Learned English Words

8/4/2019 Learned English Words

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S.No.

Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, 8th edition

gim • mick

BrE / ˈɡɪmɪk /

NAmE / ˈɡɪmɪk /

noun

word origin

example bank

( often disapproving )

an unusual trick or unnecessary device that is intended to attract attention or to persuade peoplea p r o m o t io n a l / p u b li cit y / s a l e s g i m m ic k

We don't use gimmicks to sell our products.gim •micky / BrE ˈɡɪmɪki ; NAmE ˈɡɪmɪki / adjective

a gimmicky idea

swoonBrE / swuːn /

NAmE / swuːn /

verb

verb forms

word origin

1 [ intransitive ] ~ (over sb) to feel very excited, emotional, etc. about sb that you think is s

He's used to having women swooning over him.

2 [ intransitive ] ( old-fashioned ) to become unconscious

faintswoon noun [ singular ] : ( old-fashioned ) to go into a swoon

© Oxford University Press, 2010


res • on • ateBrE / ˈrezəneɪt /



NAmE / ˈrezəneɪt /

verb

verb forms

word origin

example bank

( formal )

1 [ intransitive ] ( of a voice, an instrument, etc. ) to make a deep, clear sound that continues

Her voice resonated through the theatre.

2 [ intransitive ] ( of a place ) to be filled with sound; to make a sound continue longer

resound

a resonating chamber~ with sth The room resonated with the chatter of 100 people.

3 [ intransitive ] ~ (with sb/sth) to remind sb of sth; to be similar to what sb thinks or beli

These issues resonated with the voters.

His speech resonated with the fears and suspicions of his audience.

ˈresonate with sth ( literary ) to be full of a particular quality or feelingShe makes a simple story resonate with complex themes and emotions.© Oxford University Press, 2010


hu • mil • ityBrE / hjuːˈmɪləti /

NAmE / hjuːˈmɪləti /

noun

word origin

[ uncountable ]

the quality of not thinking that you are better than other people; the quality of being humble

Her first defeat w as an early lesson in humility.

an act of genuine humility © Oxford University Press, 2010


con • trivedBrE / k ənˈtraɪ vd /

NAmE / k ənˈtraɪ vd /

adjective

example bank

( disapproving )

planned in advance and not natural or genuine; written or arranged in a way that is not natural o

a contrived situation



The book's happy ending seemed contrived.© Oxford University Press, 2010


con • triveBrE / k ənˈtraɪ v /

NAmE / k ənˈtraɪ v /

verb

verb forms

word origin( formal )

1 ~ to do sth to manage to do sth despite difficulties

She contrived to spend a couple of hours with him every Sunday evening.

Somehow they contrived to live on her tiny income.

2 ~ sth to succeed in making sth happen despite difficulties

I decided to contrive a meeting between the two of them.3 ~ sth to think of or make sth, for example a plan or a machine, in a clever way

They contrived a plan to defraud the company.© Oxford University Press, 2010


con • triv • anceBrE / k ənˈtraɪ v əns /

NAmE / k ənˈtraɪ v əns /

noun

( formal )

1 [ countable , uncountable ] ( usually disapproving ) something that sb has done or

The film is spoilt by unrealistic contrivances of plot.

The story is told with a complete absence of contrivance.

Examinations are a contrivance to see how a student tackles new problems.

2 [ countable ] a clever or complicated device or tool made for a particular purpose

His workshop was full of mechanical contrivances.

3 [ countable , uncountable ] a clever plan or trick; the act of using a clever plan or tric

an ingenious contrivance to get her to sign the document without reading it© Oxford University Press, 2010


smirkBrE / smɜːk /



NAmE / smɜːrk /

verb

verb forms

word origin

example bank

example bank

[ intransitive ]to smile in a silly or unpleasant way that shows that you are pleased with yourself, know sth that

It was hard not to smirk.

He smirked unpleasantly when we told him the bad news.smirk noun

She had a self-satisfied smirk on her face.© Oxford University Press, 2010


af • flu • entBrE / ˈæfluənt /

NAmE / ˈæfluənt /

adjective

word origin

synonyms

example bank

( formal )

having a lot of money and a good standard of living

prosperous , wealthyaffluent Western countries

a very affluent neighbourhood

af • flu •ence / BrE ˈæfluəns ; NAmE ˈæfluəns / noun [ uncountable ]

The 1950s were an age of affluence in America.

prosperity© Oxford University Press, 2010


en•

am•

oured( especially US en •amored )

BrE / ɪˈnæməd /

NAmE / ɪˈnæmərd /

adjective

1 ( formal ) ( often in negative sentences ) liking sth a lot

~ of sth He was less than enamoured of the music.

~ with sth ( humorous ) I'm not exactly enamoured with the idea of spending a whole day wi



2 ~ of/with sb ( literary ) in love with sb© Oxford University Press, 2010


com • mu • nal • ismBrE / k əˈmjuːnəlɪzəm /

BrE / ˈk ɒmjənəlɪzəm /

NAmE / ˈk ɑːmjənəlɪzəm /

noun

[ uncountable ]

1 the fact of living together and sharing possessions and responsibilities

2 ( IndE ) a strong sense of belonging to a particular, especially religious, community, which ca© Oxford University Press, 2010


per • se • cuteBrE / ˈpɜːsɪkjuːt /

NAmE / ˈpɜːrsɪkjuːt /

verb

verb forms

word origin

collocations

example bank[ often passive ]

1 ~ sb (for sth) to treat sb in a cruel and unfair way, especially because of their race, religion o

Throughout history, people have been persecuted for their religious beliefs.

persecuted minorities

2 ~ sb to deliberately annoy sb all the time and make their life unpleasant

harass

Why are the media persecuting him like this?

per • se • cu •tion / BrE ˌpɜːsɪˈkju ːʃ n ; NAmE ˌpɜːrsɪˈkju ːʃ n / noun [ uncountable , cou

the victims of religious persecution

They fled to Europe to escape persecution.© Oxford University Press, 2010


am • biva • lentBrE / æm ̍bɪ v ələnt /



NAmE / æm ̍bɪ v ələnt /

adjective

word origin

example bank

example bank

~ (about/towards sb/sth)

having or showing both good and bad feelings about sb/sthShe seems to feel ambivalent about her new job.

He has an ambivalent attitude towa rds her.

am •biva • lence / BrE æm ̍bɪ v ələns ; NAmE æm ̍bɪ v ələns / noun [ uncountable , sing

~ (about/towards sb/sth) There was ambivalence among church members about women b

Many people feel some ambivalence towards television and its effect on our lives.

am •biva • lent • ly / BrE æm ̍bɪ v ələntli ; NAmE æm ̍bɪ v ələntli / adverb



demo • graph • icsBrE / ˌdeməˈɡræf ɪks /

NAmE / ˌdeməˈɡræf ɪks /

noun

[ plural ] ( statistics )

data relating to the population and different groups within it

the demographics of radio listeners© Oxford University Press, 2010


dem • og • raphyBrE / dɪˈmɒɡrəfi /

NAmE / dɪˈmɑːɡrəfi /

noun

word origin[ uncountable ]

the changing number of births, deaths, diseases, etc. in a community over a period of time; the sthe social demography of Africa

dem • og • raph •er / BrE dɪˈmɒɡrəf ə(r) ; NAmE dɪˈmɑːɡrəf ər / noun



im • plode



BrE / ɪmˈpləʊd /

NAmE / ɪmˈploʊd /

verb

verb forms

word origin

example bank

1 [ intransitive ] to burst or explode and collapse into the centre

2 [ intransitive ] ( of an organization, a system, etc. ) to fail suddenly and completely

im •plo •sion / BrE ɪmˈpləʊʒn ; NAmE ɪmˈploʊʒn / noun [ countable , uncountable



fall • outBrE / ˈf ɔːlaʊt /

NAmE / ˈf ɔːlaʊt /

noun

[ uncountable ]

1 dangerous radioactive dust that is in the air after a nuclear explosion

2 the bad results of a situation or an action

the political fallout of the current crisis© Oxford University Press, 2010

Oxford

Advanced

Learner’s

Dictionary,

8th

editionfor • mid • ableBrE / ˈf ɔːmɪdə bl /

NAmE / ˈf ɔːrmɪdə bl /

BrE / f əˈmɪdə bl /

NAmE / f ərˈmɪdə bl /

adjective

word origin

example bank

if people, things or situations are formidable , you feel fear and/or respect for them, because thIn debate he was a formidable opponent.

Somehow the small but formidable woman fought her w ay through the crowd to reach her son.

She has a formidable list of qualifications.

The two players together make a formidable combination.

The task was a formidable one.

They had to overcome formidable obstacles.

for • mid •ably / BrE ˈf ɔːmɪdə bli ; NAmE ˈf ɔːrmɪdə bli / / BrE f əˈmɪdə bli ; NAmE f ərˈmɪdə bli



He now has the chance to prove himself in a formidably difficult role.

She's formidably intelligent.© Oxford University Press, 2010


saneBrE / seɪn /NAmE / seɪn /

adjective

word origin

thesaurus

example bank( saner , san •est )

1 having a normal healthy mind; not mentally ill

of sound mind

No sane person would do that.

Being able to get out of the city at the weekend k e e p s m e s a n e .2 sensible and reasonable

the sane way to solve the problem

insanesee also sanity

sane • ly / BrE seɪnli ; NAmE seɪnli / adverb © Oxford University Press, 2010


cour • tesy noun, adjective

BrE / ˈk ɜːtəsi /

NAmE / ˈk ɜːrtəsi /

noun

word origin

example bank( pl. cour •tesies )

1 [ uncountable ] polite behaviour that shows respect for other people

politeness

I was treated with the utmost courtesy by the staff. We asked them, as a matter of courtesy, if we could photograph their house.It's only c om m o n co u r t es y to tell the neighbours that we'll be having a party (= the sort of

2 [ countable , usually plural ] ( formal ) a polite thing that you say or do when you m

an exchange of courtesies before the meeting

courtesy of sb/sth

1 ( also by courtesy of sb/sth ) with the official permission of sb/sth and as a favour

The pictures have been reproduced by courtesy of the British Museum.



2 given as a prize or provided free by a person or an organization

Win a weekend in Rome, courtesy of Fiat.

3 as the result of a particular thing or situation

Viewers can see the stadium from the air, courtesy of a camera fastened to the plane.

do sb the courtesy of doing sth

to be polite by doing the thing that is mentioned

Please do me the courtesy of listening to what I'm saying.have the courtesy to do sth

to know when you should do sth in order to be polite

You think he'd at least have the courtesy to call to say he'd be late.

adjective

word origin[ only before noun ] ( of a bus, car, etc. )

provided free, at no cost to the person using it A co u r t e sy b u s operates between the hotel and the town centre.

The dealer will provide you with a c o u r t e sy c a r while your vehicle is being repaired.



lividBrE / ˈlɪ v ɪd /

NAmE / ˈlɪ v ɪd /

adjective

word origin

example bank1 extremely angry

furious

Dad will be livid when he finds out.

2 dark bluish-grey in colour

a livid bruise© Oxford University Press, 2010


dip•

lo•

mat•

icBrE / ˌdɪpləˈmætɪk /

NAmE / ˌdɪpləˈmætɪk /

adjective

word origin

1 connected with managing relations between countries (= diplomacy )

a diplomatic crisis

Attempts are being made to settle the dispute by diplomatic means.



to b r e a k o f f/ e s t a b li s h / r e s t o r e d i p l o m a t i c r e la t i o n s with a country

2 having or showing skill in dealing with people in difficult situations

tactful

a diplomatic answer

You could try being a little more diplomatic this time.

dip • lo •mat • ic • al • ly / BrE ˌdɪpləˈmætɪkli ; NAmE ˌdɪpləˈmætɪkli / adverb

The country remained diplomatically isolated.

‘Why don't we take a break for coffee?’ she suggested diplomatically.© Oxford University Press, 2010


thun • der noun, verb

BrE / ˈθʌndə(r) /

NAmE / ˈθʌndər /

noun word origin

collocations

example bank[ uncountable ]

1 the loud noise that you hear after a flash of lightning , during a storm

the rumble of distant thundera c la p / c r a s h / r o l l o f t h u n d e r

Thunder crashed in the sky.

2 a loud noise like thunder

the thunder of hoovessee sb has a face like thunder sb's face is like thunder at face n. , steal sb's

verb

verb forms

word origin

example bank

1 [ intransitive ] when it thunder s , there is a loud noise in the sky during a storm

2 [ intransitive ] to make a very loud deep noise

roar

A voice thundered in my ear.

thundering traffic

3 [ intransitive ] + adv./prep. to move very fast and with a loud deep noise

roar

Heavy trucks kept thundering past.

4 [ transitive ] ~ sth + adv./prep. ( informal ) to make sth move somewhere very fast

Essien thundered the ball past the goalie.

5 [ intransitive , transitive ] ( literary ) to shout, complain, etc. very loudly and angrily

~ (sth) He thundered against the evils of television.



+ speech ‘Sit still!’ she thundered.



asy • lumBrE / əˈsaɪləm /

NAmE / əˈsaɪləm /

noun

word origin

example bank

1 ( also formal poˌlitical aˈsylum ) [ uncountable ] protection that a government gives to

t o s ee k / a p p l y f o r / b e g r a n t e d a s y l u m

There was a nationwide debate on whether the asylum law s should be changed.

2 [ countable ] ( old use ) a hospital where people who were mentally ill could be cared for,



aˈsylum seeker

BrE

NAmE

noun

collocations

a person who has been forced to leave their own country because they are in danger and who arri© Oxford University Press, 2010


wicked adjective, noun

BrE / ̍w ɪk ɪd /

NAmE / ̍w ɪk ɪd /

adjective

word origin

example bank( wick • ed •er , wick •ed • est )

You can also use more wicked and most wicked .

1 morally bad

evil

a wicked deed

stories about a wicked witch

2 ( informal ) slightly bad but in a way that is amusing and/or attractive



mischievous

a w icked grin

Jane has a wicked sense of humour.

3 dangerous, harmful or powerful

He has a wicked punch.

a wicked-looking knife

4 ( slang ) very goodThis song's wicked.

wick • ed • ly / BrE ̍w ɪk ɪdli ; NAmE ̍w ɪk ɪdli / adverb

Martin grinned wickedly.

a wickedly funny comedy

a wickedly sharp blade

wickedly tempting cakes

wick • ed • ness / BrE ̍w ɪk ɪdnəs ; NAmE ̍w ɪk ɪdnəs / noun [ uncountable ]

noun

word originthe wicked [ plural ]

people who are wicked

(there's) no peace/rest for the ˈwicked ( usually humorous ) used when sb is compla



con • spireBrE / k ənˈspaɪə(r) /

NAmE / k ənˈspaɪər /

verb

verb forms


1 [ intransitive ] to secretly plan with other people to do sth illegal or harmful

~ (with sb) (against sb) They were accused of conspiring against the king.

~ (together) (to do sth) They deny conspiring together to smuggle drugs.

~ (with sb) (to do sth) She admitted conspiring with her lover to murder her husband.

2 [ intransitive ] ( of events ) to seem to work together to make sth bad happen~ against sb/sth Cir c u m s t a n c e s h a d c o n s p ir e d a g a i n s t them.

~ to do sth Everything conspired to make her life a misery.



can • ard



BrE / kæˈnɑːd /

NAmE / k əˈnɑːrd /

BrE / ˈkænɑːd /

NAmE / ˈkænɑːrd /

noun


a false report or piece of news© Oxford University Press, 2010


foil noun, verb

BrE / f ɔɪl /

NAmE / f ɔɪl /

noun word origin

example bank

1 ( BrE also ˌsilver ˈfoil ) [ uncountable ] metal made into very thin sheets that is used for c

( NAmE ) aluminum foil

Cover the fish loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes.see also tinfoil

2 [ uncountable ] paper that is covered in very thin sheets of metal

The chocolates are individually wrapped in gold foil.

3 [ countable ] ~ (for sb/sth) a person or thing that contrasts with, and therefore emphasizThe pale walls provide a perfect foil for the furniture.

His mellow guitar technique is the ideal foil for her soaring voice.

4 [ countable ] a long thin light sword used in the sport of fencing

verb

verb forms

word origin


to stop sth from happening, especially sth illegal; to prevent sb from doing sth

thwart~ sth to f o il a p la n / c r i m e / p lo t

Customs officials foiled an attempt to smuggle the paintings out of the country.~ sb (in sth) They were foiled in their attempt to smuggle the paintings.



thwart



BrE / θ w ɔːt /

NAmE / θ w ɔːrt /

verb

verb forms

word origin


to prevent sb from doing what they want to do

frustrate~ sth to thwa rt sb's plans

~ sb (in sth) She w a s th w a r t ed in h e r a t te m p t to take control of the party.



lacenoun, verb

BrE / leɪs /

NAmE / leɪs /

noun

word origin

example bank

1 [ uncountable ] a delicate material made from threads of cotton, silk, etc. that are twisted i

a lace handkerchief

a tablecloth edged with lace

lace curtainssee also lacy

2 [ countable ] = shoelace

Your laces are undone.

verb

verb forms

word origin

example bank

1 [ intransitive , transitive ] to be fastened with laces ; to fasten sth with laces~ (up) She was wearing a dress that laced up at the side.

~ sth (up) He was sitting on the bed lacing up his shoes.

see also lace-up2 [ transitive ] ~ sth to put a lace through the holes in a shoe, a boot, etc.

related noun lace-up

3 [ transitive ] ~ sth (with sth) to add a small amount of alcohol, a drug, poison, etc. to a d

spike

He had laced her milk with rum.

4 [ transitive ] ~ sth (with sth) to add a particular quality to a book, speech, etc

Her conversation was laced with witty asides.



5 [ transitive ] ~ sth to twist sth together with another thing

They sat with their fingers laced.© Oxford University Press, 2010


ˌmealy-ˈmouthedBrE

NAmE

adjective( disapproving )

not willing or honest enough to speak in a direct or open way about what you really think

mealy-mouthed politicians© Oxford University Press, 2010


re • pastBrE / rɪˈpɑːst /

NAmE / rɪˈpæst /

noun

word origin

( old-fashioned or formal )

a meal© Oxford University Press, 2010


brothBrE / brɒθ /

NAmE / brɑːθ /

NAmE / brɔːθ /

noun

word origin

example bank[ uncountable , countable ]

thick soup made by boiling meat or fish and vegetables in water

chicken brothsee also Scotch broth , see too many cooks spoil the broth at cook n.





pol • it • icoBrE / pəˈlɪtɪk əʊ /

NAmE / pəˈlɪtɪkoʊ /

noun

word origin

( pl. pol•

it•

icos ) ( informal , disapproving )a politician; a person who is active in politics© Oxford University Press, 2010


slack adjective, noun, verb

BrE / slæk /

NAmE / slæk /

adjective

word origin example bank

( slack •er , slack •est )

1 not stretched tight

loose

She was staring into space, her mouth slack.

The rope suddenly went slack.

slack muscles

2 ( of business ) not having many customers or sales; not busy

a slack period

Wednesdays are always slack.slack demand for beef

3 ( disapproving ) not putting enough care, attention or energy into sth and so not doing it we

He's been very slack in his work lately.

Discipline in the classroom is very slack.

We lost because of some slack defending on our part.slack • ly / BrE slækli ; NAmE slækli / adverb

Her arms hung slackly by her sides.slack • ness / BrE slæknəs ; NAmE slæknəs / noun [ uncountable ]

noun


see also slacks

1 the part of a rope, etc. that is hanging loosely

There's too much slack in the tow rope.

2 people, money or space that should be used more fully in an organization

There's very little slack in the budget.

3 very small pieces of coal



cut sb some ˈslack ( informal ) to be less critical of sb or less strict with them

Hey, cut him some slack! He's doing his best!

take up the ˈslack

1 to improve the way money or people are used in an organization

2 to pull on a rope, etc. until it is tight

We took up the slack and then pulled as hard as we could.verb

verb forms

word origin

[ intransitive ]

to work less hard than you usually do or should do

ˌslack ˈoff (on sth) to do sth more slowly or with less energy than before

He's gone from success to success in his movie career, and there's no sign of him slacking off.© Oxford University Press, 2010


ˈflip-flop noun, verb

BrE

NAmE

noun

word origin

( NAmE also thong )

a type of sandal (= open shoe) that has a piece of leather, etc. that goes between the big toe and

a pair of flip-flops

verb

verb forms

word origin

( -pp- ) [ intransitive ] ~ (on sth) ( informal , especially NAmE )

to change your opinion about sth, especially when you then hold the opposite opinion

The vice-president was accused of flip-flopping on several major issues.© Oxford University Press, 2010


ˈflip-flopper

BrE / ˈflɪpflɒpə(r) /

NAmE / ˈflɪpflɑːpər /

noun( informal , especially NAmE )

a person, especially a politician, who suddenly changes his or her opinion or policy

He described his opponent as a flip-flopper.



Voters may not worry about consistency and may actually prefer a flip-flopper.see also U-turn



flip • pantBrE / ˈflɪpənt /

NAmE / ˈflɪpənt /

( also informal flip )

adjective

word origin

showing that you do not take sth as seriously as other people think you shoulda f lip p a n t a n s w e r / a t t it u d e

Sorry, I didn't mean to sound flippant.

You can't afford to be flippant about such matters.flip • pancy / BrE ˈflɪpənsi ; NAmE ˈflɪpənsi / noun [ uncountable ]

His flippancy conceals a deep insecurity.

flip • pant • ly / BrE ˈflɪpəntli ; NAmE ˈflɪpəntli / adverb

‘Oh dear,’ he said flippantly.© Oxford University Press, 2010


flip • perBrE / ˈflɪpə(r) /

NAmE / ˈflɪpər /

noun

[ usually plural ]

1 a flat part of the body of some sea animals such as seals and turtles , used for swimming

2 a long flat piece of rubber or plastic that you wear on your foot to help you swim more quickly © Oxford University Press, 2010

Oxford

Advanced

Learner’s

Dictionary,

8th

edition

ˈflip side

BrE

NAmE

noun[ usually singular ] ~ (of/to sth)

1 different and less welcome aspects of an idea, argument or action

It was only after they were married that she began to see the flip side of the fairy tale.



2 ( old-fashioned ) the side of a record that does not have the main song or piece of music on i© Oxford University Press, 2010


clod • hop • perBrE / ˈklɒdhɒpə(r) /

NAmE / ˈklɑːdhɑːpər /

noun( informal )

1 [ usually plural ] a large heavy shoe

2 ( disapproving ) an awkward or clumsy person© Oxford University Press, 2010


clodBrE / klɒd /

NAmE / klɑːd /

noun

word origin

1 [ usually plural ] a lump of earth or clay

clods of earth

2 ( informal ) a stupid person© Oxford University Press, 2010


iffyBrE / ˈɪfi /

NAmE / ˈɪfi /

adjective( informal )

1 ( especially BrE ) not in perfect condition; bad in some way

That meat smells a bit iffy to me.

2 not certain

The weather looks slightly iffy.© Oxford University Press, 2010


dither verb, noun



BrE / ˈdɪðə(r) /

NAmE / ˈdɪðər /

verb

verb forms

word origin[ intransitive ]

to hesitate about what to do because you are unable to decide

Stop dithering and get on with it.~ over sth She was dithering over what to wear.

noun

word origin

[ singular ] ( informal )

1 a state of not being able to decide what you should do

I'm i n a d i t h e r about who to invite.

2 a state of excitement or worry

Don't get yourself i n a d i t h e r over everything.© Oxford University Press, 2010


ob • scure adjective, verb

BrE / ə bˈskjʊə(r) /

NAmE / ə bˈskjʊr /

adjective

word origin

example bank

1 not well known

unknown

an obscure German poet

We went to see one of Shakespeare's more obscure plays.

He was born around 1650 but his origins remain obscure.

2 difficult to understand

I found her lecture very obscure.Fo r s o m e o b s c u r e r e a s o n , he failed to turn up.

The meaning of his comment was obscure to everyone but himself.ob • scure • ly / BrE ; NAmE / adverb

They were making her feel obscurely worried (= for reasons that were difficult to understand) .

verb

verb forms

word origin

example bank

~ sth

to make it difficult to see, hear or understand sth



The view was obscured by fog.

We mustn't let these minor details obscure the main issue.

A shadow fell across her face, obscuring her expression.© Oxford University Press, 2010


ob • scur • ityBrE / ə bˈskjʊərəti /

NAmE / ə bˈskjʊrəti /

noun

word origin

example bank

( pl. ob •scur •ities )

1 [ uncountable ] the state in which sb/sth is not well known or has been forgotten

The actress was only 17 when she was plucked from obscurity and made a star.He spent most of his life working in obscurity.

2 [ uncountable , countable , usually plural ] the quality of being difficult to unde

The course teaches students to avoid ambiguity and obscurity of expression.

a speech full of obscurities

3 [ uncountable ] ( literary ) the state of being dark

darkness© Oxford University Press, 2010


prop noun, verb

BrE / prɒp /

NAmE / prɑːp /

noun

word origin

example bank

1 a piece of wood, metal, etc. used to support sth or keep it in position

Rescuers used props to stop the roof of the tunnel collapsing.

a pit prop (= one used in a coal mine)

2 a person or thing that gives help or support to sb/sth that is weak

After being the emotional prop he needed for so long, she dared not leave him.

3 [ usually plural ] a small object used by actors during the performance of a play or in a fil

He is responsible for all the stage props and lighting.

4 ( also ˈprop forward ) ( in rugby ) a player on either side of the front row of a scrum

give props to sb ( informal ) used to say that people should appreciate what sb has done be

I gotta give props to the bass player.



Please give props to the researchers for all their work.Props here means ‘proper respect or recognition’.

verb

verb forms

word origin

example bank

( -pp- )to support an object by leaning it against sth, or putting sth under it etc; to support a person in t~ sth/sb/yourself (up) (against sth) He propped his bike against the wall.

She propped herself up on one elbow.

He lay propped against the pillows.~ sth + adj. The door was propped open.

ˌprop sth ˈup

1 to prevent sth from falling by putting sth under it to support it

shore up

They had to prop up the tree with long poles under the branches.

2 ( often disapproving ) to help sth that is having difficulties

The government was accused of propping up declining industries.© Oxford University Press, 2010


char • iot • eerBrE / ˌt ʃ æriəˈtɪə(r) /

NAmE / ˌt ʃ æriəˈtɪr /

noun word origin

the driver of a chariot© Oxford University Press, 2010


ex • em • plarBrE / ɪɡˈzemplɑː(r) /

NAmE / ɪɡˈzemplɑːr /

noun


a person or thing that is a good or typical example of sth

model

Her career w as an exemplar of individual success at a time of great economic hardship.© Oxford University Press, 2010




sulk verb, noun

BrE / sʌlk /

NAmE / sʌlk /

verb

verb forms word origin

example bank[ intransitive ] ( disapproving )

to look angry and refuse to speak or smile because you want people to know that you are upset a

He went off to sulk in his room.

noun

word origin

example bank( BrE also the sulks [ plural ] )

a period of not speaking and being bad-tempered because you are angry about sthJo was i n a s u lk upstairs.

to have the sulks© Oxford University Press, 2010


sulkyBrE / ˈsʌlki /

NAmE / ˈsʌlki /

adjective

word origin

( disapproving )

bad-tempered or not speaking because you are angry about sth

Sarah had looked sulky all morning.

a sulky child

He lapsed into a sulky silence.

sulk • ily / BrE ˈsʌlk ɪli ; NAmE ˈsʌlk ɪli / adverb

Tommy went sulkily off to bed.

sulki•

ness / BrE ˈsʌlkinəs ; NAmE ˈsʌlkinəs / noun [ uncountable ]© Oxford University Press, 2010


cor • nu • co • piaBrE / ˌk ɔːnjuˈk əʊpiə /

NAmE / ˌk ɔːrnjuˈkoʊpiə /



noun

word origin

1 ( also ˌhorn of ˈplenty ) a decorative object shaped like an animal's horn, shown in art as full

2 ( formal ) something that is or contains a large supply of good things

The book is a cornucopia of good ideas.

Harvard has produced a cornucopia of leaders for the United States in many fields.© Oxford University Press, 2010


graft noun, verb

BrE / ɡrɑːft /

NAmE / ɡræft /

noun


1 [ countable ] a piece cut from a living plant and fixed in a cut made in another plant, so tha

A healthy shoot should form a strong graft.

2 [ countable ] a piece of skin, bone, etc. removed from a living body and placed in another p

a skin graft

3 [ uncountable ] ( BrE , informal ) hard work

Their success was the result of years of h a r d g r a f t .

4 [ uncountable ] ( especially NAmE ) the use of illegal or unfair methods, especially bribe

He promised an end to graft and corruption in public life.

verb verb forms

word origin

1 [ transitive ] ~ sth (onto/to/into sth) | ~ sth (on) (from sth) to take a piece of skin, b

newly grafted tissue

New skin had to be grafted on from his back.

2 [ transitive ] ~ sth (onto sth) to cut a piece from a living plant and attach it to another pl

3 [ transitive ] ~ sth (onto sth) to make one idea, system, etc. become part of another one

Old values are being grafted onto a new social class.

4 [ intransitive ] ( BrE , informal ) to work hard

She's been grafting all day.© Oxford University Press, 2010


folly



BrE / ˈf ɒli /

NAmE / ˈf ɑːli /

noun

word origin

example bank( pl. follies )

1 [ uncountable , countable ] a lack of good judgement; the fact of doing sth stupid; an

stupidity

an act of sheer folly

Giving up a secure job seems to be the height of folly.~ (to do sth) It would be folly to turn the offer down.

the follies of youth

His idealism had been soured by the varied spectacle of human folly.

2 [ countable ] a building that has no practical purpose but was built in the past for decoratio© Oxford University Press, 2010


ˈshoo-in

BrE

NAmE

noun

word origin~ (for sth) | ~ (to do sth) ( NAmE , informal )

a person or team that will win easily

He's a shoo-in for the nomination.© Oxford University Press, 2010


graf • fitiBrE / ɡrəˈfiːti /

NAmE / ɡrəˈfiːti /

noun


[ uncountable , plural ]

drawings or writing on a wall, etc. in a public place

The subway was covered in graffiti.

Someone had scrawled graffiti all over the school walls.© Oxford University Press, 2010




amidBrE / əˈmɪd /

NAmE / əˈmɪd /

( also mid , amidst / BrE əˈmɪdst ; NAmE əˈmɪdst / )

preposition word origin( formal )

1 in the middle of or during sth, especially sth that causes excitement or fear

He finished his speech amid tremendous applause.

The firm collapsed amid a llegations of fraud.

2 surrounded by sth

The hotel was in a beautiful position amid lemon groves.© Oxford University Press, 2010


amid • shipsBrE / əˈmɪd ʃɪps /

NAmE / əˈmɪd ʃɪps /

adverb

word origin( technical )

in or near the middle part of a ship



splen • did adjective, exclamation

BrE / ˈsplendɪd /

NAmE / ˈsplendɪd /

adjective

word origin

example bank

( especially BrE )

1 ( old-fashioned ) excellent; very good

great

What a splendid idea!

We've all had a splendid time.

It will be a splendid opportunity to practise your Spanish.

The meal was simply splendid.

2 very impressive; very beautiful



splendid scenery The hotel stands i n sp l end i d iso l a t i on , surrounded by moorland.

splen • did • ly / BrE ˈsplendɪdli ; NAmE ˈsplendɪdli / adverb

You all played splendidly.

The guests were splendidly dressed.

exclamation

word origin( old-fashioned , especially BrE )

used to show that you approve of sth, or are pleased

You're both coming? Splendid!© Oxford University Press, 2010


quothBrE / kw əʊθ /

NAmE / kwoʊθ /verb

word origin+ speech ( old use or humorous )

used meaning ‘said’ before ‘I’, ‘he’ or ‘she’© Oxford University Press, 2010


scep • tical ( BrE )

( NAmE skep •tical )

BrE / ˈskeptɪkl /

NAmE / ˈskeptɪkl /

adjective

example bank

~ (about/of sth)

having doubts that a claim or statement is true or that sth will happen

I am sceptical about his chances of winning.

The public remain sceptical of these claims.

She looked highly sceptical.scep • tic • al • ly ( BrE ) ( NAmE skep •tic •al •ly ) / BrE ˈskeptɪkli ; NAmE ˈskeptɪkli / adv

The announcement was greeted sceptically by the press.© Oxford University Press, 2010


scep • ti • cism ( BrE )



( NAmE skep •ti •cism )

BrE / ˈskeptɪsɪzəm /

NAmE / ˈskeptɪsɪzəm /

noun

thesaurus

example bank[ uncountable , singular ]

an attitude of doubting that claims or statements are true or that sth will happen

Such claims should be regarded with a certain amount of scepticism.

Other scientists have expressed scepticism about these results.© Oxford University Press, 2010


scep • tic ( BrE )

( NAmE skep •tic )

BrE / ˈskeptɪk /

NAmE / ˈskeptɪk /

noun

word origin

example bank

a person who usually doubts that claims or statements are true, especially those that other peopl

I am a born sceptic.

He was unable to convince the sceptics in the audience.see also Euro-sceptic



en • tou • rageBrE / ˈɒnturɑːʒ /

NAmE / ˈɑːnturɑːʒ /

noun

word origin

[countable + singular or plural verb

]a group of people who travel with an important person

the President and members of his immediate entourage

an entourage of adoring fans© Oxford University Press, 2010


alas



BrE / əˈlæs /

NAmE / əˈlæs /

exclamation

word origin( old use or literary )

used to show you are sad or sorry

For many people, alas, hunger is part of everyday life.© Oxford University Press, 2010


ig • nobleBrE / ɪɡˈnəʊ bl /

NAmE / ɪɡˈnoʊ bl /

adjective

word origin example bank( formal )

not good or honest; that should make you feel shame

base

ignoble thoughts

an ignoble person

noble© Oxford University Press, 2010


ig • no • mini • ousBrE / ˌɪɡnəˈmɪniəs /

NAmE / ˌɪɡnəˈmɪniəs /

adjective

word origin

( formal )

that makes, or should make, you feel ashameddisgraceful

,humiliating

an ignominious defeat

He made one mistake and his career came to an ignominious end.

ig •no •mini •ous • ly / BrE ˌɪɡnəˈmɪniəsli ; NAmE ˌɪɡnəˈmɪniəsli / adverb





ig • no • mini • ousBrE / ˌɪɡnəˈmɪniəs /

NAmE / ˌɪɡnəˈmɪniəs /

adjective

word origin

( formal )that makes, or should make, you feel ashameddisgraceful , humiliating

an ignominious defeat

He made one mistake and his career came to an ignominious end.

ig •no •mini •ous • ly / BrE ˌɪɡnəˈmɪniəsli ; NAmE ˌɪɡnəˈmɪniəsli / adverb



wretch • edBrE / ˈret ʃɪd /

NAmE / ˈret ʃɪd /

adjective

word origin

example bank

1 ( of a person ) feeling ill/sick or unhappy

You look wretched—what's wrong?

I felt wretched about the wa y things had turned out.

2 ( formal ) extremely bad or unpleasantawful

She had a wretched time of it at school.

The animals are kept in the most wretched conditions.

3 ( formal ) making you feel sympathy or pity

pitiful

She finally agreed to have the wretched animal put down.

4 [ only before noun ] ( informal ) used to show that you think that sb/sth is extremely an

Is it that wretched woman again?

wretch • ed • ly / BrE ˈret ʃɪdli ; NAmE ˈret ʃɪdli / adverb

‘I'm so sorry,’ she said wretchedly.

wretch • ed •ness / BrE ˈret ʃɪdnəs ; NAmE ˈret ʃɪdnəs / noun [ uncountable ]



lum • ber • ing



BrE / ˈlʌmbərɪŋ /

NAmE / ˈlʌmbərɪŋ /

adjective

moving in a slow, heavy and awkward way

a lumbering dinosaur© Oxford University Press, 2010


lum • ber noun, verb

BrE / ˈlʌmbə(r) /

NAmE / ˈlʌmbər /

noun


1 ( especially NAmE ) = timbera lumber mill

2 ( BrE ) pieces of furniture, and other large objects that you do not use any more

a lu m b e r r o o m (= for storing lumber in)

verb

verb forms

word origin

example bank

1 [ intransitive ] + adv./prep. to move in a slow, heavy and awkward way

A family of elephants lumbered by.

The huge convoy of trucks lumbered out of the city.

2 [ transitive , usually passive ] ~ sb (with sb/sth) ( informal ) to give sb a respons

When our parents went out, my sister got lumbered with me for the evening.

She might say ‘Yes’. Then you'd be lumbered.© Oxford University Press, 2010


lib • eral adjective, noun

BrE / ˈlɪ bə

rə

l /NAmE / ˈlɪ bərəl /

adjective

word origin

example bank

respecting other opinions

1 willing to understand and respect other people's behaviour, opinions, etc, especially when the



liberal attitudes/views/opinions

politics

2 wanting or allowing a lot of political and economic freedom and supporting gradual social, po

Some politicians want more liberal tra de relations with Europe.

liberal democracy

liberal theoriesa liberal politician

3 Liberal connected with the British Liberal Party in the past, or of a Liberal Party in another c

generous

4 ~ (with sth) generous; given in large amounts

lavish

She is very liberal with her money.I think Sam is too liberal with his criticism (= he criticizes people too much) .

Divorced fathers should have liberal access to their children.

We ate cake with liberal amounts of whipped cream.

education

5 concerned with increasing sb's general knowledge and experience rather than particular skills

a liberal education

not exact

6 not completely accurate or exact

free

a liberal translation of the text

a l ibera l i n t e rp re t a t i on of the law lib •er •al • ly / BrE ˈlɪ bərəli ; NAmE ˈlɪ bərəli / adverb

Apply the cream liberally.

The word ‘original’ is liberally interpreted in copyright law.

noun

word origin

sb who respects others

1 a person who understands and respects other people's opinions and behaviour, especially whe

He liked to think of himself as a liberal.

politics

2 a person who supports political, social and religious change

Reform is popular with middle-class liberals.

3 Liberal ( politics ) a member of the British Liberal Party in the past, or of a Liberal Party in© Oxford University Press, 2010




ˌliberal ˈarts

BrE

NAmE

noun

word origin[ plural ] ( especially NAmE )

subjects of study that develop students' general knowledge and ability to think, rather than their

a liberal arts college© Oxford University Press, 2010


ˌLiberal ˈDemocrat

BrE

NAmE noun

( abbr. Lib Dem )

a member or supporter of the Liberal Democrats© Oxford University Press, 2010


the ˌLiberal ˈDemocrats

BrE NAmE

noun

culture[ plural ] ( abbr. Lib Dems )

one of the main British political parties, in favour of some political and social change, but not extcompare the Conservative Party , the Labour Party



lib • er • al • ismBrE / ˈlɪ bərəlɪzəm /

NAmE / ˈlɪ bərəlɪzəm /

noun

[ uncountable ]

liberal opinions and beliefs, especially in politics





lib • er • al • ityBrE / ˌlɪ bəˈræləti /

NAmE /ˌlɪ bə

ˈræləti /

noun

word origin[ uncountable ] ( formal )

1 respect for political, religious or moral views, even if you do not agree with them

She is known for the liberality of her views.

2 the quality of being generous© Oxford University Press, 2010

Oxford

Advanced

Learner’s

Dictionary,

8th

editionlib • er • al • ize ( BrE also -ise )

BrE / ˈlɪ brəlaɪz /

NAmE / ˈlɪ brəlaɪz /

verb

verb forms

~ sth

to make sth such as a law or a political or religious system less strict

lib •er •al • ization , -isa • tion / BrE ˌlɪ brəlaɪˈzeɪʃ n ; NAmE ˌlɪ brələˈzeɪʃ n / noun [ uncou



the Liberal PartyBrE

NAmE ( a l so the Liberals )

a former British political party. It developed in the mid 19th century from the Whigs , and unde

Liberal noun a member or supporter of the Liberal Party.© Oxford University Press, 2010


lib • er • ateBrE / ˈlɪ bəreɪt /

NAmE / ˈlɪ bəreɪt /



verb

verb forms

word origin

example bank

1 ~ sb/sth (from sb/sth) to free a country or a person from the control of sb else

The city was liberated by the advancing army.

2 ~ sb (from sth) to free sb from sth that restricts their enjoyment of life Writing poetry liberated her from the routine of everyday life.

lib •er •ation / BrE ˌlɪ bəˈreɪʃ n ; NAmE ˌlɪ bəˈreɪʃ n / noun [ uncountable , singular ]

a w ar of liberation

liberation from poverty

women's liberation

lib •er •ator / BrE ˈlɪ bəreɪtə(r) ; NAmE ˈlɪ bəreɪtər / noun



lib • er • atedBrE / ˈlɪ bəreɪtɪd /

NAmE / ˈlɪ bəreɪtɪd /

adjective

free from the restrictions of traditional ideas about social and sexual behaviour

a liberated woman© Oxford University Press, 2010


rot verb, noun

BrE / rɒt /

NAmE / rɑːt /

verb

verb forms

word origin

example bank( -tt- ) [ intransitive , transitive ]

to decay, or make sth decay, naturally and gradually

decompose

rotting leaves~ (away) The window frame had rotted away completely.

( figurative ) prisoners thrown in jail and l ef t t o r o t

~ sth Too much sugar w ill rot your teeth.

see also rotten

noun




1 the process or state of decaying and falling apart

The wood must not get damp as rot can quickly result.see also dry rot , wet rot

2 the rot used to describe the fact that a situation is getting worse

T h e r o t s e t i n last year when they reorganized the department.The team should manage to s t o p t h e r o t if they play well this week.

3 ( old-fashioned , BrE ) nonsense; silly things that sb says

rubbish

Don't talk such rot!© Oxford University Press, 2010


grind verb, noun

BrE / ɡraɪnd /

NAmE / ɡraɪnd /

verb

verb forms

word origin

example bank( ground , ground / BrE ɡraʊnd ; NAmE ɡraʊnd / )

food/flour/coffee

1 [ transitive ] ~ sth (down/up) | ~ sth (to/into sth) to break or crush sth into very smal

to grind coffee/corn

The animal has teeth that grind its food into a pulp.see also ground adj.

2 [ transitive ] ~ sth to produce sth such as flour by crushing

The flour is ground using traditional methods.

3 [ transitive ] ~ sth ( NAmE ) = mince

make sharp/smooth

4 [ transitive ] ~ sth to make sth sharp or smooth by rubbing it against a hard surface

a special stone for grinding knives

press into surface

5 [ transitive ] to press or rub sth into a surface

~ sth into sth He ground his cigarette into the ashtray.

~ sth in The dirt on her hands was ground in.

rub together

6 [ intransitive , transitive ] to rub together, or to make hard objects rub together, often~ (together) Parts of the machine were grinding together noisily.



~ sth (together) She g r i n d s h e r t e et h when she is asleep.

He ground the gears on the car.

machine

7 [ transitive ] ~ sth to turn the handle of a machine that grinds sth

to grind a pepper mill

bring sth to a grinding ˈhalt

to make sth gradually go slower until it stops completely

Roadworks brought traffic to a grinding halt.

grind to a ˈhalt | come to a grinding ˈhalt

to go slower gradually and then stop completely

Production ground to a halt during the strike.

Her career ground to a halt when the twins were born.more at have an axe to grind at axe n.

ˌgrind sb ˈdown to treat sb in a cruel unpleasant way over a long period of time, so that they b

Don't let them grind you down. Years of oppression had ground the people down.

ˌgrind ˈon to continue for a long time, when this is unpleasant

The argument ground on for almost two years.

ˌgrind sth ˈout to produce sth in large quantities, often sth that is not good or interesting

churn out

She grinds out romantic novels at the rate of five a year.

noun

word origin

boring activity

1 [ singular ] ( informal ) an activity that is tiring or boring and takes a lot of time

the d a i ly g r i n d of family life

It's a long grind to the top of that particular profession.

of machines

2 [ singular ] the unpleasant noise made by machines

swot

3 ( US )

( BrE swot )[ countable ] ( informal ) a person who spends too much time studying



co • hort



BrE / ˈk əʊhɔːt /

NAmE / ˈkoʊhɔːrt /

noun

word origin

example bank[ countable + singular or plural verb ]

1 ( technical ) a group of people who share a common feature or aspect of behaviour

the 1999 birth cohort (= all those born in 1999)

2 ( disapproving ) a member of a group of people who support another person

Robinson and his cohorts were soon ejected from the hall.© Oxford University Press, 2010


an • arch • ist

BrE / ˈænək ɪst /NAmE / ˈænərk ɪst /

noun

word origin

a person who believes that laws and governments are not necessary

an •arch • is •tic / BrE ˌænəˈk ɪstɪk ; NAmE ˌænərˈk ɪstɪk / adjective



an • archyBrE / ˈænəki /

NAmE / ˈænərki /

noun

word origin

example bank[ uncountable ]

a situation in a country, an organization, etc. in which there is no government, order or control

The overthrow of the military regime wa s followed by a period of anarchy.

There was complete anarchy in the classroom when their usual teacher was away.an •arch • ic / BrE əˈnɑːk ɪk ; NAmE əˈnɑːrk ɪk / ( also less frequent an • arch •ic •al / BrE ə

It had become a lawless, anarchic city in which corruption thrived.© Oxford University Press, 2010


fount



BrE / faʊnt /

NAmE / faʊnt /

noun

word origin~ (of sth) ( literary or humorous )

the place where sth important comes from

sourceShe treats him as if he were t h e f o u n t o f a ll k n o w le d g e .



un • abashedBrE / ˌʌnə ̍bæ ʃ t /

NAmE / ˌʌnə ̍bæ ʃ t /

adjective

example bank

not ashamed, embarrassed or affected by people's disapproval, when other people would be

He was unabashed by the reaction he had caused.

She watched them kissing with unabashed interest.

He appeared unabashed by all the media attention.

abashed

un •abashed • ly / BrE ˌʌnə ̍bæ ʃɪdli ; NAmE ˌʌnə ̍bæ ʃɪdli / adverb



be • stirBrE / bɪˈstɜː(r) /

NAmE / bɪˈstɜːr /

verb

verb forms( -rr- ) ~ yourself ( formal or humorous )

to start doing things after a period during which you have been doing nothing

rouse

He needs to bestir himself and start looking for a job.© Oxford University Press, 2010


dredgeBrE / dredʒ /

NAmE / dredʒ /



verb

verb forms

word origin

1 [ transitive , intransitive ] ~ (sth) (for sth) to remove mud, stones, etc. from the bot

They're dredging the harbour so that larger ships can use it.

They dredge the bay for gravel.

2 [ transitive ] ~ sth (up) (from sth) to bring sth up from the bottom of a river, etc. using a waste dredged (up) from the seabed

3 [ transitive ] ~ sth in/with sth to cover food lightly with sugar, flour, etc

Dredge the top of the cake with icing sugar.

ˌdredge sth ˈup

1 ( usually disapproving ) to mention sth that has been forgotten, especially sth unpleasant or

The papers keep trying to dredge up details of his past love life.

2 to manage to remember sth, especially sth that happened a long time ago

Now she was dredging up memories from the depths of her mind.



dredgerBrE / ˈdredʒә(r) /

NAmE / ˈdredʒәr /

noun

a boat or machine that is used to clear mud, etc. from the bottom of a river, or to make the river© Oxford University Press, 2010


wad noun, verb

BrE / w ɒd /

NAmE / w ɑːd /

noun

word origin

example bank

1 a thick pile of pieces of paper, paper money, etc. folded or rolled togetherHe pulled a thick wad of £10 notes out of his pocket.( BrE , slang ) They had a wad/wads of money (= a large amount) .

She came in with tears streaming down her face, clutching a wa d of tissues.

2 a mass of soft material, used for blocking sth or keeping sth in place

The nurse used a wad of cotton wool to stop the bleeding.

verb

verb forms



word origin( -dd- )

1 ~ sth (up) ( especially NAmE ) to fold or press sth into a tight wad

2 ~ sth to fill sth with soft material for warmth or protection© Oxford University Press, 2010


con • tra • dic • tionBrE / ˌk ɒntrəˈdɪk ʃ n /

NAmE / ˌk ɑːntrəˈdɪk ʃ n /

noun

word origin

example bank

1 [ countable , uncountable ] ~ (between A and B) a lack of agreement between facts

There is a contradiction between the two sets of figures.His public speeches are i n d i r e c t c o n t r a d i ct i o n t o his personal lifestyle.

How can we resolve this apparent contradiction?

2 [ uncountable , countable ] the act of saying that sth that sb else has said is wrong or

I think I can say, w i t h o u t f e a r o f co n t r a d i c t io n , that…

Now you say you both left at ten—that's a contradiction of your last statement.

a ˌcontradiction in ˈterms

a statement containing two words that contradict each other's meaning

A ‘nomad settlement’ is a contradiction in terms.© Oxford University Press, 2010


con • tra • dictBrE / ˌk ɒntrəˈdɪkt /

NAmE / ˌk ɑːntrəˈdɪkt /

verb

verb forms

word origin

language bank example bank

1 to say that sth that sb else has said is wrong, and that the opposite is true~ sth All evening her husband contradicted everything she said.

~ sb/yourself You've just c o n t r a d i ct e d y o u r s e lf (= said the opposite of what you said befo

~ (sb) + speech ‘No, it's not,’ she contradicted (him).

2 ~ sth | ~ each other ( of statements or pieces of evidence ) to be so different from each othe

The two stories contradict each other.



This version of events wa s contradicted by eye-witness reports.© Oxford University Press, 2010


con • tra • dict • oryBrE / ˌk ɒntrəˈdɪktəri /

NAmE / ˌk ɑːntrəˈdɪktəri /

adjective

word origin

example bank

containing or showing a contradiction

conflicting

We are faced with two apparently contradictory statements.

The advice I received was often contradictory.© Oxford University Press, 2010


con • tra • dis • tinc • tionBrE / ˌk ɒntrədɪˈstɪŋk ʃ n /

NAmE / ˌk ɑːntrədɪˈstɪŋk ʃ n /

nounin contradistinction to sth/sb ( formal ) in contrast with sth/sb

Lionesses, in contradistinction to the females of other animals, are the hunters.



con • tra • fac • tiveBrE / ˌk ɒntrəˈfæktɪ v /

NAmE / ˌk ɑːntrəˈfæktɪ v /

adjective( grammar )

( of verbs ) talking about sth that is not true. ‘ Pretend ’ and ‘ wish ’ are contrafactive verbs.compare factive , non-factive



con • tra • flow



BrE / ˈk ɒntrəfləʊ /

NAmE / ˈk ɑːntrəfloʊ /

noun( BrE )

a system that is used when one half of a large road is closed for repairs, and the traffic going in b

A contraflow system is in operation on this section of the motorway.© Oxford University Press, 2010


con • tra • indi • cateBrE / ˌk ɒntrəˈɪndɪkeɪt /

NAmE / ˌk ɑːntrəˈɪndɪkeɪt /

verb

verb forms

~ sth ( medical )if a drug or treatment is contraindicated , there is a medical reason why it should not be used i

This drug is contraindicated in patients with asthma.© Oxford University Press, 2010


token • ismBrE / ˈtəʊk ənɪzəm /

NAmE /ˈtoʊk ənɪzəm /

noun

[ uncountable ] ( disapproving )

the fact of doing sth only in order to do what the law requires or to satisfy a particular group of p

Appointing one woman to the otherwise all-male staff could look like tokenism.© Oxford University Press, 2010


sturdy

BrE / ˈstɜːdi /NAmE / ˈstɜːrdi /

adjective

word origin( stur • dier , stur •di •est )

1 ( of an object ) strong and not easily damaged

robust

a sturdy pair of boots



a sturdy table

The vehicle is sturdy enough to withstand rough terrain.

2 ( of people and animals, or their bodies ) physically strong and healthy

a man of sturdy build

sturdy legs

a sturdy breed of cattle

3 not easily influenced or changed by other peoplefirm , determined

The village has always maintained a sturdy independence.

a sturdy defence of the government's position

stur • dily / BrE ˈstɜːdɪli ; NAmE ˈstɜːrdɪli / adverb

The boat was sturdily made.

a sturdily built young man

a sturdily independent community

stur • di •ness / BrE ˈstɜːdinəs ; NAmE ˈstɜːrdinəs / noun [ uncountable ]

©

Oxford

University

Press,

2010


mon • stros • ityBrE / mɒnˈstrɒsəti /

NAmE / mɑːnˈstrɑːsəti /

noun

word origin( pl. mon •stros •ities )

something that is very large and very ugly, especially a buildingeyesore

a concrete monstrosity © Oxford University Press, 2010


pro • vokeBrE / prə ̍v əʊk /

NAmE / prə

̍voʊk /verb

verb forms

word origin

thesaurus

example bank

1 ~ sth to cause a particular reaction or have a particular effect

The announcement provoked a storm of protest.



The article was intended to provoke discussion.

Dairy products may provoke allergic reactions in some people.

2 ~ sb (into sth/into doing sth) | ~ sb to do sth to say or do sth that you know will annoy

goad

The lawyer claimed his client was provoked into acts of violence by the defendant.

Be careful what you say—he's easily provoked.



con • ten • tionBrE / k ənˈten ʃ n /

NAmE / k ənˈten ʃ n /

noun

word origin

example bank( formal )

1 [ uncountable ] angry disagreement between people

dispute

One area of contention is the availability of nursery care.

a point of contention

2 [ countable ] ~ (that…) a belief or an opinion that you express, especially in an argument

It is our client's contention that the fire was an accident.

I would reject that contention.

in conˈtention (for sth)

with a chance of winning sthOnly three teams are now in contention for the title.

out of conˈtention (for sth)

without a chance of winning sthmore at bone of contention at bone n.



cer • tain • lyBrE / ˈsɜːtnli /

NAmE / ˈsɜːrtnli /

adverb

language bank

which word?

example bank

1 without doubt



definitely

Without treatment, she will almost certainly die.

Certainly, the early years are crucial to a child's development.

I'm certainly never going there again.

She was certainly attractive but you couldn't call her beautiful.

2 ( used in answer to questions ) of course

‘May I see your passport, Mr Scott?’ ‘Certainly.’‘Do you think all this money will change your life?’ ‘Certainly not.’© Oxford University Press, 2010


ex • chequerBrE / ɪksˈt ʃ ek ə(r) /

NAmE / ɪksˈt ʃ ek ər /

noun word origin[ singular ]

1 ( often the Exchequer ) (in Britain) the government department that controls public mone

treasurysee also Chancellor of the Exchequer

2 the public or national supply of money

This resulted in a considerable loss to the exchequer.© Oxford University Press, 2010


de • viseBrE / dɪ ̍vaɪz /

NAmE / dɪ ̍vaɪz /

verb

verb forms

word origin

example bank

~ sth

to invent sth new or a new way of doing sth

think up

A new system has been devised to control traffic in the city.© Oxford University Press, 2010


spurt verb, noun



BrE / spɜːt /

NAmE / spɜːrt /

verb

verb forms

word origin

1 [ intransitive , transitive ] ( of liquid or flames ) to burst or pour out suddenly; to pro~ (from sth) Blood was spurting from her nose.

~ out (of/from sth) Red and yellow flames spurted out of the fire.

~ sth Her nose was spurting blood.

~ sth + adv./prep. The volcano spurted clouds of steam and ash high into the air.

2 [ intransitive ] + adv./prep. to increase your speed for a short time to get somewhere fast

She spurted past me to get to the line first.

noun

word origin

example bank

1 an amount of liquid or flames that comes out of somewhere with great forcea great spurt of blood

2 a sudden increase in speed, effort, activity or emotion for a short period of time

You'd better p u t o n a s p u r t (= hurry up) if you want to finish that work today.

Babies get very hungry during growth spurts.

a sudden spurt of anger

in ˈspurts

in short periods of great activity, powerful movement, etc, rather than in a steady, continuous wa

The water came out of the tap in spurts.© Oxford University Press, 2010


lam • entedBrE / ləˈmentɪd /

NAmE / ləˈmentɪd /

adjective( formal or humorous )

( of sb/sth that has died or disappeared ) missed very much

her late lamented husbandthe last edition of the much lamented newspaper© Oxford University Press, 2010


bur • geonBrE / ̍bɜːdʒәn /



NAmE / ̍bɜːrdʒәn /

verb

verb forms

word origin

example bank

[ intransitive ] ( formal )

to begin to grow or develop rapidly bur • geon • ing / BrE ̍bɜːdʒәnɪŋ ; NAmE ̍bɜːrdʒәnɪŋ / adjective

a burgeoning population

burgeoning demand© Oxford University Press, 2010



Letter Word Part of Speech

g

to buy sth

s

xually attractive, so that you almost become unconscio



for a long time

ves

r realistic



ritten that does not seem natural; the fact of seeming a



other people do not know, etc

th them.



lead to extreme behaviour or violence towards others

r political beliefs

table ]



ular ]

coming priests.

ientific study of these changes



]

ey are impressive or powerful, or because they seem ver

/ adverb



ehaviour that people would expect) .

et people in formal situations





thunder at steal v.



eople who have left their own country, usually because

ften for a long time

ves in another country asking to be allowed to stay ther



ining that they have a lot of work to do



overing or wrapping things, especially food : ( BrE ) alu

es, the qualities of another person or thing



nto a pattern of holes

ink





l enough



he toe next to it



, especially below the surface of the water







rstand; something that is difficult to understand

/movie

cause it is good



e same way



out sth



of fruit and flowers

t it grows there; the process or result of doing this

rt of the body which has been damaged; the process or

ry , to gain advantage in business, politics, etc; money o

one, etc. from one part of the body and attach it to a da

nt



ctivity or idea that shows a lack of judgement

n, often in the garden of a large country house





rb



believe in





noying



ibility, etc, that they do not want and that they cannot g

are different from your own; believing people should b



itical or religious change

untry

n they are different from their own

nother country



technical skills

reme



ntable ]

William Gladstone and David Lloyd George becam





l pieces between two hard surfaces or using a special ma

producing an unpleasant noise



ecome very unhappy



ˈnɑːk ɪkl ; NAmE əˈnɑːrk ɪkl / ) adjective





om of a river, canal , etc. using a boat or special machi

boat or special machine

embarrassing

ider



, opinions, actions, etc

ot true; an example of this

re) .

r that one of them must be wrong





th directions has to use the other half

n a particular situation

ople, but not in a way that is really sincere





sb so that they react in an angry way



y



uce sudden, powerful streams of liquid or flames

er

y





Meaning

s





tificial









y difficult









they were in danger for political reasons





minium foil























esult of doing this

tained in this way

aged part















t rid of

e able to choose how they behave







the party of social and political reform . It lost support after the rise of the Labour Party in th





chine









e, to make it deeper or to search for sth



















Synonyms



































































early 20th centur































Examples Date

12‐Sep‐11

12‐Sep‐11



































































. In the elections of 1983 and 1987 the Liberals achieved some success by joining with the So

































































































ial Democratic Party to form the Alliance, and the two parties were officially united in 1988 .

































































































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