abase lower; degrade; humiliate; make humble; make (oneself) lose self-respect abbess n. woman who is head of a convent or nunnery abbey n. buildingin which monks or nuns live as a community under an abbot or abbess abbot n. man who is head of a monastery or abbey abdicate renounce; give up (position, right, or responsibility) abdomen n. part of the body below the chest and diaphragm, containing the stomach, bowels and digestive organs abduction A carrying away of a person against his will, or illegally. abed In bed; on a bed. aberration deviation from the normal; mental disorder abet assist usually in doing something wrong; encourage abeyance suspended action abhorrence n. hatred and disgust abhorrent adj. ~ disgusting; hateful abidance An abiding. abjure renounce upon oath able-bodied adj. healthy, fit and strong ablution washing abnegate vt. to give up (rights or a claim, for example); renounce. abnormal adj. different, esp in an undesirable way, from what is normal, ordinary or expected abominable detestable; extremely unpleasant abominate loathe; hate abomination n. feeling of disgust and extreme hatred aboriginal being the first of its kind in a region; primitive; native; indigenous; N. aborigine aborigine n. aboriginal inhabitant aboveboard be in a straightforward manner abrade v. wear away by rubbing; scrape off abrasion n. scraping or wearing away; rubbing off ; abridge condense or shorten abridgment a shortened version of a written work abrogate abolish abrupt adj. sudden and unexpected abscess n. swollen part of the body in which a thick yellowish liquid has collected abscission cutting off; separation abscond depart secretly and hide absence n. ~ being away absolution n. formal declaration by a priest that a person's sins have been forgiven absolve pardon (an offense) absorb v. take (sth) in; suck up absorption n. ~ absorbing or being absorbed abstain refrain; withhold from participation; intentionally not use one's vote; abstemious sparing in eating and drinking; temperate abstinence restraint from pleasant things, esp. eating or drinking; CF. abstention: act of abstaining from vote abstruse obscure; profound; difficult to understand absurd adj. unreasonable; not sensible abundant adj. more than enough; plentiful abusive coarsely insulting; physically harmful abut border upon; adjoin abyss enormous chasm; vast bottomless pit academic related to a school; not practical or directly useful academician n. member of an academy academy n. school for special training accede agree accelerate move faster accept v. take (sth offered) willingly access n. ~ means of approaching or entering (a place); way in accessible easy to approach; obtainable accession n. ~ reaching a rank or position accessory additional object; useful but not essential thing acclaim applaud; praise; greet with great approval; announce with great approval; Ex. The new drung has been acclaimed as the most important discoveries for years; N: strong expression of approval and praise accommodate oblige or help someone; adjust or bring into harmony; adapt; make enough space for; ADJ. accommodative; CF. accomodating: helpful and obliging accompaniment n. thing that naturally or often goes with another thing accompanist n. person who plays a musical accompaniment accompany v. walk or travel with (sb) as a companion or helper; escort accomplice partner in crime accomplish v. succeed in doing (sth); complete successfully; achieve accordion n. portable musical instrument with a bellows, metal reeds and a keyboard . accost approach and speak first to a person account n. statement of money paid or owed for goods or services accredit v. ~ sth to sb/~ sb with sth attribute to sb; credit sb with (a saying, etc) accumulate v. gradually get or gather together an increasing number or quantity of get (sth) in this way accuracy n. precision or exactness, esp resulting from careful effort accurate adj. free from error accursed adj. hateful; detestable; annoying accusation n. accusing or being accused accusatory adj. of or indicating an accusation accuse v. ~ sb say that sb has done wrong, is guilty (of sth) or has broken the law accustom v. ~ oneself/sb/sth to sth make oneself, etc used to sth acerbity bitterness of speech and temper; ADJ. acerbic: bitter; acrid (in taste, manner, or tone) acetate n. compound derived from acetic acid ache n. continuous dull pain achromatic designating color perceived to have zero saturation and therefore no hue, such as neutral grays, white, or black acid n. substance that contains hydrogen, which can be replaced by a metal to form a salt acidify v. (cause sth to) become acid acknowledge recognize; admit acknowledgment Recognition. acme peak; pinnacle; highest point acoustic adj. of sound or the sense of hearing acquaint v. ~ sb/oneself with sth make sb/oneself familiar with or aware of sth acquiesce assent; agree passively; comply without protest acquiescence submission; compliance acquire v. gain (sth) by one's own ability, efforts or behaviour acquisition n. action of acquiring acquit v. ~ sb (of sth) declare sb to be not guilty (of a crime, etc); free or clear sb (of blame, responsibility, etc) acquittal deliverance from a charge; V. acquit: free from a charge or accusation; discharge from a duty; conduct (oneself) in a specified manner acquittance Release or discharge from indebtedness, obligation, or responsibility. acreage n. area of land measured in acres acrid bitter (to the taste or smell); sharp; bitterly pungent acrimonious stinging; caustic; bitter in words or manner; N. acrimony: bitter ill-natured animosity in speech or behavior acrimony n. bitterness of manner or words actionable adj. giving sufficient cause for a lawsuit actuality n. actual existence; reality ; actuary someone who advises insurance companies actuate motivate; activate; cause to act acumen mental keenness; sharpness of judgment; ability to judge quickly and well; Ex. business acumen acute (of the senses) sharp; quickly perceptive; keen; penetrating; brief and severe; Ex. acute sense of smell/analysis/pain adamant hard; inflexible addendum addition; appendix to book; something that is added (as at the end of a speech or book) addle make or become confused; muddle; drive crazy; become rotten (egg) adduce v. put (sth) forward as an example or as proof adhere stick fast; be a devotd follower; N. adhesion: adhering; devotion; loyality adherence n. ~ (to sth) adherent supporter; follower adhesion n. ~ being or becoming attached (to sth) adieu Good-by; farewell. adjacency The state of being adjacent. adjacent adjoining; neighboring; close by adjudge v. (also adjudicate) declare officially or decide by law adjunct something attached to but holding an inferior position adjuration solemn urging; V. adjure: entreat earnestly; enjoin solemnly adjutant staff officer assisting the commander; assistant administrator n. person responsible for managing (esp business) affairs admissible adj. that can be allowed admittance n. allowing sb or being allowed to enter (esp a private place); right of entry admonish warn or speak to with gentle disapproval; reprove admonition warning ado n. trouble; fuss; unnecessary activity adoration n. great love or worship adroit skillful (in using mind or hand) adulterant An adulterating substance. adulterate make impure or of poorer quality by adding inferior or tainted(contaminated) substances adumbrate v. indicate (sth) faintly or in outline Advent arrival adverse going against; opposing; unfavorable; hostile adversity great hardship or affliction; misfortune; calamitous event advert refer advisory adj. having the power to advise; giving advice advocacy support; active pleading on behalf of someone or something advocate speak in favor of; support (an idea or plan); urge; plead for aerial n. one or more wires or rods for sending or receiving radio waves . aeronaut One who navigates the air, a balloonist. aeronautics n. scientific study or practice of flying and navigating aircraft aerostat A balloon or other apparatus floating in or sustained by the air. aerostatics The branch of pneumatics that treats of the equilibrium, pressure, and mechanical properties. affable easily approachable; easy to talk to; warmly friendly affect v. have an influence on (sb/sth); produce an effect on affectation n. unnatural behaviour, manner of speaking, etc, intended to impress others affiliate to bring or receive into close connection as a member or branch affirmative adj. expressing agreement; indicating `yes' affix v. ~ sth (fml ) stick, fasten or attach sth affluence abundance; wealth affront insult; offense; intentional act of disrespect; V: insult or hurt the feelings of intentionally afire & adj. On fire, literally or figuratively. afoot adj. being prepared or progressing aforesaid Said in a preceding part or before. afresh adv. again, esp from the very beginning afterthought n. thing that is thought of or added later agglomerate v. become collected into a mass aggrandize make greater; increase in power, wealth, rank, or honor; N. aggrandizement aggravate v. make worse or more serious aggravation n. making more serious; irritation ; aggregate sum; total; ADJ. V: gather into a mass or whole; accumulate; add up to; Ex. aggregate 100 dollars aggress To make the first attack. aggression n. unprovoked attacking or hostility by one country against another aggrieve to give pain or trouble to:DISTRESS aghast filled with great surprise or fear; horrified agile adj. able to move quickly and easily; active; nimble agitate stir up; disturb agrarian pertaining to land or its cultivation; Ex. agrarian reform aide-de-camp n. (abbr ADC) naval or military officer who acts as assistant to a senior officer ailment n. illness, esp a slight one airy of air; high in the air; lofty; immaterial; unreal akin adj. ~ similar; related alabaster n. soft stone, like marble in appearance, often carved to make ornaments , alacrity cheerful promptness without reluctance albeit conj although albino n. person or animal born with no colouring pigment in the skin and hair (which are white) and the eyes (which are pink) album n. book in which a collection of photographs, autographs, postage stamps, etc can be kept , alchemy medieval chemistry alcohol n. colourless liquid that can cause drunkenness, contained in drinks such as beer, wine, brandy and whisky alcoholism n. continual heavy drinking of alcohol alcove nook; recess alder n. tree of the birch family, usu growing in marshy places , alderman n. (Brit) (esp formerly) member of a county or borough council, next in rank below the mayor alias an assumed name esp. by a criminal (usually to mislead people); ADV. alias alien n. person who is not a naturalized citizen of the country in which he is living alienable Capable of being aliened or alienated, as lands. alienate make unfriendly or hostile; estrange; separate; change the ownership of alienation n. ~ alienating or being alienated; estrangement aliment That which nourishes. alkali n. any of a class of substances (eg caustic soda and ammonia) that neutralize acids and form caustic or corrosive solutions in water allay calm; pacify allege state without proof allegory story, play, or picture in which characters are used as symbols; fable alleviate relieve (pain) alley n. narrow passage, esp between or behind houses or other buildings, usu for pedestrians only alliance n. action or state of being joined or associated allot v. ~ sth (to sb/sth) give (time, money, duties, etc) as a share of what is available; apportion sth allotment n. action of allotting allude refer indirectly; N. allusion: indirect reference allusion n. ~ indirect reference alluvion Flood. ally v. ~ (sb/oneself) with/to sb/sth join or become joined with sb/sth by treaty, marriage, etc almanac n. annual book or calendar of months and days, giving information about the sun, moon, tides, anniversaries, etc , aloof apart; not open in one's relationship with other people; reserved; ADV. altar n. table on which bread and wine are consecrated in the Communion service . alter v. become different; change in character, position, size, shape, etc alteration n. changing; making a change altercate To contend angrily or zealously in words. alternate adj. happening or following one after the other alternative adj. available in place of sth else; other altitude n. height above sea-level alto n. (music ) (singer with a) voice of the highest adult male pitch altruism n. principle of considering the welfare and happiness of others before one's own; unselfishness ; altruist n. unselfish person amalgam combination of different things; mixture of metals (containing mercury) used for filling holes in teeth amalgamate (of societies or groups) combine; unite in one body amateur n. person who practises a sport or artistic skill without receiving money for it amatory adj. relating to or inspired by sexual love ambidextrous capable of using either hand with equal ease ambiguous unclear or doubtful in meaning; having more than one possible interpretation ambitious adj. ~ ~ (for sth) full of ambition, esp for success or money ambulance n. vehicle equipped to carry sick or injured people to hospital, etc ambulate To walk about ambush act of lying in wait to attack by surprise; sudden attack made from a concealed position; Ex. lie in ambush; V. ameliorate improve amenable obedient; compliant; readily managed; responsive; willing to be led; answerable or accountable legally; responsible; able to be tested by; Ex. amenable to sensible suggestions; Ex. He is very amenable; Ex. amenable to the usual tests Americanism n. word or phrase used in American English but not in standard English in Britain amicable peaceful; politely friendly; not quarrelsome; Ex. amicable settlement amity friendship; peaceful relationship as between nations amorous moved by sexual love; loving; of sexual love; Ex. amorous advances amorphous formless; lacking shape or definition amour n. (esp secret) love affair ampere n. unit for measuring electric current . ampersand n. sign meaning `and' `&' , `and' amphibious adj. living or operating both on land and in water amphitheater oval building with tiers of seats; CF. arena amplitude n. breadth; largeness; abundance ; amputate cut off part of body; prune (a limb) amusement thing that makes time pass pleasantly anachronism an error involving time in a story; something or someone misplaced in time; ADJ. anachronistic anagram n. word or phrase made by rearranging the letters of another word or phrase analogous comparable; similar analogy similarity; parallelism; comparing two similar things analyst n. person skilled in making analyses analyze To examine minutely or critically. anarchy absence of governing body; state of disorder anathema solemn curse; someone or something regarded as a curse; V. anathematize anatomy n. scientific study of the structure of animal bodies ancestry family descent; ADJ. ancestral anecdote short story of an amusing or interesting event anemia condition in which blood lacks red corpuscles; ADJ. anemic anemic lacking force, vitality, or spirit anemometer n. instrument for measuring the force of the wind anesthetic substance that removes sensation with or without loss of consciousness; N. anesthesia anew adv. in a new or different way; again Anglophobe n. person who hates or fears England or English things Anglo-Saxon n. person of English descent angular sharp-cornered; having an angle; not rounded (body); bony; lean; gaunt; stiff in manner anhydrous free from water and especially water of crystallization animadversion critical remark; V. animadvert: comment critically with disapproval animadvert v. ~ (fml ) make (esp critical) remarks about sb/sth animalcule n. microscopically small animal animate adj. living; having life animosity active enmity annalist n. person who writes annals annals records arranged in yearly parts; history annex attach; add to a large thing; take possession of; incorporate (territory) into a larger existing political unit (by force); N: building added to a large one annihilate destroy annotate comment; make explanatory notes annual adj. happening every year annuity yearly allowance annunciation n. the Annunciation (festival held on 25 March to commemorate) the announcement to Mary that she was to be the mother of Christ , ; 325 anode n. positive electrode by which an electric current enters a device anonymous adj. with a name that is not known or not made public antagonism hostility; active opposition; V. antagonize: cause to become an enemy; N. antagonist: person who is opposed to another; opponent; adversary; principal character in oppostion to the protagonist antarctic adj. of the regions around the South Pole . ante n. stake in poker2, etc that a player must make before receiving new cards antecede precede antecedent n. thing or circumstance that is or comes before another antechamber n. = ante-room antedate v. put an earlier date on than the one at the time of writing antediluvian antiquated; extremely ancient antenatal adj. existing or occurring before birth; pre-natal anterior adj. coming before in position or time; nearer the front ; anteroom A room situated before and opening into another, usually larger. anthology book of literary selections by various authors; CF. omnibus anthracite n. very hard form of coal that burns with little smoke or flame anthropology n. study of mankind, esp of its origins, development, customs and beliefs , antic n. absurd or exaggerated movement or behaviour intended to amuse people Antichrist Any opponent or enemy of Christ, whether a person or a power. anticlimax letdown in thought or emotion; something unexciting, ordinary, or disappointing coming after something important or exciting anticyclone n. area in which atmospheric pressure is high, producing fine and settled weather, with an outward flow of air antidote remedy to counteract a poison or disease; Ex. antidote to the economic troubles antiphon A response or alteration of responses, generally musical. antiphony An anthem or other composition sung responsively. antipode the exact or direct opposit antiquary n. person who studies, collects or sells antiques , antiquate To make old or out of date. antique made in an earlier period and usu. valuable; N: object that was made in an earlier period and that is rare or valuable antiseptic substance that prevents infection in a wound; ADJ. antispasmodic Tending to prevent or relieve non-inflammatory spasmodic affections. antistrophe The inversion of terms in successive classes, as in "the home of joy and the joy of home". antitoxin n. substance that acts against a poisonous substance and prevents it from having a harmful effect antonym n. word that is opposite in meaning to another anxious adj. ~ feeling anxiety; worried; uneasy apathy lack of caring; indifference; lack of concern or interest in important matters; Ex. He was sunk in apathy after his failure; ADJ. apathetic aperture opening; hole; adjustable opening in a camera that limits the amount of light apex tip; summit; climax; highest point aphorism pithy maxim or saying; ADJ. aphoristic apiary a place where bees are kept apogee highest point; the point farthest from the earth; OP. perigee apology n. ~ (for sth) statement to say one is sorry for having done wrong or hurt sb's feelings apostasy n. abandoning one's religious beliefs, principles, political party, etc apostate one who abandons his religious faith or political beliefs; N. apostasy apostle n. any of the twelve men sent out by Christ to spread his teaching apothecary druggist; pharmacist apotheosis elevation to godhood; an ideal example of something appall dismay; shock deeply apparent evident; easily seen or understood; appearing as such; Ex. apparent improvement apparition ghost; phantom appease pacify or soothe; Ex. appease a crying baby; N. appeasement appellate Capable of being appealed to. appellation name; title append attach appertain v. ~ to sb/sth belong or relate to sb/sth as a right; be appropriate to sb/sth ; apposite appropriate; fitting apposition n. addition of one word or phrase to another word or phrase as an explanation appraise estimate value of; N. appraisal appreciable adj. that can be seen or felt; considerable apprehend arrest (a criminal); dread; perceive; N. apprehension apprehensible Capable of being conceived. approbation approval appropriate acquire; take possession of for one's own use without permission; set aside for a particular purpose; allocate; CF. misappropriate aqueduct n. structure for carrying water across country, esp one built like a bridge over a valley or low ground , aqueous adj. of or like water; produced by water arbiter person with power to decide a matter in dispute; judge who is in a position ot make influential judgments; Ex. supreme arbiter of fashion in beachware arbitrary unreasonable or capricious; random; tyrannical; Ex. arbitrary ruler arbitrate act as judge (at the request of both sides) arbor a shelter of vines or branches or of latticework covered with climbing shrubs or vines arboreal of or living in trees arborescent Having the nature of a tree. arboretum place where different trees and shrubs are studied and exhibited arboriculture The cultivation of trees or shrubs. arcade a covered passageway usually lined with shops archaeology study of artifacts and relics of early mankind archaic antiquated; no longer used; belonging to the past; N. archaism n. archaic word or expression archangel n. angel of the highest rank archbishop n. bishop of the highest rank, responsible for a large church district archdeacon n. priest next below the rank of bishop archetype prototype; primitive pattern archipelago group of closely located islands ardent adj. full of ardour; enthusiastic ardor heat; passion; zeal; ADJ. ardent arid (of land) dry; barren; unproductive aristocracy hereditary nobility; privileged class; government by nobility; N. aristocrat aristocrat n. member of the aristocracy; nobleman or noblewoman ; armada fleet of warships armful n. quantity that can be carried by one or both arms armory a place where arms and military equipment are stored aroma n. distinctive smell; fragrance arraign charge in court; indict arrange v. put in order; make tidy, neat or attractive arrangement n. putting in order; arranging arrant adj. to the highest degree; utter arrear Something overdue and unpaid. arrival n. act of arriving arrogant adj. behaving in a proud and superior manner; showing too much pride in oneself and too little consideration for others arrogate v. ~ sth to oneself claim or take sth to which one has no right artful exhibiting art or skill; deceitful; cunning; CF. artifice Arthurian Pertaining to King Arthur, the real or legendary hero of British poetic story. artifice deception; trickery artless without guile; open and honest ascendant n. in the ascendant rising in power and influence ascension n. act of ascending ascent n. act of ascending ascetic practicing self-denial; avoiding physical pleasures and comforts; austere; Ex. ascetic life of Buddhist monks; N. asceticism ascribe refer; attribute; assign asexual adj. without sex or sex organs ashen ash-colored; deadly pale askance with a sideways or indirect look (with disapproval or distruct); Ex. look askance at asperity sharpness; roughness; severity (of temper or weather); Ex. asperities of a Russian winter aspirant seeker after position or status aspiration n. ~ ~ (to do sth) strong desire or ambition aspire seek to attain (position or status); long for; Ex. aspire to become president; Ex. aspire to/after the leadership assassin n. killer, esp one who kills an important or famous person for money or for political reasons , assassinate v. kill for money or for political reasons assassination n. murder of this kind assay analyze (to discover what materials are present); evaluate (soil or ore) assent agree; accept; N. assessment assess v. ~ sth decide or fix the amount of sth assessor n. person who assesses taxes or the value of property, etc , assiduous diligent assignee One who is appointed to act for another in the management of certain property and interests. assimilate absorb; take (food) into the body and digest it; understand (knowledge) completely and be able to use properly; cause to become homogeneous (the people of a country or race in the wasy of behaving or thinking) assonance n. similarity between the vowel sounds only or the consonant sounds only of two words or syllables, as in sharper and garter or killed and cold , sharper garter killed cold assuage mak less severe; ease or lessen (pain); satisfy (hunger); soothe (anger) astringent binding; causing contraction (stopping bleeding); harsh or severe; stringent; Ex. astringent criticism astute wise; shrewd; keen; seeing quickly something that is to one's advantage atheism n. belief that there is no God athirst Wanting water. athwart adv, prep obliquely across (sth); from one side to the other side (of) atomizer An apparatus for reducing a liquid to a fine spray, as for disinfection, inhalation, etc. atone make amends for; pay for; Ex. atone for atonement n. act of atoning atrocious adj. very wicked, cruel or shocking atrocity brutal deed; ADJ. atrocious attache n. person attached to an ambassador's staff with a particular responsibility attest testify; bear witness auburn adj. reddish-brown audacious daring; bold; N. audacity audible adj. that can be heard clearly audition n. trial hearing of a person who wants to perform as an actor, a singer, a musician, etc auditory adj. of or concerned with hearing augment increase; add to augur to foretell especially from omens Augustinian Pertaining to St. Augustine, his doctrines, or the religious orders called after him. aura n. distinctive atmosphere that seems to surround and be caused by a person or thing aural adj. of or concerning the ear or hearing auricle One of the two chambers of the heart which receives the blood from the veins. auricular adj. of or like the ear auriferous Containing gold. aurora n. (also the northern lights) bands of coloured light, mainly red and green, seen in the sky at night near the North Pole and caused by electrical radiation auspice protection or support, patronage austere forbiddingly stern; ascetic; without comfort or enjoyment; severely simple and unornamented; Ex. a monk's austere life; Ex. austere grandeur of the cathedral; N. austerity autarchy Unrestricted power. authentic adj. known to be true or genuine autobiography n. story of a person's life written by that person autocracy n. government by one person with unlimited power; despotism ; autocrat n. ruler of an autocracy automaton mechanism that imitates actions of humans; machine that works by itself autonomous self-governing; N. autonomy autonomy n. self-government; independence autopsy examination of a dead body; postmortem; V. auxiliary offering or providing help; additional or subsidiary; N: helper; assistant avalanche great mass of falling snow and ice avarice greediness for wealth aver state confidently; declare as true averse reluctant; disinclined; not liking or opposed; Ex. averse to cats/doing the house work aversion firm dislike avert prevent; avoid; turn away (eyes or thought); Ex. An accident was averted by his quick thinking; Ex. She averted her eyes from the terrible sight. aviary enclosure for birds; large cage avidity n. eagerness avocation secondary or minor occupation avow declare openly; N. avowal awaken v. stop sleeping; waken awry distorted; crooked; bent; Ex. Our plans have gone awry. aye interj yes azalea n. flowering shrub of the rhododendron family azure sky blue Baconian Of or pertaining to Lord Bacon or his system of philosophy. bacterium A microbe. badger pester; annoy continually with demands; persuade by asking again and again; Ex. The children badgered me into taking them into the cinema; N: a kind of mountain animal baffle frustrate; perplex bailiff n. law officer who helps a sheriff in issuing writs and making arrests baize n. thick woollen cloth used for covering billiard-tables, card-tables, doors, etc , bale n. large bundle of paper, straw, goods, etc pressed together and tied with rope or wire ready to be moved, sold, etc baleful evil; malignant in intent or effect; deadly; having a malign influence; portending evil; ominous; threatening; Ex. baleful look ballad n. simple song or poem, esp one that tells a story balsam n. flowering plant grown in gardens banal hackneyed; commonplace; trite; lacking originality; clich\'ed barcarole n. piece of music, esp for the piano, with a steady lilting rhythm , baritone n. male voice between tenor and bass barograph An instrument that registers graphically and continuously the atmospheric pressure. barometer n. instrument for measuring atmospheric pressure, used esp for forecasting the weather bask luxuriate; take pleasure in warmth bass n. any of several freshwater or sea fish of the perch family used as food baste v. sew together with long temporary stitches baton n. = truncheon battalion army unit made up of four or more companies batten n. long board, esp one used to keep other boards in place, or to which other boards are nailed batter v. ~ at/on sth hit hard and often bauble trinket; cheap jewel; trifle bawl v. ~ (out) shout or cry loudly beatify v. (of the Pope) honour (a dead person) by stating officially that he or she is in heaven beatitude blessedness; state of great happiness beau n. (US) boy-friend; lover ; becalm To make quiet. beck n. mountain stream; brook ; bedaub To smear over, as with something oily or sticky. bedeck to clothe with finery:DECK bedlam n. scene of noisy confusion; uproar befog v. confuse (sb/sth); make unclear or obscure befriend v. act as a friend to be kind to (esp sb needing help) beget father; become the father of; produce; give rise to begrudge envy; give or allow unwillingly; grudge; Ex. We shouldn't begrudge him his success. belay v. fix (a rope) round a peg, rock, etc in order to secure it belie contradict; give a false impression; disguise; Ex. The poor sales belied our high hopes; Ex. Her smile belies her true feeling of displeasure. believe v. feel sure of the truth of accept the statement of (sb) as true belittle disparage; depreciate belle n. beautiful woman or the most beautiful woman in a group, etc bellicose warlike belligerent quarrelsome bemoan lament; moan for; express sorrow or disapproval of benediction blessing benefactor gift giver; patron; person who does good or who gives money for a good purpose benefice n. position that provides a clergyman with his income beneficent kindly; doing good beneficial helpful; useful; advantageous beneficiary person entitled to benefits or proceeds of an insurance policy or will benefit advantage; anything that brings helpl, advantage, or profit; money provided by the government to the people; fund-raising public entertainment; Ex. unemployment benefit; V: receive benefits; be beneficial to; give benefits benevolence n. desire to do good; kindness and generosity ; benevolent generous; charitable; having a wish to do good benign kindly; favorable; not malignant (disease); Ex. benign tumor benignant Benevolent in feeling, character, or aspect. benison blessing bequeath leave to someone by means of a will; hand down in his will; N. bequest bereave v. ~ sb (fml ) deprive sb (esp of a relative) by death berth n. sleeping-place on a ship, train, etc beseech beg; plead with beset harass or trouble from all directions; hem in besmear v. ~ sth/sb (fml ) make sth/sb dirty; smear sth/sb (with greasy or sticky stuff) bestial beastlike; brutal; inhuman; very cruel bestrew To sprinkle or cover with things strewn. bestride v. (fml ) sit or stand with one leg on each side of (sth) bethink To remind oneself. betide v. woe betide sb betimes In good season or time. betroth become engaged to marry betrothal n. engagement to be married bevel n. sloping edge or surface, eg at the side of a picture frame or a sheet of plate glass . bewilder v. puzzle (sb); confuse bibliography n. list of books or articles about a particular subject or by a particular author bibliomania preoccupation with the acquisition and possession of books bibliophile n. person who loves or collects books bibulous adj. excessively fond of or addicted to alcoholic drink bide v. = abide biennial every two years bier n. frame on which a coffin or a dead body is carried or placed before burial bigamy n. marrying a person when still legally married to someone else bight n. long inward curve in a coast bilateral adj. having two sides; affecting or involving two parties, countries, etc bilingual adj. able to speak two languages equally well biography n. story of a person's life written by sb else biology n. scientific study of the life and structure of plants and animals biped n. animal with two feet birthright n. privilege or property which a person may claim because of birth or status blaspheme v. ~ swear or curse using the name of God; speak in an irreverent way about (God or sacred things) blatant extremely (offensively) obvious; loudly offensive; Ex. blatant lie; N. blatancy blaze n. bright flame or fire blazon n. heraldic shield; coat of arms ; bleak cold or cheerless; frigid; unlikely to be favorable; depressing blemish mar; spoil the beauty or perfection of; N: flaw or defect (that spoils perfection); Ex. blemishes in the crystal; CF. unblemished blithe adj. happy and carefree; casual blithesome Cheerful. blockade n. surrounding or closing of a place by warships or soldiers to prevent people or goods getting in or out boatswain n. senior seaman on a ship who supervises the crew and is responsible for the ship's equipment bodice n. upper part of a woman's dress, down to the waist bodily adj. of the human body; physical boisterous violent; rough; noisy bole n. trunk of a tree bolero n. 1 (music for a) type of Spanish dance boll n. seed-case of the cotton plant or flax bolster support; reinforce bomb n. container filled with explosive or incendiary material, made to explode when dropped or thrown, or by a timing device bombard v. ~ sb/sth attack (a place) with bombs or shells (esp from big guns) bombardier n. non-commissioned officer in an artillery regiment below a sergeant bombast grandiloquent, pompous speech boorish rude; insensitive bore v. make with a revolving tool or by digging borough n. town or district with a corporation and certain rights of self-government granted by royal charter bosom n. person's chest, esp a woman's breasts botanical adj. of or relating to botany botanize To study plant-life. botany n. scientific study of plants and their structure bountiful generous; graciously generous; showing bounty bowdlerize expurgate; CF. Thomas Bowdler bowler n. person who bowls in cricket boycott v. (usu of a group of people) refuse to have social or commercial relations with (a person, company, country, etc) brae n. steep slope; hillside ; braggart boaster; bragger brandish wave around (a weapon); flourish bravado swagger; assumed air of defiance; false show of bravery bravo interj, n shout of approval, esp to an actor or a performer bray n. cry of a donkey braze To make of or ornament with brass. brazier n. open metal framework for holding a charcoal or coal fire breach breaking of contract or duty; fissure or gap; opening; V. breaker n. large wave that breaks into foam as it moves towards the shore breech n. back part of a gun barrel where the bullet or shell is placed brethren n. brothers brevity conciseness; shortness of duration bric-a-brac n. ornaments, trinkets and small items of furniture of little value bridle harness fitted about a horse's head (used to restrain); curb; check; V: put a bridle on; control or restrain; show anger brigade n. army unit, usu of three battalions, forming part of a division brigadier n. officer in the British Army between the ranks of colonel and major general, commanding a brigade; staff officer having similar status , ; . brigand n. member of a band of robbers, esp one attacking travellers in forests and mountains , brimstone n. sulphur brine n. very salty water used esp for pickling bristle short stiff hair; V: (hair or fur) stand up stiffly Briticism A word, idiom, or phrase characteristic of Great Britain or the British. brittle hard but easily broken; difficult; unstable; Ex. brittle situation broach introduce as a subject; moot; open up broadcast v. send out (programmes) by radio or television brogan A coarse, heavy shoe. brogue n. strong outdoor shoe with thick soles and a pattern in the leather brokerage n. broker's fee or commission bromine n. chemical element, a non-metallic liquid, compounds of which are used in medicine and photography . bronchitis n. inflammationof the mucous membrane inside the bronchial tubes bronchus Either of the two subdivisions of the trachea conveying air into the lungs. brooch ornamental clasp; pin brotherhood n. relationship of brothers browbeat bully; intimidate brusque blunt; abrupt; curt; not wanting to waste time being nice buffoon stupid person; clown buffoonery clowning bulbous adj. growing from a bulb bullock n. bull that has been castrated bulrush n. type of tall rushwith a thick velvety head bulwark strong wall built for defense; earthwork or other strong defense; person who defends bumper n. bar fixed to the front and back of a motor vehicle to lessen the effect of a collision . bumptious adj. (of a person, his manner, etc) self-important and conceited bungle mismanage; blunder; botch; blow; spoil by clumsy behavior buoyancy cheerfulness that bubbles to the surface ; the property of something weightless and insubstantial buoyant able to float; cheerful and optimistic; N. buoyancy; Ex. buoyancy of wood/water/American market bureau n. (Brit) writing desk with drawers bureaucracy overregulated administrative system marked by red tape; ADJ. bureaucratic burgess In colonial times, a member of the lower house of the legislature of Maryland or Virginia. burgher n. (esp respectable) citizen of a particular town burnish make shiny by rubbing; polish bursar n. person who manages the finances of a school or college bustle v. move busily and energetically (in the specified direction) butt n. large cask or barrel for storing wine or beer butte A conspicuous hill, low mountain, or natural turret, generally isolated. buttress support; prop up; N. stationary structure to support wall; Ex. flying buttress cabal small group of persons secretly united to promote their own interests cabbalah cabinet n. piece of furniture with drawers or shelves for storing or displaying things cacophony n. loud unpleasant mixture of discordant sounds cadaverous like a corpse; pale cadence rhythmic rise and fall (of words or sounds); beat; regular beat of sound; rhythm cadenza n. elaborate passage played by the soloist, usu near the end of a movement in a concerto caitiff Cowardly. cajole persuade by praise or false promise; coax; wheedle calculable adj. that can be calculated calculus n. branch of mathematics, divided into two parts (differential calculus and integral calculus), that deals with problems involving rates of variation callosity n. area of hardened skin; callus callow youthful; immature; inexperienced calorie n. unit for measuring a quantity of heat calumny malicious misrepresentation; slander calvary The place where Christ was crucified. Calvinism n. religious teaching of the French Protestant John Calvin and of his followers , 1509-1564, cameo shell or jewel carved in relief; star's special appearance in a minor role in a film campaign n. series of military operations with a particular aim, usu in one area Canaanite A member of one of the three tribes that dwelt in the land of Canaan, or western Palestine. canary n. small yellow songbird, usu kept in a cage as a pet candid adj. not hiding one's thoughts; frank and honest candor frankness; open honesty; ADJ. candid canine related to dogs; doglike cant insincere speech or expression of piety; jargon of thieves; special words used by a particular group of people cantata story set to music to be sung by a chorus (shorter than an oratorio) canto division of a long poem cantonment n. place where soldiers live capacious spacious capillary having a very fine bore; resembling a hair; fine and slender; Ex. capillary attraction; N: very fine hairlike tube; CF. capillarity capitulate surrender; give up all resistance caprice whim; sudden change of mind without any real cause caption title; chapter heading; text under illustration captious faultfinding; too critical captivate v. fascinate (sb); charm; enchant carcass n. dead body of an animal, esp one prepared for cutting up as meat cardiac adj. of or relating to the heart or heart disease cardinal chief; most important; N: priest; cardinal number: number that shows quantity rather thatn order caret n. symbol used to show where sth is to be inserted in written or printed material caricature distortion; burlesque carnage destruction of life; slaughter; killing of large numbers of people or animals carnal fleshly; sensual; concerning the desires of the body carnivorous meat-eating; N. carnivore; CF. herbivore carouse v. drink and be merry with others (at a noisy meal, party, etc) carrion rotting flesh of a dead body; CF. vulture cartilage n. tough white flexible tissue attached to the bones of animals; gristle cartridge n. tube or case containing explosive (for blasting), or explosive with a bullet or shot (for firing from a gun) caste one of the hereditary classes in Hindu society; social stratification; prestige castigate n. scold, criticize or punish (sb) severely casual happening by chance; irregular; occasional; informal; showing or feeling little interest; Ex. casual reader/labor/remark casualty serious or fatal accident; person killed or wounded in an accident or battle cataclysm deluge; upheaval; earthquake; violent and sudden event or change cataract great waterfall; eye abnormality (causing a gradual loss of eyesight) catastrophe calamity ; disaster cathode n. negative electrode, by which an electric current leaves a device such as a battery Catholicism n. = Roman Catholicism (Roman) catholicity n. universalityor breadth caucus private meeting of a group of people in a political party to select officers or determine policy; CF. the Caucus club of Boston causal implying a cause-and-effect relationship; N. causality caustic burning; corrosive; able to burn by chemical action; sarcastically biting; (of remarks) intended to hurt; bitter; harmful; OP. harmless cauterize burn (a wound or snakebite, etc.) with hot iron or caustic substance to stop bleeding and prevent infection cede yield (title or territory) to (esp. after losing a war); surrender formally; N. cession censor (in ancient Rome) overseer of morals (also taking the census); person who eliminates inappropriate matter; V. censorious severely critical census n. official counting of a country's population or of other classes of things, eg traffic, for statistical purposes centenary n. 100th anniversary of sth 100 centiliter A hundredth of a liter. centimeter A length of one hundredth of a meter. centurion Roman army officer (commanding a company of about 100 soldiers) cereal n. any of various types of grass producing edible grains, eg wheat, rye, oats, barley . ceremonial adj. of, used for or involving a ceremony; formal ceremonious marked by formality; extremely formal and polite; CF. ceremony: conventional social courtesy cessation stoppage cession yielding to another; ceding chagrin annoyance and disappointment; vexation (caused by humiliation or injured pride) chameleon lizard that changes color in different situations chancery n. Lord Chancellor's division of the High Court of Justice chaos n. complete disorder or confusion characteristic adj. ~ forming part of the character(1a) of a person or thing; typical characterize To describe by distinctive marks or peculiarities. charlatan quack; pretender to knowledge (esp. in medicine) chasm abyss; very deep crack chasten discipline; punish in order to correct; CF. castigate chastise punish as by beating; criticize severely chastity n. being chaste (1 chateau n. castle or large country house in France chattel n. sb's goods and chattels check stop motion; curb or restrain chiffon n. thin, almost transparent fabric made of silk, nylon, etc chivalry n. (in the Middle Ages) ideal qualities expected of a knight, such as courage, honour, courtesy and concern for the weak and helpless cholera n. infectious and often fatal disease causing severe diarrhoea and vomiting, common in hot countries choleric hot-tempered; bad-tempered; irritable; easily angered; CF. cholera choral adj. of, composed for or sung by a choir Christ n. the founder of the Christian religion christen v. receive into the Christian Church by sprinkling water on his head and giving him a name Christendom n. all Christian people throughout the world chromatic adj. of colour chronology n. science of fixing the dates of historical events chronometer n. instrument that keeps very accurate time, used esp for navigating at sea cipher nonentity; worthless person or thing; zero; secret code; V. circulate v. (cause sth to) go round continuously circumference n. line that marks out a circle or other curved figure1(2b) circumlocution indirect or roundabout expression (by using an uncecessarily large number of words esp. when trying to avoid answering a difficult question directly) circumnavigate v. sail round (esp the world) circumscribe limit; confine; draw a line around circumspect prudent; cautious; acting after careful thought citadel fortress cite quote; commend; Ex. cited for bravery in an official record claimant n. person who makes a claim clairvoyance n. supposedpower of seeing in the mind either future events or things that exist or are happening out of sight clamorous adj. making loud demands or protests clan n. group of families, esp in Scotland, descended from a common ancestor clandestine secret clangor loud resounding noise; sound of repeated clanging clarify v. (cause sth to) become clear or easier to understand clarion shrill, trumpetlike sound; kind of trumpet used in former times classify v. (a)arrange (sth) systematically in classes or groups clearance n. clearing, removing or tidying sth clemency disposition to be lenient in deciding punishments; mildness as of the weather; ADJ. clement clement adj. (esp of weather) mild close-hauled adj. (of a sailing-ship) with the sails set for sailing as nearly as possible in the direction from which the wind is blowing clothier One who makes or sells cloth or clothing. clumsy adj. awkward and ungraceful in movement or shape coagulant something that produces coagulation coagulate congeal; thicken; clot; N. coagulant coalition partnership; league; union of separate political parties coddle treat gently; indulge excessively; pamper; mollycoddle; baby; cook in water just below boiling point; Ex. coddled eggs codicil supplement to the body of a will; later addition to a will coerce v. ~ sb (fml ) make sb do sth by using force or threats; compel sb to do sth coercion use of force to get someone to object; compelling; V. coerce coercive adj. using force or threats cogent convincing cognate having a common origin; related linguistically; allied by blood; similar or akin in nature; Ex. cognate languages; N. cognizant adj. ~ of sth having knowledge of sth; aware of sth ; cohere stick together cohesion tendency to keep together cohesive adj. tending to stick together coincide v. ~ (of events) occur at the same time or occupy the same period of time as sth else coincidence the chance occurrence, at the same time, of two or more seemingly connected events; V. coincide: happen at the same time; be in agreement; CF. coincident; CF. coincidental coincident adj. happening at the same time by chance collaborate work together; cooperate treasonably with the enemy collapse v. fall down or in suddenly colleague n. person with whom one works, esp in a profession or business collective adj. of, by or relating to a group or society as a whole; joint; shared collector n. person who collects (collect 4) things collegian A college student. collide v. ~ (of moving objects or people) strike violently against sth or each other collier n. coal-miner collision n. ~ ~ (between A and B) (instance of) one object or person striking against another; (instance of) colliding; crash colloquial pertaining to conversational or common speech; informal; N. colloquialism: colloquial expression colloquialism n. colloquial word or phrase colloquy informal discussion; conversation collusion conspiring in a fraudulent scheme to cheat or deceive others; V. collude colossus gigantic statue; person or thing of great size or importance comely attractive; agreeable; having a pleasing appearance comestible something fit to be eaten comical adj. amusing commemorate honor the memory of; serve as a memorial to; Ex. commemorate the 100th anniversary/those who died in the war commentary n. ~ spoken description of an event asit happens commingle mingle together commissariat The department of an army charged with the provision of its food and water and daily needs. commission n. ~ action, task or piece of work given to sb to do commitment n. ~ committing or being committed (commit committal n. action of committing (commit 2), esp to prison commodity n. thing bought in a shop and put to use, esp in the home commotion n. noisy confusion or excitement commute v. travel regularly by bus, train or car between one's place of work and one's home (usu at a distance) comparable adj. ~ able or suitable to be compared comparative adj. involving comparison or comparing comparison n. comparing compensate v. ~ for sth give (sb) sth good to balance or lessen the bad effect of damage, loss, injury, etc; recompense competence n. ~ ~ (in doing sth/to do sth) being competent; ability competent adj. ~ ~ (to do sth) (of people) having the necessary ability, authority, skill, knowledge, etc competitive adj. of or involving competition competitor n. person who competes complacence Satisfaction with one's acts or surroundings. complacent adj. ~ (usu derog ) calmly satisfied with oneself, one's work, etc complaisance n. willingness to do what pleases others complaisant trying to please; obliging; willing to please others complement complete; consummate; make perfect; N. complex adj. made up of (usu several) closely connected parts compliant readily acting in accordance with a rule, order, or the wishes or others; yielding; comforming to requirements complicate v. make more difficult to do, understand or deal with complication n. state of being complex, intricate or difficult; involved condition complicity participation; involvement (in a questionable act or a crime) compliment n. ~ expression of praise, admiration, approval, etc component element; ingredient comport bear one's self; behave; Ex. comport oneself; N. comportment composure mental calmness comprehensible adj. ~ that can be understood fully comprehension n. understanding comprehensive broad; including a lot or everything; thorough; inclusive compress force into less space; squeeze; contract; put into fewer words; N: thick mass of cloth pressed to part of the body to stop bleeding or swelling, reduce fever, etc. compressible Capable of being pressed into smaller compass. compression n. compressing or being compressed comprise include; consist of compulsion compelling; strong desire that is difficult to control; irresistible impulse compulsory obligatory; that must be done compunction remorse; strong uneasiness caused by guilt compute reckon; calculate concede admit; acknowledge as being true (often reluctantly); yield; grant; Ex. concede a goal conceit vanity or self-love; too high opinion of one's own value; extravagant metaphor (in poetry) conceive v. become pregnant concerto n. musical composition for one or more solo instruments and an orchestra concession an act of yielding; conceding; something conceded; point, right, etc. given unwillingly; privilege of maintaining a business in a certain place; Ex. oil concessions in the North sea; CF. concessionaire conciliate v. make less angry or more friendly (esp by being pleasant or making some concessions) conclusive decisive; ending all debate concord harmony; accord concordance n. alphabeticalindex of the words used by an author or in a book concur agree; coincide; happen at the same time concurrence n. agreement concurrent happening at the same time; in agreement concussion n. injury to the brain caused by a blow, violent shaking, etc, resulting in temporary unconsciousness condensation n. condensing or being condensed condense v. ~ (into/to sth) (cause sth to) become thicker or more concentrated condescend (derog.) bestow courtesies with a superior air; descend to the level of one considered inferior condolence n. sympathy conduce v. ~ to/towards sth help to bring sth about conducive helpful; contributive; V. conduce; Ex. conduce to/towards conduit aqueduct; passageway for fluids confectionery n. sweets, chocolates, cakes, etc confederacy n. alliance or league, esp of states confederate adj. joined together by an agreement or a treaty confer v. ~ (with sb) (on/about sth) have discussions (esp in order to exchange opinions or get advice) conferee A person with whom another confers. confessor n. priest who hears confessions confidant n. trusted person to whom one speaks about one's private affairs or secrets confide tell in confidence (to a person one trusts); be confident about confidence self-assurance; calm unworried feeling based on a strong belief in one's abilities; strong belief in the ability of a person or plan; trust or faith in a person or thing; something confided; secret; Ex. confidence in your ability; Ex. I'm telling yo confident adj. ~ feeling or showing trust in oneself or one's ability confinement n. being confined; imprisonment confiscate seize; take possession of (private property) by official order (usu. as a punishment); commandeer conflagration great fire confluence flowing together; the place where two rivers flow together; crowd; gathering together confluent adj. flowing or coming together; uniting ; conformable Harmonious. conformance The act or state or conforming. conformation n. way in which sth is formed; structure ; conformity harmony; agreement with established rules or customs; similarity; Ex. behave in conformity with; V. conform: be similar; act in agreement; comply; Ex. conform to the rule; CF. conformance confront v. ~ sb with sb/sth make sb face or consider sb/sth unpleasant, difficult, etc congeal freeze; coagulate congenial pleasant; friendly; in agreement with one's tastes and nature; Ex. congenial weather congest become or cause to become obstructed congregate v. come together in a crowd conjecture surmise; guess; V. conjoin v. (cause people or things to) join together; unite ; conjugal pertaining to marriage conjugate v. give the different forms of (a verb), as they vary according to number, tense, etc conjugation n. conjugating conjunction n. word that joins words, phrases or sentences, eg and, but, or , and but or connive v. ~ at sth disregard or seem to allow (a wrong action) connoisseur person competent to act as a judge of art, etc. (whose judgments are respected); a lover of an art connote v. suggest (sth) in addition to the main meaning connubial pertaining to marriage or the matrimonial state conquer v. take possession of (sth) by force consanguineous adj. Descended from the same parent or ancestor. conscience n. person's awareness of right and wrong with regard to his own thoughts and actions conscientious scrupulous; through and careful; Ex. conscientious worker conscious adj. knowing what is going on around one because one is able to use bodily senses and mental powers; awake conscript draftee; person forced into military service; V. consecrate dedicate; sanctify; declare as sacred; Ex. consecrate one's life to helping the poor consecutive adj. coming one after the other without interruption; following continuously consensus general agreement; opinion reached by a group conservatism n. tendency to resist great or sudden change conservative adj. opposed to great or sudden change conservatory n. room with glass walls and roof used to protect plants from cold, built against an outside wall of a house, and with a door into the house . consign send to a person or place for sale; deliver officially; entrust; put into the care of another; set apart (for a special purpose); N. consignment; CF. consignor, consignee consignee n. person to whom sth is consigned consistency absence of contradictions; uniformity; degree of thickness or firmness; Ex. consistency of thick cream; CF. viscous console lessen sadness or disappointment; give comfort; allay the sorrow of; N. consolation consolidate v. become more solid, secure, or strong consonance harmony; agreement consonant harmonious; in agreement; N. consort associate with; keep company; N: husband or wife (or a ruler) conspicuous adj. ~ easily seen; noticeable; remarkable conspirator n. person who conspires conspire take part in a conspiracy; (of events) work together; combine; Ex. Events conspired to produce great difficulties. constable n. = police constable (police) constellation n. named group of stars consternation great shock; dismay constituency voters represented by an elected official; district so represented; group of supporters (or constituents) constituent supporter; voter; member of a constituency; component constrict v. make tight, smaller or narrower consul n. official appointed by a state to live in a foreign city in order to help people from his own country who are travelling or living there, and protect their interests consulate n. offices of a consul consummate complete; V. consumption n. using up of food, energy, resources, etc consumptive adj. suffering or tending to suffer from consumption(2) contagion infection (by contact); ADJ. contagious; CF. infectious: that can be passed by infection in the air contagious adj. (of a disease) spreading by contact contaminate pollute contemplate v. look at or consider (sth) thoughtfully contemporaneous adj. ~ (fml ) existing or happening at the same time contemporary adj. ~ of the time or period being referred to; belonging to the same time contemptible adj. deserving contempt; despicable contemptuous adj. ~ feeling or showing contempt contender n. person who tries to win sth in competition with others contiguity n. being contiguous contiguous adjacent to; touching upon continence self-restraint; sexual chastity; sexual abstinence; voluntary control over bladder and bowel functions; ADJ. continent contingency n. event that may or may not occur; event that happens by chance contingent dependent on something uncertain or in the future; conditional; happening by chance; accidental; N: a group of soldiers, ships to a larger force; CF. contingency: future event that may or may not occur; possibility; Ex. prepare for every contingency continuance n. continuing existence; remaining; staying continuation n. carrying sth on beyond a certain point without stopping; prolongation continuity n. state of being continuous continuous adj. going on without stopping or being interrupted contort v. ~ (with sth) (cause sth to) twist out of its natural shape contraband illegal trade; smuggling; smuggled goods; ADJ. contradiction n. contradicting contradictory adj. contradicting contraposition A placing opposite. contravene contradict; oppose; violate (a rule, law, or custom); N. contravention contribution n. ~ action of contributing contrite penitent; repentant; N. contrition contrivance something contrived; machine or apparatus; clever deceitful plan; scheme contrive invent or fabricate in a clever way (by improvisation); manage; Ex. contrive to attract his attention control n. ~ power or authority to direct, order or limit controller n. person who controls or directs sth, esp a department or division of a large organization contumacious stubborn and disobedient; resisting authority (esp. disobedient to an order made by a court) contumacy n. obstinate resistance or disobedience contusion bruise convalesce v. regain one's health and strength after an illness convalescence n. gradual recovery of health and strength . convalescent n, adj (person who is) recovering from illness convene come together; assemble; call to meet; Ex. convene the council convenience n. quality of being convenient or suitable; freedom from trouble or difficulty converge approach; tend to meet; come together convergent tending to move toward one point or to approach each other:CONVERGING conversant familiar with; having knowledge of conversion n. ~ (into/to sth) converting or being converted convertible adj. ~ that can be converted convex curving outward conveyance vehicle; transfer; act of conveying; Ex. public conveyance convivial pleasantly merry; festive; joyous; gay; characterized by joviality; jovial convolution n. coil; twist convolve To move with a circling or winding motion. convoy n. group of vehicles or ships travelling together convulse v. cause to make sudden violent uncontrollable movements convulsion violent uncontrollable shaking movement (caused by illness); V. convulse; ADJ. convulsive copious plentiful coquette flirt; flirtatious woman; woman who tries to attract the admiration of men without sincere feelings; V. cornice projecting molding on building (usually above columns or pillars); cornucopia horn (or horn-shaped container) overflowing with fruit and grain; symbol of abundance; horn of plenty corollary natural consequence (which naturally follows from something else) coronation n. ceremony of crowning a king, a queen or some other sovereign ruler coronet n. small crown worn by a peer or peeress corporal adj. of the human body corporate adj. of or shared by all the members of a group; collective corporeal bodily (rather than spiritual); of a bodily form; material; tangible corps n. military force made up of two or more divisions corpse n. dead body corpulent very fat; N. corpulence corpuscle red or white cell in the blood correlate either of the correlated things; V. correlative adj. having or showing a relation to sth else corrigible Capable of reformation. corroborate confirm; support; strengthen corrode destroy or wear away gradually by chemical action (over a long period) corrosion n. corroding or being corroded; corroded area or part corrosive eating away by chemicals or disease; (of language) fierce corruption n. corrupting or being corrupted cosmetic n. substance for putting on the body, esp the face, to make it beautiful cosmic pertaining to the universe; vast cosmogony n. theory of the origin and development of the universe cosmography The science that describes the universe, including astronomy, geography, and geology. cosmology n. scientific study of the universe and its origin and development cosmopolitan adj. containing people from all over the world cosmopolitanism A cosmopolitan character. cosmos the cosmos n the universe, ie all space, seen as a well-ordered system counteract v. act against and reduce the force or effect of counterbalance n. ~ weight or force that balances another counterfeit n, adj made or done so that it is very similar to another thing, in order to deceive; fake counterpart thing that completes another; things very much alike; thing that has the same purpose in a different system countervail counterbalance countryman n. person living in or born in the same country(1a) as sb else courageous adj. brave; fearless course n. forward movement in time courser A fleet and spirited horse. courtesy n. courteous behaviour; good manners covenant binding agreement between two groups or people; compact; V: enter into a covenant; promise covert secret; hidden; implied; OP. overt covey n. small flock of partridges cower shrink quivering as from fear; cringe coxswain n. man in charge of a ship's rowing-boat and its crew crag n. high, steep or rugged mass of rock cranium n. (anatomy ) bony part of the head enclosing the brain; skull ; crass very unrefined; grossly insensible; crude and undiscriminating; Ex. crass behavior creak v. make a harsh sound like that of an unoiled door-hinge, or badly-fitting floor-boards when trodden on creamery n. place where milk, cream, butter, etc are sold credence belief credible adj. that can be believed; believable credulous adj. too ready to believe things creed system of religious or ethical belief crematory A place for cremating dead bodies. crevasse n. deep open crack in the ice of a glacier crevice crack; fissure criterion n. standard by which sth is judged critique n. critical analysis crockery n. cups, plates, dishes, etc made of baked clay , crucible n. pot in which metals are melted crusade n. any one of the military expeditions by the European Christian countries to recover the Holy Land from the Muslims in the Middle Ages crustacean n. any of various types of animal that have a hard outer shell and live mostly in water; shellfish ; crustaceous Having a crust-like shell. cryptogram n. message written in code crystallize To bring together or give fixed shape to. cudgel n. short thick stick or club culinary relating to cooking or kitchen cull pick out from others (to kill the weakest members); reject; select; collect (information); N. culpable deserving blame; blameworthy culprit one guilty of a crime culvert artificial channel for water; drain crossing under a road cupidity greed (for wealth); CF. cupid; CF. Cupid curable adj. that can be cured curator superintendent; manager (in charge of a museum or a library) curio n. small object that is quite rare or unusual cursive (of writing) flowing; running; having the successive letters joined cursory casual; hastily done with little attention to detail curt adj. (of a speaker, his manner, what he says) rudely brief; abrupt curtail shorten; reduce curtsy A downward movement of the body by bending the knees. cycloid Like a circle. cygnet n. young swan cynical skeptical or distrustful of human motives; N. cynicism; CF. cynic: person who believes all people are motivated by selfishness cynicism n. cynical attitude cynosure object of general attention; person or thing that is a center of attention; CF. Ursa Minor darkle to grow dark; darken Darwinism The doctrine that natural selection has been the prime cause of evolution of higher forms. dastard a person who acts treacherously or underhandedly datum A premise, starting-point, or given fact. dauntless bold; fearless dearth scarcity debase degrade; reduce in quality or value; degenerate; lower in esteem; disgrace; N. debasement debatable adj. not certain; open to question; arguable debonair (of men) friendly, charming, and fashionably dressed; aiming to please; CF. of good disposition debut d\'ebut; first public appearance; formal presentation of a young woman to society decagon A figure with ten sides and ten angles. decagram A weight of 10 grams. decaliter A liquid and dry measure of 10 liters. decalogue n. the Decalogue the Ten Commandments given to Moses by God decameter A length of ten meters. decamp v. ~ go away suddenly and often secretly (taking sth with one) decapitate behead decapod Ten-footed or ten-armed. decasyllabic [ decasyllable: ] adjectiv deceit n. deliberately leading sb to believe or accept sth that is false, usu so as to get sth for oneself; deceiving deceitful adj. often deceiving people; dishonest deceive v. ~ sb/oneself make sb believe sth that is not true (so as to make him do sth); deliberately mislead sb decency n. quality of being or appearing as respectable people would wish decent adj. proper; acceptable deciduous falling off at a specific season or stage of growth as of leaves; Ex. deciduous tree/teeth decimal adj. based on or reckoned in tens or tenths decimate kill (usually one out of ten or every tenth man); destroy or kill a large part of decipher decode; CF. indecipherable decisive adj. having a particular, important or conclusive effect declamation n. declaiming declamatory adj. formal and rhetorical; with great feeling declarative Containing a formal, positive, or explicit statement or affirmation. declension n. varying the endings of nouns and pronouns according to their function in a sentence decorate v. ~ sth make sth (more) beautiful by adding ornaments to it decorous proper (in behavior, conduct, or appearance) decoy lure or bait; V. decrepit weak and in bad condition from old age or hard use; Ex. decrepit old chair/man dedication n. ~ devotion to a cause or an aim deduce v. ~ sth arrive at (facts, a theory, etc) by reasoning; infer sth deface mar; disfigure defalcate embezzle defamation n. defaming or being defamed defame harm someone's reputation; malign; speak evil of; slander; N. defamation; ADJ. defamatory default failure to act; failure to perform a task or be present; V. defendant n. person accused or sued in a legal case defensible adj. that can be defended defensive adj. used for or intended for defending defer give in respectfully; submit; delay till later; exempt temporarily; N. deferment; CF. show respect, comply with, courteous deference courteous regard for another's wish; courteous yielding to another's wish or opinion (showing respect); ADJ. deferential; OP. effrontery defiant adj. showing defiance; openly opposing or resisting sb/sth deficiency n. ~ state of lacking sth essential deficient adj. ~ in sth lacking in sth definite adj. clear; not doubtful deflect turn aside; turn away from a straight course deform v. spoil the shape or appearance of deformity n. being deformed defraud v. ~ sb get sth from sb by deception; cheat sb defray provide for the payment of; undertake the payment of; pay degeneracy A becoming worse. degenerate become worse in quality; deteriorate; ADJ: having become worse; Ex. a degenerate species; N: depraved or corrupt person degradation humiliation; debasement; degeneration; V. degrade: debase; disgrace; degenerate; reduce (something) in worth; demote (someone); reduce in rank degrade v. cause to be less moral and less deserving of respect dehydrate remove water from; dry out deify turn into a god; make a god of; idolize; Ex. Kings were deified; CF. deity deign condescend; stoop deism n. belief in the existence of God that is based more on natural laws of the world than on divine revelation deity n. god or goddess deject to make gloomy dejection n. sad or dejected state; depression delectable adj. (esp of food) delightful; pleasant delectation n. enjoyment; entertainment deleterious harmful delicacy n. softness or tenderness when touched delineate portray; depict; sketch; describe; N. delineation deliquesce To dissolve gradually and become liquid by absorption of moisture from the air. delirious adj. suffering from delirium delude deceive deluge flood; rush; V. delusion false belief; hallucination; deluding; Ex. delusions of grandeur; Ex. under the delusion that demagnetize To deprive (a magnet) of magnetism. demagogue person who appeals to people's prejudice; false leader of people; CF. demagoguery demeanor behavior; bearing demented insane demerit fault; bad quality demise death demobilize relieve from military service demolish v. pull or knock down (a building, etc) demonstrable adj. that can be shown or proved demonstrate v. ~ sth (to sb) show sth clearly by giving proof or evidence demonstrative adj. (of people) showing the feelings readily demonstrator n. person who teaches or explains by demonstrating (demonstrate demulcent Any application soothing to an irritable surface demurrage the detention of a vessel beyond the specified time of sailing. dendroid Like a tree. dendrology The natural history of trees. denizen (animal, person, or plant) inhabitant or resident of a particular place; regular visitor denominate To give a name or epithet to. denomination religious group; unit in a system; name or designation; CF. denominator: common trait or characteristic denominator n. number below the line in a fraction, showing how many parts the whole is divided into, eg 4 in 4 denote v. be the name, sign or symbol of (sth); refer to denouement final outcome; final development of the plot of a play or other literary work; the end of a story when everything is explained denounce condemn; criticize; N. denunciation dentifrice n. powder or paste used for cleaning the teeth denude to strip of all covering or surface layers denunciation n. denouncing deplete reduce; exhaust deplorable adj. that is, or should be, condemned deplore regret; express sorrow and severe disapproval for something bad; Ex. deplore their violent behavior; ADJ. deplorable: very bad; deserving severe disapproval; Ex. deplorable living condition deponent n. person who makes a written statement for use in a lawcourt depopulate v. reduce the number of people living in deport send out of the country; behave; N. deportation, deportment deportment n. (Brit) way of standing and walking; bearing deposition testimony under oath; deposing; dethroning depository n. place where things, eg furniture, are stored; storehouse ; deprave v. make (sb) morally bad; corrupt deprecate express disapproval of; deplore; protest against; belittle; ADJ. deprecatory depreciate lessen in value; belittle; represent as of little value depress v. make sad and without enthusiasm depression n. being depressed; low spirits depth n. distance from the top down derelict negligent; (of someone) neglectful of duty; (of something) deserted by an owner; abandoned; N: abandoned property; homeless or vagrant person deride ridicule; treat with contempt; make fun of; OP. respect derision ridicule; ADJ. derisive; CF. derisory derivation deriving; origin or source of something; Ex. the derivation of the word derivative unoriginal; obtained from another source; Ex. derivative prose style; N. derive v. ~ sth from sth obtain sth from sth; get sth from sth dermatology n. medical study of the skin and its diseases, etc derrick n. large crane for moving or lifting heavy weights, esp on a ship descendant n. person descended from another descent n. coming or going down descry catch sight of (something distant) desert v. go away from (a place) without intending ever to return desiccant n. substance that absorbs moisture, and is often used to keep food in good condition designate adj. appointed to a job (but not yet having officially started it) desist v. ~ (fml ) stop sth/doing sth; cease despair n. state of having lost all hope desperado reckless, desperate outlaw desperate having lost all hope; despairing; reckless and violent because of loss of hope or despair; undertaken as a last resort despicable adj. ~ (to do sth) deserving to be despised; contemptible despite prep without being affected by despond To lose spirit, courage, or hope. despondent without hope and courage; depressed; gloomy; N. despondency: loss of hope with gloom; dejection despot tyrant; harsh, authoritarian ruler; CF. despotism despotism tyranny destitute extremely poor; lacking means of subsistence; utterly lacking; devoid; Ex. destitute of any experience desultory aimless; haphazard; digressing at random deter v. ~ sb (from doing sth) make sb decide not to do sth deteriorate v. ~ become worse in quality or condition determinate having a fixed order of procedure; precisely defined; invariable; fixed; conclusive; final determination resolve; firmness of purpose; measurement or calculation; decision deterrent something that discourages or deters detest v. dislike very much; hate detract v. ~ from sth make sth seem less valuable or important detriment harm; damage deviate turn away from (a principle, norm); move away from an accepted standard; swerve; depart; diverge; N. deviation; Ex. deviation of the path of light by a prism devilry Malicious mischief. devious roundabout; erratic; deviating from the straight course; not straightforward; not completely honest; Ex. devious route devise think up; invent; plan; bequeath; N: bequest devout pious; deeply religious; sincere; earnest; Ex. my devout hope dexterity n. skill, esp in using one's hands diacritical Marking a difference. diagnose v. ~ sth find out the nature of (esp an illness) by observing its symptoms diagnosis n. diagnosing dialect n. form of a language used in a part of a country or by a class of people dialectician n. person who is skilled in dialectic dialogue n. (writing in the form of a) conversation or talk diaphanous sheer; transparent diatomic Containing only two atoms. diatribe bitter scolding or denunciation; invective; abuse dictum authoritative and weighty statement (made by a judge in court); saying; maxim; CF. obiter dictum: incidental, nonbinding remark (something said in passing) didactic (of speech or writing) intended to teach a moral lesson; teaching; instructional; N. didacticism difference n. ~ ~ (in/of sth) state or way in which two people or things are not the same, or in which sb/sth has changed differentia Any essential characteristic of a species by reason of which it differs from other species. differential adj. of, showing or depending on a difference differentiate v. ~ between A and B; ~ A (from B) see or show (two things) to be different; show sth to be different (from sth else) diffidence shyness; lack of self-confidence; timidity; ADJ. diffident diffident adj. ~ not having or showing much belief in one's own abilities; lacking self-confidence diffusion n. diffusing or being diffused dignitary person of high rank or position digraph n. two letters that represent a single sound digress v. ~ turn or wander (from the main topic) in speech or writing dilate expand; dilate on/upon: speak or write at length on (a subject) dilatory delaying; tending to delay dilemma situation that requires a choice between equally unfavorable options; problem; choice of two unsatisfactory alternatives dilettante aimless follower of an art or a field of knowledge (not taking it seriously); amateur; dabbler; CF. delight diligence steadiness of effort; persistent hard work dilute make (a liquid) less concentrated; reduce in strength; Ex. dilute the influence of the president diminution lessening; reduction in size; V. diminish diphthong n. union of two vowel sounds or vowel letters, eg the sounds / aI; aI/ in pipe / paIp; paIp/, the letters ou in doubt , pipe / paIp; paIp/ / aI; aI/; doubtou diplomacy n. management of relations between countries by each country's representatives abroad; skill in this diplomat n. person in the diplomatic service, eg an ambassador diplomatic adj. of diplomacy diplomatist n. = diplomat disagree v. ~ (with sb/sth) (about/on sth) have a different opinion (from sb); not agree disallow v. refuse to accept as valid disappear v. no longer be visible; vanish disappoint v. fail to be or do sth as good, interesting etc as was hoped for or desired or expected by disapprove v. ~ consider (sb/sth) to be bad, immoral, foolish, etc disarm v. take weapons away from disarrange v. make (sth) disorderly or untidy disavow v. say one does not know of, is not responsible for, or does not approve of (sth) disburden To disencumber. disburse pay out (as from a fund); N. disbursement; CF. purse discard v. throw (sth) out or away disciple n. follower of a religious, political, artistic, etc leader or teacher , disciplinary adj. concerning discipline discipline n. training, esp of the mind and character, aimed at producing self-control, obedience, etc disclaim disown; renounce claim to; deny; CF. disclaimer discolor To stain. discomfit frustrate; put to rout; defeat; disconcert; embarrass; perturb discomfort n. lack of comfort; slight pain disconnect v. ~ A detach sth (from sth); undo a connection disconsolate hopelessly sad (at the loss of something) discontinuance Interruption or intermission. discord conflict; lack of harmony; dissonance (when musical notes are played) discountenance v. disapprove of (sb); discourage ; discover v. find or learn about discredit defame; disgrace; destroy confidence in; disbelieve; N. CF. discreditable: causing discredit; shameful discreet adj. careful or showing good judgement in what one says or does; not too obvious discrepant Opposite. discriminate distinguish; make distinctions on the basis of preference discursive (of a person or writing) digressing; rambling (without any clear plan) discussion n. discussing sth disenfranchise disfranchise; deprive of a civil right; OP. enfranchise disengage uncouple; separate; disconnect; stop fighting; OP. engage disfavor Disregard. disfigure mar the appearance of; spoil dishabille in a state of undress dishonest adj. not honest disillusion v. destroy the pleasant but mistaken beliefs or ideals of disinfect v. clean by destroying germs that cause disease disinfectant n. substance that disinfects disinherit v. prevent from inheriting one's property (by making a new will naming another person as heir) disjunctive adj. (of a conjunction) showing opposition or contrast between two ideas (eg either... or) , either... or dislocate v. put out of its proper position in a joint dismissal n. action of dismissing dismount v. ~ get off (a motor cycle, bicycle, horse, etc) disobedience n. failure or refusal to obey disobedient adj. not obedient disown v. refuse to be connected with (sb/sth), esp because one is shocked by some action disparage belittle dispel scatter; drive away; cause to vanish dispensation n. action of dispensing or distributing displace v. move from the usual or correct place dispossess v. ~ sb take away property, land, a house, etc from sb disputation n. (instance of) disputing; controversy ; disqualify v. ~ sb (from sth/doing sth) prevent sb from doing sth, usu because he has broken a rule or is not able enough disquiet n. anxiety disregard v. pay no attention to treat (sth) as of no importance; ignore disreputable adj. having a bad reputation disrepute n. state of having a bad reputation disrobe v. (fml or joc ) undress disrupt v. cause disorder in dissatisfy To displease. dissect v. cut up in order to study its structure dissection analysis; cutting apart in order to examine dissemble disguise; hide the real nature of; pretend disseminate distribute; spread; scatter (like seeds) dissension disagreement of opinions causing strife within a group dissent disagree dissentient One who disagrees. dissentious Contentious. dissertation formal essay; treatise disservice n. ~ harmful or unhelpful action dissever To divide. dissimilar adj. ~ not the same; unlike dissipate squander; waste foolishly; scatter dissipation n. dissipating or being dissipated dissolute adj. immoral; dissipated dissolution disintegration; reduction to a liquid form; looseness in morals; sensual indulgence; debauchery; ADJ. dissolute: lacking in moral restraint; leading an immoral life dissolve v. (of a liquid) make (a solid) become liquid dissonance discord dissonant adj. not harmonious; discordant ; dissuade persuade not to do; discourage; N. dissuasion dissuasion advice against distemper n. (old method of painting with) colouring matter mixed with water and brushed on walls, etc distend expand; swell out distensible Capable of being stretched out or expanded in every direction. distill refine (a liquid by evaporating and subsequent condensation); concentrate; separate the most important parts from; Ex. distill fresh water from sea water; CF. brew distillation n. distilling distiller n. person or company that distils distinction honor; excellence; difference; contrast; discrimination; Ex. graduated with distinction; Ex. a writer of real distinction distort twist out of shape; give a false account of; misrepresent; N. distortion distrain v. ~ (law ) seize a person's property or belongings to force him to pay what he owes (esp rent) distraught upset; distracted by anxiety; very anxious and troubled almost to the point of madness; Ex. distraught with grief/worry distrust n. lack of trust; suspicion disunion n. separating or being separated disyllable n. disyllabic word or metrical foot diurnal daily; occurring during the daytime divergent adj. divergent paths, opinions diverse differing in some characteristics (from each other); various; N. diversity: | variety; dissimilitude; lack of resemblance diversion act of turning aside; pastime; V. divert: turn aside from a course; distract; amuse diversity n. state of being varied; variety divert v. ~ sb/sth (to sth) turn sb/sth from one course to another divest strip (as of clothes); deprive (as of rights); dispossess; N. divestiture(divestment) divination n. foretelling the future by supernatural means divinity n. quality of being divine1 divisible adj. ~(mathematics ) that can be divided, usu with no remainder divisor n. number by which another number is divided divulge reveal docile obedient; easily managed; submissive docket program as for trial; book where such entries are made; list of things to be done; agenda; label fixed to a package listing contents or directions; V: describe in a docket doe n. female deer, reindeer, rabbit or hare dogma n. belief or set of beliefs put forward by some authority, esp a Church, to be accepted as a matter of faith dogmatic opinionated; holding stubbornly to one's opinion; arbitrary; doctrinal dogmatize To make positive assertions without supporting them by argument or evidence. doleful adj. sad; mournful dolesome Melancholy. dolor Lamentation. dolorous sorrowful; N. dolor domain n. lands owned or ruled by a nobleman, government, etc domesticity n. home or family life domicile home; V. ADJ. domiciled: having one's domicile; Ex. He is domiciled in Britain. dominance Ascendancy. dominant exercising the most influence; high and easily seen; stronger than the other part of a system; not recessive dominate control; rule; enjoy a commanding position in; overlook from a height; 내려다보다 domination supremacy or preeminence over another domineer rule over tyrannically donate v. ~ sth give (money, goods, etc), esp to a charity; contribute sth donator One who makes a donation or present. donee A person to whom a donation is made. donor n. person who gives or donates sth dormant sleeping; temporarily inactive; lethargic; latent doublet n. short close-fitting jacket worn by men, with or without sleeves doubly adv. to twice the extent or amount dowry money or property brought by a bride to her husband at marriage drachma n. unit of money in Greece dragnet A net to be drawn along the bottom of the water. dragoon n. heavily-armed cavalryman drainage n. draining or being drained dramatist n. writer of plays dramatize To relate or represent in a dramatic or theatrical manner. drastic strong; violent and severe; Ex. drastic changes/measures drought n. continuous dry weather, esp when there is not enough water for people's needs drowsy adj. half asleep; feeling sleepy drudgery hard unpleasant work; menial work dubious questionable; (of something) causing doubt; (of someone) filled with doubt; N. dubiety duckling n. young duck ductile malleable; pliable; (of metals) easily pulled into shape; flexible; (of someone) easily influenced or controlled duet n. piece of music for two players or singers dun adj. n dull greyish-brown colour duplex adj. having two parts duplicity double-dealing; hypocrisy; being dishonest and deceitful; ADJ. duplicitous durance restraint; imprisonment duration length of time something lasts duteous adj. = dutiful dutiable adj. on which customs or other duties must be paid dutiful adj. showing respect and obedience; fulfilling all one's obligations dwindle shrink; reduce gradually dyne The force which, applied to a mass of one gram for 1 second, would give it a velocity of 1 cm/s. earnest adj. serious; determined; not light-hearted earthenware n. pottery made of baked clay eatable adj. fit to be eaten; good to eat ebullient showing excitement; overflowing with enthusiasm; boiling; N. ebullience; N. ebullition: state of boiling eccentric irregular; odd; unconventional; whimsical; bizarre; not concentric eccentricity oddity; idiosyncrasy eclipse darken; extinguish; outshine; surpass; cause an eclipse economize To spend sparingly. ecstasy rapture; very strong feeling of joy and happiness; any overpowering emotion; ADJ. ecstatic: causing or experiencing ecstasy ecstatic adj. causing or showing ecstasy edible adj. fit to be eaten edict decree (especially one issued by a sovereign); official command edify instruct; correct morally editorial adj. of an editor educe draw forth; elicit efface rub out; remove the surface of effect n. ~ change produced by an action or cause; result or outcome effective effectual; producing a strong response; striking; in operation; in effect; Ex. effective speech/photograph effectual able to produce a desired effect; valid effeminacy Womanishness. effeminate having womanly traits effervesce v. release bubbles of gas; fizz effete having lost one's original power; barren; worn out; exhausted efficacious adj. (not of people) producing the desired result; effective efficacy power to produce desired effect; ADJ. efficacious: effectual efficiency n. state or quality of being efficient efficient adj. able to work well; capable efflorescence n. action or time of bursting into flower effluvium noxious(harmful) smell effrontery rudeness without any sense of shame; shameless boldness; presumptousness; nerve; cheek effulgence the quality of being bright and sending out rays of light effuse To pour forth. effusion pouring forth; unrestrained outpouring of feeling; V. effuse: pour out; ADJ. effusive: pouring forth; gushing egoism excessive interest in one's self; belief that one should be interested in one's self rather than in others; selfishness; ADJ. egoistic, egoistical egoist n. person who believes in or shows egoism egotism tendency to speak or write of oneself excessively; conceit; self-importance egotist n. person who practises or shows egotism; selfish person ; egregious notorious; conspicuously bad or shocking egress exit; opening for going out; act of going out; OP. ingress eject v. ~ sb/sth (fml ) force sb/sth out; expel sb/sth ; elapse v. (of time) pass elasticity n. quality of being elastic electrolysis n. separation of a substance into its chemical parts by an electric current electrotype A metallic copy of any surface, as a coin. elegy poem or song expressing lamentation (for the dead); ADJ. elegiacal, elegiac element n. ~ necessary or characteristic part of sth elicit draw out fact or information (by discussion or from someone) eligible adj. ~ suitable or fit to be chosen; having the right or proper qualifications eliminate v. ~ sb/sth remove (esp sb/sth that is not wanted or needed) Elizabethan adj. of the time of Queen Elizabeth I of England 15581603 elocution n. art or style of speaking clearly and effectively, esp in public eloquent adj. having or showing eloquence elucidate explain; make clear; clarify; enlighten; CF. lucid elude v. escape (sb/sth), esp by a trick or cleverness; avoid elusion Evasion. emaciate to cause to lose f unaffectlesh so as to become very thin emanate issue forth; come out emancipate set free; liberate embargo ban on commerce or other activity embark commence; go on board a boat; begin a journey embarrass v. cause (sb) to feel self-conscious, awkward or ashamed embellish adorn; ornament; enhance as a story (by adding fictitious details) embezzle v. use in a wrong way to benefit oneself emblazon ornament richly (a shield or flag); N. emblazonment emblem n. object that represents sth; symbol embody give a bodily form to; incorporate; include embolden to instill with boldness or courage embolism n. blockage of an artery or a vein caused by a clot of blood, an air-bubble, etc embroil throw into confusion; involve in strife, dispute, or quarrel; entangle; CF. imbroglio emerge v. ~ come out or up (from water, etc) emergence n. action of emerging emergent adj. in the process of emerging emeritus adj. (of a university teacher, esp a professor) retired, but keeping his title as an honour emigrant n. person who emigrates emigrate v. ~ (to...) leave one's own country to go and live in another eminence n. state of being famous or distinguished eminent rising above others; high; lofty; distinguished; Ex. eminent position emit v. give or send (sth) out; discharge emphasis n. force or stress given to a word or words when spoken, to make the meaning clear or to show importance emphasize To articulate or enunciate with special impressiveness upon a word, or a group of words. emphatic adj. having, showing or using emphasis employee n. person who works for sb or for a company in return for wages emporium n. (joc or fml ) centre of trade; market ; empower v. give lawful power or authority (to sb) to act emulate imitate; rival; try to equal or excel (through imitation) enact make (a bill) into law enamor To inspire with ardent love. encamp v. settle in camp encomium n. (fml ) very high praise in speech or writing encompass surround; include; Ex. His activities encompass publishing and computers. encore interj Again! Repeat!! encourage v. ~ sb give support, confidence or hope to sb encroach v. ~ (fml ) go beyond what is right or natural or desirable; intrude encumber burden; N. encumbrance encyclical n. letter written by the Pope for wide circulation encyclopedia n. book or set of books giving information about every branch of knowledge, or about one particular subject, with articles in alphabetical order endanger v. cause danger to (sb/sth); put in danger endear make beloved; Ex. endear her to everyone; ADJ. dear: loved; cherished; high-priced endemic prevailing among a specific group of people or in a specific area or country; peculiar to a particular region or people; CF. pandemic endue provide with some quality; endow endurable adj. that can be endured; bearable endurance n. state or power of enduring energetic full of or done with energy enervate weaken; take away energy from enfeeble v. make weak or feeble enfranchise admit to the rights of citizenship (especially the right to vote); CF. franchise engender cause; produce; give rise to engrave v. ~ B on A/~ A cut or carve (words, designs, etc) on (a hard surface) engross occupy fully; absorb enhance increase; make greater (as in value, reputation, or usefulness); improve enigma puzzle; mystery; ADJ. enigmatic: obscure; puzzling enjoin command; order; forbid enkindle v. cause (flames, passion, etc) to flare up enlighten v. ~ sb give more knowledge or information to sb; free sb from false beliefs or ignorance enlist (cause to) join the armed forces; obtain (help, sympathy, or support) enmity ill will; hatred; hostility ennoble v. make (sb) a member of the nobility enormity hugeness (in a bad sense); excessive wickedness; Ex. enormity of the crime; ADJ. enormous enormous adj. very large; immense enrage v. make very angry enrapture please intensely; fill with rapture and delight enshrine v. ~ sth (in sth) place or keep sth (in, or as if in, a shrine or holy place) ensnare v. ~ sb/sth (in sth) (often fig ) catch sb/sth in, or as if in, a trap or snare entail make necessary; require; necessitate; involve; limit the inheritance of (property) to a specified succession of heirs; Ex. entail A on/upon B entangle v. ~ sb/sth/oneself cause sb/sth/oneself to become twisted, tangled or caught (in sth) enthrall capture; enslave; captivate; hold the complete attention of (as if magic); hold spellbound enthrone v. place (a king, queen or bishop) on a throne, esp with ceremony; exalt enthuse v. ~ show great admiration or interest for enthusiastic adj. ~ full of enthusiasm entirety n. state of being entire; completeness entomology study of insects entrails n. internal organs of a person or animal, esp the intestines entreaty n. earnest request or requesting entree n. ~ (into sth) right or privilege of admission or entry entrench v. surround or protect with a trench or trenches entwine v. ~ sth make sth by twisting one thing around another enumerate list; mention one by one epic long heroic poem, novel, or similar work of art (celebrating the feats of a hero); ADJ: (of stories or events) resembling an epic; grand epicure connoisseur of food and drink; gourmet; ADJ. epicurean; CF. Epicurus epicurean believing that pleasure is good and suffering is bad and should be avoided; N. epicycle A circle that rolls upon the external or internal circumference of another circle. epicycloid A curve traced by a point on the circumference of a circle which rolls upon another circle. epidemic n, adj spreading quickly among many people in the same place for a time epidermis n. outer layer of the skin epigram witty thought or saying, usually short epilogue short speech at conclusion of dramatic work epiphany n. Christian festival held on 6 January, in memory of the coming of the Magi to the baby Jesus at Bethlehem , 16 episode n. event occurring as part of a long series of events as in a novel, one's life, etc epitaph inscription in memory of a dead person (as on a tombstone) epithet word or phrase characteristically used to describe a person or thing; descriptive phrase to characterize a person (often contemptous) epitome perfect example or embodiment; brief summary; Ex. epitome of good manners; V. epitomize: make an epitome of; be an epitome of; embody epizootic Prevailing among animals. epoch period of time epode A species of lyric poems. equalize To render uniform. equanimity calmness of temperament; composure equestrian rider on horseback; ADJ. equilibrium balance of opposing forces; balance of the mind; equanimity equitable fair; impartial; OP. inequitable equity fairness; justice; OP. inequity equivalent adj. ~ equal in value, amount, meaning, importance, etc equivocal (of words or statements) ambiguous; intentionally misleading; (of behavior) questionable; OP. unequivocal equivocate use equivocal language to deceive people; lie; mislead; attempt to conceal the truth; N. equivocation eradicate v. destroy completely; put an end to (sth) errant wandering (esp. in search of adventure); straying from proper moral standards; Ex. knight-errant erratic odd; irregular in movement or behavior; unpredictable erroneous mistaken; wrong; incorrect erudite (of a person or book) learned; full of learning; scholarly; N. erudition erudition n. learning eschew avoid habitually; Ex. eschew alcoholic drinks espy v. (dated or joc ) catch sight of (sb/sth) esquire n. (abbr Esq) polite title added after a man's surname (instead of Mr before it), esp in addressing letters , Mr essence n. that which makes a thing what it is; most important or indispensable quality of sth estimable (of a person) worthy of esteem; admirable; deserving esteem; possible to estimate estrange to arouse especially mutual enmity or indifference in where there had formerly been love, affection, or friendliness:ALIENATE estuary n. wide river mouth into which the tide flows eugenic pertaining to the improvement of race; N. eugenics: study of hereditary improvement of the human race eulogize to speak or write in high praise of:EXTOL eulogy expression of praise, often on the occasion of someone's death; V. eulogize euphemism mild expression in place of an unpleasant one; ADJ. euphemistic euphonious adj. of a pleasing sound euphony sweet sound; ADJ. euphonious eureka interj I have found it! (a cry of triumph at making a discovery ) evade v. get or keep out of the way of evanesce To vanish gradually. evanescent fleeting; vanishing; soon disappearing; V. evanesce evangelical adj. of or according to the teachings of the Christian Gospel, or the Christian religion evangelist n. any one of the four writers of the Gospels in the Bible evasion n. keeping out of the way of sb; avoidance eventual happening at last as a result; Ex. eventual victory evert To turn inside out. evict to force out:EXPEL evidential adj. of, based on, or providing evidence evince show clearly evoke call forth (memory or feeling); Ex. That old film evoked memories of my childhood; N. evocation evolution n. (theory of the) gradual development of the characteristics of plants and animals over many generations, esp the development of more complicated forms from earlier, simpler forms evolve v. (cause to) develop naturally and (usu) gradually exacerbate worsen; aggravate; embitter exaggerate v. make seem larger, better, worse, etc than it really is; stretch (a description) beyond the truth exasperate vex; annoy or make angry (by testing the patience) excavate v. make (a hole or channel) by digging; remove (soil, etc) by digging exceed v. be greater or more numerous than (esp a quantity) excel v. ~ in/at sth be exceptionally good at sth excellence n. ~ quality of being excellent; great merit excellency n. title given to ambassadors, governors, their husbands or wives, and some other officers and officials excellent adj. very good; of very high quality excerpt selected passage (written or musical) taken from a longer work; V. excess n. an ~ of sth more than the reasonable, expected or moderate degree or amount of sth excitable adj. easily excited excitation Intensified emotion or action. exclamation n. sound(s) or word(s), expressing sudden surprise, pain, etc exclude v. ~ sb/sth prevent sb from entering somewhere, taking part in sth, etc; keep sb out exclusion n. ~ (from sth) action of excluding; being excluded excrescence n. abnormal (ugly and useless) growth on an animal body or a plant excretion n. action of excreting excruciate to subject to intense mental distress excursion n. short journey, esp one made by a group of people together for pleasure execrable very bad; detestable execration An accursed thing. executor person designated to execute the terms of a will; exegesis explanation, especially of biblical(of the bible) passages exemplar A model, pattern, or original to be copied or imitated. exemplary serving as a model; outstanding; Ex. exemplary punishment/behavior; N. exemplar: typical example; model exemplify show by example; furnish an example; serve as an example of; Ex. His pictures exemplify that sort of painting. exempt not subject to a duty or obligation; free from a duty; V. exert v. ~ sth bring (a quality, skill, pressure, etc) into use; apply sth exhale breathe out; OP. inhale exhaust n. waste fumes, gases, steam, etc expelled from an engine or a machine exhaustion n. total loss of strength; extreme tiredness exhaustive adj. very thorough; complete exhilarate v. make feel very happy or lively exhume dig out of the ground; remove from a grave exigency urgent situation; ADJ. exigent exigent adj. requiring immediate action; urgent existence n. state or fact of existing exit n. action of leaving; departure, esp that of an actor from the stage exodus departure (of a large number of people) exonerate acquit; exculpate; free from blame or guilt exorbitance n. (fml ). exorbitantly exorbitant (of costs or demands) excessive; exceeding reasonable bounds exorcise drive out evil spirits exotic not native; from another part of the world; strange; intriguingly unusual; Ex. exotic flower/dress expand v. ~ (into sth) (cause sth to) become greater in size, number or importance expanse n. ~ wide and open area (of land, sea, etc) expansion n. action of expanding; state of being expanded expatriate exile; someone who has withdrawn from his native land; V: exile; banish; leave one's country expect v. ~ sth (from sb/sth) think or believe that sth will happen or that sb/sth will come expectancy n. state of expecting or hoping expectorate v. send out (phlegm from the throat, blood from the lungs) by coughing; spit expediency that which is advisable or practical expedient suitable (for a particular purpose although not necessarily morally correct); practical; politic(prudent); N: something expedient expedite hasten; make go faster expeditious done with speed; quick; N. expedition expend v. ~ sth (fml ) spend, use (money, etc) in doing sth expense n. spending of money etc; cost expiate make amends for (a sin) explicate explain in detail; interpret; clarify; CF. explicable explicit totally clear; definite; outspoken explode v. burst with a loud noise; blow up explosion n. (loud noise caused by) sudden and violent bursting; exploding explosive adj. likely or easily able to explode exposition n. explaining or making clear by giving details expository explanatory; serving to explain; N. exposition: explaining; exhibition expostulate v. ~ (on/about sth) (fml ) make a protest (to sb); reason or argue (with sb), esp to persuade him not to do sth exposure risk, particularly of being exposed to disease or to the elements; unmasking; act of laying something open; Ex. exposure of governmental corruption expressive adj. showing one's feelings or thoughts expulsion n. ~ action of expelling or being expelled extant (of something written or painted) still in existence extemporaneous not planned; impromptu; extempore extempore adj. adv without previous thought or preparation; impromptu extensible Capable of being thrust out. extension n. process or action of extending (extend 1,2,3); state of being extended extensive adj. large in area; extending far extensor A muscle that causes extension. extenuate weaken; mitigate; lessen the seriousness of (bad behavior) exterior adj. on or coming from the outside; outer external adj. outside; situated on the outside of sth (esp the body) extinct adj. no longer in existence extinguish v. cause (sth) to stop burning; put out extol praise very highly; glorify extort wring from; get money by threats, etc.; obtain by force or threats; CF. extortionate: exorbitant extortion n. action of extorting extradite v. give up or send back to the country where the crime was (said to be) committed extradition surrender of prisoner by one state to another; Ex. extradition treaty; V. extradite extrajudicial Happening out of court. extraneous not essential; irrelevant; superfluous; external; coming from the outside; Ex. extraneous details/noise/to the subject extraordinary adj. beyond what is ordinary; very unusual; remarkable extravagance n. being extravagant extravagant adj. using or spending too much; (of actions) showing this tendency extremist n. person who holds extreme(3) views (esp in politics) extremity n. (fml ) furthest point, end or limit of sth extricate free from an entanglement or difficulty; disentangle extrude force or push out; thrust out; shape (plastic or metal) by forcing through a die exuberance overflowing abundance; joyful enthusiasm; flamboyance; lavishness; ADJ. exuberant: high-spirited and lively; growing abundantly and strongly exuberant adj. overflowing with happiness and excitement; very lively and cheerful fabricate build; lie; make up (a story) in order to deceive; Ex. fabricate the whole story; CF. fabric: underlying structure; Ex. fabric of society fabulous adj. incredibly great facet small plane surface (of a gem(precious stone)); a side facetious joking (often inappropriately); unserious; humorous facial adj. of or for the face facile easily accomplished; ready or fluent; superficial; not deep; Ex. facile solution to a complex problem; Ex. facile speaker; N. facility: ability to do something easily and well; ease in doing resulting from skill or aptitude; something that facil facilitate help bring about; make less difficult facility n. ability to learn or do things easily facsimile copy faction party; clique (within a large group); dissension factious inclined to form factions; causing dissension fallacious false; based on a fallacy; misleading; N. fallacy: false idea or notion; false reasoning; Ex. popular fallacy; Ex. fallacy of the argument fallacy n. false or mistaken belief fallible liable to err fallow (of land) plowed but not sowed (to improve the quality); uncultivated famish To suffer extremity of hunger or thirst. fanatic n. person who is too enthusiastic about sth, esp religion or politics fancier breeder or dealer of animals; one who has a special interest, as for raising specific plant or animal fastidious difficult to please; squeamish; fussy; finicky fathom comprehend; investigate; determine the depth of; N. unit of measurement for the depth of water fatuous smugly and unconsciously foolish; inane; silly; N. fatuity, fatuousness faulty adj. having a fault or faults; imperfect faun n. god of the fields and woods, with goat's horns and legs but a human torso , fawn n. deer less than one year old fealty n. (oath of) loyalty owed by a feudal tenant, etc to his lord feasible practical; able to be carried out; practicable federate v. unite into a federation feint trick; shift; sham blow; feigned attack to draw away defensive action; V. felicitate v. ~ sb (fml ) congratulate sb felicity happiness; appropriateness (of a remark, choice, etc.); quality of being felicitous felon person convicted of a grave crime; CF. felony: serious crime felonious adj. of or involving felony; criminal ; felony n. serious crime, eg murder, armed robbery or arson feminine adj. of or like women; having the qualities or appearance considered characteristic of women fernery A place in which ferns are grown. ferocious fierce; violent; N. ferocity ferocity n. fierceness; violence fervent ardent; zealous; hot fervid ardent; zealous; hot fervor glowing ardor; intensity of feeling; quality of being fervent or fervid; zeal; intense heat festal adj. of a festival; gay and joyful ; festive joyous; celebratory; relating to a feast or festival fete n. outdoor entertainment or sale, usu to raise money for a special purpose fetus = foetus feudal adj. of or according to the system as during the Middle Ages in Europe, under which people receive land and protection from the landowner and work and fight for him in return feudalism n. the feudal system fez n. red felt hat with a flat top and a tassle but no brim, worn by men in certain Muslim countries . fiasco total failure; CF. bottle fickle changeable (in affections or friendship); faithless fictitious imaginary; non-existent; purposely invented to deceive; untrue; Ex. fictitious name/boyfriend; CF. fictional fidelity loyalty; accuracy fiducial Indicative of faith or trust. fief a piece of land held under the feudal system filibuster block legislation or prevent action in a lawmaking body by making very slow long speeches; N; freebooter finale conclusion; concluding part finality n. quality or fact of being final financial adj. concerning money and finance financier n. person engaged in financing businesses, etc on a large scale finery beautiful clothes for a special occasion finesse delicate skill; V: handle with finesse finite limited fiscal adj. of or related to government money or public money, usu taxes fishmonger n. person whose job it is to sell fish in a shop fissure crevice; crack fitful spasmodic; intermittent; irregular fixture n. thing, such as a bath, water tank or toilet, that is fixed in a building and is not removed when the owner moves house flagrant conspicuously wicked, bad, or offensive; blatant; outrageous flamboyant ornate; highly elaborate; richly colored; ostentatious; showy; CF. flame flatulence n. gas in the stomach or digestive tract fledgling inexperienced flexible adj. that can bend easily without breaking flimsy adj. (of cloth or material) light and thin flippant lacking proper seriousness; Ex. flippant remarks about death; N. flippancy floe flat mass of floating ice flora plants of a region or era floral adj. made of flowers florid ruddy; (of a complexion) reddish; flowery; very ornate; CF. rose florist n. person who has a shop that sells flowers fluctuate waver; shift; rise and fall as if in waves; change or vary irregularly fluctuation n. ~ (of/in sth) flue n. channel, pipe, etc through which smoke, fumes or hot air pass from a boiler or oven, usu to a chimney fluent adj. able to speak or write a language or perform an action smoothly, accurately and with ease flux flowing; series of changes; fluctuation; Ex. in a state of flux foggy adj. not clear because of fog; very misty foible small weakness of character; slight fault; CF. feeble foist insert improperly; impose upon another by coercion; palm off; pass off as genuine or worthy; CF. fist foliage masses of leaves; CF. defoliate folio n. large sheet of paper folded once, making two leaves or four pages of a book fondle v. touch or stroke gently and lovingly; caress foolery n. foolish behaviour foppery Dandyism. foppish vain about dress and appearance; N. fop: man who takes too much interest in his clothes and appearance forbearance patience; forgiveness; V. forbear: refrain from (in a generous and forgiving way); be patient; Ex. forbear to send him to prison forby Besides. forcible adj. done by or involving the use of physical force forebode v. be a sign or a warning of (esp trouble) forecast v. tell in advance (what is expected to happen); predict with the help of information forecastle n. part of the front of certain ships where the crew live and sleep foreclose v. ~ (of a bank, etc that has lent money for a mortgage) take possession of the property of (sb), usu because repayments have not been made forecourt n. large open area or courtyard in front of a building, esp the front of a filling station where petrol is sold forefather n. person from whom one is descended; ancestor, esp a male forego To deny oneself the pleasure or profit of. foreground n. the foregroundfront part of a view, scene, picture, etc; part nearest the observer forehead n. part of the face above the eyebrows and below the hair . foreign adj. of, in or from a country or an area other than one's own foreigner n. person from a country other than one's own forejudge To judge of before hearing evidence. foreman n. experienced worker who supervises and directs other workers foreordain in theology ; foreordain or determine beforehand forepeak The extreme forward part of a ship's hold, under the lowest deck. forerun To go before as introducing or ushering in. foresail n. main sail on the front mast of a ship foresee v. see or know that sth is going to happen in the future; predict foreshore n. part of the shore between the limits of high and low tides, or between the sea and land that is cultivated or built on foresight ab