Term
naive , naïve /naɪˈiːv/ adjective mainly disapproving
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Definition
too willing to believe that someone is telling the truth, that people's intentions in general are good, or that life is simple and fair. People are often naive because they are young and/or have not had much experience of life
She was very naive to believe that he'd stay with her.
They make the naive assumption that because it's popular it must be good.
It was a little naive of you to think that they would listen to your suggestions.
naively , naïvely /naɪˈiːv.li/ adverb
I, perhaps naively, believed he was telling the truth.
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Term
altruistic /ˌæl.truˈɪs.tɪk/ adjective
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Definition
showing a wish to help or bring advantages to other people, even if it results in disadvantage for yourself
I doubt whether her motives for donating the money are altruistic - she's probably looking for publicity.
altruistically /ˌæl.truˈɪs.tɪ.kli/ adverb |
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Term
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Definition
the bane of sth
a cause of continuous trouble or unhappiness
Keeping noise levels low is the bane of airport administration.
That cat is the bane of my life !
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Term
candid /ˈkæn.dɪd/ adjective approving
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Definition
honest and telling the truth, especially about something difficult or painful
The two presidents have had candid talks about the current crisis.
To be candid with you, I think you're making a dreadful mistake.
See also candour
candidly /ˈkæn.dɪd.li/ adverb |
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Term
benevolent /bɪˈnev. ə l. ə nt/ adjective
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Definition
kind and helpful
He was a benevolent old man, he wouldn't hurt a fly.
benevolence /bɪˈnev. ə l. ə n t s/ noun [ U ]
benevolently /bɪˈnev. ə l. ə nt.li/ adverb
She smiled benevolently at me.
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Term
articulate /ɑːˈtɪk.jʊ.lət/ /ɑːr-/ adjective
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Definition
able to express thoughts and feelings easily and clearly, or showing this quality
an intelligent and highly articulate young woman
She gave a witty, entertaining and articulate speech.
articulately /ɑːˈtɪk.jʊ.lət.li/ /ɑːr-/ adverb
articulateness /ɑːˈtɪk.jʊ.lət.nəs/ /ɑːr-/ noun [ U ] ( also articulacy )
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Term
articulate /ɑːˈtɪk.jʊ.leɪt/ /ɑːr-/ verb [ T ] formal
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Definition
1. to express in words
I found myself unable to articulate my feelings.
Many people are opposed to the new law, but have had no opportunity to articulate their opposition.
2. to pronounce
When children first learn to talk, there are some sounds that they find difficult to articulate.
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Term
melancholy /ˈmel.əŋ.kɒl.i/ /-kɑː.li/ adjective noun [ U ] formal
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Definition
sad
melancholy autumn days
a melancholy piece of music
melancholy /ˈmel.əŋ.kɒl.i/ /-kɑː.li/ noun [ U ] formal
sadness which lasts for a long period of time, often without any obvious reason |
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Term
eloquent /ˈel.ə.kw ə nt/ adjective
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Definition
giving a clear, strong message
She made an eloquent appeal for action.
The pictures were an eloquent reminder of the power of the volcano.
eloquence /ˈel.ə.kw ə n t s/ noun [ U ]
She was renowned for her eloquence and beauty.
eloquently /ˈel.ə.kw ə nt.li/ adverb
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Term
vociferous /vəˈsɪf. ə r.əs/ /-ɚ-/ adjective
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Definition
Vociferous people express their opinions and complaints loudly and repeatedly in speech, and vociferous demands, etc. are made repeatedly and loudly
Local activist groups have become increasingly vociferous as the volume of traffic passing through the village has grown.
A vociferous opponent of gay rights, he is well-known for his right-wing views.
vociferously /vəˈsɪf. ə r.ə.sli/ /-ɚ-/ adverb |
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Term
appease /əˈpiːz/ verb [ T ] formal disapproving
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Definition
to prevent further disagreement in arguments or war by giving to the other side an advantage that they have demanded
She claimed that the government had only changed the law in order to appease their critics.
appeasement /əˈpiːz.mənt/ noun [ U ]
When he agreed to talks with the prime minister, he was accused of appeasement.
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Term
impede /ɪmˈpiːd/ verb [ T ] formal
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Definition
to slow down or cause problems for the achievement or finishing of something
Although he's shy, it certainly hasn't impeded his career in any way.
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Term
hinder /ˈhɪn.də r / /-dɚ/ verb [ T ]
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Definition
to limit the ability of someone to do something, or to limit the development of something
High winds have hindered firefighters in their efforts to put out the blaze.
Her progress certainly hasn't been hindered by her lack of experience.
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Term
insincere /ˌɪn.sɪnˈsɪə r / /-ˈsɪr/ adjective disapproving
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Definition
pretending to feel something that you do not really feel, or not meaning what you say
an insincere apology
And all this praise just because the poor man has died - doesn't it strike you as a bit insincere?
insincerely /ˌɪn.sɪnˈsɪə.li/ /-ˈsɪr-/ adverb
insincerity /ˌɪn.sɪnˈser.ə.ti/ /-t ̬i/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
frankness /ˈfræŋk.nəs/ noun [ U ]
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Definition
honesty
A lot more frankness is needed in sex education if we are to reduce the number of teenage pregnancies.
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Term
candour UK , US candor /ˈkæn.də r / /-dɚ/ noun [ U ]
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Definition
the quality of being honest and telling the truth, especially about a difficult or embarrassing subject
"We really don't know what to do about it, " she said with surprising candour.
See also candid
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Term
hesitation /ˌhez.ɪˈteɪ.ʃ ə n/ noun [ C or U ]
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Definition
when you pause before doing something, especially because you are nervous or not certain
After a slight hesitation, she began to speak.
Any hesitation on the part of the government will be seen as weakness.
formal I have no hesitation in recommend ing Ms Shapur for the job.
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Term
forthright /ˈfɔːθ.raɪt/ /ˈfɔːrθ-/ adjective
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Definition
(too) honest or direct in behaviour
His forthright manner can be mistaken for rudeness.
I admire her forthright way of dealing with people.
forthrightness /ˈfɔːθ.raɪt.nəs/ /ˈfɔːrθ-/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
overjoyed /ˌəʊ.vəˈdʒɔɪd/ /ˌoʊ.vɚ-/ adjective [ after verb ]
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Definition
extremely pleased and happy
We're overjoyed at your news.
[ + to infinitive ] Helen was overjoyed to hear that she had got the job.
[ + that ] I'm overjoyed that you're coming to visit me.
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Term
morose /məˈrəʊs/ /-ˈroʊs/ adjective
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Definition
unhappy, annoyed and unwilling to speak or smile; sullen
a morose expression
Why are you so morose these days?
morosely /məˈrəʊ.sli/ /-ˈroʊ-/ adverb
moroseness /məˈrəʊ.snəs/ /-ˈroʊ-/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
abashed /əˈbæʃt/ adjective [ after verb ]
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Definition
embarrassed
He said nothing but looked abashed.
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Term
nonplussed /ˌnɒnˈplʌst/ /ˌnɑːn-/ adjective
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Definition
surprised, confused and not certain how to react
I was completely nonplussed by his reply.
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Term
dolorous /ˈdɒl. ə r.əs/ /ˈdoʊ.lɚ-/ adjective literary
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Definition
| sad, or causing sadness or emotional suffering |
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Term
perplex /pəˈpleks/ /pɚ-/ verb [ T ]
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Definition
to confuse and worry someone slightly by being difficult to understand or solve
The disease has continued to perplex doctors.
perplexed /pəˈplekst/ /pɚ-/ adjective
The students looked perplexed, so the teacher tried to explain once again.
perplexing /pəˈplek.sɪŋ/ /pɚ-/ adjective
They find the company's attitude perplexing and unreasonable.
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Term
spontaneous /spɒnˈteɪ.ni.əs/ /spɑːn-/ adjective
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Definition
happening or done in a natural, often sudden way, without any planning or without being forced
His jokes seemed spontaneous, but were in fact carefully prepared beforehand.
approving She's such a spontaneous, lively woman.
spontaneity /ˌspɒn.təˈneɪ.ɪ.ti/ /ˌspɑːn.t ̬əˈneɪ.ə.t ̬i/ noun [ U ] approving
The script has a refreshing spontaneity and sparkle.
spontaneously /spɒnˈteɪ.ni.ə.sli/ /spɑːn-/ adverb
The liquid spontaneously ignited.
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Term
impulsive /ɪmˈpʌl.sɪv/ adjective
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Definition
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
impulsively /ɪmˈpʌl.sɪv.li/ adverb |
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Term
atrocious /əˈtrəʊ.ʃəs/ /-ˈtroʊ-/ adjective VERY BAD
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Definition
1. of very bad quality
an atrocious film/piece of acting
The weather has been atrocious all week.
Conditions in the prison were atrocious.
atrocious /əˈtrəʊ.ʃəs/ /-ˈtroʊ-/ adjective CRUEL
2. violent and shocking
an atrocious crime
atrociously /əˈtrəʊ.ʃə.sli/ /-ˈtroʊ-/ adverb
The children have been behaving absolutely atrociously.
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Term
apprehensive /ˌæp.rɪˈhen t .sɪv/ adjective
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Definition
feeling worried about something that you are going to do
I'm a bit apprehensive about tomorrow's meeting.
I've invited a lot of people to the party, but I'm a bit apprehensive that no one will come.
apprehensively /ˌæp.rɪˈhen t .sɪv.li/ adverb
They looked at each other apprehensively.
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Term
lethargic /ləˈθɑː.dʒɪk/ /-ˈθɑːr-/ adjective
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Definition
having little energy; feeling unwilling and unable to do anything
I was feeling tired and lethargic.
lethargy /ˈleθ.ə.dʒi/ /-ɚ-/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
controversial /ˌkɒn.trəˈvɜː.ʃ ə l/ /ˌkɑːn.trəˈvɝː-/ adjective
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Definition
causing disagreement or discussion
a controversial issue/decision/speech/figure
The book was very controversial.
controversially /ˌkɒn.trəˈvɜː.ʃ ə .li/ /ˌkɑːn.trəˈvɝː-/ adverb |
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Term
sluggish /ˈslʌg.ɪʃ/ adjective
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Definition
moving or operating more slowly than usual and with less energy or power
A heavy lunch makes me sluggish in the afternoon.
Something is wrong with the car - the engine feels a bit sluggish.
The housing market has been very sluggish these past few years.
sluggishly /ˈslʌg.ɪʃ.li/ adverb
sluggishness /ˈslʌg.ɪʃ.nəs/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
vigorous /ˈvɪg. ə r.əs/ /-ɚ-/ adjective
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Definition
1. very forceful or energetic
a vigorous debate
There has been vigorous opposition to the proposals for a new road.
He takes plenty of vigorous exercise.
2. healthy and strong
Cutting the bush back in the autumn will help promote vigorous growth in the spring.
vigorously /ˈvɪg. ə r.ə.sli/ /-ɚ-/ adverb |
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Term
debate /dɪˈbeɪt/ noun [ C or U ]
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Definition
(a) serious discussion of a subject in which many people take part
Education is the current focus of public debate.
How we proceed from here is a matter for debate.
Over the year we have had several debates about future policy.
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Term
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Definition
1. [ I or T ] to discuss a subject in a formal way
In Parliament today, MPs debated the Finance Bill.
They had been debating for several hours without reaching a conclusion.
[ + question word ] The authorities debated wh ether to build a new car park.
2. [ T ] to try to make a decision about something
[ + question word ] We debated wh ether to take the earlier train.
I'm still debating what colour to paint the walls.
debater /dɪˈbeɪ.tə r / /-t ̬ɚ/ noun [ C ]
She was a good speaker and an excellent debater.
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Term
convenient /kənˈviː.ni.ənt/ adjective
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Definition
1. suitable for your purposes and needs and causing the least difficulty
Our local shop has very convenient opening hours.
A bike's a very convenient way of getting around.
[ + that ] It 's very convenient that you live near the office.
[ + to infinitive ] I find it convenient to be able to do my banking by phone.
What time would it be convenient for me to come round?
Opposite inconvenient
2. near or easy to get to or use
a very convenient bus service
Our new flat is very convenient for (= near to) the kids' school.
conveniently /kənˈviː.ni.ənt.li/ adverb
The house is conveniently situated near the station and the shops.
humorous I asked her to tidy the kitchen but of course she conveniently forgot (= she forgot because she did not want to do it) .
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Term
colonial /kəˈləʊ.ni. ə l/ /-ˈloʊ-/ adjective
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Definition
1. [ before noun ] relating to a colony or colonialism
Turkey was once an important colonial power.
Various parts of Africa have suffered under colonial rule .
a colonial mentality
2. describes furniture or buildings in the style of a period when some countries were colonies
colonial architecture
colonial-style houses
colonial /kəˈləʊ.ni. ə l/ /-ˈloʊ-/ noun [ C ]
a person from another country who lives in a colony , especially as part of its system of government |
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Term
dubious /ˈdjuː.bi.əs/ /ˈduː-/ adjective
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Definition
1. thought not to be completely true or not able to be trusted
These claims are dubious and not scientifically proven.
He has been associated with some dubious characters.
Ruth Ellis has the dubious (= bad) distinction of being the last woman to be hanged in Britain.
2. feeling doubt or not feeling certain
I'm dubious about his promises to change his ways.
dubiously /ˈdjuː.bi.əs.li/ /ˈduː-/ adverb |
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Term
gospel /ˈgɒs.p ə l/ /ˈgɑː.sp ə l/ noun
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Definition
CHRISTIANITY
1. [ C ] any of the four books of the Bible which contain details of the life of Jesus Christ
St Mark's Gospel/the Gospel according to St Mark
2. the gospel
[ S ] the teachings of Jesus Christ
to preach/spread the gospel
TRUTH
3. [ U ] informal ( also gospel truth ) the complete truth
If Mary tells you something, you can take it as gospel.
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Term
gospel /ˈgɒs.p ə l/ /ˈgɑː.sp ə l/ noun
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Definition
MUSIC
4. [ U ] ( also gospel music ) a style of religious music originally performed by black Americans
BELIEFS
5. [ S ] literary a set of principles or ideas which someone believes in
the gospel of hard work
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Term
fraudulent /ˈfrɔː.djʊ.l ə nt/ /ˈfrɑː-/ adjective
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Definition
CRIME
1. dishonest and illegal
A worrying trend for insurers has been a rise in fraudulent claims .
FALSE
2. intended to deceive
They claim that the fall in unemployment is based on a fraudulent manipulation of statistics.
fraudulence /ˈfrɔː.djʊ.l ə n t s/ /ˈfrɑː-/ noun [ U ]
fraudulently /ˈfrɔː.djʊ.l ə nt.li/ /ˈfrɑː-/ adverb |
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Term
surmise /ˈsə.maɪz/ /sɚ-/ verb [ T ] formal
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Definition
to guess something, without having much or any proof
[ + ( that ) ] The police surmise (that) the robbers have fled the country.
surmise /ˈsə.maɪz/ /sɚ-/ noun [ C or U ] formal
a guess
My surmise turned out to be right.
The article is pure surmise and innuendo.
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Term
discern /dɪˈsɜːn/ /-ˈsɝːn/ verb [ T ] formal
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Definition
to see, recognize or understand something that is not clear
I could just discern a figure in the darkness.
It is difficult to discern any pattern in these figures.
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Term
veracity /vəˈræs.ɪ.ti/ /vɚˈæs.ə.t ̬i/ noun [ U ] formal
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Definition
the quality of being true, honest or accurate
Doubts were cast on the veracity of her alibi after three people claimed to have seen her at the scene of the robbery.
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Term
refute /rɪˈfjuːt/ verb [ T ] formal
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Definition
to say or prove that a person, statement, opinion, etc. is wrong or false
to refute a person/theory/argument/claim
refutation /ˌref.jʊˈteɪ.ʃ ə n/ noun [ C or U ] |
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Term
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Definition
ACCEPT
1. [ T ] formal to accept something enthusiastically
This was an opportunity that he would embrace.
HOLD
2. [ I or T ] literary to hold someone tightly with both arms to express love, liking or sympathy, or when greeting or leaving someone
She saw them embrace on the station platform.
He leant over to embrace the child.
INCLUDE
3. [ T ] formal to include something, often as one of a number of things
Linguistics embraces a diverse range of subjects such as phonetics and stylistics.
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Term
augment /ɔːgˈment/ /ɑːg-/ verb [ T ] formal
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Definition
to increase the size or value of something by adding something to it
He would have to find work to augment his income.
augmentation /ˌɔːg.menˈteɪ.ʃ ə n/ /ˌɑːg-/ noun [ C or U ] |
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Term
crucial /ˈkruː.ʃ ə l/ adjective
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Definition
extremely important or necessary
a crucial decision/question
Her work has been crucial to the project's success.
[ + that ] It is crucial that the problem is tackled immediately.
crucially /ˈkruː.ʃ ə l.i/ adverb |
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Term
trivial /ˈtrɪv.i.əl/ adjective
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Definition
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.
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Term
inimical /ɪˈnɪm.ɪ.k ə l/ adjective formal
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Definition
harmful or limiting
Excessive managerial control is inimical to creative expression.
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Term
condemn /kənˈdem/ verb [ T ]
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Definition
to criticize something or someone strongly, usually for moral reasons
The terrorist action has been condemned as an act of barbarism and cowardice.
The film was condemned for its sexism.
condemn sb to (do) sth phrasal verb
to say what the punishment of someone who has committed a serious crime will be
She was condemned to death and executed two weeks later.
[ often passive ] They were condemned to spend the rest of their lives in prison.
condemn sb to sth phrasal verb
to make someone suffer in a particular way
Poor education condemns many young people to low-paid jobs.
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Term
abstruse /æbˈstruːs/ adjective formal
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Definition
difficult to understand
an abstruse philosophical essay
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Term
abjure /əbˈdʒʊə r / /-dʒʊr/ verb [ T ] formal
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Definition
to state publicly that you no longer agree with a belief or way of behaving
He abjured his religion/his life of dissipation.
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Term
irritation /ˌɪr.ɪˈteɪ.ʃ ə n/ noun [ C or U ]
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Definition
ANGER
1. when someone is made angry or annoyed
That kind of behaviour is sure to cause irritation.
Traffic noise is just one of several minor irritations (= small problems) .
SORE FEELING
2. a painful or sore feeling in a part of the body
It is an antiseptic cream suitable for minor skin irritations.
The strap had rubbed against his skin and caused irritation.
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Term
befuddled /bɪˈfʌd.l ̩d/ adjective
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Definition
confused
I'm so tired, my poor befuddled brain can't absorb any more.
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Term
chagrin /ˈʃæg.rɪn/ noun [ U ] formal
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Definition
disappointment or anger, especially when caused by a failure or mistake
My children have never shown an interest in music, much to my chagrin.
chagrined /ˈʃæg.rɪnd/ adjective |
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Term
bemused /bɪˈmjuːzd/ adjective
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Definition
slightly confused
I must admit that I was rather bemused by his sudden anger.
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Term
resent /rɪˈzent/ verb [ T ]
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Definition
to feel angry because you have been forced to accept someone or something that you do not like
She bitterly resented her father's new wife.
[ + -ing verb ] He resents hav ing to explain his work to other people.
resentment /rɪˈzent.mənt/ noun [ C or U ]
He feels/harbours (a) deep resentment against/towards his parents for his miserable childhood.
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Term
altruism /ˈæl.tru.ɪ.z ə m/ noun [ U ]
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Definition
willingness to do things which bring advantages to other people, even if it results in disadvantage for yourself
She's not known for her altruism.
altruist /ˈæl.tru.ɪst/ noun [ C ] |
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Term
malfeasance /mælˈfiː.z ə n t s/ noun [ U ] legal
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Definition
an example of dishonest and illegal behaviour, especially by a person in authority
Several cases of malpractice and malfeasance in the financial world are currently being investigated.
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Term
ingratitude /ɪnˈgræt.ɪ.tjuːd/ /-ˈgræt ̬.ə.tuːd/ noun [ U ]
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Definition
when someone is not grateful for something |
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Term
nepotism /ˈnep.ə.tɪ.z ə m/ noun [ U ] disapproving
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Definition
using your power or influence to get good jobs or unfair advantages for members of your own family
He was guilty of nepotism and corruption.
nepotistic /ˌnep.əˈtɪs.tɪk/ adjective |
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Term
supercilious /ˌsuː.pəˈsɪl.i.əs/ /-pɚ-/ adjective disapproving
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Definition
behaving as if or showing that you think that you are better than other people, and that their opinions, beliefs or ideas are not important
He spoke in a haughty, supercilious voice.
superciliously /ˌsuː.pəˈsɪl.i.ə.sli/ /-pɚ-/ adverb
superciliousness /ˌsuː.pəˈsɪl.i.ə.snəs/ /-pɚ-/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
coarse /kɔːs/ /kɔːrs/ adjective
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Definition
ROUGH
1. rough and not smooth or soft, or not in very small pieces
coarse sand/breadcrumbs
Linen is a coarse -grained fabric.
RUDE
2. rude and offensive
a coarse joke
coarse language
coarsely /ˈkɔː.sli/ /ˈkɔːr-/ adverb
coarseness /ˈkɔː.snəs/ /ˈkɔːr-/ noun [ U ]
The coarseness of the cloth irritated her skin.
She can't abide coarseness and stupidity.
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Term
prolific /prəˈlɪf.ɪk/ adjective
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Definition
producing a great number or amount of something
He was probably the most prolific songwriter of his generation.
Rabbits and other rodents are prolific (= have a lot of babies) .
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Term
terrible /ˈter.ə.bl ̩/ adjective
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Definition
UNPLEASANT
1. very unpleasant or serious or of low quality
The weather was terrible.
We have just received some terrible news.
VERY GREAT
2. informal used to emphasize the great degree of something
This project is a terrible waste of money.
She's a terrible nuisance.
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Term
incinerate /ɪnˈsɪn. ə r.eɪt/ /-ə.reɪt/ verb [ T ]
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Definition
to burn something completely
to incinerate waste
The spacecraft and its crew were incinerated by the billion-degree temperatures generated by the fireball.
incineration /ɪnˌsɪn. ə rˈeɪ.ʃ ə n/ /-əˈreɪ-/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
scanty /ˈskæn.ti/ /-t ̬i/ adjective
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Definition
smaller in size or amount than is considered necessary or is hoped for
scanty evidence/information
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Term
prosaic /prəˈzeɪ.ɪk/ adjective formal
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Definition
without interest, imagination and variety; boring
If only she'd been called 'Camilla' or 'Flavia' instead of the prosaic 'Jane'.
He asked if I'd got my black eye in a fight - I told him the prosaic truth that I'd banged my head on a door.
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Term
neglect /nɪˈglekt/ verb [ T ]
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Definition
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.
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Term
neglect /nɪˈglekt/ noun [ U ]
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Definition
when you do not give enough care or attention to someone or something, or the state of not receiving enough care or attention
Both parents were found guilty of neglect and their child was taken away from them.
Over the years the church has fallen into a state of neglect.
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Term
spurn /spɜːn/ /spɝːn/ verb [ T ] slightly formal
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Definition
to refuse to accept something or someone because you feel that they are not worth having
She spurned my offers of help.
Ellis plays the part of the young lover spurned by his mistress.
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Term
reticent /ˈret.ɪ.s ə nt/ /ˈret ̬.ə-/ adjective formal
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Definition
unwilling to speak about your thoughts or feelings
He is very reticent about his past.
Most of the students were reticent about answer ing questions.
reticence /ˈret.ɪ.s ə n t s/ /ˈret ̬.ə-/ noun [ U ]
His reticence about his past made them very suspicious.
reticently /ˈret.ɪ.s ə nt.li/ /ˈret ̬.ə-/ adverb |
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Term
congenial /kənˈdʒiː.ni.əl/ adjective
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Definition
friendly and pleasant
congenial company/surroundings
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Term
brusque /bruːsk/ /brʌsk/ adjective
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Definition
quick and rude in manner or speech
His secretary was rather brusque with me.
brusquely /ˈbruː.skli/ /ˈbrʌs.kli/ adverb
"I simply haven't got time to deal with the problem today, " she said brusquely.
brusqueness /ˈbruːsk.nəs/ /ˈbrʌsk-/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
gregarious /grɪˈgeə.ri.əs/ /-ˈger.i-/ adjective
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Definition
(of people) liking to be with other people, or (especially of animals) living in groups
Emma's a gregarious, outgoing sort of person.
See also sociable
gregariously /grɪˈgeə.ri.ə.sli/ /-ˈger.i-/ adverb
gregariousness /grɪˈgeə.ri.ə.snəs/ /-ˈger.i-/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
scurrilous /ˈskʌr.ɪ.ləs/ /ˈskɝː-/ adjective formal
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Definition
expressing unfair or false criticism which is likely to damage someone's reputation
a scurrilous remark/attack/article
scurrilously /ˈskʌr.ɪ.lə.sli/ /ˈskɝː-/ adverb |
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Term
arcane /ɑːˈkeɪn/ /ɑːr-/ adjective formal
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Definition
mysterious and known only by a few people
He was the only person who understood all the arcane details of the agreement.
This argument may seem arcane to those not closely involved in the world of finance.
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Term
apathetic /ˌæp.əˈθet.ɪk/ /-ˈθet ̬-/ adjective
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Definition
showing no interest or energy; unwilling to take action, especially over something important
Young people today are so apathetic about politics.
Don't be so apathetic - how are you going to get a job if you don't even write a letter?
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Term
acclamation /ˌæk.ləˈmeɪ.ʃ ə n/ noun [ U ] formal
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Definition
public approval and praise
His speech was greeted with (shouts of) acclamation .
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Term
shrewd /ʃruːd/ adjective approving
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Definition
having or based on a clear understanding and good judgment of a situation, resulting in an advantage
[ + to infinitive ] He was shrewd enough not to take the job when there was the possibility of getting a better one a few months later.
She is a shrewd politician who wants to avoid offending the electorate unnecessarily.
It was a shrewd move to buy your house just before property prices started to rise.
shrewdly /ˈʃruːd.li/ adverb
She shrewdly predicted the stock market crash.
shrewdness /ˈʃruːd.nəs/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
infallible /ɪnˈfæl.ɪ.bl ̩/ adjective
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Definition
never wrong, failing or making a mistake
Even the experts are not infallible.
infallibility /ɪnˌfæl.əˈbɪl.ɪ.ti/ /-ə.t ̬i/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
hinder /ˈhɪn.də r / /-dɚ/ verb [ T ]
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Definition
to limit the ability of someone to do something, or to limit the development of something
High winds have hindered firefighters in their efforts to put out the blaze.
Her progress certainly hasn't been hindered by her lack of experience.
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Term
sardonic /sɑːˈdɒn.ɪk/ /sɑːrˈdɑː.nɪk/ adjective
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Definition
showing little respect in a humorous but unkind way, often because you think that you are too important to consider or discuss a matter
a sardonic smile/look/comment
sardonically /sɑːˈdɒn.ɪ.kli/ /sɑːrˈdɑː.nɪ-/ adverb |
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Term
fatuous /ˈfæt.ju.əs/ adjective formal
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Definition
stupid, not correct, or not carefully thought about
a fatuous idea
fatuously /ˈfæt.ju.ə.sli/ adverb
fatuousness /ˈfæt.ju.əs.nəs/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
ribald /ˈrɪb. ə ld/ , /ˈraɪ.b ə ld/ /ˈraɪ.bɔːld/ adjective old-fashioned
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Definition
describes language that refers to sex in a rude but humorous way
He entertained us with ribald stories.
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Term
advocate /ˈæd.və.keɪt/ verb [ T ]
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Definition
to publicly support or suggest an idea, development or way of doing something
[ + -ing verb ] She advocates tak ing a more long-term view.
He advocates the return of capital punishment.
advocacy /ˈæd.və.kə.si/ noun [ U ]
She is renowned for her advocacy of human rights.
advocate /ˈæd.və.kət/ noun [ C ] LAWYER
1. a lawyer who defends someone in a court of law
advocate /ˈæd.və.kət/ noun [ C ] SUPPORTER
2. someone who publicly supports something
He's a strong advocate of state ownership of the railways.
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Term
cultivated /ˈkʌl.tɪ.veɪ.tɪd/ /-t ̬ə.veɪ.t ̬ɪd/ adjective
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Definition
ART
1. describes someone who has had a good education and knows a lot about and likes art, music, painting, etc.
LAND
2. describes land which is used to grow crops
cultivated fields/soil/land
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Term
cultivate /ˈkʌl.tɪ.veɪt/ /-t ̬ə-/ verb [ T ]
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Definition
USE LAND 1. to prepare land and grow crops on it, or to grow a particular crop
Most of the land there is too poor to cultivate.
The villagers cultivate mostly maize and beans.
DEVELOP 2. to try to develop and improve something
She has cultivated an image as a tough negotiator.
3. If you cultivate a relationship, you make a special effort to establish and develop it, because you think it might be useful to you
The new Prime Minister is cultivating relationships with old Eastern Bloc countries.
cultivation /ˌkʌl.tɪˈveɪ.ʃ ə n/ /-t ̬ə-/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
patronize /ˈpæt.r ə n.aɪz/ /ˈpeɪ.tr ə n-/ , /ˈpæt.r ə n-/ verb [ T ]
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Definition
ACT SUPERIOR
1. disapproving ( UK usually patronise ) to speak to or behave towards someone as if they are stupid or not important
Stop patronising me - I understand the play as well as you do.
BE CUSTOMER
2. formal ( UK usually patronise ) to be a regular customer of a shop or restaurant, etc
We always patronize Beaumont's - the food is so good there.
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Term
snub /snʌb/ verb [ T ] -bb-
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Definition
to insult someone by not giving them any attention or treating them as if they are not important
I think she felt snubbed because Anthony hadn't bothered to introduce himself.
snub noun [ C ]
I simply didn't recognize her and apparently she took it as a snub.
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Term
imprudent /ɪmˈpruː.d ə nt/ adjective formal
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Definition
unwise, by failing to consider the likely results of your actions
The report criticizes the banks for being imprudent in their lending.
imprudence /ɪmˈpruː.d ə n t s/ noun [ U ] slightly formal |
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Term
ingenuous /ɪnˈdʒen.ju.əs/ adjective formal
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Definition
honest, sincere and trusting, sometimes in a way that seems silly
It has to be said it was rather ingenuous of him to ask a complete stranger to look after his luggage.
ingenuously /ɪnˈdʒen.ju.ə.sli/ adverb |
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Term
poisonous /ˈpɔɪ.z ə n.əs/ adjective
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Definition
1. very harmful and able to cause illness or death
poisonous chemicals
Can you tell the difference between poisonous mushrooms and edible varieties?
2. very unpleasant and hurtful
He said some poisonous things to me.
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Term
bland /blænd/ adjective usually disapproving
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Definition
not having a strong taste or character or not showing any interest or energy
I find chicken a little bland.
Pop music these days is so bland.
blandly /ˈblænd.li/ adverb
blandness /ˈblæn d .nəs/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
toothsome /ˈtuːθ.səm/ adjective
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Definition
| (especially of food) attractive or pleasant |
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Term
ignominious /ˌɪg.nəˈmɪn.i.əs/ adjective literary
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Definition
(especially of events or behaviour) embarrassing because of being a complete failure
an ignominious defeat/failure/retreat
ignominiously /ˌɪg.nəˈmɪn.i.ə.sli/ adverb |
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Term
inconspicuous /ˌɪn.kənˈspɪk.ju.əs/ adjective
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Definition
not easily or quickly noticed or seen; not attracting attention
This type of bird is very inconspicuous because of its dull feathers.
At parties, he always stands in a corner and tries to look inconspicuous.
inconspicuously /ˌɪn.kənˈspɪk.ju.ə.sli/ adverb |
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Term
obscurity /əbˈskjʊə.rɪ.ti/ /-ˈskjʊr.ə.t ̬i/ noun [ U ]
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Definition
NOT KNOWN
1. when someone or something is not known to many people
He was briefly famous in his twenties but then sank into obscurity.
He rose from relative obscurity to worldwide recognition.
NOT CLEAR
2. when something is not clear and difficult to understand or see
The story is convoluted and opaque, often to the point of total obscurity.
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Term
mystique /mɪˈstiːk/ noun [ U ] formal
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Definition
a quality of being special in a mysterious and attractive way
There's great mystique attached to/surrounding the life of a movie star.
Too much publicity has destroyed the mystique of the monarchy.
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Term
acumen /ˈæk.jʊ.mən/ /əˈkjuː.mən/ noun [ U ] formal
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Definition
skill in making correct decisions and judgments in a particular subject, such as business or politics
She has considerable business/financial acumen.
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Term
acrid /ˈæk.rɪd/ adjective
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Definition
describes a smell or taste that is strong and bitter and causes a burning feeling in the throat
Clouds of acrid smoke issued from the building.
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Term
trenchant /ˈtren. t ʃənt/ adjective slightly formal
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Definition
severe, expressing strong criticism or forceful opinions
His most trenchant criticism is reserved for the party leader, whom he describes as 'the most incompetent and ineffectual the party has known'.
Dorothy Parker's writing is characterized by a trenchant wit and sophistication.
trenchancy /ˈtren. t ʃən t .si/ noun [ U ]
trenchantly /ˈtren. t ʃənt.li/ adverb |
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Term
dexterity /dekˈster.ə.ti/ /-t ̬i/ noun [ U ]
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Definition
the ability to perform a difficult action quickly and skilfully with the hands, or the ability to think quickly and effectively
He caught the ball with great dexterity.
He answered the journalists' questions with all the dexterity of a politician.
dexterous , dextrous /ˈdek.st ə r.əs/ /-stɚ-/ adjective
dexterously , dextrously /ˈdek.st ə r.ə.sli/ /-stɚ-/ adverb |
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Term
abate /əˈbeɪt/ verb [ I ] formal
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Definition
to become less strong
The storm/wind/rain has started to abate.
The fighting in the area shows no sign of abating.
See also unabated
abatement /əˈbeɪt.mənt/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
abdicate /ˈæb.dɪ.keɪt/ verb
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Definition
KING/QUEEN
1. [ I or T ] If a king or queen abdicates, they make a formal statement that they no longer want to be king or queen
King Edward VIII abdicated (the British throne) in 1936 so that he could marry Mrs Simpson, a divorced woman.
NOT DO
2. abdicate responsibility formal disapproving
to stop controlling or managing something that you are in charge of
She was accused of abdicating all responsibility for the project.
abdication /ˌæb.dɪˈkeɪ.ʃ ə n/ noun [ U ]
The council denied that their decision represented any abdication of responsibility.
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Term
de facto /ˌdeɪˈfæk.təʊ/ /-toʊ/ adjective [ before noun ] , adverb formal
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Definition
existing in fact, although not necessarily intended, legal or accepted
The city is rapidly becoming the de facto centre of the financial world.
He's her de facto husband though they're not actually married.
English is de facto the common language of much of the world today.
If it is on British soil then it is de facto British.
Compare de jure
de facto /ˌdeɪˈfæk.təʊ/ /-toʊ/ noun [ C ] Australian
a person who someone lives with as a wife or a husband, although they are not married
They've invited Joanne and her de facto for lunch on Sunday.
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Term
*aberrant /əˈber. ə nt/ , /ˈæb.ə.r ə nt/ adjective formal
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Definition
different from what is typical or usual, especially in an unacceptable way
aberrant behaviour/sexuality
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Term
deviant /ˈdiː.vi.ənt/ adjective ( US also deviate )
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Definition
describes a person or behaviour that is not usual and is generally considered to be unacceptable
deviant /ˈdiː.vi.ənt/ noun [ C ]
someone whose behaviour, especially sexual behaviour, is deviant
a sexual deviant
deviance /ˈdiː.vi.ən t s/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
*abeyance /əˈbeɪ.ən t s/ noun [ U ] formal
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Definition
a state of not happening or being used at present
Hostilities between the two groups have been in abeyance since last June.
The project is being held in abeyance until agreement is reached on funding it.
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Term
abject /ˈæb.dʒekt/ adjective formal
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Definition
EXTREME
1. abject misery/poverty/terror, etc.
when someone is extremely unhappy, poor, frightened, etc
They live in abject poverty.
This policy has turned out to be an abject failure.
NOT PROUD
2. showing no pride or respect for yourself
an abject apology
He is almost abject in his respect for his boss.
abjectly /ˈæb.dʒek t .li/ adverb |
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Term
abjure /əbˈdʒʊə r / /-dʒʊr/ verb [ T ] formal
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Definition
to state publicly that you no longer agree with a belief or way of behaving
He abjured his religion/his life of dissipation.
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Term
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Definition
| the act of cutting; the natural seperation of leaf or other part of a plant |
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Term
herbivore /ˈhɜː.bɪ.vɔː r / /ˈhɝː.bə.vɔːr/ noun [ C ]
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Definition
an animal that eats only plants
Cows and sheep are herbivores.
Compare carnivore
herbivorous /hɜːˈbɪv. ə r.əs/ /hɝːˈbɪv.ɚ-/ adjective |
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Term
abscond /æbˈskɒnd/ /-ˈskɑːnd/ verb [ I ]
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Definition
ESCAPE
1. to go away suddenly and secretly in order to escape from somewhere
Two prisoners absconded last night.
She absconded from boarding school with her boyfriend.
STEAL
2. to go away suddenly and secretly because you have stolen something, usually money
They absconded with £10 000 of the company's money.
absconder /æbˈskɒn.də r / /-ˈskɑːn.dɚ/ noun [ C ]
A 14 year-old absconder from a children's home in Bristol was found alive and well in London this morning.
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Term
*abstemious /æbˈstiː.mi.əs/ adjective formal
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Definition
not doing things which give you pleasure, especially not eating good food or drinking alcohol
abstemiously /æbˈstiː.mi.əs.li/ adverb |
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Term
abstinence /ˈæb.stɪ.nən t s/ noun [ U ] formal
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Definition
not doing something, such as drinking alcohol or having sex
The best way to avoid pregnancy is total abstinence from sex.
abstinent /ˈæb.stɪ.nənt/ adjective
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Term
abysmal /əˈbɪz.məl/ adjective
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Definition
very bad
abysmal working conditions
The food was abysmal.
The standard of the students' work is abysmal.
abysmally /əˈbɪz.məl.i/ adverb
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Term
accretion /əˈkriː.ʃ ə n/ noun [ C or U ] formal
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Definition
gradual increase or growth by the addition of new layers or parts
The fund was increased by the accretion of new shareholders.
The room hadn't been cleaned for years and showed several accretions of dirt and dust.
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Term
igneous /ˈɪg.ni.əs/ adjective specialized
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Definition
| (of rocks) formed from magma (= very hot liquid rock that has cooled) |
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Term
accrue /əˈkruː/ verb [ I ] formal
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Definition
to increase in number or amount over a period of time
Interest will accrue on the account at a rate of 7%.
Little benefit will accrue to London (= London will receive little benefit) from the new road scheme.
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Term
adamant /ˈæd.ə.mənt/ adjective
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Definition
impossible to persuade, or unwilling to change an opinion or decision
[ + that ] I've told her she should stay at home and rest but she's adamant that she's coming.
adamantly /ˈæd.ə.mənt.li/ adverb
The mayor is adamantly opposed to any tax increase.
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Term
adjunct /ˈædʒ.ʌŋ k t/ noun [ C ] formal
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Definition
something added or connected to a larger or more important thing
I hoped I would find the computer course a useful adjunct to my other studies.
In grammar, an adjunct is an adverb or adverbial phrase that gives extra information in a sentence.
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Term
admonish /ədˈmɒn.ɪʃ/ /-ˈmɑː.nɪʃ/ verb formal
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Definition
1. [ T ] to tell someone that they have done something wrong
His mother admonished him for eat ing too quickly.
2. [ T + to infinitive ] to advise someone to do something
Her teacher admonished her to work harder for her exams.
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Term
*aesthetic , US also esthetic /esˈθet.ɪk/ /-ˈθet ̬-/ adjective
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Definition
1. relating to the enjoyment or study of beauty
The new building has little aesthetic value/appeal.
2. describes an object or a work of art that shows great beauty
furniture which is both aesthetic and functional
aesthetically , US also esthetically /esˈθet.ɪ.kli/ /-ˈθet ̬-/ adverb
I like objects to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing .
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Term
affected /əˈfek.tɪd/ adjective disapproving
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Definition
artificial and not sincere
an affected manner/style of writing
I found her very affected.
affectedly /əˈfek.tɪd.li/ adverb
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Term
affinity /əˈfɪn.ɪ.ti/ /-ə.t ̬i/ noun
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Definition
1. [ S ] a liking or sympathy for someone or something, especially because of shared characteristics
She seems to have a natural affinity for/with water.
2. [ C or U ] a close similarity between two things
There are several close affinities between the two paintings.
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