Term
anodyne /ˈæn.ə ʊ .daɪn/ /-oʊ-/ adjective formal mainly disapproving
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Definition
intended to avoid causing offence or disagreement, especially by not expressing strong feelings or opinions
This is daytime television at its most anodyne.
Somehow this avoids being just another silly pop song with anodyne lyrics about love and happiness.
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Term
antecedent /ˌæn.tiˈsiː.d ə nt/ /-t ̬ə-/ noun [ C ] adjective formal
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Definition
1. formal someone or something existing or happening before, especially as the cause or origin of something existing or happening later
Charles Babbage's mechanical calculating engines were the antecedents of the modern computer.
Many people feel a great curiosity to find out about their antecedents.
2. specialized a word or phrase which a pronoun refers back to
In the sentence 'He picked a book off the shelf and handed it to Sally, 'book' is the antecedent of 'it'.
antecedent /ˌæn.tiˈsiː.d ə nt/ /-t ̬ə-/ adjective formal
previous
When the college was established in 1546, it inherited a hall from each of three antecedent institutions.
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Term
antediluvian /ˌæn.ti.dɪˈluː.vi.ən/ /-t ̬i-/ adjective mainly humorous
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Definition
extremely old-fashioned
My mother has some hopelessly antediluvian ideas about the role of women.
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Term
*antipathy /ænˈtɪp.ə.θi/ noun [ C or U ]
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Definition
(an example of) strong dislike, opposition or anger
Despite the deep antipathies between them, the two sides have managed to negotiate an agreement.
Declarations of racial antipathy against ethnic minorities will not be tolerated.
He is a private man with a deep antipathy to/towards the press.
antipathetic /ˌæn.ti.pəˈθet.ɪk/ /-t ̬i.pəˈθet ̬-/ adjective formal
antipathetic attitudes towards smokers
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Term
apex /ˈeɪ.peks/ noun [ C ] plural apexes or apices
1. specialized the highest point or top of a shape or object
the apex of a triangle/pyramid
2. figurative the highest point or most successful part of something
He reached the apex of his career during that period.
apical /ˈeɪ.pɪ.k ə l/ adjective
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Definition
1. specialized the highest point or top of a shape or object
the apex of a triangle/pyramid
2. figurative the highest point or most successful part of something
He reached the apex of his career during that period.
apical /ˈeɪ.pɪ.k ə l/ adjective |
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Term
apothegm /AP-uh-them/ noun
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Definition
a terse (using few words, sometimes in a way that seems rude or unfriendly "Are you feeling any better?" "No," was the terse reply .), witty saying
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Term
appease /əˈpiːz/ verb [ T ] formal disapproving
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Definition
to prevent further disagreement in arguments or war by giving to the other side an advantage that they have demanded
She claimed that the government had only changed the law in order to appease their critics.
appeasement /əˈpiːz.mənt/ noun [ U ]
When he agreed to talks with the prime minister, he was accused of appeasement.
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Term
appellation /ˌæp.əˈleɪ.ʃ ə n/ noun [ C ] formal
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Definition
a name or title
As a child, he received the appellation 'Mouse'.
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Term
apposite /ˈæp.ə.zɪt/ , /-zaɪt/ adjective formal
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Definition
suitable and right for the occasion
an apposite phrase/quotation/remark
The film starts in a graveyard, an apposite image for the decaying society which is the theme of the film.
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Term
*apprise /əˈpraɪz/ verb [ T ] formal
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Definition
to tell someone about something
The President has been apprised of the situation.
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Term
*approbation /ˌæp.rə ʊ ˈbeɪ.ʃ ə n/ noun [ U ] formal
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Definition
approval or agreement, often given by an official group; praise
The council has finally indicated its approbation of the plans.
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Term
*appropriate /əˈprəʊ.pri.ət/ /-ˈproʊ-/ adjective
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Definition
suitable or right for a particular situation or occasion
appropriate footwear for the country
Is this film appropriate for small children?
I didn't think his comments were very appropriate at the time.
Is this an appropriate occasion to discuss finance?
Please complete the appropriate parts of this form (= the parts that are right or necessary for your particular situation) and return it as soon as possible.
Opposite inappropriate
appropriately /əˈprəʊ.pri.ət.li/ /-ˈproʊ-/ adverb
She didn't think we were appropriately dressed for a wedding.
appropriateness /əˈprəʊ.pri.ət.nəs/ /-ˈproʊ-/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
*appropriate /əˈprəʊ.pri.eɪt/ /-ˈproʊ-/ verb [ T ] formal
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Definition
TAKE
1. to take something for your own use, usually without permission
He lost his job when he was found to have appropriated some of the company's money.
appropriate /əˈprəʊ.pri.eɪt/ /-ˈproʊ-/ verb [ T ] formal KEEP MONEY
2. to keep a sum of money to use for a particular purpose
The government have appropriated millions of pounds for the project.
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Term
apropos /ˌæp.rəˈpəʊ/ /-ˈpoʊ/ adverb , preposition formal adjective [ after verb ] formal
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Definition
used to introduce something which is related to or connected with something that has just been said
I had a letter from Sally yesterday - apropos (of) which, did you send her that article?
Apropos what you said yesterday, I think you made the right decision.
apropos /ˌæp.rəˈpəʊ/ /-ˈpoʊ/ adjective [ after verb ] formal
suitable in a particular situation or at a particular time
clothes which are apropos to the occasion
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Term
arabesque /ˌær.əˈbesk/ /ˌer-/ noun
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Definition
POSITION
1. [ C ] a position in ballet dancing in which the dancer stands on one leg with the other leg held out straight behind
arabesque /ˌær.əˈbesk/ /ˌer-/ noun ART
2. [ C or U ] a type of decoration based on flowers, leaves and branches which are often twisted together, found especially in Islamic art
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Term
archeology /ˌɑː.kiˈɒl.ə.dʒi/ /ˌɑːr.kiˈɑː.lə-/ noun [ U ]
mainly US for archaeology
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Definition
the study of the buildings, graves , tools and other objects which belonged to people who lived in the past, in order to learn about their culture and society
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Term
ardour UK , US ardor /ˈɑː.də r / /ˈɑːr.dɚ/ noun [ U ]
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Definition
great enthusiasm or love
His ardour for her cooled after only a few weeks.
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Term
*arduous /ˈɑː.dju.əs/ /ˈɑːr.dʒu-/ adjective
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Definition
difficult, needing a lot of effort and energy
an arduous climb/task/journey
arduously /ˈɑː.dju.ə.sli/ /ˈɑːr.dʒu-/ adverb
arduousness /ˈɑː.dju.ə.snəs/ /ˈɑːr.dʒu-/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
argot /ˈɑː.gəʊ/ /ˈɑːr.goʊ/ noun [ C or U ]
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Definition
words and expressions which are used by small groups of people and which are not easily understood by other people
thieves' argot
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Term
arrest /əˈrest/ verb [ T ]
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Definition
CATCH arrest
1. If the police arrest someone, they take them away to ask them about a crime which they might have committed
He was arrested when customs officers found drugs in his bag.
The police arrested her for drinking and driving.
arrest /əˈrest/ verb [ T ] STOP
2. formal to stop or interrupt the development of something
The treatment has so far done little to arrest the spread of the cancer.
arrest /əˈrest/ verb [ T ] ATTRACT NOTICE
3. formal to attract or catch someone's attention
A photo of a small boy arrested my attention .
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Term
arrest /əˈrest/ noun [ C or U ]
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Definition
when the police take someone away to ask them about a crime which they might have committed
Two arrests were made, but the men were later released without charge.
She was stopped outside the shop and placed/put under arrest.
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Term
artifact /ˈɑː.tɪ.fækt/ /ˈɑːr.t ̬ɪ-/ noun [ C ]
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Definition
artefact /ˈɑː.tɪ.fækt/ /ˈɑr.t ̬ɪ-/ noun [ C ] mainly UK ( mainly US artifact )
an object that is made by a person, such as a tool or a decoration, especially one that is of historical interest
The museum's collection includes artefacts dating back to prehistoric times.
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Term
*artless /ˈɑːt.ləs/ /ˈɑrːt-/ adjective
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Definition
simple and honest; not wanting to deceive
"Why did you take the money?" she asked the child. "Because I wanted it, " came the artless reply.
artlessly /ˈɑːt.lə.sli/ /ˈɑrːt-/ adverb
artlessness /ˈɑːt.lə.snəs/ /ˈɑːrt-/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
*ascetic /əˈset.ɪk/ /-ˈset ̬-/ adjective
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Definition
avoiding physical pleasures and living a simple life, often for religious reasons
They live a very ascetic life.
ascetically /əˈset.ɪ.kli/ /-ˈset ̬-/ adverb
asceticism /əˈset.ɪ.sɪ.z ə m/ /-ˈset ̬-/ noun [ U ]
ascetic /əˈset.ɪk/ /-ˈset ̬-/ noun [ C ]
someone who lives an ascetic life, often for religious reasons
He lived as an ascetic.
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Term
asperity /əˈsper.ɪ.ti/ /-ə.t ̬i/ noun [ U ] formal
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Definition
the quality of being severe in the way that you speak and behave
the asperity of her manner
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Term
*aspersions /əˈspɜː.ʒ ə nz/ /-ˈspɝː-/ , /-ʃ ə nz/ plural noun formal
cast aspersions on sb/sth
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Definition
cast /kɑːst/ /kæst/ verb cast , cast DOUBT
9. cast aspersions on sb/sth
formal to criticize or make damaging remarks or judgments about someone or something
His opponents cast aspersions on his patriotism.
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Term
*assiduous /əˈsɪd.ju.əs/ adjective formal
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Definition
showing hard work, care and attention to detail
assiduous research/efforts
an assiduous student
The Government has been assiduous in the fight against inflation.
assiduously /əˈsɪd.ju.ə.sli/ adverb
Before apartheid ended, I assiduously avoided buying South African products.
assiduousness /əˈsɪd.ju.ə.snəs/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
astringent /əˈstrɪn.dʒ ə nt/ noun [ C ] adjective
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Definition
a drug or cream that causes the skin or other tissue to tighten so that the flow of blood or other liquids stops
You can use an astringent to make your skin less oily.
astringent /əˈstrɪn.dʒ ə nt/ adjective MEDICINE
1. describes a substance that acts as an astringent
an astringent cream
astringent /əˈstrɪn.dʒ ə nt/ adjective SEVERE
2. describes remarks which are clever but unkind or criticize someone
astringent criticism
her astringent wit
astringently /əˈstrɪn.dʒ ə nt.li/ adverb
astringency /əˈstrɪn.dʒ ə n t .si/ noun [ U ]
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Term
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Definition
PROTECTION
1. [ U ] protection or safety, especially that given by a government to foreigners who have been forced to leave their own countries for political reasons
to seek/apply for political asylum
asylum /əˈsaɪ.ləm/ noun HOSPITAL
2. [ C ] old use a hospital for people with mental illnesses
a lunatic asylum
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Term
atavistic /ˌæt.əˈvɪs.tɪk/ /ˌæt ̬-/ adjective formal
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Definition
(of behaviour) happening because of a very old natural and basic habit from the distant past (= a long time ago) , not because of a conscious decision or present need or usefulness
an atavistic fear of the dark
atavism /ˈæt.ə.vɪ.z ə m/ /ˈæt ̬-/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
*attenuate /əˈten.ju.eɪt/ verb [ T ] formal
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Definition
to make something smaller, thinner or weaker
Radiation from the sun is attenuated by the Earth's atmosphere.
attenuated /əˈten.ju.eɪ.tɪd/ /-t ̬ɪd/ adjective
attenuation /əˌten.juˈeɪ.ʃ ə n/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
*austere /ɔːˈstɪə r / /ɑːˈstɪr/ adjective
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Definition
1. very simple and without comfort or unnecessary things, especially because of severe limits on money or goods
an austere childhood during the war
2. plain and without decoration
The courtroom was a large dark chamber, an austere place.
3. very strict and unfriendly in manner
He was a tall, austere, forbidding figure.
austerely /ɔːˈstɪə.li/ /ɑːˈstɪr-/ adverb
Her dress was simple and austerely elegant.
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Term
autonomous /ɔːˈtɒn.ə.məs/ /ɑːˈtɑː.nə-/ adjective
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Definition
independent and having the power to make your own decisions
an autonomous region/province/republic/council
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Term
avarice /ˈæv. ə r.ɪs/ /-ɚ-/ noun [ U ] formal
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Definition
an extremely strong want to get or keep money or possessions; greed
Her business empire brought her wealth beyond the dreams of avarice (= an extremely large amount of money) .
avaricious /ˌæv.əˈrɪʃ.əs/ adjective
avariciously /ˌæv.əˈrɪʃ.ə.sli/ adverb |
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Term
*aver /əˈvɜː r / /-ˈvɝː/ verb [ T ] -rr- formal
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Definition
to state the truth of something strongly
The lawyer averred her client's innocence.
[ + speech ] "He's guilty, I tell you, " she averred.
[ + that ] She averred that he was guilty.
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Term
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Definition
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Term
avuncular /əˈvʌŋ.kjʊ.lə r / /-lɚ/ adjective formal
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Definition
friendly, kind or helpful, like the expected behaviour of an uncle
an avuncular, quietly-spoken man
His avuncular image belies his steely determination.
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Term
axiomatic /ˌæk.si.əˈmæt.ɪk/ /-ˈmæt ̬-/ adjective formal
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Definition
obviously true and therefore not needing to be proved
It is an axiomatic fact that governments rise and fall on the state of the economy.
It seems axiomatic that everyone would benefit from a better scientific education.
axiomatically /ˌæk.si.əˈmæt.ɪ.kli/ /-ˈmæt ̬-/ adverb |
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Term
bacchanalian /ˌbæk.əˈneɪ.li.ən/ adjective literary
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Definition
(especially of a party) involving a lot of drinking of alcohol, uncontrolled behaviour and possibly sexual activity
a bacchanalian orgy
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Term
*banal /bəˈnɑːl/ adjective
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Definition
boring, ordinary and not original
He just sat there making banal remarks all evening.
banal pop songs
banality /bəˈnæl.ə.ti/ /-t ̬i/ noun [ C or U ] formal |
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Term
banter /ˈbæn.tə r / /-t ̬ɚ/ noun [ U ]
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Definition
conversation which is funny and not serious
He considered himself a master of witty banter.
banter /ˈbæn.tə r / /-t ̬ɚ/ verb [ I ]
to talk to someone in a friendly and humorous way
He stood around bantering with his colleagues.
bantering /ˈbæn.t ə r.ɪŋ/ /-t ̬ɚ-/ adjective
I grew weary of his bantering style of conversation.
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Term
bard /bɑːd/ /bɑːrd/ noun [ C ]
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Definition
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2. the Bard
William Shakespeare |
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Term
bawdy /ˈbɔː.di/ /ˈbɑː-/ adjective
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Definition
containing humorous remarks about sex
bawdy humour/songs
bawdily /ˈbɔː.dɪ.li/ /ˈbɑː-/ adverb
bawdiness /ˈbɔː.dɪ.nəs/ /ˈbɑː-/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
beatify /biˈæt.ɪ.faɪ/ /-ˈæt ̬-/ verb [ T ]
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Definition
to announce formally in the Roman Catholic Church that someone who is dead has lived a holy life, usually as the first stage in making that person a saint
beatification /biˌæt.ɪ.fɪˈkeɪ.ʃ ə n/ /-ˌæt ̬-/ noun [ C or U ] |
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Term
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Definition
to dress in a vulgar, showy manner
vulgar /ˈvʌl.gə r / /-gɚ/ adjective disapproving NOT SUITABLE
1. not suitable, simple, dignified or beautiful; common or not in the style preferred by the upper classes of society
a vulgar patterned shirt
I've no idea how much the clothes cost because there was nothing so vulgar as a price tag in evidence.
Isn't it rather vulgar to talk about how much money you earn?
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Term
behemoth /bɪˈhiː.mɒθ/ /-mɑːθ/ noun [ C ] formal
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Definition
something that is extremely large and often extremely powerful
a grocery chain behemoth
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Term
*belie /bɪˈlaɪ/ verb [ T ] belying , belied , belied
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Definition
to show something to be false, or to hide something such as an emotion
Her calm face belied the terror she was feeling.
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Term
fickle /ˈfɪk.l ̩/ adjective disapproving
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Definition
1. likely to change your opinion or your feelings suddenly and without a good reason
She's so fickle - she's never been interested in the same man for more than a week!
The world of popular music is notoriously fickle.
2. describes conditions that are likely to change suddenly and without warning
Fickle winds made sailing conditions difficult.
fickleness /ˈfɪk.l ̩.nəs/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
*beneficent /bɪˈnef.ɪ.s ə nt/ adjective formal
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Definition
helping people and doing good acts
a beneficent aunt
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Term
bifurcate /ˈbaɪ.fə.keɪt/ /-fɚ-/ verb [ I ] formal
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Definition
(of roads, rivers, branches) to divide into two parts
A sample of water was taken from the point where the river bifurcates.
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Term
blandishments /ˈblæn.dɪʃ.mən t s/ plural noun formal
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Definition
pleasant words or actions used in order to persuade someone to do something
She was impervious to his blandishments.
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Term
blasé /ˌblɑːˈzeɪ/ adjective
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Definition
bored or not excited, or wishing to seem so
He flies first class so often, he's become blasé about it.
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Term
bolster /ˈbəʊl.stə r / /ˈboʊl.stɚ/ verb [ T ] noun [ C ]
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Definition
to support or improve something or make it stronger
More money is needed to bolster the industry.
She tried to bolster my confidence/morale (= encourage me and make me feel stronger) by telling me that I had a special talent.
They need to do something to bolster their image .
bolster /ˈbəʊl.stə r / /ˈboʊl.stɚ/ noun [ C ]
a long firm cylindrical pillow |
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Term
*bombastic /bɒmˈbæs.tɪk/ /bɑːm-/ adjective
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Definition
using long and difficult words, usually to make people think you know more than you do
a bombastic preacher
a bombastic statement
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Term
*boor /bʊə r / /bʊr/ noun [ C ]
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Definition
a person who is rude and does not consider other people's feelings
boorish /ˈbʊ ə r.ɪʃ/ /ˈbɔː.rɪʃ/ adjective
I found him rather boorish and aggressive.
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Term
bovine /ˈbəʊ.vaɪn/ /ˈboʊ-/ adjective
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Definition
1. specialized connected with cows
a bovine virus
See also BSE
2. slow or stupid in a way that a cow is thought to be
He had a gentle, rather bovine expression.
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Term
brazen /ˈbreɪ.z ə n/ adjective verb
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Definition
obvious, without any attempt to be hidden
There were instances of brazen cheating in the exams.
He told me a brazen lie .
brazenly /ˈbreɪ.z ə n.li/ adverb
brazen /ˈbreɪ.z ə n/ verb
brazen sth out phrasal verb [ M ]
to act confidently and not admit that a problem exists
I decided to brazen it out and hoped they wouldn't notice the scratch on the car.
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Term
broach /brəʊtʃ/ /broʊtʃ/ verb [ T ] noun [ C ]
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Definition
BEGIN
1. to begin a discussion of something difficult
At some point we've got to discuss money but I don't know quite how to broach the subject with him.
broach /brəʊtʃ/ /broʊtʃ/ verb [ T ] OPEN
2. formal to open a bottle or barrel in order to drink its contents
Shall we broach another cask of wine?
broach /brəʊtʃ/ /broʊtʃ/ noun [ C ]
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Term
bucolic /bjuˈkɒl.ɪk/ /-ˈkɑː.lɪk/ adjective literary
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Definition
relating to the countryside
The painting shows a typically bucolic scene with peasants harvesting crops in a field.
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Term
*burgeoning /ˈbɜː.dʒ ə n.ɪŋ/ /ˈbɝː-/ adjective
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Definition
developing quickly
The company hoped to profit from the burgeoning communications industry.
burgeon /ˈbɜː.dʒ ə n/ /ˈbɝː-/ verb [ I ] literary
to develop or grow quickly
Love burgeoned between them.
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Term
*burnish /ˈbɜː.nɪʃ/ /ˈbɝː-/ verb [ T ]
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Definition
1. literary to rub metal until it is smooth and shiny
2. If you burnish something such as your public image, you take action to improve it and make it more attractive.
The company is currently trying to burnish its socially responsible image.
burnished /ˈbɜː.nɪʃt/ /ˈbɝː-/ adjective literary
smooth and shiny |
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Term
*buttress /ˈbʌt.rəs/ noun [ C ] verb [ T ]
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Definition
a structure made of stone or brick, which sticks out from and supports a wall of a building
buttress /ˈbʌt.rəs/ verb [ T ]
1. to build buttresses to support a building or structure
It was decided to buttress the crumbling walls.
2. to make support for an idea or argument stronger by providing a good reason for it
The arguments for change are buttressed by events elsewhere.
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Term
*cacophony /kəˈkɒf.ə.ni/ /-ˈkɑː.fə-/ noun [ S ]
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Definition
an unpleasant mixture of loud sounds
What a cacophony!
As we entered the farmyard we were met with a cacophony of animal sounds.
cacophonous /kəˈkɒf.ə.nəs/ /-ˈkɑː.fə-/ adjective |
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Term
cadge /kædʒ/ verb [ T ] informal often disapproving
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Definition
to (try to) get something from someone else without paying for it
Can I cadge a lift home?
He's always cadging free meals and free trips from/off his clients.
cadger /ˈkædʒ.ə r / /-ɚ/ noun [ C ] |
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Term
callous /ˈkæl.əs/ adjective
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Definition
unkind or cruel; without sympathy or feeling for other people
It might sound callous, but I don't care if he's homeless. He's not living with me!
callously /ˈkæl.ə.sli/ adverb
callousness /ˈkæl.ə.snəs/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
calumny /ˈkæl.əm.ni/ noun [ C or U ] formal
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Definition
(the act of making) a statement about someone which is not true and is intended to damage the reputation of that person
He was subjected to the most vicious calumny, but he never complained and never sued.
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Term
canard /ˈkæn.ɑːd/ /kəˈnɑːrd/ noun [ C ] literary
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Definition
a false report or piece of information which is intended to deceive people |
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Term
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Definition
PRIEST
1. [ C ] a Christian priest with special duties in a cathedral
canon /ˈkæn.ən/ noun STANDARD
2. [ C usually plural ] formal or specialized a rule, principle or law, especially in the Christian Church
canon /ˈkæn.ən/ noun WRITINGS
3. [ C usually singular ] specialized all the writings or other works known to be by a particular person
the Shakespearean canon
canonical /kəˈnɒn.ɪ.k ə l/ /-ˈnɑː.nɪ-/ adjective |
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Term
cantankerous /ˌkænˈtæŋ.k ə r.əs/ /-kɚ-/ adjective
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Definition
arguing and complaining a lot
He's getting a bit cantankerous in his old age.
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Term
captious /ˈkæp.ʃəs/ adjective formal
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Definition
often expressing criticisms about matters which are not important |
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Term
cardinal /ˈkɑː.dɪ.nəl/ /ˈkɑːr-/ adjective [ before noun ]
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Definition
of great importance; main
a cardinal rule/error/sin
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Term
carnal /ˈkɑː.nəl/ /ˈkɑːr-/ adjective formal
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Definition
relating to the physical feelings and wants of the body; sexual
carnal desires
carnality /kɑːˈnæl.ɪ.ti/ /kɑːrˈnæl.ə.t ̬i/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
aficionado /əˌfɪʃ.i.əˈnɑː.dəʊ/ /-doʊ/ noun [ C ] plural aficionados formal
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Definition
someone who is very interested in and enthusiastic about a particular subject
a club for model railway aficionados
an aficionado of French films
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Term
carp /kɑːp/ /kɑːrp/ verb [ I ]
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Definition
to find fault; to complain all the time about matters which are not important
I can't stand the way he's always carping.
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Term
cartography /kɑːˈtɒg.rə.fi/ /kɑːrˈtɑː.grə-/ noun [ U ]
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Definition
the science or art of making or drawing maps |
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Term
caste /kɑːst/ /kæst/ noun [ C or U ]
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Definition
a system of dividing Hindu society into classes, or any of these classes
the caste system
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Term
*castigate /ˈkæs.tɪ.geɪt/ verb [ T ] formal
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Definition
to criticize someone or something severely
Health inspectors castigated the kitchen staff for poor standards of cleanliness.
castigation noun punishment;
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