Term
brevity /ˈbrev.ɪ.ti/ /-ə.t ̬i/ noun [ U ]
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Definition
using only a few words or lasting only a short time
His essays are models of clarity and brevity.
Brevity is, in almost everything, a virtue.
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Term
concise /kənˈsaɪs/ adjective
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Definition
short and clear, expressing what needs to be said without unnecessary words
Make your answers clear and concise.
concisely /kənˈsaɪ.sli/ adverb
conciseness /kənˈsaɪ.snəs/ noun [ U ] ( also concision ) |
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Term
laconic /ləˈkɒn.ɪk/ /-ˈkɑː.nɪk/ adjective formal
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Definition
using very few words to express what you mean
She had a laconic wit.
laconically /ləˈkɒn.ɪ.kli/ /-ˈkɑː.nɪ-/ adverb |
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Term
pithy /ˈpɪθ.i/ adjective SHORT
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Definition
1. (of speech or writing) short and clever; expressing an idea cleverly in a few words
a pithy remark
pithy /ˈpɪθ.i/ adjective FRUIT
2. with a lot of pith
a pithy orange
pithily /ˈpɪθ.ɪ.li/ adverb |
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Term
quiescent /kwiˈes. ə nt/ adjective formal
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Definition
temporarily quiet and not active
The political situation was now relatively quiescent.
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Term
reticent /ˈret.ɪ.s ə nt/ /ˈret ̬.ə-/ adjective formal
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Definition
unwilling to speak about your thoughts or feelings
He is very reticent about his past.
Most of the students were reticent about answer ing questions.
reticence /ˈret.ɪ.s ə n t s/ /ˈret ̬.ə-/ noun [ U ]
His reticence about his past made them very suspicious.
reticently /ˈret.ɪ.s ə nt.li/ /ˈret ̬.ə-/ adverb |
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Term
succinct /səkˈsɪŋkt/ adjective approving
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Definition
said in a clear and short way; expressing what needs to be said without unnecessary words
Keep your letter succinct and to the point.
succinctly /səkˈsɪŋkt.li/ adverb
I thought she expressed her feelings most succinctly in the meeting.
succinctness /səkˈsɪŋkt.nəs/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
taciturn /ˈtæs.ɪ.tɜːn/ /-ə.tɝːn/ adjective
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Definition
saying little, especially usually
He's a reserved, taciturn person.
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Term
terse /tɜːs/ /tɝːs/ adjective
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Definition
using few words, sometimes in a way that seems rude or unfriendly
"Are you feeling any better?" "No," was the terse reply .
tersely /ˈtɜː.sli/ /ˈtɝː-/ adverb
terseness /ˈtɜː.snəs/ /ˈtɝː-/ noun [ U ] |
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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
circumlocution /ˌsɜː.kəm.ləˈkjuː.ʃ ə n/ /ˌsɝː-/ noun [ C or U ] formal
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Definition
(an example of) an indirect way of saying something, especially something unpleasant
'Economical with the truth' is a circumlocution for 'lying'.
Politicians are experts in circumlocution.
circumlocutory /ˌsɜː.kəm.ləˈkjuː.t ə r.i/ /ˌsɝː.kəmˈlə.kjuː.t ̬ɚ-/ adjective |
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Term
colloquial /kəˈləʊ.kwi. ə l/ /-ˈloʊ-/ adjective specialized
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Definition
(of words and expressions) informal and more suitable for use in speech than in writing
colloquial speech
colloquially /kəˈləʊ.kwi. ə l.i/ /-ˈloʊ-/ adverb |
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Term
diffuse /dɪˈfjuːz/ verb [ I or T ]
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Definition
1. to (cause something to) spread in many directions / Television is a powerful means of diffusing knowledge./ 2. to (cause a gas or liquid to) spread through or into a surrounding substance by mixing with it/Oxygen diffuses from the lungs into the bloodstream. / The drop of red dye diffused slowly in the water.
diffusion /dɪˈfjuː.ʒ ə n/ noun [ U ] the process of diffusion in gases/liquids/solids
diffuse /dɪˈfjuːs/ adjective SPREAD 1. spread out and not directed in one place
a diffuse light / The company has become large and diffuse.
diffuse /dɪˈfjuːs/ adjective NOT CLEAR 2. disapproving not clear or easy to understand
a diffuse literary style diffusely /dɪˈfjuː.sli/ adverb
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Term
digress /daɪˈgres/ verb [ I ]
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Definition
to move away from the main subject you are writing or talking about and to write or talk about something else
But I digress. To get back to what I was saying, this poem reflects the poet's love of nature and his religious beliefs.
The lecturer temporarily digressed from her subject to deal with a related theory.
digression /daɪˈgreʃ. ə n/ noun [ C or U ]
Talking about money now would be a digression from the main purpose of this meeting.
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Term
eloquent /ˈel.ə.kw ə nt/ adjective
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Definition
giving a clear, strong message
She made an eloquent appeal for action.
The pictures were an eloquent reminder of the power of the volcano.
eloquence /ˈel.ə.kw ə n t s/ noun [ U ]
She was renowned for her eloquence and beauty.
eloquently /ˈel.ə.kw ə nt.li/ adverb
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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
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
loquacious /lə ʊ ˈkweɪ.ʃəs/ /loʊˈkweɪ-/ adjective formal
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Definition
describes someone who talks a lot
loquaciously /lə ʊ ˈkweɪ.ʃə.sli/ /loʊˈkweɪ-/ adverb |
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Term
prattle /ˈpræt.l ̩/ /ˈpræt ̬-/ verb [ I ]
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Definition
to talk in a silly way or like a child for a long time about things that are not important or without saying anything important
She'd have prattled on about her new job for the whole afternoon if I'd let her. / Stop your prattling and go to sleep!
prattle noun [ U ]
His speech contained nothing new and was full of political prattle and clichés.
prattler /ˈpræt.l ̩.ə r / , /-lə r / /ˈpræt ̬.l ̩.ɚ/ noun [ C ]
Fiona's such a prattler - I wish she'd get to the point of what she wants to say.
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Term
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Definition
WALK 1. [ I usually + adverb or preposition ] to walk for pleasure, especially in the countryside
I love to ramble through the fields and lanes in this part of the country. / Shall we go rambling tomorrow?
ramble /ˈræm.bl ̩/ verb SPREAD 3. [ I ] (especially of a plant) to go in many different directions
An old clematis rambles over the garden wall.
ramble /ˈræm.bl ̩/ noun [ C ]
a long walk especially through the countryside
We go for a ramble through the woods every Saturday.
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Term
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Definition
TALK/WRITE
2. [ I ] disapproving to talk or write in a confused way, often for a long time
Sorry, I'm rambling ( on ) - let me get back to the point.
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Term
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Definition
to speak or shout in a loud, uncontrolled or angry way, often saying confused or silly things
He's always ranting (on) about the government.
I get fed up with my mother ranting and raving ( about my clothes) all the time.
rant /rænt/ noun [ C ]
a long, angry and confused speech
The minister's speech descended into a rant against his political opponents.
ranting /ˈræn.tɪŋ/ /-t ̬ɪŋ/ noun [ U ] ( also rantings ) |
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Term
rhetorical /rɪˈtɒr.ɪ.k ə l/ /-ˈtɔːr.ɪ-/ adjective
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Definition
describes speech or writing which is intended to seem important or influence people
repetition, that tedious rhetorical device
rhetorically /rɪˈtɒr.ɪ.kli/ /-ˈtɔːr.ɪ-/ adverb
"You want to know what courage is?" he asked rhetorically.
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Term
verbose /vɜːˈbəʊs/ /vɚˈboʊs/ adjective formal disapproving
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Definition
using or containing more words than are necessary
a verbose explanation/report/speech/style
He was a notoriously verbose after-dinner speaker.
verbosely /vɜːˈbəʊ.sli/ /vɚˈboʊs-/ adverb
verbosity /vɜːˈbɒs.ɪ.ti/ /vɚˈbɑː.sə.t ̬i/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
voluble /ˈvɒl.jʊ.bl ̩/ /ˈvɑːl-/ adjective formal
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Definition
1. speaking a lot, with confidence and enthusiasm
Many see Parker as the obvious leader, whose voluble style works well on TV.
2. expressed in many words
It's not often that one hears such voluble praise for this government.
volubly /ˈvɒl.jʊ.bli/ /ˈvɑːl-/ adverb |
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Term
arrogant /ˈær.ə.g ə nt/ /ˈer-/ adjective
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Definition
unpleasantly proud and behaving as if you are more important than, or know more than, other people
I found him arrogant and rude.
arrogance /ˈær.ə.g ə n t s/ /ˈer-/ noun [ U ]
He has a self-confidence that is sometimes seen as arrogance.
arrogantly /ˈær.ə.g ə nt.li/ /ˈer-/ adverb
The authorities had behaved arrogantly, she said.
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Term
braggart /ˈbræg.ət/ /-ɚt/ noun [ C ] old-fashioned disapproving
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Definition
someone who proudly talks a lot about themselves and their achievements or possessions |
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Term
complacent /kəmˈplei.s ə nt/ adjective disapproving
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Definition
feeling so satisfied with your own abilities or situation that you feel you do not need to try any harder
a complacent smile/attitude
We can't afford to become complacent about any of our products.
complacently /kəmˈpleɪ.s ə nt.li/ adverb |
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Term
contemptuous /kənˈtem p .tju.əs/ adjective
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Definition
expressing contempt
a contemptuous manner/laugh
He was very contemptuous of 'popular' writers, whom he described as having no talent.
contemptuously /kənˈtem p .tju.ə.sli/ adverb
The waiter smiled contemptuously at anyone who didn't know which wine to order.
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Term
disdain /dɪsˈdeɪn/ noun [ U ] formal
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Definition
when you dislike someone or something and think that they do not deserve your interest or respect
He regards the political process with disdain.
disdainful /dɪsˈdeɪn.f ə l/ adjective / a disdainful expression
disdainfully /dɪsˈdeɪn.f ə l.i/ adverb
disdain /dɪsˈdeɪn/ verb [ T ] formal
1. to feel disdain for someone or something
The older musicians disdain the new, rock-influenced music.
2. disdain to do sth to refuse to do something because you feel too important to do it |
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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
haughty /ˈhɔː.ti/ /ˈhɑː.t ̬i/ adjective disapproving
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Definition
unfriendly and seeming to consider yourself better than other people
She has a rather haughty manner.
haughtily /ˈhɔː.tɪ.li/ /ˈhɑː.t ̬ɪ-/ adverb
haughtiness /ˈhɔː.tɪ.nəs/ /ˈhɑː.t ̬ɪ-/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
insolent /ˈɪn t .s ə l.ənt/ adjective
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Definition
rude and not showing respect
an insolent child/young man
an insolent gesture/remark
insolently /ˈɪn t .s ə l.ənt.li/ adverb
insolence /ˈɪn t .s ə l.ən t s/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
narcissist /ˈnɑː.sɪ.sɪst/ /ˈnɑːr.sə-/ noun [ C ]
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Definition
someone who has too much admiration for themselves
narcissistic /ˌnɑː.sɪˈsɪs.tɪk/ /ˌnɑːr.sə-/ adjective
a narcissistic personality
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Term
ostentatious /ˌɒs.tenˈteɪ.ʃəs/ /ˌɑː.stən-/ adjective disapproving
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Definition
too obviously showing your money, possessions or power, in an attempt to make other people notice and admire you
They criticized the ostentatious lifestyle of their leaders.
an ostentatious gesture/manner
ostentatiously /ˌɒs.tenˈteɪ.ʃə.sli/ /ˌɑː.stən-/ adverb disapproving
The room was ostentatiously decorated in white and silver.
He took out his gold watch and laid it ostentatiously (= very obviously so everyone would notice) on the table in front of him.
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Term
presumptuous /prɪˈzʌmp.tʃəs/ /-ˈzʌmp.tʃuː.əs/ adjective
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Definition
A person who is presumptuous shows little respect for others by doing things they have no right to do
It would be presumptuous of me to comment on the matter.
presumptuously /prɪˈzʌmp.ʃə.sli/ adverb
presumptuousness /prɪˈzʌmp.ʃə.snəs/ noun [ U ] ( formal presumption ) |
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Term
pretentious /prɪˈten t .ʃəs/ adjective disapproving
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Definition
trying to appear or sound more important or clever than you are, especially in matters of art and literature
a pretentious art critic
The novel deals with grand themes, but is never heavy or pretentious.
pretentiously /prɪˈten t .ʃə.sli/ adverb
pretentiousness /prɪˈten t .ʃə.snəs/ noun [ U ] ( also pretension )
I couldn't believe the pretentiousness of the book.
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Term
supercilious /ˌsuː.pəˈsɪl.i.əs/ /-pɚ-/ adjective disapproving
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Definition
behaving as if or showing that you think that you are better than other people, and that their opinions, beliefs or ideas are not important
He spoke in a haughty, supercilious voice.
superciliously /ˌsuː.pəˈsɪl.i.ə.sli/ /-pɚ-/ adverb
superciliousness /ˌsuː.pəˈsɪl.i.ə.snəs/ /-pɚ-/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
swagger /ˈswæg.ə r / /-ɚ/ verb [ I ]
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Definition
to walk, especially with a swinging movement, in a way that shows that you are very confident and think that you are important, or to act in that way
They swaggered into the room.
A group of young men swaggered about outside the bar.
His swaggering self-confidence irritates many people.
swaggerer /ˈswæg. ə r.ə r / /-ɚ.ɚ/ noun [ C ]
swaggeringly /ˈswæg. ə r.ɪŋ.li/ /-ɚ-/ adverb |
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Term
swagger /ˈswæg.ə r / /-ɚ/ noun [ S or U ]
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Definition
a way of walking with a swinging movement that shows you are confident
He walked out of the room with a self-confident swagger.
Underneath all his swagger (= way of acting that shows he is very confident and thinks that he is important) , he's actually quite nervous.
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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
cliché /ˈkliː.ʃeɪ/ /-ˈ-/ noun [ C or U ]
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Definition
a comment that is very often made and is therefore not original and not interesting
My wedding day - and I know it's a cliché - was just the happiest day of my life.
clichéd /ˈkliː.ʃeɪd/ adjective
He made some clichéd remark about the birth of his first child completely changing his life.
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Term
derivative /dɪˈrɪv.ə.tɪv/ /-t ̬ɪv/ adjective disapproving
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Definition
If something is derivative, it is not the result of new ideas, but has been developed from something else
His painting/style is terribly derivative.
derivative /dɪˈrɪv.ɪ.tɪv/ /-ə.t ̬ɪv/ noun [ C ] specialized
a form of something, such as a word, made or developed from another form
'Detestable' is a derivative of 'detest'.
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Term
hackneyed /ˈhæk.nid/ adjective disapproving
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Definition
describes a phrase or an idea which has been said or used so often that it has become boring and has no meaning
The plot of the film is just a hackneyed boy-meets-girl scenario.
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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
lacklustre UK , US lackluster /ˈlækˌlʌs.tə r / , /ˌ-ˈ--/ /-tɚ/ adjective
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Definition
without energy and effort
Britain's number-one tennis player gave a disappointingly lacklustre performance.
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Term
mundane /mʌnˈdeɪn/ adjective
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Definition
very ordinary and therefore not interesting
Mundane matters such as paying bills and shopping for food do not interest her.
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Term
pedestrian /pəˈdes.tri.ən/ adjective formal disapproving
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Definition
not interesting; showing very little imagination
Her books, with few exceptions, are workmanlike but pedestrian.
His speech was long and pedestrian.
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Term
platitude /ˈplæt.ɪ.tjuːd/ /ˈplæt ̬.ə.tuːd/ noun [ C ] disapproving
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Definition
a remark or statement that may be true but is boring and has no meaning because it has been said so many times before
He doesn't mouth platitudes about it not mattering who scores as long as the team wins.
platitudinous /ˌplæt.ɪˈtjuː.dɪ.nəs/ /ˌplæt ̬.əˈtuː.d ə n-/ adjective formal disapproving |
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Term
prosaic /prəˈzeɪ.ɪk/ adjective formal
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Definition
without interest, imagination and variety; boring
If only she'd been called 'Camilla' or 'Flavia' instead of the prosaic 'Jane'.
He asked if I'd got my black eye in a fight - I told him the prosaic truth that I'd banged my head on a door.
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Term
trite /traɪt/ adjective disapproving
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Definition
expressed too often to be interesting or seem sincere
His lyrics about love and peace are too trite for me to take them seriously.
I know it will sound trite, but I've loved being part of this club.
tritely /ˈtraɪt.li/ adverb
triteness /ˈtraɪt.nəs/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
vapid /ˈvæp.ɪd/ adjective formal
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Definition
showing no intelligence or imagination
a vapid television programme
vapidity /væpˈɪd.ɪ.ti/ /-ə.t ̬i/ noun [ U ]
the spiritual vapidity of Western materialism
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Term
allay /əˈleɪ/ verb [ T ] formal
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Definition
If you allay a strong emotion felt by someone, such as fear or worry, you cause them to feel it less or to feel calm again
The government is trying to allay public fears/concern about the spread of the disease.
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Term
alleviate /əˈliː.vi.eɪt/ verb [ T ] formal
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Definition
to make something bad such as pain or problems less severe
The drugs did nothing to alleviate her pain/suffering.
alleviation /əˌliː.viˈeɪ.ʃ ə n/ noun [ U ]
the alleviation of poverty
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Term
ameliorate /əˈmiː.ljə.reɪt/ verb [ T ] formal
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Definition
to make a bad or unpleasant situation better
Foreign aid is badly needed to ameliorate the effects of the drought.
amelioration /əˌmiː.li.əˈreɪ.ʃ ə n/ noun [ U ] |
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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
assuage /əˈsweɪdʒ/ verb [ T ] formal
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Definition
to make unpleasant feelings less strong
The government has tried to assuage the public's fears.
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Term
conciliate /kənˈsɪl.i.eɪt/ verb [ I or T ]
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Definition
to end a disagreement or someone's anger by acting in a friendly way or slightly changing your opinions, or to satisfy someone who disagrees with you by acting in this way
An independent adviser has been brought in to conciliate between the two sides involved in the conflict.
These changes have been made in an attempt to conciliate critics of the plan.
conciliation /kənˌsɪl.iˈeɪ.ʃ ə n/ noun [ U ] formal
All attempts at conciliation failed and the dispute continued.
conciliatory /kənˈsɪl.i.ə.tri/ /-tɔːr.i/ adjective a conciliatory gesture/remark |
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Term
mediate /ˈmiː.di.eɪt/ verb [ I or T ]
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Definition
to talk to two separate people or groups involved in a disagreement to try to help them to agree or find a solution to their problems
Negotiators were called in to mediate between the two sides.
The two envoys have succeeded in mediating an end to the war.
mediation /ˌmiː.diˈeɪ.ʃ ə n/ noun [ U ]
Last-minute attempts at mediation failed.
mediator /ˈmiː.di.eɪ.tə r / /-t ̬ɚ/ noun [ C ] |
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Term
mollify /ˈmɒl.ɪ.faɪ/ /ˈmɑː.lɪ-/ verb [ T ]
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Definition
to make someone less angry or upset
I tried to mollify her by giving her flowers.
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Term
pacify /ˈpæs.ɪ.faɪ/ verb [ T ]
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Definition
CALM 1. to cause someone who is angry or upset to be calm and satisfied
He pacified his crying child with a bottle.
It was difficult for the police to pacify the angry crowd.
PEACE 2. to bring peace to a place or end war in a place
A UN force has been sent in to try and pacify the area worst affected by the civil war.
pacification /ˌpæs.ɪ.fɪˈkeɪ.ʃ ə n/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
placate /pləˈkeɪt/ /ˈpleɪ.keɪt/ verb [ T ]
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Definition
to stop someone from feeling angry
Outraged minority groups will not be placated by promises of future improvements.
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Term
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Definition
to stop something, especially by using force
Police in riot gear were called in to quell the disturbances/unrest .
This latest setback will have done nothing to quell the growing doubts about the future of the club.
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Term
affable /ˈæf.ə.bl ̩/ adjective
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Definition
friendly and easy to talk to
He struck me as an affable sort of a man.
She was quite affable at the meeting.
affability /ˌæf.əˈbɪl.ɪ.ti/ /-ə.t ̬i/ noun [ U ] formal
affably /ˈæf.ə.bli/ adverb
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Term
amiable /ˈeɪ.mi.ə.bl ̩/ adjective
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Definition
describes a person or their behaviour that is pleasant and friendly
He seemed an amiable young man.
So amiable was the mood of the meeting that a decision was soon reached.
amiably /ˈeɪ.mi.ə.bli/ adverb
They were chatting quite amiably on the phone last night so I assumed everything was okay.
amiability /ˌeɪ.mi.əˈbɪl.ɪ.ti/ /-ə.t ̬i/ noun [ U ]
I hate all that false amiability that goes on at parties.
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Term
amicable /ˈæm.ɪ.kə.bl ̩/ adjective
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Definition
1. relating to behaviour between people that is pleasant and friendly often despite a difficult situation
His manner was perfectly amicable but I felt uncomfortable.
2. relating to an agreement or decision that is achieved without arguments or unpleasantness
Few people have amicable divorces .
Eventually we reached an amicable settlement .
amicably /ˈæm.ɪ.kə.bli/ adverb
I hope we can settle this amicably.
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Term
congenial /kənˈdʒiː.ni.əl/ adjective
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Definition
friendly and pleasant
congenial company/surroundings
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Term
convivial /kənˈvɪv.i.əl/ adjective
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Definition
friendly and making you feel happy and welcome
a convivial atmosphere/host
conviviality /kənˌvɪv.iˈæl.ɪ.ti/ /-ə.t ̬i/ noun [ U ]
convivially /kənˈvɪv.i.ə.li/ adverb |
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Term
cordial /ˈkɔː.di.əl/ /ˈkɔːr.dʒəl/ adjective
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Definition
FRIENDLY 1. friendly, but formal and polite
a cordial smile/greeting/welcome/reception
Relations between the two leaders are said to be cordial.
cordial adjective STRONG 2. formal (of a feeling, especially dislike) strong / The two statesmen are known to have a cordial dislike for each other.
cordially adverb formal You are cordially invited to attend our annual wine-tasting evening. / On a personal level, they came to be cordially disliked .
cordial noun [ U ] 1. UK a sweet drink made from fruit, to which water is usually added / lime cordial
2. US liqueur |
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Term
gregarious /grɪˈgeə.ri.əs/ /-ˈger.i-/ adjective
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Definition
(of people) liking to be with other people, or (especially of animals) living in groups
Emma's a gregarious, outgoing sort of person.
See also sociable
gregariously /grɪˈgeə.ri.ə.sli/ /-ˈger.i-/ adverb
gregariousness /grɪˈgeə.ri.ə.snəs/ /-ˈger.i-/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
jocular /ˈdʒɒk.jʊ.lə r / /ˈdʒɑː.kjə.lɚ/ adjective formal
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Definition
1. funny or intended to make someone laugh
a jocular comment
2. describes someone who is happy and likes to make jokes
Michael was in a very jocular mood at the party.
jocularly /ˈdʒɒk.jʊ.lə.li/ /ˈdʒɑː.kjə.lɚ-/ adverb
jocularity /ˌdʒɒk.jʊˈlær.ə.ti/ /ˌdʒɑː.kjəˈler.ə.t ̬i/ noun [ U ] slightly formal |
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Term
levity /ˈlev.ɪ.ti/ /-t ̬i/ noun [ U ] formal
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Definition
humour or lack of seriousness, especially during a serious occasion
a brief moment of levity amid the solemn proceedings
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Term
animosity /ˌæn.ɪˈmɒs.ɪ.ti/ /-ˈmɑː.sə.t ̬i/ noun [ C or U ]
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Definition
strong dislike, opposition, or anger
Of course we're competitive but there's no personal animosity between us.
In spite of his injuries, he bears no animosity towards his attackers.
The European Community helped France and Germany forget the old animosities between them.
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Term
antagonism /ænˈtæg.ə.nɪ.z ə m/ noun [ C or U ]
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Definition
hate, extreme unfriendliness or actively opposing someone
There's a history of antagonism between the two teams.
the antagonism towards neighbouring states
the historic antagonisms between the countries of western Europe
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Term
bellicose /ˈbel.ɪ.kəʊs/ /-koʊs/ adjective formal
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Definition
wishing to fight or start a war
The general made some bellicose statements about his country's military strength.
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Term
belligerent /bəˈlɪdʒ. ə r.ənt/ /-ɚ-/ adjective
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Definition
1. disapproving wishing to fight or argue
a belligerent person
a belligerent gesture
Watch out! Lee's in a belligerent mood.
2. specialized fighting a war
The belligerent countries are having difficulties funding the war.
belligerence /bəˈlɪdʒ. ə r.ən t s/ /-ɚ-/ noun [ U ] ( also belligerency )
I can't stand his belligerence (= his wish to argue with people all the time) .
belligerently /bəˈlɪdʒ. ə r.ənt.li/ /-ɚ-/ adverb |
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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
contentious /kənˈten t .ʃəs/ adjective
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Definition
causing or likely to cause disagreement
a contentious decision/policy/issue/subject
She has some rather contentious views on education.
contentiousness /kənˈten t .ʃə.snəs/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
dispute /dɪˈspjuːt/ , /ˈdɪs.pjuːt/
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Definition
noun [ C or U ] 1. an argument or disagreement, especially an official one between, for example, workers and employers or two countries with a common border
a bitter/long-running dispute --- a border dispute
a pay/legal/trade dispute --- They have been unable to settle/resolve the dispute over working conditions. --- The unions are in dispute with management over pay.
2. beyond (all) dispute certainly / He is beyond all dispute the finest actor in Hollywood today.
3. in dispute being doubted / I don't think her ability is in dispute, what I question is her attitude.
4. open to dispute not certain / He says it's the best musical equipment you can buy, but I think that's open to dispute.
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Term
dispute /dɪˈspjuːt/ verb [ I or T ]
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Definition
to disagree with something that someone says
Few would dispute his status as the finest artist of the period.
The circumstances of her death have been hotly disputed.
[ + ( that ) ] I don't dispute (that) Lucas' films are entertaining, but they haven't got much depth.
disputation /ˌdɪs.pjʊˈteɪ.ʃ ə n/ /-pjuː-/ noun [ C or U ] old use
disputatious /ˌdɪs.pjʊˈteɪ.ʃəs/ /-pjuː-/ adjective old use
He's a disputatious young man (= he argues a lot) .
disputed /dɪˈspjuː.tɪd/ /-t ̬ɪd/ adjective a disputed border/goal --- disputed territory
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Term
polemic /pəˈlem.ɪk/ noun [ C ] formal
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Definition
a piece of writing or a speech in which a person strongly attacks or defends a particular opinion, person, idea or set of beliefs
She has published a fierce anti-war polemic.
polemical /pəˈlem.ɪ.k ə l/ adjective
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Term
predator /ˈpred.ə.tə r / /-t ̬ɚ/ noun [ C ]
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Definition
1. an animal that hunts, kills and eats other animals
lions, wolves and other predators
2. disapproving someone who follows people in order to harm them or commit a crime against them
a sexual predator
In court, he was accused of being a merciless predator who had tricked his grandmother out of her savings.
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Term
pugnacious /pʌgˈneɪ.ʃəs/ adjective formal
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Definition
wanting to start an argument or fight, or expressing an argument or opinion very forcefully
I found him pugnacious and arrogant.
pugnacity /pʌgˈnæs.ɪ.ti/ /-ə.t ̬i/ noun [ U ] ( also pugnaciousness ) |
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Term
altruistic /ˌæl.truˈɪs.tɪk/ adjective
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Definition
showing a wish to help or bring advantages to other people, even if it results in disadvantage for yourself
I doubt whether her motives for donating the money are altruistic - she's probably looking for publicity.
altruistically /ˌæl.truˈɪs.tɪ.kli/ adverb |
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Term
benevolent /bɪˈnev. ə l. ə nt/ adjective
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Definition
kind and helpful
He was a benevolent old man, he wouldn't hurt a fly.
benevolence /bɪˈnev. ə l. ə n t s/ noun [ U ]
benevolently /bɪˈnev. ə l. ə nt.li/ adverb
She smiled benevolently at me.
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Term
largesse , largess /lɑːˈʒes/ /lɑːr-/ noun [ U ] formal
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Definition
willingness to give money, or money given to poor people by rich people
The national theatre will be the main beneficiary of the millionaire's largesse.
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Term
lavish /ˈlæv.ɪʃ/ adjective
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Definition
lavish /ˈlæv.ɪʃ/ adjective
more than enough, especially if expensive; very generous
lavish gifts/promises/praise
lavish spending
lavish banquets
The evening was a lavish affair with glorious food and an endless supply of champagne.
The lavish production makes this musical truly memorable.
lavishly /ˈlæv.ɪʃ.li/ adverb
The dining room was lavishly decorated.
lavishness /ˈlæv.ɪʃ.nəs/ noun [ U ]
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Term
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lavish sth on sb/sth phrasal verb
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Definition
to give someone a lot, or too much, of something such as money, presents or attention
She lavishes money on her grandchildren.
The committee lavished praise on the project.
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Term
magnanimous /mægˈnæn.ɪ.məs/ adjective formal
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Definition
very kind and generous towards an enemy or someone you have defeated
Arsenal's manager was magnanimous in victory, and praised the losing team.
magnanimity /ˌmæg.nəˈnɪm.ɪ.ti/ /-ə.t ̬i/ noun [ U ]
magnanimously /mægˈnæn.ɪ.mə.sli/ adverb
"The best man won," he said, magnanimously conceding defeat.
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Term
munificent /mjuːˈnɪf.ɪ.s ə nt/ adjective formal
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Definition
very generous with money
A former student has donated a munificent sum of money to the college.
munificence /mjuːˈnɪf.ɪ.s ə n t s/ noun [ U ]
I thanked them for their munificence.
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Term
philanthropic /ˌfɪl.ənˈθrɒp.ɪk/ /-ænˈθrɑː.pɪk/ adjective formal
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Definition
helping poor people, especially by giving them money |
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Term
prodigal /ˈprɒd.ɪ.g ə l/ /ˈprɑː.dɪ-/ adjective formal
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Definition
wasteful with money; often spending large amounts without thinking of the future
There have been rumours that he has been prodigal with company funds.
prodigality /ˌprɒd.ɪˈgæl.ɪ.ti/ /ˌprɑː.dɪˈgæl.ə.t ̬i/ noun [ U ]
prodigally /ˈprɒd.ɪ.gli/ /ˈprɑː.dɪ-/ adverb |
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Term
profligate /ˈprɒf.lɪ.gət/ /ˈprɑː.flɪ-/ adjective formal
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Definition
wasteful with money
She is well-known for her profligate spending habits.
profligacy /ˈprɒf.lɪ.gə.si/ /ˈprɑː.flɪ-/ noun [ U ]
The profligacy of the West shocked him.
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Term
squander /ˈskwɒn.də r / /ˈskwɑːn.dɚ/ verb [ T ]
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Definition
to spend or use money or supplies in a wasteful way, or to waste opportunities by not using them to your advantage
They'll quite happily squander a whole year's savings on two weeks in the sun.
Ireland squandered several chances, including a penalty that cost them the game.
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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
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
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
mercenary /ˈmɜː.s ə n.ri/ /ˈmɝː-/ adjective disapproving
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Definition
interested only in the amount of money that you can get from a situation
He had some mercenary scheme to marry a wealthy widow.
mercenary /ˈmɜː.s ə n.ri/ /ˈmɝː-/ noun [ C ]
a soldier who fights for any country or group that pays them |
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Term
miserly /ˈmaɪ.z ə l.i/ /-zɚ.li/ adjective disapproving
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Definition
PERSON
1. like or typical of a miser
a miserly person
miserly /ˈmaɪ.z ə l.i/ /-zɚ.li/ adjective disapproving AMOUNT
2. describes an amount that is extremely small
a miserly 75p a week rise in the state pension
miserliness /ˈmaɪ.z ə l.ɪ.nəs/ /-zɚ.lɪ-/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
parsimonious /ˌpɑː.sɪˈməʊ.ni.əs/ /ˌpɑːr.səˈmoʊ-/ adjective formal disapproving
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Definition
not willing to spend money or give something
She's too parsimonious to heat the house properly.
figurative I think that politicians are often rather parsimonious with the (= do not tell the complete) truth.
parsimoniously /ˌpɑː.sɪˈməʊ.ni.ə.sli/ /ˌpɑːr.səˈmoʊ-/ adverb
parsimony /ˈpɑː.sɪ.mə.ni/ /ˈpɑːr.sə.moʊ-/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
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Definition
stingy; relating to great poverty, destitution (without money, food, a home or possessions
The floods left thousands of people destitute.)
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Term
thrifty /ˈθrɪf.ti/ adjective
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Definition
showing a careful use of money, especially by avoiding waste
They have plenty of money now, but they still tend to be thrifty.
thriftily /ˈθrɪf.tɪ.li/ adverb
thriftiness /ˈθrɪf.tɪ.nəs/ noun [ U ] |
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