vocab intermediate

 0    485 flashcards    monikazapasowy
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Question Answer
aisle (aɪl)
a long passage between rows of seats in a church, plane, theatre etc, or between rows of shelves in a shop
start learning
Would you like a window seat or an aisle seat (=seat next to the aisle)?
anniversary (ˌænəˈvɜːsəri ˌænɪˈvɜːsəri)
a date on which something special or important happened in a previous year
start learning
Jack and Kim celebrated their twentieth wedding anniversary in January.
anxiety (æŋˈzaɪəti)
the feeling of being very worried about something
start learning
There is considerable anxiety among staff about job losses.
be awarded (bi əˈwɔːdɪd)
be given something such as a prize or money to reward you for something you have done
start learning
She was awarded a special prize for excellence in maths.
benefits (ˈbenɪfɪts)
an advantage, improvement, or help that you get from something
start learning
There are many health benefits of eating a vegetarian diet.
best man (best mæn)
the man who helps a bridegroom at a wedding ceremony
start learning
The best man looked after the rings for the bridegroom.
blow out (bləʊ aʊt)
if you blow a flame or a fire out, or if it blows out, it stops burning
start learning
The match blew out in the wind.
aisle (aɪl)
a long passage between rows of seats in a church, plane, theatre etc, or between rows of shelves in a shop
start learning
Would you like a window seat or an aisle seat (=seat next to the aisle)?
anniversary (ˌænəˈvɜːsəri ˌænɪˈvɜːsəri)
a date on which something special or important happened in a previous year
start learning
Jack and Kim celebrated their twentieth wedding anniversary in January.
anxiety (æŋˈzaɪəti)
the feeling of being very worried about something
start learning
There is considerable anxiety among staff about job losses.
be awarded (bi əˈwɔːdɪd)
be given something such as a prize or money to reward you for something you have done
start learning
She was awarded a special prize for excellence in maths.
benefits (ˈbenɪfɪts)
an advantage, improvement, or help that you get from something
start learning
There are many health benefits of eating a vegetarian diet.
best man (best mæn)
the man who helps a bridegroom at a wedding ceremony
start learning
The best man looked after the rings for the bridegroom.
blow out (bləʊ aʊt)
if you blow a flame or a fire out, or if it blows out, it stops burning
start learning
The match blew out in the wind.
blow up (bləʊ ʌp)
to fill something with air or gas
start learning
You need to blow up your bicycle's front tyre.
bridesmaid (ˈbraɪdzmeɪd)
a girl or woman, usually unmarried, who helps a bride on her wedding day and is with her at the wedding
start learning
The bridesmaids helped the bride to get dressed.
do up (duː ʌp)
to repair an old building or car, or to improve its appearance
start learning
They did up the old cottage and it looked as good as new.
foreign (ˈfɒrən ˈfɒrɪn)
from or relating to a country that is not your own
start learning
There are a lot of foreign students on the international course.
go sour (ɡəʊ saʊə)
milk or other food that is sour is not fresh and has a bad taste
start learning
I left the milk out of the fridge and it went sour.
have access to (hæv ˈækses tə)
the opportunity to have or use something
start learning
My son doesn't have access to a mobile phone – he's only three years old.
high heels (haɪ hiːəlz)
women’s shoes with high heels
start learning
I can't walk very well in high heels.
honeymoon (ˈhʌnimuːn)
a holiday taken by two people who have just got married
start learning
We went to Italy on our honeymoon.
keep an eye on (kiːp ən aɪ ɒn)
to look after someone or something
start learning
Will you keep an eye on my bag while I go to the toilet?
keep in touch with (kiːp ɪn tʌtʃ wɪð)
to stay in contact with
start learning
Email makes it easy to keep in touch with people all over the world.
keep up (kiːp ʌp)
to continue doing something
start learning
I don’t think I can keep this up any longer.
let down (let daʊn)
to not do something that someone trusts or expects you to do
start learning
The band let their fans down when they failed to arrive for the gig.
look up (lʊk ʌp)
if you look up information in a book, on a computer etc, you try to find it there
start learning
Look up the word in a dictionary.
make a speech (meɪk eɪ spiːtʃ)
to give a talk, especially a formal one about a particular subject, to a group of people
start learning
After he won the award he made a short speech.
make progress (meɪk ˈprəʊɡres)
to get better at doing something, or get closer to finishing or achieving something
start learning
Since you started practising for 15 minutes a day you're making real progress at the piano.
marquee (mɑːˈkiː)
a large tent at an outdoor event or large party, used especially for eating or drinking in
start learning
The wedding reception took place in a marquee in the garden on of our house.
plain (pleɪn)
without anything added or without decoration
start learning
I prefer plain fabric; I don't like lots of patterns.
pressure (ˈpreʃə)
a worried feeling that you get when you have to deal with a difficult or complicated situation
start learning
There is a lot of pressure on young people to succeed.
put up (pʊt ʌp)
to build something such as a wall, fence, building etc
start learning
They’re putting up several new office blocks in the centre of town.
reception (rɪˈsepʃən)
a large formal party to celebrate an event or to welcome someone
start learning
They celebrated the wedding with an evening reception.
registry office (ˈredʒəstri ˈɒfəs)
a local government building in Britain where you can get married, and where births, marriages and deaths are officially recorded
start learning
It was a simple wedding at the local registry office.
require (rɪˈkwaɪə)
if a rule, law, contract etc requires something, you must do that thing
start learning
Car insurance is required by law in most countries.
sour (saʊə)
having a sharp acid taste, like the taste of a lemon or a fruit that is not ready to be eaten
start learning
Rachel sampled the wine. It was sour.
survive (səˈvaɪv)
to continue to exist, especially in a difficult or dangerous situation
start learning
Of all the museum's paintings only one survived the fire.
take down (teɪk daʊn)
to remove
start learning
Before I left home I took down the posters from my bedroom wall.
take over from (teɪk ˈəʊvə frəm)
to replace
start learning
Mobile phones have taken over from landline phones in many homes.
take photos (teɪk ˈfəʊtəʊz)
use a camera to take pictures
start learning
I took 130 photos on my last holiday!
tidy up (ˈtaɪdi ʌp)
to make a place look tidy
start learning
Tidy up your room!
try out (traɪ aʊt)
to test, experiment with
start learning
I tried out trampolining but I didn't really like it.
turn down (tɜːn daʊn)
to refuse
start learning
Roger was nervous before the proposal because he thought Lily might turn him down.
witness (ˈwɪtnəs ˈwɪtnɪs)
someone who is present when an official document is signed, and who signs it too, to say that they saw it being signed
start learning
You need two witnesses to be present at your wedding.
wrap up (ræp ʌp)
to put paper or cloth over something to cover it
start learning
The present was wrapped up beautifully in gold paper.
apply to (əˈplaɪ tə)
to make a formal request, usually written, for something such as a job, a place in a university, or permission to do something
start learning
There's no point applying for that job – it's no longer available.
attend lectures (əˈtend ˈlektʃəz)
to go to lectures
start learning
I attend lectures from Monday to Thursday.
carry out (ˈkæri aʊt)
to do something that needs to be organized and planned
start learning
The scientists are carrying out research into eating habits amongst students.
combination (ˌkɒmbəˈneɪʃən ˌkɒmbɪˈneɪʃən)
two or more different things that exist together or are used or put together
start learning
A combination of factors may be responsible for the increase in cancer.
continuous assessment (kənˈtɪnjuəs əˈsesmənt)
a way of judging a student’s ability by looking at the work they have done during the year rather than by an examination
start learning
We don't have any exams – there is continuous assessment throughout the course.
countless (ˈkaʊntləs)
too many to be counted
start learning
It's a famous film clip which has been shown countless times.
curriculum (kəˈrɪkjələm kəˈrɪkjʊləm)
the subjects that are taught by a school, college etc, or the things that are studied in a particular subject
start learning
Languages are an essential part of the school curriculum.
degree (dɪˈɡriː)
a course of study at a university or college, or the qualification that is given to you when you have successfully completed the course
start learning
She's studying for a degree in biology.
discipline (ˈdɪsəplən ˈdɪsɪplən)
a way of training someone so that they learn to control their behaviour and obey rules
start learning
The book gives parents advice on discipline.
get a degree (ɡet eɪ dɪˈɡriː)
successfully complete your studies at university, resulting in a degree qualification
start learning
She's so intelligent she got a degree when she was just fourteen.
get across (ɡet əˈkrɒs)
to succeed in communicating an idea or piece of information to someone, or to be communicated successfully
start learning
It took him ages to get his point across.
get down to (ɡet daʊn tə)
to start doing something that is difficult or needs a lot of time or energy
start learning
We need to get down to some serious talking.
go over (ɡəʊ ˈəʊvə)
to repeat something in order to explain it or make sure it is correct
start learning
I don't understand. Could you go over that again?
go wrong (ɡəʊ rɒŋ)
to stop working properly
start learning
Something’s gone wrong with my watch.
hand in (hænd ɪn)
to give something to someone in authority
start learning
Did you hand in your homework on time?
join a club (dʒɔɪn eɪ klʌb)
to become a member of an organization, society or group
start learning
Would you like to join our dance group?
keep up (kiːp ʌp)
to go as quickly as someone else
start learning
I had to walk fast to keep up with him.
lecturer (ˈlektʃərə)
someone who gives lectures, especially in a university
start learning
She’s a brilliant lecturer.
make friends (meɪk frendz)
to become friendly with people
start learning
Jenny has always found it easy to make friends at school.
minimal (ˈmɪnəməl ˈmɪnɪməl)
very small in degree or amount, especially the smallest degree or amount possible
start learning
The storm caused only minimal damage
nursery school (ˈnɜːsəri skuːl)
a school for children who are between three and five years old
start learning
My youngest child has just started nursery school.
pay attention (peɪ əˈtenʃən)
start listening to, looking at, or thinking about something
start learning
He doesn't pay attention to how much money he spends.
peaceful (ˈpiːsfəl)
a peaceful time, place, or situation is quiet and calm without any worry or excitement
start learning
We had a peaceful afternoon without the children.
pick up (pɪk ʌp)
to let someone get into your car, boat etc and take them somewhere
start learning
I'll pick you up at 8 o'clock.
primary school (ˈpraɪməri skuːl)
a school for children between 5 and 11 years old in England and Wales
start learning
He starts primary school next week.
resign (rɪˈzaɪn)
to officially announce that you have decided to leave your job or an organization
start learning
She resigned from the government last week.
resit exams (ˌriːˈsɪt ɪɡ zæmz)
to take an examination again, because you failed it or did not do well enough
start learning
I resat the exam for a second time and passed.
secondary school (ˈsekəndəri skuːl)
a school for children between the ages of 11 and 16 or 18
start learning
Students take exams at the end of secondary school.
stand on your own two feet (stænd ɒn jə əʊn tuː fiːt)
to be able to do what you need to do, earn your own money, etc without help from others
start learning
Now she's 20 and has got a job she can stand on her own two feet.
stay on (steɪ ɒn)
to continue to do a job or to study after the usual or expected time for leaving
start learning
He resigned as chairman but stayed on as an instructor.
stock (stɒk)
if a shop stocks a particular product, it keeps a supply of it to sell
start learning
We stock a wide range of kitchen equipment.
strict (strɪkt)
expecting people to obey rules or to do what you say
start learning
He's a strict teacher.
take advantage (teɪk ədˈvɑːntɪdʒ)
to use a particular situation to do or get what you want
start learning
Take advantage of the warm weather to spend some time outdoors.
turn up (tɜːn ʌp)
to arrive
start learning
Nina never turned up for our meeting. I wonder what happened to her.
tutorial (tjuːˈtɔːriəl)
a period of teaching and discussion with a tutor, especially in a British university
start learning
I'm doing some research ahead of the tutorial on Monday.
undergraduate (ˌʌndəˈɡrædʒuət ˌʌndəˈɡrædʒuɪt)
a student at college or university, who is working for their first degree
start learning
They are all second-year undergraduates.
unlikely (ʌnˈlaɪkli)
not likely to happen
start learning
Donna might be able to come tomorrow but it’s very unlikely.
valuable (ˈvæljuəbəl -jəbəl)
valuable help, advice, information etc is very useful because it helps you to do something
start learning
The job gave him valuable experience.
waste time (weɪst taɪm)
to use more time than is useful or sensible
start learning
You don't need to read it again – you're wasting time!
work out (wɜːk aʊt)
to think carefully about how you are going to do something and plan a good way of doing it
start learning
UN negotiators have worked out a set of compromise proposals.
aggressive (əˈɡresɪv)
behaving in an angry threatening way, as if you want to fight or attack someone
start learning
Jim’s voice became aggressive.
ant (ænt)
a small insect that lives in large groups
start learning
The ants were attracted to some sugar I had spilled on the floor.
beak (biːk)
the hard pointed mouth of a bird
start learning
Some birds use their beaks to crack open nuts.
bear (beə)
a large strong animal with thick fur, that eats flesh, fruit, and insects
start learning
Look at that mother bear and her cubs.
beetle (ˈbiːtl)
an insect with a round hard back that is usually black
start learning
What a shiny black beetle!
bite (baɪt)
to use your teeth to cut, crush, or chew something
start learning
The dog bit him and made his hand bleed.
butterfly (ˈbʌtəflaɪ)
a type of insect that has large wings, often with beautiful colours
start learning
You usually see butterflies in the summer.
calf (kɑːf)
the baby of a cow, or of some other large animals, such as an elephant
start learning
The cow is expected to give birth to a calf tomorrow.
claws (klɔːz)
sharp curved nails on an animal, bird, or some insects
start learning
Ouch! Your cat's claws are very sharp!
dolphin (ˈdɒlfən ˈdɒlfɪn)
a very intelligent sea animal like a fish with a long grey pointed nose
start learning
I would love to swim in the sea with a dolphin.
downpour (ˈdaʊnpɔː)
a lot of rain that falls in a short time
start learning
We got soaked in a sudden downpour.
drizzle (ˈdrɪzəl)
weather that is a combination of light rain and mist
start learning
A light drizzle had started by the time we left.
elegant (ˈeləɡənt ˈelɪɡənt)
beautiful, attractive, or graceful
start learning
What a tall elegant young woman!
fatal (ˈfeɪtl)
resulting in someone’s death
start learning
Vaccinations can protect against potentially fatal diseases.
fins (fɪnz)
the thin body parts that a fish uses to swim
start learning
The fish is just floating so its fins are hardly moving.
gale (ɡeɪl)
a very strong wind
start learning
A severe gale tore down many trees in the village.
giraffe (dʒəˈrɑːf dʒɪˈrɑːf)
a tall African animal with a very long neck and legs and dark spots on its yellow-brown fur
start learning
We saw some very tall giraffes at the zoo.
goat (ɡəʊt)
an animal that has horns on top of its head and long hair under its chin, and can climb steep hills and rocks. Goats live wild in the mountains or are kept as farm animals.
start learning
She leapt up the mountain like a goat.
guinea pig (ˈɡɪni pɪɡ)
a small furry animal with short ears and no tail, which is often kept as a pet
start learning
I have three guinea pigs which I keep in a hutch.
gust (ɡʌst)
a sudden strong movement of wind, air, rain etc
start learning
A sudden gust of wind blew the door shut.
hail (heɪl)
frozen raindrops which fall as hard balls of ice
start learning
There were heavy showers of rain and hail.
hamster (ˈhæmstə)
a small animal that looks like a mouse with no tail
start learning
My hamster lived until it was four years old.
hooves (huːvz)
the plural of hoof, the hard foot of an animal such as a horse, cow etc
start learning
I could hear the sound of the horse's hooves walking along the road.
howl (haʊl)
if a dog, wolf, or other animal howls, it makes a long loud sound
start learning
The dogs howled all night.
hurricane (ˈhʌrəkən ˈhʌrɪkən)
a storm that has very strong fast winds and that moves over water
start learning
Our home was destroyed in a hurricane.
insect (ˈɪnsekt)
a small creature such as a fly or ant, that has six legs, and sometimes wings
start learning
My arm's so itchy. I've got an insect bite.
jungle (ˈdʒʌŋɡəl)
a thick tropical forest with many large plants growing very close together
start learning
The expedition team trekked through the Amazon jungle.
leopard (ˈlepəd)
a large animal of the cat family, with yellow fur and black spots, which lives in Africa and South Asia
start learning
It's very rare to see a leopard in the wild.
mosquito (məˈskiːtəʊ)
a small flying insect that sucks the blood of people and animals, sometimes spreading the disease malaria
start learning
Malaria is carried by mosquitoes.
parrot (ˈpærət)
a tropical bird with a curved beak and brightly coloured feathers that can be taught to copy human speech
start learning
My parrot can say my name and ask me how I am.
peck (pek)
if a bird pecks something or pecks at something, it makes quick repeated movements with its beak to try to eat part of it, make a hole in it etc
start learning
The birds are pecking at breadcrumbs on the pavement.
penguin (ˈpeŋɡwən ˈpeŋɡwɪn)
a large black and white Antarctic sea bird, which cannot fly but uses its wings for swimming
start learning
Baby penguins are covered in a thick layer of fur.
pigeon (ˈpɪdʒən ˈpɪdʒɪn)
a grey bird with short legs that is common in cities
start learning
Please don't feed the pigeons.
put off (pʊt ɒf)
to discourage
start learning
Even though he had failed his driving test nine times John wasn't put off and applied to take it again.
reptile (ˈreptaɪl)
a type of animal, such as a snake or lizard, whose body temperature changes according to the temperature around it, and that usually lays eggs to have babies
start learning
This reptile has scales all over its body.
rodent (ˈrəʊdənt)
any small animal of the type that has long sharp front teeth, such as a rat or a rabbit
start learning
Mu brother saw rodents in the kitchen so I don't eat in that restaurant anymore.
scratch (skrætʃ)
to cut someone's skin slightly with your nails or with something sharp
start learning
The cat scratched my hand when I picked it up.
screech (skriːtʃ)
to shout loudly in an unpleasant high voice because you are angry, afraid, or excited
start learning
‘Look out!’ she screeched.
shark (ʃɑːk)
a large sea fish with several rows of very sharp teeth that is considered to be dangerous to humans
start learning
Sharks were circling around our boat.
spring up (sprɪŋ ʌp)
to suddenly appear or start to exist
start learning
Fast-food restaurants are springing up all over town.
squeak (skwiːk)
to make a short high noise or cry that is not loud
start learning
A rat squeaked and ran into the bushes.
squirrel (ˈskwɪrəl)
a small animal with a long furry tail that climbs trees and eats nuts
start learning
There are very few red squirrels left in the UK.
sting (stɪŋ)
if an insect or a plant stings you, it makes a very small hole in your skin and you feel a sharp pain because of a poisonous substance
start learning
He was stung by a bee.
tail (teɪl)
the part that sticks out at the back of an animal’s body, and that it can move
start learning
The dog wagged its tail.
tortoise (ˈtɔːtəs)
a slow-moving land animal that can pull its head and legs into the hard round shell that covers its body
start learning
A tortoise can live to 100 years or more.
"whale (weɪl)
start learning
Many species of whale are protected
– they cannot be hunted.
start learning
a very large animal that lives in the sea and looks like a fish, but is actually a mammal"
whiskers (ˈwɪsk əz)
the long stiff hairs that grow near the mouth of a cat, mouse etc
start learning
The mouse's nose quivered and its whiskers twitched.
wings (wɪŋz)
the parts of a bird's or insect's body that it uses for flying
start learning
The butterfly has beautiful wings.
wipe out (waɪp aʊt)
to destroy, remove, or get rid of something completely
start learning
Whole villages were wiped out by the floods.
wolf (wʊlf)
a wild animal that looks like a large dog and lives and hunts in groups
start learning
A pack of wolves lives in the forest behind my house.
bat (bæt)
a long wooden stick with a special shape that is used in some sports and games
start learning
You need to hit the ball with the baseball bat.
be into something (bi ˈɪntə ˈsʌmθɪŋ)
to like and be interested in something
start learning
I’m really into folk music.
court (kɔːt)
an area made for playing games such as tennis
start learning
They played the match on a grass tennis court.
early days (ˈɜːli deɪz)
at the beginning
start learning
In the early days of football people played with footballs made of heavy leather.
fancy something (ˈfænsi ˈsʌmθɪŋ)
to like or want something, or want to do something
start learning
I fancy trying ice-skating.
from the word go (frəm ðə wɜːd ɡəʊ)
from the very beginning
start learning
I loved singing from the word go.
give something a go (ɡɪv ˈsʌmθɪŋ eɪ ɡəʊ)
to try something
start learning
I'm not really that interested in learning to ride a bike but I'll give it a go.
goggles (ˈɡɒɡəlz)
a pair of glasses made of glass or plastic with a rubber or plastic edge that fit against your skin and protect your eyes
start learning
I always wear goggles when I swim to stop my eyes getting sore.
helmet (ˈhelmət ˈhelmɪt)
a strong hard hat that soldiers, motorcycle riders, the police etc wear to protect their heads
start learning
It's a good idea to wear a helmet when you go skiing.
make a tackle (meɪk eɪ ˈtækəl)
to attempt to take the ball from an opponent in a game such as football
start learning
His skilful tackle led to his team scoring the winning goal.
nervous (ˈnɜːvəs)
worried or frightened about something, and unable to relax
start learning
She was so nervous about her exams that she couldn’t sleep.
originate (əˈrɪdʒəneɪt əˈrɪdʒɪneɪt)
to come from a particular place or start in a particular situation
start learning
How did the plan originate?
pitch (pɪtʃ)
a marked out area of ground on which a sport is played
start learning
The game will take place on the world-famous Wembley football pitch.
put on (pʊt ɒn)
to become fatter and heavier
start learning
When I stopped running I put on 8 kilos.
put yourself through (pʊt jɔːˈself θruː)
to do or experience something difficult or unpleasant
start learning
I put myself through months of training before I ran the marathon.
racket (ˈrækət ˈrækɪt)
a specially shaped piece of wood or metal that you use for hitting the ball in games such as tennis, that has a circle filled with tight strings at one end
start learning
I forgot my squash racket so had to borrow Simon's.
sensible (ˈsensəbəl ˈsensɪbəl)
reasonable, practical, and showing good judgement
start learning
She seems very sensible. She'll make the right decision.
sensitive (ˈsensətɪv ˈsensɪtɪv)
able to understand other people’s feelings and problems
start learning
He's a sensitive and intelligent young man.
sign up for (saɪn ʌp fə)
to put your name on a list for something because you want to take part in it
start learning
I've signed up for a Spanish course during the summer.
speed up (spiːd ʌp)
to move or happen faster, or to make something move or happen faster
start learning
The truck speeded up going down the hill.
sympathetic (ˌsɪmpəˈθetɪk)
caring and feeling sorry about someone’s problems
start learning
She's a sympathetic friend who always listens to my problems.
take after (teɪk ˈɑːftə)
to look or behave like an older relative
start learning
Jenni really takes after her mother.
take off (teɪk ɒf)
to become popular
start learning
Online shopping has really taken off in the last few years.
take place (teɪk pleɪs)
to happen, especially after being planned or arranged
start learning
The next meeting will take place on Thursday.
take to something (teɪk tə ˈsʌmθɪŋ)
to feel a liking towards someone or something
start learning
I never really took to painting so I gave it up after six months.
take up (teɪk ʌp)
to start doing something
start learning
After her husband died Mavis took up ballroom dancing.
to be brought up (tə bi brɔːt ʌp)
to be raised from a child to an adult
start learning
I was brought up always to say 'please' and 'thank you'.
track (træk)
a circular course around which runners, cars etc race, which often has a specially prepared surface
start learning
To run a mile you have to run around the track four times.
trunks (trʌŋks)
a piece of clothing worn by men for swimming
start learning
Men must wear trunks in the pool.
"typical (ˈtɪpɪkəl)
start learning
It's raining in the middle of summer
– typical British weather.
start learning
having the usual features or qualities of a particular group or thing"
usual (ˈjuːʒuəl ˈjuːʒəl)
happening, done, or existing most of the time or in most situations
start learning
Make a cheese sauce in the usual way.
ability (əˈbɪləti əˈbɪlɪti)
the state of being able to do something
start learning
Humans have the ability to walk.
achievement (əˈtʃiːvmənt)
something important that you succeed in doing by your own efforts
start learning
We try to celebrate the achievements of our students.
acidentally (ˌæksɪˈdent(ə)li)
in a way that happens without being planned or intended
start learning
A person was hurt accidentally during the protest.
assistance (əˈsɪstəns)
help or support
start learning
We offer financial assistance to students.
back up (bæk ʌp)
to make a copy of information stored on a computer
start learning
Make sure you back up your files before you sell that computer.
carry on (ˈkæri ɒn)
to continue doing something
start learning
Sorry I interrupted you. Please carry on.
catch up (kætʃ ʌp)
to do what needs to be done because you have not been able to do it until now
start learning
I caught up on my homework by working all weekend.
click (klɪk)
to press a button on a computer mouse or to choose something from the screen that you want the computer to do, or to press a button on a remote control
start learning
Click on the icon and a new window will open.
come about (kʌm əˈbaʊt)
to happen, especially in a way that is not planned
start learning
The opportunity to get into computing came about quite by accident.
come across (kʌm əˈkrɒs)
to meet, find, or discover someone or something by chance
start learning
I came across an old diary in her desk.
come off (kʌm ɒf)
to succeed
start learning
Their gamble came off and the sellers agreed to their price.
come out (kʌm aʊt)
to get discovered
start learning
If it comes out that you lied the police will arrest you.
come round (kʌm raʊnd)
to visit somebody at home
start learning
Why don't you come round at about 3 o'clock.
come up (kʌm ʌp)
to get mentioned
start learning
If the subject of her dad comes up she might get upset.
come up with (kʌm ʌp wɪð)
to have an idea for something
start learning
I've come up with a new logo for the company.
criticism (ˈkrɪtəsɪzəm ˈkrɪtɪsɪzəm)
remarks that say what you think is bad about someone or something
start learning
My main criticism of the scheme is that it does nothing to help families on low incomes.
description (dɪˈskrɪpʃən)
a piece of writing or speech that gives details about what someone or something is like
start learning
That was a very accurate description of the event.
development (dɪˈveləpmənt)
the process of gradually becoming bigger, better, stronger, or more advanced
start learning
Reading a bedtime story is important for child development.
download (ˌdaʊnˈləʊd)
to move information or programs from a computer network to a small computer
start learning
You can download the games from the Internet.
equipment (ɪˈkwɪpmənt)
the tools, machines etc that you need to do a particular job or activity
start learning
That shop sells camping equipment.
excitement (ɪkˈsaɪtmənt)
the feeling of being excited
start learning
The excitement of becoming a parent is indescribable.
existence (ɪɡˈzɪstəns)
the state of existing
start learning
Many people believe in the existence of a God.
failure (ˈfeɪljə)
a lack of success in achieving or doing something
start learning
Successful people often aren’t very good at dealing with failure.
generosity (ˌdʒenəˈrɒsəti ˌdʒenəˈrɒsɪti)
a generous attitude, or generous behaviour
start learning
You gift of $1000 was an act of great generosity.
illness (ˈɪlnəs ˈɪlnɪs)
a disease of the body or mind, or the condition of being ill
start learning
She had all the normal childhood illnesses.
importance (ɪmˈpɔːtəns)
the quality of being important
start learning
Don't underestimate the importance of regular exercise.
infection (ɪnˈfekʃən)
a disease that affects a particular part of your body and is caused by bacteria or a virus
start learning
The baby had an ear infection.
investigation (ɪnˌvestɪˈɡeɪʃən)
an official attempt to find out the truth about or the cause of something such as a crime, accident, or scientific problem
start learning
The investigation continued for nearly three years.
keyboard (ˈkiːbɔːd)
a board with buttons marked with letters or numbers that are pressed to put information into a computer or other machine
start learning
Type the answer using this computer keyboard.
kindness (ˈkaɪndnəs ˈkaɪndnɪs)
kind behaviour towards someone
start learning
I can’t thank you enough for your kindness.
log on (lɒɡ ɒn)
to do the necessary actions on a computer system that will allow you to begin using it
start learning
You need your password to log on to your homepage.
loneliness (ˈləʊnlines)
unhappiness because you are alone or do not have anyone to talk to
start learning
After my dog died I had a deep feeling of loneliness.
mixture (ˈmɪkstʃə)
a combination of two or more different things, feelings, or types of people
start learning
The town is a mixture of the old and the new.
observation (ˌɒbzəˈveɪʃən)
something that you notice when watching something or someone
start learning
Some interesting observations resulted from this research.
organisation (ˌɔːɡənaɪˈzeɪʃən)
a group such as a club or business that has formed for a particular purpose
start learning
The public expect high standards from any large organization.
popularity (ˌpɒpjəˈlærəti ˌpɒpjʊˈlærəti)
when something or someone is liked or supported by a lot of people
start learning
The popularity of the Internet has soared.
reality (riˈæləti riˈælɪti)
what actually happens or is true, not what is imagined or thought
start learning
Sometimes she fails to see the difference between fantasy and reality.
sadness (ˈsædnəs ˈsædnɪs)
the state of feeling sad
start learning
She sensed Beth’s deep sadness.
save time (seɪv taɪm)
to avoid wasting time, to use time efficiently
start learning
The new motorway saves me a lot of time on my drive to work.
store (stɔː)
to put things away and keep them until you need them
start learning
Squirrels are storing up nuts for the winter.
strength (streŋθ strenθ)
the physical power and energy that makes someone strong
start learning
She didn’t even have the strength to stand up.
sufficient (səˈfɪʃənt)
as much as is needed for a particular purpose
start learning
We can only prosecute if there is sufficient evidence.
take for granted (teɪk fə ˈɡrɑːntəd)
to expect someone or something to be always available to serve in some way without thanks or recognition; to value someone or something too lightly
start learning
I take it for granted that I can speak to my brother on the other side of the world by phone.
truth (truːθ)
the true facts about something, rather than what is untrue, imagined, or guessed
start learning
How do we know you’re telling us the truth?
try on (traɪ ɒn)
to put on a piece of clothing to see if it fits you or if it suits you, especially in a shop
start learning
Meg tried on some red sandals.
wear off (weə ɒf)
used to say that you stop feeling interested or excited about something because it is no longer new
start learning
It was funny for a while but the novelty soon wore off.
width (wɪdθ)
the distance from one side of something to the other
start learning
What’s the width of the desk?
believable (bəˈliːvəbəl bɪˈliːvəbəl)
something that is believable can be believed because it seems possible, likely, or real
start learning
The characters in this story are completely believable.
clarinet (ˌklærəˈnet ˌklærɪˈnet)
a musical instrument like a long black tube, that you play by blowing into it and pressing keys to change the notes
start learning
She played the clarinet in the local orchestra.
comedian (kəˈmiːdiən)
someone whose job is to tell jokes and make people laugh
start learning
He started as a stand-up comedian (=someone who tells jokes to an audience).
conclusion (kənˈkluːʒən)
something you decide after considering all the information you have
start learning
These are the report’s main conclusions.
current affairs (ˈkʌrənt ə ˈfeəz)
important political events or other events in society that are happening now
start learning
That current affairs show covers some really interesting stories.
direction (dəˈrekʃən dɪˈrekʃən daɪ-)
the instructions given to the actors and other people working on a film, play etc
start learning
The director gave the actors very little direction. He preferred them to improvise.
documentary (ˌdɒkjəˈmentəri ˌdɒkjʊˈmentəri)
a film or a television or radio programme that gives detailed information about a particular subject
start learning
A local film crew is making a documentary about volcanoes.
drums (drʌmz)
musical instruments made of skin stretched over a circular frame, played by hitting it with your hand or a stick
start learning
She had been playing the drums all afternoon and it had given me a headache.
embarrassment (ɪmˈbærəsmənt)
the feeling you have when you are embarrassed
start learning
She suffered extreme embarrassment at not knowing how to read.
employee (ɪmˈplɔɪ-iː ˌemplɔɪˈiː)
someone who is paid to work for someone else
start learning
I've been a government employee for three years.
flute (fluːt)
a musical instrument like a thin pipe, that you play by holding it across your lips, blowing over a hole, and pressing down buttons with your fingers
start learning
The flute makes such a beautiful haunting sound.
glamorous (ˈɡlæmərəs)
attractive, exciting, and related to wealth and success
start learning
She led an exciting and glamorous life.
harp (hɑːp)
a large musical instrument with strings that are stretched across a vertical frame with three corners, and that you play with your fingers
start learning
I got married to the sound of a harp playing in the background.
illiterate (ɪˈlɪtərət ɪˈlɪtərɪt)
someone who is illiterate has not learned to read or write
start learning
It was an illiterate letter full of mistakes.
illogical (ɪˈlɒdʒɪkəl)
not sensible or reasonable
start learning
That's an illogical and unreasonable fear.
impatient (ɪmˈpeɪʃənt)
annoyed because of delays, someone else’s mistakes etc
start learning
We are growing impatient with the lack of results.
impolite (ˌɪmpəˈlaɪt)
not polite
start learning
I thought he made a very impolite remark.
impractical (ɪmˈpræktɪkəl)
not sensible or possible for practical reasons
start learning
The road toll scheme was dismissed as impractical.
inconvenient (ˌɪnkənˈviːniənt)
causing problems, often in a way that is annoying
start learning
Monday's a bit inconvenient for me. How about Wednesday?
insecure (ˌɪnsɪˈkjʊə)
not feeling at all confident about yourself, your abilities, or your relationships with people
start learning
She’s very insecure about her appearance.
performance (pəˈfɔːməns)
when someone performs a play or a piece of music
start learning
Their performance of Mozart’s Concerto in E flat was finely controlled and dramatic.
performer (pəˈfɔːmə)
an actor, musician etc who performs to entertain people
start learning
They are such circus performers!
"presenter (prɪˈzentə)
start learning
She's the presenter of BBC 2‘s
Newsnight.
start learning
someone who introduces the different parts of a television or radio show"
recognition (ˌrekəɡˈnɪʃən)
public respect and thanks for someone's work or achievements
start learning
He achieved great recognition as a scientist.
saxophone (ˈsæksəfəʊn)
a curved musical instrument made of metal that you play by blowing into it and pressing buttons, especially in popular music and jazz
start learning
There's a fantastic saxophone solo on this jazz track.
similarity (ˌsɪməˈlærəti ˌsɪmɪˈlærəti)
if there is a similarity between two things or people, they are similar in some way
start learning
There are some striking similarities between the two plays.
soap opera (səʊp ˈɒpərə)
a television or radio story about the daily lives and relationships of the same group of people, which is broadcast regularly
start learning
The people in that soap opera are always arguing. I find it really depressing.
trumpet (ˈtrʌmpət ˈtrʌmpɪt)
a musical instrument that you blow into, which consists of a curved metal tube that is wide at the end, and three buttons you press to change the notes
start learning
You need to have strong lungs to play the trumpet.
unable (ʌnˈeɪbəl)
not able to do something
start learning
Lucy was unable to find out what had happened.
underestimate (ˌʌndərˈestəmeɪt ˌʌndərˈestɪmeɪt)
to think or guess that something is smaller, cheaper, easier etc than it really is
start learning
We underestimated how long it would take to get there.
unfair (ˌʌnˈfeə)
not right or fair, especially because not everyone has an equal opportunity
start learning
You've got an unfair advantage.
unfit (ʌnˈfɪt)
not in a good physical condition
start learning
She never gets any exercise – she must be really unfit.
unsatisfactory (ʌnˌsætəsˈfæktəri ʌnˌsætɪsˈfæktəri)
not good enough or not acceptable
start learning
It's very unsatisfactory that are hotel room is so dirty.
violin (ˌvaɪəˈlɪn)
a small wooden musical instrument that you hold under your chin and play by pulling a bow (=special stick) across the strings
start learning
This piece of music has a lovely violin solo in the middle.
checked (tʃekt)
checked cloth has a regular pattern of differently coloured squares
start learning
What a pretty checked blouse!
cotton (ˈkɒtn)
cloth or thread made from the white hair of the cotton plant
start learning
He wore a simple white cotton shirt.
do your hair (duː jə heə)
arrange you hair in a style
start learning
He spent two hours doing his hair before he went out.
dress up (dres ʌp)
to wear clothes that are more formal than the ones you would usually wear
start learning
It's a small informal party – you don't have to dress up.
fitted (ˈfɪtəd ˈfɪtɪd)
fitted clothes are designed so that they fit closely to somebody's body
start learning
She looked very smart in her fitted dress.
for a change (fə eɪ tʃeɪndʒ)
a situation or experience that is different from what happened before, and is usually interesting or enjoyable
start learning
We're going to go camping for our next holiday for a change.
for fun (fə fʌn)
if you do something for fun, you do it because you enjoy it and not for any other reason
start learning
I simply believe that killing animals for fun is wrong.
for nothing (fə ˈnʌθɪŋ)
without paying for something or being paid for something
start learning
Why pay a plumber when my brother will do it for nothing?
in conclusion (ɪn kənˈkluːʒən)
used in a piece of writing or a speech to show that you are about to finish what you are saying
start learning
In conclusion I would like to say how much I have enjoyed myself today.
in fashion (ɪn ˈfæʃən)
popular and trendy
start learning
Wide trousers were in fashion in the 1970s.
in the end (ɪn ðə end)
after a period of time, or after everything has been done
start learning
What did you decide in the end?
linen (ˈlɪnən ˈlɪnɪn)
cloth made from the flax plant, used to make high- quality clothes, home decorations, etc
start learning
I prefer to wear linen clothes in hot weather.
make a difference (meɪk eɪ ˈdɪfərəns)
to have an important effect or influence on something or someone
start learning
By supporting our charity you can really make a difference.
make a good impression (meɪk eɪ ɡʊd ɪmˈpreʃən)
to cause someone to have a positive opinion of you, because of the way you act or seem
start learning
She made such a good impression at the interview that they offered her the job straightaway.
make a profit (meɪk eɪ ˈprɒfət)
earn money by selling things or doing business, after your costs have been paid
start learning
If we cut our prices further we won't make a profit.
make a suggestion (meɪk eɪ səˈdʒestʃən)
mention an idea, plan or possibility
start learning
Can I make a suggestion? If you're finding it difficult to lose weight you should stop eating pizzas.
make an excuse (meɪk ən ɪkˈskjuːz)
give reasons which try to explain why someone has made a mistake or behaved badly
start learning
Jim made an excuse about forgetting his wallet and said he would pay us back later.
on purpose (ɒn ˈpɜːpəs)
deliberately
start learning
You make it sound as if I did it on purpose!
on sight (ɒn saɪt)
as soon as you see someone
start learning
The army has been ordered to shoot rebel soldiers on sight.
out of breath (aʊt əv breθ)
have difficulty breathing after running, hurrying, etc
start learning
I haven't done any exercise for over a year so I was very out of breath after the run.
out of date (aʊt əv deɪt)
past the date on which something should be consumed because it is no longer fresh
start learning
Don't eat that cheese – it's out of date and it's got mould on it.
"out of fashion (aʊt əv ˈfæʃən)
start learning
I need to recycle a lot of my clothes
– a lot of them are out of fashion.
start learning
no longer popular and trendy"
out of sight (aʊt əv saɪt)
outside the area that you can see
start learning
Karen waved until the car was out of sight.
patterned (ˈpætənd)
decorated with a pattern
start learning
I really don't like that patterned carpet.
roll-neck (rəʊl nek)
having a high neck that may be rolled over
start learning
He thought his black roll-neck jumper made him look sophisticated.
striped (straɪpt)
having lines or bands of colour
start learning
I'm looking for a blue and white striped shirt.
take in (teɪk ɪn)
to make a piece of clothing fit you by making it narrower
start learning
I need to get these trousers taken in because I've lost so much weight.
woollen (ˈwʊlən)
made of wool
start learning
My woollen scarf keeps me nice and warm.
be obsessed with (bi əb ˈsest wɪð)
to be unable to think about anything else
start learning
He's obsessed with playing computer games. He spends all his time in front of a screen in his room.
call off (kɔːl ɒf)
to cancel
start learning
The wedding was called off when the bride's mother fell ill.
collect (kəˈlekt)
to get things of the same type from different places and bring them together
start learning
After 25 years of collecting recipes she has compiled them into a cookbook.
dabble in (ˈdæbəl ɪn)
to do something or be involved in something in a way that is not very serious
start learning
Some people dabble in painting as a way of relaxing.
dash (dæʃ)
to go or run somewhere very quickly
start learning
Olive dashed into the room grabbed her bag and ran out again.
drop off (drɒp ɒf)
to begin to sleep
start learning
She kept dropping off at her desk.
flustered (ˈflʌstəd)
confused and nervous
start learning
Paul was looking flustered and embarrassed.
get along with (ɡet əˈlɒŋ wɪð)
to have a friendly relationship
start learning
Nelly and I get along so well that we're going on holiday together.
get away with (ɡet əˈweɪ wɪð)
to not be caught or punished when you have done something wrong
start learning
Neil got away with handing in his assignment late because the teacher was sick.
get behind with (ɡet bɪˈhaɪnd wɪð)
to not do or pay as much as you should by a certain time
start learning
You can always catch up later if you get behind.
get by (ɡet baɪ)
to have enough money to buy the things you need, but no more
start learning
I don’t earn a huge salary but we get by.
get down to (ɡet daʊn tə)
to start doing something seriously
start learning
After I've watched my favourite programme I'll get down to some revision.
get off (ɡet ɒf)
to leave a place, or to help someone to leave a place
start learning
We’ll try and get off straight after lunch.
get off to (ɡet ɒf tə)
to start in a particular way
start learning
I got off to bad start this morning when I overslept and then spilt coffee over my clean shirt.
get on (ɡet ɒn)
to be successful
start learning
She's getting on really well in her job and should get a promotion soon.
get over (ɡet ˈəʊvə)
to begin to feel better after a very upsetting experience
start learning
It took me months to get over the death of my dog.
get round someone (ɡet raʊnd ˈsʌmwʌn)
to gently persuade someone to do what you want by being nice to them
start learning
I got round my mum in the end and she bought me some new trainers.
get someone down (ɡet ˈsʌmwʌn daʊn)
to make someone depressed
start learning
The amount of work I've got to do is really getting me down.
get through to (ɡet θruː tə)
to succeed in speaking to someone on the telephone
start learning
I couldn't get through to Zara because her phone was switched off.
get together (ɡet təˈɡeðə)
if people get together, they meet in order to spend time with each other
start learning
We must get together for a drink.
get up to (ɡet ʌp tə)
to do something
start learning
I haven't been getting up to much lately because I've broken my leg.
have trouble with (hæv ˈtrʌbəl wɪð)
to find something difficult
start learning
I have always had trouble with maths and failed my last exam.
on behalf of (ɒn bɪˈhɑːf əv)
instead of someone, or as their representative
start learning
She asked her parents to speak to the doctor on her behalf.
packed (pækt)
extremely full of people
start learning
The courtroom was packed.
rewarding (rɪˈwɔːdɪŋ)
making you feel happy and satisfied because you feel you are doing something useful or important, even if you do not earn much money
start learning
Teaching can be a very rewarding career.
scribble down (ˈskrɪbəl daʊn)
write in a hurry
start learning
Unfortunately when I scribbled down the address I made a mistake.
take on (teɪk ɒn)
to employ
start learning
The shop took on three more staff to cope with demand.
time-consuming (ˈtaɪm kənˌsjuːm ɪŋ)
taking a long time to do
start learning
It's a complex and time-consuming process.
unwind (ʌnˈwaɪnd)
to relax and stop feeling anxious
start learning
It's a beautiful country hotel that is the perfect place to unwind.
a bill (ə bɪl)
a written list showing how much you have to pay for services you have received, work that has been done etc
start learning
After they had finished their meal they asked for the bill.
a fine (ə faɪn)
money that you have to pay as a punishment
start learning
She was ordered to pay £150 in parking fines plus court costs.
a receipt (ə rɪˈsiːt)
a piece of paper that you are given which shows that you have paid for something
start learning
Keep your receipt in case you want to bring it back.
a refund (ə ˈriːfʌnd)
an amount of money that is given back to you if you are not satisfied with the goods or services that you have paid for
start learning
Return your purchase within 14 days for a full refund.
aisle (aɪl)
a long passage between rows of seats in a church, plane, theatre etc, or between rows of shelves in a shop
start learning
You'll find the bread in the bakery aisle.
ashamed (əˈʃeɪmd)
feeling very sorry and embarrassed because of something you have done
start learning
I felt ashamed of the things I’d said to him.
bargain (ˈbɑːɡən ˈbɑːɡɪn)
something you buy cheaply or for less than its usual price
start learning
There are no bargains in the clothes shops at the moment.
bleed (bliːd)
to lose blood, especially because of an injury
start learning
Your nose is bleeding.
criticise (ˈkrɪtəsaɪz ˈkrɪtɪsaɪz)
to express your disapproval of someone or something, or to talk about their faults
start learning
Ron does nothing but criticize and complain all the time.
deposit (dɪˈpɒzət dɪˈpɒzɪt)
a part of the cost of something you are buying that you pay some time before you pay the rest of it
start learning
A deposit of 10% is required.
discount (ˈdɪskaʊnt)
a reduction in the usual price of something
start learning
Members get a 15% discount.
donations (dəʊˈneɪʃənz)
something, especially money, that you give to a person or an organization in order to help them
start learning
Students have made generous donations to the charity.
employment (ɪmˈplɔɪmənt)
the condition of having a paid job
start learning
She was offered employment in the sales office.
endanger (ɪnˈdeɪndʒə)
to put someone or something in danger of being hurt, damaged, or destroyed
start learning
Smoking during pregnancy endangers your baby’s life.
enlarge (ɪnˈlɑːdʒ)
if you enlarge something, or if it enlarges, it increases in size or scale
start learning
Police will have the photos enlarged in an attempt to identify the thief.
ensure (ɪnˈʃʊə)
to make certain that something will happen properly
start learning
We want to increase facilities to ensure the safety of cyclists.
entertainment (ˌentəˈteɪnmənt)
things such as films, television, performances etc that are intended to amuse or interest people
start learning
The town provides a wide choice of entertainment.
escalator (ˈeskəleɪtə)
a set of moving stairs that take people to different levels in a building
start learning
Take the escalator to the fourth floor.
exhaustion (ɪɡˈzɔːstʃən)
extreme tiredness
start learning
He collapsed with exhaustion.
fatten (ˈfætn)
to make an animal become fatter so that it is ready to eat, or to become fat and ready to eat
start learning
The calves are fattened over the summer.
financial (fəˈnænʃəl fɪˈnænʃəl faɪ-)
relating to money or the management of money
start learning
You can do most financial transactions online.
friendliness (ˈfren(d)lines)
behaving towards someone in a way that shows you like them and are ready to talk to them or help them
start learning
I've never experienced so much friendliness as when I joined the choir.
good value (ɡʊd ˈvæljuː)
worth what you pay for it
start learning
I'm happy with the price I paid for the car. I think it was good value.
half-price (ˌhɑːf ˈpraɪs)
half the usual price
start learning
Half-price tickets will be sold on the day.
hang on (hæŋ ɒn)
to wait
start learning
Hang on! I can't walk as fast as you!
heat (hiːt)
to make something become warm or hot
start learning
Heat the milk until it boils.
in cash (ɪn kæʃ)
money in the form of cash and notes rather than cheques, credit card, etc
start learning
Please pay the balance of the bill in cash.
in debt (ɪn det)
when you owe money to somebody
start learning
By the time I finished university I was £27000 in debt.
intention (ɪnˈtenʃən)
a plan or desire to do something
start learning
I have no intention of retiring just yet.
interest (ˈɪntrəst ˈɪntrɪst)
money paid to you by a bank or financial institution when you keep money in an account there
start learning
The bank is only offering 1% interest.
investment (ɪnˈvestmənt)
the use of money to get a profit or to make a business activity successful, or the money that is used
start learning
We plan to buy some property as an investment.
keep someone waiting (kiːp ˈsʌmwʌn ˈweɪtɪŋ)
to make someone wait while you do something for them
start learning
Sorry to keep you waiting. I've found the shirt in your size.
lengthen (ˈleŋθən)
to make something longer or to become longer
start learning
Can you lengthen this skirt for me?
loan (ləʊn)
an amount of money that you borrow from a bank etc
start learning
I've taken out a loan of £60000.
make ends meet (meɪk endz miːt)
to have only just enough money to buy the things you need
start learning
When Mike lost his job we could barely make ends meet.
modernise (ˈmɒdə(r)naɪz)
to make something more modern
start learning
They need more funds to modernise the country's telephone system.
moved by (muːvd baɪ)
feeling strong emotions, especially of sadness or sympathy
start learning
I was extremely moved by the speech he gave.
on offer (ɒn ˈɒfə)
for sale for a short time at a cheaper price than usual
start learning
Swimsuits are on offer until the end of the week.
out of stock (aʊt əv stɒk)
unavailable in a particular stock
start learning
I'm sorry those shoes are out of stock in your size.
pay a fortune (peɪ eɪ ˈfɔːtʃən)
to pay a large amount of money
start learning
Jason paid a fortune for his new phone.
personally (ˈpɜːsənəli)
if you do something personally, you do it yourself rather than get someone else to do it
start learning
I have checked all the invitations personally.
"price tag (praɪs tæɡ)
start learning
The price tag says it's £45 but on the website it was advertised at
£30.
start learning
a piece of paper with a price on it that is attached to something in a shop"
pricey (ˈpraɪsi)
expensive
start learning
The clothes are beautiful but very pricey.
profit (ˈprɒfət ˈprɒfɪt)
money that you gain by selling things or doing business, after your costs have been paid
start learning
The shop’s daily profit is usually around $500.
put someone through (pʊt ˈsʌmwʌn θruː)
to connect someone by telephone
start learning
I'll put you through to the sales department.
retirement (rɪˈtaɪəmənt)
when you stop working, usually because of your age
start learning
He became a keen golfer after his retirement from politics.
service (ˈsɜːvəs ˈsɜːvɪs)
the help that people in a shop, restaurant, bar etc give you
start learning
The waiter deserves a tip for the good service.
trolley (ˈtrɒli)
a large basket on wheels that you use for carrying bags, shopping etc
start learning
Find a trolley so we can put all our shopping in it.
unaffordable (ʌnəˈfɔː(r)dəb(ə)l)
too expensive for ordinary people to afford
start learning
Most designer clothes are completely unaffordable.
wealthy (ˈwelθi)
having a lot of money, possessions etc
start learning
He left as a poor working class boy and returned as a wealthy man.
well-off (ˌwel ˈɒf)
having more money than other people, or enough money to live comfortably
start learning
There should be some safeguards to protect less well-off people who live on fixed low incomes.
widen (ˈwaɪdn)
to become wider, or to make something wider
start learning
They’re widening the road.
accelerator (əkˈseləreɪtə)
the part of a car or other vehicle that you press with your foot to make it go faster
start learning
Take your foot off the accelerator. You're going too fast!
be supposed to (bi səˈpəʊzd tə)
used to say that something is believed to be true by many people, although it might not be true or you might disagree
start learning
The castle is supposed to be haunted.
belong (bɪˈlɒŋ)
if something belongs to someone, they own it
start learning
The book belongs to Dan.
broad (brɔːd)
big, wide
start learning
She saw her boyfriend and a broad grin appeared on her face.
"charge (tʃɑːdʒ)
start learning
There was an admission charge of
$5.
start learning
the amount of money you have to pay for goods or services"
clutch (klʌtʃ)
the pedal that you press with your foot when driving a vehicle in order to change gear, or the part of the vehicle that this controls
start learning
Push the clutch down with your left foot.
confirm (kənˈfɜːm)
to tell someone that a possible arrangement, date, or situation is now definite or official
start learning
Could you confirm the dates we discussed?
considerate (kənˈsɪdərət kənˈsɪdərɪt)
always thinking of what other people need or want and being careful not to upset them
start learning
He was always kind and considerate.
convenient (kənˈviːniənt)
useful to you because it saves you time, or does not spoil your plans or cause you problems
start learning
Mail-order catalogues are a convenient way to shop.
cope (kəʊp)
to succeed in dealing with a difficult problem or situation
start learning
Sometimes I find it hard to cope.
crash (kræʃ)
to have an accident in a car, plane etc by violently hitting something else
start learning
The jet crashed after take-off.
end up (end ʌp)
to be in a particular situation, state, or place after a series of events, especially when you did not plan it
start learning
He came round for a coffee and we ended up having a meal together.
facilities (fəˈsɪlətiːz)
rooms, equipment, or services that are provided for a particular purpose
start learning
All rooms have private facilities (=private bathroom and toilet).
feel at home (fiːl ət həʊm)
to feel comfortable in a place or with a person
start learning
I'm already feeling at home in the new apartment.
freak (friːk)
unexpected and very unusual
start learning
It was a freak result when Nadia won the race.
gaze (ɡeɪz)
to look at someone or something for a long time, giving it all your attention, often without realizing you are doing so
start learning
Nell was still gazing out of the window.
go on strike (ɡəʊ ɒn straɪk)
to deliberately stop working because of a disagreement about pay, working conditions etc
start learning
After their pay was cut by 20% the workers went on strike.
helicopter (ˈheləkɒptə ˈhelɪkɒptə)
a type of aircraft with large metal blades on top which turn around very quickly to make it fly
start learning
We flew over the city in a helicopter.
install (ɪnˈstɔːl)
to put a piece of equipment somewhere and connect it so that it is ready to be used
start learning
They've installed the new computer network at last.
intense (ɪnˈtens)
having a very strong effect or felt very strongly
start learning
Young people today are under intense pressure to succeed.
jam (dʒæm)
to push something somewhere using a lot of force, until it can move no further
start learning
He jammed his foot on the accelerator and the car sped off.
land (lænd)
if a plane, bird, or insect lands, it moves safely down onto the ground
start learning
Flight 846 landed five minutes ago.
live up to (lɪv ʌp tə)
if something or someone lives up to a particular standard or promise, they do as well as they were expected to, do what they promised etc
start learning
The film has certainly lived up to my expectations.
look down on (lʊk daʊn ɒn)
to think that you are better than someone else, for example because you are more successful, or of a higher social class than they are
start learning
Mr Garcia looks down on anyone who hasn't had a college education.
low-cost (ˌləʊ ˈkɒst)
not costing a lot of money
start learning
The government has announced initiatives to increase the supply of low-cost housing.
option (ˈɒpʃən)
a choice you can make in a particular situation
start learning
There are a number of options available.
peer (pɪə)
to look very carefully at something, especially because you are having difficulty seeing it
start learning
He was peering through the wet windscreen at the cars ahead.
point out (pɔɪnt aʊt)
to tell someone something that they did not already know or had not thought about
start learning
He was always very keen to point out my mistakes.
privilege (ˈprɪvəlɪdʒ ˈprɪvɪlɪdʒ)
something that you are lucky to have the chance to do, and that you enjoy very much
start learning
Today we have the privilege of welcoming a famous actor to our new headquarters.
put (someone) out (pʊt (ˈsʌmwʌn) aʊt)
to make extra work or cause problems for someone
start learning
Mary can't come to dinner tonight. She hopes it won't put you out.
rush hour (rʌʃ aʊə)
the time of day when the roads, buses, trains etc are most full, because people are travelling to or from work
start learning
I got caught in the morning rush hour.
second-hand (ˌsekəndˈhænd)
second-hand things are not new when you get them, because they were owned by someone else before you
start learning
I always buy second-hand clothes.
self-catering (ˌself ˈkeɪt‿ər ɪŋ)
relating to a holiday in which you stay in a place where you can cook your own food
start learning
Prices start from £114 per person for seven nights’ self-catering accommodation.
set up (set ʌp)
to start a company, organization, committee etc
start learning
They want to set up their own import–export business.
sharp (ʃɑːp)
attractive and fashionable
start learning
Tom looked really sharp in his new suit.
sightseeing (ˈsaɪtˌsiːɪŋ)
when you visit famous or interesting places, especially as tourists
start learning
She swam and sunbathed went sightseeing and relaxed.
stare (steə)
to look at something or someone for a long time without moving your eyes, for example because you are surprised, angry, or bored
start learning
What are you staring at?
steering wheel (ˈstɪərɪŋ wiːl)
a wheel that you turn to control the direction of a car
start learning
Turn the steering wheel gently to go round the corner.
tasteless (ˈteɪstləs)
made, decorated, or chosen with bad taste
start learning
That outfit is really tasteless.
trap (træp)
to prevent someone from escaping from somewhere, especially a dangerous place
start learning
Twenty miners were trapped underground.
unique (juːˈniːk)
unusually good and special
start learning
It was a unique opportunity to study these rare creatures.
active (ˈæktɪv)
always busy doing things, especially physical or mental activities
start learning
It's a perfect game for active youngsters.
allergic (əˈlɜːdʒɪk)
having an allergy
start learning
I’m allergic to penicillin.
amusing (əˈmjuːzɪŋ)
funny and entertaining
start learning
I don’t find his jokes at all amusing.
anxiety (æŋˈzaɪəti)
the feeling of being very worried about something
start learning
There is considerable anxiety among staff about job losses.
bad-tempered (ˌbædˈtempəd)
someone who is bad-tempered becomes easily annoyed and talks in an angry way to people
start learning
Why are you so bad-tempered today? Didn't you get enough sleep?
be off (food) (bi ɒf (fuːd))
not feeling that you want to do or try something
start learning
He's been off his food ever since his cat died.
breathe (briːð)
to take air into your lungs and send it out again
start learning
The room filled with smoke and it was becoming difficult to breathe.
claim (kleɪm)
to state that something is true, even though it has not been proved
start learning
The product claims that it can make you thin without dieting.
clinic (ˈklɪnɪk)
a place, often in a hospital, where medical treatment is given to people who do not need to stay in the hospital
start learning
Those women are attending an antenatal clinic.
close (kləʊs)
if two people are close, they like or love each other very much
start learning
My brother and I are very close.
come down with (kʌm daʊn wɪð)
to get an illness
start learning
I think I'm coming down with a cold.
contentment (kənˈtentmənt)
the state of being happy and satisfied
start learning
He gave a sigh of contentment and fell asleep.
cut down on (kʌt daʊn ɒn)
to reduce
start learning
I'm trying to cut down on the amount of chocolate I eat.
cut out (kʌt aʊt)
to stop something completely
start learning
My dad cut out smoking five years ago.
daily (ˈdeɪli)
happening or done every day
start learning
There are daily flights to Miami.
delicious (dɪˈlɪʃəs)
very pleasant to taste or smell
start learning
‘The meal was absolutely delicious’ she said politely.
depression (dɪˈpreʃən)
a medical condition that makes you very unhappy and anxious and often prevents you from living a normal life
start learning
Some women suffer from post-natal depression (=that sometimes happens after the birth of a baby).
feel your age (fiːl jə eɪdʒ)
to realize that you are not as young or active as you used to be
start learning
Looking at his grandson made him really feel his age.
fitness (ˈfɪtnəs ˈfɪtnɪs)
when you are healthy and strong enough to do hard work or play sports
start learning
I’m starting an exercise programme to improve my fitness.
flexibility (ˌfleksəbɪləti ˌfleksɪbɪləti)
the ability to bend or be bent easily
start learning
Stretching exercises will help your flexibility.
frustration (frʌˈstreɪʃən)
the feeling of being annoyed, upset, or impatient, because you cannot control or change a situation, or achieve something
start learning
People often feel a sense of frustration that they are not being promoted quickly enough.
give up (ɡɪv ʌp)
to stop doing something, especially something that you do regularly
start learning
Darren has decided to give up football at the end of this season.
go jogging (ɡəʊ ˈdʒɒɡɪŋ)
to run slowly and steadily as a way of exercising
start learning
I often go jogging around the park after work.
health (helθ)
the general condition of your body and how healthy you are
start learning
I’m worried about my husband’s health.
illegal (ɪˈliːɡəl)
not allowed by the law
start learning
Police arrested the men for possession of illegal drugs.
in good shape (ɪn ɡʊd ʃeɪp)
in a good state of health or physical fitness
start learning
Since I've started walking to work I'm in good shape.
keep fit (kiːp fɪt)
to do certain things to remain healthy
start learning
I eat lots of fruit and do plenty of exercise to keep fit.
link (lɪŋk)
a way in which two things or ideas are related to each other
start learning
There is a link between drug use and crime.
maintain (meɪnˈteɪn mən-)
to strongly express your belief that something is true
start learning
Critics maintain that these reforms will lead to a decline in educational standards.
outlook (ˈaʊtlʊk)
your general attitude to life and the world
start learning
He’s got a good outlook on life.
predict (prɪˈdɪkt)
to say that something will happen, before it happens
start learning
Sales were five percent lower than predicted.
recharge your batteries (ˌriːˈtʃɑːdʒ jə ˈbæt(ə)riːz)
to rest or relax in order to get back your energy
start learning
A week in the mountains should recharge my batteries.
reduce (rɪˈdjuːs)
to make something smaller or less in size, amount, or price
start learning
The governor announced a new plan to reduce crime.
research (rɪˈsɜːtʃ ˈriːsɜːtʃ)
serious study of a subject, in order to discover new facts or test new ideas
start learning
We are currently conducting research into the causes of cancer.
run-down (ˌrʌnˈdaʊn)
someone who is run-down is tired and not healthy
start learning
I'm feeling a bit run-down.
satisfaction (ˌsætəsˈfækʃən ˌsætɪsˈfækʃən)
a feeling of happiness or pleasure because you have achieved something or got what you wanted
start learning
She got great satisfaction from helping people to learn.
source (sɔːs)
a thing, place, activity etc that you get something from
start learning
They get their money from various sources.
spectacular (spekˈtækjələ spekˈtækjʊlə)
very impressive
start learning
It's a mountainous area with spectacular scenery.
spicy (ˈspaɪsi)
food that is spicy has a pleasantly strong taste, and gives you a pleasant burning feeling in your mouth
start learning
Would you like some pasta with a spicy tomato sauce?
stamina (ˈstæmənə ˈstæmɪnə)
physical or mental strength that lets you continue doing something for a long time without getting tired
start learning
You need stamina to be a long- distance runner.
temporary (ˈtempərəri -pəri)
continuing for only a limited period of time
start learning
The pills offer temporary pain relief.
tend (tend)
if something tends to happen, it happens often and is likely to happen again
start learning
People tend to need less sleep as they get older.
timing (ˈtaɪmɪŋ)
the time when someone does something or when something happens, especially when you are considering how suitable this is
start learning
Ferry schedules and precise timings are subject to weather conditions on the day of departure.
treats (triːts)
a special food that tastes good, especially one that you do not eat very often
start learning
The cafe serves an assortment of gourmet treats.
under the weather (ˈʌndə ðə ˈweðə)
slightly ill
start learning
You look a bit under the weather.
unfit (ʌnˈfɪt)
not in a good physical condition
start learning
She never gets any exercise – she must be really unfit.
upbringing (ˈʌpˌbrɪŋɪŋ)
the way that your parents care for you and teach you to behave when you are growing up
start learning
Mike had had a strict upbringing.
virus (ˈvaɪərəs)
a very small living thing that causes infectious illnesses
start learning
Some of these children are infected with the HIV virus.
action (ˈækʃən)
the process of doing something, especially in order to achieve a particular thing
start learning
The government must take action (=do something) now to stop the rise in violent crime.
advertise (ˈædvətaɪz)
to tell the public about a product or service in order to persuade them to buy it
start learning
They no longer advertise alcohol or cigarettes at sporting events.
appealing (əˈpiːlɪŋ)
attractive or interesting
start learning
The city offers an appealing combination of sporting and cultural events.
disapproval (ˌdɪsəˈpruːv(ə)l)
an attitude that shows you think that someone or their behaviour, ideas etc are bad or not suitable
start learning
Clarissa shook her head in disapproval.
brave (breɪv)
dealing with danger, pain, or difficult situations with courage and confidence
start learning
They are such brave soldiers.
complaint (kəmˈpleɪnt)
a statement in which someone complains about something
start learning
If you wish to make a complaint you should see the manager.
determination (dɪˌtɜːməˈneɪʃən dɪˌtɜːmɪˈneɪʃən)
the quality of trying to do something even when it is difficult
start learning
Yuri shows great determination to learn English.
doubtful (ˈdaʊtfəl)
probably not true or not likely to happen
start learning
Prospects for a lasting peace remain doubtful.
dramatic (drəˈmætɪk)
great and sudden
start learning
Computers have brought dramatic changes to the workplace.
editor (ˈedətə ˈedɪtə)
the person who is in charge of a newspaper or magazine, or part of a newspaper or magazine, and decides what should be included in it
start learning
He's the editor of the Daily Telegraph.
endless (ˈendləs)
very large in amount, size, or number
start learning
We had an endless stream of visitors.
entertaining (ˌentəˈteɪnɪŋ)
amusing and interesting
start learning
Children’s TV nowadays is much more entertaining.
feedback (ˈfiːdbæk)
advice, criticism etc about how successful or useful something is
start learning
How can I provide feedback without making someone angry?
freedom (ˈfriːdəm)
the right to do what you want without being controlled or restricted by anyone
start learning
People here like their freedom and privacy.
government (ˈɡʌvəmənt ˈɡʌvənmənt)
the group of people who govern a country or state
start learning
The government are planning further cuts in public spending.
headline (ˈhedlaɪn)
the title of a newspaper report, which is printed in large letters above the report
start learning
The paper carried the front-page headline: ‘Space Aliens meet with President’.
imaginative (ɪˈmædʒənətɪv ɪˈmædʒɪnətɪv)
containing new and interesting ideas
start learning
It's an imaginative use of computer technology.
intend (ɪnˈtend)
to be provided or designed for a particular purpose or person
start learning
The book is intended for children aged 5-7.
item (ˈaɪtəm)
a single, usually short, piece of news in a newspaper or magazine, or on television
start learning
Did you see the item in the Sunday Times?
memorable (ˈmemərəbəl)
very good, enjoyable, or unusual, and worth remembering
start learning
We want to make this a truly memorable day for the children.
mend (mend)
to repair something that is broken or not working
start learning
Tim can mend any broken toy.
moving (ˈmuːvɪŋ)
making you feel strong emotions, especially sadness or sympathy
start learning
Bayman’s book about his illness is deeply moving.
original (əˈrɪdʒɪnəl -dʒənəl)
completely new and different from anything that anyone has thought of before
start learning
I don't think George is capable of having original ideas!
passionate (ˈpæʃənət ˈpæʃənɪt)
if you are passionate about something, you like it a lot
start learning
She had a passionate interest in wild flowers.
powerful (ˈpaʊəfəl)
a powerful person, organization, group etc is able to control and influence events and other people’s actions
start learning
He was one of the most powerful men in Bohemia.
predictable (prɪˈdɪktəbəl)
if something or someone is predictable, you know what will happen or what they will do – sometimes used to show disapproval
start learning
The snow had a predictable effect on traffic.
privacy (ˈprɪvəsi ˈpraɪ-)
the state of being able to be alone, and not seen or heard by other people
start learning
With seven people squashed in one house you don’t get much privacy.
responsibility (rɪˌspɒnsəˈbɪləti rɪˌspɒnsɪˈbɪləti)
a duty to be in charge of someone or something, so that you make decisions and can be blamed if something bad happens
start learning
Kelly’s promotion means more money and more responsibility.
sense (sens)
if you sense something, you feel that it exists or is true, without being told or having proof
start learning
Perhaps he sensed your distrust.
shiny (ˈʃaɪni)
smooth and bright
start learning
Look at those shiny black shoes.
unbelievable (ˌʌnbəˈliːvəbəl ˌʌnbɪˈliːvəbəl)
very good, successful, or impressive
start learning
The opportunities are unbelievable.
unconvincing (ˌʌnkənˈvɪnsɪŋ)
failing to make you believe that something is true or real
start learning
It was an unconvincing smile.
variety (vəˈraɪəti)
a lot of things of the same type that are different from each other in some way
start learning
The girls come from a variety of different backgrounds.

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