Term
*discrete /dɪˈskriːt/ adjective
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Definition
having a clear independent shape or form; separate
These small companies now have their own discrete identity.
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Term
discretion /dɪˈskreʃ. ə n/ noun [ U ]
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Definition
CAREFUL BEHAVIOUR
1. the ability to behave without causing embarrassment or attracting too much attention, especially by keeping information secret
"Can you trust him with this?" "Yes, he's the soul of discretion (= he will not tell other people) ."
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Term
discretion /dɪˈskreʃ. ə n/ noun [ U ]
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Definition
RIGHT TO CHOOSE
2. formal the right or ability to decide something
Students can be expelled at the discretion of the headteacher (= if the headteacher decides it) .
I leave the decision to your discretion (= to your good judgment) .
Discretion is the better part of valour. saying
said when you believe it is wise to be careful and avoid unnecessary risks |
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Term
*disingenuous /ˌdɪs.ɪnˈdʒen.ju.əs/ adjective formal
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Definition
(of a person or their behaviour) slightly dishonest; not speaking the complete truth
It was disingenuous of her to claim she had no financial interest in the case.
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Term
*disinterested /dɪˈsɪn.trə.stɪd/ adjective
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Definition
having no personal involvement or receiving no personal advantage, and therefore free to act fairly
a disinterested observer/judgment
a piece of disinterested advice
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Term
disjointed /dɪsˈdʒɔɪn.tɪd/ /-t ̬ɪd/ adjective
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Definition
(especially of words or ideas) not well connected or well ordered
The script was disjointed and hard to follow.
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Term
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Definition
FORGET
1. [ T ] to decide that something or someone is not important and not worth considering
I think he'd dismissed me as an idiot within five minutes of meeting me.
Let's not just dismiss the idea before we've even thought about it.
Just dismiss those thoughts from your mind - they're crazy and not worth thinking about.
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Term
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Definition
END JOB 2. [ T often passive ] to remove someone from their job, especially because they have done something wrong
He has been dismissed from his job for incompetence.
dismiss /dɪˈsmɪs/ verb SEND AWAY
3. [ T ] to formally ask or order someone to leave
The teacher dismissed the class early because she had a meeting.
4. [ T ] When a judge dismisses a court case, he or she formally stops the trial, often because there is not enough proof that someone is guilty
The defending lawyer asked that the charge against his client be dismissed.
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Term
*disparage /dɪˈspær.ɪdʒ/ /-ˈsper-/ verb [ T ]
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Definition
to criticize someone or something in a way that shows you do not respect or value them
The actor's work for charity has recently been disparaged in the press as an attempt to get publicity.
disparagement /dɪˈspær.ɪdʒ.mənt/ /-ˈsper-/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
*disparate /ˈdɪs.p ə r.ət/ /-pɚ.ət/ adjective formal
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Definition
different in every way
The two cultures were so utterly disparate that she found it hard to adapt from one to the other.
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Term
*dissemble /dɪˈsem.bl ̩/ verb [ I ] formal
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Definition
to hide your real intentions and feelings or the facts
He accused the government of dissembling.
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Term
*disseminate /dɪˈsem.ɪ.neɪt/ verb [ T ] formal
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Definition
to spread or give out something, especially news, information, ideas, etc., to a lot of people
One of the organization's aims is to disseminate information about the disease.
dissemination /dɪˌsem.ɪˈneɪ.ʃ ə n/ noun [ U ]
the dissemination of information
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Term
dissident /ˈdɪs.ɪ.d ə nt/ noun [ C ]
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Definition
a person who publicly disagrees with and criticizes their government
political dissidents
dissidence /ˈdɪs.ɪ.d ə n t s/ noun [ U ]
dissident adjective
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Term
*dissolution /ˌdɪs.əˈluː.ʃ ə n/ noun [ U ]
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Definition
the act or process of ending an official organization or legal agreement
the dissolution of parliament
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Term
*dissonance /ˈdɪs. ə n.ən t s/ /-ə.nən t s/ noun [ U ]
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Definition
1. specialized a combination of sounds or musical notes that are not pleasant when heard together
the jarring dissonance of Klein's musical score
dissonant /ˈdɪs. ə n.ənt/ /-ə.nənt/ adjective specialized or formal |
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Term
distend /dɪˈstend/ verb [ I ]
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Definition
(usually of the stomach or other part of the body) to swell and become large (as if) by pressure from inside
In the refugee centres we saw many children whose stomachs were distended because of lack of food.
distension /dɪˈsten. t ʃ ə n/ noun [ U ] specialized |
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Term
distil /dɪˈstɪl/ verb -ll-
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Definition
LIQUID 1. ( US usually distill ) [ T ] to make a liquid stronger or purer by heating it until it changes to a gas and then cooling it so that it changes back into a liquid
Some strong alcoholic drinks such as whisky are made by distilling.
distil /dɪˈstɪl/ verb -ll- INFORMATION
2. [ T usually passive ] literary to get or show only the most important part of something
Over 80 hours of footage have been distilled into these 40 minutes.
distillation /ˌdɪs.tɪˈleɪ.ʃ ə n/ noun [ C or U ] |
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Term
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Definition
inattentive /ˌɪn.əˈten.tɪv/ /-t ̬ɪv/ adjective disapproving
not giving attention to someone or something
He was wholly inattentive to the needs of his children.
inattentively /ˌɪn.əˈten.tɪv.li/ /-t ̬ɪv-/ adverb
preoccupied /ˌpriːˈɒk.jʊ.paɪd/ /-ˈɑː.kjuː-/ adjective
thinking or worrying about something too much
She's been very preoccupied recently because her mother has been very ill.
Why is the media so preoccupied with the love lives of politicians?
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Term
diverge /ˌd a ɪˈvɜːdʒ/ /dɪˈvɝːdʒ/ verb [ I ]
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Definition
to follow a different direction, or to be or become different
They walked along the road together until they reached the village, but then their paths diverged.
Although the two organizations have worked together for many years, their objectives have diverged recently.
Opposite converge
divergent /ˌd a ɪˈvɜː.dʒ ə nt/ /dɪˈvɝː-/ adjective
They hold widely divergent opinions on controversial issues like abortion.
divergence noun
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Term
divest /d a ɪˈvest/ verb [ I or T ]
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Definition
divest sb of sth phrasal verb formal
to take something off or away from someone or yourself
There is a growing movement to divest the monarchy of its remaining constitutional power.
[ R ] She divested her self of her cumbersome attire.
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Term
divulge /d a ɪˈvʌldʒ/ verb [ T ]
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Definition
to make something secret known
Journalists do not divulge their sources.
[ + question word ] The managing director refused to divulge how much she earned.
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Term
*doctrinaire /ˌdɒk.trɪˈneə r / /ˌdɑːk.trəˈner/ adjective formal disapproving
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Definition
based on and applying fixed beliefs rather than considering practical problems
These principles are doctrinaire.
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Term
document /ˈdɒk.jʊ.mənt/ , /-ment/ /ˈdɑː.kjʊ-/ verb [ T ]
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Definition
to record the details of an event, a process, etc.
His interest in cricket has been well- documented (= recorded and written about) by the media.
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Term
doggerel /ˈdɒg. ə r. ə l/ /ˈdɑː.gɚ-/ noun [ U ]
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Definition
poetry that is silly or badly written |
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Term
*dogmatic /dɒgˈmæt.ɪk/ /dɑːgˈmæt ̬-/ adjective disapproving
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Definition
If someone is dogmatic, they are certain that they are right and that everyone else is wrong.
dogmatically /dɒgˈmæt.ɪ.kli/ /dɑːgˈmæt ̬-/ adverb |
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Term
*dogma /ˈdɒg.mə/ /ˈdɑːg-/ noun [ C or U ] disapproving
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Definition
a fixed, especially religious, belief or set of beliefs that people are expected to accept without any doubts |
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Term
dormant /ˈdɔː.mənt/ /ˈdɔːr-/ adjective
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Definition
1. describes something that is not active or growing, but which has the ability to be active at a later time
The long-dormant volcano has recently shown signs of erupting.
These investments have remained dormant for several years.
2. lie dormant
If something lies dormant, it is not active
Her talent might have lain dormant had it not been for her aunt's encouragement.
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Term
dross /drɒs/ /drɑːs/ noun [ U ] mainly UK
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Definition
something which has no use or no value
So much of what's on TV is pure dross.
We read all the manuscripts but 95% are dross.
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Term
dupe /djuːp/ /duːp/ verb [ T ]
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Definition
to deceive someone, usually by making them do something they did not intend to do
The girls were duped by drug smugglers into carrying heroin for them.
dupe /djuːp/ /duːp/ noun [ C ]
someone who has been tricked
an innocent dupe
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Term
*eclectic /ɪˈklek.tɪk/ adjective formal
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Definition
Methods, beliefs, ideas, etc. that are eclectic combine whatever seem the best or most useful things from many different areas or systems, rather than following a single system
an eclectic style /approach
an eclectic taste in literature
eclectically /ɪˈklek.tɪ.kli/ adverb
eclecticism /ɪˈklek.tɪ.sɪ.z ə m/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
effervescent /ˌef.əˈves. ə nt/ /-ɚ-/ adjective
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Definition
FIZZY 1. describes a liquid that produces bubbles of gas
effervescent vitamin C tablets
effervescent /ˌef.əˈves. ə nt/ /-ɚ-/ adjective ACTIVE
2. full of energy, positive and active
She's one of those effervescent personalities that you often see presenting TV game shows.
effervescence /ˌef.əˈves. ə n t s/ /-ɚ-/ noun [ U ]
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Term
*effete /ɪˈfiːt/ adjective
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Definition
1. literary disapproving weak and without much power
With nothing to do all day the aristocracy had grown effete and lazy.
2. disapproving more typical of a woman than of a man |
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Term
*efficacy /ˈef.ɪ.kə.si/ noun [ U ] formal
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Definition
an ability, especially of a medicine or a method of achieving something, to produce the intended result; effectiveness
They recently ran a series of tests to measure the efficacy of the drug.
efficacious /ˌef.ɪˈkeɪ.ʃəs/ adjective formal
able to produce the intended result; effective
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Term
*effrontery /ɪˈfrʌn.t ə r.i/ /-t ̬ɚ-/ noun [ U ] formal
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Definition
extreme rudeness without any ability to understand that your behaviour is not acceptable to other people
He was silent all through the meal and then had the effrontery to complain that I looked bored!
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Term
egoism /ˈiː.gə ʊ .ɪ.z ə m/ /-goʊ-/ noun [ U ]
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Definition
egotism /ˈiː.gə ʊ .tɪ.z ə m/ /-goʊ-/ noun [ U ] ( also egoism ) disapproving
thinking only about yourself and considering yourself better and more important than other people
Finding herself world-famous by the time she was eighteen only encouraged the actress's egotism.
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Term
egotist /ˈiː.gə ʊ .tɪst/ /-goʊ-/ noun [ C ] ( also egoist ) disapproving
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Definition
a person who considers themselves to be better or more important than other people
Politicians are notorious egotists.
egotistic , egotistical /ˌiː.gə ʊ ˈtɪs.tɪ.k ə l/ /-goʊ-/ adjective |
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Term
*elegy /ˈel.ə.dʒi/ noun [ C ]
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Definition
a sad poem or song, especially remembering someone who has died or something in the past
Gray's 'Elegy in a Country Churchyard' is a famous English poem.
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Term
*elicit /ɪˈlɪs.ɪt/ verb [ T ] formal
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Definition
to get or produce something, especially information or a reaction
Have you managed to elicit a response from them yet?
The questionnaire was intended to elicit information on eating habits.
They were able to elicit the support of the public.
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Term
elixir /ɪˈlɪk.sɪə r / /-sjɚ/ noun [ C usually singular ] literary
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Definition
a substance, usually a liquid, with a magical power to cure, improve or preserve
It's yet another health product claiming to be the elixir of life/youth (= something to make you live longer/stay young) .
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Term
Elysium /ɪˈlɪz.i.əm/ noun [ U ] ( also the Elysian fields ) literary
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Definition
a state of great happiness
Everything was perfect. She was in Elysium.
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Term
emaciated /ɪˈmeɪ.si.eɪ.tɪd/ /-t ̬ɪd/ adjective formal
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Definition
very thin and weak, usually because of illness or extreme hunger
There were pictures of emaciated children on the cover of the magazine.
emaciation /ɪˌmeɪ.siˈeɪ.ʃ ə n/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
*embellish /ɪmˈbel.ɪʃ/ verb [ T ]
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Definition
to make something more beautiful or interesting by adding something to it
The ceiling was embellished with flowers and leaves.
He couldn't resist embellishing the story of his accident a little.
embellishment /ɪmˈbel.ɪʃ.mənt/ noun [ C or U ] |
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Term
emollient /ɪˈmɒl.i.ənt/ /-ˈmɑː.li-/ adjective
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Definition
1. helping to treat dry, sore skin
an emollient cream
2. formal making people calm and avoiding argument
an emollient mood/tone
emollient /ɪˈmɒl.i.ənt/ /-ˈmɑː.li-/ noun [ C ]
a cream or liquid which makes dry or sore skin softer or less painful
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Term
*empirical /ɪmˈpɪr.ɪ.k ə l/ adjective
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Definition
based on what is experienced or seen rather than on theory
This theory needs to be backed up with solid empirical data/evidence .
Empirical studies show that some forms of alternative medicine are extremely effective.
empirically /ɪmˈpɪr.ɪ.kli/ adverb |
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Term
*emulate /ˈem.jʊ.leɪt/ verb [ T ] formal
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Definition
to copy something achieved by someone else and try to do it as well as they have
They hope to emulate the success of other software companies.
Fitzgerald is keen to emulate Martin's record of three successive world titles.
emulation /ˌem.jʊˈleɪ.ʃ ə n/ noun [ C or U ] |
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Term
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Definition
a formal expression of praise
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Term
*endemic /enˈdem.ɪk/ adjective
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Definition
especially of a disease or a condition, regularly found and very common among a particular group or in a particular area
Malaria is endemic in many of the hotter regions of the world.
The disease is endemic among British sheep/ to many British flocks.
There is endemic racism/poverty/violence in many of the country's cities.
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Term
*enervating /ˈen.ə.veɪ.tɪŋ/ /-ɚ.veɪ.t ̬ɪŋ/ adjective formal
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Definition
causing you to feel weak and with no energy
I find this heat very enervating.
enervate /ˈen.ə.veɪt/ /-ɚ-/ verb [ T ] literary |
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Term
engender /ɪnˈdʒen.də r / /-dɚ/ verb [ T ] formal
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Definition
to make people have a particular feeling or make a situation start to exist
Her latest book has engendered a lot of controversy.
The minister's speech did not engender confidence in his judgment.
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Term
enhance /ɪnˈhɑːn t s/ /-ˈhæn t s/ verb [ T ]
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Definition
to improve the quality, amount or strength of something
These scandals will not enhance the organization's reputation.
enhancement /ɪnˈhɑːn t .smənt/ /-ˈhæn t -/ noun [ C or U ]
-enhancing /-ɪn.hɑːn t .sɪŋ/ /-hæn t -/ suffix
Several athletes tested positive for illegal performance -enhancing drugs.
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Term
entomology /ˌen.təˈmɒl.ə.dʒi/ /-t ̬əˈmɑː.lə-/ noun [ U ] specialized
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Definition
the scientific study of insects
entomologist /ˌen.təˈmɒl.ə.dʒɪst/ /-t ̬əˈmɑː.lə-/ noun [ C ] |
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Term
enunciate /ɪˈnʌn t .si.eɪt/ verb formal
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Definition
PRONOUNCE 1. [ I or T ] to pronounce words or parts of words clearly
He doesn't enunciate (his words) very clearly.
enunciate /ɪˈnʌn t .si.eɪt/ verb formal EXPLAIN
2. [ T ] to state and explain a plan or principle clearly or formally
In the speech, the leader enunciated his party's proposals for tax reform.
enunciation /ɪˌnʌn.siˈeɪ.ʃ ə n/ noun [ C or U ] |
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Term
*ephemeral /ɪˈfem. ə r. ə l/ /-ɚ-/ adjective
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Definition
lasting for only a short time
Fame in the world of rock and pop is largely ephemeral.
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Term
epistemology /ɪˌpɪs.təˈmɒl.ə.dʒi/ /-ˈmɑː.lə-/ noun [ U ] specialized
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Definition
the part of philosophy that is about the study of how we know things |
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Term
equable /ˈek.wə.bl ̩/ adjective
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Definition
not changing suddenly; always being pleasant
Graham has a fairly equable temperament - I haven't often seen him really angry.
The south of the country enjoys an equable climate .
equably /ˈek.wə.bli/ adverb
As a manager she deals with problems reasonably and equably, never losing her temper.
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Term
equitable /ˈek.wɪ.tə.bl ̩/ /-t ̬ə-/ adjective formal
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Definition
fair and reasonable; treating everyone in the same way
an equitable tax system
equitably /ˈek.wɪ.tə.bli/ /-t ̬ə-/ adverb
If the law is to be effective it must be applied equitably.
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Term
*equanimity /ˌek.wəˈnɪm.ɪ.ti/ /-t ̬i/ noun [ U ] formal
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Definition
calmness and self-control, especially after a shock or disappointment or in a difficult situation
He received the news of his mother's death with remarkable equanimity.
Three years after the tragedy she has only just begun to regain her equanimity.
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Term
*equivocate /ɪˈkwɪv.ə.keɪt/ verb [ I ] formal
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Definition
to speak in a way that is intentionally not clear and confusing to other people, especially to hide the truth
She accused the minister of equivocating, claiming that he had deliberately avoided telling the public how bad the problem really was.
equivocation /ɪˌkwɪv.əˈkeɪ.ʃ ə n/ noun [ U ]
He answered openly and honestly without hesitation or equivocation.
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Term
errant /ˈer.ənt/ adjective [ before noun ] formal
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Definition
behaving wrongly in some way, especially by leaving home
an errant husband
errant children
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Term
*erudite /ˈer.ʊ.daɪt/ adjective formal
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Definition
having or containing a lot of specialist knowledge
He's the author of an erudite book on Scottish history.
erudition /ˌer.ʊˈdɪʃ. ə n/ noun [ U ]
a work of great erudition
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Term
*esoteric /ˌiː.sə ʊ ˈter.ɪk/ /ˌes.ə-/ adjective
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Definition
very unusual; understood or liked by only a small number of people, especially those with special knowledge
He has an esoteric collection of old toys and games.
disapproving or humorous She has a rather esoteric taste in clothes.
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Term
essay /eˈseɪ/ verb [ T ] old-fashioned
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Definition
to try to do something
The procedure was first essayed in 1923.
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Term
estimable /ˈes.tɪ.mə.bl ̩/ adjective formal
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Definition
of a person or their behaviour, producing a good opinion; very good
He writes estimable poetry under a pseudonym.
Her performance under such stressful conditions was estimable.
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Term
ethnocentric /ˌeθ.nəʊˈsen.trɪk/ /-noʊ-/ adjective
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Definition
believing that the people, customs and traditions of your own race or nationality are better than those of other races
ethnocentrism /ˌeθ.nəʊˈsen.trɪ.z ə m/ /-noʊ-/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
etiology /ˌiː.tiˈɒl.ə.dʒi/ /-ˈɑː.lə-/ noun [ U ]
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Definition
the scientific study of the cause of diseases |
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Term
etymology /ˌet.ɪˈmɒl.ə.dʒi/ /-ˈmɑː.lə-/ noun [ C or U ]
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Definition
the study of the origin and history of words, or a study of this type relating to one particular word
At university she developed an interest in etymology.
A list of selected words and their etymologies is printed at the back of the book.
etymological /ˌet.ɪ.məˈlɒdʒ.ɪ.k ə l/ /-ˈlɑː.dʒɪ-/ adjective
etymologically /ˌet.ɪ.məˈlɒdʒ.ɪ.kli/ /-ˈlɑː.dʒɪ-/ adverb
etymologist /ˌet.ɪˈmɒl.ə.dʒɪst/ /-ˈmɑː.lə-/ noun [ C ] |
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Term
eugenics /juːˈdʒen.ɪks/ noun [ U ] specialized
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Definition
the study of methods of improving humans by allowing only carefully chosen people to reproduce
Eugenics was the central, and most controversial, part of his social philosophy.
eugenic /juˈdʒen.ɪk/ adjective |
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Term
eulogy /ˈjuː.lə.dʒi/ noun [ C or U ] formal
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Definition
a speech, piece of writing, poem, etc. containing great praise, especially for someone who recently died or stopped working
He was the most self-effacing of men - the last thing he would have relished was a eulogy.
The song was a eulogy to the joys of travelling.
eulogist /ˈjuː.lə.dʒɪst/ noun [ C ]
eulogistic /ˌjuː.ləˈdʒɪs.tɪk/ adjective |
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Term
*euphemism /ˈjuː.fə.mɪ.z ə m/ noun [ C or U ]
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Definition
a word or phrase used to avoid saying an unpleasant or offensive word
'Senior citizen' is a euphemism for 'old person'.
The article made so much use of euphemism that often its meaning was unclear.
euphemistic /ˌjuː.fəˈmɪs.tɪk/ adjective
euphemistically /ˌjuː.fəˈmɪs.tɪ.kli/ adverb |
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Term
euphoria /juːˈfɔː.ri.ə/ /-ˈfɔːr.i-/ noun [ U ]
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Definition
extreme happiness, sometimes more than is reasonable in a particular situation
They were in a state of euphoria for days after they won the prize.
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Term
euthanasia /ˌjuː.θəˈneɪ.ʒə/ noun [ U ]
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Definition
the act of killing someone who is very ill or very old so that they do not suffer any more
Although some people campaign for the right to euthanasia, it is still illegal in most countries.
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Term
evince /ɪˈvɪn t s/ verb [ T ] formal
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Definition
to make obvious or show clearly
They have never evinced any readiness or ability to negotiate.
In all the years I knew her, she never evinced any desire to do such a thing.
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Term
evocative /ɪˈvɒk.ə.tɪv/ /-ˈvɑː.kə.t ̬ɪv/ adjective
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Definition
making you remember or imagine something pleasant
evocative music
a sound evocative of the sea
evocatively /ɪˈvɒk.ə.tɪv.li/ /-ˈvɑː.kə.t ̬ɪv-/ adverb
evoke /ɪˈvəʊk/ /-ˈvoʊk/ verb [ T ]
to make someone remember something or feel an emotion
That smell always evokes memories of my old school.
a detergent designed to evoke the fresh smell of summer meadows evocation /ˌiː.və ʊ ˈkeɪ.ʃ ə n/ /ˌev.ə-/ noun [ C or U ]
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Term
*exacerbate /ɪgˈzæs.ə.beɪt/ /-ɚ-/ verb [ T ]
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Definition
to make something which is already bad worse
This attack will exacerbate the already tense relations between the two communities.
exacerbation /ɪgˌzæs.əˈbeɪ.ʃ ə n/ /-ɚ-/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
exact /ɪgˈzækt/ verb [ T ] formal
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Definition
to demand and get something, sometimes using force or threats, or to make something necessary
to exact revenge on someone
The blackmailers exacted a total of $100 000 from their victims.
Heart surgery exacts tremendous skill and concentration.
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Term
*exculpate /ˈek.skəl.peɪt/ verb [ T ] formal
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Definition
to remove blame from someone
The pilot of the aircraft will surely be exculpated when all the facts are known.
exculpatory /ekˈskʌl.peɪ.t ə r.i/ /-tɔː.ri/ adjective |
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Term
*execrable /ˈek.sə.krə.bl ̩/ adjective formal
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Definition
very bad
an execrable performance
She's always had execrable taste in men.
execrably /ˈek.sə.krə.bli/ adverb
He was treated execrably.
detestable /dɪˈtes.tə.bl ̩/ adjective formal
describes people or things that you hate very much
a detestable coward
detestably /dɪˈtes.tə.bli/ adverb
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Term
exhort /ɪgˈzɔːt/ /-ˈzɔːrt/ verb [ T + to infinitive ] formal
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Definition
to strongly encourage or try to persuade someone to do something
The governor exhorted the prisoners not to riot.
exhortation /ˌeg.zɔːˈteɪ.ʃ ə n/ /-zɔːr-/ noun [ C or U ]
Despite the exhortations of the union leaders the workers voted to strike.
The book is essentially an exhortation to religious tolerance.
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Term
*exigency /ˈek.sɪ.dʒ ə n t .si/ noun [ C or U ] formal
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Definition
the difficulties of a situation, especially one which causes urgent demands
the exigencies of war
Economic exigency obliged the government to act.
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Term
*existentialism /ˌeg.zɪˈsten. t ʃ ə l.ɪ.z ə m/ noun [ U ] specialized
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Definition
the modern system of belief made famous by Jean Paul Sartre in the 1940s in which the world has no meaning and each person is alone and completely responsible for their own actions, by which they make their own character
existential /ˌeg.zɪˈsten. t ʃ ə l/ adjective ( also existentialist )
an existential/existentialist argument/philosopher
existentialist /ˌeg.zɪˈsten. t ʃ ə l.ɪst/ noun [ C ] |
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Term
exorcize , UK also exorcise /ˈek.sɔː.saɪz/ /-sɔːr-/ verb [ T ]
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Definition
1. to force an evil spirit to leave a person or place by using prayers or magic
After the priest exorcized the spirit/house/child, apparently, the strange noises stopped.
2. to remove the bad effects of a frightening or upsetting event
It will take a long time to exorcise the memory of the accident.
exorcism /ˈek.sɔː.sɪ.z ə m/ /-sɔːr-/ noun [ C or U ] |
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Term
expatiate /ekˈspeɪ.ʃi.eɪt/ verb [ I ] formal disapproving
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Definition
to speak or write about something in great detail or for a long time
She expatiated on/upon her work for the duration of the meal.
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Term
expatriate /ekˈspæt.ri.ət/ /-ˈspeɪ.tri-/ noun [ C ] ( informal expat )
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Definition
someone who does not live in their own country
A large community of expatriates has settled there.
expatriate /ekˈspæt.ri.eɪt/ /-ˈspeɪ.tri-/ verb [ T ] formal
to use force or law to remove someone from their own country
The new leaders expatriated the ruling family.
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Term
expiate /ˈek.spi.eɪt/ verb [ T ] formal
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Definition
to show that you are sorry for bad behaviour by doing something or accepting punishment
to expiate a crime/sin
expiation /ˌek.spiˈeɪ.ʃ ə n/ noun [ U ]
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Term
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Definition
explanatory /ɪkˈsplæn.ə.tri/ /-tɔːr.i/ adjective
giving an explanation about something
There are explanatory notes with the diagram.
See also self-explanatory
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Term
*extant /ekˈstænt/ , /ˈek.stənt/ adjective formal
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Definition
describes something very old that is still existing
We have some extant parish records from the sixteenth century.
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Term
extemporaneous /ekˌstem.pəˈreɪ.ni.əs/ adjective formal
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Definition
done or said without any preparation or thought
an extemporaneous speech
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Term
extirpate /ˈek.stɜː.peɪt/ /-stɚ-/ verb [ T ] formal
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Definition
to remove or destroy something completely
extirpation /ˌek.stɜːˈpeɪ.ʃ ə n/ /-stɚ-/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
*extraneous /ɪkˈstreɪ.ni.əs/ adjective
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Definition
not directly connected with or related to something
extraneous information
These questions are extraneous to the issue being discussed.
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Term
*extrapolate /ɪkˈstræp.ə.leɪt/ verb [ I or T ]
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Definition
to guess or think about what might happen using information that is already known
You can't really extrapolate a trend from such a small sample.
extrapolation /ɪkˌstræp.əˈleɪ.ʃ ə n/ noun [ C or U ] |
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Term
extrinsic /ekˈstrɪn.zɪk/ adjective formal
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Definition
coming from outside, or not related to something
Extrinsic forces were responsible for the breakdown of the peace talks.
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Term
*facetious /fəˈsiː.ʃəs/ adjective disapproving
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Definition
not serious about a serious subject, in an attempt to be funny or to appear clever
facetious remarks
He's just being facetious.
facetiously /fəˈsiː.ʃə.sli/ adverb
facetiousness /fəˈsiː.ʃə.snəs/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
facilitate /fəˈsɪl.ɪ.teɪt/ verb [ T ] formal
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Definition
to make possible or easier
The new ramp will facilitate the entry of wheelchairs.
The current structure does not facilitate efficient work flow.
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Term
factotum /fækˈtəʊ.təm/ /-ˈtoʊ.t ̬əm/ noun [ C ] formal
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Definition
a person employed to do all types of jobs for someone
She was a general factotum at the restaurant - washing dishes, cleaning the floors and polishing the furniture.
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Term
*fallacious /fəˈleɪ.ʃəs/ adjective formal
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Definition
not correct
His argument is based on fallacious reasoning.
fallaciously /fəˈleɪ.ʃə.sli/ adverb
fallaciousness /fəˈleɪ.ʃə.snəs/ noun [ U ]
fallacy /ˈfæl.ə.si/ noun [ C ] formal
an idea that a lot of people think is true but which is false
[ + that ] It is a common fallacy that women are worse drivers than men.
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Term
fallow /ˈfæl.əʊ/ /-oʊ/ adjective
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Definition
LAND
1. describes land that is not planted with crops, in order to improve the quality of the soil
Farmers are eligible for government support if they let a certain amount of land lie fallow.
fallow /ˈfæl.əʊ/ /-oʊ/ adjective TIME
2. describes a period of time in which very little happens
August is a fallow period in British politics.
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Term
*fatuous /ˈfæt.ju.əs/ adjective formal
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Definition
stupid, not correct, or not carefully thought about
a fatuous idea
fatuously /ˈfæt.ju.ə.sli/ adverb
fatuousness /ˈfæt.ju.əs.nəs/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
fauna /ˈfɔː.nə/ /ˈfɑː-/ noun [ U + sing/pl verb ] specialized
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Definition
all the animals that live wild in a particular area
an expedition to explore the flora and fauna of Hornchurch Wood
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Term
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Definition
fawn over/on sb phrasal verb disapproving
to praise someone too much and give them a lot of attention which is not sincere in order to get a positive reaction
I hate waiters who fawn over you.
fawning /fɔː.nɪŋ/ /fɑː-/ adjective disapproving
seeking favor by flattering
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Term
*felicitous /fəˈlɪs.ɪ.təs/ /-t ̬əs/ adjective literary
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Definition
suitable or right and expressing well the intended thought or feeling
He summed up Jack's achievements in one or two felicitous phrases .
felicitously /fəˈlɪs.ɪ.tə.sli/ /-t ̬ə-/ adverb
a felicitously phrased speech
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Term
feral /ˈfer. ə l/ adjective
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Definition
existing in a wild state, especially describing an animal that was previously kept by people
feral dogs/cats
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Term
fetid , foetid /ˈfet.ɪd/ /ˈfet ̬-/ adjective formal
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Definition
smelling extremely bad and stale
fetid air/breath
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Term
fetter /ˈfet.ə r / /ˈfet ̬.ɚ/ verb [ T ]
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Definition
1. literary to keep someone within limits or stop them making progress
He felt fettered by a nine-to-five office existence.
2. to tie someone to a place by putting chains around their ankles |
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Term
fiat /ˈfiː.æt/ noun [ C or U ] formal
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Definition
an order given by a person in authority
No company can set industry standards by fiat.
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Term
fidelity /fɪˈdel.ə.ti/ /-t ̬i/ noun [ U ]
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Definition
LOYALTY 1. formal honest or lasting support, or loyalty, especially to a sexual partner
Somerset Maugham's comedy of marital fidelity, 'The Constant Wife'
How important do you think sexual fidelity is in a marriage?
fidelity /fɪˈdel.ə.ti/ /-t ̬i/ noun [ U ] EXACT COPY 2. approving when you copy the detail and quality of an original, such as a picture, sound or story exactly
The best ink-jet printers can reproduce photographs with amazing fidelity.
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Term
filibuster /ˈfɪl.ɪ.bʌs.tə r / /-tɚ/ verb [ I or T ] mainly US
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Definition
to make a long speech in order to delay or prevent a new law being made
Conceivably, supporters of the law could filibuster to prevent it from being revised.
filibuster noun [ C ] |
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Term
finesse /fɪˈnes/ verb [ T ]
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Definition
to deal with a situation or a person in a skilful and often slightly dishonest way
She finessed the interview by playing down her lack of experience and talking about her long-standing interest in the field.
finesse /fɪˈnes/ noun [ U ]
great skill or style
It was a disappointing performance which lacked finesse.
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Term
fissure /ˈfɪʃ.ə r / /-ɚ/ noun [ C ]
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Definition
| a deep narrow crack in rock or the earth |
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Term
flag /flæg/ verb -gg- BECOME TIRED
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Definition
3. [ I ] to become tired or less interested
I was starting to flag after the ninth mile.
The conversation was flagging.
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Term
*fledgling , fledgeling /ˈfledʒ.lɪŋ/ noun [ C ]
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Definition
a young bird that has grown feathers and is learning to fly
fledgling , fledgeling /ˈfledʒ.lɪŋ/ adjective [ before noun ]
new and without experience
The current economic climate is particularly difficult for fledgling businesses.
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Term
flora /ˈflɔː.rə/ /ˈflɔːr.ə/ noun [ U ] specialized
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Definition
all the plants of a particular place or from a particular time in history
the flora of the Balearic Islands
Stone Age flora
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Term
florid /ˈflɒr.ɪd/ /ˈflɔːr-/ adjective
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Definition
DECORATED
1. with too much decoration or detail
a florid architectural style
florid prose/rhetoric
florid /ˈflɒr.ɪd/ /ˈflɔːr-/ adjective RED
2. formal (of a person's face) too red, especially in a way that is unhealthy
a florid complexion
floridly /ˈflɒr.ɪd.li/ /ˈflɔːr-/ adverb |
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Term
flourish /ˈflʌr.ɪʃ/ /ˈflɝː-/ verb
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Definition
SUCCEED 1. [ I ] to grow or develop successfully
My tomatoes are flourishing this summer - it must be the warm weather.
Watercolour painting began to flourish in Britain around 1750.
flourish /ˈflʌr.ɪʃ/ /ˈflɝː-/ noun
an embellishment or ornamentation
with a flourish: If you do something with a flourish, you do it with one big, noticeable movement
The waiter handed me the menu with a flourish.
He took off his hat with a flourish.
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Term
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Definition
to intentionally not obey a rule, law, or custom
Many motorcyclists flout the law by not wearing helmets.
The orchestra decided to flout convention/tradition , and wear their everyday clothes for the concert.
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Term
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Definition
CHANGE
1. continuous change
Our plans are in a state of flux at the moment.
flux /flʌks/ noun [ U ] SUBSTANCE
2. specialized a substance added to a metal to make it easier to solder (= join by melting) to another metal
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Term
*foment /fəʊˈment/ /foʊ-/ verb [ T ] formal
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Definition
to cause trouble to develop
The song was banned on the grounds that it might foment racial tension.
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Term
forbearance /fɔːˈbeə.r ə n t s/ /fɔːr-/ noun [ U ] formal
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Definition
the quality of patience, forgiveness and self-control shown in a difficult situation
[ + ( that ) ] He thanked his employees for the forbearance (that) they had shown during the company's difficult times.
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Term
*forestall /fɔːˈstɔːl/ /fɔːrˈstɑːl/ verb [ T ]
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Definition
to prevent something from happening by acting first
The government forestalled criticism by holding a public enquiry into the matter.
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Term
formidable /fɔːˈmɪ.də.bl ̩/ /fɔːr-/ adjective
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Definition
causing you to have fear or respect for something or someone because they are large, powerful or difficult
a formidable obstacle/task
a formidable adversary/enemy/opponent
a formidable intellect
disapproving the director and his formidable wife
formidably /fɔːˈmɪd.ə.bli/ /fɔːr-/ adverb |
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Term
forswear /fɔːˈsweə r / /fɔːrˈswer/ verb [ T ] forswore , forsworn formal
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Definition
to make a serious decision to stop doing something
to forswear alcohol
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Term
founder /ˈfaʊn.də r / /-dɚ/ verb [ I ]
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Definition
1. (especially of a boat) to fill with water and sink
The ferry foundered in a heavy storm, taking many of the passengers and crew with it.
2. to be unsuccessful
Teaching computers to read and write has always foundered on the unpredictable human element in language.
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Term
fracas /ˈfræk.ɑː/ /ˈfreɪ.kəs/ noun [ S ]
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Definition
a noisy argument or fight
He was injured in a Saturday-night fracas outside a disco.
The Prime Minister has joined the fracas over the proposed changes to the health service.
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Term
*fractious /ˈfræk.ʃəs/ adjective
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Definition
easily upset or annoyed, and often complaining
a fractious child
fractiousness /ˈfræk.ʃə.snəs/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
fresco /ˈfres.kəʊ/ /-koʊ/ noun [ C or U ] plural frescos or frescoes
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Definition
(a picture made by) painting on wet plaster (= mixture of sand, lime and water) on a wall or ceiling
Michelangelo's famous frescoes are in the Sistine Chapel in Rome.
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Term
frieze /friːz/ noun [ C ]
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Definition
| a narrow piece of decoration along a wall, either inside a room or on the outside of a building just under the roof |
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Term
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Definition
stubbornly contrary(opposite); obstinately disobedient
stubborn /ˈstʌb.ən/ /-ɚn/ adjective mainly disapproving
1. describes someone who is determined to do what they want and refuses to do anything else
They have massive rows because they're both so stubborn.
2. Things that are stubborn are difficult to move, change or deal with
He was famed for his stubborn resistance and his refusal to accept defeat.
stubbornly /ˈstʌb.ən.li/ /-ɚn-/ adverb
She stubbornly refused to sign the document.
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Term
*frugal /ˈfruː.g ə l/ adjective
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Definition
careful when using money or food, or (of a meal) cheap or small in amount
a frugal lifestyle
a frugal meal of bread and soup
frugality /fruːˈgæl.ə.ti/ /-t ̬i/ noun [ U ]
frugally /ˈfruː.g ə l.i/ adverb
We had very little money left, so we ate frugally in cheap cafés and bars.
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Term
*fulminate /ˈfʊl.mɪ.neɪt/ verb [ I usually + adv/prep ] formal
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Definition
to criticize strongly
I had to listen to Michael fulminating against the government.
fulmination /ˌfʊl.mɪˈneɪ.ʃ ə n/ noun [ C or U ] |
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Term
fulsome /ˈfʊl.səm/ adjective formal
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Definition
expressing a lot of admiration or praise for someone, often too much, in a way that does not sound sincere
Her new book has received fulsome praise from the critics.
Our guests were fulsome in their compliments about the food.
fulsomely /ˈfʊl.səm.li/ adverb
He thanked her fulsomely for her help.
fulsomeness /ˈfʊl.səm.nəs/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
fusion /ˈfjuː.ʒ ə n/ noun [ U ]
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Definition
when two or more things join or are combined
nuclear fusion
Their music is described as 'an explosive fusion of Latin American and modern jazz rhythms'.
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Term
futile /ˈfjuː.taɪl/ /-t ̬əl/ adjective
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Definition
(of actions) having no effect or achieving nothing; unsuccessful
Attempts to get supplies to the region are futile because troops will not allow the aid convoy to enter the city.
It 's quite futile try ing to reason with him - he just won't listen.
All my attempts to cheer her up proved futile.
futility /fjuːˈtɪl.ɪ.ti/ /-t ̬i/ noun [ U ]
"What's his latest book about?" "Oh, the usual - the transience of love and the futility of life."
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Term
gambol /ˈgæm.b ə l/ verb [ I ] -ll- or US USUALLY -l- literary
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Definition
to run and jump in a happy and playful way
Lambs were gambolling (about/around) in the spring sunshine.
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Term
*garrulous /ˈgær. ə l.əs/ /ˈger-/ adjective
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Definition
having the habit of talking a lot, especially about things which are not important
garrulously /ˈgær. ə l.ə.sli/ /ˈger-/ adverb
garrulousness /ˈgær. ə l.ə.snəs/ /ˈger-/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
gauche /gəʊʃ/ /goʊʃ/ adjective
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Definition
awkward and uncomfortable with other people, especially because young and without experience
She had grown from a gauche teenager to a self-assured young woman.
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Term
genial /ˈdʒiː.ni. ə l/ adjective
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Definition
friendly and pleasant
The headteacher is very genial/has a genial manner.
geniality /ˌdʒiː.niˈæl.ɪ.ti/ /-ə.t ̬i/ noun [ U ]
His geniality, reliability and ability made him a popular figure.
genially /ˈdʒiː.ni. ə l.i/ adverb |
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Term
gerrymandering /ˈdʒer.iˌmæn.d ə r.ɪŋ/ /-dɚ-/ noun [ U ]
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Definition
when someone in authority changes the borders of an area in order to increase the number of people within that area who will vote for a particular party or person
The boundary changes were denounced as blatant gerrymandering.
gerrymander /ˈdʒer.iˌmæn.də r / /-dɚ/ verb [ I or T ] |
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Term
glib /glɪb/ adjective glibber , glibbest
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Definition
speaking or spoken in a confident way, but without careful thought or honesty
He's a glib, self-centred man.
No one was convinced by his glib answers/explanations .
glibly /ˈglɪb.li/ adverb
He spoke glibly about an economic recovery just around the corner.
glibness /ˈglɪb.nəs/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
goad /gəʊd/ /goʊd/ verb [ T ]
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Definition
to make a person or an animal react or do something by continuously annoying or upsetting them
Will the pressure applied by environmentalists be enough to goad the industrialized nations into us ing less fossil fuels?
He refused to be goaded by their insults.
The team were goaded on by their desire to be first to complete the course.
A group of children were goading (= laughing at or pushing) another child in the school playground.
goad noun [ S ]
The thought of exams next week is a great goad to the students to work hard.
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Term
gossamer /ˈgɒs.ə.mə r / /ˈgɑː.sə.mɚ/ noun [ U ]
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Definition
the very thin thread that spiders produce to make webs
gossamer /ˈgɒs.ə.mə r / /ˈgɑː.sə.mɚ/ adjective [ before noun ] literary
very delicate and light
gossamer wings
a gossamer veil
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Term
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Definition
overcharge; to make a hole in something in a rough or violent way
He drove into some railings and gouged a hole in the back of his car.
gouge sth out phrasal verb [ M ]
to remove something by digging or cutting it out of a surface
In Shakespeare's play, 'King Lear', the Earl of Gloucester's eyes are gouged out.
gouge /gaʊdʒ/ noun [ C ]
a hole that has been made roughly or violently |
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Term
*grandiloquent /grænˈdɪl.ə.kw ə nt/ adjective formal mainly disapproving
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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
Her speech was full of grandiloquent language, but it contained no new ideas.
grandiloquence /grænˈdɪl.ə.kw ə n t s/ noun [ U ]
grandiloquently /grænˈdɪl.ə.kw ə nt.li/ adverb |
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Term
grouse /graʊs/ verb [ I ] informal
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Definition
to complain angrily
She's always grousing about how she's been treated by the management.
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Term
*guileless /ˈgaɪl.ləs/ adjective formal
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Definition
honest, not able to deceive
She regarded him with wide, guileless blue eyes.
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Term
*guile /gaɪl/ noun [ U ] formal
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Definition
clever but sometimes dishonest behaviour that you use to deceive someone
The President will need to use all her political guile to stay in power.
He is a simple man, totally lacking in guile.
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Term
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Definition
the appearance of someone or something, especially when intended to deceive
The men who arrived in the guise of drug dealers were actually undercover police officers.
The company has been accused of trying to sell their products under the guise of market research.
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Term
gustatory /ˈgʌs.tə.t ə r.i/ /-tɔː.ri/ adjective specialized
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Definition
connected with taste
gustatory pleasures
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Term
halcyon days /ˌhæl.si.ənˈdeɪz/ plural noun literary
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Definition
as anoun halcyon is a genus of kingfisher. it is also the name of a mythological bird identified with the kingfisher that symbolizes life and renewal
a very happy or successful period in the past
She recalled the halcyon days of her youth.
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Term
hallowed /ˈhæl.əʊd/ /-oʊd/ adjective
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Definition
1. very respected and praised because of great importance or great age
hallowed icons such as Marilyn Monroe and James Dean
2. holy
Can atheists be buried in hallowed ground?
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Term
*harangue /həˈræŋ/ verb [ T ] disapproving
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Definition
to speak to someone or a group of people, often for a long time, in a forceful and sometimes angry way, especially to persuade them
A drunk in the station was haranguing passers-by.
harangue noun [ C ]
The team were given the usual half-time harangue by their manager.
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Term
harrowing /ˈhær.əʊ.ɪŋ/ /ˈher.oʊ-/ adjective
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Definition
extremely upsetting because connected with suffering
a harrowing story
For many women, the harrowing prospect of giving evidence in a rape case can be too much to bear.
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Term
herbivore /ˈhɜː.bɪ.vɔː r / /ˈhɝː.bə.vɔːr/ noun [ C ]
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Definition
an animal that eats only plants
Cows and sheep are herbivores.
Compare carnivore
herbivorous /hɜːˈbɪv. ə r.əs/ /hɝːˈbɪv.ɚ-/ adjective |
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Term
hermetic /hɜːˈmet.ɪk/ /hɚˈmet ̬-/ adjective
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Definition
1. specialized (of a container) so tightly closed that no air can leave or enter
a hermetic seal
2. formal If a particular group is hermetic, the people who live within it don't often communicate with those who live outside it
He entered the hermetic world of the monastery at a young age.
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Term
*heterodox /ˈhet. ə r.ə.dɒks/ /ˈhet ̬.ɚ.ə.dɑːks/ adjective formal
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Definition
(of beliefs, ideas or activities) different and in opposition to generally accepted beliefs or standards
His opinions have always been distinctly heterodox.
Compare orthodox
heterodoxy /ˈhet. ə r.ə.dɒk.si/ /ˈhet ̬.ɚ.ə.dɑːk-/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
hieroglyphics /ˌhaɪə.rəˈglɪf.ɪks/ /-roʊ-/ plural noun
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Definition
| a system of writing which uses pictures instead of words, especially as used in ancient Egypt |
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Term
hirsute /ˈhɜː.sjuːt/ /ˈhɝː.suːt/ adjective literary or humorous
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Definition
| having a lot of hair, especially on the face or body |
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Term
*histrionic /ˌhɪs.triˈɒn.ɪk/ /-ˈɑː.nɪk/ adjective disapproving
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Definition
very emotional and energetic, but without sincerity or real meaning
a histrionic outburst
She put on a histrionic display of grief at her ex-husband's funeral.
histrionically /ˌhɪs.triˈɒn.ɪ.kli/ /-ˈɑː.nɪ-/ adverb |
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Term
homeostasis /ˌhəʊ.mi.əʊˈsteɪ.sɪs/ /ˌhəʊ.mi.oʊˈ-/ noun [ U ] specialized
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Definition
the ability or tendency of a living organism, cell or group to keep the conditions inside it the same despite any changes in the conditions around it, or this state of internal balance
Warm-blooded animals are able to achieve temperature homeostasis.
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Term
*homily /ˈhɒm.ɪ.li/ /ˈhɑː.mə-/ noun [ C ] disapproving
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Definition
a piece of spoken or written advice about how someone should behave
He launched into a homily on family relationships.
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Term
*hyperbole /haɪˈpɜː.b ə l.i/ /-ˈpɝː-/ noun [ U ] formal
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Definition
a way of speaking or writing that makes someone or something sound bigger, better, more, etc. than they are
The blurb on the back of the book was full of the usual hyperbole - 'enthralling', 'fascinating' and so on.
hyperbolic /ˌhaɪ.pəˈbɒl.ɪk/ /-pɚˈbɑː.lɪk/ adjective
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Term
*iconoclastic /aɪˌkɒn.əˈklæs.tɪk/ /-kɑː.nə-/ adjective
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Definition
strongly opposing generally accepted beliefs and traditions
His plays were fairly iconoclastic in their day.
iconoclastic views
iconoclasm /aɪˈkɒn.əˌklæz. ə m/ /-ˈkɑː.nə-/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
*ideological /ˌaɪ.di.əˈlɒdʒ.ɪ.k ə l/ /-ˈlɑː.dʒɪ-/ adjective
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Definition
based on or relating to a particular set of ideas or beliefs
ideological differences
There are some fairly profound ideological disagreements within the movement.
ideologically /ˌ a ɪ.di.əˈlɒdʒ.ɪ.kli/ /-ˈlɑː.dʒɪ-/ adverb
The government is ideologically opposed to spending more on the arts (= this is in opposition to its political beliefs) .
Little separates the two women ideologically (= they believe in similar things) .
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Term
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Definition
idol (someone who is admired and respected very much ) worship; blind or excessive devotion
devotion /dɪˈvəʊ.ʃ ə n/ /-ˈvoʊ-/ noun [ U ] LOYALTY
1. loyalty and love or care for someone or something
He inspired respect and devotion from his pupils.
She will be remembered for her selfless/unstinting devotion to the cause.
devotion /dɪˈvəʊ.ʃ ə n/ /-ˈvoʊ-/ noun [ U ] RELIGION
2. religious worship
He knelt in humble devotion.
3. devotions
acts of religious worship, especially prayers
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Term
imbroglio /ɪmˈbrəʊ.li.əʊ/ /-ˈbroʊ.li.oʊ/ noun [ C ] plural imbroglios formal
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Definition
an unwanted, difficult and confusing situation, full of trouble and problems
The Soviet Union became anxious to withdraw its soldiers from the Afghan imbroglio.
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Term
*immutable /ɪˈmjuː.tə.bl ̩/ /-t ̬ə-/ adjective formal
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Definition
not changing, or unable to be changed
an immutable law
Some people regard grammar as an immutable set of rules.
immutability /ɪˌmjuː.təˈbɪl.ɪ.ti/ /-t ̬əˈbɪl.ə.t ̬i/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
*impassive /ɪmˈpæs.ɪv/ adjective
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Definition
describes a person's face when it expresses no emotion, because they seem not to be affected by the situation they are experiencing
impassively /ɪmˈpæs.ɪv.li/ adverb
The defendant sat impassively in the dock while evidence was given against him.
impassivity /ˌɪm.pæsˈɪv.ɪ.ti/ /-ə.t ̬i/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
impecunious /ˌɪm.pəˈkjuː.ni.əs/ adjective formal
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Definition
having very little money; poor
I first knew him as an impecunious student living in a tiny bedsit.
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Term
*impermeable /ɪmˈpɜː.mi.ə.bl ̩/ /-ˈpɝː-/ adjective
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Definition
not allowing liquid or gas to go through
an impermeable membrane
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Term
*imperturbable /ˌɪm.pəˈtɜː.bə.bl ̩/ /-pɚˈtɝː-/ adjective
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Definition
always staying calm and controlled, even in difficult situations that would cause other people to worry
imperturbably /ˌɪm.pəˈtɜː.bə.bli/ /-pɚˈtɝː-/ adverb formal |
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Term
*impervious /ɪmˈpɜː.vi.əs/ /-ˈpɝː-/ adjective PERSON
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Definition
2. describes a person who is not influenced or affected by something
He is impervious to criticism and rational argument.
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Term
impinge /ɪmˈpɪn d ʒ/ verb
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Definition
impinge on/upon sb/sth phrasal verb
to have an effect on something, often causing problems by limiting it in some way
The government's spending limits will seriously impinge on the education budget.
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Term
*implacable /ɪmˈplæk.ə.bl ̩/ adjective slightly formal
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Definition
describes (someone who has) strong opinions or feelings which are impossible to change
an implacable enemy
implacable hostility
implacably /ɪmˈplæk.ə.bli/ adverb |
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Term
implausible /ɪmˈplɔː.zɪ.bl ̩/ /-ˈplɑː.zə-/ adjective
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Definition
difficult to believe, or unlikely
The whole plot of the film is ridiculously implausible.
implausibly /ɪmˈplɔː.zɪ.bli/ /-ˈplɑː.zə-/ adverb
implausibility /ɪmˌplɔː.zɪˈbɪl.ɪ.ti/ /-ˌplɑː.zəˈbɪl.ə.t ̬i/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
*implicit /ɪmˈplɪs.ɪt/ adjective SUGGESTED
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Definition
1. suggested but not communicated directly
He interpreted her comments as an implicit criticism of the government.
Implicit in the poem's closing lines are the poet's own religious doubts.
Compare explicit
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Term
*implication /ˌɪm.plɪˈkeɪ.ʃ ə n/ noun
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Definition
1. [ C or U ] when you seem to suggest something without saying it directly
[ + that ] From what she said, the implication was that they were splitting up.
She accused the party and, by implication, its leader too.
2. [ C usually plural ] the effect that an action or decision will have on something else in the future
The company is cutting back its spending and I wonder what the implications will be for our department.
What are the implications of the new law?
3. [ U ] when you suggest or show that someone is involved in a crime
The case depended upon his implication of his co-workers in the fraud.
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Term
implode /ɪmˈpləʊd/ /-ˈploʊd/ verb [ I ]
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Definition
1. specialized to fall towards the inside with force
The vacuum inside the tube caused it to implode when the external air pressure was increased.
Compare explode
2. to fail suddenly and completely and be unable to operate
Their economy is in danger of imploding.
implosion /ɪmˈpləʊ.ʒ ə n/ /-ˈploʊ-/ noun [ C or U ] specialized |
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Term
imprecation /ˌɪm.prəˈkeɪ.ʃ ə n/ noun [ C ] formal
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Definition
a swear word
The old woman walked along the street muttering imprecations.
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Term
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Definition
impute sth to sb phrasal verb ACCUSE
1. formal to say that someone is responsible for something that has happened, or that something is the cause of something else
They imputed the error to the lawyer who was handling her case.
impute sth to sb phrasal verb BELIEVE
2. formal to believe that someone or something has a particular characteristic, quality or meaning
He arrogantly imputed stupidity to anyone who disagreed with him.
imputation /ˌɪm.pjʊˈteɪ.ʃ ə n/ noun [ C or U ] formal
imputations of dishonesty
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Term
*inadvertently /ˌɪn.ədˈvɜː.t ə nt.li/ /-ˈvɝː.t ̬ ə nt-/ adverb
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Definition
not intentionally
He inadvertently deleted the file.
inadvertent /ˌɪn.ədˈvɜː.t ə nt/ /-ˈvɝː.t ̬ ə nt/ adjective
All authors need to be wary of inadvertent copying of other people's ideas.
inadvertence /ˌɪn.ədˈvɜː.t ə n t s/ /-ˈvɝː.t ̬ ə n t s/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
incarnate /ɪnˈkɑː.nət/ /-ˈkɑːr-/ adjective [ after noun ]
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Definition
in human form
One survivor described his torturers as devils incarnate.
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Term
*inchoate /ɪnˈkəʊ.eɪt/ /-ˈkoʊ-/ adjective literary
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Definition
only recently or partly formed, or not completely developed or clear
She had a child's inchoate awareness of language.
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Term
*incongruity /ˌɪn.kəŋˈgruː.ə.ti/ /-kənˈgruː.ə.t ̬i/ noun [ C or U ] formal
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Definition
when something is incongruous
incongruous /ɪnˈkɒŋ.gru.əs/ /-ˈkɑːŋ-/ adjective
unusual or different from what is around or from what is generally happening
The new computer looked incongruous in the dark book-filled library.
It seems incongruous to have a woman as the editor of a men's magazine.
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Term
inconsequential /ɪnˌkɒn t .sɪˈkwen. t ʃ ə l/ /-ˌkɑːn t -/ adjective
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Definition
not important
an inconsequential matter/remark
Most of what she said was pretty inconsequential.
inconsequentially /ɪnˌkɒn t .sɪˈkwen. t ʃ ə l.i/ /-ˌkɑːn t -/ adverb |
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Term
incorporate /ɪnˈkɔː.p ə r.eɪt/ /-ˈkɔːr.pɚ-/ verb [ T ]
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Definition
to include something as part of something larger
Suggestions from the survey have been incorporated into/in the final design.
This aircraft incorporates several new safety features.
incorporation /ɪnˌkɔː.p ə rˈeɪ.ʃ ə n/ /-ˌkɔːr.pəˈreɪ-/ noun [ U ]
the regular incorporation of organic material into garden soil
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Term
incursion /ɪnˈkɜː.ʒ ə n/ /-ˈkɝː-/ noun [ C ]
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Definition
1. a sudden attack on or act of going into a place, especially across a border
incursions into enemy territory
2. formal when people suddenly involve themselves in another person's private situation |
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Term
*indeterminate /ˌɪn.dɪˈtɜː.mɪ.nət/ /-ˈtɝː-/ adjective
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Definition
not measured, counted or clearly described
An indeterminate number of workers have already been exposed to the danger.
a man of indeterminate age
indeterminacy /ˌɪn.dɪˈtɜː.mɪ.nə.si/ /-ˈtɝː-/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
*indigent /ˈɪn.dɪ.dʒ ə nt/ adjective formal
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Definition
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indigence /ˈɪn.dɪ.dʒ ə n t s/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
*indolent /ˈɪn.d ə l. ə n t / adjective literary
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Definition
lazy; showing no real interest or effort
an indolent wave of the hand
an indolent reply
indolently /ˈɪn.d ə l. ə n t .li/ adverb
indolence /ˈɪn.d ə l. ə n t s/ noun [ U ]
After a sudden burst of activity, the team lapsed back into indolence.
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Term
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Definition
not to be avoided or escaped; inevitable |
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Term
| *inert /ɪˈnɜːt/ /-ˈnɝːt/ adjective |
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Definition
NOT MOVING
1. not moving or not able to move
The inert figure of a man could be seen lying in the front of the car.
2. not energetic or interesting
The narrative is inert and sloppy, as if the author had been writing half-asleep.
inertia /ɪˈnɜː.ʃə/ /-ˈnɝː-/ noun [ U ] LACK OF ACTIVITY
1. lack of activity or interest, or unwillingness to make an effort to do anything
The organization is stifled by bureaucratic inertia.
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Term
*inherent /ɪnˈher. ə nt/ , /-ˈhɪə.rənt/ /-ˈhɪr. ə nt/ adjective
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Definition
existing as a natural or basic part of something
There are dangers/risks inherent in almost every sport.
I have an inherent distrust of lawyers.
inherently /ɪnˈher. ə nt.li/ adverb
There's nothing inherently wrong with his ideas.
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Term
*innocuous /ɪˈnɒk.ju.əs/ /-ˈnɑː.kju-/ adjective
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Definition
completely harmless (= causing no harm)
Some mushrooms look innocuous but are in fact poisonous.
innocuously /ɪˈnɒk.ju.ə.sli/ /-ˈnɑːk-/ adverb
innocuousness /ɪˈnɒk.ju.ə.snəs/ /-ˈnɑːk-/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
*insensible /ɪnˈsen t .sɪ.bl ̩/ adjective formal
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Definition
1. unconscious
We found her lying on the floor, drunk and insensible.
2. be insensible of/to sth
to not care about something or be unwilling to react to it
I think he's largely insensible to other people's distress.
insensibility /ɪnˌsen t .sɪˈbɪl.ɪ.ti/ /-ə.t ̬i/ noun [ C or U ] |
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Term
*insinuate /ɪnˈsɪn.ju.eɪt/ verb [ T ]
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Definition
to suggest, without being direct, that something unpleasant is true
[ + ( that ) ] Are you insinuating (that) I'm losing my nerve?
What are you insinuating, Daniel?
insinuation /ɪnˌsɪn.juˈeɪ.ʃ ə n/ noun [ C or U ]
[ + that ] We resent these insinuations that we are not capable of leading the company forward.
insinuate yourself into sth phrasal verb [ R ] formal disapproving
to use clever, secret and often unpleasant methods to gradually become part of something
Over the years she insinuated herself into the great man's life.
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Term
*insipid /ɪnˈsɪp.ɪd/ adjective disapproving
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Definition
not having a strong taste or character, or having no interest or energy
a pale insipid wine
He's an insipid old bore.
Why anyone buys music with such insipid lyrics is a mystery.
insipidly /ɪnˈsɪp.ɪd.li/ adverb
insipidness /ɪnˈsɪp.ɪd.nəs/ noun [ U ] ( also insipidity ) |
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Term
insouciance /ɪnˈsuː.si.ən t s/ noun [ U ] literary
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Definition
a relaxed and happy way of acting without feeling worred or guilty; indifferent; lacking concern or care
I admired his youthful insouciance.
insouciant /ɪnˈsuː.si.ənt/ adjective |
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Term
*insular /ˈɪn.sjʊ.lə r / /-lɚ/ adjective disapproving
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Definition
interested only in your own country or group and not willing to accept different or foreign ideas;
insularity /ˌɪn.sjʊˈlær.ə.ti/ /-t ̬i/ noun [ U ]
narrow-mindedness; isolation
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