Term
ardent /ˈɑː.d ə nt/ /ˈɑːr-/ adjective [ before noun ]
|
|
Definition
showing strong feelings
an ardent supporter of Manchester United
an ardent feminist
ardently /ˈɑː.d ə nt.li/ /ˈɑːr-/ adverb |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
extremely eager or interested
an avid football fan
an avid supporter of the arts
He took an avid interest in the project.
formal She hadn't seen him for six months and was avid for news.
avidity /əˈvɪd.ɪ.ti/ /-ə.t ̬i/ noun [ U ] formal
avidly /ˈæv.ɪd.li/ adverb
She reads avidly.
We avidly awaited news of him.
|
|
|
Term
ebullient /ɪbˈʊl.i. ə nt/ adjective
|
|
Definition
very energetic, positive and happy
He wasn't his usual ebullient self.
ebullience /ɪˈbʊl.i. ə n t s/ noun [ U ]
ebulliently /ɪbˈʊl.i. ə nt.li/ adverb
|
|
|
Term
effervescent /ˌef.əˈves. ə nt/ /-ɚ-/ adjective
|
|
Definition
FIZZY
1. describes a liquid that produces bubbles of gas
effervescent vitamin C tablets
effervescent /ˌef.əˈves. ə nt/ /-ɚ-/ adjective ACTIVE
2. full of energy, positive and active
She's one of those effervescent personalities that you often see presenting TV game shows.
effervescence /ˌef.əˈves. ə n t s/ /-ɚ-/ noun [ U ] |
|
|
Term
exuberant /ɪgˈzjuː.b ə r. ə nt/ /-ˈzuː.bɚ-/ adjective
|
|
Definition
PEOPLE
1. (especially of people and their behaviour) very energetic
Young and exuberant, he symbolises Italy's new vitality.
exuberant /ɪgˈzjuː.b ə r. ə nt/ /-ˈzuː.bɚ-/ adjective PLANTS
2. (of plants) strong and growing quickly
exuberance /ɪgˈzjuː.b ə r. ə n t s/ /-ˈzuː.bɚ-/ noun [ U ] |
|
|
Term
fanatical /fəˈnæt.ɪ.k ə l/ /-ˈnæt ̬-/ adjective
|
|
Definition
describes someone whose admiration for something is considered to be extreme or unreasonable
His enthusiasm for aerobics was almost fanatical.
Gary's fanatical about football.
fanatically /fəˈnæt.ɪ.kli/ /-ˈnæt ̬-/ adverb
The band has a fanatically loyal British following.
fanaticism /fəˈnæt.ɪ.sɪ.z ə m/ /-ˈnæt ̬-/ noun [ U ] |
|
|
Term
fervent /ˈfɜː.v ə nt/ /ˈfɝː-/ adjective ( also fervid ) formal
|
|
Definition
describes beliefs that are strongly and sincerely felt or people who have strong and sincere beliefs
a fervent supporter of the communist party
It is his fervent hope that a peaceful solution will soon be found.
fervently /ˈfɜː.v ə nt.li/ /ˈfɝː-/ adverb
The nationalists believe fervently in independence for their country.
fervour UK , US fervor /ˈfɜː.və r / /ˈfɝː.vɚ/ noun [ U ] ( also fervency ) formal
nationalist/religious fervour
|
|
|
Term
impassioned /ɪmˈpæʃ. ə nd/ adjective
|
|
Definition
describes speech or writing that is full of strongly felt and strongly expressed emotion
Relatives of the dead made an impassioned plea for the bodies to be flown back to this country.
|
|
|
Term
vibrant /ˈvaɪ.br ə nt/ adjective
|
|
Definition
1. energetic, exciting and full of enthusiasm
a vibrant young performer
a vibrant personality
a vibrant city
The hope is that this area will develop into a vibrant commercial centre.
2. describes colour or light that is bright and strong
He always uses vibrant colours in his paintings.
vibrancy /ˈvaɪ.br ə n t .si/ noun [ U ]
No one can fail to be struck by the vibrancy of New York.
vibrantly /ˈvaɪ.br ə nt.li/ adverb |
|
|
Term
zealous /ˈzel.əs/ adjective
|
|
Definition
enthusiastic and eager
a zealous supporter of the government's policies
zealously /ˈzel.ə.sli/ adverb
zealousness /ˈzel.ə.snəs/ noun [ U ] |
|
|
Term
adamant /ˈæd.ə.mənt/ adjective
|
|
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.
|
|
|
Term
dogmatic /dɒgˈmæt.ɪk/ /dɑːgˈmæt ̬-/ adjective disapproving
|
|
Definition
If someone is dogmatic, they are certain that they are right and that everyone else is wrong.
dogmatically /dɒgˈmæt.ɪ.kli/ /dɑːgˈmæt ̬-/ adverb |
|
|
Term
hidebound /ˈhaɪd.baʊnd/ adjective disapproving
|
|
Definition
having fixed opinions and ways of doing things and not willing to change or be influenced, especially by new or modern ideas |
|
|
Term
intractable /ɪnˈtræk.tə.bl ̩/ adjective formal
|
|
Definition
very difficult and seeming to be impossible to control, manage or solve
We are facing an intractable problem .
intractably /ɪnˈtræk.tə.bli/ /-t ̬ə-/ adverb
an intractably violent relationship
intractability /ɪnˌtræk.təˈbɪl.ɪ.ti/ /-ə.t ̬i/ noun [ U ] |
|
|
Term
obdurate /ˈɒb.djʊ.rət/ /ˈɑːb.dʊr.ɪt/ adjective formal
|
|
Definition
1. disapproving extremely determined to act in a particular way and not to change despite what anyone else says
The President remains obdurate on the question of tax cuts.
2. describes a person who refuses to change their mind, or someone or something that is difficult to deal with or change
The union remains obdurate that any redundancies must be voluntary.
Several obdurate facts/differences remain, preventing a compromise solution.
|
|
|
Term
obstinate /ˈɒb.stɪ.nət/ /ˈɑːb.stə-/ adjective
|
|
Definition
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.
obstinacy /ˈɒb.stɪ.nə.si/ /ˈɑːb.stə-/ noun [ U ]
obstinately /ˈɒb.stɪ.nət.li/ /ˈɑːb.stə-/ adverb |
|
|
Term
recalcitrant /rɪˈkæl.sɪ.tr ə nt/ adjective formal
|
|
Definition
(of a person) unwilling to obey orders or to do what should be done, or (of an animal) refusing to be controlled
recalcitrance /rɪˈkæl.sɪ.tr ə n t s/ noun [ U ] |
|
|
Term
resolve /rɪˈzɒlv/ /-ˈzɑːlv/ verb
|
|
Definition
DECIDE 2. [ I ] formal to make a decision formally or with determination
[ + that ] She resolved that she would never speak to him again.
[ + adverb or preposition ] After hours of argument, they resolved against taking legal action.
[ + to infinitive ] The company resolved to take no further action against the thieves.
resolve sth into sth phrasal verb specialized
to separate something into different and definite parts
[ R ] There was a blur of sound, which slowly resolved it self into different words.
resolve /rɪˈzɒlv/ /-ˈzɑːlv/ noun [ U ] formal
strong determination
to weaken/strengthen/test someone's resolve
|
|
|
Term
|
Definition
|
|
Term
unyielding /ʌnˈjiːl.dɪŋ/ adjective
|
|
Definition
NOT CHANGING
1. completely unwilling to change a decision, opinion, demand, etc
Korea is unyielding in its demands for a new treaty.
unyielding /ʌnˈjiːl.dɪŋ/ adjective NOT BENDING
2. rigid (= not able to be bent or moved)
|
|
|
Term
willful /ˈwɪl.f ə l/ adjective disapproving
|
|
Definition
(of something bad) done intentionally or (of a person) determined to do exactly as you want, even if you know it is wrong
The present crisis is the result of years of wilful neglect by the council.
They eat huge quantities of sweet and fried foods, in wilful disregard of their health.
She developed into a wilful, difficult child.
wilfully , US usually willfully /ˈwɪl.f ə l.i/ adverb
Some basic safety rules were wilfully ignored.
wilfulness , US usually willfulness /ˈwɪl.f ə l.nəs/ noun [ U ] |
|
|
Term
acoustics /əˈkuː.stɪks/ noun [ U ] specialized
|
|
Definition
the scientific study of sound |
|
|
Term
cacophony /kəˈkɒf.ə.ni/ /-ˈkɑː.fə-/ noun [ S ]
|
|
Definition
an unpleasant mixture of loud sounds
What a cacophony!
As we entered the farmyard we were met with a cacophony of animal sounds.
cacophonous /kəˈkɒf.ə.nəs/ /-ˈkɑː.fə-/ adjective |
|
|
Term
clamour UK , US clamor /ˈklæm.ə r / /-ɚ/ verb [ I ]
|
|
Definition
to make a loud complaint or demand
The children were all clamouring for attention.
[ + to infinitive ] She clamours to go home as soon as she gets to school.
clamour UK , US clamor /ˈklæm.ə r / /-ɚ/ noun [ S or U ]
1. a loud complaint about something or a demand for something
After the bombing, there was a public clamour for vengeance.
2. formal loud noise, especially made by people's voices
the clamour of the city
a clamour of voices
|
|
|
Term
|
Definition
a loud unpleasant confused noise which lasts for a long time
the din of the traffic
I had to shout to make myself heard above the din.
The children were making a terrible din.
din /dɪn/ verb -nn- din sth into sb phrasal verb
to say something forcefully and repeatedly to someone so that they remember it
It was dinned into me that I mustn't be late.
|
|
|
Term
discordant /dɪˈskɔː.d ə nt/ /-ˈskɔːr-/ adjective
|
|
Definition
1. producing an unpleasant sound
2. strike a discordant note formal
to look or sound different or wrong compared with everything else
The contemporary dialogue for me struck a slightly discordant note.
|
|
|
Term
|
Definition
|
|
Term
mellifluous /melˈɪf.lu.əs/ adjective formal
|
|
Definition
having a pleasant and flowing sound
a deep mellifluous voice
the mellifluous sound of the cello
|
|
|
Term
raucous /ˈrɔː.kəs/ /ˈrɑː-/ adjective
|
|
Definition
loud and unpleasant
I heard the raucous call of the crows.
Raucous laughter came from the next room.
The party was becoming rather raucous.
raucously /ˈrɔː.kə.sli/ /ˈrɑː-/ adverb
raucousness /ˈrɔː.kə.snəs/ /ˈrɑː-/ noun [ U ] |
|
|
Term
strident /ˈstraɪ.d ə nt/ adjective
|
|
Definition
LOUD 1. describes a sound which is loud, unpleasant and rough
People are put off by his strident voice.
FORCEFUL 2. expressing or expressed in forceful language which does not try to avoid upsetting other people
a strident newspaper article
stridency /ˈstraɪ.d ə n t .si/ noun [ U ]
As the situation becomes more desperate, there is a growing stridency in the appeals for aid.
stridently /ˈstraɪ.d ə nt.li/ adverb
She has always stridently denied the accusations against her.
He is stridently opposed to abortion.
|
|
|
Term
vociferous /vəˈsɪf. ə r.əs/ /-ɚ-/ adjective
|
|
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 |
|
|
Term
acclaim /əˈkleɪm/ noun [ U ]
|
|
Definition
public approval and praise
Despite the critical acclaim, the novel did not sell well.
Hamlet was played by Romania's leading actor, Ion Caramitrou, to rapturous acclaim.
acclaim /əˈkleɪm/ verb [ T often passive ]
to give public approval and praise
She was universally/widely/publicly acclaimed for her contribution to the discovery.
She is being acclaimed (= publicly recognized) as the greatest dancer of her generation.
acclaimed /əˈkleɪmd/ adjective
an acclaimed artist/writer/poet
'Dinner Party', based on the critically acclaimed novel by Bill Davies, was made into a film last year.
|
|
|
Term
accolade /ˈæk.ə.leɪd/ noun [ C ] formal
|
|
Definition
praise and approval
This is his centennial year and he's been granted the ultimate accolade - his face on a set of three postage stamps.
Her approval was the highest accolade he could have received.
|
|
|
Term
adulation /ˌæd.jʊˈleɪ.ʃ ə n/ noun [ U ]
|
|
Definition
very great admiration or praise for someone, especially when it is more than is deserved
Minelli is a born performer - she loves the excitement and she loves the adulation.
adulatory /ˌæd.jʊˈleɪ.t ə r.i/ /ˈædʒ. ə l.ə.tɔː.ri/ adjective formal
I found myself irritated by the adulatory (= showing too much admiration) tone of her biography.
|
|
|
Term
esteem /ɪˈstiːm/ noun [ U ] formal
|
|
Definition
respect for or a good opinion of someone
There has been a drop in public esteem for teachers.
Because of their achievements they were held in (= given) (high) esteem.
esteem /ɪˈstiːm/ verb [ T not continuous ]
to respect someone or have a good opinion of them
Her work is highly esteemed by all her colleagues.
[ + object + noun or adjective ] old-fashioned I would esteem (= consider) it a favour if you would accompany me.
|
|
|
Term
eulogize , UK usually eulogise /ˈjuː.lə.dʒaɪz/ verb [ T I usually + adv/prep ] formal
|
|
Definition
to praise someone or something in a speech or piece of writing
Critics everywhere have eulogized her new novel.
They eulogized over the breathtaking views.
|
|
|
Term
exalt /ɪgˈzɒlt/ /-ˈzɑːlt/ verb [ T ]
|
|
Definition
1. formal to raise someone to a higher rank or more powerful position
2. old use to praise someone a lot
|
|
|
Term
extol /ɪkˈstəʊl/ /-ˈstoʊl/ verb [ T ] -ll- formal
|
|
Definition
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.
|
|
|
Term
laud /lɔːd/ /lɑːd/ verb [ T ] formal
|
|
Definition
to praise
The German leadership lauded the Russian initiative.
|
|
|
Term
|
Definition
to praise a person or event in a formal speech or in writing
to praise highly |
|
|
Term
revere /rɪˈvɪə r / /-ˈvɪr/ verb [ T ] formal
|
|
Definition
to very much respect and admire someone or something
Nelson Mandela is revered for his brave fight against apartheid.
|
|
|
Term
venerate /ˈven. ə r.eɪt/ /-ɚ.eɪt/ verb [ T ] formal
|
|
Definition
to honour or very much respect a person or thing
Robert Burns is Scotland's most venerated poet.
veneration /ˌven. ə rˈeɪ.ʃ ə n/ /-ɚˈeɪ-/ noun [ U ]
Gandhi became an object of widespread veneration because of his unceasing struggle for freedom and equality.
|
|
|
Term
ample /ˈæm.pl ̩/ adjective
|
|
Definition
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.
amply /ˈæm.pli/ adverb
They face a hard task, as yesterday's discussions amply (= clearly) demonstrated.
|
|
|
Term
copious /ˈkəʊ.pi.əs/ /ˈkoʊ-/ adjective
|
|
Definition
in large amounts; more than enough
They drank copious amounts of wine.
He took copious notes during the lecture.
copiously /ˈkəʊ.pi.ə.sli/ /ˈkoʊ-/ adverb
We ate and drank copiously at the party.
|
|
|
Term
lavish /ˈlæv.ɪʃ/ adjective
|
|
Definition
more than enough, especially if expensive; very generous
lavish gifts/promises/praise
lavish spending
lavish banquets
The lavish production makes this musical truly memorable.
lavishly /ˈlæv.ɪʃ.li/ adverb
The dining room was lavishly decorated.
lavishness /ˈlæv.ɪʃ.nəs/ noun [ U ]
lavish /ˈlæv.ɪʃ/ verb lavish sth on sb/sth phrasal verb
to give someone a lot, or too much, of something such as money, presents or attention / The committee lavished praise on the project.
|
|
|
Term
myriad /ˈmɪr.i.əd/ noun [ C ] literary
|
|
Definition
a very large number of something
a myriad of choices
And now myriads of bars and hotels are opening up along the coast.
myriad adjective
They offered no solution for all our myriad problems.
|
|
|
Term
plethora /ˈpleθ. ə r.ə/ /-ɚ.ə/ noun [ S ] slightly formal
|
|
Definition
a very large amount of something, especially a larger amount than you need, want or can deal with
There's a plethora of books about the royal family.
The plethora of regulations is both contradictory and confusing.
|
|
|
Term
profuse /prəˈfjuːs/ adjective
|
|
Definition
produced or given in large amounts
She was admitted to St Mary's Hospital with profuse bleeding.
The company accepted blame and sent us profuse apologies .
profusely /prəˈfjuː.sli/ adverb
She apologized/thanked us profusely.
He was bleeding/sweating profusely.
|
|
|
Term
prolific /prəˈlɪf.ɪk/ adjective
|
|
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) .
|
|
|
Term
superfluous /suːˈpɜː.flu.əs/ /-ˈpɝː-/ adjective
|
|
Definition
more than is needed or wanted
The report was marred by a mass of superfluous detail.
superfluity /ˌsuː.pəˈfluː.ɪ.ti/ /-pɚˈfluː.ə.t ̬i/ noun [ C ] formal
The new director has said that there is a superfluity of staff in the organization, and that cuts must be made.
superfluously /suːˈpɜː.flu.ə.sli/ /-ˈpɝː-/ adverb
superfluousness /suːˈpɜː.flu.ə.snəs/ /-ˈpɝː-/ noun [ U ] |
|
|
Term
surfeit /ˈsɜː.fɪt/ /ˈsɝː-/ noun [ C usually singular ] formal
|
|
Definition
an amount which is too large, or is more than is needed
The country has a surfeit of cheap labour.
|
|
|
Term
abstemious /æbˈstiː.mi.əs/ adjective formal
|
|
Definition
not doing things which give you pleasure, especially not eating good food or drinking alcohol
abstemiously /æbˈstiː.mi.əs.li/ adverb |
|
|
Term
alimentary /æl.ɪˌmen.t ə r.i./ /-t ̬ɚ-/ adj
|
|
Definition
| relating to food and nuorishment |
|
|
Term
culinary /ˈkʌl.ɪ.n ə r.i/ /ˈkʌl.ə.ner-/ adjective slightly formal
|
|
Definition
connected with cooking or kitchens
the culinary delights (= pleasant tasting food) of Beijing
My culinary skills are rather limited, I'm afraid (= I am not very good at cooking) !
|
|
|
Term
delectable /dɪˈlek.tə.bl ̩/ adjective
|
|
Definition
beautiful; giving great pleasure
a delectable cheesecake
delectably /dɪˈlek.tə.bli/ adverb |
|
|
Term
emaciated /ɪˈmeɪ.si.eɪ.tɪd/ /-t ̬ɪd/ adjective formal
|
|
Definition
very thin and weak, usually because of illness or extreme hunger
There were pictures of emaciated children on the cover of the magazine.
emaciation /ɪˌmeɪ.siˈeɪ.ʃ ə n/ noun [ U ] |
|
|
Term
epicurean /ˌep.ɪˈkjʊə.ri. ə n/ /-ˈkjʊr.i-/ adjective formal
|
|
Definition
getting pleasure from food and drink of high quality
epicurean /ˌep.ɪˈkjʊə.ri. ə n/ /-ˈkjʊr.i-/ noun [ C ] formal
|
|
|
Term
glutton /ˈglʌt. ə n/ /ˈglʌt ̬-/ noun [ C ] disapproving
|
|
Definition
a person who regularly eats and drinks more than is needed
be a glutton for sth
to like something very much
Sophie is a glutton for books.
be a glutton for punishment
to be someone who seems to enjoy doing something that you consider unpleasant
He's a real glutton for punishment, taking on all that extra work without getting paid for it.
|
|
|
Term
palatable /ˈpæl.ə.tə.bl ̩/ /-t ̬ə-/ adjective
|
|
Definition
TASTE
1. formal describes food or drink that has a pleasant taste
a very palatable wine
The meal was barely palatable.
Opposite unpalatable
ACCEPTABLE
2. acceptable
I'm afraid the members won't find all these changes very palatable.
|
|
|
Term
ravenous /ˈræv. ə n.əs/ adjective
|
|
Definition
extremely hungry
I'm ravenous - where's supper?
Growing boys have ravenous appetites.
ravenously /ˈræv. ə n.ə.sli/ adverb
He looked ravenously at the buffet table.
I'm ravenously hungry .
|
|
|
Term
savoury UK , US savory /ˈseɪ.v ə r.i/ /-vɚ-/ adjective
|
|
Definition
1. Savoury food is salty or spicy and not sweet in taste
savoury dumplings/pancakes
2. If you say that something is not savoury, you mean that it is not pleasant or socially acceptable
That hotel doesn't have a very savoury reputation .
|
|
|
Term
voracious /vəˈreɪ.ʃəs/ adjective
|
|
Definition
very eager for something, especially a lot of food
He has a voracious appetite (= he eats a lot) .
He's a voracious reader of historical novels (= He reads a lot of them eagerly and quickly) .
voraciously /vəˈreɪ.ʃə.sli/ adverb
voraciousness /vəˈreɪ.ʃə.snəs/ noun [ U ] |
|
|
Term
chary /ˈtʃeə.ri/ /ˈtʃer.i/ adjective
|
|
Definition
uncertain and frightened to take risks; unwilling to take action
I'm a bit chary of us ing a travel agency that doesn't have official registration.
|
|
|
Term
circumspect /ˈsɜː.kəm.spekt/ /ˈsɝː-/ adjective formal
|
|
Definition
careful not to take risks
Officials were circumspect about what the talks had achieved.
circumspection /ˌsɜː.kəmˈspek.ʃ ə n/ /ˌsɝː-/ noun [ U ]
This is a very sensitive case requiring extreme circumspection.
circumspectly /ˈsɜː.kəm.spekt.li/ /ˈsɝː-/ adverb |
|
|
Term
conscientious /ˌkɒn. t ʃiˈen t .ʃəs/ /ˌkɑːn-/ adjective
|
|
Definition
putting a lot of effort into your work
a conscientious student
conscientiously /ˌkɒn t .ʃiˈen t .ʃə.sli/ /ˌkɑːn t -/ adverb
conscientiousness /ˌkɒn t .ʃiˈen t .ʃə.snəs/ /ˌkɑːn t -/ noun [ U ] |
|
|
Term
exacting /ɪgˈzæk.tɪŋ/ adjective
|
|
Definition
demanding a lot of effort, care or attention
an exacting training schedule
exacting standards
|
|
|
Term
gingerly /ˈdʒɪn.dʒə.li/ /-dʒɚ-/ adverb
|
|
Definition
in a way that is careful or cautious
Holding her painful back, she sat down gingerly on the bench.
|
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| paying careful attention to |
|
|
Term
meticulous /məˈtɪk.jʊ.ləs/ adjective approving
|
|
Definition
very careful and with great attention to every detail
Many hours of meticulous preparation have gone into writing the book.
meticulously /məˈtɪk.jʊ.lə.sli/ adverb
The entire project was meticulously planned.
meticulousness /məˈtɪk.jʊ.lə.snəs/ noun [ U ] |
|
|
Term
scrupulous /ˈskruː.pjʊ.ləs/ adjective
|
|
Definition
extremely honest, or doing everything correctly and exactly as it should be done
A scrupulous politician would not lie about her business interests.
The nurse told him to be scrupulous (= extremely careful) about keeping the wound clean.
scrupulously /ˈskruː.pjʊ.lə.sli/ adverb
She is always scrupulously honest/fair.
A hospital must be kept scrupulously clean.
|
|
|
Term
vigilant /ˈvɪdʒ.ɪ.lənt/ adjective
|
|
Definition
always being careful to notice things, especially possible danger
Following the bomb scare at the airport, the staff have been warned to be extra vigilant.
vigilantly /ˈvɪdʒ.ɪ.lənt.li/ adverb |
|
|
Term
wary /ˈweə.ri/ /ˈwer.i/ adjective
|
|
Definition
not completely trusting or certain about something or someone
I'm a bit wary of/about giving people my address when I don't know them very well.
warily /ˈweə.rɪ.li/ /ˈwer.ɪ-/ adverb
wariness /ˈweə.rɪ.nəs/ /ˈwer.ɪ-/ noun [ U ] |
|
|
Term
ephemeral /ɪˈfem. ə r. ə l/ /-ɚ-/ adjective
|
|
Definition
lasting for only a short time
Fame in the world of rock and pop is largely ephemeral.
|
|
|
Term
evanescent /ˌiː.vəˈnes. ə nt/ /ˌev.ə-/ adjective formal
|
|
Definition
lasting for only a short time, then disappearing quickly and being forgotten
evanescence /ˌiː.vəˈnes. ə n t s/ /ˌev.ə-/ noun [ U ] |
|
|
Term
fleeting /ˈfliː.tɪŋ/ /-t ̬ɪŋ/ adjective
|
|
Definition
short or quick
a fleeting glimpse
This is just a fleeting visit.
fleetingly /ˈfliː.tɪŋ.li/ /-t ̬ɪŋ-/ adverb
I glimpsed her fleetingly through the window.
|
|
|
Term
itinerant / a ɪˈtɪn. ə r. ə nt/ /-ɚ-/ adjective [ before noun ]
|
|
Definition
travelling from one place to another, usually to work for a short period
an itinerant journalist/labourer/preacher
itinerant noun [ C ] |
|
|
Term
nomad /ˈnəʊ.mæd/ /ˈnoʊ-/ noun [ C ]
|
|
Definition
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
nomadic /nə ʊ ˈmæd.ɪk/ /noʊ-/ adjective
nomadic people/herdsmen
a nomadic life/existence
|
|
|
Term
peripatetic /ˌper.ɪ.pəˈtet.ɪk/ /-ˈtet ̬-/ adjective formal
|
|
Definition
travelling around to different places, usually because you work in more than one place
a peripatetic music teacher
|
|
|
Term
transient /ˈtræn.zi.ənt/ /-ʃ ə nt/ adjective formal
|
|
Definition
lasting for only a short time; temporary
A glass of whisky has only a transient warming effect.
The city has a large transient population (= many people who are living in it only temporarily) .
transient /ˈtræn.zi.ənt/ /-ʃ ə nt/ noun [ C ] mainly US formal
someone who lives only temporarily in a place
It's an organization set up to provide money and help for transients.
transience /ˈtræn.zi.ən t s/ /-ʃ ə n t s/ noun [ U ] formal
the transience of human existence/fame
|
|
|
Term
transitory /ˈtræn.zɪ.tri/ , /-t ə r.i/ /-tɔː.ri/ adjective formal
|
|
Definition
lasting for only a short time
the transitory nature of life
|
|
|
Term
volatile /ˈvɒl.ə.taɪl/ /ˈvɑː.lə.t ̬ ə l/ adjective
|
|
Definition
1. likely to change suddenly and unexpectedly or suddenly become violent or angry
Food and fuel prices are very volatile in a war situation.
The situation was made more volatile by the fact that people had been drinking a lot of alcohol.
He had a rather volatile temper and can't have been easy to live with.
2. A volatile liquid or solid substance will change easily into a gas.
volatility /ˌvɒl.əˈtɪl.ɪ.ti/ /ˌvɑː.ləˈtɪl.ə.t ̬i/ noun [ U ] |
|
|
