Term
*intractable /ɪnˈtræk.tə.bl ̩/ adjective formal
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Definition
very difficult and seeming to be impossible to control, manage or solve
We are facing an intractable problem .
intractably /ɪnˈtræk.tə.bli/ /-t ̬ə-/ adverb
an intractably violent relationship
intractability /ɪnˌtræk.təˈbɪl.ɪ.ti/ /-ə.t ̬i/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
*intransigent /ɪnˈtræn.zɪ.dʒ ə nt/ , /-ˈtrɑːn-/ adjective formal
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Definition
refusing to be persuaded, especially refusing to change opinions that are strongly believed in
Unions claim that the management continues to maintain an intransigent position.
intransigently /ɪnˈtræn.zɪ.dʒ ə nt.li/ , /-ˈtrɑːn-/ adverb
intransigence /ɪnˈtræn.zɪ.dʒ ə n t s/ , /-ˈtrɑːn-/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
*inundate /ˈɪn.ʌn.deɪt/ verb [ T ] TOO MUCH
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Definition
1. to give someone so much work or so many things that they cannot deal with them all
We have been inundated with requests for help.
inundate /ˈɪn.ʌn.deɪt/ verb [ T ] FLOOD
2. formal to flood an area with water
If the dam breaks it will inundate large parts of the town.
inundation /ˌɪn.ʌnˈdeɪ.ʃ ə n/ noun [ C or U ] formal |
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Term
*inure /ɪnˈjʊə r / /-ˈjʊr/ verb
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Definition
inure sb to sth phrasal verb formal
If you become inured to something unpleasant, you become familiar with it and able to accept and bear it
After spending some time on the island they became inured to the hardships.
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Term
*invective /ɪnˈvek.tɪv/ noun [ U ] formal
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Definition
criticism that is very forceful, unkind and often rude
A stream of invective from some sectors of the press continues to assail the government.
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Term
*irascible /ɪˈræs.ə.bl ̩/ adjective formal
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Definition
made angry easily
She's becoming more and more irascible as she grows older.
irascibly /ɪˈræs.ə.bli/ adverb
irascibility /ɪˌræs.əˈbɪl.ɪ.ti/ /-ə.t ̬i/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
*irresolute /ɪˈrez. ə l.uːt/ adjective formal disapproving
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Definition
not able or willing to take decisions or actions
an irresolute reply
irresolutely /ɪˈrez. ə l.uːt.li/ adverb
irresolution /ɪˌrez. ə lˈuː.ʃ ə n/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
*juxtapose /ˌdʒʌk.stəˈpəʊz/ /-ˈpoʊz/ verb [ T ]
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Definition
to put things which are not similar next to each other
The exhibition juxtaposes Picasso's early drawings with some of his later works.
juxtaposition /ˌdʒʌk.stə.pəˈzɪʃ. ə n/ noun [ U ]
the juxtaposition of two very different cultures
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Term
*lassitude /ˈlæs.ɪ.tjuːd/ /-tuːd/ noun [ U ] formal
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Definition
physical or mental tiredness
Shareholders are blaming the company's problems on the lassitude of the managing director.
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Term
*laud /lɔːd/ /lɑːd/ verb [ T ] formal
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Definition
to praise
The German leadership lauded the Russian initiative.
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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
*limpid /ˈlɪm.pɪd/ adjective
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Definition
1. literary clear and transparent
a limpid pool
2. clearly expressed and easily understood
limpid prose
limpidly /ˈlɪm.pɪd.li/ adverb |
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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
*malinger /məˈlɪŋ.gə r / /-gɚ/ verb [ I ] disapproving
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Definition
to pretend to be ill in order to avoid having to work
And is he really ill or just malingering?
malingerer /məˈlɪŋ.g ə r.ə r / /-gɚ.ɚ/ noun [ C ]
I'm sure she thinks I'm a malingerer.
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Term
*malleable /ˈmæl.i.ə.bl ̩/ adjective
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Definition
1. describes a substance that is easily changed into a new shape
Lead and tin are malleable metals.
2. easily influenced, trained or controlled
He had an actor's typically malleable features.
Europe saw its colonies as a source of raw material and a malleable workforce.
malleability /ˌmæl.i.əˈbɪl.ɪ.ti/ /-ə.t ̬i/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
*maverick /ˈmæv. ə r.ɪk/ /-ɚ-/ noun [ C ]
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Definition
a person who thinks and acts in an independent way, often behaving differently from the expected or usual way
a political maverick
He was considered as something of a maverick in the publishing world.
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Term
*mendacious /menˈdeɪ.ʃəs/ adjective formal
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Definition
not telling the truth
Some of these statements are misleading and some downright mendacious.
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Term
*meretricious /ˌmer.ɪˈtrɪʃ.əs/ adjective formal
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Definition
seeming attractive but really false or of little value
He claims that a lot of journalism is meretricious and superficial.
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Term
*metamorphosis /ˌmet.əˈmɔː.fə.sɪs/ /ˌmet ̬.əˈmɔːr-/ noun plural metamorphoses
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Definition
1. [ C ] a complete change
Under the new editor, the magazine has undergone a metamorphosis.
2. [ U ] specialized the process by which the young form of insects and some animals, such as frogs , develops into the adult form |
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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
*meticulous /məˈtɪk.jʊ.ləs/ adjective approving
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Definition
very careful and with great attention to every detail
Many hours of meticulous preparation have gone into writing the book.
meticulously /məˈtɪk.jʊ.lə.sli/ adverb
The entire project was meticulously planned.
meticulousness /məˈtɪk.jʊ.lə.snəs/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
*misanthrope /ˈmɪs. ə n.θrəʊp/ /-θroʊp/ noun [ C ] ( also misanthropist )
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Definition
| someone who dislikes other people and avoids involvement with society |
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Term
*misogynist /mɪˈsɒdʒ.ɪ.nɪst/ /-ˈsɑː.dʒɪ-/ noun [ C ]
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Definition
a man who hates women or believes that men are much better than women
misogynist /mɪˈsɒdʒ.ɪ.nɪst/ /-ˈsɑː.dʒɪ-/ adjective ( also misogynistic )
showing a hatred towards women or a belief that men are much better than women
She left the Church because of its misogynist teachings on women and their position in society.
a misogynistic attitude/writer
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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
*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
*neophyte /ˈniː.ə ʊ .faɪt/ /-oʊ-/ noun [ C ] formal
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Definition
| someone who has recently become involved in an activity and is still learning about it |
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Term
*obdurate /ˈɒb.djʊ.rət/ /ˈɑːb.dʊr.ɪt/ adjective formal
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Definition
1. disapproving extremely determined to act in a particular way and not to change despite what anyone else says
The President remains obdurate on the question of tax cuts.
2. describes a person who refuses to change their mind, or someone or something that is difficult to deal with or change
The union remains obdurate that any redundancies must be voluntary.
Several obdurate facts/differences remain, preventing a compromise solution.
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Term
*obsequious /əbˈsiː.kwi.əs/ adjective formal disapproving
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Definition
too eager to praise or obey someone
She is almost embarrassingly obsequious to anyone in authority.
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Term
*obviate /ˈɒb.vi.eɪt/ /ˈɑːb-/ verb [ T ] formal
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Definition
to remove a difficulty, especially so that action to deal with it becomes unnecessary
A peaceful solution would obviate the need to send a UN military force.
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Term
*occlusion /əˈklʊː.ʒ ə n/ noun
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Definition
BLOCK
1. [ C or U ] specialized in medicine, something that blocks a tube or opening in the body, or when something is blocked or closed
occlude verb
to shut; block
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Term
*officious /əˈfɪʃ.əs/ adjective disapproving
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Definition
too eager to tell people what to do and having too high an opinion of your own importance
He's an officious little man and widely disliked in the company.
officiously /əˈfɪʃ.ə.sli/ adverb
officiousness /əˈfɪʃ.ə.snəs/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
*onerous /ˈəʊ.n ə r.əs/ /ˈɑː.nɚ-/ adjective formal
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Definition
difficult to do or needing a lot of effort
the onerous task of finding a peaceful solution
the onerous duties of motherhood
onerousness /ˈəʊ.n ə r.ə.snəs/ /ˈɑː.nɚ-/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
*opprobrium /əˈprəʊ.bri.əm/ /-ˈproʊ-/ noun [ U ] formal
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Definition
severe criticism and blame
International opprobrium has been heaped on the country following its attack on its neighbours.
opprobrious /əˈprəʊ.bri.əs/ /-ˈproʊ-/ adjective |
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Term
*oscillate /ˈɒs.ɪ.leɪt/ /ˈɑː.s ə l.eɪt/ verb [ I ]
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Definition
1. to move repeatedly from one position to another
The needle on the dial oscillated between 'full' and 'empty'.
2. formal If you oscillate between feelings or opinions, you change repeatedly from one to the other
My emotions oscillate between desperation and hope.
3. specialized (of a wave or electric current) to change regularly in strength or direction
oscillation /ˌɒs.ɪˈleɪ.ʃ ə n/ /ˌɑː.s ə lˈeɪ-/ noun [ C or U ] formal or specialized |
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Term
*paragon /ˈpær.ə.gən/ /ˈper.ə.gɑːn/ noun [ C ]
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Definition
a person or thing that is perfect or has an extremely large amount of a particular good characteristic
In the novel, Constanza is a paragon of virtue.
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Term
*partisan , partizan /ˌpɑː.tɪˈzæn/ , /ˈ---/ /ˈpɑːr.t ̬ɪ.zən/ adjective
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Definition
strongly supporting a person, principle or political party, often without considering or judging the matter very carefully
The audience was very partisan, and refused to listen to her speech.
partisan politics
See also bipartisan
partisan , partizan /ˌpɑː.tɪˈzæn/ , /ˈ---/ /ˈpɑːr.t ̬ɪ.zən/ noun [ C ]
1. (in a country which has been defeated) a member of a secret armed force whose aim is to fight against the enemy which is controlling the country
2. someone who supports a person, principle or political party
partisanship , partizanship /ˌpɑː.tɪˈzæn.ʃɪp/ , /ˈ----/ /ˈpɑːr.t ̬ɪ.zən-/ noun [ U ]
There was a certain partisanship about the way that votes were cast.
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Term
*pathological /ˌpæθ.əˈlɒdʒ.ɪ.k ə l/ /-ˈlɑː.dʒɪ-/ adjective
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Definition
departing from normal condition
1. informal (of a person) unable to control part of their behaviour; unreasonable I've got a pathological fear of heights.Anthony's a pathological liar .
pathological /ˌpæθ.əˈlɒdʒ.ɪ.k ə l/ /-ˈlɑː.dʒɪ-/ adjective DISEASE
2. relating to or caused by a disease
a pathological condition/complaint
pathologically /ˌpæθ.əˈlɒdʒ.ɪ.kli/ /-ˈlɑː.dʒɪ-/ adverb
pathos verb (PAY-thahs) a quality that causes a feeling of pity or sorrowrelating
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Term
*paucity /ˈpɔː.sɪ.ti/ /ˈpɑː.sə.t ̬i/ noun [ S ] formal
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Definition
when there is too little of something
There is a paucity of information on the ingredients of many cosmetics.
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Definition
transparent; translucent; easily understood |
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Term
*pedantic /pəˈdæn.tɪk/ /pedˈæn-/ adjective disapproving
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Definition
showing off learning; giving too much attention to formal rules or small details
They were being unnecessarily pedantic by insisting that Berry himself, and not his wife, should have made the announcement.
pedantically /pəˈdæn.tɪ.kli/ /pedˈæn-/ adverb |
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Term
*penchant /ˈpɒ n .ʃɒ n / /ˈpen.tʃ ə nt/ noun [ C usually singular ]
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Definition
a liking for, an enjoyment of, or a habit of doing something, especially something that other people might not like
a penchant for melodrama/skiing/exotic clothes
Her penchant for disappear ing for days at a time worries her family.
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Term
*penury /ˈpen.jʊ.ri/ /-jʊr.i/ noun [ U ] formal
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Definition
| the state of being extremely poor |
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Term
*perfidious /pəˈfɪd.i.əs/ /pɚ-/ adjective literary
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Definition
unable to be trusted, or showing no loyalty
She described the new criminal bill as a perfidious attack on democracy.
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Term
*perfunctory /pəˈfʌŋ k .t ə r.i/ /pɚˈfʌŋ k .tɚ.i/ adjective
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Definition
done quickly, without taking care or interest
His smile was perfunctory.
perfunctorily /pəˈfʌŋ k .t ə r. ə l.i/ /pɚˈfʌŋ k .tɚ.ə.li/ adverb
The two heads of state shook hands perfunctorily for the photographers.
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Term
*permeable /ˈpɜː.mi.ə.bl ̩/ /ˈpɝː-/ adjective formal
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Definition
If a substance is permeable, it allows liquids or gases to go through it
Certain types of sandstone are permeable to water.
The solvent passes through the permeable membrane to the solution.
Soft and gas- permeable contact lenses are kinder to the eyes than hard lenses.
Opposite impermeable
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Term
*pervasive /pəˈveɪ.sɪv/ /pɚ-/ adjective formal
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Definition
present or noticeable in every part of a thing or place
The influence of Freud is pervasive in her books.
a pervasive smell of diesel
Reforms are being undermined by the all- pervasive corruption in the country.
pervasively /pəˈveɪ.sɪv.li/ /pɚ-/ adverb
pervasiveness /pəˈveɪ.sɪv.nəs/ /pɚ-/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
*phlegmatic /flegˈmæt.ɪk/ /-ˈmæt ̬-/ adjective formal
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Definition
describes someone who doesn't usually get emotional or excited about things
As a footballer his great asset was his calm, phlegmatic manner.
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Term
*piety /ˈpaɪ.ə.ti/ /ˈpaɪə.t ̬i/ noun [ U ] formal
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Definition
( also piousness ) strong belief in a religion that is shown in the way someone lives |
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Term
*plasticity /plæsˈtɪs.ɪ.ti/ /plæsˈtɪs.ə.t ̬i/ noun [ U ]
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Definition
the quality of being soft enough to be changed into a new shape |
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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
*plethora /ˈpleθ. ə r.ə/ /-ɚ.ə/ noun [ S ] slightly formal
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Definition
a very large amount of something, especially a larger amount than you need, want or can deal with
There's a plethora of books about the royal family.
The plethora of regulations is both contradictory and confusing.
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Term
*precursor /ˌpriːˈkɜː.sə r / /-ˈkɝː.sɚ/ noun [ C ] slightly formal
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Definition
something which happened or existed before another thing, especially if it either developed into it or had an influence on it
Sulphur dioxide is the main precursor of acid rain.
Biological research has often been a precursor to medical breakthroughs.
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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
*prevaricate /prɪˈvær.ɪ.keɪt/ /-ˈver-/ verb [ I ] formal
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Definition
to avoid telling the truth or saying exactly what you think
He accused the minister of prevaricating.
prevarication /prɪˌvær.ɪˈkeɪ.ʃ ə n/ /-ˌver-/ noun [ U ]
All my attempts to question the authorities on the subject were met by prevarication.
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Term
*pristine /ˈprɪs.tiːn/ /prɪˈstiːn/ adjective formal approving
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Definition
new or almost new, and in very good condition
pristine new offices
Washing machine for sale - only 2 months old and in pristine condition .
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Term
*probity /ˈprəʊ.bɪ.ti/ /ˈproʊ.bə.t ̬i/ noun [ U ] formal
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Definition
complete honesty
Her probity and integrity are beyond question.
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Term
*problematic /ˌprɒb.ləˈmæt.ɪ.k ə l/ /ˌprɑː.bləˈmæt ̬-/ adjective ( also problematical )
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Definition
full of problems or difficulties
Getting everyone there on time might prove problematic.
problematically /ˌprɒb.ləˈmæt.ɪ.kli/ /ˌprɑː.bləˈmæt ̬-/ adverb |
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Term
*profound /prəˈfaʊnd/ adjective
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Definition
EXTREME
1. felt or experienced very strongly or in an extreme way
His mother's death when he was aged six had a very profound effect on him.
The invention of the contraceptive pill brought about profound changes in the lives of women.
Those two lines of poetry express perfectly the profound sadness of loss.
My grandfather has a profound mistrust of anything new or foreign.
There was a note of profound irritation in his voice.
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Term
| *profound /prəˈfaʊnd/ adjective |
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Definition
SHOWING UNDERSTANDING
2. showing a clear and deep understanding of serious matters
profound truths/wisdom
The review that I read said that it was 'a thoughtful and profound film'.
"Dying is easy - it's living that's the problem." "That was very profound of you, Steven."
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Term
*proliferate /prəˈlɪf. ə r.eɪt/ /-ə.reɪt/ verb [ I ] formal
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Definition
to increase a lot and suddenly in number
Small businesses have proliferated in the last ten years.
proliferation /prəˌlɪf. ə rˈeɪ.ʃ ə n/ /-əˈreɪ-/ noun [ U ]
The past two years have seen the proliferation of TV channels.
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Term
*propensity /prəˈpen.sɪ.ti/ /-sə.t ̬i/ noun [ S ] formal
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Definition
a tendency towards a particular way of behaving, especially a bad one
[ + to infinitive ] She's inherited from her father a propensity to talk too much.
He's well-known for his natural propensity for indiscretion.
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Term
*propitiate /prəˈpɪʃ.i.eɪt/ verb [ T ] formal
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Definition
to please and make calm a god or person who is annoyed with you
In those days people might sacrifice a goat or sheep to propitiate an angry god.
The radicals in the party were clearly sacked to propitiate the conservative core.
propitiation /prəˌpɪʃ.iˈeɪ.ʃ ə n/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
*propriety /prəˈpraɪə.ti/ /-t ̬i/ noun
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Definition
1. [ U ] formal correct moral behaviour or actions
The director insisted that there was no question as to the propriety of how the funds were raised.
She was careful always to behave with propriety.
2. proprieties formal
the rules of polite social behaviour
They'd invited us to dinner so we thought we'd better observe the proprieties and invite them back.
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Term
*proscribe /prəʊˈskraɪb/ /proʊ-/ verb [ T ] formal
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Definition
(of a government or other authority) to not allow something
The Broadcasting Act allows ministers to proscribe any channel that offends against good taste and decency.
The Athletics Federation have banned the runner from future races for using proscribed drugs.
proscription /prəʊˈskrɪp.ʃ ə n/ /proʊ-/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
| *qualified /ˈkwɒl.ɪ.faɪd/ /ˈkwɑː.lɪ-/ adjective |
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Definition
LIMITED
2. limited
There seems to be qualified support for the idea.
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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
*rarefied /ˈreə.rɪ.faɪd/ /ˈrer.ə-/ adjective
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Definition
LITTLE OXYGEN
1. (of air) with little oxygen
rarefied /ˈreə.rɪ.faɪd/ /ˈrer.ə-/ adjective NOT ORDINARY
2. describes a place or situation which does not have any of the problems of ordinary life
the rarefied atmosphere/circles of college life
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Term
*recalcitrant /rɪˈkæl.sɪ.tr ə nt/ adjective formal
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Definition
(of a person) unwilling to obey orders or to do what should be done, or (of an animal) refusing to be controlled
recalcitrance /rɪˈkæl.sɪ.tr ə n t s/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
*recant /rɪˈkænt/ verb [ I or T ] formal
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Definition
to announce in public that your past beliefs or statements were wrong and that you no longer agree with them
After a year spent in solitary confinement, he publicly recanted (his views).
recantation /ˌriː.kænˈteɪ.ʃ ə n/ noun [ C or U ] |
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Term
*recondite /ˈrek. ə n.daɪt/ adjective formal
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Definition
not known about by many people and difficult to understand
We had to work from material that was both complex and recondite.
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Term
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Definition
stubborn; unmanageable; resisting ordinary methods of treatment |
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Term
*relegate /ˈrel.ɪ.geɪt/ verb [ T ]
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Definition
1. to put someone or something into a lower or less important rank or position
She resigned when she was relegated to a desk job.
The story was relegated to the middle pages of the paper.
2. UK If a football team is relegated, it is moved down to a lower division
If Southampton lose again they may be relegated from the Premier League to the First Division.
Compare promote
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Term
*reproach /rɪˈprəʊtʃ/ /-ˈproʊtʃ/ verb [ T ]
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Definition
to criticize someone, especially for not being successful or not doing what is expected His mother reproached him for not eating all his dinner.
[ R ] You have nothing to reproach your self for/with .
reproach /rɪˈprəʊtʃ/ /-ˈproʊtʃ/ noun [ C or U ]
when you criticize someone, especially for not being successful or for not doing what is expected The look of reproach on his face made her feel guilty.
Your reproaches are useless - what's done is done.
be a reproach to sb/sth
to be something that should make a person or organization feel ashamed
His immaculate garden was a reproach to all his less organized neighbours.
be above/beyond reproach
to not deserve any blame
Your behaviour today has been above reproach.
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Term
*reprobate /ˈrep.rə ʊ .beɪt/ /-rə-/ noun [ C ] formal or humorous
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Definition
a person of bad character and habits
Every time I see you, you're drunk, you old reprobate!
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Term
*repudiate /rɪˈpjuː.di.eɪt/ verb [ T ] formal
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Definition
to refuse to accept something or someone as true, good or reasonable
He repudiated the allegation/charge/claim that he had tried to deceive them.
I utterly repudiate those remarks.
repudiation /rɪˌpjuː.diˈeɪ.ʃ ə n/ noun [ U ]
They were surprised by his sudden repudiation of all his former beliefs.
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Term
*rescind /rɪˈsɪnd/ verb [ T ] formal
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Definition
to make a law, agreement, order or decision no longer have any (legal) power
The policy of charging air travellers for vegetarian meals proved unpopular and has already been rescinded.
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Term
*resolute /ˈrez.ə.luːt/ adjective formal
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Definition
determined in character, action or ideas
Their resolute opposition to new working methods was difficult to overcome.
She's utterly resolute in her refusal to apologise.
resolutely /ˈrez.ə.luːt.li/ adverb
She resolutely refused to learn about computers.
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Term
*resolved /rɪˈzɒlvd/ /-ˈzɑːlvd/ adjective [ after verb ] formal noun [ U ] formal
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Definition
determined
[ + to infinitive ] He was resolved to ask her to marry him the next day.
resolve /rɪˈzɒlv/ /-ˈzɑːlv/ noun [ U ] formal
strong determination
to weaken/strengthen/test someone's resolve
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Term
*reverence /ˈrev. ə r. ə n t s/ /-ɚ. ə n t s/ noun [ U ]
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Definition
a feeling of respect or admiration for someone or something
She has/shows/feels great reverence for her professors.
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Term
*sage /seɪdʒ/ adjective literary
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Definition
wise, especially as a result of great experience
sage advice
my sage old grandfather
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Term
*salubrious /səˈluː.bri.əs/ adjective formal
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Definition
describes a place that is pleasant, clean, and healthy to live in
He doesn't live in a very salubrious part of town.
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Term
*salutary /ˈsæl.jʊ.tri/ /-ter.i/ adjective formal
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Definition
causing improvement of behaviour or character
a salutary experience
a salutary reminder of the dangers of mountain climbing
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Term
*sanction /ˈsæŋk.ʃ ə n/ verb [ T ]
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Definition
to formally give permission for something
The government was reluctant to sanction intervention in the crisis.
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Term
*sartorial /sɑːˈtɔː.ri.əl/ /sɑːrˈtɔːr.i-/ adjective [ before noun ] formal
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Definition
relating to the making of clothes, usually men's clothes, or to a way of dressing
sartorial elegance
sartorially /sɑːˈtɔː.ri. ə l.i/ /sɑːrˈtɔːr.i-/ adverb |
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Term
*satiate /ˈseɪ.ʃi.eɪt/ verb [ T often passive ] formal
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Definition
to completely satisfy yourself or a need, especially with food or pleasure, so that you could not have any more
He drank greedily until his thirst was satiated.
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Term
*sensual /ˈsen t .sjʊəl/ adjective
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Definition
expressing or suggesting physical, especially sexual, pleasure or satisfaction
sensual pleasure
a sensual mouth/voice
He is elegant, sensual, conscious of his body.
sensuality /ˌsen t .sjuˈæl.ɪ.ti/ /-ə.t ̬i/ noun [ U ]
She found his intense sensuality irresistible.
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Term
*sensuous /ˈsen t .sjʊəs/ adjective
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Definition
1. giving or expressing pleasure through the physical senses, rather than pleasing the mind or the intelligence
She luxuriated in the sensuous feel of the silk sheets.
2. sensual
He had a very sensuous mouth.
sensuously /ˈsen t .sjʊə.sli/ adverb
sensuousness /ˈsen t .sjʊə.snəs/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
*sentient /ˈsen.tɪ. ə nt/ , /ˈsen. t ʃ ə nt/ adjective formal
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Definition
able to experience physical and possibly emotional feelings
It is hard for a sentient person to understand how any parents could treat their child so badly.
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Term
*skeptic /ˈskep.tɪk/ noun [ C ]
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Definition
sceptic UK , US skeptic /ˈskep.tɪk/ noun [ C ]
a person who doubts the truth or value of an idea or belief
People say it can cure colds, but I'm a bit of a sceptic.
to convince the sceptics
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Term
*solicitous /səˈlɪs.ɪ.təs/ /-t ̬əs/ adjective formal
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Definition
showing care and helpful attention to someone
He made a solicitous enquiry after her health.
solicitously /səˈlɪs.ɪ.tə.sli/ /-t ̬ə-/ adverb
solicitude /səˈlɪs.ɪ.tjuːd/ /-tuːd/ noun [ U ] ( also solicitousness ) |
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Term
*soporific /ˌsɒp. ə rˈɪf.ɪk/ /ˌsɑː.pəˈrɪf-/ adjective
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Definition
causing sleep or making a person want to sleep
the soporific effect of the heat
soporifically /ˌsɒp. ə rˈɪf.ɪ.kli/ /ˌsɑː.pəˈrɪf-/ adverb |
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Term
*specious /ˈspiː.ʃəs/ adjective formal disapproving
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Definition
seeming to be right or true, but really wrong or false
a specious argument/claim
specious allegations/promises
speciously /ˈspiː.ʃə.sli/ adverb
speciousness /ˈspiː.ʃə.snəs/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
*sporadic /spəˈræd.ɪk/ adjective
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Definition
happening sometimes; not regular or continuous
sporadic gunfire
a sporadic electricity supply
More than 100 people have been killed this year in sporadic outbursts of ethnic violence.
sporadically /spəˈræd.ɪ.kli/ adverb |
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Term
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Definition
FEELING
1. [ C usually singular U ] when people disapprove of something, especially when this is unfair
There is no longer any stigma to being divorced.
Being an unmarried mother no longer carries the social stigma that it used to.
stigma /ˈstɪg.mə/ noun FLOWER PART
2. [ C ] the top of the central female part of a flower, where pollen is received
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Term
*stipulate /ˈstɪp.jʊ.leɪt/ verb [ T ] formal
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Definition
to state exactly how something must be or must be done
She agreed to buy the car, but stipulated racing tyres and a turbo-powered engine.
[ + that ] The law stipulates that new cars must have seat belts for the driver and every passenger.
[ + question word ] We have signed a contract which stipulates wh en the project must be completed.
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Term
*stolid /ˈstɒl.ɪd/ /ˈstɑː.lɪd/ adjective slightly disapproving
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Definition
(of a person) calm and not showing emotion or excitement, or (of a thing) not interesting or attractive
He's a very stolid, serious man.
The college is a stolid-looking building with no lawn.
stolidly /ˈstɒl.ɪd.li/ /ˈstɑː.lɪd-/ adverb |
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Term
*striated /straɪˈeɪ.tɪd/ /-t ̬ɪd/ adjective specialized
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Definition
having long thin lines, marks or strips of colour
The canyon walls were striated with colour.
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Term
*substantiate /səbˈstæn.ʃi.eɪt/ verb [ T ] formal
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Definition
to show something to be true, or to support a claim with facts
We have evidence to substantiate the allegations against him.
Reports that children had been hurt have not been substantiated.
substantiation /səbˌstæn.ʃiˈeɪ.ʃ ə n/ noun [ U ] formal
The company produced receipts in substantiation of (= to support) its claim.
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Term
*subsume /səbˈsjuːm/ /-ˈsuːm/ verb [ T ] formal
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Definition
to include something or someone as part of a larger group
Soldiers from many different countries have been subsumed into the United Nations peace-keeping force.
All the statistics have been subsumed under the general heading 'Facts and Figures'.
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Term
*supersede /ˌsuː.pəˈsiːd/ /-pɚ-/ verb [ T ]
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Definition
to replace something, especially something older or more old-fashioned
Most of the old road has been superseded by the great Interstate highways.
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Term
*supposition /ˌsʌp.əˈzɪʃ. ə n/ noun [ C or U ]
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Definition
when someone believes something is true without any proof
That article was based on pure supposition.
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Term
*tacit /ˈtæs.ɪt/ adjective
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Definition
understood without being expressed directly
tacit agreement/approval/support
tacitly /ˈtæs.ɪt.li/ adverb |
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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
*tangent /ˈtæn.dʒ ə nt/ noun [ C ]
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Definition
CIRCLE
1. a straight line which touches but does not cut into a curve
tangent /ˈtæn.dʒ ə nt/ noun [ C ] TRIANGLE
2. ( written abbreviation tan ) specialized (in a triangle that has one angle of 90°) the ratio of the length of the side opposite an angle less than 90° divided by the length of the shorter of the two sides that are next to the angle
tangential /tænˈdʒen. t ʃ ə l/ adjective
go/fly off at a tangent UK ( US go off on a tangent )
to suddenly start talking or thinking about a completely new subject
It's hard to get a firm decision out of him - he's always going off at a tangent.
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Term
*tenuous /ˈten.ju.əs/ adjective
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Definition
1. A tenuous connection, idea or situation is weak and possibly does not exist
We were only able to make a tenuous connection between the two robberies.
2. literary thin, weak and easily broken
tenuously /ˈten.ju.əs.li/ adverb |
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Term
*tirade /taɪˈreɪd/ , /tɪ-/ /ˈtaɪ.reɪd/ noun [ C ]
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Definition
a long angry speech expressing strong disapproval
She launched into an angry/furious tirade about how she had been unfairly treated.
In a furious tirade of abuse, the opposition spokesperson demanded the minister's resignation.
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Term
*torpor /ˈtɔː.pə r / /ˈtɔːr.pɚ/ noun [ U ] ( also torpidity /tɔːˈpɪd.ə.ti/ /tɔːrˈpɪd.ə.t ̬i/ )
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Definition
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2. specialized the state of reduced activity that some animals experience during the winter |
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Term
*tortuous /ˈtɔː.tʃu.əs/ /ˈtɔːr-/ adjective
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Definition
with many turns and changes of direction; not direct or simple
He took a tortuous route through back streets.
The path to peace seems at last to be clear, although it may be a long and tortuous one.
tortuously /ˈtɔː.tʃu.ə.sli/ /ˈtɔːr-/ adverb
tortuousness /ˈtɔː.tʃu.ə.snəs/ /ˈtɔːr-/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
*tractable /ˈtræk.tə.bl ̩/ adjective formal
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Definition
easily dealt with, controlled or persuaded
The problem turned out to be rather less tractable than I had expected.
tractability /ˌtræk.təˈbɪl.ɪ.ti/ /-ə.t ̬i/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
*transgress /trænzˈgres/ verb [ I or T ] formal
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Definition
to break a law or moral rule
Those are the rules, and anyone who transgresses will be severely punished.
transgression /trænzˈgreʃ. ə n/ noun [ C or U ]
Who is supposed to have committed these transgressions?
transgressor /trænzˈgres.ə r / /-ˈgres.ɚ/ noun [ C ]
The system seems to be designed to punish the transgressor (= the person breaking the rules) rather than help his victim.
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Term
*truculent /ˈtrʌk.jʊ.lənt/ adjective
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Definition
unpleasant and likely to argue a lot
a truculent teenager
I found him truculent and unpleasant.
truculence /ˈtrʌk.jʊ.lən t s/ noun [ U ]
truculently /ˈtrʌk.jʊ.lənt.li/ adverb |
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Term
*turgid /ˈtɜː.dʒɪd/ /ˈtɝː-/ adjective
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Definition
TOO SERIOUS
1. formal (of speech, writing, style, etc.) too serious about its subject matter; boring
a couple of pages of turgid prose
turgid /ˈtɜː.dʒɪd/ /ˈtɝː-/ adjective NOT FLOWING
2. formal (of water) not flowing easily
The river rolled darkly brown and turgid.
turgid /ˈtɜː.dʒɪd/ /ˈtɝː-/ adjective SWOLLEN
3. specialized (of an organ or living tissue) swollen
turgidity /tɜːˈdʒɪd.ɪ.ti/ /tɝːˈdʒɪd.ə.t ̬i/ noun [ U ] formal or specialized
turgidly /ˈtɜː.dʒɪd.li/ /ˈtɝː-/ adverb formal |
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Term
*untenable /ʌnˈten.ə.bl ̩/ adjective formal
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Definition
1. describes a theory or argument that cannot be supported or defended against criticism
2. describes a situation that cannot continue as it is
If three people in four no longer support the government, isn't this an untenable situation?
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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
*venerate /ˈven. ə r.eɪt/ /-ɚ.eɪt/ verb [ T ] formal
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Definition
to honour or very much respect a person or thing
Robert Burns is Scotland's most venerated poet.
veneration /ˌven. ə rˈeɪ.ʃ ə n/ /-ɚˈeɪ-/ noun [ U ]
Gandhi became an object of widespread veneration because of his unceasing struggle for freedom and equality.
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Term
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Definition
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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
*viable /ˈvaɪ.ə.bl ̩/ adjective
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Definition
1. able to work as intended or able to succeed
In order to make the company viable, it will unfortunately be necessary to reduce staffing levels.
I am afraid your plan is not commercially/economically/financially/politically viable.
2. specialized able to continue to exist as or develop into a living being
There is a continuing debate about the age at which a human fetus can be considered viable.
viably /ˈvaɪ.ə.bli/ adverb |
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Term
*viscous /ˈvɪs.kəs/ adjective specialized
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Definition
describes a liquid that is thick and sticky and does not flow easily
viscosity /vɪˈskɒs.ɪ.ti/ /-ˈskɑː.sə.t ̬i/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
*vitiate /ˈvɪʃ.i.eɪt/ verb [ T ] formal
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Definition
to destroy or damage something
He said that American military power should never again be vitiated by political concerns.
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Term
*vituperative /vaɪˈtjuː.p ə r.ə.tɪv/ /-ˈtuː.pə.reɪ.t ̬ɪv/ adjective formal
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Definition
A vituperative spoken or written attack is full of angry criticism
Miss Snowden yesterday launched a vituperative attack on her ex-boss and former lover.
vituperation /vaɪˌtjuː.p ə rˈeɪ.ʃ ə n/ /-ˌtuː.pəˈreɪ-/ noun [ U ] |
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Term
*whimsical /ˈwɪm.zɪ.k ə l/ adjective
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Definition
unusual and strange in a way that might be funny or annoying
a whimsical tale
Despite his kindly, sometimes whimsical air, he was a shrewd observer of people.
whimsically /ˈwɪm.zɪ.kli/ adverb
whimsicality /ˌwɪm.zɪˈkæl.ɪ.ti/ /-ə.t ̬i/ noun [ U ] formal |
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Term
*zealot /ˈzel.ət/ noun [ C ]
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Definition
a person who has very strong opinions about something, and tries to make other people have them too
a religious zealot
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