Term
insuperable /ɪnˈs j uː.p ə r.ə.bl ̩/ /-ˈsuː.pɚ-/ adjective formal
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Definition
(especially of a problem) so great or severe that it cannot be defeated or dealt with successfully
insuperably /ɪnˈs j uː.p ə r.ə.bli/ /-ˈsuː.pɚ-/ adverb |
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Term
intangible /ɪnˈtæn.dʒɪ.bl ̩/ adjective
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Definition
An intangible feeling or quality exists but you cannot describe it exactly or prove it
She has that intangible quality which you might call charisma.
intangible noun [ C usually plural ]
Common sense and creativity are some of the intangibles we're looking for in an employee.
intangibly /ɪnˈtæn.dʒɪ.bli/ adverb |
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Term
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Definition
to forbid; prohibit; to confront and halt the activities, advance, or entry offorbid /fəˈbɪd/ /fɚ-/ verb [ T ] forbidding , forbade or old use forbad , forbidden old use
to refuse to allow something, especially officially, or to prevent a particular plan of action by making it impossible
confront /kənˈfrʌnt/ verb [ T ]
to face, meet or deal with a difficult situation or person
confront sb with sth phrasal verb
to tell someone what they do not want to hear, often because it is something bad that they have done or because it needs an explanation
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Term
internecine /ˌɪn.təˈniː.saɪn/ /-t ̬ɚˈniː.sɪn/ adjective formal
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Definition
Internecine war or fighting happens between members of the same group, religion or country
internecine war/warfare
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Term
interpolate /ɪnˈtɜː.pə.leɪt/ /-ˈtɝː-/ verb [ T ] formal
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Definition
1. to add words to a text
2. to interrupt someone by saying something
interpolation /ɪnˌtɜː.pəˈleɪ.ʃ ə n/ /-ˌtɝː-/ noun [ C or U ] |
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Term
interregnum /ˌɪn.təˈreg.nəm/ /-t ̬ɚ-/ noun [ S ] formal
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Definition
| a period when a country or organization does not have a leader |
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Term
intimate /ˈɪn.tɪ.mət/ /-t ̬ə-/ adjective
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Definition
PERSONAL 1. having, or being likely to cause, a very close friendship or personal or sexual relationship
intimate relationships; The restaurant has a very intimate atmosphere .
He's become very intimate with an actress.
EXPERT 2. expert, detailed and obtained from a lot of studying or experience
She has an intimate knowledge of Tuscany, where she has lived for twenty years. intimately /ˈɪn.tɪ.mət.li/ /-t ̬ə-/ adverb
Well, I know who she is although I'm not intimately (= closely) acquainted with her. ; She's been intimately involved in the project since it began.
intimate /ˈɪn.tɪ.mət/ /-t ̬ə-/ noun [ C ] formal
a close friend
Intimates of the star say that he has been upset by the personal attacks on him that have appeared in the press recently.
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Term
intimate /ˈɪn.tɪ.meɪt/ /-t ̬ə-/ verb [ T ] formal
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Definition
to make clear what you think or want without stating it directly
[ + ( that ) ] She has intimated that she will resign if she loses the vote.
intimation /ˌɪn.tɪˈmeɪ.ʃ ə n/ /-t ̬ə-/ noun [ C ]
His suicide attempt was the first intimation that he was seriously depressed.
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Term
intimacy /ˈɪn.tɪ.mə.si/ /-t ̬ə-/ noun
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Definition
1. [ U ] when you have a close friendship or sexual relationship with someone
Intimacy between teachers and students is not recommended.
2. [ C usually plural ] things which are said or done only by people who have a close relationship with each other
It was obvious from their witty intimacies that they had been good friends for many years.
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Term
introspective /ˌɪn.trəˈspek.tɪv/ adjective
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Definition
examining and considering your own ideas, thoughts and feelings, instead of talking to other people about them
She is famous for her introspective songs about failed relationships.
introspectively /ˌɪn.trəˈspek.tɪv.li/ adverb |
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Term
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Definition
inveigh against sb/sth phrasal verb formal
to strongly criticize something or someone
There were politicians who inveighed against immigrants to get votes.
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Term
inveigle /ɪnˈveɪ.gl ̩/ verb [ T ] formal
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Definition
to persuade someone to do something in a clever and dishonest way, when they do not want to do it
Her son tried to inveigle her into giving him the money for a car.
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Term
inveterate /ɪnˈvet. ə r.ət/ /-ˈvet ̬.ɚ-/ adjective usually disapproving
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Definition
an inveterate liar/gambler, etc.
someone who does something very often and cannot stop doing it
I never trust anything he says - the man's an inveterate liar.
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Term
invidious /ɪnˈvɪd.i.əs/ adjective formal
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Definition
likely to cause unhappiness or be unpleasant, especially because unfair
Such a difficult choice placed her in an invidious position .
invidiously /ɪnˈvɪd.i.ə.sli/ adverb
invidiousness /ɪnˈvɪd.i.ə.snəs/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
itinerant / a ɪˈtɪn. ə r. ə nt/ /-ɚ-/ adjective [ before noun ]
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Definition
travelling from one place to another, usually to work for a short period
an itinerant journalist/labourer/preacher
itinerant noun [ C ] |
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Term
itinerary /aɪˈtɪn. ə r. ə r.i/ /-ə.rer-/ noun [ C ]
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Definition
a detailed plan or route of a journey
The tour operator will arrange transport and plan your itinerary.
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Term
jaundiced /ˈdʒɔːn.dɪst/ /ˈdʒɑːn-/ adjective formal
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Definition
1. judging everything as bad because bad things have happened to you in the past
He seems to have/take a very jaundiced view of life.
I'm afraid I look on all travel companies' claims with a rather jaundiced eye , having been disappointed by them so often in the past.
2. looking slightly yellow in colour because of having jaundice
He was jaundiced from liver disease.
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Term
jibe , US usually gibe /dʒaɪb/ noun [ C ] verb [ I ]
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Definition
an insulting remark that is intended to make someone look stupid
Unlike many other politicians, he refuses to indulge in cheap jibes at other people's expense.
jibe , US usually gibe /dʒaɪb/ verb [ I ]
to make insulting remarks that are intended to make someone look stupid
She jibed constantly at the way he ran his business.
jibe with sth phrasal verb ( also jive with sth ) US informal
If one statement or opinion jibes with another, it is similar to it and matches it. ; Her account of the accident jibes with mine.
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Term
jocose /dʒəˈkəʊs/ /dʒoʊˈkoʊs/ adjective literary
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Definition
humorous or playful
His jocose manner was unsuitable for such a solemn occasion.
jocosely /dʒəˈkəʊ.sli/ /dʒoʊˈkoʊ-/ adverb |
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Term
| juggernaut /ˈdʒʌg.ə.nɔːt/ /-ɚ.nɑːt/ noun [ C ] |
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Definition
POWERFUL FORCE
2. disapproving a large powerful force or organization that cannot be stopped
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Term
junta /ˈdʒʌn.tə/ , /ˈhʊn-/ noun [ C + sing/pl verb ]
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Definition
a government, especially a military one, that has taken power in a country by force and not by election
The military junta has/have today broadcast an appeal for calm.
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Term
kudos /ˈkjuː.dɒs/ /ˈkuː.dɑːs/ noun [ U ]
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Definition
the fame and public admiration that a person receives as a result of a particular achievement or position in society
Being an actor has a certain amount of kudos attached to it.
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Term
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Definition
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Term
lambaste , lambast /læmˈbæst/ verb [ T ]
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Definition
to criticize someone or something severely
His first novel was well and truly lambasted by the critics.
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Term
lascivious /ləˈsɪv.i.əs/ adjective formal disapproving
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Definition
expressing a strong desire for sexual activity
a lascivious smile
lasciviously /ləˈsɪv.i.ə.sli/ adverb
lasciviousness /ləˈsɪv.i.ə.snəs/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
latent /ˈleɪ.t ə nt/ adjective
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Definition
present but needing particular conditions to become active, obvious or completely developed
Recent developments in the area have brought latent ethnic tension out into the open.
We're trying to bring out the latent artistic talents that many people possess without realising it.
latency /ˈleɪ.t ə n t .si/ noun [ U ] formal |
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Term
levee /ˈlev.i/ noun [ C ]
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Definition
a wall made of land or other materials that is built next to a river to stop the river from overflowing (= coming out of a place because it is too full) |
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Term
| liberal /ˈlɪb. ə r. ə l/ , /-rəl/ /-ɚ-/ adjective |
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Definition
GENEROUS
3. formal giving or given in a generous way; tolerant; broad-minded ; lavish
He was very liberal with the wine.
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Term
libertine /ˈlɪb.ə.tiːn/ /-ɚ-/ noun [ C ] formal disapproving
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Definition
| a person, usually a man, who lives in a way that is not moral, having sexual relationships with many people |
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Term
libido /lɪˈbiː.dəʊ/ /-doʊ/ noun [ C ] plural libidos
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Definition
a person's sexual energy
Symptoms include weight gain, sleep disorders and loss of libido.
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Term
lilliputian /ˌlɪl.ɪˈp j uː.ʃ ə n/ adjective mainly humorous
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
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Term
linguistic /lɪŋˈgwɪs.tɪk/ adjective
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Definition
connected with language or the study of language
I'm particularly interested in the linguistic development of young children.
linguistically /lɪŋˈgwɪs.tɪ.kli/ adverb |
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Term
litany /ˈlɪt. ə n.i/ noun [ C ]
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Definition
1. a long Christian prayer in which the priest speaks some parts and the other people at the ceremony speak other parts
2. a litany of sth
a long list of unpleasant things, especially things that are repeated
The manufacturers are reported to have received a litany of complaints from dissatisfied customers.
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Term
literati /ˌlɪt. ə rˈɑː.tiː/ /ˌlɪt ̬.əˈrɑː.t ̬iː/ plural noun
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Definition
people with a good education who know a lot about literature
Her novels are popular with university literati, but they have failed to attract a wider audience.
Compare glitterati
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Term
litigation /ˌlɪt.ɪˈgeɪ.ʃ ə n/ /ˌlɪt ̬-/ noun [ U ] legal
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Definition
the process of taking a case to a law court so that an official decision can be made
The company has consistently denied responsibility, but it agreed to the settlement to avoid the expense of lengthy litigation.
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Term
| log /lɒg/ /lɑːg/ noun [ C ] |
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Definition
RECORD
2. a full written record of a journey, a period of time, or an event
the ship's log
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Term
lucre /ˈluː.kə r / /-kɚ/ noun [ U ] old-fashioned disapproving or humorous
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Definition
money or profit
filthy lucre
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Term
luminous /ˈluː.mɪ.nəs/ adjective
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Definition
producing or reflecting bright light (especially in the dark)
luminous clothing
luminosity /ˌluː.mɪˈnɒs.ə.tɪ/ /-ˈnɑː.sə.t ̬i/ noun [ U ]
luminously /ˈluː.mɪ.nə.sli/ adverb |
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Term
lustrous /ˈlʌs.trəs/ adjective
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Definition
very shiny
long lustrous hair
lustrously /ˈlʌs.trə.sli/ adverb |
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Term
Machiavellian /ˌmæk.i.əˈvel.i.ən/ adjective
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Definition
| using clever but often dishonest methods which deceive people so that you can win power or control |
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Term
machinations /ˌmæʃ.ɪˈneɪ.ʃ ə nz/ , /ˌmæk-/ plural noun
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Definition
complicated and secret plans to get power or control
Despite a commitment to more open government, the public are still being kept in the dark about the inner machinations of the Cabinet.
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Term
maelstrom /ˈmeɪl.strɒm/ /-strəm/ noun
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Definition
SITUATION
1. [ C usually singular ] a situation in which there is great confusion, violence and destruction
The country is gradually being sucked into the maelstrom of civil war.
maelstrom /ˈmeɪl.strɒm/ /-strəm/ noun WATER
2. [ C ] an area of water which moves with a very strong circular movement and sucks in anything that goes past
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Term
malign /məˈlaɪn/ verb [ T often passive ]
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Definition
to say false and unpleasant things about someone or to unfairly criticize them
She has recently been maligned in the gossip columns of several newspapers.
Much- maligned for their derivative style, the band are nevertheless enduringly popular.
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Term
megalomania /ˌmeg. ə l.əˈmeɪ.ni.ə/ noun [ U ]
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Definition
an unnaturally strong wish for power and control, or the belief that you are very much more important and powerful than you really are
megalomaniac /ˌmeg. ə l.əˈmeɪ.ni.æk/ noun [ C ]
a person with megalomania
megalomaniac adjective [ before noun ] ( also megalomaniacal ) |
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Term
menagerie /məˈnædʒ. ə r.i/ /-ɚ-/ noun [ C ]
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Definition
| a collection of wild animals which are kept privately or to show to the public |
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Term
mendicant /ˈmen.dɪ.k ə nt/ noun [ C ] formal
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Definition
someone who lives by asking people they do not know for money, especially for religious reasons
mendicant adjective |
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Term
mesmerize , UK usually mesmerise /ˈmez.mə.raɪz/ verb
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Definition
1. [ T often passive ] to have someone's attention completely so that they cannot think of anything else
I was completely mesmerized by the performance.
2. [ T ] old-fashioned for hypnotize |
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Term
metaphysics /ˌmet.əˈfɪz.ɪks/ /ˌmet ̬-/ noun [ U ]
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Definition
the part of philosophy that is about understanding existence and knowledge
metaphysical /ˌmet.əˈfɪz.ɪ.k ə l/ /ˌmet ̬-/ adjective
Most teenagers ask themselves metaphysical questions such as "What is love?" and "What is death?"
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Term
meteorological /ˌmiː.ti. ə r.əˈlɒdʒ.ɪ.k ə l/ /-t ̬i.ɚ.əˈlɑː.dʒɪ-/ adjective ( informal met )
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Definition
relating to weather conditions
Accurate meteorological records began 100 years ago.
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Term
mettle /ˈmet.l ̩/ /ˈmet ̬-/ noun [ U ]
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Definition
ability and determination when competing or doing something difficult
The German athletes showed/proved their mettle in the final round.
The real test of her political mettle came in the May elections.
on your mettle
ready to do something as well as you can in a difficult situation
Both players were on their mettle in the final round.
Cooking for such important people really puts you on your mettle.
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Term
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Definition
full of courage and fortitude; spirited
fortitude /ˈfɔː.tɪ.tjuːd/ /ˈfɔːr.t ̬ə.tuːd/ noun [ U ] formal
bravery over a long period
I thought she showed remarkable fortitude during that period.
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Term
microcosm /ˈmaɪ.krə ʊ ˌkɒz. ə m/ /-kroʊˌkɑː.z ə m/ noun [ C or U ]
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Definition
a small place, society or situation which has the same characteristics as something much larger
The audience was selected to create a microcosm of American society.
Compare macrocosm
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Term
militate /ˈmil.ɪ.teɪt/ verb
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Definition
militate against sth phrasal verb formal
to make something less likely to happen or succeed
The complexity and costliness of the judicial system militate against justice for the individual.
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Term
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Definition
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Term
minuscule /ˈmɪn.ɪ.skjuːl/ adjective
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Definition
extremely small
All she gave him to eat was two minuscule pieces of toast.
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Term
the minutiae/minutia /ðə.mɪˈnuː.ʃi.aɪ/ plural noun
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Definition
small and often not important details
The committee studied the minutiae of the report for hours.
Comedy is so often based on the minutiae of everyday life.
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Term
miscellany /mɪˈsel.ə.ni/ noun [ S ]
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Definition
MIXTURE
1. a mixture of different things
The museum houses a fascinating miscellany of nautical treasures.
miscellany /mɪˈsel.ə.ni/ noun [ S ] BOOK
2. a book containing a collection of pieces of writing either by different writers or by one writer on different subjects
She's just finished editing "A Miscellany of English Cookery".
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Term
mnemonic /nɪˈmɒn.ɪk/ /-ˈmɑː.nɪk/ noun [ C ]
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Definition
something such as a very short poem or a special word used to help a person remember something
The musical notes on the lines go EGBDF - use the mnemonic 'every good boy deserves fun'.
mnemonic adjective |
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Term
modicum /ˈmɒd.ɪ.kəm/ /ˈmɑː.dɪ-/ noun [ S ] formal
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Definition
a small amount of something good such as truth or honesty
There's not even a modicum of truth in her statement.
Anyone with a modicum of common sense could have seen that the plan wouldn't work.
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Term
monolithic /ˌmɒn.əˈlɪθ.ɪk/ /ˌmɑː.nə-/ adjective disapproving
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Definition
too large, too regular or without interesting differences, and unwilling or unable to be changed
monolithic state-run organizations
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Term
motley /ˈmɒt.li/ /ˈmɑːt-/ adjective [ before noun ]
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Definition
consisting of many different types and therefore appearing strange or of low quality
There's a motley assortment/collection of old furniture in the house we're renting at the moment.
The people who turned up to the meeting were a motley crew (= a group consisting of many different types of people) .
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Term
multifarious /ˌmʌl.tɪˈfeə.ri.əs/ /-t ̬ɪˈfer.i-/ adjective formal
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Definition
of many different types
The newspaper report detailed the fraudster's multifarious business activities.
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Term
necromancy /ˈnek.rə ʊ .mæn t .si/ /-rə-/ noun [ U ]
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Definition
the practice of claiming to be able to communicate with the dead in order to discover what is going to happen in the future, or black magic (= magic used for bad purposes)
necromancer /ˈnek.rə ʊ .mæn t .sə r / /-rə.mæn t .sɚ/ noun [ C ] |
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Term
negate /nɪˈgeɪt/ verb [ T ] slightly formal
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Definition
to cause something to have no effect
The increase in our profits has been negated by the rising costs of running the business.
negation /nɪˈgeɪ.ʃ ə n/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
neologism /niˈɒl.ə.dʒɪ.z ə m/ /-ˈɑː.lə-/ noun [ C ] formal
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Definition
| a new word or expression, or a new meaning for an existing word |
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Term
nexus /ˈnek.səs/ noun [ C usually singular ] formal
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Definition
an important connection between the parts of a system or a group of things
Times Square is the nexus of the New York subway.
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Term
nostalgia /nɒsˈtæl.dʒə/ /nɑːˈstæl-/ noun [ U ]
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Definition
a feeling of pleasure and sometimes slight sadness at the same time as you think about things that happened in the past
Some people feel nostalgia for their schooldays.
Hearing that tune again filled him with nostalgia.
a wave (= sudden strong feeling) of nostalgia
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Term
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Definition
medicine or remedy of doubtful effectiveness; supposed cure |
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Term
nugatory /ˈnjuː.gə.t ə r.i/ /ˈnuː.gə.tɔːr-/ adjective formal
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Definition
worth nothing or of little value
a nugatory amount
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Term
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Definition
funeral ceremony (often used in the plural; obsequies)
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Term
occult /ˈɒk.ʌlt/ , /-ˈ-/ /ɑːˈkʌlt/ adjective
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Definition
relating to magical powers and activities, such as those of witchcraft and astrology
She claims to have occult powers , given to her by some mysterious spirit.
occult /ˈɒk.ʌlt/ , /-ˈ-/ /ɑːˈkʌlt/ noun
the occult
the study of magic or mysterious powers |
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Term
odyssey /ˈɒd.ɪ.si/ /ˈɑː.dɪ-/ noun [ C usually singular ] literary
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Definition
a long exciting journey; a quest
The film follows one man's odyssey to find the mother from whom he was separated at birth.
figurative a spiritual odyssey
quest /kwest/ noun [ C ] literary
a long search for something that is difficult to find, or an attempt to achieve something difficult
Nothing will stop them in their quest for truth.
She went to India on a spiritual quest.
[ + to infinitive ] She does aerobics four times a week in her quest to achieve the perfect body.
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Term
olfactory /ɒlˈfæk.t ə r.i/ /ɑːlˈfæk.ter.i/ adjective [ before noun ] specialized
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Definition
connected with the ability to smell
the olfactory nerve
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Term
oligarchy /ˈɒl.ɪ.gɑː.ki/ /ˈɑː.lɪ.gɑːr-/ noun [ C or U + sing/pl verb ]
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Definition
| (government by) a small group of powerful people |
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Term
onomatopoeia /ˌɒn.ə ʊ ˌmæt.əˈpiː.ə/ /ˌɑː.noʊˌmæt ̬.oʊ-/ noun [ U ] specialized
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Definition
the creation and use of words which include sounds that are similar to the noises that the words refer to
onomatopoeic /ˌɒn.ə ʊ ˌmæt.əˈpiː.ɪk/ /ˌɑː.noʊˌmæt ̬.oʊ-/ adjective
"Pop", "boom" and "squelch" are onomatopoeic words.
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Term
ornithologist /ˌɔː.nɪˈθɒl.ə.dʒɪst/ /ˌɔːr.nəˈθɑː.lə-/ noun [ C ] specialized
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Definition
| a person whose job is to study birds |
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Term
overweening /ˌəʊ.vəˈwiː.nɪŋ/ /ˌoʊ.vɚ-/ adjective [ before noun ] formal disapproving
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Definition
being too proud or confident in yourself
overweening pride/arrogance/vanity
She is driven by overweening ambition.
overweeningly /ˌəʊ.vəˈwiː.nɪŋ.li/ /ˌoʊ.vɚ-/ adverb |
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Term
paean /ˈpiː.ən/ noun [ C ] literary
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Definition
a song, film or piece of writing that praises someone or something very enthusiastically
The song is a paean to solitude and independence.
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Term
paleontology /ˌpæl.i.ənˈtɒl.ə.dʒi/ /-ˈtɑː.lə-/ noun [ U ]
another spelling of palaeontology
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Definition
palaeontology , US also paleontology /ˌpæl.i.ɒnˈtɒl.ə.dʒi/ /ˌpeɪ.li.ɑːnˈtɑː.lə-/ noun [ U ]
the study of fossils as a way of getting information about the history of life on Earth and the structure of rocks
palaeontologist , US also paleontologist /ˌpæl.i.ɒnˈtɒl.ə.dʒɪst/ /ˌpeɪ.li.ɑːnˈtɑː.lə-/ noun [ C ]
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Term
pallid /ˈpæl.ɪd/ adjective
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Definition
1. very pale, in a way that looks unhealthy and not attractive
Next to his tanned face, hers seemed pallid and unhealthy.
2. showing no enthusiasm or excitement
This is a pallid production of what should be a great ballet.
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Term
panegyric /ˌpæn.əˈdʒɪr.ɪk/ noun [ C ] formal
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Definition
a speech or piece of writing that praises someone very much and does not mention anything bad about them
She delivered a panegyric on the President-elect.
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Term
patois /ˈpæt.wɑː/ noun [ C or U ] plural patois
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Definition
the form of a language spoken by people in a particular area which is different from the standard language of the country
the local patois
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Term
peregrination /ˌper.ə.grɪˈneɪ.ʃ ə n/ noun [ C ] formal
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Definition
| a long journey in which you travel to various different places, especially on foot |
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Term
peremptory /pəˈrem p .t ə r.i/ /-tɚ-/ adjective
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Definition
expecting to be obeyed immediately and without asking questions
He started issuing peremptory instructions.
She was highly critical of the insensitive and peremptory way in which the cases had been handled.
peremptorily /pəˈrem p .trə.li/ adverb
"Now," he said peremptorily, "Step forward and state your name."
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Term
perennial /pəˈren.i.əl/ adjective
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Definition
lasting a very long time, or happening repeatedly or all the time The film 'White Christmas' is a perennial favourite.
We face the perennial problem of not having enough money.
Compare annual ; biennial
perennially /pəˈren.i.ə.li/ adverb
She seems to be perennially short of money.
perennial /pəˈren.i.əl/ noun [ C ]
a plant that lives for several years
Roses and geraniums are perennials, flowering year after year.
Compare annual
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Term
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Definition
point in an orbit that is closest to the Earth |
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Term
perturb /pəˈtɜːb/ /pɚˈtɝːb/ verb [ T ] formal
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Definition
to worry someone
News of the arrest perturbed her greatly.
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Term
petulant /ˈpet.jʊ.l ə nt/ adjective disapproving
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Definition
easily annoyed and complaining in a rude way like a child
petulance /ˈpet.jʊ.l ə n t s/ noun [ U ]
petulantly /ˈpet.jʊ.l ə nt.li/ adverb
"Well, he didn't invite me to his party so I'm certainly not inviting him to mine!" she said petulantly.
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Term
phoenix /ˈfiː.nɪks/ noun [ C usually singular ]
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Definition
in ancient stories, an imaginary bird which set fire to itself every 500 years and was born again, rising from its ashes (= the powder left after its body has been burnt)
The town was bombed but was then rebuilt and rose from the ashes like a/the phoenix (= was just as good as before) .
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Term
physiognomy /ˌfɪz.iˈɒn.ə.mi/ /-ˈɑː.nə-/ noun [ U ] formal
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Definition
| the physical appearance of the face |
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Term
piquant /ˈpiː.k ə nt/ adjective
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Definition
INTERESTING
1. slightly formal interesting and exciting, especially because mysterious
More piquant details of their private life were revealed.
piquant /ˈpiː.k ə nt/ adjective SPICY
2. having a pleasant sharp or spicy taste
a piquant mixture of spices
piquancy /ˈpiː.k ə n t .si/ noun [ U ] slightly formal
piquantly /ˈpiː.k ə nt.li/ adverb slightly formal |
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Term
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Definition
a feeling of anger, especially caused by damage to your feeling of being proud of yourself
He stormed from the room in a fit of pique, shouting that he had been misunderstood.
piqued /piːkt/ adjective
pique /piːk/ verb
provoke; arouse
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Term
placid /ˈplæs.ɪd/ adjective
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Definition
having a calm appearance or characteristics
a slow-moving and placid river
the placid pace of village life
She was a very placid (= calm and not easily excited) child who slept all night and hardly ever cried.
placidly /ˈplæs.ɪd.li/ adverb
placidness /ˈplæs.ɪd.nəs/ noun [ U ] ( also placidity ) |
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Term
plaintive /ˈpleɪn.tɪv/ /-t ̬ɪv/ adjective
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Definition
describes something which sounds slightly sad
the plaintive sound of the bagpipes
"What about me?" came a plaintive voice.
plaintively /ˈpleɪn.tɪv.li/ /-t ̬ɪv-/ adverb
"I've broken my glasses," he said plaintively.
plaintiveness /ˈpleɪn.tɪv.nəs/ /-t ̬ɪv-/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
platonic /pləˈtɒn.ɪk/ /-ˈtɑː.nɪk/ adjective
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Definition
A platonic relationship or emotion is loving but not sexual
She knew he fancied her, but preferred to keep their relationship platonic.
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Term
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Definition
DEEP 2. specialized to measure how deep something is, especially water
3. to understand or discover all about something
Now that she had begun, she wanted to plumb her own childhood further.
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Term
plummet /ˈplʌm.ɪt/ verb [ I ]
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Definition
to fall very quickly and suddenly
House prices have plummeted in recent months.
Several large rocks were sent plummeting down the mountain.
She plummeted to the ground.
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Term
plutocracy /pluːˈtɒk.rə.si/ /-ˈtɑː.krə-/ noun
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Definition
1. [ U ] a system of government in which the richest people in a country rule or have power
It's time we put an end to plutocracy.
2. [ C ] a country where the richest people have power
plutocracy /pluːˈtɒk.rə.si/ /-ˈtɑː.krə-/ noun
3. [ S + singular or plural verb ] the richest people in a country who have power in it |
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Term
porous /ˈpɔː.rəs/ /ˈpɔːr.əs/ adjective
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Definition
1. describes something that has many small holes, so liquid or air can pass through, especially slowly
porous soil with good drainage
porous brick walls
a porous polymer membrane
2. not protected enough to stop people going through
The border in this region is porous and many refugees have simply walked across.
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Term
poseur /ˈpəʊ.zə r / /ˈpoʊ.zɚ/ noun [ C ] ( also poser ) disapproving
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Definition
someone who pretends to be something they are not, or to have qualities that they do not have
You look like a real poseur in your fancy sports car with your expensive clothes!
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Term
explicate /ˈek.splɪ.keɪt/ verb [ T ] formal
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Definition
to explain something, especially a piece of writing or an idea in detail
This is a book which clearly explicates Marx's later writings.
explication /ˌek.splɪˈkeɪ.ʃ ə n/ noun [ C or U ] |
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