side is done, flip the pancake (over) to cook the other side.
I lost my place in my book when the pages flipped over in the wind.
You turn the television on by flipping (= operating) the switch at the side.
The captains flipped a coin into the air (= made it turn over in the air to see which
side it landed on) to decide which side would bat first.
fraud noun CRIME
1. [ C or U ] the crime of getting money by deceiving people
credit card fraud
He is fighting extradition to Hong Kong to face trial on fraud charges .
frigid adjective COLD
3. (of weather conditions or the conditions in a room) extremely cold
Few plants can grow in such a frigid environment.
garrison noun [ C + sing/pl verb ]
a group of soldiers living in or defending a town or building, or the buildings that
the soldiers live in
The 100-strong garrison has/have received no supplies for a week.
a garrison town
grope verb
1. [ I or T ] to feel with your hands, especially in order to find or move towards
something when you cannot see easily
She groped for her glasses on the bedside table.
I had to grope my way up the dark stairs.
2. [ T ] İNFORMAL to touch someone's body in order to get sexual pleasure, usually
when the person does not want you to do this
He groped me as I was going to the bar.
harsh adjective UNKIND
1. unpleasant, unkind, cruel or unnecessarily severe
harsh criticism
The children had had a harsh upbringing.
We thought the punishment was rather harsh for such a minor offence.
"There is no alternative, " she said in a harsh voice.
He said some harsh words (= spoke unkindly) about his brother.
hazy adjective WEATHER
1. describes air or weather that is not clear, especially because of heat
hazy sunshine
the hazy days of summer
heed verb [ T ] FORMAL
to pay attention to something, especially advice or a warning
The airline has been criticized for failing to heed advice/warnings about lack of
safety routines.
hilarious adjective
extremely funny and causing a lot of laughter
He didn't like the film at all - I thought it was hilarious.
hoarse adjective
(of a voice or a person) having a rough voice, often because of a sore throat or a
cold
a hoarse voice
She sounded a bit hoarse.
You'll make your self hoarse if you keep shouting like that!
holocaust noun [ C ]
a very large amount of destruction, especially by fire or heat, or the killing of very
large numbers of people
 A nuclear holocaust (= destruction caused by nuclear weapons) would leave few
survivors.
indictment noun
1. [ C usually singular ] a reason for giving blame
This seems to me to be a damning indictment of education policy.
2. [ C ] LEGAL a formal statement of accusing someone
The charges on the indictment include murder and attempted murder.
infest verb [ T ]
(of animals and insects which carry disease) to cause a problem by being present in
large numbers
The barn was infested with rats.
inspect verb [ T ]
1. to look at something or someone carefully in order to discover information,
especially about their quality or condition
After the crash both drivers got out and inspected their cars for damage.
She held the bank note up to the light and inspected it carefully .
2. to officially visit a place or a group of people in order to check that everything is
correct and legal
An official from the Department of Health will be inspecting the restaurant this
afternoon.
The King inspected the troops.
interval noun [ C ] SPACE
1. a period between two events or times, or the space between two points
We see each other at regular intervals - usually about once a month.
There's often a long interval between an author completing a book and it
appearing in the shops.
2. UK ( US intermission ) a short period between the parts of a performance or a
sports event
There will be two twenty-minute intervals during the opera.
He scored his first goal of the match three minutes after the interval.
3. at intervals
repeated after a particular period of time or a particular distance
In the event of fire, the alarm will sound at 15-second intervals/at intervals of 15
seconds.
intrepid adjective
extremely brave and showing no fear of dangerous situations
a team of intrepid explorers
jeopardy noun
in jeopardy
in danger of being damaged or destroyed
The lives of thousands of birds are in jeopardy as a result of the oil spillage.
malign verb [ T often passive ]
to say false and unpleasant things about someone or to unfairly criticize them
She has recently been maligned in the gossip columns of several newspapers.
Much- maligned for their derivative style, the band are nevertheless enduringly
popular.
mansion noun [ C ]
a very large expensive house
The street is lined with enormous mansions where the rich and famous live.
mend verb [ T ] MAİNLY UK
to repair something that is broken or damaged
Could you mend this hole in my shirt?
I've left my watch at the jeweller's to be mended.
The plumber came to mend the burst pipe.
The country's president is seeking to mend relations with the United States.
nasty adjective
 1. bad or very unpleasant
a nasty shock/surprise
There's a nasty smell in here.
He had a nasty cut above the eye.
She has a nasty habit of picking on people in meetings.
2. unkind
Don't be so nasty to your brother - he's four years younger than you!
3. dangerous or violent
In an emergency you could get out through a window, but it would be a nasty drop.
The situation could turn (= become) nasty at any moment.
4. rude or offensive
She said some quite nasty things about him.
5. have a nasty feeling
to think that something bad is likely to happen or to be true
I've got a nasty feeling that I forgot to tell Joe I couldn't come.
oasis noun plural oases
1. [ C ] a place in a desert where there is water and therefore plants and trees and
sometimes a village or town
2. [ S ] a calm, pleasant place in the middle of somewhere busy and unpleasant
Her office was an oasis of peace and sanity amid the surrounding chaos.
oblivious adjective
not conscious of something, especially what is happening around you
Absorbed in her work, she was totally oblivious of her surroundings.
The government seems oblivious to the likely effects of the new legislation.
palatable adjective TASTE
1. FORMAL describes food or drink that has a pleasant taste
a very palatable wine
The meal was barely palatable.
pity noun
1. [ U ] a feeling of sympathy and understanding for someone else's unhappiness
or difficult situation
The girl stood gazing in/with pity at the old lion in the cage.
We took pity on (= felt sorry for and therefore helped) a couple of people waiting
in the rain for a bus and gave them a lift.
2. [ S ] If something is described as a pity, it is disappointing or not satisfactory
"Can't you go to the party? Oh, that's (such) a pity."
[ + ( that ) ] Pity (that) you didn't remember to give me the message.
[ + that ] The pity was that so few people bothered to come.
We'll have to leave early, more's the pity (= and I am unhappy about it) .
" What a pity you're ill!"
plausible adjective
1. seeming likely to be true, or able to be believed
a plausible explanation/excuse
2. DİSAPPROVİNG describes someone who appears to be honest and telling the truth,
even if they are not
a plausible salesman
plea noun [ C ] STATEMENT
2. LEGAL the answer that a person gives in court when they have been accused of
committing a crime
Mr Wilson entered a plea of not guilty.
postpone verb [ T ]
to delay an event and plan or decide that it should happen at a later date or time
They decided to postpone their holiday until next year.
[ + -ing verb ] We've had to postpone go ing to France because the children are ill.
profound adjective EXTREME
1. felt or experienced very strongly or in an extreme way
 His mother's death when he was aged six had a very profound effect on him.
The invention of the contraceptive pill brought about profound changes in the lives
of women.
Those two lines of poetry express perfectly the profound sadness of loss.
My grandfather has a profound mistrust of anything new or foreign.
There was a note of profound irritation in his voice.
proprietor noun [ C ]
a person who owns a particular type of business, especially a hotel, a shop or a
company that makes newspapers
a hotel/newspaper proprietor
quell verb [ T ]
to stop something, especially by using force
Police in riot gear were called in to quell the disturbances/unrest .
This latest setback will have done nothing to quell the growing doubts about the
future of the club.
quest noun [ C ] LİTERARY
a long search for something that is difficult to find, or an attempt to achieve
something difficult
Nothing will stop them in their quest for truth.
She went to India on a spiritual quest.
[ + to infinitive ] She does aerobics four times a week in her quest to achieve the
perfect body.
ramble verb WALK
1. [ I usually + adverb or preposition ] to walk for pleasure, especially in the
countryside
I love to ramble through the fields and lanes in this part of the country.
Shall we go rambling tomorrow?
raze verb [ T ]
to completely destroy a city, building, etc
The town was razed to the ground in the bombing raid - not a building was left
standing.
recite verb [ I or T ]
to say a piece of writing aloud from memory, or to publicly state a list of things
She proudly recited the Oath of Allegiance.
The opposition party recited a long list of the government's failings.
reiterate verb [ T ] FORMAL
to say something again, once or several times
The government has reiterated its refusal to compromise with terrorists.
[ + that ] She reiterated that she had never seen him before.
sagacity noun [ U ]
sleazy adjective
dirty, cheap or not socially acceptable, especially relating to moral or sexual
matters
This part of town is full of sleazy bars and restaurants.
strain noun PRESSURE
1. [ C usually singular or U ] a force or influence that stretches, pulls or puts
pressure on something, sometimes causing damage
The hurricane put such a strain on the bridge that it collapsed.
As you get older, excess weight puts a lot of strain on the heart.
Their constant arguments were putting a strain on their marriage.
The recent decline in the dollar has put a bigger strain on the economic system.
Migration into the cities is putting a strain on already stretched resources.
2. [ C ] an injury to a muscle or similar soft part of the body caused by using that
part too much
a groin/hamstring strain
3. [ C or U ] when you feel nervous and worried about something
 She's a lot better than she was but she's still not ready to face the stresses and
strains of a job.
He's been under a lot of strain recently.
supersede verb [ T ]
to replace something, especially something older or more old-fashioned
Most of the old road has been superseded by the great Interstate highways.
synchronize , UK USUALLY synchronise verb
1. [ I or T ] to (cause to) happen at the same time
The show was designed so that the lights synchronized with the music.
2. [ T ] When people synchronize their watches, they make sure that all their
watches show the same time
We'd better synchronize our watches if we all want to be there at the same time.
thrifty adjective
showing a careful use of money, especially by avoiding waste
They have plenty of money now, but they still tend to be thrifty.
tributary noun [ C ]
a river or stream that flows into a larger river or a lake
the Indre, a lesser tributary of the Loire
trivial adjective
1. having little value or importance
I don't know why he gets so upset about something that is utterly trivial.
Sexual harassment in the workplace is not a trivial matter .
2. describes a problem that is easy to solve
Getting computers to understand human language is not a trivial problem.

extra words of 400 must have words for

the toefl (1)
accurate adjective
correct, exact and without any mistakes
an accurate machine
an accurate description
The figures they have used are just not accurate.
Her novel is an accurate reflection of life in post-war Spain.
We hope to become more accurate in predict ing earthquakes.
adjust verb CHANGE
1. [ T ] to change something slightly, especially to make it more correct, effective,
or suitable
If the chair is too high you can adjust it to suit you.
As a teacher you have to adjust your methods to suit the needs of slower children.
2. [ T ] to arrange your clothing to make yourself look tidy
She adjusted her skirt, took a deep breath and walked into the room.
adversary noun [ C ] FORMAL
an enemy
He saw her as his main adversary within the company.
affect verb [ T ] INFLUENCE
1. to have an influence on someone or something, or to cause them to change
Both buildings were badly affected by the fire.
The divorce affected every aspect of her life.
It's a disease which affects mainly older people.
I was deeply affected by the film (= It caused strong feelings in me) .
agricultural adjective
used for farming or relating to farming
The world's supply of agricultural land is shrinking fast.
She's studying agricultural science.
The country's economy is mainly agricultural (= based on farming) .
ample adjective ENOUGH
1. more than enough
You'll have ample opportunity to ask questions after the talk.
There's ample evidence that the lawyer knew exactly what she was doing.
They had ample warning of the factory closure.
ancestor noun [ C ]
1. a person related to you who lived a long time ago
There were portraits of his ancestors on the walls of the room.
2. a plant, animal or object that is related to one existing at a later point in time
This wooden instrument is the ancestor of the modern metal flute.
ape noun [ C ]
an animal like a large monkey which has no tail and uses its arms to swing through
trees
Chimpanzees and gorillas are both apes.
ape verb [ T ] DİSAPPROVİNG
to copy something or someone badly and unsuccessfully
He called the new building unoriginal and said that it merely aped the classical
traditions.
astound verb [ T ]
to surprise or shock someone very much
The news astounded me.
behaviour UK , US behavior noun [ U ]
Someone's behaviour is how they behave
Her behaviour is often appalling.
He was notorious for his violent and threatening behaviour.
boost verb [ T ]
to improve or increase something
The theatre managed to boost its audiences by cutting ticket prices.
Share prices were boosted by reports of the President's recovery.
I tried to boost his ego (= make him feel more confident) by praising his cooking.
boredom noun [ U ]
when you are bored
They started quarrelling out of sheer boredom.
bottom noun LOWEST PART
1. [ C usually singular ] the lowest part of something
He stood at the bottom of the stairs and called up to me.
Extra information will be found at the bottom of the page.
The ship had sunk to the bottom of the sea/the sea bottom.
UK They live at the bottom of our street (= the other end of the street from us) .
UK The apple tree at the bottom (= end) of the garden is beginning to blossom.
At school, Einstein was (at the) bottom of (= the least successful student in) his
class.
The manager of the hotel started at the bottom (= in one of the least important
jobs) 30 years ago, as a porter.
The rich usually get richer, while the people at the bottom (= at the lowest
position in society) stay there.
2. bottoms
the lower part of a piece of clothing that consists of two parts
I've found my bikini bottoms but not my top.
Have you seen my pyjama/tracksuit bottoms anywhere?
challenge noun DIFFICULT JOB
 1. [ C or U ] (the situation of being faced with) something needing great mental or
physical effort in order to be done successfully and which therefore tests a person's
ability
Finding a solution to this problem is one of the greatest challenges faced by
scientists today.
You know me - I like a challenge.
It's going to be a difficult job but I'm sure she'll rise to the challenge.
circumstance noun
1. [ C usually plural ] a fact or event that makes a situation the way it is
I think she coped very well under the circumstances.
Obviously we can't deal with the problem until we know all the circumstances.
She died in suspicious circumstances.
We oppose capital punishment in/under any circumstances.
Under no circumstances should you (= You must not) approach the man.
The meeting has been cancelled due to circumstances beyond our control.
2. [ U ] FORMAL events that change your life, over which you have no control
They were victims of circumstance.
We were obliged to go by force of circumstance.
3. circumstances
how much money someone has
Grants are available depending on your circumstances.
By now she was alone and living in reduced circumstances (= with little money) .
coast noun [ C ]
1. the land next to or close to the sea
Rimini is a thriving holiday resort on the east coast of Italy.
The accident happened three miles off the coast (= in the sea three miles from
land) .
We spent a week by/on the coast (= by the sea) .
2. coast to coast
a. from one side of the country to the other
We travelled across America coast to coast.
b. MAİNLY US in every part of a country
The visiting politician received coast-to-coast media attention.
combine verb
1. [ I or T ] to (cause to) exist together, or join together to make a single thing or
group
None of us has much money so let's combine what we've got.
Sickness, combined with (= together with) terrible weather, contrived to ruin the
trip.
The two countries combined against their common enemy.
[ + to infinitive ] These normally harmless substances combine to form a highly
poisonous gas.
2. [ T ] If someone combines two or more qualities, they have both of those
qualities
As a writer, he combined wit and/with passion.
3. [ T ] to do two activities at the same time
She manages to successfully combine family life and/with a career.
common adjective SHARED
4. belonging to or shared by two or more people or things
a common goal/interest
English has some features common to many languages.
5. for the common good
If something is done for the common good, it is done to help everyone.
6. make common cause with sb FORMAL
to act together with someone in order to achieve something
Environment protesters have made common cause with local people to stop the
motorway being built.
competence noun [ C or U ] ( ALSO competency )
the ability to do something well
Her competence as a teacher is unquestionable.
He reached a reasonable level of competence in his English.
completion noun [ U ]
when something that you are doing or making is finished
You'll be paid on completion of the project.
The road repair work is nearing completion (= almost finished) .
continent noun [ C ]
one of the seven large land masses on the Earth's surface, surrounded, or mainly
surrounded, by sea and usually consisting of various countries
the North American continent
the continents of Asia and Africa
convinced adjective
1. certain
My boyfriend says I'd enjoy a walking holiday, but I'm not convinced.
[ + ( that ) ] I'm convinced (that) she is lying.
2. certain of your beliefs
a convinced Christian/atheist
a convinced socialist
courage noun [ U ]
1. the ability to control your fear in a dangerous or difficult situation
They showed great courage when they found out about their baby's disability.
[ + to infinitive ] People should have the courage to stand up for their beliefs.
It took me ages to summon/pluck up the courage to ask for a promotion.
2. have the courage of your convictions
to be brave and confident enough to do what you believe in
Although many of his policies were unpopular, he had the courage of his
convictions to see them through.
criticize , UK USUALLY criticise verb
1. [ I T often passive ] to express disapproval of someone or something
The government is being widely criticized in the press for fail ing to limit air
pollution.
We'll get nowhere if all you can do is criticize.
2. [ T ] to give an opinion or judgment about a book, film, etc.
We're a group of artists who meet to discuss things and criticize each other's work.
crush verb PRESS
1. [ T ] to press something very hard so that it is broken or its shape is destroyed
The package had been badly crushed in the post.
Add three cloves of crushed garlic.
His arm was badly crushed in the car accident.
2. [ T ] to press paper or cloth so that it becomes full of folds and is no longer flat
My dress got all crushed in my suitcase.
3. [ T ] If people are crushed against other people or things, they are pressed
against them
Tragedy struck when several people were crushed to death in the crowd.
defend verb PROTECT
1. [ T ] to protect someone or something against attack or criticism
How can we defend our homeland if we don't have an army?
White blood cells help defend the body against infection.
They are fighting to defend their beliefs/interests/rights .
He vigorously defended his point of view.
The Bank of England intervened this morning to defend the pound (= stop it from
losing value) .
The Prime Minister was asked how he could defend (= explain his support for) a
policy that increased unemployment.
 He will be defending (= trying not to lose) his title at the European Championships
next week.
[ R ] I'm going to karate lessons to learn how to defend myself.
I can't afford a lawyer so I shall defend myself (= argue my own case in a law
court) .
demand verb [ T ] REQUEST
1. to ask for something forcefully, in a way that shows that you do not expect to be
refused
I demanded an explanation.
The car workers' union is demanding a 7% pay rise this year.
He has always demanded the highest standards of behaviour from his children.
[ + speech ] "And where do you think you're going?" demanded the police officer.
[ + to infinitive ] I demand to see the manager.
[ + that ] She demanded that he return the books he borrowed from her.
destruction noun [ U ]
when something is destroyed
Many people are very concerned about the destruction of the rainforests.
Unusually high winds left a trail of destruction over southern Britain.
weapons of mass destruction (= those which kill or hurt large numbers of people)
devastation noun [ U ] DAMAGE
1. damage and destruction
If disease is allowed to spread, it will cause widespread devastation.
The storm left behind it a trail of devastation.
disturbance noun [ C or U ]
1. something that interrupts someone or makes them feel worried
Residents are fed up with the disturbance caused by the nightclub.
Phone calls are the biggest disturbance at work.
2. violence or trouble
There was a minor disturbance (= violent event in public) during the
demonstration, but nobody was injured.
3. cause a disturbance
to break the law by fighting or behaving extremely noisily in public
ditch noun [ C ]
a long narrow open hole dug into the ground usually at the side of a road or field,
which is used especially for supplying or removing water, or for dividing land
drainage noun [ U ]
1. the system of water or waste liquids flowing away from somewhere into the
ground or down pipes
drainage channels/ditches/systems
2. the ability of soil to allow water to flow away
These plants need a sunny spot with good drainage.
ease verb MAKE LESS
1. [ I or T ] to make or become less severe, difficult, unpleasant, painful, etc
To ease the problem of overcrowding, new prisons will be built.
These pills should ease the pain .
After the arrival of the United Nations soldiers, tension in the area began to ease.
effort noun
1. [ C or U ] physical or mental activity needed to achieve something
[ + to infinitive ] If we could all make an effort to keep this office tidier it would
help.
You can't expect to have any friends if you don't make any effort with people.
In their efforts to reduce crime the government expanded the police force.
He's jogging round the park every morning in an effort to get fit for the football
season.
It takes a long time to prepare the dish but the results are so good that it's worth
the effort.
 2. [ C ] the result of an attempt to produce something, especially when its quality
is low or uncertain
Do you want to have a look at his exam paper? It's a fairly poor effort.
encourage verb [ T ]
1. to make someone more likely to do something, or to make something more
likely to happen
[ T + to infinitive ] We were encouraged to learn foreign languages at school.
The council is encouraging the development of the property for both employment
and recreation.
2. to talk or behave in a way that gives someone confidence to do something
They've always encouraged me in everything I've wanted to do.
ensure , US ALSO insure verb [ T ]
to make something certain to happen
The airline is taking steps to ensure safety on its aircraft.
[ + ( that ) ] The role of the police is to ensure (that) the law is obeyed.
[ + two objects ] Their 2-0 victory today has ensured the Italian team a place in
the Cup Final/ensured a place in the Cup Final for the Italian team.
essay verb [ T ] OLD-FASHİONED
to try to do something
The procedure was first essayed in 1923.
essential adjective
necessary; needed
Government support will be essential if the project is to succeed.
There is essential work to be done before the building can be re-occupied.
Water is essential for/to living things.
It is essential (that) our prices remain competitive.
[ + to infinitive ] For the experiment to be valid, it is essential to record the data
accurately.
excessive adjective
too much
Excessive exercise can sometimes cause health problems.
Any more pudding would simply be excessive.
foresee verb [ T ] foreseeing , foresaw , foreseen
to know about something before it happens
I don't foresee any difficulties so long as we keep within budget.
further adverb
1. COMPARATİVE OF far (DISTANCE) ; to a greater distance or degree; at a more
advanced level
I'm afraid I never got further than the first five pages of 'Ulysses'.
We discussed the problem but we didn't get much further in actually solving it.
The whole matter is further complicated by the fact that Amanda and Jo refuse to
speak to each other.
Every day she sinks further and further into depression.
2. go further/take sth further
If you go or take something further, you take it to a more advanced stage
Before we go any further with the project I think we should check that there's
enough money to fund it.
If you wish to take the matter further, you can file charges against him.
gather verb COLLECT
1. [ T ] to collect several things, often from different places or people
I went to several libraries to gather information about the scheme.
We gathered blackberries from the hedgerow.
She gathered up the newspapers that were scattered around the floor.
We gathered our things together and left quickly.
2. [ T + adverb or preposition ] to put your arms around someone and hold or
carry them in a protective or loving way
 He gathered her in his arms and kissed her.
She gathered the children up and hurried into the house.
3. gather speed/strength/momentum, etc.
to become faster or stronger, etc
The bicycle gathered speed as it went down the hill.
Economic recovery is gathering pace.
4. gather (up) strength/courage
to prepare to make a great effort to be strong or brave
I spent a week gathering the courage to say no.
generate verb [ T ] MAKE ENERGY
2. to produce energy in a particular form
The wind farm may be able to generate enough electricity/power for 2000
homes.
grass noun PLANT
1. [ C or U ] a low green plant which grows naturally over a lot of the Earth's
surface, having groups of very thin leaves which grow in large numbers very close
together
a blade of grass
cut the grass
a vase of dried flowers and grasses (= different types of grass)
2. [ U ] SLANG cannabis
hint noun INDIRECT STATEMENT
1. [ C ] something that you say or do that shows, but not directly, what you think
or want
[ + that ] He's dropped (= given) several hints to the boss that he'll quit if he
doesn't get a promotion.
Did she give you any hints about where she was going?
You can't take (= understand) a hint, can you? Just go away and leave me alone!
hurdle noun FENCE
1. [ C ] a frame or fence for jumping over in a race
He fell at the last hurdle.
She cleared (= jumped over) all the hurdles easily and raced to the finishing line.
2. hurdles
a race in which people or horses jump over hurdles
the 400-metres hurdles
improvement noun [ C or U ]
when something gets better or when you make it better
a slight improvement in the economy
home improvements
These white walls are a big improvement on that disgusting old wallpaper.
He's been having treatment for two months now without any improvement.
impulsive adjective
showing behaviour in which you do things suddenly without any planning and
without considering the effects they may have
Don't be so impulsive - think before you act.
an impulsive man/decision/gesture
influence noun [ C or U ]
the power to have an effect on people or things, or a person or thing that is able to
do this
Helen's a bad/good influence on him.
He has a huge amount of influence over the city council.
Christopher hoped to exert his influence to make them change their minds.
At the time she was under the influence of her father.
infrastructure noun [ C usually singular ]
the basic systems and services, such as transport and power supplies, that a
country or organization uses in order to work effectively
 The war has badly damaged the country's infrastructure.
integral adjective
necessary and important as a part of, or contained within, a whole
He's an integral part of the team and we can't do without him.
Bars and terrace cafés are integral to the social life of the city.
judge verb [ I or T ]
1. to form, give or have as an opinion, or to decide about something or someone,
especially after thinking carefully
So far, he seems to be handling the job well, but it's really too soon to judge.
[ + question word ] It's difficult to judge wh ether the new system really is an
improvement.
The meeting was judged ( to have been) a success.
You shouldn't judge by/on appearances alone.
I'm hopeless at judging distance(s) (= guessing how far it is between places) .
2. to officially decide who will be the winner of a competition
I've been asked to judge the fancy-dress competition.
3. judging by/from ( ALSO to judge by/from )
used to express the reasons why you have a particular opinion
Judging by what he said, I think it's very unlikely that he'll be able to support your
application.
land noun DRY SURFACE
1. [ U ] the surface of the Earth that is not covered by water
It is cheaper to drill for oil on land than at sea.
The treaty has led to a dramatic reduction in the number of land -based missiles in
Europe.
The military commanders won't deploy their land forces until they're satisfied that
the air attacks have done their job.
2. [ U ] an area of ground, especially when used for a particular purpose such as
farming or building
This sort of land is no good for growing potatoes.
I always prosecute people who trespass on my land.
We want to buy a plot of land to build a house.
3. the land
farms, farming and the countryside
Most of the families lived off the land (= grew their own food etc.) .
My parents worked (on) the land.
landslide noun [ C ] FALLING EARTH
1. ( ALSO landslip ) a mass of rock and earth moving suddenly and quickly down a
steep slope
maintain verb [ T ] CONTINUE TO HAVE
1. to continue to have; to keep in existence, or not allow to become less
The army has been brought in to maintain order in the region.
We have standards to maintain.
Despite living in different countries, the two families have maintained close links .
The film has maintained its position as the critics' favourite for another year.
mental adjective
1. [ before noun ] relating to the mind, or involving the process of thinking
His physical and mental health had got worse.
Many people suffer from some form of mental illness during their lives.
She had a mental picture (= a picture in her mind) of how the house would look
when they finished decorating it.
2. UK SLANG crazy
mention verb [ T ]
1. to speak about something quickly, giving little detail or using few words
I'll mention your ideas to Jacinta.
[ + ( that ) ] He casually mentioned (that) he was leaving his job.
 [ + -ing verb ] My wife mentioned see ing you the other day.
[ + question word ] Did she happen to mention wh ether she would be coming?
2. to refer to something or someone
I promised never to mention the incident again.
Did she mention me in her letter?
monumental adjective
very big
a monumental task
a monumental waste of time
nomad noun [ C ]
a member of a group of people who move from one place to another rather than
living in one place all of the time
a tribe of Somalian desert nomads
nourish verb [ T ]
1. to provide people or living things with food in order to make them grow and
keep them healthy
Children need plenty of good fresh food to nourish them.
She looks happy and well nourished.
This cream is supposed to help nourish your skin.
2. FORMAL If you nourish a feeling, belief or plan, you think about it a lot and
encourage it
Lisa has long nourished the hope of becoming a famous writer.
obstacle noun [ C ]
something that blocks you so that movement, going forward or action are
prevented or made more difficult
The biggest obstacle in our way was a tree trunk in the road.
This decision has removed the last obstacle to the hostages' release.
opponent noun [ C ]
1. a person who disagrees with something and speaks against it or tries to change
it
a political opponent
Leading opponents of the proposed cuts in defence spending will meet later today.
2. a person being competed against in a sports event
In the second game, her opponent hurt her leg and had to retire.
opportune adjective FORMAL
happening at a time which is likely to give success or which is convenient
This would seem to be an opportune moment for reviving our development plan.
Would it be opportune to discuss the contract now?
outburst noun [ C ]
a sudden forceful expression of emotion, especially anger
a violent outburst
an outburst of creative activity
Her comments provoked an outburst of anger from the boss.
pace noun STEP
3. [ C ] a single step, or the distance you move when you take a single step
Take two paces forwards/backwards.
The runner collapsed just a few paces from the finish.
phenomenon noun [ C ] plural phenomena EXISTING THING
1. something that exists and can be seen, felt, tasted, etc., especially something
which is unusual or interesting
Gravity is a natural phenomenon.
Do you believe in the paranormal and other psychic phenomena?
There's evidence to suggest that child abuse is not just a recent phenomenon.
planting noun [ C or U ]
Heavy rain delayed planting in parts of Indiana.
presence noun
 1. [ S ] when someone or something is in a place
She was overawed by the presence of so many people.
The presence of pollen in the atmosphere causes hay fever in some people.
He's usually quite polite in my presence .
The document was signed in the presence of two witnesses.
2. [ C usually singular ] a feeling that someone is still in a place although they are
not there or are dead
His daughter's presence seemed to fill her empty bedroom.
3. [ S ] a group of police or soldiers who are watching or controlling a situation
The United Nations has maintained a presence in the region for some time.
There was a strong police presence at the demonstration.
4. [ U ] APPROVİNG a quality that makes people notice or admire you, even when you
are not speaking
stage presence
He stood there in the corner of the room, a dark, brooding (= worrying) presence.
primarily adverb
mainly
We're primarily concerned with keeping expenditure down.
Soccer is primarily a winter game.
rainfall noun [ U ]
rain, or the amount of rain that falls
Heavy rainfall ruined the match.
The average annual rainfall in this region: 750 mm.
remarkably adverb
used for emphasizing how surprising or unusual something is
It is a remarkably noisy and crowded city.
Remarkably, she wasn't hurt in the crash.
resident noun [ C ] HOME
1. a person who lives or has their home in a place
a resident of the UK/Australia
The local residents were angry at the lack of parking spaces.
The hotel bar was only open to residents (= to people staying at the hotel) .
resource noun
1. [ C usually plural ] a useful or valuable possession or quality of a country,
organization or person
The country's greatest resource is the dedication of its workers.
Britain's mineral resources include oil, coal and gas deposits.
2. [ U ] FORMAL FOR resourcefulness
retire verb STOP WORKING
1. [ I ] to leave your job or stop working because of old age or ill health
Since retiring from the company, she has done voluntary work for a charity.
He is due to retire as chief executive next year.
2. [ I ] to stop taking part in a race or competition because of illness or injury
She retired from the competition after pulling a leg muscle.
3. [ T often passive ] If an employer retires an employee, they make that person
leave their job, usually at a time when they are near to the age at which they would
normally stop working, or because they are ill
Following the merger, he was retired with a generous pension.
revitalize , UK USUALLY revitalise verb [ T ]
to give new life, energy, activity or success to something
Japanese investment has revitalized this part of Britain.
ruin noun
1. [ U ] when something is spoilt or destroyed
The car accident meant the ruin of all her hopes.
They let the palace fall into ruin.
2. [ U ] when a person or company loses all their money or their reputation
 Many companies are on the edge/brink/verge of ruin.
Alcohol was my ruin (= the thing that spoiled my life)
3. [ C ] the broken parts that are left from an old building or town
We visited a Roman ruin.
the ruins of the ancient city of Carthage
4. be/lie in ruins
a. (of a building or city) to be extremely badly damaged so that most of it has
fallen down
The town lay in ruins after years of bombing.
b. to be in an extremely bad state
The economy was in ruins after the war.
sale noun SELL
1. [ C or U ] an act of exchanging something for money
The sale of cigarettes/alcohol is forbidden.
The building company get 10% commission on each house sale.
I haven't made a sale all morning.
They'll drop the price rather than lose the sale.
2. for sale
available to buy
Is this painting for sale?
Our neighbours put their house up for sale (= started to advertise that they want
to sell it) last week.
3. sales
the department of a company that organizes and does the selling of the company's
products or services
He works in Sales.
the sales department/manager
4. sales
the number of products sold
Sales this year exceeded the total for the two previous years.
5. [ C ] an occasion when things are sold, especially by an organization such as a
school or church, in order to make money for the organization
a charity/Christmas/book sale
6. [ C ] an auction (= public sale)
a sale of antique furniture
a cattle sale
7. on sale UK
available to buy in a shop
On sale at record stores now.
8. sale or return
a system by which goods are supplied to shops and can be returned if they are not
sold within a particular period of time
We can supply goods on a sale or return basis .
shore noun
1. [ C or U ] the land along the edge of a sea, lake or wide river
You can walk for miles along the shore.
The boat was about a mile from/off (the) shore when the engine suddenly died.
2. on shore
on the land and not in a ship
We waited until we were on shore before repairing the sails.
3. shores LİTERARY
a country or continent with a coast
In 1992, Britain played host to the first multi-racial South African team to visit
these shores.
soil noun
1. [ C or U ] the material on the surface of the ground in which plants grow
light/heavy/fertile soil
 sandy or chalky soils
2. [ U ] LİTERARY a country
It was the first time we had set foot on foreign/French/American soil (= gone to a
foreign country/France/America) .
3. the soil
LİTERARY the activity of farming
The government is trying to encourage a return to the soil.
spiritual adjective
relating to deep feelings and beliefs, especially religious beliefs
Traditional ways of life fulfilled both economic and spiritual needs.
spread verb [ I or T ] spread , spread
to (cause to) cover, reach or have an effect on a wider or increasing area
The fire spread very rapidly because of the strong wind.
It started off as cancer of the liver but it spread to other areas of the body.
The redundancies are spread across the clothing, banking and building industries.
We spread the picnic rug out on the ground and sat down to eat.
The AIDS virus is spread (= given to other people) through contact with blood and
other body fluids.
Are you spreading (= telling a lot of people) gossip/rumours again?
If we spread (= divide) the work between us, it won't seem so bad.
She spread her toast with a thick layer of butter./She spread a thick layer of butter
on her toast.
It's a special sort of butter that spreads easily even when cold.
The suburbs spread (out) for miles to either side of the city.
Slowly a smile spread across her face.
strait noun WATER
1. [ C usually plural ] a narrow area of sea which connects two larger areas of sea
the Straits of Gibraltar
substance noun MATERIAL
1. [ C or U ] material with particular physical characteristics
an organic/chemical substance
What sort of substance could withstand those temperatures?
2. illegal substance
FORMAL an illegal drug
suitable adjective
acceptable or right for someone or something
The film is suitable for children.
My mother doesn't like me wearing short skirts to church - she doesn't think
they're suitable.
sustainable adjective
1. able to continue over a period of time
That sort of extreme diet is not sustainable over a long period.
2. causing little or no damage to the environment and therefore able to continue
for a long time
A large international meeting was held with the aim of promoting sustainable
development in all countries.
swamp noun [ C or U ]
(an area of) very wet soft land
an alligator-infested swamp
The Everglades are an area of swamp in southern Florida.
target noun OBJECT SHOT AT
1. [ C ] an object shot at during shooting practice, often a circle with a pattern of
rings, or any object or place at which bullets, bombs, etc. are aimed
I had four shots but I didn't even hit the target.
Any major airport or station is potentially a terrorist target.
threat noun [ C ]
 1. a suggestion that something unpleasant or violent will happen, especially if a
particular action or order is not followed
[ + to infinitive ] She carried out her threat to throw away any clothes that were
left on the floor.
The threat of jail failed to deter him from petty crime.
Drunken drivers pose a serious threat (= cause a lot of harm) to other road users.
He says he'll tell the authorities but it's just an empty threat (= it will not happen)
.
2. be under threat of sth
to be in a situation where people are threatening you with something bad or
unpleasant
She left the country under threat of arrest if she returned.
threatening adjective
expressing a threat of something unpleasant or violent
threatening behaviour
tremendous adjective
very great in amount or level, or extremely good
They were making the most tremendous amount of noise last night.
She's been a tremendous (= very great) help to me over the last few months.
You won? That's tremendous!
tremor noun [ C ]
1. a slight shaking movement in a person's body, especially because of
nervousness or excitement
The disease mostly affects people over 50, causing paralysis and uncontrollable
tremors.
There was a slight tremor in her voice.
FİGURATİVE A tremor of excitement went through the audience as he came on stage.
2. a slight earthquake
The tremor was centered just south of San Francisco and was felt as far as 200
miles away.
turbulence noun [ U ] CONFUSION
1. a state of confusion without any order
The era was characterized by political and cultural turbulence.
There are signs of turbulence ahead for the economy.
undermine verb [ T ]
to make someone less confident, less powerful or less likely to succeed, or to make
something weaker, often gradually
The President has accused two cabinet ministers of working secretly to undermine
his position/him.
Criticism just undermines their confidence.
variety noun CHANGE
1. [ U ] the characteristic of often changing and being different
When preparing meals, you need to think about variety and taste as well as
nutritional value.
Sexual reproduction serves to create genetic variety.
Work on the production line is monotonous and lacks variety.
vegetation noun [ U ]
plants in general or plants which are found in a particular area
The railway track will have to be cleared of vegetation if it is to be used again.
Much of the region's native vegetation has been damaged by developers who are
building hotels along the coast.
violent adjective CAUSING HURT
1. using force to hurt or attack
He shouts a lot but I don't think he's ever been physically violent towards her.
2. describes a situation or event in which people are hurt or killed
a violent crime
 There was a violent clash/confrontation between rival supporters after the match.
The more violent scenes in the film were cut when it was shown on television.
Her family are still trying to come to terms with her violent death (= death caused
suddenly and unexpectedly by the use of physical force, especially murder) .
warn verb [ I or T ]
to make someone realise a possible danger or problem, especially one in the future
[ + object + to infinitive ] We were warned not to eat the fish which might give us
a slight stomach upset.
[ + object + ( that ) ] Have you warned them (that) there will be an extra person
for dinner?
I was warned against/off go ing to the east coast because it was so full of
tourists.
There were signs warning of fog as soon as we got onto the motorway.
This particular curry is extremely hot - be warned!
Put that ball down and come over here, Laura - I'm warning you (= I will punish
you if you do not) !
wave noun [ C ] WATER
1. a raised line of water which moves across the surface of an area of water,
especially the sea
At night, I listened to the sound of the waves breaking/crashing against the
shore.
whole adjective
1. complete or not divided
I spent the whole day cleaning.
There's still a whole month till my birthday.
After my exercise class, my whole body ached.
The whole town was destroyed by the earthquake.
This whole thing (= situation) is ridiculous.
Bill does nothing but moan the whole time (= all the time) .
You have to stand up in court and promise to tell 'the truth, the whole truth and
nothing but the truth'.
Her dance compositions added a whole (= completely) new dimension to the
contemporary dance repertoire.
2. İNFORMAL used to emphasize something
I've got a whole heap of work to do this afternoon.
The new computers are a whole lot (= much) faster.

extra words of 400 must have words for

the toefl (2)
absolute adjective VERY GREAT
1. very great or to the largest degree possible
a man of absolute integrity/discretion
I have absolute faith in her judgment.
There was no absolute proof of fraud.
2. [ before noun ] used when expressing a strong opinion
He's an absolute idiot!
That's absolute rubbish!
afford verb MONEY
1. can afford
 to be able to buy or do something because you have enough money or time
I don't know how he can afford a new car on his salary.
Few people are able to afford cars like that.
She couldn't afford the time off work to see him.
[ + to infinitive ] I can't afford to buy a house.
ahead adverb IN FRONT
1. in front
The road ahead is very busy.
Turn left at the traffic lights, and you'll see the hospital straight ahead.
Rick walked on ahead of us.
You go on ahead of (= before) me, and I'll meet you there.
2. having more points than someone else in a competition or competitive situation
Apparently, the latest opinion polls put the Democrats 15% ahead of the
Republicans.
Barcelona was ahead after ten minutes.
3. making more progress than someone else
Sophie is way (= far) ahead of the other children in her class.
apart adverb SEPARATE
1. separated by a distance or, less commonly, by time
Stand with your feet wide apart.
How far apart should the speakers be?
We were asked to stand in two lines three metres apart.
The two lines of children moved slowly apart.
The garage, large enough for two cars, is set apart from (= not joined to) the
house.
I forget the exact age difference between Mark and his brother - they're two or
three years apart.
2. into smaller pieces
My jacket is so old it's falling apart.
I took the motor apart (= separated it into pieces) to see how it worked.
appearance noun BEING PRESENT
1. [ C ] an occasion when someone appears in public
It was his first appearance on television/television appearance as president.
She will be making a public appearance, signing copies of her latest novel.
This was the defendant's third court appearance for the same offence.
2. [ C ] a public performance by an entertainer
He made his first stage/TV appearance at the age of six.
3. put in an appearance
to be present somewhere for a short time
I didn't really want to go to the party, but I thought I'd better put in an
appearance.
appropriate adjective
suitable or right for a particular situation or occasion
appropriate footwear for the country
Is this film appropriate for small children?
I didn't think his comments were very appropriate at the time.
Is this an appropriate occasion to discuss finance?
Please complete the appropriate parts of this form (= the parts that are right or
necessary for your particular situation) and return it as soon as possible.
ash noun POWDER
1. [ U ] the soft grey or black powder that is left after a substance, especially
tobacco, coal or wood, has burnt
cigarette ash
2. ashes
[ plural ] what is left of something after it has been destroyed by fire, especially
what is left of a human body after it has been burnt
 Her ashes were scattered at sea.
Allied bombing left Dresden in ashes in 1945.
assign verb [ T ] CHOOSE
1. [ often passive ] to give a particular job or piece of work to someone
[ + two objects ] UN troops were assigned the task of rebuilding the hospital.
The case has been assigned to our most senior officer.
2. If you assign a time for a job or activity, you decide it will be done during that
time
Have you assigned a day for the interviews yet?
3. If you assign a characteristic to something, you state that it has it.
4. to decide a reason for something
Detectives have been unable to assign a motive for the murder.
The report assigned the blame for the accident to inadequate safety regulations.
avoid verb [ T ]
to stay away from someone or something, or prevent something from happening or
not allow yourself to do something
I try to avoid supermarkets on Saturdays - they're always so busy.
[ + -ing verb ] I try to avoid go ing shopping on Saturdays.
The report studiously avoided any mention of the controversial plan.
The plane narrowly avoided disaster when one of the engines cut out on take-off.
I left the pub to avoid a fight (= prevent a fight from happening) .
Unnecessary paperwork should be avoided (= prevented) at all costs .
I'm anxious to avoid the motorway at rush hour.
Do you think Tim's avoiding me? I haven't seen him all day.
bean noun [ C ]
a seed, or the pod containing seeds, of various climbing plants, eaten as a
vegetable
green beans
French beans
baked beans
Coffee beans are the bean-like seeds of the coffee tree.
benefit noun [ C or U ]
1. a helpful or good effect, or something intended to help
The discovery of oil brought many benefits to the town.
One of the many benefits of foreign travel is learning how to cope with the
unexpected.
He's had the benefit of an expensive education and yet he continues to work as a
waiter.
I didn't get/derive (much) benefit from school.
With the benefit of hindsight (= Helped by the knowledge since learned) it is easy
for us to see where we went wrong.
SLİGHTLY FORMAL She drinks a lot less now, to the benefit of her health as a whole.
2. the money given by the government to people who need financial help, for
example because they cannot find a job
MAİNLY UK unemployment benefit
I'm on benefit at the moment.
blend noun [ C ]
a mixture of different things or styles
a rich blend of the finest coffee beans
Their music is a blend of jazz and African rhythms.
cautious adjective
1. describes someone who avoids risks
He's a cautious driver.
2. describes something which is careful, well considered and sometimes slow or
uncertain
a cautious approach
 cautious criticism
3. cautious optimism
a feeling that you can be generally hopeful about a situation even though you do
not expect complete success or improvement
cellular adjective ORGANISM
1. connected with the cells of a plant or animal
coat noun [ C ] COVER
4. ( ALSO coating ) a layer of a particular substance that covers something
I'll give the walls a quick coat of paint.
two coats of varnish
a thick coating of chocolate
coin noun
1. [ C ] a small round piece of metal, usually silver or copper coloured, which is
used as money
a 10p/ten pence coin
a pound coin
a ten-cent coin
gold coins
I asked for ten pounds in 20p coins.
That machine doesn't take 50p coins.
2. [ U ] money in the form of metal coins
complicate verb [ T ]
1. to make something more difficult to deal with, do or understand
It will only complicate the situation if we invite his old girlfriend as well.
The rescue operation has been complicated by bad weather.
These new rules have complicated the tax system even further.
2. If one illness complicates another illness, it makes the other illness worse
The breathing problem has now been complicated by a chest infection.
concrete noun [ U ]
a very hard building material made by mixing together cement , sand, small stones
and water
reinforced concrete
a concrete floor/path
a grey concrete building
constrain verb [ T often passive ]
to control and limit something
The country's progress was constrained by a leader who refused to look forward.
consultant noun [ C ]
1. someone who advises people on a particular subject
a management/financial/computer consultant
a firm of public relations consultants
2. UK a specialist (= doctor with special training and knowledge in a particular area
of medicine)
consumption noun [ U ] USE
1. the amount used or eaten
As a nation, our consumption of junk food is horrifying.
We need to cut down on our fuel consumption by having fewer cars on the road.
2. when someone uses, eats, or drinks something
The meat was clearly unfit for human consumption (= not suitable for people to
eat) .
These products are not for national consumption, but for export.
3. when information, entertainment, etc. is intended for a particular group of
people
This memo is for internal consumption only.
The movie was not intended for public consumption.
cost noun MONEY
 1. [ U ] the amount of money needed to buy, do or make something
When you buy a new computer, you usually get software included at no extra cost
(= for no additional money) .
For many parents, two salaries are essential to cover the cost of (= pay for) school
fees.
The supermarket chain announced that it was cutting the cost (= reducing the
price) of all its fresh and frozen meat.
It's difficult for most people to cope with the rising cost of (= increasing price of)
healthcare.
I was able to buy the damaged goods at cost (= for only the amount of money
needed to produce or get the goods, without any extra money added for profit) .
2. costs
the amount of money needed for a business or to do a particular job
We need to cut our advertising costs.
The estimated costs of the building project are well over £1 million.
county noun [ C ] ( WRİTTEN ABBREVİATİON Co. )
a political division of the UK or Ireland, forming the largest unit of local
government, or the largest political division of a state in the US
County Antrim
A county usually consists of several towns and the rural areas which surround
them.
Rutland used to be the smallest county in England, but in 1974 it became part of
Leicestershire.
Texas is divided into 254 counties.
cover verb PLACE OVER
1. [ T ] to put or spread something over something, or to lie on the surface of
something
The light was so bright that I had to cover my eyes.
Snow covered the hillsides.
She covered him (up) with a blanket.
Cover the meat with a layer of cheese.
The bandages were covered with/in blood.
How much of the Earth's surface is covered by/with water?
current adjective
of the present time
Have you seen the current issue of (= the most recently published) Vogue
magazine?
The word 'thou' (= you) is no longer in current use .
dependable adjective
If someone or something is dependable, you can trust them or have confidence in
them
I need someone dependable to look after the children while I'm at work.
a dependable car
dependence , US ALSO dependance noun [ S or U ] ( ALSO dependency )
when you need something or someone all the time, especially in order to continue
existing or operating
The company needs to reduce its dependence on just one particular product.
Drug dependence led to her early death.
She has developed a deep dependence on him (= she needs him emotionally) .
employ verb PROVIDE JOB
1. [ T ] to have someone work or do a job for you and pay them for it
How many people does your company employ?
Can't we employ someone as an assistant to help with all this paperwork?
[ + to infinitive ] We've employed a market researcher to find out what people
really want from a cable TV system.
More people are now employed in service industries than in manufacturing.
excrement noun [ U ] FORMAL
the solid waste which is released from the bowels of a person or animal
human excrement
existence noun
1. [ U ] when something or someone exists
Many people question the existence of God.
Modern cosmology believes the Universe to have come into existence about fifteen
billion years ago.
The theatre company that they started is still in existence today.
2. [ C usually singular ] a particular way of life
She has a miserable existence living with him.
existing adjective [ before noun ]
describes something that exists now
The existing laws covering libel in this country are thought by many to be
inadequate.
Under the existing conditions many children are going hungry.
expand verb [ I or T ]
to increase in size, number or importance, or to make something increase in this
way
The air in the balloon expands when heated.
They expanded their retail operations during the 1980s.
expose verb [ T ] UNCOVER
1. to remove what is covering something so that it can be seen
The plaster on the walls has been removed to expose the original bricks
underneath.
He damaged his leg so badly in the accident that the bone was exposed.
This photograph was under-/over- exposed (= too little/too much light was
allowed to reach the film) .
2. expose yourself
If a man exposes himself, he shows his sexual organs in a public place to people he
does not know.
extinct adjective
1. not now existing
There is concern that the giant panda will soon become extinct.
Many tribes became extinct when they came into contact with Western illnesses.
A lot of trades have become extinct because of the development of technology.
2. An extinct volcano is one that is not now active (= will not explode again) .
fairly adverb QUITE
1. more than average, but less than very
She's fairly tall.
I'm fairly sure that this is the right address.
We get on fairly well.
I saw her fairly recently.
2. LİTERARY used to emphasize figurative expressions which describe what people or
objects are doing
The answer fairly jumps off the page at you!
The dog fairly flew out of the door to greet him.
firm adjective HARD
1. not soft but not completely hard
I'd rather sleep on a firm mattress than a soft one.
These pears are still too firm to eat.
foundation noun BEGIN
1. [ U ] when an organization, state, etc. is established
the foundation of a new state
2. [ C ] an organization that has been established in order to provide money for a
particular group of people in need of help or for a particular type of study
 the British Heart Foundation
the Environmental Research Foundation
3. [ U ] UK the first year of infant school, previously known as reception
a foundation class/teacher
Her youngest child starts (in) foundation in September.
germ noun ORGANISM
1. [ C usually plural ] a very small organism that causes disease
Wash your hands so you don't get germs on the food.
Rats and flies spread germs.
gossip noun
1. [ S or U ] (a) conversation or reports about other people's private lives which
might be unkind, disapproving or not true
Her letter was full of gossip.
Jane and Lyn sat in the kitchen having a good gossip about their friends.
I don't like all this idle gossip.
I've got some juicy gossip for you.
Have you heard the (latest) gossip?
2. [ C ] DİSAPPROVİNG ( MAİNLY UK gossipmonger ) someone who enjoys talking about
other people and their private lives
She's a terrible gossip.
grade noun [ C ] LEVEL
1. a level of quality, size, importance, etc
He's suffering from some kind of low -grade (= slight) infection, which he can't
seem to get rid of.
There's some really high -grade (= high quality) musicianship on this recording.
Bill has been UK on / US at the same grade (= his job has been of the same level
of importance, or he has had the same level of pay) for several years now.
2. a number or letter that shows how good someone's work or performance is
Steve never studies, but he always gets good grades.
UK Carla got a grade A in German.
grain noun SEED
1. [ C or U ] (a) seed from a plant, especially a plant like a grass such as rice or
wheat
grains of wheat/rice
Grain (= the crop from food plants like grasses) is one of the main exports of the
American Midwest.
hazard noun [ C ]
something that is dangerous and likely to cause damage
a health/fire hazard
The busy traffic entrance was a hazard to pedestrians.
hire verb [ T ] UK
1. ( US rent ) to pay to use something for a short period
How much would it cost to hire a car for a fortnight?
You could always hire a dress for the ball if you can't afford to buy one.
2. to employ someone or pay them to do a particular job
I was hired by the first company I applied to.
[ + to infinitive ] We ought to hire a public relations consultant to help improve our
image.
imitation adjective
made to look like something else
an imitation leather watch-strap
It's not real silk - it's just imitation.
imply verb [ T ]
1. to communicate an idea or feeling without saying it directly
[ + ( that ) ] Are you implying (that) I'm fat?
I'm not implying anything about your cooking, but could we eat out tonight?
 I detected an implied criticism of the way he was treated.
2. FORMAL to involve something or make it necessary
Socialism implies equality.
instead adverb
in place of someone or something else
There's no coffee - would you like a cup of tea instead?
You can go instead of me, if you want.
loosen verb NOT FIXED
1. [ I or T ] to (cause to) become loose
The screws holding the bed together had loosened.
merge verb
1. [ I or T ] to combine or join together, or to cause things to do this
They decided to merge the two companies into one.
The country's two biggest banks are planning to merge.
After a while the narrow track merges with a wider path.
2. [ I ] US FOR filter in
mud noun [ U ]
earth that has become wet and sticky
The vehicles got bogged down in the heavy mud.
Modern houses have replaced the one-room mud huts with grass roofs that had
been home to generations of peasants.
These mud flats (= level ground near the sea) are a site of special scientific
interest.
neglect verb [ T ]
1. to give not enough care or attention to people or things that are your
responsibility
to neglect your appearance/the garden
He neglects that poor dog - he never takes him for walks or gives him any
attention.
I'm afraid I've rather neglected my studies this week.
2. neglect to do sth
to not do something, often because you forget
I'd neglected to give him the name of the hotel where I'd be staying.
He neglected to mention the fact that we could lose money on the deal.
novel noun [ C ]
a long printed story about imaginary characters and events
a paperback novel
historical/romantic novels
Have you read any of Jane Austen's novels?
His latest novel is selling really well.
occasion noun [ C ]
1. a particular time, especially when something happens or has happened
We met on several occasions to discuss the issue.
I've heard him be rude to her on a number of occasions.
I seem to remember that on that occasion he was with his wife.
2. a special or formal event
Sara's party was quite an occasion - there were over a hundred people there.
At the wedding he sang a song specially written for the occasion.
I have a suit but I only wear it on special occasions.
The coronation of a new king is, of course, a historic occasion.
Congratulations on the occasion of your wedding anniversary.
3. FORMAL an opportunity or reason for doing something or for something to happen
The 200th anniversary of Mozart's death was the occasion for hundreds of special
films, books and concerts.
An occasion may arise when you can use your knowledge of French.
The bride took/used the occasion to make a short speech.
 4. on occasion
sometimes, but not often
He has, on occasion, made a small mistake.
occasional adjective
not happening or done often or regularly
I play the occasional game of football.
He has the occasional cigar after dinner.
origin noun
1. [ C ] ( ALSO origins ) the beginning or cause of something
It's a book about the origin of the universe.
Her unhappy childhood was the origin of her problems later in life.
What's the origin of this saying? (= Where did it come from?)
2. origins
[ plural ] used to describe the particular way in which something started to exist or
someone started their life
The story has obscure origins (= No one knows how it started) .
The president's family was of humble origins (= They were poor people without a
good position in society) .
3. [ U ] where a person was born
He is of North African origin.
What is your country of origin?
4. [ U ] where an object was made
The furniture was French in origin.
petrify verb CHANGE TO STONE
2. [ I ] If dead things petrify, they change to a substance like stone over a long
period of time.
pigeon noun
1. [ C or U ] a large usually grey bird, which is often seen in towns sitting on
buildings in large groups, and is sometimes eaten as food
2. [ C ] a pigeon kept as a pet in order to take part in flying competitions
racing/homing pigeons
pipe noun [ C ] TUBE
1. a tube inside which liquid or gas flows from one place to another
a water/gas/sewer pipe
a burst/fractured/leaking pipe
poison noun [ C or U ]
a substance that can make people or animals ill or kill them if they eat or drink it
The pest control officer put bowls of rat poison in the attic.
Her drink had been laced with a deadly poison.
pollutant noun [ C ]
a substance that pollutes
Sulphur dioxide is one of several pollutants that are released into the atmosphere
by coal-fired power stations.
pour verb CAUSE TO FLOW
1. [ I or T ] to make a substance flow from a container, especially into another
container, by raising just one side of the container that the substance is in
I spilled the juice while I was pouring it.
Pour the honey into the bowl and mix it thoroughly with the other ingredients.
[ + two objects ] Would you like me to pour you some more wine?
Would you like to pour (= pour a drink into a glass or cup) while I open some bags
of nuts?
precision noun [ U ] EXACT
1. the quality of being exact
Great precision is required to align the mirrors accurately.
Precision bombing was used to destroy enemy airbases and armaments factories.
preserve verb [ T ]
 1. to keep something as it is, especially in order to prevent it from decaying or
being damaged or destroyed; to conserve
to preserve the environment
We want to preserve the character of the town while improving the facilities.
The agreement preserved our right to limit trade in endangered species.
Putting varnish on wood is a way of preserving it.
I need to get out of the house from time to time just to preserve (= prevent me
from losing) my sanity .
2. to treat food in a particular way so that it can be kept for a long time without
going bad
preserved fruit
oranges preserved in brandy
priority noun [ C or U ]
something that is very important and must be dealt with before other things
The management did not seem to consider office safety to be a priority.
My first/top priority is to find somewhere to live.
You have to learn to get your priorities right/straight (= decide which are the
most important jobs or problems and deal with them first) .
Mending the lights is a priority task (= more important than other jobs) .
Banks normally give priority to large businesses when deciding on loans (= They
deal with them first because they consider them most important) .
Official business requirements obviously take/have priority over personal
requests (= Official business matters will be dealt with first) .
prolong verb [ T ]
to make something last a longer time
We were having such a good time that we decided to prolong our stay by another
week.
She chewed each delicious mouthful as slowly as she could, prolonging the
pleasure.
promising adjective
Something which is promising shows signs that it is going to be successful or
enjoyable
They won the award for the most promising new band of the year.
"How's your new venture going?" "It's looking quite promising."
It's a great restaurant but it doesn't look at all promising from the outside.
propose verb SUGGEST
1. [ T ] to offer or state a possible plan or action for other people to consider
[ + that ] I propose that we wait until the budget has been announced before
committing ourselves to any expenditure.
[ + -ing verb ] He proposed deal ing directly with the suppliers.
She proposed a boycott of the meeting.
He proposed a motion that the chairman resign.
2. [ T ] to suggest someone for a position or for membership of an organization
To be nominated for union president you need one person to propose you and
another to second you.
3. [ I ] to ask someone to marry you
I remember the night your father proposed to me.
4. propose a toast
to ask people at a formal social occasion to express their good wishes or respect for
someone by holding up their glasses, usually of alcohol, at the same time and then
drinking from them
Now, if you'd all please raise your glasses, I'd like to propose a toast to the bride
and groom.
provide verb SUPPLY
1. [ T ] to give someone something that they need
This booklet provides useful information about local services.
 All meals are provided throughout the course.
The author provides no documentary references to support her assertions.
We have concerns about whether the government will be able to provide viable
social services for poorer families/provide poorer families with viable social services.
Putting more police on patrol doesn't provide a real solution to the problem of
increasing violence.
purity noun [ U ] NOT MIXED
1. the state of not being mixed with anything else
the atrocities carried out in the name of ethnic/racial purity
2. when a sound is clear and perfect
the purity of her voice
3. when something is clean or free from harmful substances
air/water purity
rather adverb SMALL AMOUNT
1. quite; to a slight degree
It's rather cold today, isn't it?
That's rather a difficult book - here's an easier one for you.
The train was rather too crowded for a comfortable journey.
She answered the telephone rather sleepily.
I rather doubt I'll be able to come to your party.
recovery noun [ S or U ]
the process of getting back something lost, especially health, ability, possessions,
etc
Mira made a full/speedy, etc. recovery from (= became well again after) the
operation.
At last the economy is showing signs of recovery (= is starting to improve) .
The police arranged the recovery (= the getting back) of her body from the river.
regard noun [ U ] FORMAL
1. respect or admiration for someone or something
The company holds her in high regard.
He has no regard for other people's feelings.
2. in/with regard to
in connection with
I am writing to you with regard to your letter of 15 March.
3. in this/that regard
in this particular way
The union is the largest in the country and in this/that regard is best placed to
serve its members.
4. regards
FORMAL greetings
Please give/send/convey my regards to your mother if you see her.
remains plural noun
1. pieces or parts of something which continue to exist when most of it has been
used, destroyed or taken away
The remains of lunch were still on the table.
We visited the remains of a 12th-century monastery.
2. human/ sb's remains
FORMAL someone's dead body or the remaining parts of it
Fifty years after he died, his remains were returned to his homeland.
Human remains were found in the woods.
renovate verb [ T ]
to repair and improve something, especially a building
He renovates old houses and sells them at a profit.
require verb [ T ]
to need or make necessary
Please telephone this number if you require any further information.
 Skiing at 80 miles per hour requires total concentration.
[ + object + to infinitive ] Bringing up children often requires you to put their
needs first.
You are required by law to stop your car after an accident.
[ + that ] The rules require that you bring only one guest to the dinner.
restrict verb [ T ]
to limit the movements or actions of someone, or to limit something and reduce its
size or prevent it from increasing
measures to restrict the sale of alcohol
The government has restricted freedom of movement into and out of the country.
Having small children really restricts your social life.
rival noun [ C ]
a person, group, etc. competing with others for the same thing or in the same area
He beat his closest/nearest rival by 20 marks.
The companies produce rival versions of the toy.
root noun [ C ] PLANT PART
1. the part of a plant which grows down into the earth to get water and food and
which holds the plant firm in the ground
route noun [ C ]
1. a particular way or direction between places
The route we had planned took us right across Greece.
I live on a bus route so I can easily get to work.
2. a method of achieving something
A college education is often the best route to a good job.
3. US ( UK round ) a set of regular visits that you make to a number of places or
people, especially in order to take products as part of your job
rust noun [ U ]
1. a reddish brown substance that forms on the surface of iron and steel as a result
of decay caused by reacting with air and water
patches of rust
2. a reddish brown colour that looks like rust
3. any of various plant diseases that cause reddish brown spots
schedule noun [ C ]
1. a list of planned activities or things to be done showing the times or dates when
they are intended to happen or be done
a production schedule
a hectic/tight (= very busy) schedule
Everything went according to schedule (= as planned) .
2. US ( UK timetable ) a list of the times when events are planned to happen,
especially the times when buses, trains and planes leave and arrive
3. FORMAL an official list of things
a schedule of business expenses
4. ahead of schedule
early
We expect the building work to be completed ahead of schedule.
5. on schedule
not early or late
6. fall behind schedule
to do less work than you planned to do by a particular point in time
separate verb
1. [ I or T ] to (cause to) divide into parts
The north and south of the country are separated by a mountain range.
You can get a special device for separating egg whites from yolks.
The top and bottom sections are quite difficult to separate.
2. [ I or T ] to make people move apart or into different places, or to move apart
 At school they always tried to separate Jane and me because we were
troublemakers.
Somehow, in the rush to get out of the building, I got separated from my mother.
Perhaps we should separate now and meet up later.
3. [ T ] to consider two people or things as different or not related
You can't separate morality from politics.
4. [ I ] If a liquid separates it becomes two different liquids.
5. [ I ] to start to live in a different place from your husband or wife because the
relationship has ended
My parents separated when I was six and divorced a couple of years later.
settle verb AGREE
1. [ T ] to reach a decision or an agreement about something, or to end a
disagreement
Good, that's all settled - you send out the invitations for the party, and I'll organize
the food.
[ + question word ] They haven't yet settled wh en the wedding is going to be.
"The tickets are £40 each." "Well, that settles that then - I can't afford that
much."
I'd like to get this matter settled once and for all (= reach a final decision on it) .
2. [ I or T ] to arrange something
The details of the contract have not yet been settled.
Our lawyer advised us that it would be better to settle out of court (= reach an
agreement in a legal case without it being decided in a court of law) .
It took months to settle (= bring to an end) the dispute/strike.
My father and I have agreed finally to settle our differences (= stop arguing) .
skill noun [ C or U ]
an ability to do an activity or job well, especially because you have practised it
Ruth had/possessed great writing skills.
I have no skill at/in sewing.
smuggle verb [ T usually + adv/prep ]
to take things or people to or from a place secretly and often illegally
She was caught trying to smuggle 26 kilos of heroin out of/into the country.
They managed to smuggle a videotape of the captive journalists out of the prison.
staff noun PEOPLE
1. [ S + singular or plural verb ] the group of people who work for an organization
There is a good relationship between staff and pupils at the school.
The staff are not very happy about the latest pay increase.
There are over a hundred staff in the company.
He is on (= a member of) the editorial staff of the magazine.
stream noun [ C ] SMALL RIVER
1. water that flows naturally along a fixed route formed by a channel cut into rock
or ground, usually at ground level
a mountain stream
underground streams
There's a lovely stream that flows through their garden.
2. any current of water or liquid
the level of cholesterol in your blood stream
3. the direction in which water is moving
She stopped rowing and let the boat float with the stream.
submerge verb
1. [ I or T ] to go below the surface of the sea or a river or lake
The submarine submerged when enemy planes were sighted.
She was taken to hospital after being submerged in an icy river for 45 minutes.
2. [ T ] LİTERARY to cover or hide something completely
She has submerged her identity in the role of photographer's wife and muse.
succession noun
 1. [ S ] a number of similar events or people that happen, exist, etc. after each
other
A succession of scandals and revelations has undermined the government over the
past year.
Life was just an endless succession of parties and dinners.
2. in succession
happening one after another
She had her first three children in rapid succession.
This is the seventh year in succession that they've won the cup.
3. [ U ] when someone takes an official position or job after someone else
Divorce would not prevent the Prince of Wales's succession to the throne.
throw sth away/out phrasal verb [ M ]
to get rid of something that you do not want any more
So when are you going to throw away those old magazines?
track noun PATH
1. [ C ] a path or rough road which is made of soil rather than having a surface
covered with stone or other material
The house is at the end of a dirt/an unmade track.
2. [ C or U ] the pair of long metal bars fixed on the ground at an equal distance
from each other, along which trains travel
a 10-mile stretch of track
Passengers are requested not to walk across the tracks.
the Treasury noun [ S ]
the government department, in Britain and various other countries, which is
responsible for financial matters such as spending and tax
trouble noun DIFFICULTIES
1. [ C or U ] problems or difficulties
The form was terribly complicated and I had a lot of trouble with it.
Their problems seem to be over for the moment, but there could be more trouble
ahead .
The trouble started/began when my father came to live with us.
[ + -ing verb ] Parents often have trouble finding restaurants that welcome young
children.
You'll only be storing up trouble for the future if you don't go to the dentist now.
I should get it finished over the weekend without too much trouble.
She thought her troubles would be over once she'd got divorced.
My Christmas shopping is the least of my troubles at the moment - I haven't even
got enough money to pay the rent.
Most of the current troubles stem (= are caused by) from our new computer
system.
2. [ U ] a characteristic of someone or something that is considered a disadvantage
or problem
The trouble with this carpet is that it gets dirty very easily.
It's a brilliant idea. The only trouble is that we don't know how much it will cost.
Ron 's trouble is that he's too impatient.
3. [ U ] a situation in which you experience problems, usually because of something
you have done wrong or badly
He's never been in trouble with his teachers before.
She'll be in big trouble if she crashes Sam's car.
He got into financial trouble after his divorce.
I hope you won't get into trouble because of what I said to your dad.
The camp is a great way of getting kids off the street and keeping them out of
trouble.
I hope I haven't landed you in trouble with your boss.
The marriage ran into trouble because of her husband's heavy drinking.
The company will be in serious/real trouble if we lose this contract.
He's stayed out of trouble since he was released from jail last year.
 4. [ U ] problems or difficulties caused by something failing to operate as it should
The plane developed engine trouble shortly after takeoff.
They have a good reputation for building reliable trouble -free cars.
Her knee trouble is expected to keep her out of the game for the rest of the
season.
5. [ U ] problems in the form of arguments, fighting or violence
Listen, I don't want any trouble in here, so please just finish your drink and leave.
You can only go to the match if you promise to leave at the first sign of trouble.
My little brother's always trying to stir up (= create) trouble between me and my
boyfriend.
tyrant noun [ C ]
a ruler who has unlimited power over other people, and uses it unfairly and cruelly
Tamir, one of several sons of the exiled ruler, vowed he would liberate his country
from the tyrant.
FİGURATİVE HUMOROUS Overnight my boss seems to have turned into a tyrant.
unsteady adjective
moving slightly from side to side, as if you might fall
She's been in bed with the flu and she's still a bit unsteady on her feet .
vacation noun
1. [ C or U ] US a holiday, especially when you are travelling away from home for
pleasure
We're taking a vacation in June.
They went to Europe on vacation.
I've still got some vacation left before the end of the year.
2. [ C ] MAİNLY US ( UK İNFORMAL vac ) a period of the year when schools or colleges
are closed, or when law courts do not operate
the Christmas/Easter/summer/long vacation
valuation noun [ C or U ]
the act of deciding how much money something might be sold for or the amount of
money decided on
You can receive a home loan of up to 95% of the official valuation of the property.
vigilance noun [ U ]
more careful attention, especially in order to notice possible danger
The police said that it was thanks to the vigilance of a neighbour that the fire was
discovered before it could spread.
volunteer noun [ C ]
a person who does something, especially helping other people, willingly and without
being forced or paid to do it
The Health clinic is relying on volunteers to run the office and answer the
telephones.
Since it would be a highly dangerous mission, the Lieutenant asked for volunteers.
It's a volunteer army with no paid professionals.
weaken verb [ I or T ]
to (cause to) become less strong, powerful or determined
You could see the poor dog weakening daily as the disease spread through its body.
Another defeat in parliament would seriously weaken the president's ability to
govern.
We know that prolonged exposure to vibration can weaken aircraft components.
She's weakening - ask her some more questions and see if she confesses.
whim noun [ C ]
a sudden wish or idea, especially one that cannot be reasonably explained
We booked the holiday on a whim.
You can add what you like to this mixture - brandy, whisky or nothing at all - as the
whim takes you.
Oh for a husband who would indulge my every whim!
witness noun [ C ] SEE
 1. a person who sees an event happening, especially a crime or an accident
Police are appealing for witnesses to the accident to come forward.
According to (eye) witnesses, the robbery was carried out by two teenage boys.
2. be witness to sth
to see something happen
She was witness to the tragic event.
3. someone who is asked to be present at a particular event and sign their name in
order to prove that things have been done correctly
He signed the treaty in the presence of two witnesses.
They were married a year after they first met, with two friends acting as witnesses.

new creation
acknowledge verb [ T ]
to accept, admit or recognize something, or the truth or existence of something
[ + -ing verb ] She acknowledged hav ing been at fault.
[ + that ] She acknowledged that she had been at fault.
You must acknowledge the truth of her argument.
Historians generally acknowledge her as a genius in her field.
[ + object + to infinitive ] She is usually acknowledged to be one of our best
artists.
They refused to acknowledge (= to recognize officially) the new government.
Please acknowledge receipt of (= say that you have received) this letter.
He didn't even acknowledge my presence (= show that he had seen me) .
The government won't even acknowledge the existence of the problem.
admire verb [ T ]
to respect and approve of someone or their behaviour, or to find someone or
something attractive and pleasant to look at
I admired him for his determination.
I really admire people who can work in such difficult conditions.
We stood for a few moments, admiring the view.
I was just admiring your jacket, Delia.
admit verb -tt- ACCEPT
1. [ I or T ] to agree that something is true, especially unwillingly
He admitted his guilt/mistake.
[ + ( that ) ] She admitted (that) she had made a mistake.
[ + -ing verb ] She admitted mak ing a mistake.
At first he denied stealing the money but he later admitted (to) it.
I wasn't entirely honest with him, I admit, but I didn't actually tell him any lies.
[ + to infinitive ] The new law was generally admitted to be difficult to enforce.
2. admit defeat
to accept that you have failed and give up
After several attempts to untie the knot, I admitted defeat and cut through it with a
knife.
advise verb
1. [ I or T ] to give someone advice
[ + to infinitive ] I think I'd advise him to leave the company.
His doctor advised him against smoking.
I'd strongly advise against making a sudden decision.
[ + that ] They're advising that children be kept out of the sun altogether.
[ + -ing verb ] I'd advise wait ing until tomorrow.
[ + question word ] She advised us wh en to come.
 She advises the President (= gives information and suggests types of action) on
African policy.
You would be well- advised to (= It would be wise for you to) have the
appropriate vaccinations before you go abroad.
2. [ T ] FORMAL to give someone official information about something
They were advised of their rights.
[ + that ] Our solicitors have advised that the costs could be enormous.
allege verb [ T ] FORMAL
to state that someone has done something illegal or wrong without giving proof
[ + ( that ) ] The two men allege (that) the police forced them to make false
confessions.
[ + to infinitive ] Mr Smythe is alleged to have been at the centre of an
international drugs ring.
[ + that ] It was alleged that Johnson had struck Mr Rahim on the head.
almost adverb
nearly
She's almost thirty.
It was almost six o'clock when he left.
I almost wish I hadn't invited him.
It'll cost almost as much to repair it as it would to buy a new one.
Almost all the passengers on the ferry were French.
They'll almost certainly forget to do it.
The town was almost entirely destroyed during the war.
We were bitten by mosquitoes almost every night.
The boat sank almost immediately after it had struck the rock.
Most artists find it almost impossible to make a living from art alone.
announce verb [ T ]
1. to state or make known, especially publicly
They announced the death of their mother in the local paper.
She announced the winner of the competition to an excited audience.
[ + that ] The Prime Minister has announced that public spending will be increased
next year.
2. to show that something is going to happen
The first few leaves in the gutter announced the beginning of autumn.
anxious adjective WORRIED
1. worried and nervous
My mother always gets a bit anxious if we don't arrive when we say we will.
I saw my sister's anxious face at the window.
The drought has made farmers anxious about the harvest.
approve verb AGREE
2. [ T ] to accept, allow or officially agree to something
We had to wait months for the council to approve our plans to extend the house.
The court approved the sale of the property.
capture verb [ T ] CATCH
1. to take someone as a prisoner, or to take something into your possession,
especially by force
Two of the soldiers were killed and the rest were captured.
Rebel forces captured the city after a week-long battle.
2. to succeed in getting something when you are competing with other people
The Democratic Party captured 70% of the vote.
claim verb SAY
1. [ T ] to say that something is true or is a fact, although you cannot prove it and
other people might not believe it
[ + ( that ) ] The company claims (that) it is not responsible for the pollution in
the river.
[ + to infinitive ] He claims to have met the President, but I don't believe him.
 All parties have claimed success in yesterday's elections.
An unknown terrorist group has claimed responsibility for this morning's bomb
attack.
2. [ T ] If an organization or group claims a particular number of members, that
number of people are believed to belong to it.
conscience noun [ C or U ]
the part of you that judges how moral your own actions are and makes you feel
guilty about bad things that you have done or things you feel responsible for
a guilty conscience
a question/matter of conscience
You didn't do anything wrong - you should have a clear conscience (= not feel
guilty) .
My conscience would really trouble me if I wore a fur coat.
He's got no conscience at all (= does not feel guilty) about leaving me to do the
housework.
crown noun [ C ] HEAD COVERING
1. a circular decoration for the head, usually made of gold and jewels (= precious
stones) , and worn by a king or queen at official ceremonies
2. the winning of a sports competition
He plans to defend his Olympic crown.
cruel adjective crueller , cruellest or crueler , cruelest
1. extremely unkind and unpleasant and causing pain to people or animals
intentionally
Don't tease him about his weight - it's cruel.
Children can be very cruel to each other.
2. causing suffering
His death was a cruel blow .
demand verb [ T ] REQUEST
1. to ask for something forcefully, in a way that shows that you do not expect to be
refused
I demanded an explanation.
The car workers' union is demanding a 7% pay rise this year.
He has always demanded the highest standards of behaviour from his children.
[ + speech ] "And where do you think you're going?" demanded the police officer.
[ + to infinitive ] I demand to see the manager.
[ + that ] She demanded that he return the books he borrowed from her.
deserve verb [ T not continuous ]
to have earned or to be given something because of the way you have behaved or
the qualities you have
After all that hard work, you deserve a holiday.
Chris deserves our special thanks for all his efforts.
I hope they get the punishment they deserve.
[ + to infinitive ] They certainly deserved to win that match.
destroy verb [ T ]
1. to damage something so badly that it does not exist or cannot be used
Most of the old part of the city was destroyed by bombs during the war.
The accident seemed to have completely/totally destroyed his confidence.
2. to kill an animal because it is ill, in pain or dangerous
erect verb [ T ] FORMAL MAKE VERTICAL
2. to raise something to a vertical position
They erected a marquee to accommodate 500 wedding guests.
found verb BEGIN
2. [ T ] to bring something into existence
York was founded by the Romans in the year 71 AD.
She left a large sum of money in her will to found a wildlife sanctuary.
 We are planning a dinner to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the
company.
foundation noun BEGIN
1. [ U ] when an organization, state, etc. is established
the foundation of a new state
2. [ C ] an organization that has been established in order to provide money for a
particular group of people in need of help or for a particular type of study
the British Heart Foundation
the Environmental Research Foundation
3. [ U ] UK the first year of infant school, previously known as reception
a foundation class/teacher
Her youngest child starts (in) foundation in September.
impassable adjective
describes a road or path that cannot be travelled on because of bad weather
conditions or because it is blocked
Many roads were flooded and impassable following the storm.
injure verb [ T ]
to hurt or cause physical harm to a person or animal
A bomb exploded at the embassy, injuring several people.
She fell and injured her shoulder.
He was badly injured in the crash.
He claimed that working too hard was injuring his health.
jug noun CONTAINER
1. [ C ] UK ( US pitcher ) a container for holding liquids which has a handle and a
shaped opening at the top for pouring
a glass/plastic jug
a milk/water jug
2. [ C ] US a large round container for liquids which has a flat base, a handle and a
very narrow raised opening at the top for pouring
a whiskey jug
3. [ C ] the amount of liquid that a jug holds
a jug of milk
narrow verb [ I or T ]
to become less wide or to make something less wide
The road narrows after the bridge.
He narrowed his eyes in suspicion.
They have narrowed the focus of the investigation, to concentrate on younger
adults.
FİGURATİVE We must strive to narrow the gap between rich and poor.
perhaps adverb
1. used to show that something is possible or that you are not certain about
something
He hasn't written to me recently - perhaps he's lost my address.
Perhaps the most important question has not been asked.
We plan to travel to Europe - to Spain or Italy perhaps.
2. used to show that a number or amount is approximate
There were perhaps 500 people at the meeting.
3. used when making polite requests or statements of opinion
"I never remember people's birthdays." "Well, perhaps you should."
pile noun AMOUNT
1. [ C ] objects positioned one on top of another
a large pile of sand
a pile of books
a pile of dirty clothes
İNFORMAL I've got piles/a pile (= a lot) of things to do today.
stick verb stuck , stuck PUT
 3. [ T usually + adverb or preposition ] İNFORMAL to put something, especially in a
not very careful way
"Where shall I put these books?" "Oh, just stick them on the table for now."
She stuck her fingers in her ears so that she couldn't hear the noise.
I'll pay for lunch - I can stick it on my expenses.
4. [ T usually + adverb or preposition ] OFFENSİVE If you tell someone to stick
something or where they can stick something, it means that you do not want to keep
that thing
"I've had enough of working here, " she said, "You can stick your job!"
such predeterminer , determiner , pronoun
1. of a particular or similar type
Small companies such as ours are very vulnerable in a recession.
I'm looking for a cloth for cleaning silver. Do you have such a thing ?
Present on this grand occasion were Andrew Davies, Melissa Peters and other such
stars.
I tried to tell her in such a way that she wouldn't be offended.
He said it was an Edwardian washstand or some such thing - I can't remember
exactly.
OLD-FASHİONED İNFORMAL I just bought one or two things - bread and milk and such (
ALSO suchlike ).
FORMAL Our lunch was such (= of a type) that we don't really need an evening meal.
2. such as
for example
That sum of money is to cover costs such as travel and accommodation.
threat noun [ C ]
1. a suggestion that something unpleasant or violent will happen, especially if a
particular action or order is not followed
[ + to infinitive ] She carried out her threat to throw away any clothes that were
left on the floor.
The threat of jail failed to deter him from petty crime.
Drunken drivers pose a serious threat (= cause a lot of harm) to other road users.
He says he'll tell the authorities but it's just an empty threat (= it will not happen)
.
2. be under threat of sth
to be in a situation where people are threatening you with something bad or
unpleasant
She left the country under threat of arrest if she returned.
treat verb DEAL WITH
1. [ T usually + adverb or preposition ] to behave towards someone or deal with
something in a particular way
My parents treated us all the same when we were kids.
He treated his wife very badly.
It's wrong to treat animals as if they had no feelings.
I treat remarks like that with the contempt that they deserve.
yield verb PRODUCE
1. [ T ] to supply or produce something positive such as a profit, an amount of food
or information
an attempt to yield increased profits
The investigation yielded some unexpected results.
Favourable weather yielded a good crop.

the first experience (1)

access noun [ U ]
the method or possibility of getting near to a place or person, or the right to use or
look at something
The only access to the village is by boat.
The main access to (= entrance to) the building is at the side.
The tax inspector had/gained complete access to the company files.
The system has been designed to give the user quick and easy access to the
required information.
The children's father was refused access to them at any time (= refused official
permission to see them) .
act verb DO SOMETHING
1. [ I ] to do something for a particular purpose, or to behave in the stated way
[ + to infinitive ] Engineers acted quickly to repair the damaged pipes.
She acted without thinking.
The anaesthetic acted (= had an effect) quickly.
Who is acting for/on behalf of (= who is representing) the defendant?
He acted as if he'd never met me before.
Don't be so silly - you're acting like a child!
He never acts on other people's advice (= does what other people suggest) .
Acting on impulse (= without thinking first) can get you into a lot of trouble.
advanced adjective
1. modern and well developed
This is the most advanced type of engine available.
2. at a higher, more difficult level
an advanced English course
3. advanced class/course
US a school class which is doing work of a higher standard than is usual for
students at that stage in their education
approach verb COME NEAR
1. [ I or T ] to come near or nearer to something or someone in space, time,
quality or amount
We could just see the train approaching in the distance.
If you look out of the window on the left of the bus, you'll see that we're now
approaching the Tower of London.
I see it's approaching lunchtime, so let's take a break.
In my opinion, no other composers even begin to approach (= come near in quality
to) Mozart.
The total amount raised so far is approaching (= almost) $1000.
He's very active for a man approaching 80 (= who is almost 80 years old) .
approximate adjective
not completely accurate but close
The train's approximate time of arrival is 10.30.
The approximate cost will be about $600.
Can you give me an approximate idea of the numbers involved?
bookmark noun [ C ] PLACE IN BOOK
1. ( ALSO bookmarker ) a piece of card, leather or plastic that you put between the
pages of a book so that you can find a page again quickly
cascade noun [ C ]
1. a small waterfall, often one of a group
2. a large amount of something which hangs down
A cascade of golden hair fell down his back.
charity noun GIVING
1. [ C or U ] a system of giving money, food or help free to those who are in need
because they are ill, poor or have no home, or any organization which has the purpose of
providing money or helping in this way
She does a lot of work for charity.
 People tend to give to (= give money to) charity at Christmas time.
Proceeds from the sale of these cards will go to (= be given to) local charities.
UNICEF is an international charity.
They did a charity performance on the first night, to raise money for AIDS
research.
conservative adjective AGAINST CHANGE
1. often not liking or trusting change, especially sudden change
a conservative society/outlook
Older people tend to be quite conservative and a bit suspicious of any supposed
advances.
2. If you are conservative in your appearance, you usually do not like fashionable
or modern clothes or hairstyles
He's a very conservative dresser - he always looks like he's wearing his father's
clothes!
consider verb POSSIBILITY
1. [ I or T ] to spend time thinking about a possibility or making a decision
Don't make any decisions before you've considered the matter.
[ + question word ] Have you considered wh at you'll do if you don't get the job?
[ + -ing verb ] We're considering sell ing the house.
She's being considered for the job.
I'd like some time to consider before I make a decision.
court noun LAW
1. [ C usually singular U ] (a large room in) a building where trials and other legal
cases happen, or the people present in such a room, especially the officials and those
deciding whether someone is guilty
Protestors gathered outside the court to await the verdict.
He's due to appear in court again on Monday.
Please describe to the court exactly what you saw.
the European Court of Human Rights
The lack of evidence means that the case is unlikely to go to court.
2. take sb to court
to take legal action against someone
She's threatening to take me to court for not paying the bill on time.
3. settle (a case) out of court
to solve a legal disagreement without taking legal action
The newspaper has agreed to settle out of court.
destination noun [ C ]
the place where someone is going or where something is being sent or taken
We arrived at our destination tired and hungry.
His letter never reached its destination.
The Caribbean is a popular tourist / UK holiday / US vacation destination.
development noun GROWTH
1. [ U ] when someone or something grows or changes and becomes more
advanced
healthy growth and development
The programme traced the development of popular music through the ages.
The region suffers from under-/over-development (= having too little/much
industry) .
a development project (= one to help improve industry) in Pakistan
document noun [ C ]
1. a paper or set of papers with written or printed information, especially of an
official type
official/confidential/legal documents
They are charged with using forged documents.
2. a text that is written and stored on a computer
I'll send you the document by email.
edit verb [ T ]
1. to prepare a text or film for printing or viewing by correcting mistakes and
deciding what will be removed and what will be kept in, etc
Janet edited books for a variety of publishers.
The film's 129 minutes were edited down from 150 hours of footage.
2. to be in charge of the reports in a newspaper or magazine, etc
He edits a national newspaper.
encourage verb [ T ]
1. to make someone more likely to do something, or to make something more
likely to happen
[ T + to infinitive ] We were encouraged to learn foreign languages at school.
The council is encouraging the development of the property for both employment
and recreation.
2. to talk or behave in a way that gives someone confidence to do something
They've always encouraged me in everything I've wanted to do.
expression noun SHOWING
1. [ C or U ] when you say what you think or show how you feel using words or
actions
He wrote her a poem as an expression of his love.
We've received a lot of expressions of support for our campaign.
Freedom of expression is a basic human right.
It's better to give expression to (= show) your anger, rather than hiding it.
FORMAL His sadness at the death of his wife found expression (= was shown) in his
music.
She plays the violin with great expression (= feeling) .
2. [ C ] the look on someone's face, showing what they feel or think
I could tell from her expression that something serious had happened.
Mark always has such a miserable expression on his face.
file noun CONTAINER
1. [ C or U ] any of several different types of container used to store papers, letters
and other documents in an ordered way, especially in an office
a box/envelope file
secret/confidential/personnel files
You'll find it in the files under 'C'.
We keep your records on file for five years.
fit verb -tt- BE SUITABLE
2. [ T ] to be suitable for something
With her qualifications, she should fit the job perfectly.
Let the punishment fit the crime.
I'm sure we'll have something to fit your requirements, Madam.
hold verb held , held SUPPORT
1. [ T ] to take and keep something in your hand or arms
Can you hold the bag while I open the door?
He was holding a gun.
The little girl held her mother's hand .
He held her in his arms.
[ + object + adjective ] Could you hold the door open , please?
Rosie held out an apple for the horse.
All those who agree please hold up their hand (= raise their arm) .
2. [ T ] to support something
Will the rope be strong enough to hold my weight?
Each wheel is held on with four bolts.
The parts are held together with glue.
3. hold your nose
to press your nose tightly between thumb and finger in order to close it
I have to hold my nose when I jump into water.
 4. hold hands
When two people hold hands, one person holds the other person's hand in their
hand, especially to show that they love each other
They walked along holding hands.
impulse noun SIGNAL
3. [ C ] a short electrical, radio or light signal which carries information or
instructions between the parts of a system
an electrical/nerve impulse
instruction noun TEACHING
2. instructions
advice and information about how to do or use something, often written in a small
book or on the side of a container
The cooking instructions say bake it for half an hour.
You obviously didn't read the instructions properly.
They need clear instructions on what to do next.
3. [ U ] the teaching of a particular skill or subject
The video provides instruction on how to operate the computer.
The course gives you basic instruction in car maintenance.
Have you seen the instruction manual for the washing machine?
interruption noun [ C or U ]
when someone or something stops something from happening for a short period
a brief interruption
I worked all morning without interruption.
layout noun [ C ]
the way that something is arranged
I like the the layout of the house.
Application forms vary greatly in layout and length.
let verb letting , let , let ALLOW
1. [ T + infinitive without to ] to allow something to happen or someone to do
something by not doing anything to stop an action or by giving your permission
She wanted to go but her parents wouldn't let her.
He decided to let his hair grow long.
Let your shoes dry completely before putting them on.
I'm letting you stay up late, just this once.
Don't let it worry you.
If he needs money, let him (= he should) earn it!
2. [ T + object + infinitive without to not in past tenses ] used to show that you
accept what is going to happen, although you do not like it
Let it rain - it won't spoil our afternoon.
loop noun [ C ]
1. the curved shape made when something long and thin, such as a piece of string,
bends until one part of it nearly touches or crosses another part of it
belt loops
a loop of string
the loop of the river
The tape ran in a continuous loop, repeating the same songs over and over.
2. a type of IUD
manual noun [ C ]
a book which gives you practical instructions on how to do something or how to use
something, such as a machine
a DIY manual
The computer comes with a 600-page instruction manual.
modify verb [ T ] CHANGE
1. to change something such as a plan, opinion, law or way of behaviour slightly,
usually to improve it or make it more acceptable
 Instead of simply punishing them, the system encourages offenders to modify their
behaviour.
The proposals were unpopular and were only accepted in a modified form.
obtain verb FORMAL GET
1. [ T ] to get something, especially by asking for it, buying it, working for it or
producing it from something else
to obtain permission
First editions of these books are now almost impossible to obtain.
In the second experiment they obtained a very clear result.
Sugar is obtained by crushing and processing sugar cane.
offer verb AGREE TO GIVE
1. [ I or T ] to ask someone if they would like to have something or if they would
like you to do something
[ + two objects ] I feel bad that I didn't offer them any food/offer any food to
them.
She was offered a job in Paris.
Can I offer you (= Would you like) a drink?
"Would you sell me that painting?" "What are you offering (= What will you pay)
for it?"
[ + to infinitive ] My father's offered to take us to the airport.
[ + speech ] "I'll do the cooking, " he offered.
"I could help." "No, it's all right, thanks." "Well, don't say I didn't offer."
2. [ T ] ( ALSO offer up ) to say a prayer or make a sacrifice (= an act of killing or
giving up something) to a god
Dear Lord, we offer up our prayers...
outline noun [ C ] SHAPE
1. the main shape or edge of something, without any details
She drew the outline of the boat and then coloured it in.
2. in outline
as a shape with an edge but without any details
The mountain was visible only in outline as the light faded.
pattern noun WAY
1. [ C ] a particular way in which something is done, organized or happens
The pattern of family life has been changing over recent years.
A pattern is beginning to emerge from our analysis of the accident data.
In this type of mental illness, the usual pattern is bouts of depression alternating
with elation.
Many behaviour(al) patterns have been identified in the chimp colony.
preference noun [ C or U ]
1. when you like something or someone more than another person or thing
Her preference is for comfortable rather than stylish clothes.
I have a preference for sweet food over spicy.
Choosing furniture is largely a matter of personal preference.
It would be wrong to discriminate against a candidate because of their sexual
preference (= the sex of the people they are sexually attracted to) .
2. an advantage which is given to a person or a group of people
We give preference to those who have worked with us for a long time.
Special preferences were offered initially to encourage investment.
3. in preference to sth
If you choose one thing in preference to another thing, you choose it because you
like or want it more than the other thing
He studied chemistry in preference to physics at university.
present verb [ T ] GIVE
1. to give, provide or make known
The winners were presented with medals.
The letter presented the family with a problem that would be difficult to solve.
 The documentary presented us with a balanced view of the issue.
He presented the report to his colleagues at the meeting.
The classroom presented a cheerful busy atmosphere to the visitors (= appeared to
them to have this) .
The school is presenting (= performing) 'West Side Story' as its end-of-term
production.
prevent verb [ T ]
to stop something from happening or someone from doing something
Label your suitcases to prevent confusion.
[ + -ing verb ] His disability prevents him (from) driv ing .
property noun THINGS OWNED
1. [ U ] an object or objects that belong to someone
The club does not accept responsibility for loss of or damage to club members'
personal property.
Both books have 'Property of Her Majesty's Government' stamped inside them.
Children need to be taught to have respect for other people's property.
2. [ C or U ] a building or area of land, or both together
He owns a number of properties in the centre of London.
The notice said 'Private Property, Keep Off.
Yes, I've bought my own house - I'm now a man/woman of property!
3. [ U ] SPECİALİZED the legal right to own and use something
pulse noun REGULAR BEAT
1. [ C ] the regular beating of the heart, especially when it is felt at the wrist or
side of the neck
The child's pulse was strong/weak .
Exercise increases your pulse rate .
2. take sb's pulse
to hold someone's wrist and count how many times their heart beats in one minute
3. [ C ] a short period of energy which is repeated regularly, such as a short loud
sound or a short flash of light
The data, normally transmitted electronically, can be changed into pulses of light.
refer verb -rr-
refer to sb/sth phrasal verb
1. to talk or write about someone or something, especially in only a few words
In her autobiography she occasionally refers to her unhappy schooldays.
He always refers to the house as his "refuge".
2. If writing or information refers to someone or something, it relates to that
person or thing
The new salary scale only refers to company managers and directors.
remark verb [ T ]
to give a spoken statement of an opinion or thought
[ + ( that ) ] Dr Johnson once remarked (that) "When a man is tired of London, he
is tired of life."
[ + that ] He remarked that she was looking thin.
represent verb ACT FOR
1. [ T ] to speak, act or be present officially for another person or people
They chose a famous barrister to represent them in court.
Union officials representing the teachers met the government today.
I sent my husband to represent me at the funeral.
Women were well/poorly represented at the conference (= there were many/few
present) .
2. [ T ] to be the Member of Parliament, or of Congress, etc. for a particular area
Mr Smythe represents Barnet.
3. [ T ] FORMAL to express or complain about something, to a person in authority
We represented our grievances/demands to the boss.
republic noun [ C ]
 a country without a king or queen, usually governed by elected representatives of
the people and a president
the People's Republic of China
review verb [ T ] THINK AGAIN
1. to consider something in order to make changes to it, give an opinion on it or
study it
The committee is reviewing the current arrangement/situation.
Let's review (= talk about) what has happened so far.
He reviewed (= thought about) his options before making a final decision.
sample noun [ C ] SMALL AMOUNT
1. a small amount of something that shows you what the rest is or should be like
a free sample of shampoo
samples of carpet/curtain material
Please bring some samples of your work to the interview.
2. a small amount of a substance that a doctor or scientist collects in order to
examine it
a blood /urine sample
3. a group of people or things that is chosen out of a larger number and is asked
questions or tested in order to get information about the larger group
a random sample of voters
a nationally representative sample of 200 schools
serve verb PROVIDE FOOD/DRINK
1. [ I or T ] to provide food or drinks
Do they serve meals in the bar?
Breakfast is served in the restaurant between 7 and 9.
We arrived at the hotel and were served with champagne and canapés.
All recipes in this book, unless otherwise stated, will serve (= be enough for) 4 to 5
people.
[ + object + adjective ] Serve the tarts hot with custard or whipped cream.
shell noun COVERING
1. [ C or U ] the hard outer covering of something, especially nuts, eggs and some
animals
Brazil nuts have very hard shells.
A piece of shell fell into the cake mixture.
the shell of a snail/crab/tortoise
a shell necklace (= a piece of jewellery made out of the shells of small sea animals)
2. [ C ] the basic outer structure of a building or vehicle, especially when the parts
inside have been destroyed or taken or have not yet been made
the shell of a burnt-out farmhouse
shift verb MOVE OR CHANGE
1. [ I or T ] to (cause something or someone to) move or change from one position
or direction to another, especially slightly
She shifted (her weight) uneasily from one foot to the other.
The wind is expected to shift ( to the east) tomorrow.
Media attention has shifted recently onto environmental issues.
2. [ T ] MAİNLY US to move the gears of a vehicle into different positions in order to
make it go faster or slower
In cars that are automatics, you don't have to bother with shifting gears .
since adverb
from a particular time in the past until a later time, or until now
Emma went to work in New York a year ago, and we haven't seen her since.
He started working for the company when he left school, and has been there ever
since (= and is still there) .
I've long since (= long ago) forgotten any Latin I ever learned.
stranger noun [ C ]
1. someone you do not know
 My mother always warned me not to talk to strangers.
I'd never met anyone at the party before - they were complete strangers.
2. A stranger in a particular place is someone who has never been there before
Do you know the way to St Peter's church or are you a stranger here too?
such predeterminer , determiner
used before a noun or noun phrase to add emphasis
That's such a good film.
It seems like such a long way to drive for just one day.
Oh Richard, you're such an idiot!
Such cruelty really is beyond my comprehension.
I'd put on such a lot of weight that I couldn't get into my trousers.
support verb [ T ] ENCOURAGE
1. to agree with and give encouragement to someone or something because you
want them to succeed
My father supported the Labour Party all his life.
The majority of people in the town strongly support the plans to build a by-pass.
I think it's important to support local businesses by buying locally.
2. MAİNLY UK ( US USUALLY root for , AUSTRALİAN barrack for ) If you support a sports
team or a sports player, you want them to win, and might show it by going to watch
them play
Which team do you support?
term noun TIME
1. [ C ] the fixed period of time which something lasts for
He received a prison term for drunk driving.
The Government's term of office (= The period in which they have power) expires
at the end of the year.
2. [ C ] MAİNLY UK ( US USUALLY semester , ALSO quarter ) one of the periods into
which a year is divided at school, college or university
In Britain, the spring term starts in January and ends just before Easter.
We're very busy in term -time (= during the term) .
3. [ C ] FORMAL the period of time which a legal agreement lasts for
The lease on our house is near the end of its term.
4. [ U ] SPECİALİZED the end of a pregnancy when a baby is expected to be born
Her last pregnancy went to term (= The baby was born after the expected number
of weeks) .
a full-term pregnancy
5. in the long/medium/short term
for a long, medium or short period of time in the future
Taking this decision will cost us more in the short term, but will be beneficial in the
long term.
update verb [ T ]
1. to make something more modern or suitable for use now by adding new
information or changing its design
an updated version of the software
2. to give someone the most recent information
We'll update you on this news story throughout the day.
utility noun USEFUL
2. [ U ] FORMAL the usefulness of something, especially in a practical way
view noun OPINION
1. [ C ] an opinion or belief or idea, or a way of thinking about something
Do you have any views about/on what we should do now?
In my view, her criticisms were completely justified.
[ + that ] It's my view that the price is much too high.
Many people have/hold/share/take the view that children should not be
smacked.
Everyone will have a chance to make their views known at the meeting.
 We had a friendly exchange of views (= discussion) .
I take a very dim/poor view of this kind of behaviour (= think that this type of
behaviour is unacceptable) .
2. world view
a way of thinking about the world
Our world view is quite different from that of writers in the fourth century BC.

the first experience (2)

activity noun MOVEMENT
1. [ U ] when a lot of things are happening or people are moving around
There was a lot of activity in preparation for the Queen's visit.
Ministers are concerned by the low level of economic activity.
There was a sudden flurry of activity when the director walked in.
attempt verb [ T ]
to try to do something, especially something difficult
[ + to infinitive ] He attempted to escape through a window.
He attempted a joke, but no one laughed.
There's no point in even attempting an explanation - he'll never listen.
blame verb [ T ]
1. to say or think that someone or something did something wrong or is
responsible for something bad happening
Don't blame me (= It is not my fault) if you miss the bus!
Hugh blames his mother for his lack of confidence.
Hugh blames his lack of confidence on his mother.
You can't really blame Helen for not want ing to get involved.
2. I don't blame you
said in order to tell someone that you understand why they are doing something
and that you agree with their reason for doing it
I don't blame him for getting angry - she's behaving dreadfully.
3. be to blame
to be the reason for something that happens
The hot weather is partly to blame for the water shortage.
breath noun
1. [ U ] the air that goes into and out of your lungs
Her breath smelled of garlic.
She was dizzy and short of breath (= unable to breathe in enough air) .
He burst into the room, red-faced and out of breath (= unable to breathe
comfortably because of tiredness or excitement) .
2. catch your breath ( UK ALSO get your breath back )
to pause or rest for a short time until you can breathe comfortably or regularly
again
I had to stop running to catch my breath.
3. draw breath
a. to breathe
Without pausing to draw breath she told me everything.
b. to pause for a short time to rest or recover
Give me a moment to draw breath, won't you?
4. hold your breath
to keep air in your lungs and not release it so that you need more
How long can you hold your breath under water?
5. [ C ] a single action of breathing air into your lungs
6. take a breath
 to breathe air into your lungs (as a single action)
The doctor told me to take a deep breath (= breathe in a lot of air) .
7. a breath of air
a. the smallest amount of wind
There wasn't a breath of air in the room.
b. a short period of time spent outside
I'm just going out for a breath of (fresh) air - I won't be long.
church noun BUILDING
1. [ C ] a building for Christian religious activities
The town has four churches.
a church spire/tower
a church hall (= a building belonging to a church, with a large room for meetings)
climb verb RISE
1. [ I ] to go up, or to go towards the top of something
The plane climbed quickly to a height of 30 000 feet.
As it leaves the village, the road climbs steeply up the mountain.
The sun climbed higher in the sky.
2. [ I or T ] to use your legs, or your legs and hands, to go up or onto the top of
something
to climb the stairs/mountain
I hate climbing ladders.
We're going climbing (= climbing mountains as a sport) in Scotland next weekend.
3. [ I ] If a price, number, or amount climbs, it increases
Our costs have climbed rapidly in the last few years.
4. [ I ] to move into a higher social position, or to improve your position at work
He quickly climbed to the top of his profession.
court noun LAW
1. [ C usually singular U ] (a large room in) a building where trials and other legal
cases happen, or the people present in such a room, especially the officials and those
deciding whether someone is guilty
Protestors gathered outside the court to await the verdict.
He's due to appear in court again on Monday.
Please describe to the court exactly what you saw.
the European Court of Human Rights
The lack of evidence means that the case is unlikely to go to court.
2. take sb to court
to take legal action against someone
She's threatening to take me to court for not paying the bill on time.
3. settle (a case) out of court
to solve a legal disagreement without taking legal action
The newspaper has agreed to settle out of court.
daily adverb , adjective
happening on or relating to every day
Take the tablets twice daily.
Exercise has become part of my daily routine.
We back up our computer files at work on a daily basis.
She's looking forward to retiring and ending the daily grind (= hard, boring work
or duty) of working in an office.
deal noun AGREEMENT
1. [ C ] an agreement or an arrangement, especially in business
a business deal
The unions and management have made a two-year pay and productivity deal.
I'll make/do a deal with you - you wash the car and I'll let you use it tonight.
She got a good deal (= paid a low price) on her new house.
Is industry getting a raw/rough deal from (= being unfairly/badly treated by) the
EU?
definite adjective
fixed, certain or clear
The date for the meeting is now definite: 5th March.
She has very definite opinions.
We need a definite answer by tomorrow.
"Are you sure I'm invited too?" "Yes, Roger was quite definite about it on the
phone."
There's been a definite improvement in your English since you arrived.
disabled adjective
1. not having one or more of the physical or mental abilities that most people have
The accident left him severely disabled.
2. [ before noun ] specially relating to or intended for disabled people
The library does not have disabled access .
discount noun [ C ]
a reduction in the usual price
They usually give you a discount if you buy multiple copies.
They offer a 10 percent discount on rail travel for students.
dozen noun [ C ] , determiner
twelve
a dozen eggs
This recipe makes three dozen cookies.
Could you get me half a dozen (= six) eggs when you go to the shop?
İNFORMAL I've spoken to him dozens of (= many) times, but I still don't know his
name!
The refugees arrived by the dozen/ in their dozens (= in large numbers) .
entrance noun
1. [ C ] a door, gate, etc. by which you can enter a building or place
There are two entrances - one at the front and one round the back.
2. [ C usually singular ] when an actor or dancer comes onto a stage
He makes a spectacular entrance in act two draped in a gold sheet.
3. [ C usually singular ] the act of a person coming into a room in an ordinary
situation, although often because there is something noticeable about it
I noticed her entrance because she slipped and fell in the doorway.
4. [ U ] the right to enter a place
The management reserve the right to refuse entrance.
export verb
1. [ I or T ] to send goods to another country for sale
French cheeses are exported to many different countries.
Our clothes sell so well in this country that we have no need to export.
2. [ T ] to put something from one country into use in other countries
American culture has been exported all over the world.
3. [ T ] If you export information from a computer, you copy a large amount of it
either to a different part of the computer's storage space or to another form of storage
such as a floppy disk , so that it can be used for a different purpose.
expression noun SHOWING
1. [ C or U ] when you say what you think or show how you feel using words or
actions
He wrote her a poem as an expression of his love.
We've received a lot of expressions of support for our campaign.
Freedom of expression is a basic human right.
It's better to give expression to (= show) your anger, rather than hiding it.
FORMAL His sadness at the death of his wife found expression (= was shown) in his
music.
She plays the violin with great expression (= feeling) .
2. [ C ] the look on someone's face, showing what they feel or think
I could tell from her expression that something serious had happened.
 Mark always has such a miserable expression on his face.
headache noun [ C ] PAIN
1. a pain you feel inside your head
I've got a splitting (= severe) headache.
import verb [ T ]
1. to buy or bring in products from another country
We import a large number of cars from Japan.
2. to introduce new goods, customs or ideas to one country from another
The fashion for wearing baseball hats was imported directly from the States.
3. SPECİALİZED to copy information from one computer or computer program to
another
I need to import data from the database into my word processor.
imported files
income noun [ C or U ]
money that is earned from doing work or received from investments
Average incomes have risen by 4.5% over the past year.
More help is needed for people on low incomes.
I haven't had much income from my stocks and shares this year.
litigant noun [ C ] LEGAL
a person who is fighting a legal case
overseas adjective , adverb
in, from or to other countries
We need to open up overseas markets.
There are a lot of overseas students in Cambridge.
My brother is a student overseas.
Many more people go/travel/live/work overseas these days.
patient noun [ C ]
a person who is receiving medical care, or who is cared for by a particular doctor or
dentist when necessary
I'm a patient of Dr Stephens, please could I make an appointment to see her?
permit verb -tt-
1. [ T ] SLİGHTLY FORMAL to allow something
The regulations do not permit much flexibility.
[ + -ing verb ] The prison authorities permit visit ing only once a month.
[ + object + to infinitive ] The security system will not permit you to enter without
the correct password.
As it was such a special occasion, she permitted herself a small glass of
champagne.
FORMAL The law permits of no other interpretation.
2. [ I ] FORMAL to make something possible
The Chancellor is looking to lower interest rates, when economic conditions permit.
We have arranged to play tennis on Saturday, weather permitting (= if the
weather is good enough) .
pray verb
1. [ I or T ] to speak to a god either privately or in a religious ceremony in order to
express love, admiration or thanks or in order to ask for something
She knelt and prayed silently.
Let us pray for the victims of this terrible disaster.
[ + that ] We've been praying to God that your son will make a complete recovery.
FORMAL You must pray (= ask for) God's forgiveness for what you have done.
2. [ I ] to hope for something very much
We're praying for good weather for tomorrow's cricket match.
prison noun
1. [ C or U ] a building where criminals are forced to live as a punishment
Conditions in the prison are said to be appalling.
He's spent a lot of time in prison.
 She went to/was sent to prison for six months.
It was a maximum-security prison (= intended to be especially difficult to escape
from) .
They should put him in prison and throw away the key!
a prison cell/sentence/warder
2. [ U ] the system of keeping people in prisons
the prison service
Do you think prison works?
Prison (= the time he had spent in prison) hadn't changed him at all.
3. [ C ] a situation or relationship from which it is difficult to escape
She felt that her marriage had become a prison.
product noun THING MADE
1. [ C or U ] something that is made to be sold, usually something that is produced
by an industrial process or, less commonly, something that is grown or obtained through
farming
They do a range of skin-care products.
The product is so good it sells itself.
I'm trying to cut down on dairy products.
2. a/the product of sth
a/the result of something
A figure like that is usually the product of many hours spent in the gym.
She had a very happy childhood, and I guess her confidence is a product of that.
prove verb proved , proved , MAINLY US proven SHOW
1. [ T L ] to show a particular result after a period of time
The operation proved a complete success.
The dispute over the song rights proved impossible to resolve.
[ L (+ to be ) ] The new treatment has proved to be a disaster.
2. prove yourself
to show that you are good at something
I wish he'd stop trying to prove himself all the time.
queue noun [ C ] UK ( US line )
1. a line of people, usually standing or in cars, waiting for something
Are you in the queue for tickets?
There was a long queue of traffic stretching down the road.
If you want tickets you'll have to join the queue.
DİSAPPROVİNG It makes me mad when someone jumps the queue (= goes straight
to the front) .
2. a lot of people wanting something
There's a queue of companies wanting to sell the product.
rebel noun [ C ]
a person who is opposed to the political system in their country and tries to change
it using force, or a person who shows their disagreement with the ideas of people in
authority or of society by behaving differently
The rebels took over the capital and set up a new government.
He was a bit of a rebel when he was a teenager and dyed his hair pink.
recently adverb
not long ago, or at a time that started not long ago
Have you seen any good films recently?
Until very recently he worked as a teacher and he still shudders at the memories.
Recently, I've been feeling a bit depressed.
reduce verb [ I or T ]
to make something smaller in size, amount, degree, importance, etc
Do nuclear weapons really reduce the risk of war?
The plane reduced speed as it approached the airport.
My weight reduces when I stop eating sugar.
We bought a television that was reduced ( from £500 to £350) in the sales.
 To make a thicker sauce, reduce the ingredients by boiling for 5 minutes.
I reduced the problem to a few simple questions.
republic noun [ C ]
a country without a king or queen, usually governed by elected representatives of
the people and a president
the People's Republic of China
shelf noun [ C ] plural shelves
1. a long flat board fixed horizontally, usually against a wall or inside a cupboard so
that objects can be stored on it
a glass shelf
on the top/bottom shelf
One wall had shelves from floor to ceiling, crammed with books.
2. SPECİALİZED a flat area of rock under water or on a cliff
3. off the shelf
If a product can be bought off the shelf, it does not need to be specially made or
requested
It's often cheaper if you buy wallpaper off the shelf, rather than having to order it.
off-the-shelf goods/clothes
4. remove sth from your shelves
When a shop removes something from its shelves, that product stops being
available for sale there.
stranger noun [ C ]
1. someone you do not know
My mother always warned me not to talk to strangers.
I'd never met anyone at the party before - they were complete strangers.
2. A stranger in a particular place is someone who has never been there before
Do you know the way to St Peter's church or are you a stranger here too?
string noun ROPE
1. [ C or U ] (a piece of) strong thin rope which is made by twisting very thin
threads together and which is used for fastening and tying things
a parcel tied with string
a ball/piece of string
When you pull the strings, the puppet's arms and legs move.
2. [ C ] a set of objects joined together in a row on a single rope or thread
a string of beads/pearls
A string of onions hung from a beam in the kitchen.
summary noun [ C ] ( FORMAL summation )
a short clear description that gives the main facts or ideas about something
At the end of the news, they often give you a summary of the main news stories.
trouble noun DIFFICULTIES
1. [ C or U ] problems or difficulties
The form was terribly complicated and I had a lot of trouble with it.
Their problems seem to be over for the moment, but there could be more trouble
ahead .
The trouble started/began when my father came to live with us.
[ + -ing verb ] Parents often have trouble finding restaurants that welcome young
children.
You'll only be storing up trouble for the future if you don't go to the dentist now.
I should get it finished over the weekend without too much trouble.
She thought her troubles would be over once she'd got divorced.
My Christmas shopping is the least of my troubles at the moment - I haven't even
got enough money to pay the rent.
Most of the current troubles stem (= are caused by) from our new computer
system.
2. [ U ] a characteristic of someone or something that is considered a disadvantage
or problem
 The trouble with this carpet is that it gets dirty very easily.
It's a brilliant idea. The only trouble is that we don't know how much it will cost.
Ron 's trouble is that he's too impatient.
3. [ U ] a situation in which you experience problems, usually because of something
you have done wrong or badly
He's never been in trouble with his teachers before.
She'll be in big trouble if she crashes Sam's car.
He got into financial trouble after his divorce.
I hope you won't get into trouble because of what I said to your dad.
The camp is a great way of getting kids off the street and keeping them out of
trouble.
I hope I haven't landed you in trouble with your boss.
The marriage ran into trouble because of her husband's heavy drinking.
The company will be in serious/real trouble if we lose this contract.
He's stayed out of trouble since he was released from jail last year.
4. [ U ] problems or difficulties caused by something failing to operate as it should
The plane developed engine trouble shortly after takeoff.
They have a good reputation for building reliable trouble -free cars.
Her knee trouble is expected to keep her out of the game for the rest of the
season.
5. [ U ] problems in the form of arguments, fighting or violence
Listen, I don't want any trouble in here, so please just finish your drink and leave.
You can only go to the match if you promise to leave at the first sign of trouble.
My little brother's always trying to stir up (= create) trouble between me and my
boyfriend.
union noun JOINING
1. [ S or U ] the act or the state of being joined together
Meanwhile the debate on European political and monetary union continues.
FORMAL OR OLD USE She believes that the union (= marriage) of man and woman in
holy matrimony is for ever.
vibrate verb [ I or T ]
to shake slightly and quickly, or to cause something to do this, in a way that is felt
rather than seen or heard
The whole station seemed to vibrate as the express train rushed through.
His voice vibrated with anger.
walkout noun [ C ]
the act of leaving an official meeting as a group in order to show disapproval, or of
leaving a place of work to start a strike
Senior union workers staged (= had) a walkout this afternoon at the annual
conference over the proposed changes in funding.