Tina Tang的部落格

coherence (n.)  

definition :

the quality or state of cohering: as  integration of diverse elements, relationships, or values

ex.

The house has been expanded and remodeled so many times that now it's a jumbled mess that lacks coherence.

 

collapse (v.) 

definition :

to fall or shrink together abruptly and completely :  fall into a jumbled or flattened mass through the force of external pressure <a blood vessel that collapsed>

ex. 

He collapsed on stage during the performance and had to be rushed to the hospital.

 

collision (n.)  

definition :

an encounter between particles (as atoms or molecules) resulting in exchange or transformation of energy

ex.  

The car was destroyed in the collision.

 

combat (v.)  

definition :

a fight or contest between individuals or groups

active fighting in a war :  action <casualties suffered in combat>

ex. 

Some of these soldiers have never seen combat.

 

commix (v.)  

definition :

to become mingled or blended

ex. 

I learned which spices are commixed to make curry powder.

commodity (n.)  

definition :

a mass-produced unspecialized product <commodity chemicals> <commodity memory chips>

an article of commerce especially when delivered for shipment <commodities futures>

ex. 

Patience is a rare commodity.

 

compliance (n.)   

definition :

the act or process of complying to a desire, demand, proposal, or regimen or to coercion

ex. 

There has been a low rate of compliance with the new law.

 

compress (v.) 

definition :

to reduce in size, quantity, or volume as if by squeezing<compress a computer file>

ex. 

Her lips compressed into a frown.

 

concede (v.) 

definition :

(1)   to acknowledge grudgingly or hesitantly <conceded that it might be a good idea> 

(2)   to relinquish grudgingly or hesitantly <concede power>

ex. 

I concede that the work has been slow so far, but it should speed up soon.

 

concise (a.) 

definition :

marked by brevity of expression or statement :  free from all elaboration and superfluous detail <a concise report> <a concise definition>

ex.

A concise article on violence in the media that manages to say more than most books on the subject.

Meticulous (a.)

definition :

1. Timid, fearful, overly cautious

2. Characterized by very precise, conscientious attention to details

ex.

The book describes his journey in meticulous detail.

 

Tenaciously (adv.)

definition :

In a tenacious manner

ex.

He continued tenaciously, doggedly continuing over all obstacles.

 

Bloated (adj.)

definition :

1. Swollen with fluid or gas

2. Excessively or extremely large or wealthy

3. Describing software which is overloaded with features, known as bloatware

4. Slightly salted and lightly smoked (as in bloated herring)

ex.

He has a bloated, uncomfortable feeling after meal. 

 

Magnanimous (adj.)

definition :

Noble and generous in spirit.

ex.

He thinks himself ardent, impulsive, passionate, magnanimous — capable of boundless enthusiasm for an idea or a sentiment.

 

Wince (n.)(v.)

definition :

1. A sudden movement or gesture of shrinking away

2. A reel used in dyeing, steeping, or washing cloth; a winch. It is placed over the division wall between two wince pits so as to allow the cloth to descend into either compartment at will

3. To flinch as if in pain or distress

4. To wash (cloth), dip it in dye, etc., with the use of a wince

5. To kick or flounce when unsteady or impatient

 

Muster (v.)

definition :

to get enough courage, confidence, support etc. to do something, especially with difficulty
ex.

He mustered all his courage to take part in the game.

A horse winces.

 

 

Prophesy (v.)

definition :

1. To speak or write with divine inspiration; to act as prophet

2. To predict, to foretell

3. To foreshow; to herald; to prefigure

4. To speak out on the Bible as an expression of holy inspiration; to preach

ex.

There was a great war between the countries, just as the elders had prophesied.

 

Formidable (adj.)

definition :

1. causing fear, dread, awe or admiration as a result of size, strength, or some other impressive quality; commanding respect

2. difficult to defeat or overcome  

ex.

The new range of computers has formidable processing power.

 

Cunning (adj.)

definition :

1. Sly; crafty; clever in surreptitious behaviour

2. Skillful, artful

3. Wrought with, or exhibiting, skill or ingenuity; ingenious.

ex.

The fox is known for its cleverness and cunning.

 

Buckle (v.)

definition :

1. To distort or collapse under physical pressure; especially, of a slender structure in compression

2. To make bend; to cause to become distorted

3. To give in; to react suddenly or adversely to stress or pressure (of a person)

4. To yield; to give way; to cease opposing

5. To enter upon some labor or contest; to join in close fight; to contend

6. To buckle down; to apply oneself

ex.

It is amazing that he has never buckled after so many years of doing such urgent work.

 

heritage  [ˋhɛrətɪdʒ](n.)

definition :

property that descends to an heir 
ex:

This farm is my heritage from my father, as it was for him from his father.  

 

maiden  [ˋmedn] (n.) 

definition :

an unmarried girl or woman 
ex:

A story about a courageous knight who rescues a fair maiden.

 

frivolous [ˋfrɪvələs] (a.)

definition :

of little weight or importance
ex:

She thinks window shopping is a frivolous activity.

 

discourteous [dɪsˋkɝtɪəs] (a.)

definition :

lacking courtesy
ex:

The waiter was discourteous to me.

 

invoice  [ˋɪnvɔɪs] (n.)

definition :

an itemized list of goods shipped usually specifying the price and the terms of sale
ex:

Payment is due within 30 days after receipt of the invoice.

 

servant (n.)

   definition :

     one that serves others <a public servant>; especially : one that performs duties about the person or home of a master or personal employer.

   EX : 

     The wealthy family had servants to clean and cook for them.

 

scapegoat (n.)

   definition : 

     a person who is blamed for something bad that somebody else has done or for some failure.

   EX :

     She felt she had been made a scapegoat for her boss's incompetence.

supersede (v.)
   definition : 

     to take the place of something/somebody that is considered to be old-fashioned or no longer the best available.
   EX :

     The theory has been superseded by more recent research.

tendentious (a.) 
   definition : 

     marked by a tendency in favor of a particular point of view. 
   EX : 

     The author’s tendentious history of the chemical company glosses over its role in one of the most catastrophic environmental accidents in history. 

fester (v.)
   definition : 

     to become much worse because you do not deal with them successfully.
   EX :

     Instead of talking the matter over with him, she allowed her resentment to fester in her mind.

wince (v.)
   definition : 

     to suddenly make an expression with your face that shows that you are feeling pain or embarrassment.
   EX : 

     He winced as a sharp pain shot through his left leg.

disdainful (a.)
   definition : 

     showing disdain.
   EX : 

     She's always been disdainful of people who haven't been to college.

wicker (a.)
   definition : 

     thin sticks of wood twisted together to make baskets, furniture, etc.
   EX : 

     She sat in the back in a wicker arm chair!

whinge (v.) 
   definition : 

     to complain in an annoying way.
   EX : 

     She's always whinging about how unfair everything is.

disdainful (a.)
   definition : 

     showing disdain.
   EX : 

     She's always been disdainful of people who haven't been to college.

reprisal (n.)
   definition : 

     a violent or aggressive act towards somebody because of something bad that they have done towards you.
   EX : 

     They did not want to give evidence for fear of reprisals.

bloated (a.)
   definition : 

     full of food and feeling uncomfortable.
   EX : 

     I felt bloated after the huge meal they'd served.

awestruck (a.)
   definition : 

     feeling very impressed by something.
   EX : 

     People were awestruck by the pictures the satellite sent back to Earth.

stranglehold(v.)
   definition : 

     a strong hold around somebody's neck that makes it difficult for them to breathe.
   EX : 

     Both arms were around his neck in a stranglehold.

scathing (a.)
   definition : 

     criticizing somebody or something very severely.
   EX : 

      Her father gave her a scathing look.

capricious (a.)
   definition : 

     showing sudden changes in attitude or behaviour.
   EX :

     a movie star who was capricious and difficult to please.

assimilate(v.) 
   definition : 

     to pretend that you have a particular feeling.
   EX : 

     After each contribution there will be a silent pause to assimilate what has been said and to perceive what rightly follows.

despoil (v.)
   definition : 

     to steal something valuable from a place; to make a place less attractive by damaging or destroying it.
   EX : 

     Time to think of such things when we have purged the corruption which despoils the land and enslaves my people. 

square (v.)
   definition : 

     forming an angle of 90° exactly or approximately.
   EX :

     The book had rounded, not square, corners.

strife (a.)
   definition : 

     angry or violent disagreement between two people or groups of people.
   EX :

     The country was torn apart by strife.

encampment (n.)
   definition : 

     a group of tents, huts, etc. where people live together, usually for only a short period of time.
   EX : 

     Showing a newly built church with large encampment of tents pitched on the surrounding open ground.

beguiling (a.)
   definition : 

     attractive and interesting but sometimes mysterious or trying to trick you.
   EX : 

     This is perhaps the most beguiling resort on the island.

refrain (v.)
   definition : 

     to stop yourself from doing something, especially something that you want to do.
   EX : 

     They appealed to the protesters to refrain from violence.

innovation (n.)
   definition : 

     the introduction of new things, ideas or ways of doing something.
   EX : 

     The company is very interested in product design and innovation.

rear (n.)
   definition : 

     the back part of something.
   EX : 

     A trailer was attached to the rear of the truck.

forge (v.)
definition :

to put a lot of effort into making something successful or strong so that it will last.
EX :

A move to forge new links between management and workers.

hover (v.)
definition : 

to stay in the air in one place.
EX :

 A hawk hovered over the hill.

midst (n.)
    definition : 

the middle part of something
EX : 

She appeared from the midst of the crowd.

delicatessen (n.)
    definition : 

a shop/store or part of one that sells cooked meats and cheeses, and special or unusual foods that come from other countries.
    EX : 

The " epicerie fine " , the equivalent of the delicatessen shop, is more renowned in France.

scrutinize (v.)
    definition : 

to look at or examine somebody/something carefully.

EX : 

She leaned forward to scrutinize their faces.

soliloquy (n.)
    definition :

a speech in a play in which a character, who is alone on the stage, speaks his or her thoughts; the act of speaking thoughts in this way.
    EX :

Hamlet's famous soliloquy, ‘To be or not to be…’

catharsis (n.)
    definition : 

the process of releasing strong feelings, for example through plays or other artistic activities, as a way of providing relief from anger, suffering, etc.
    EX :

It was a cathartic experience.

servant (n.)
    definition : 

a person who works in another person's house, and cooks, cleans, etc. for them.
    EX : 

They treat their mother like a servant.

appreciate (v.)
    definition : 

to recognize the good qualities of somebody/something.
    EX :

You can't really appreciate foreign literature in translation.

depreciate (v.)
    definition : 

to become less valuable over a period of time.
    EX :

New cars start to depreciate as soon as they are on the road.

provocative (a.)
    definition : 

intended to start arguments between people or to make people
angry or upset.
    EX :

His provocative words made Tom angry.

stupor(n.)
    definition : 

a state in which you are unable to think, hear, etc. clearly, especially because you have drunk too much alcohol, taken drugs or had a shock. 
    EX :

Someone who is in a stupor is almost unconscious and is unable to act or think normally, especial.

evoke (v.)
    definition : 

to bring a particular emotion, idea, or memory into your mind.
    EX :

These pictures evoke memories of the happy days. 

scaffold (n.)
    definition :  

platform used when executing criminals by cutting off their heads or hanging them from a rope. 
    EX :

A scaffold was a raised platform on which criminals were hanged or had their heads cut off.

scald (v.)
    definition : 

to burn yourself or part of your body with very hot liquid or steam. 
    EX :

If you scald yourself, you burn yourself with very hot liquid or steam.

savant(n.)
    definition : 

a person with great knowledge and ability. 
    EX :

A savant is a person of great learning or natural ability.

exuberant(adj.)
    definition : 

full of energy, excitement and happiness.
    EX :

If you are exuberant, you are full of energy, excitement, and cheerfulness.

hinder(v.)
    definition : 

to make it difficult for somebody to do something or something to happen. 
    EX :

If something hinders you, it makes it more difficult for you to do something or make progress.

disparity(n.)
    definition : 

a difference, especially one connected with unfair treatment. 
    EX :

If there is a disparity between two or more things, there is a noticeable difference between them.

caravan(n.)
    definition : 

a road vehicle without an engine that is pulled by a car, designed for people to live and sleep in, especially when they are on holiday/vacation.
    EX :

A caravan is a vehicle without an engine that can be pulled by a car or van. It contains beds and cooking equipment so that people can live or spend their holidays in it.

disintegrate (v.)
    definition : 

to break into small parts or pieces and be destroyed.
    EX : 

The plane disintegrated as it fell into the sea.

furtively (adv.)
    definition : 

behaving in a way that shows that you want to keep something secret and do not want to be noticed.
    EX : 

He looked sly and furtive.

bureaucratic (a.)
    definition : 

connected with a bureaucracy or bureaucrats and involving complicated official rules which may seem unnecessary.
    EX : 

The report revealed a great deal of bureaucratic inefficiency.

lamentation (n.)
    definition : 

an expression of great sadness or disappointment.
    EX :

Lamentations from the team's supporters about their failure.

topple (v.)
    definition : 

to become unsteady and fall down; to make something do this.
    EX : 

He toppled backwards into the river.

Conceive (V.) [kənˋsiv]

definition : 

To form (a notion, opinion, purpose, etc.)
EX : 

He conceived the project while he was on vacation.

 

 Debut (N.) [dɪˋbju]

definition :

A first public appearance on a stage, on television, etc. 
EX : 

The actress made her debut in the new comedy.

 

Render (v.) [ˋrɛndɚ]

definition : 

To cause to be or become.
EX : 

His stammer rendered him unfit for a teaching job .

 

Obstruction (N.) [əbˋstrʌkʃən]

definition :

Something that obstructs, blocks, or closes up with an obstacle or obstacles; obstacle or hindrance.

EX : These obstructions could take some weeks to clear from these scandals.

Transfusion (N.) [trænsˋfjuʒən]

definition :

The act or process of  transfusing.

EX :  

We must have another transfusion of blood soon orthat boy's life is in  danger.

slip (v.)  [slip]
    definition :

to move with a smooth sliding motion.
EX :

The ship slipped through the water.

inanity (n.) [inˋæniti]
     definition :

lack of substance. 
EX :

quickly realized that her suggestion was an inanity and withdrew it.

venereal (a.)  [viˋniəriəl]
      definition :

of or relating to sexual pleasure or indulgence.
EX :

venereal infections.

dissimulate (v.) [diˋsimju͵leit]
      definition :

to hide under a false appearance.
EX :

smiled to dissimulate her urgency.

trickery (n.) [ˋtrikəri]
      definition :

the practice of crafty underhanded ingenuity to deceive or cheat.
      EX :

Delia resorted to trickery—even loading up the fishing equipment—to induce her dog into the car for his vet appointment.

sorcery (n.)  [ˋsɔ:səri]
      definition :

the use of power gained from the assistance or control of evil spirits especially for divining.
      EX :

At that time most people believed in sorcery and witchcraft.

oblation (n.) [əuˋbleiʃən]
      definition :

the act of making a religious offering; specifically capitalized : the act of offering the eucharistic elements to God.

 

quarrelsome (a.) [ˋkwɔ:rəlsəm]
      definition :

apt or disposed to quarrel in an often petty manner .
Ex :

His brothers were greedy and quarrelsome.

assailant (n.) [əˋseilənt]
      definition :

to attack violently with blows or words.
EX :

The movie was assailed by critics.

inasmuch (adv.)
      definition :

in the degree that.
EX :

Inasmuch as the debtor has gone bankrupt, I will abandon the claim.

interval (n.)  [ˋintəvəl]
      definition :

a space of time between events or states.
EX :

The interval between the two posts measures thirty meters.

inroad (n.) [ˋinrəud]
      definition :

a sudden hostile incursion.
EX :

make inroads into a country.

 

inundation (n.) [͵inʌnˋdeiʃən]
definition :

to cover with a flood.
EX :

Rising rivers could inundate low-lying areas.

manifest (a.) [ˋmænifest]
      definition :

readily perceived by the senses and especially by the sense of sight.
      EX :

Fear was manifest on his face.

seashore (n.)  [ˋsi͵ʃɔ:]
      definition :

land adjacent to the sea. 
EX :

We took a walk along the seashore.

spew (v.) [spju:]
      definition :

to come forth in a flood or gush.
EX :

Exhaust spewed out of the car.

bestow (v.) [biˋstəu]
      definition :

          to put in a particular or appropriate place.
EX :

I hardly deserve the praises that were bestowed upon me.

domain (n.) [dəˋmein]
      definition :

complete and absolute ownership of land.
EX :

The conspirators were banished from the king's domain.

pasturage (n.) [ˋpɑ:stjuridʒ]
      definition :

pasture
EX :

Long time ago,there is a pasturage there.

harbinger(n.)  [ˋhɑ:bindʒə]
      definition :

          a person sent ahead to provide lodgings.
EX :

her father's successful job interview was seen as a harbinger of better times to come.

 

ambivalence (n.) [æmˋbɪvələns]

    definition :

      the feeling or state of being ambivalent.

encapsulate (v.) [ɪnˋkæpsə͵let]

    definition :

      to express something in a short clear form that gives the most important facts or ideas.

    EX : 

      The contaminated material should be encapsulated and removed.

permeate (v.) [ˋpɝmɪ͵et]

    definition : 

      if an attitude or feeling permeates something, you can feel or see its influence clearly in every part of that thing.

    EX : 

      The smell of her perfume permeated the room.

aristocrats (n.) [æˋrɪstə͵kræt]

    definition :

      A member of the aristocracy.

    EX : 

      The club membership was once limited to aristocrats.

dialect (n.) [ˋdaɪəlɛkt]

    definition :

      LINGUISTICS a way of speaking a language that id used only in a particular area or by a particular group.

    EX : 

      English is a West Germanic dialect.

intercourse  (n.)  ['ɪntɚˈkɔrs]

    definition :

      communication and exchange between people, countries, etc. 

    EX :

      English is more widely used in interational intercourse than any other languages today.
pervade  (v.)   [pɚ'ved]
     definition :

to spread through and be noticeable in every part of something. 

EX : 

A spirit of hopelessness pervaded the country.

persecute  (v.)   ['pɝsɪˈkjut] 

definition :

to treat somebody in a cruel and unfair way, especially because of their race, religion or political beliefs.

EX : 

The Puritans left England to escape being persecuted.

ripple  (v.)   ['rɪpḷ]

definition :  

to spread through a person or a group of people like a wave.

EX : 

Panic rippled through Hollywood as the murders were discovered.

lamentation  (n.)   [ˈlæmən'teʃən]

definition :

an expression of great sadness or disappointment.

EX : 

There was lamentation throughout the land at news of the defeat.

topple  (v.)   ['tɑpḷ]

definition :

to become unsteady and fall down; to make something do this.

EX : 

A stack of plates swayed, and began to topple over.

revulsion  (n.)  [rɪ'vʌlʃən]

definition :

a strong feeling of disgust or horror.

EX : 

News of the atrocities produced a wave of anger and revulsion.

capricious (a.)   [kə'prɪʃəs]

definition :

showing sudden changes in attitude or behavior.

EX : 

She was as capricious as her mother had been.

elite (n.) [eˋlit]

definition :

A small group of people who have a lot of advantages and keep the most power and influence.

      EX : 

Only a small elite among mountaineers can climb this route.

subordinate(v.)  [səˋbɔrdnɪt]

definition :

formal if one thing is subordinated to another thing, it is considered to be less important than the other thing.

surpass  (v.)   [sɚ'pæs]

definition :

to do or be better than somebody/something.

EX : 

The number of multiple births has surpassed 100,000 for the first time.

cohesion  (n.)    [ko'hiʒən]

definition :

the act or state of sticking together. 

EX : 

a sense of community and social cohesion.

assimilate  (v.)   [ə'sɪməˈlet]

definition :

to fully understand an idea or some information so that you are able to use it yourself. 

EX : 

It will take time to assimilate all these facts.

oligarch  (n.)   ['ɑləˈgɑrk]

definition :

a member of a small group of people who run a country or organization.

regime  (n.)   [re'ʒim]

definition :

a method or system of government, especially one that has not been elected in a fair way. 

EX : 

The regime got rid of most of its opponents.

blissful (a.) [ˋblɪsfəl]

definition :

giving you great pleasure.

EX : 

At first, their time together was blissful.

summon (v.) [ˋsʌmən]

definition : 

to officially order someone to come to a place, especially a court of law.

EX : 

The queen summoned him back to the palace.

splendor (n.)  [ˋsplɛndɚ]

definition :

the beatiful and impressive features of something.

EX : 

The palace had lost much of its original splendor.

taunt  (v.)  [tɔnt]

definition :

to try to make somebody angry or upset by saying unkind things about them, laughing at their failures, etc.

EX : 

The other children taunted him about his weight.

mantle  (n.) [ˋmænt!]

definition :

the role and responsibilities of an important person or job, especially when they are passed on from one person to another. 

EX : 

It is up to Europe to take on the mantle of leadership in environmental.

 

crest (v.) [krest]

definition :

to reach the top of something such as a hill.

EX : 

Lovely and intricate, and crested with gold. 

implicit (a.) [ɪmˋplɪsɪt]

definition :

suggested without being directly expressed.

EX : 

His statement is being seen as implicit criticism of the work of research laboratories.

wrath (n.)  [rɑθ]

definition :

Extreme anger.

EX : 

Homer presents us in The Iliad with tragic pattern of the individual will, Achilles’ wrath.

 

scruple (n.) [ˋskrup!]

definition :

a feeling that prevents you from doing something that you think may be morally wrong.

EX : 

He had no scruples about selling faulty goods to people.

besetting (adj.) [bɪˈsɛtɪŋ]
    definition :

Trouble or threaten persistently.

EX : 

What saves it from the besetting fault. 

contradiction (n.) [͵kɑntrəˋdɪkʃən]

definition :

a difference in two or more statements, ideas, stories etc that makes it impossible for both or all of them to be true.

EX : 

No one was surprised by the defendant's contradiction of the plaintiff's accusations.

 justify (v.) [ˋdʒʌstə͵faɪ]

definition :

to show that there is a good reason for something, especially something that other people think is wrong. 

EX : 

He tried to justify his behavior by saying that he was being pressured unfairly by his boss.

asymmetry (n.) [eˋsɪmɪtrɪ]

definition :

something that is asymmetrical does not have the same shape and size on both sides.

luminous(a.)  [ˋlumənəs]

definition : 

very bright very intelligent or beautiful.

EX : I saw the cat's luminous eyes in my car's headlights.

aplenty(adj.) [əˋplɛntɪ]

definition :

more than enough.

EX : 

We found mistakes aplenty in their story.

expenditure (n.)  [ɪkˈspendɪtʃər]

definition :

money spent by a government, organization, or person;the use of time, money, energy, etc. doing something.

EX : 

Is Rome worth such expenditure of lives?

trudge (v.) [trʌdʒ]

definition :

to walk with slow heavy steps, especially because you are tired or it is difficult to walk.

EX : 

We trudged home through the snow.

scathing (a.) [ˋskeðɪŋ]

definition :

a scathing remark criticizes someone or something very severely.

EX : 

The scathing editorial simply boils down to an exercise in partisan politics.

subtle (adj.) [ˈsʌt(ə)l]

definition :

not obvious, and therefore difficult to notice.

EX : 

The subtle variation of the rhythm is not the only problem faced by translator.

compensate (v.) [ˈkɑmpənˌseɪt]

definition :

to pay someone money because they have suffered an injury or loss.

EX : 

They must also try to compensate.

millennium (n.) [mə'lɛnɪəm]

definition :

a period of 1 000 years, especially as calculated before or after the birth of Christ.

EX : 

people who have inhabited this land for millennia.

obscure (a.) [əb'skjur]

definition :

not well known.

EX : 

The details of his life remain obscure.

pastoral (a.) ['pæstərəl]

definition :

showing country life or the countryside, especially in a romantic way.

EX :

A charming pastoral scene made Thomas feel peace.

illiterate (a.) [ɪ'lɪtərət]

definition :

someone who is illiterate has not learned to read or write.

Ex :

It was an illiterate letter, full of mistakes.

unbridgeable (a.) [ʌn'brɪdʒəbḷ]

definition :

an unbridgeable gap or difference between two people or groups or their opinions is one that cannot be closed or made less wide.
     EX :

He unbridgeable gulf between the rich and the poor.

douse (v.) [daʊs]

definition :

to cover something or someone with a liquid, especially water of fuel ; to make a fire stop burning by pouring water over it.

EX : 

The old man roasted them over charcoal and doused them with wine.

billow (n.) [ˈbɪləʊ]

definition :

a large wave in the sea a moving cloud of something such as smoke or steam.

EX : 

The wind blew hard and the sea was billowing.

negligible (a.) [ˋnɛglɪdʒəb!]

definition :

too slight or unimportant to have any effect.

EX : 

The damage done to his property was negligible.

bawl (v.) [bɔl]

definition :

to shout in a loud angry way to cry loudly, especially in a way that annoys other people.

EX : 

Cursing me and bawling me out.

strife (n.) [straɪf]

definition :

Fighting or disagreement between people or groups.

EX : 

These firms are at strife.

 

plague (v.) [pleg]

   definition :

     to cause pain or trouble to somebody/something over a period of time.

   EX : 

     Financial problems continued to plague the company.

brim (n.) [brɪm]

   definition :

     the top edge of a cup, bowl, glass, etc.

   EX : 

     She filled each glass to the brim.

rite (n.) [raɪt]

   definition : 

     a ceremony performed by a particular group of people, often for religious purposes.

   EX : 

     These traditional rites are performed only by the women of the village.

prototype (n.) ['protəˈtaɪp]

   definition :

     the first design of something from which other forms are copied or developed. 

   EX : 

     a working prototype of the new car.

supremacy (n.) [su'prɛməsɪ]

   definition :

     a position in which you have more power, authority or status than anyone else.

   EX : 

     Japan's unchallenged supremacy in the field of electronics.

coil (v.) [kɔɪl]

   definition :

     To wind something long and thin into a shape like a series of rings.

   EX : 

     I coil him round and round.

godsend (n.) [ˈɡɑdˌsend]
   definition :

     Something that you are very grateful for because it helps you in a difficult situation.

   EX : 

     Her gift of money was a godsend. 

piercing (adj.) [ˈpɪrsɪŋ]

   definition :

     very loud, high, and unpleasant.

   EX : 

     All of a sudden a piercing scream broke the silence.

coerce (v.) [koʊˈɜrs]

   definition :

     To make someone do something by using force or threats.

   EX : 

     Athens taxed and coerced the subject cities.

fleecy (adj.) [ˈflisi]

   definition :

     Something fleecy looks or feels soft and light, especially because it is made of fleece.

   EX : 

     Cut off the herds of cattle and fleecy silver sheep.

internecine  (n.)   [ˈɪntɚ'nisaɪn]

   definition :

    happening between members of the same group, country or organization.

   EX : 

    internecine warfare.

consolidate  (v.)  [kən'sɑləˈdet]

   definition :

     to make a position of power or success stronger so that it is more likely to continue. 

   EX : 

     The team consolidated their lead with a third goal.

vanquish (v.) [ˋvæŋkwiʃ]
   definition : 

      to overcome in battle : subdue completely.
   Ex : :

      He tried to vanquish his fears.

sardonic  (a.)    [sɑr'dɑnɪk]
   definition :

      showing that you think that you are better than other people and do not take them seriously.

   EX : 

      He looked at her with sardonic amusement.

homogeneous  (a.)   [ˈhomə'dʒinɪəs]

   definition:

      consisting of things or people that are all the same or all of the same type. 

   EX : 

      a homogeneous society

fray (n.) [freɪ]

   definition :

      a fight or argument.;an exciting activity or situation in which someone competes with other people.

   EX : 

      And dragging one dead by his heels from the fray.

falter (v.)  ['fɔltɚ]

   definition :

      to become weaker or less effective.

   EX : 

      The economy is showing signs of faltering.

distraught (a.) [dɪˋstrɔt]

   definition :

     so upset and worried that you cannot think clearly. 

   EX : 

     Relatives are tonight comforting the distraught parents.

embellish (v.) [ɪmˈbelɪʃ]

   definition :

     to make a story more interesting by adding details, especially ones that are not completely true;to make something more beautiful by decorating it.

   EX : 

     On it the renowned lame god embellished a dancing ground.

scrupulous (a.) [ˋskru:pjuləs]

   definition : 

     having moral integrity : acting in strict regard for what is considered right or proper .

   Ex : 

     She was always scrupulous about her work.

sickle (n.) /ˈsɪk(ə)l/

   definition :

     a tool for cutting down grass and tall plants, consisting of a long curved blade and a handle;a curved shape.

   EX : 

     Where reapers with sharp sickles were working.

glisten (v.) [ˋglɪsn]

   definition :

     to shine and look wet or oily

   EX : 

     The boy's back was glistening with sweat.

distraught (a.) [dɪˋstrɔt]

    definition :

       so upset and worried that you cannot think clearly 
    EX : 

       Relatives are tonight comforting the distraught parents.

 

detriment (n.) [ˋdɛtrəmənt]

    definition :

       the act of causing harm or damage; something that causes harm or damage

    EX : 

       He worked very long hours, to the detriment of his marriage.

beguiling (adj.) /bɪˈɡaɪlɪŋ/

    definition :

       A beguiling person or thing seems attractive and interesting, but may be dangerous.

    EX : 

       A beguiling

 

Unanimous (Adj.) [jʊˋnænəməslɪ]

definition :

Of one mind; in complete agreement; agreed.

Ex :

      They made an unanimous vote.

Accelerate (V.) [ækˋsɛlə͵ret]

definition :

To cause faster or greater activity, development, progress, advancement, etc.

Ex :

We need to find a way to accelerate economic growth.

 

Onslaught (n.) [ˋɑn͵slɔt]

definition :

An onset, assault, or attack, especially a vigorous one.

Ex :

The politician made a violent onslaught on yhe unions. 

 

 Intuition (n.) [͵ɪntjuˋɪʃən]

definition :

A direct perception of truth, fact.

Ex :

She sensed what was wrong by intuition.

 

Bizarre (Adj.) [bɪˋzɑr]

     definition : 

outrageously or whimsically strange; odd.

Ex :

She has been having bizarre behavior since she broke up with her boyfriend. 

Prominent (adj.) [ˋprɑmənənt]
    definition : 

standing out so as to be seen easily; conspicuous; particularly noticeable.

    Ex : 

Her eyes are her most prominent feature.

Contagious (adj.) [kənˋtedʒəs]
    definition :  

Tending to spread from person to person.

Ex : 

contagious laughter.

Spectacle (n.) [ˋspɛktək!]

definition :

Often, spectacles.

Ex :

Something resembling spectacles in shape or function. 

Evacuation (n.) [ɪ͵vækjʊˋeʃən]

definition :

The act or process of evacuating, or the condition of being evacuated ; discharge or expulsion, as of contents.

Ex : 

Orders went out to prepare for the evacuation of the city.

 

Aftermath(n.) [ˋæftɚ͵mæθ]

definition :

Something that results or follows from an event, especially one of a disastrous or unfortunate nature ; consequence.

Ex :

The aftermath of war; the aftermath of the flood.

redress (n.)  [rɪˈdres]

definition :

Something that you do for someone or money that you give to them as a way of improving a bad situation that you are responsible for.

EX : 

Because she finds no redress for her wring.  

pawn (n.)  [pɔn]

definition :

a person who is being used by someone who is more powerful to help them achieve a goal.

EX : 

She moves them like pawns to their proper places in her barbaric game.
oppressor (n.) [əˈpresər]

definition :

A powerful leader or government that treats people in an unfair or cruel way.

EX : 

They showed violent opposition to the oppressor. 

 

constituent (adj.) [kənˈstɪtʃuənt]

definition :

Forming part of something.

EX : 

The constituent parts of tragedy.

welter (n.) [ˈweltər]

definition : 

a messy collection of different things;a welterweight.
EX : 

The earth then was welter

immense (adj.) [ɪˈmens]

definition :

Extremely large.

EX : 

The scope of his written work, philosophical and scientific, is immense.

swarm (v.) [swɔrm]

definition :

to go somewhere as part of a large crowd ; if insects swarm, they fly together in a large group.

EX : 

Let the waters swarm with the swarm of living creatures.

skim (v.) [skɪm]

definition :

to move quickly over the surface of something, or to make something do this.

EX : 

The hovercraft is able to skim over the water.
bombastic (adj.) [bɑmˈbæstɪk]

definition :

Using words that are intended to impress people but do not sound sincere or do not express things very clearly.
      EX : 

The candidate spoke in a bombastic way of all that he would do if elected.

exult (v.) [ɪɡˈzʌlt]

definition :

To feel or show great pleasure and excitement, especially about something that you have achieved.

EX : 

Aegisthus exults to see Agamemnon’s body.

principle (n.) ['prɪnsəpḷ]

definition :

a moral rule or a strong belief that influences your actions.

EX : 

Schools try to teach children a set of principles.

dislocate (v.) ['dɪsloˈket]

definition :

to stop a system, plan etc. from working or continuing in the normal way.

EX : 

Communications were temporarily dislocated by the bad weather.

 

piteous (a.) ['pɪtɪəs]

definition :

deserving or causing pity.

EX : 

She gave a long piteous cry.

 

prophesy (n.) ['prɑfəˈsaɪ]

definition :

to say what will happen in the future (done in the past using religious or magic powers).

EX : 

There was a great war between the countries, just as the elders had prophesied.

contend (v.) [kən'tɛnd]

definition :

to compete against somebody in order to gain something.

EX : 

Inevitably, fights break out between the members of contending groups

 

salvation (n.) /sælˈveɪʃ(ə)n/

definition:

something or someone that helps someone in a bad or dangerous situation

EX:

This is indeed the greatest salvation of all.

 

botany (n.) /ˈbɑt(ə)ni/

definition:

the scientific study of plants

EX:

The coverage of the subject in his botany text is inadequate.

 

falter (v.) /'fɔltɚ/

definition:

to become weaker or less effective

EX:

The economy is showing signs of faltering.

 

vault (n.) /vɔlt/

definition:

an underground room where people’s bodies are buried, especially under a church

EX:

Let there be a vault in the midst of the waters.

 

welter (n.) /ˈweltər/

definition:

a messy collection of different things; a welterweight

EX:

The earth then was welter.

 

nostril (n.) /ˈnɑstrəl/

definition:

one of the two holes at the end of your nose

EX:

He dislikes his wide nostrils.

 

immense (a.) /ɪˈmens/

definition:

extremely large

EX:

The scope of his written work, philosophical and scientific, is immense.

 

solely (adv.) /ˈsoʊlli/

definition:

involving nothing except the person or thing mentioned

EX:

It was rather a shock to look into these matters and discover that the fault was solely mine.

 

 

swarm (v.) /swɔrm/

definition:

to go somewhere as part of a large crowd;if insects swarm, they fly together in a large group

EX:

Let the waters swarm with the swarm of living creatures.

 

fowl (n.) /faʊl/

definition:

a bird that is kept on a farm for its eggs and meat, for example a chicken or a duck old word for “bird”

EX:

SE Asian jungle fowl considered ancestral to domestic fowl. 

skim (v.) /skɪm/

definition:

to move quickly over the surface of something, or to make something do this

EX:

The hovercraft is able to skim over the water.

 

dominion (n.) /dəˈmɪnjən/

definition:

control, or the right to rule over something.

EX:

Our country's dominion is very vast.

 

 

pang (n.) /pæŋ/

definition:

      a very strong, sudden, and unpleasant pain or emotion.

EX:

I will terribly sharpen your birth pangs.

 

necessitate (v.) /nəˈsesɪˌteɪt/

definition:

      to make something necessary

EX:

These assumptions necessitate different conclusions.

 

synagogue (n.) /ˈsɪnəˌɡɑɡ/

definition:

      a building used by Jewish people for worship and religious study

EX:

The platform from which services are conducted in a synagogue.

forsake (v.) /fərˈseɪk/

definition:

      to leave someone, or to stop helping or taking care of them, when they still need you

EX:

Why have you forsaken me?

 

caste (n.) /kæst/

definition:

one of the traditional social classes that people were born into in Hindu society, or the system of having these classes

EX:

I suppose you also have a caste system in your society.

 

legitimate (a.) /ləˈdʒɪtəmət/

definition:

allowed by the law, or correct according to the law; fair and reasonable

EX:

Jesus was the legitimate heir to the throne.

 

subjugation (n.) /ˌsʌbdʒʊˈɡeɪʃ(ə)n/

definition:

forced submission to control by others

EX:

It justifies women’s normal subjugation in Greek cultural.

 

integrity (n.) /ɪnˈteɡrəti/

definition:

the quality of always behaving according to the moral principles that you believe in, so that people respect and trust you

EX:

Clytemnestra also defends the integrity of the family.

 

bdellium (n.) [ˈdɛlɪəm]

definition:

a fragrant resin produced by a number of trees related to myrrh, used in perfumes

EX:

And the gold of that land is goodly, bdellium is there, and lapis lazuli.

 

sustainer (n.) [səˈstenɚ]

definition:

upholder, someone who upholds or maintains

EX:

I shall make him a sustainer beside him.

 

disdainful (a.) [dɪsˋdenfəl]

definition:

showing that you do not respect someone or something, because you think that they are not important or good enough:

EX:

Professors are disdainful of popular entertainment.

 

cower (v.) [ˋkaʊɚ]

definition:

to bend low and move back because you are frightened

EX:

He cowered against the wall.

 

sardonic (a.) [sɑrˋdɑnɪk]

definition:

showing that you do not have a good opinion of someone or something, and feel that you are better than them

EX:

He looked at her with sardonic amusement.

 

audible (adj.) [ˈɔː.dɪ.bl]

definition :

able to be heard.

EX : 

The lecturer spoke so quietly that he was scarcely audible at the back of the hall.

misgiving (n.) [ˌmɪsˈgɪv.ɪŋ]

definition :

a feeling of doubt or worry about a future event.

EX : 

My only misgiving is that we might not have enough time to do the job properly.

contribute (v.) [kənˈtrɪb.juːt]

definition :

to give something, especially money, in order to provide or achieve something together with other people.

EX : 

Come to the meeting if you feel you have something contribute.

miniature (adj.) [ˈmɪn.ɪ.tʃər]

definition :

describes something which is a very small copy of an object.

EX : 

I bought some miniature furniture for my niece's dolls' house.

merchandise (n.) [ˈmɜː.tʃən.daɪs]

definition :

goods that are bought and sold.

EX : 

Shoppers complained about poor quality merchandise and high prices.

domineering (adj.) [ˌdɒm.ɪˈnɪə.rɪŋ]

definition :

 trying to control other people without thinking about their feelings.

EX : 

She found him arrogant and domineering.
fanciful (adj.) [ˈfænt .sɪ.fəl]

definition :

 not realistic.

EX :

       He has some fanciful notion about converting one room of his apartment into a gallery.

irate (adj.) [aɪˈreɪt]

definition :

very angry.

EX : 

We have received some irate phone calls from customers.

inveterate (adj.) [ɪnˈvet.ər.ət]

definition :

someone who does something very often and cannot stop doing it.

EX : 

I never trust anything he says - the man's an inveterate liar.

refuge (n.) [ˈref.juːdʒ]

definition :

(a place which gives) protection or shelter from danger, trouble, unhappiness, etc.

EX : 

She had fled from her violent husband to a women's refuge in Chelmsford.

arsenal (n.) [ˈɑː.sən.əl]

definition :

a building where weapons and military equipment are stored.

        a collection of weapons.

EX : 

The army planned to attack enemy arsenals.

 

switch (n.) [swɪtʃ]
    definition :

a small device, usually pushed up or down with your finger, that controls and turns on or off an electric current.

EX : 

Can you flip the switch?

bamboozle (v.) [bæmˈbuː.zl] 

definition :

  to trick or deceive someone, often by confusing them.

EX : 

She was bamboozled into telling them her credit card number.

conceal (v.) [kənˈsiːl]

definition :

to prevent something from being seen or known about; to hide something.

EX : 

I tried to conceal my surprise when she told me her age.

lackadaisical (adj.)[ˌlæk.əˈdeɪ.zɪ.kəl]

definition :

showing little enthusiasm and effort.

EX : 

The food was nice enough but the service was rather lackadaisical.

putative (adj.) [ˈpjuː.tə.tɪv]

definition :

generally thought to be or to exist, whether or not this is really true.

EX : 

The putative leader of the terrorist organization was arrested by police in Birmingham yesterday.

communal (adj.) [ˈkɒm.jʊ.nəl]

definition :

belonging to or used by a group of people rather than one single person.

EX : 

We each have a separate bedroom but share a communal kitchen.

restrictive (adj.) [rɪˈstrɪk.tɪv]

definition :

limiting the freedom of someone or preventing something from growing.

EX : 

The college is not able to expand because of restrictive planning laws.

supervise (v.) [ˈsuː.pə.vaɪz]

definition :  

to watch a person or activity to make certain that everything is done correctly, safely, etc.

EX : 

The UN is supervising the distribution of aid by local agencies in the disaster area.

ridiculous (adj.) [rɪˈdɪk.jʊ.ləs]

definition :

stupid or unreasonable and deserving to be laughed at.

EX : 

Don't be so ridiculous! I can't possibly afford to go on holiday.

vulgar (adj.) [ˈvʌl.gər]

definition :

not suitable, simple, dignified or beautiful; common or not in the style preferred by the upper classes of society.

EX : 

I've no idea how much the clothes cost because there was nothing so vulgar as a price tag in evidence.

adequate (adj.) [ˈæd.ə.kwət]

definition :

enough or satisfactory for a particular purpose.

EX : 

Will future oil supplies be adequate to meet world needs?

ransom (n.) [rænt .səm]

definition :

a large sum of money which is demanded in exchange for someone who has been taken prisoner, or sometimes for an animal.

EX : 

They demanded a huge ransom for the return of the little girl whom they had kidnapped.

obeisance (n.) [əʊ ˈbeɪ.sənt s]

definition :

obedience and respect, or something you do which expresses this.

EX : 

One by one the noblemen made their obeisance to the Queen.

caliber (n.) [ˈkæl.ɪ.bər]

definition :

the quality of someone or something, especially someone's ability.

EX :

The competition entries were of such high caliber that judging them was very difficult.

 

 

monitor (n.) [ˈmɒn.ɪ.tər]

   definition :

     a person who has the job of watching or noticing particular things.

   EX : 

     United Nations monitors were not allowed to enter the area.

oasis (n.) [əʊˈeɪ.sɪs]

   definition :

     a place in a desert where there is water and therefore plants and trees and sometimes a village or town.

      a calm, pleasant place in the middle of somewhere busy and unpleasant.

   EX :

     Her office was an oasis of peace and sanity amid the surrounding chaos.

projectile (n.) [prəˈdʒek.taɪl]

   definition :

     an object that is thrown or shot forwards, especially from a weapon.

   EX : 

     The second projectile exploded after hitting a tank.

effigy (n.) [ˈef.ɪ.dʒi]

   definition :

     a model or other object which represents someone, especially one of a hated person which is hung or burnt in a public place.

   EX : 

     Crowds marched through the streets carrying burning effigies of the president.

thaw (v.) [θɔː]

   definition :

     to (cause to) change from a solid, frozen state to a liquid or soft one, because of an increase in temperature.

   EX : 

     Allow the meat to thaw properly before cooking it.

feign (v.) [feɪn]

   definition :

     to pretend to feel something, usually an emotion.

   EX : 

     You know how everyone feigns surprise when you tell them how old you are.

mishap (n.) [ˈmɪs.hæp]

definition :

bad luck, or an unlucky event or accident.

EX : 

The parade was very well organized and passed without mishap.

cascade (n.) [kæsˈkeɪd]

definition :

  a small waterfall, often one of a group.

        a large amount of something which hangs down.

EX :

       A cascade of golden hair fell down his back.

ratio (n.) [ˈreɪ.ʃi.əʊ]

definition :

the relationship between two groups or amounts, which expresses how much bigger one is than the other.

EX : 

The ratio of men to women at the conference was ten to one/10:1.

bounty (n.) [ˈbaʊn.ti]

definition :

  a sum of money paid as a reward.

EX : 

A bounty of $10 000 has been offered for the capture of his murderer.

comrade (n.) [ˈkɒm.reɪd]

definition :

a friend, especially one who you have been involved in difficult or dangerous, usually military, activities with.

EX : 

Many of his comrades were killed in the battle.
grievance (n.) [ˈgriː.vənt s]

definition :

a complaint or a strong feeling that you have been treated unfairly.

EX : 

The small amount of compensation is a further source of grievance to the people forced to leave their homes.

eclipse (n.) [ɪˈklɪps]

definition :

 when the sun disappears from view, either completely or partly, while the moon is moving between it and the Earth, or when the moon becomes darker while the shadow of the Earth moves over it.

EX : 

On Wednesday there will be a total eclipse of the sun.

presumption (n.) [prɪˈzʌmp.ʃən]

definition :

when you believe that something is true without having any proof.

EX : 

The presumption of innocence is central to British law.

repeal (v.) [rɪˈpiːl]

definition :

If a government repeals a law, it causes that law no longer to have any legal force.

EX : 

We're campaigning for a/the repeal of the abortion laws.

recovery (n.) [rɪˈkʌv.ər.i]

definition :

the process of getting back something lost, especially health, ability, possessions, etc.

EX : 

At last the economy is showing signs of recovery.

 

pathetic (adj.) [pəˈθet.ɪk]

definition :

causing feelings of sadness, sympathy or sometimes lack of respect, especially because a person or an animal is suffering.

EX : 

After the accident he became a pathetic figure, a shadow of his former self.

contrive (v.) [kənˈtraɪv]

definition :

to arrange a situation or event, or arrange for something to happen, using clever planning.

          to invent and/or make a device or other object in a clever and possibly unusual way.

EX : 

Couldn't you contrive a meeting between them? I think they'd be ideally suited.

psyche (n.) [ˈsaɪ.ki]

definition :

the mind, or the deepest thoughts, feelings or beliefs of a person or group.

EX :

Peru is a very traditional country, and embedded in its psyche is a love of ceremony.

resolution (n.) [ˌrez.əˈluː.ʃən]

definition :

an official decision that is made after a group or organization have voted.

EX :

        The United Nations passed a resolution to increase aid to the Third World.

imperceptible (adj.) [ˌɪm.pəˈsep.tɪ.bl]

definition :

unable to be noticed or felt because of being very slight.

EX : 

She heard a faint, almost imperceptible cry.

 

callous (adj.) [ˈkæl.əs]

definition :

unkind or cruel; without sympathy or feeling for other people.

EX : 

It might sound callous, but I don't care if he's homeless. He's not living with me!

irk (v.) [ɜːk]

definition :

    to annoy someone.

EX : 

The negative reply to my complaint really irked me.

embryonic (adj.) [ˌem.briˈɒn.ɪk]

definition :

relating to an embryo.

EX : 

The project is still at an embryonic stage.

abstraction (n.) [æbˈstræk.ʃən]

definition :

  when a subject is very general and not based on real situations.

EX : 

She's always talking in abstractions.

 

perfume (n.) [ˈpɜː.fjuːm]

   definition :

     a liquid with a pleasant smell, usually made from oils taken from flowers or spices, which is often used on the skin.

   EX : 

     What perfume are you wearing?

quandary (n.) [ˈkwɒn.dri]

   definition :

     a state of not being able to decide what to do about a situation in which you are involved.

   EX : 

     I've had two job offers, and I'm in a real quandary about which one to accept.

wiggle (v.)  [' wɪg.l ]

   definition :

     to (cause to) move up and down and/or from side to side with small quick movements.

   EX : 

     He tried wiggling the control stick but nothing happened.

adherence (n.) [ədˈhɪə.rənt s]

   definition :

     when someone acts strictly according to rules, beliefs, etc.

   EX :

      He was noted for his strict adherence to the rules.

jury (n.) [ˈdʒʊə.ri]

    definition :

      a group of people who have been chosen to listen to all the facts in a trial in a law court and to decide whether a person is guilty or not guilty, or whether a claim has been proved.

    EX : 

      The jury has/have been unable to return a verdict.

genial (adj.) [ˈdʒiː.ni.ə]

    definition :

       friendly and pleasant.

    EX : 

       The head teacher is very genial has a genial manner.

eject (v.) [ɪˈdʒekt]

    definition :

       to force someone to leave a particular place.

    EX :

        A number of football fans had been ejected from the bar for causing trouble.

paradox (n.) [ˈpær.ə.dɒks]

     definition :

        a situation or statement which seems impossible or is difficult to understand because it contains two opposite facts or characteristics.

     EX :

        It's a curious paradox that drinking a lot of water can often make you feel thirsty.

paralyze (v.) [ˈpær.əl.aɪz]

     definition :

        to cause a person, animal or part of the body to lose the ability to move or feel.

     EX : 

        The drug paralyses the nerves so that there is no feeling or movement in the legs.

magnet (n.) [ˈmæg.nət]

     definition : 

        an object that is able both to attract iron and steel objects and also push them away.

      EX :

        The West Lake in Hangchow is a magnet for visitors. 

festive (adj.) [ˈfes.tɪv]

      definition :

        having or producing happy and enjoyable feelings suitable for a festival or other special social occasion.

      EX : 

        The hall looked very festive with its Christmas tree.

seminal (adj.) [ˈsem.ɪ.nəl]

      definition :

        containing important new ideas and having a great influence on later work.

      EX : 

        She wrote a seminal article on the subject while she was still a student.

investment (n.) [ɪnˈvest .mənt]

      definition :

        the act of putting money, effort, time, etc. into something to make a profit or get an advantage, or the money, effort, time, etc. used to do this.

      EX : 

        There's been a significant investment of time and energy in order to make the project a success.

 

inheritance (n.) [ɪnˈher.ɪ.tənt s]

      definition :

        money or objects that someone gives you when they die.

      EX : 

        The large inheritance from his aunt meant that he could buy his own boat.

suspension (n.) [səˈspen.ʃən]

      definition :

        when someone stops something happening, operating, etc. for a period of time or when a person is temporarily not allowed to work, go to school or take part in an activity, as a punishment.

      EX : 

        The suspension of fighting is to take effect at 6 am on Monday.

   The union is protesting about the suspension of a restaurant worker.

tangent (n.) [ˈtæn.dʒənt]

      definition :

        a straight line which touches but does not cut into a curve.

      EX :

        They changed their course to something like a tangent to the earth.

camouflage (n.) [ˈkæm.ə.flɑːʒ]

      definition :

        the use of leaves, branches, paints and clothes for hiding soldiers or military equipment so that they look part of what surrounds them.

the way that the color or shape of an animal or plant appears to mix with its natural environment to prevent it from being seen by attackers.

something that is meant to hide something, or behavior that is intended to hide the truth.

      EX : 

        The lizard's light brown skin acts as camouflage in the desert sand.

grandiloquent (adj.) [grænˈdɪl.ə.kwənt]

      definition :

        describes a style or a way of using language that is complicated in order to attract admiration and attention, especially in order to make someone or something seem important.

      EX :

         Her speech was full of grandiloquent language, but it contained no new ideas.

 

inconsequential (adj.) [ɪnˌkɒnt .sɪˈkwen.t ʃəl]

      definition :

         not important.

      EX : 

         Most of what she said was pretty inconsequential.

 

coincidental (adj.) [kəʊˌɪnt .sɪˈden.təl]

      definition :

         happening by coincidence.

      EX : 

         The highest scorers, coincidentally, were all women.

 

Consignment (n.) [kənˈsaɪn.mənt]

      definition :

         an amount of goods that is sent somewhere.

      EX : 

         The most recent consignment of cloth was faulty.

flick (v.) [flɪk]

      definition :

         to move or hit something with a short sudden movement.

      EX :

         He carefully flicked the loose hairs from the shoulders of his jacket.

digress (v.) [daɪˈgres]

      definition :

         to move away from the main subject you are writing or talking about and to write or talk about something else.

      EX : 

         The lecturer temporarily digressed from her subject to deal with a related theory.

knell (n.) [nel]

      definition :

         a warning of the end of something.

      EX : 

         The opening of the superstore will sound the death knell for hundreds of small independent shops.

penitent (adj.) [ˈpen.ɪ.tənt]

      definition :

         howing that you are sorry for something you have done because you feel it was wrong.

      EX :

         It was hard to be angry with him when he looked so penitent.

abandon (v.)[əˈbæn.dən]

definition : 

to leave a place, thing or person forever.

EX :

By the time the rebel troops arrived, the village had already been abandoned. 

banquet (n.) [ˈbæŋ.kwɪt]
    definition :

a large formal meal for many people, often followed by speeches in honor of someone.
    EX : 

Medieval banquets are held in the castle once a month.

gorgeous (adj.) [ˈgɔː.dʒəs]
    definition : 

very beautiful or pleasant.
EX :

The bride looked gorgeous.

lack (n.) [læk]

definition : 

when something is not available or when there is not enough of it.

Ex :

       Lack of sleep had made him irritable.

monk (n.) [mʌŋk] 

definition :

a member of a group of religious men who do not marry and usually live together in a monastery.

EX :

Some Buddhist monks live in solitude as hermits.

solitude (n.) [ˈsɒl.ɪ.tjuːd]

definition :

the situation of being alone without other people.

EX : 

It provides one with a chance to reflect on spiritual matters in solitude.

foretell (v.) [fɔːˈtel]

definition :

 to state what is going to happen in the future.
EX :

We can't foretell how the world will end.

 

anarchy (n.) [ˈæn.ə.ki]

definition :

a situation in which there is no organization and control, especially in society because there is no effective government.
    EX :

If the pay deal isn't settled amicably there'll be anarchy in the factories.

tyrant (n.) [taɪə .rənt]

definition :

a ruler who has unlimited power over other people, and uses it unfairly and cruelly.

EX: 

Tamir, one of several sons of the exiled ruler, vowed he would liberate his country from the tyrant.

heroic (adj.) [hɪˈrəʊ.ɪk]

definition :

very brave or great.

EX : 

Despite Roz's heroic efforts to liven it up, the party was a disaster.

sterile (adj.) [ˈster.aɪl]

definition :

(of a living being) unable to produce young, or (of land) unable to produce plants or crops.

EX : 

One of the side effects of the drug could be to make men sterile.

 

fig (n.)[fɪg]

definition :

a sweet, soft, purple or green fruit with many seeds, or a tree on which these grow.

EX :

I don't really care a fig about status. (extended as "to not be at all worried by or interested in something")

 

echo (v.) [ˈek.əʊ]

definition :

If a sound echoes or a place echoes with a sound, you hear the sound again because you are in a large, empty space.

EX : 

Suddenly, the building echoed with the sound of gunfire.

vanity (n.) [ˈvæn.ɪ.ti]

definition : 

(disapproving) when you are too interested in your appearance or achievements.

EX : 

He wants the job purely for reasons of vanity and ambition.

eccentric (adj.) [ekˈsen.trɪk]

definition :

strange or unusual, sometimes in a humorous way.

Ex :

      My neighbor is an eccentric young man.

gem (n.) [dʒem]

definition :

a jewel (= precious stone), especially when cut into a particular regular shape.

EX :

      This yacht is really a gem.

 

rib (n.) [rɪb]

definition : 

a bone that curves round from your back to your chest.

EX :

My son broke a rib when he fell off a ladder.

stab (v.) [stæb]

definition :

to injure someone with a sharp pointed object such as a knife.

EX : 

He was jailed for fifteen years for stabbing his wife to death.

devil (n.) [ˈdev.əl]

definition : 

an evil being, often represented in human form but with a tail and horns.

EX :

Her aunt said that she was possessed by devils.

prudent (adj.) [ˈpruː.dənt]

definition :

avoiding risks and uncertainties; careful.

EX :  

It's always prudent to read a contract properly before signing it.

yank (v.) [jæŋk]

definition :

to pull something forcefully with a quick movement.

EX : 

She yanked open the cupboard and everything fell out.

tune (v.) [tjuːn]

definition :

to change a part of a musical instrument so that the instrument produces the correct sounds when played.

EX : 

Get into the habit of tuning your guitar every day before you practice.

hybrid (n.) [ˈhaɪ.brɪd]

definition :

a plant or animal that has been produced from two different types of plant or animal, especially to get better characteristics, or anything that is a mixture of two very different things.

EX : 

      The garden strawberry is a large-fruited hybrid.

cargo (n.) [ˈkɑː.gəʊ]

    definition :

      the goods carried by a ship, aircraft or other large vehicle.

    EX : 

      The ship was carrying a cargo of wool from England to France.

aroma (n.) [əˈrəʊ.mə]

    definition :

      a strong pleasant smell, usually from food or drink.

    EX :

      We sniffed the aroma of fresh apple pie.

maladroit (adj.)  [͵mæləˋdrɔɪt]
   definition :

     not adroit skillful awkward clumsy.
   Ex :  

     The new supervisor was maladroit in dealing with the employees.

malady (n.)  [ˋmælədɪ] 
   definition :

     a bad condition ; a disease.
   Ex :

     Science has reduced the number of incurable maladies.

conspicuous (n.)  [kənˋspɪkjʊəs]
   definition :

     easy to notice(look at) ; obvious.
   Ex :

     Her late arrival made her conspicuous.

introspection (n.)  [͵ɪntrəˋspɛkʃən]
    definition :

a looking within one's own mind.
Ex : 

Introspection was valuable in helping her solve some of her problems.

perspicacious (adj.) [͵pɝspɪˋkeʃəs] 
    definition :

having the ability to look through something and understand it; perceptive.
Ex :

In dealing with individual employee problems, he was exceptionally perspicacious.

retrospect (n.) [ˋrɛtrə͵spɛkt] 
    definition :

a looking backward.
Ex :

In retrospect, his life did not seem so unhappy.


speculate (v.) [ˋspɛkjə͵let]
    definition :

to reflect on or ponder.
Ex :

The candidate speculated on his chances of winning.

insuperable (adj.) [ɪnˋsjupərəbl]
    definition : 

not capable of being overcome.
Ex :  

His height was an insuperable barrier to his becoming a jockey.

soprano (n.) [səˋpræno]
    definition :

one having a voice range above other voices.

Ex :

Her soprano solo won top honors.

supercilious (adj.) [͵supɚˋsɪlɪəs]
    definition :

eyebrows raised in a haughty, conceited way.
Ex :

She cast a supercilious glance at the person who had dared to disagree with her.

precedent (n.)  [ˋprɛsədənt]
    definition :

an act that goes before and may serve as an example for later acts.
Ex :

By giving his prize to charity, he set a precedent that later winners followed.

precipitate (v.) [prɪˋsɪpə͵tet]
    definition :

lit. to dash headfirst ; to hasten
Ex :

The scandal precipitated his ruin.


presage (v.) [ˋprɛsɪdʒ]
    definition :

to perceive beforehand ; to predict.
Ex :

Lack of cooperation among the employees presages trouble in the industry. Those dark clouds presage a storm.

acrophobia (n.)  [͵ækrəˋfobɪə]
    definition :

an excessive or illogical fear of high places.
Ex :

Because of her acrophobia, she refused to approach the rim of the canyon.

claustrophobia (n.) [͵klɔstrəˋfobɪə]
    definition :

an excessive or illogical fear of enclosed places.
Ex :

His claustrophobia made him prefer an office that opened onto a balcony.

embryology (n.)  [͵ɛmbrɪˋɑlədʒɪ]
    definition :

the study of the formayion and development of embryos.
Ex :

The science of embryology has determined the exact times when various parts of an embryo develop.

etymology (n.) [͵ɛtəˋmɑlədʒɪ] 
    definition :

the study of the origin(true meaning) and development of words. 
Ex :

 From his study of etymology, he learned many interesting word histories.

epilogue (n.)  [ˋɛpə͵lɔg]
    definition :

a speech directed to the audience at the conclusion of a play.
Ex :

Shakespeare's plays often end with an epilogue spoken by one of the characters.
monologue (n.)  [ˋmɑn!͵ɔg]
    definition :

a speech by one person ; a soliloquy.
Ex :

The monologue beginning " Is this a dagger which I see before me? " helps reveal Macbeth's character.

prologue (n.) [ˋpro͵lɔg] 
    definition :

a speech before a play ; any introductory event. 
Ex :

The fancy appetizers were the prologue to an excellent dinner.

epigram (n.) [ˋɛpə͵græm]
    definition :

any short, witty saying.
Ex :

She liked to quote the epigram " Success is getting what you want ; happiness is wanting what you get. "

eulogize (v.)  [ˋjulə͵dʒaɪz]
    definition : 

lit. to give a good speech ; to give a speech in praise of.
Ex :

The man who had started the project was eulogized by all the speakers.

euphemism (n.) [ˋjufəmɪzəm]
    definition :

the substitution of a mild(good) word in place of a distasteful or unpleasant one.
    Ex :

She spoke in euphemisms, talking of  " passing on " rather than dying.

disconcert (v.)  [͵dɪskənˋsɝt] 
    definition :

to upset ; to frustrate.
Ex :

The speaker was disconcerted by the noise in the balcony.
ambiguous (adj.)  [æmˋbɪgjʊəs]
    definition :

uncertain ; having two possible meanings.
Ex :

From her ambiguous answer, I couldn't tell whether she was complimenting or insulting me.

magnanimous (adj.) /formal/
  definition :

willing to forgive people, or willing to be kind and fair.
  Ex : 

You greedy glory-hound, the magnanimous Greeks are going to get another prize for you.

quarrel (n.) /ˈkwɔrəl/
  definition : 

an argument, especially one about something unimportant between people who know each other well.
  Ex : 

I don’t have any quarrel with the Trojans.

inch (v.) /ɪntʃ/  
  definition : 

to gradually become greater smaller in amount or number.
Ex : 

He was mulling it over, inching the great sword.

rhetorical (adj.) /rɪˈtɔrɪk(ə)l/
  definition :

 relating to a style of speaking or writing that is effective or intend to influence people.
  Ex : 

The rhetorical appeal to the self-interest of the audience, to expediency, became the method of the political leaders of the wartime democracy and the fundamental doctrine of new theories of power politics.

transaction (n.) /trænˈzækʃ(ə)n/
  definition : 

the process or activity of doing something, usually something related to business.
Ex : 

Its first use was probably for commercial records and transaction , but …… plant.   

 

 

protracted (adj.) /prəˈtræktəd/
definition :   

Continuing for a long time, especially longer than is normal or necessary.
Ex : 

Two protracted wars resulted (264-241 B.C.E. and 218-201 B.C.E.), and it was only at the end of a third shorter war (149-146 B.C.E. ) that the Romans destroyed their great rival.

 

bureaucratic (adj.) /ˌbjʊrəˈkrætɪk/

definition : 

involving a lot of complicated rules, details, and processes.

Ex :

 It was a blurred memory (Homer does not remember the writing, for example, or the detailed bureaucratic accounting recorded on the tables), and this is easy to understand：some time in the last century of the millennium the great palaces were destroyed by fire.

 

furtively (adv.) /ˈfər-tiv/

definition : 

done quickly and secretly to avoid being noticed.

Ex :  

The Latin writer (especially poet) borrowed wholesale from his Greek original, not furtively but openly and proudly, as a tribute to the master from whom he had learned.

 

disintegrate (v.) /dɪsˈɪntɪˌɡreɪt/

definition : 

to be completely destroyed by breaking into lots of very small pieces, for example as the result of an explosion.

Ex :

 As the empire in the third and fourth centuries disintegrated under the never-ending invasions by peoples from the north, the church, with its center and spiritual head in Rome, converted the new inhabitants and so made possible the preservation of much of that Latin and Greek literature that was to serve the European Middle Ages and, later, the Renaissance as a model and a basis for their own great achievements in the arts and letters.

 

 

monstrous (adj.) /ˈmɑnstrəs/

definition : 

very large and often ugly or frightening.

Ex :

 In which men perform monstrous actions with the same matter-if-fact efficiency the display in their normal occupations.

ignominy (n.) /ˈɪɡnəˌmɪni/

definition : 

A situation where you feel embarrassed and lose other people’s respects.

Ex : 

His ignominy is Patroclus’s honor.

 

chieftain (n.)  /ˈtʃiftən/

definition : 

The leader of a tribe (= a group of families or communities that are related to each other)

Ex :

 The bravest of the Achaean chieftain encamped outside the city.

 

garland (v.) /ˈɡɑrlənd/

definition :  

A ring of flowers, leaves, etc. that you wear around your head or neck or use for decorating something.

Ex : 

And all the signs that garland the sky.

 

Aloof (adj.)  /əˈluf/

definition :

Someone who is aloof, or who remains or stays aloof from something, is not friendly or does not want to be involved in something.

Ex :

Alone is aloof from the wash of Ocean.

 

  

 

 

 

 bridal (adj.)  /ˈbraɪd(ə)l/

definition :

 Relating to a bride (= a woman getting married) or a wedding.

Ex : 

Up through the town, bridal sun is rising.

 

 

crest (v.) /krest/

definition :

if a wave crests, it rises up to its highest point before falling.

Ex :

Lovely and intricate, and crested with gold.

 

outermost (adj.) /ˈaʊtərˌmoʊst/

definition :

Farthest away from a particular place or from the center of something.

Ex :

Lapping the outermost rim of the massive shield.

 

pliant (adj.) /ˈplaɪənt/

definition :

soft and changing shape when pressed.

Ex :

He wrought leg-armor out of pliant tin.

 

besetting (adj.) /bɪˈsɛtɪŋ/

definition :

 Trouble or threaten persistently.

Ex :

What saves it from the besetting fault.

 

Propaganda (n.) /ˌprɑpəˈɡændə/

definition :

Information, especially false information, that a government or organization spreads in order to influence people’s opinions and beliefs.

Ex :

  The Aeneid sounds like propaganda.

insulate (n.) /ˈɪnsjəˌleɪt/

definition :

 to cover something in order to prevent heat, cold, noise, or electricity from passing through it.

Ex :

…, but this does not insulate him from unhappiness.

 

impervious (adj.) /ɪmˈpɜrviəs/

definition :

 not affected by something or not seeming to notice it.

Ex :

…, her silence as impervious to pleas and tears as his was once at Carthage.

 

forestall (v.) /fɔrˈstɔl/

definition :  

To prevent something from happening by saying or doing something before it can happen.

Ex :

She forestalls fate.

 

deity (n.) /ˈdiəti/

definition :

A god.

Ex :

…, a vegetation deity especially associated with the vine.

 

hymn (n.) /hɪm/

definition :

A religious song that people usually sing in churches.

Ex :

…, sang hymns of praise to god.