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irony: n. expression of one's meaning by saying the direct opposite of one's thoughts in order to be emphatic, amusing, sarcastic, etc
disclose: v. ~ sth (to sb) allow sth to be seen
corroborate: v. confirm or give support to
maverick: n. unbranded calf
indifferent: adj. ~ having no interest in sb/sth; neither for nor against sb/sth; not caring about sb/sth
improvise: v. compose or play (music), speak or act without previous preparation
ponderous: adj. slow and awkward because of great weight
complacency: n. ~ (usu derog ) calm feeling of satisfactionwith oneself, one's work, etc
compatible: adj. ~ (of people, ideas, arguments, principles, etc) suited; that can exist together
predecessor: n. person who held an office or position before sb else
loom: n. machine for weaving cloth
ingenuous: adj. not attempting to deceive or conceal; open; innocent
distort v.: pull or twist out of its usual shape
friction: n. rubbing of one surface or thing against another
attentive: adj. ~ giving attention (to sb/sth); alert and watchful
expertise: n. expert knowledge or skill, esp in a particular field
forthright: adj. clear and honest in manner and speech; straightforward
opaque: adj. not allowing light to pass through; not transparent
vacillate: v. ~ (fml usu derog , ) keep changing one's mind; move backwards and forwards between two emotions
precipitate: v. cause (sth) to happen suddenly or soon(er); hasten
trepidation: n. great worry or fear about sth unpleasant that may happen
confine v.: ~ sb/sth keep (a person or an animal) in a restricted space
spontaneity: impulsiveness; absence of premeditation
endemic n,: adj that is regularly found in a particular country or area, or among a particular group of people
esteem: v. (not used in the continuous tenses ) have a high opinion of (sb/sth); respect greatly
attenuate: v. make (sth/sb) thin or slender
legislature: n. body of people with the power to make and change laws
decry: v. ~ sb/sth (as sth) speak critically of sb/sth to make him/it seem less valuable, useful, etc; disparage sb/sth
ennui: n. weariness of mind caused by lack of anything interesting or exciting to do; feeling of boredom
adversity: n. unfavourable conditions; trouble
repulsion: n. ~ feeling of loathing or aversion; disgust
prolong v.: make longer, esp in time; extend
resolve v.: ~ on/upon/against sth/doing sth decide firmly; determine
volatile: adj. changing rapidly into vapour
snub: v. treat (sb) coldly, rudely or with contempt, esp by paying no attention (to him)
appropriate: adj. ~ suitable; right and proper
proliferate: v. produce new growth or offspring rapidly; multiply ;
extraneous: adj. ~ not belonging to or directly connected with the subject or matter being dealt with
comprehend: v. understand fully
laudatory: adj. expressing or giving praise
refute: v. prove to be wrong
fawning [: fawn: ] a young deer of either sex aged under one year
tangible: adj. that can be perceived by touch
dismiss v.: ~ sb remove sb (esp an employee) from a position
mandate n.: ~ (to do sth) authority given to a party, trade union, etc by the people who support it
recluse n.: person who lives alone and avoids other people
conspire: v. ~ (against sb); ~ (together) (against sb) make secret plans (with others), esp to do wrong
console v.: ~ sb give comfort or sympathy to (sb who is unhappy, disappointed, etc)
soliloquy: n. speaking one's thoughts aloud, esp in a play when a character does this without another character being present on stage
accelerate: v. make move faster or happen earlier; increase the speed of
fickle: adj. often changing; not constant
stymie: n. situation on the green in which an opponent's ball is between one's own ball and the hole
augment v.: make (sth) larger in number or size; increase
synthesis: n. combining of separate parts, elements, etc to form a complex whole
assumption: n. thing accepted as true or as sure to happen, but not proved
spendthrift: n. person who spends money extravagantly and wastefully
savor: enjoy; have a distinctive flavor, smell, or quality
default n.: failure to do sth, esp to pay a debt or appear in court
anomaly n.: anomalous thing; irregularity
sage: n. very wise man
aria: n. song for one voice, esp in an opera or oratorio
contentious: exhibiting an often perverse and wearisome tendency to quarrels and disputes
intrinsic: adj. belonging naturally; existing within, not coming from outside
perceptive: adj. quick to notice and understand things
adversary: n. opponent in a contest; enemy
complement: n. ~ thing that goes well or suitably with sth else, or makes it complete
deplete v.: reduce greatly the quantity, size, power or value of
amplify v.: increase (sth) in size or strength
substantial: adj. large in amount; considerable
cajole: v. ~ sb(into/out of sth); ~ sb (into/out of doing sth) persuade sb (to do sth) by flattery or deceit; coax sb
perfunctory: adj. a) (of an action) done as a duty or routine, without care or interest
exemplary: adj. serving as an example; suitable for imitation
vital: adj. connected with or essential to life
vulnerable: adj. ~ that can be hurt, wounded or injured
unfeigned: adj. not pretended; genuine or sincere
caprice n.: sudden change in attitude or behaviour with no obvious cause; whim ;
dissertation n.: ~ long essay on a particular subject, esp one written for a doctorate or similar degree; thesis
pedantic: adj. of or like a pedant
tractable: adj. easily guided, handled or controlled; docile ;
eschew: v. keep away from (sth); abstain from; avoid
harangue: n. long, loud, serious and usu angry speech
forestall: v. act before so as to prevent him from doing sth
redundant: adj. not needed; superfluous; unnecessary
provision: n. ~ of sth giving, lending, supplying or making sth available; providing sth
absolute: adj. complete; total
brevity n.: shortness or briefness
gouge: n. tool with a sharp semicircular edge for cutting grooves in wood
cursory adj.: done quickly and not thoroughly; (too) hurried
defiance: n. open disobedience or resistance; refusal to give way to authority or opposition; defying
fundamental: adj. of or forming the basis or foundation of sth; essential
indecision: n. ~ state of being unable to decide; hesitation
flout: v. disobey openly and scornfully
placate v.: make less angry; soothe or pacify
anesthetic: = anaesthesia, anaesthetic
novice: n. person who is new and inexperienced in a job, situation, etc; beginner
enhance v.: increase make (sb/sth) look better
detrimental: adj. ~ harmful
belie: v. give a wrong or an untrue idea of (sth)
resentment: n. resenting sb/sth
commonplace: adj. ordinary; not interesting
boor: n. rough, rude or insensitive man
attribute: v. ~ sth to sb/sth regard sth as belonging to, caused by or produced by sb/sth
engender: v. be the cause of (a situation or condition)
persevere: v. ~ ~ (with sb) (usu approv ) continue trying to do sth, esp in spite of difficulty
vigilant: adj. looking out for possible danger, trouble, etc; watchful or alert
imperative: adj. very urgent or important; needing immediateattention
discordant: adj. not in agreement; conflicting
specious: adj. seeming rightor true but actually wrong or false
porous: adj. allowing liquid or air to pass through, esp slowly
articulate: adj. able to express one's ideas clearly in words
perturb v.: make (sb) very worried; disturb
sobriety: n. quality or state of being sober
diatribe: n. ~ lengthy and bitter attack in words
antidote: n. ~ substance that acts against the effects of a poison or disease
antagonistic adj.: ~ showing or feeling antagonism; hostile
intimate: adj. ~ having or being a very close and friendly relationship
buttress: n. support built against a wall .
covert: adj. concealed; not open; secret
malleable: adj. that can be beaten or pressed into different shapes easily
simplistic: adj. making difficult problems, issues, ideas, etcseem much simpler than they really are; over-simplifying
circumspect: adj. considering everything carefully before acting; cautious; wary ;
metaphor: n. use of a word or phrase to indicate sth different from (though related in some way to) the literal meaning, as in `I'll make him eat his words' or `She has a heart of stone' I'll make him eat his wordsShe has a heart of stone
definitive: adj. clear and having final authority; that cannot or need not be changed
transitory: adj. lasting for only a short time; transient
aggrandize: to make appear great or greater:praise highly
provoke v.: make (sb) angry or annoyed
parody: n. ~ (piece of) speech, writing or music that imitates the style of an author, composer, etc in an amusing and often exaggerated way; comic imitation
alleviate: v. make less severe; ease
advocate: v. speak publicly in favour of (sth); recommend; support
intermittent adj.: continually stopping and then starting again; not constant
ignite: v. catch fire
reticent: adj. ~ not revealing one's thoughts or feelings easily; reserved
chicanery: n. use of clever but misleading talk in order to trick sb, esp in legal matters; dishonest practice
conjecture: v. ~ (fml ) form (and express) an opinion not based on firm evidence; guess
deliberate: adj. done on purpose; intentional
enigma: n. question, person, thing, circumstance, etc that is difficult to understand; mystery
relegate: banish; consign to inferior position
discernible: adj. that can just be discerned
transparent: adj. allowinglight to pass through so that objects behind can be seen clearly
amenable: adj. ~ (of people) willing to be influenced or controlled (by sth)
qualify v.: ~ (sb) (for/as sth) have or give (sb) the qualities, training, etc that are necessary or suitable (for sth)
compassion: n. ~ pity for the sufferings of others, making one want to help them
convert v.: ~ (sth) (from sth) (into/to sth) change (sth) from one form or use to another
redoubtable: adj. to be feared and respected; formidable
prodigal: adj. spending money or resources too freely; extravagant
adapt: v. ~ sth (for sth) make sth suitable for a new use, situation, etc; modify sth
abstract: adj. existing in thought or as an idea but not having a physical or practical existence
mosaic: n. picture or pattern made by placing together small pieces of glass, stone, etc of different colours
subordinate: adj. ~ (to sb) lower in rank or position
precedent: n. earlier decision, case, event, etc that is regarded as an example or rule for what comes later
inured: accustomed to/adapted
frugality: thrift
intervene: v. (of time) come or be between
coda: n. final passage of a piece of music
versatile: adj. turning easily or readily from one subject, skill or occupation to another
surfeit n.: ~ (of sth) too much of sth, esp of food and drink
implement: n. tool or instrument
caricature: n. picture,description or imitation of sb/sth that exaggerates certain characteristics in order to amuse or ridicule
incriminate: v. make appear to be guilty of wrongdoing
coalesce: v. combine and form one group, substance, mass, etc
pristine: adj. in its original condition; unspoilt
repudiate: v. refuse to have any more to do with (sb); disown ;
impeccable: adj. free from mistakes; excellent or faultless
convoluted: adj. coiled; twisted
ubiquitous: adj. (seeming to be) present everywhere or in several places at the same time
humility: n. humble attitude of mind; modesty
ascetic adj.: not allowing oneself pleasures and comforts; having or involving a very austere life
partial adj.: of or forming a part; not complete
catalyst: n. substance that speeds up a chemical reaction without itself changing
intractable: adj. not easily controlled or dealt with; hard to manage
craven: adj. cowardly
supersede: v. take the place of be introduced so as to be used instead of (sth/sb)
conscientious: adj. careful to do what one ought to do, and do it as well as one can
blunt: adj. without a sharp edge or a point
nostalgia: n. sentimental longing for things that are past
convention: n. conference of members of a profession, political party, etc
martial adj.: of or associated with war
resignation: n. ~ (instance of) resigning
conventional adj.: (often derog ) based on convention(2a)
derivative: adj. derived from sth else; not original
serenity: the quality or state of being shining bright and steady
fluctuation: n. ~ (of/in sth)
tacit: adj. understoodwithout being put into words; implied
incorporate: v. ~ sth (in/into sth) make sth part of a whole; include
abstemious: adj. not taking much food or drink; not self-indulgent; moderate
demur: v. ~ (at sth) (fml ) express a doubt (about sth) or an objection (to sth)
passive adj.: not active; submissive
lavish: adj. ~ ~ (in doing sth) giving or producing generously or in large quantities
lackluster: lacking brilliance or vitality ; lacking luster or shine
hoard: n. carefully collected and guarded store of money, food or other treasured objects
suppress: v. put an end to (sth), esp by force; crush
despicable: adj. ~ (to do sth) deserving to be despised; contemptible
mercurial: adj. (of people or their moods, etc) often changing
illuminate: v. provide with light
obscure adj.: not easily or clearly seen or understood; indistinct; hidden
propriety: n. state of being correct in one's social or moral behaviour
meticulous: adj. ~ giving or showing great precision and care; very attentive to detail
abet: v. ~ sb (in sth) help or encourage sb to commit an offence or do sth wrong
hallucination: n. illusion of seeing or hearing sth when no such thing is actually present
contaminate: v. ~ sth/sb make sth/sb impure by adding dangerous or disease-carrying substances
officious: adj. too ready or willing to give orders, offer advice or help, or use one's authority; bossy and interfering
compelling: adj. extremely interesting and exciting, so that one has to pay attention
agitate v.: cause anxiety to (a person, his feelings, etc); disturb; excite
fastidious: adj. selecting carefully; choosing only what is good ;
retain: v. keep (sth) in one's possession or use
itinerary: n. plan for, or record of, a journey; route
reiterate: v. say or do (sth) again or repeatedly
marginal: adj. of or in a margin
squander: v. ~ sth waste (time, money, etc); use sth wastefully
veracity: n. truthfulness; truth
tangential: peripheral; only slightly connected; digressing
paean: n. (fml) song of praise or triumph
garrulous: adj. talking too much, esp about unimportant things
bolt: n. metal bar that slides into a socket to lock a door, window, etc
circumlocution: n. use of many words to say sth that could be said in a few words
provincial: adj. of a province (1)
decelerate: v. slow down
drone: n. male honey-bee
resolution: n. quality of being resolute or firm; determination
evince: v. show clearly that one has (a feeling, quality, etc); exhibit
effective: adj. having an effect; producing the intended result
determination: n. ~ quality of being firmly committed to doing sth; resoluteness
discrete: adj. separate; distinct
disperse: v. go in different directions; scatter; break up
potential: adj. that can or may come into existence; possible
goad: n. pointed stick for making cattle, etc move on
proximity: n. ~ (to sth) nearness in space or time; closeness
violate v.: break or be contrary to
timidity: timidness ns
fidelity: n. ~ loyalty; faithfulness
dearth: n. ~ shortage; scarcity
diversity: n. state of being varied; variety
obsequious: adj. ~ (to sb) too willing to obey or serve; too respectful (esp in the hope of getting a reward or favour from sb)
gravity n.: force that attracts objects in space towards each other, and on the earth pulls them towards the centre of the planet, so that things fall to the ground when dropped
venerate: v. respect (sb/sth) deeply; regard as sacred
indeterminate: adj. not fixed or exact; vague; indefinite
imperturbable: adj. not easily troubled or worried; calm
equanimity: n. calmness of mind or temper
impair: v. weaken or damage
temerity: n. audacity; rashness
deft: adj. ~ skilful and quick, esp with the hands
countenance: n. (expression on sb's) face
rigid: adj. stiff; not bending or yielding
converge: v. ~ ~ (at sth) (of lines, moving objects, etc) (come towards each other and) meet at a point
eulogy: n. (speech or piece of writing containing) high praise of a person or thing
philanthropist: n. person who helps others, esp through charitable work or donations of money
beneficent: adj. showing active kindness; generous; charitable
foresight: n. ability to see what one's future needs are likely to be; careful planning
strut: n. rod or bar placed in a framework to strengthen and brace it
illusion: n. false idea, belief or impression; delusion
inopportune: adj. not appropriate or convenient
lethargic: adj. Hot weather makesme lethargic
salutary: adj. having a good effect
disingenuous adj.: insincere, esp in pretending that one knows less about sth than one really does
stem: n. main central part of a plant, bush or tree coming up from the roots, from which the leaves or flowers grow
awe: n. feeling of respect combined with fear or wonder
parallel: adj. (of two or more lines) having the same distance between each other at every point
impartial: adj. not favouring one person or thing more than another; fair or neutral
candor: unreserved, honest, or sincere expression:FORTHRIGHTNESS
pervasive: adj. present and perceived everywhere; pervading
mammal: n. any of the class of animals that give birth to live offspring and feed their young on milk from the breast
forge: n. workshop with a fire and an anvil where metals are heated and shaped, esp one used by a smith for making horseshoes
problematic: adj. difficult to deal with or to understand
appease v.: make quiet or calm, usu by making concessions or by satisfying demands
tension n.: state or degree of stretching or being stretched
venerable: adj. deserving respect because of age, character, associations, etc
manipulate: v. control or handle with skill
laconic adj.: using few words; terse
warranted: [ warrant: ] anything that gives authority for an action or decision; authorization; sanction
incentive: n. ~ thing that encourages sb to do sth; stimulus
ameliorate: v. (cause sth to) become better
chisel: n. tool with a sharp cutting edge at the end, for shaping wood, stone or metal
abate: v. make or become less
slight: adj. not serious or important; small
dehydrate: v. remove water or moisture from
irrelevant: adj. ~ not connected (with sth); not relevant (to sth)
whimsical: adj. full of whimsy; fanciful, playful or capricious
inchoate: adj. just begun and therefore not fully formed or developed
approbation: n. approval; consent
rescind v.: cancel or repeal (a law, contract, etc); annul
undermine: v. make a hollow or tunnel beneath (sth); weaken at the base
precursor: n. ~(of sth) person or thing that comes before sth; forerunner
erratic adj.: irregular or uneven in movement, quality or behaviour; unreliable
superficial: adj. of or on the surface only
accessible: adj. ~ that can be reached, used, etc
placid: adj. calm and peaceful; undisturbed
sterile adj.: not producing or not able to produce seeds, young or children
scrutinize: examine closely and critically
antiquated: adj. (of things) out of date, obsolete ,
stratagem: n. trick, plan or scheme to deceive sb (esp an enemy)
audacious: adj. showing a willingness to take risks; daring; fearless
apathetic: adj. showing or feeling apathy
hyperbole: n. exaggeratedstatement that is made for special effect and is not meant to be taken literally, eg I've invited millions of people to my party ,
pragmatic: adj. treating things in a sensible and realistic way; concerned with practical results
recalcitrant adj.: resisting authority or discipline; disobedient
plausible: adj. seeming to be right or reasonable; believable
sanction: n. permission or approval for an action, a change, etc
discredit: v. damage the good reputation of
desiccate: v. remove all the moisture from to preserve it
obdurate: adj. impossible to change; stubborn
aberrant: adj. not following the normal or correct way
espouse v.: give one's support to (a cause, theory, etc)
luminous: adj. giving out light; bright
promote to: contribute to the growth or prosperity of:FURTHER
initiate: v. put (a scheme, etc) into operation; cause (sth) to begin
vigor: active bodily or mental strength or force
inconsequential: adj. trivial or irrelevant; not important
valid: adj. legally effective because made or done with the correct formalities
assert: v. make others recognize (sth) by behaving firmly and confidently
implacable: adj. that cannot be changed or satisfied
hostility: n. ~ being hostile (to sb/sth); antagonism; enmity
reserve v.: ~ sth put aside or keep sth for a later occasion or special use
subside v.: sink to a lower or to the normal level
substantiate v.: give facts to support (a claim, statement, etc); prove
verbose adj.: using or containing more words than are needed
random: adj. done, chosen, etc without method or conscious choice; haphazard
peremptory: adj. (esp derog ) (of a person, his manner, etc) insisting on immediate obedience or submission; domineering
score: n. number of points, goals, etc made by a player or team in a game, or gained in a competition, etc
apprise v.: ~ sb of sth inform sb of sth
embellish: v. ~ sth make sth beautiful by adding ornaments, etc
timid: adj. easily frightened; shy
perpetual: adj. continuing indefinitely; permanent
abridge v.: make shorter, esp by using fewer words; condense
lampoon n.: piece of writing that attacks and ridicules a person, a book, an institution, etc
subjective: adj. existing in the mind and not produced by things outside the mind
beneficial: adj. ~ having a helpful or useful effect; advantageous
esoteric: adj. likely to be understood by only those with a special knowledge or interest; mysterious; obscure
disparage: v. suggest, esp unfairly, that is of little value or importance
mediocre: adj. not very good; second-rate
acute: adj. very great; severe
waver: v. be or become weak or unsteady; falter
renounce: v. agree to give up ownership or possession of (sth), esp formally
spurious: adj. not genuine or authentic; false or fake
facilitate: v. (of an object, a process, etc but not of a person) make (sth) easy or less difficult
epic: n. long poem about the deeds of one or more great heroes, or a nation's past history
propensity: n. ~ (for doing/to do sth) (fml ) inclination or tendency
allegiance: n. ~ (to sb/sth) support of or loyalty to a government, ruler, cause, etc
exculpate: v. ~ sb (fml ) free sb from blame; say that sb is not guilty
reinstate: v. ~ sb restore sb to a previous (esp important) position
scale: n. any of the thin overlapping plates of hard material covering the skin of many fish and reptiles
opportune: adj. (of time) suitable or favourable for a purpose
cynical adj.: of or like a cynic
obstinate: adj. refusing to change one's opinion or chosen course of action; stubborn
discrimination: n. good judgement and perception
flag: n. piece of cloth with a particular design, that can be attached by one edge to a rope, pole, etc and used as a symbol of a country, party, etc or as a signal
incite: v. ~ sb urge or persuade sb to do sth by making him very angry or excited
innocuous: adj. causing no harm
insipid adj.: having almost no taste or flavour
decipher: v. succeed in understanding
rectify v.: put (sth) right; correct
retrospective: adj. looking back on the past
flourish: v. be successful, very active, or widespread; prosper
withhold: v. (fml )~ sth (from sb/sth) (fml ) refuse to give sth; keep sth back
foster: v. help the growth or development of (sth); encourage or promote
effrontery: n. boldness or rudeness without shame; impertinence
cacophony: n. loud unpleasant mixture of discordant sounds
contest: dispute
impede: v. hinder or obstruct the progress or movement of
champion: n. person, team, animal or plant that has defeated or excelled all others in a competition
caustic adj.: that can burn or destroy things by chemical action
disparate: adj. so different in kind or degree that they cannot be compared
inept: adj. ~ (at sth/doing sth) completely unskilful (at sth)
peripheral: adj. ~ of secondary or minor importance (to sth)
quarantine: n. isolation for people or animals that may carry an infectious disease, until it is known that there is no danger of the disease being passed on to others
prone: adj. lying flat, esp face downwards
arduous adj.: needing much effort or energy; laborious
qualified: adj. having completed the relevant training or examination
bent: n. ~ (for sth/doing sth) natural skill (at sth); liking or inclination (for sth/doing sth)
eclectic: adj. (of people, beliefs, etc) not restricted to one source of ideas, etc, but choosing from or using a wide range
indolence: laziness
endorse v.: write one's name on the back of
pacify: v. calm or soothe the anger or distress of (sb)
sonnet: n. type of poem containing 14 lines, each of 10 syllables, and with a formal pattern of rhymes
mute: adj. silent; making no sound
denigrate: v. claim that (sb/sth) is inferior, worthless, etc; belittle
selective: adj. using or based on selection
tirade: n. long angry speech of criticism or accusation
anomalous: adj. different from what is normal; irregular
disabuse: v. ~ sb of sth free sb of (false ideas)
resilient: adj. springing back to its original form after being bent, stretched, crushed, etc; springy ,
antiseptic: n. substance that prevents a wound, etc from becoming septic, esp by destroying bacteria
manifest: adj. ~ (fml ) clear and obvious
embrace close: encircling with the arms and pressure to the bosom especially as a sign of affection:HUG
congenial: adj. pleasing because of similarities in temperament, interests,etc
tempo: n. speed or rhythm of a piece of music
quibble n.: objection or criticism, esp atrivial one
consistency: n. (approv ) quality of being consistent(1)
renovate: v. restore to good condition
tentative: adj. done, said, etc to test sth; hesitant or exploratory; not definite or decisive
ruthless: adj. having or showing no pity or compassion; cruel
cogent: adj. convincing; strong
disdain n.: feeling that sb/sth is not good enough to deserve one's respect; contempt
ephemeral: adj. living, lasting, etc for a very short time
distinction: n. ~ difference or contrast between one person or thing and another
indecisive: adj. not final or conclusive
choir: n. organized group of singers, esp one that performs in church services
banal: adj. commonplace; uninteresting
elegy: n. poem or song expressing sorrow, esp for the dead; lament ;
immune: adj. ~ that cannot be harmed by a disease or illness, either because of inoculation or through natural resistance
frustrate: v. prevent (sb) from doing or achieving sth
hierarchy: n. system with grades of authority or status from the lowest to the highest
explicit: adj. (of a statement, etc) clearly and fully expressed
probity n.: quality of being honest and trustworthy; integrity ;
swerve: v. change direction suddenly
obviate v.: remove (sth); get rid of
prosaic adj.: uninspired; unimaginative
emulate v.: ~ sb (fml ) try to do as well as or better than sb
exacerbate: v. make (pain, disease, a situation) worse; aggravate
render: v. ~ sth (for sth); ~ sth (to sb) give sth in return or exchange, or as sth which is due
slur: v. run (sounds, words) into each other so that they are indistinct
enduring: adj. continuing in existence; lasting
brittle adj.: hard but easily broken; fragile
coercion: n. coercing or being coerced
haphazard: adj. without plan or order; random
persist v.: ~ continue to do sth, esp in an obstinate and determined way and in spite of opposition, argument or failure
discourse: n. lengthy and serious treatment of a subject in speech or writing
morose: adj. very unhappy, bad-tempered and silent; sullen
authoritative: adj. having authority; that can be trusted; reliable
conciliatory adj.: intended or likely to conciliate
relevant: adj. ~ (to sth/sb)connected with what is being discussed, what is happening,what is being done, etc
nondescript: n, adj without a distinctive character and so not easily classified
fetter: n. chain put round the feet of a person or animal to limit movement
supposition: n. supposing
devoid: adj. ~ of sth without sth; completely lacking in sth
coax: v. (~ sb sth) persuade sb gently or gradually
composure: n. state of being calm in mind or behaviour
bombast n.: pompous and meaningless words
pertinent: adj. ~ (fml ) relevant (to sth); to the point
generate: v. cause to exist or occur; produce
contempt: n. ~ (for sb/sth) feeling that sb/sth is completely worthless and cannot be respected
curtail v.: make shorter or less; reduce
rational: adj. able to reason
replicate: v. be or make a copy of (sth); reproduce
antipathy: settled aversion or dislike:DISTASTE
exposure: n. action of exposing or state of being exposed
viscous adj.: not pouringeasily; thick and sticky
betray: v. ~ sb/sth hand over or show sb/sth disloyally (to an enemy)
weary: adj. very tired, esp as a result of effort or endurance; exhausted
deference: n. giving way to the views, wishes, etc of others, usu out of respect; respect
impromptu: adj. adv without preparation, rehearsal or thought in advance
glib: adj. (derog ) speaking or spoken fluently and without hesitation, but not sincerely or trustworthily
arbitrary: adj. based on personal opinion or impulse, not on reason
tact: n. skill at not offending people or at gaining goodwill by saying or doing the right thing
uniformity: sameness; consistency; monotony
menace: n. threatening quality, tone, feeling, etc
inevitable: adj. that cannot be avoided; that is sure to happen
diverse adj.: of different kinds; varied
enervate: v. cause to lose strength or energy
denounce: v. ~ sb (to sb) (as sth) give information (to the authorities) against sb
imminent: adj. about to happen; likely to happen very soon
sustain v.: bear (weight) without breaking or falling
impetuous: adj. acting or done quickly and with little thought or care; rash or impulsive
defer: v. ~ sth (to sth) delay sth until a later time; postpone sth
implicit: adj. ~ implied, but not expressed directly; not explicit
profound: adj. deep, intense or far-reaching; verygreat
zealot: n. person who is extremely enthusiastic about sth, esp religion or politics; fanatic , ;
evanescent: adj. quickly fading; soon disappearing from memory
symmetry: n. exact match in size and shape between the two halves of sth
hamper: n. large basket with a hinged lid, esp one containing food, wine, etc
illusory: based on or producing illusion:DECEPTIVE
conviction: n. ~ the convicting of a person for a crime
termination: n. point at which or way in which sth ends
equivocal: adj. having a double or doubtful meaning; ambiguous
ossify: v. (fml ) (cause sth to) become hard like bone; change into bone ;
austere adj.: severely and strictly moral; having no pleasures or comforts
unwieldy: adj. awkward to move or control because of its shape, size or weight
precise adj.: stated clearly andaccurately
sophistication: n. quality of being sophisticated
mundane adj.: ordinary and typically unexciting
loquacious: adj. fondof talking; talkative ;
implicate: v. ~ sb show that sb is involved in sth, esp a crime
reconcile: to make consistent or congruous
comprehensive: adj. that includes everything
futile: adj. producing no result; useless; pointless
ambiguous: adj. having more than one possible meaning
astringent: n. substance, used medically or in cosmetics, that makes skin or body tissue contract and so stops bleeding
conformity: n. ~ (fml ) (behaviour, etc) conforming to established rules, customs, etc ,
avert: v. ~ sth turn sth away
compromise: n. giving up of certain demands by each side in a dispute, so that an agreement may be reached which satisfies both to some extent
lucid: adj. clearly expressed; easy to understand
lull: v. ~ sb/sth (to sth) make (a person or an animal) quiet or less active; soothe sb/sth
ambivalence: the state of having contradictory or conflicting emotional attitudes
inclined: adj. ~ wanting to behave in a particular way; disposed
profligate: adj. recklessly extravagant or wasteful
elusive adj.: tending to escape or disappear; difficult to capture
synthetic: adj. made by synthesis(
cower: v. crouch down or move backwards in fear or distress
presumptuous adj.: (of a person or his behaviour) too bold or self-confident
compound: n. thing made up of two or more separate things combined together
mitigate: v. make (sth) less severe, violent or painful; moderate
gullible: adj. willing to believe anything or anyone; easily deceived
immutable: adj. that cannot be changed; that will never change
dominate: v. have control of or a very strong influence on (people, events, etc)
burnish v.: make smooth and shiny by rubbing; polish
foment: v. arouse or increase
aversion: n. ~ strong dislike
tarnish v.: lose its brightness by being exposed to air or damp
superfluous: adj. more than is needed or wanted
subtlety: n. quality of being subtle
mollify v.: lessen the anger of (sb); make calmer; soothe
condone v.: treat or regard as if it were not serious or wrong; overlook; forgive
repress v.: restrain or suppress (an impulse); check
partisan: n. enthusiastic and often uncritical supporter of a person, group or cause
discretion: n. quality of being discreet; good judgement
impenetrable adj.: ~ that cannot be entered, passed through, etc
remorse n.: ~ sense of deep and bitter regret for having done sth wrong
idiosyncratic: a peculiarity of constitution or temperament:an individualizingcharacteristic or quality
reproach: v. ~ sb/oneself (for sth) criticize sb/oneself, esp for failing to do sth
adhere: v. ~ (to sth) remain attached (to sth); stick (as if) by means of glue or suction
distinct: adj. easily heard, seen, felt or understood; definite
agenda: n. matters of business to be discussed at a meeting, etc
inquisitive: adj. fond of inquiring into other people's affairs
insightful: adj. showing insight
tranquillity n.: tranquil condition
deflect v.: ~ (from sth) (cause sth to) turn from its direction of movement
diffuse v.: spread all around; send out in all directions
confidence: n. ~ (in sb/sth) firm trust (in sb, in sb's ability, or in what is said, reported, etc)
sporadic: adj. happening or seen only occasionally or in a few places; occurring irregularly
censure v.: ~ sb criticize sb severely; rebuke sb formally
plummet n.: plumb-line
misanthrope: a person who hates or distrusts mankind
tenuous adj.: thin; slender
duration: n. time during which sth lasts or continues
capricious: adj. characterized by sudden changes in attitude or behaviour; unpredictable; impulsive
pestle: n. heavy round-ended tool used for crushing and grinding things to powder, esp in a special bowl
belittle: v. make seem unimportant or of little value
confound: v. puzzle and surprise (sb); perplex
perjury n.: action of perjuring oneself
connoisseur: n. person with good judgement on matters in which appreciation of fineness or beauty is needed, esp the fine arts
bolster n.: long pillow, usu shaped like a roll, across the head of a bed
liability: n. ~state of being liable
penetrate: v. ~ sth make a way into or through sth
eccentric: adj. unusual; peculiar; not conventional or normal
empathy n.: ability to imagine and share another person's feelings, experience, etc
component: n. any of the parts of which sth is made
repeal: v. withdraw officially; revoke ;
cunning adj.: clever at deceiving people
dispel: v. drive (sth) away; cause to vanish
indulge v.: ~ oneself/sb (with sth) allow oneself/sb to have whatever one/he likes or wants
yield: v. bear, produce or provide
elaborate: adj. very detailed and complicated; carefully prepared and finished
disinterested: adj. not influenced by personal feelings or interests; unbiased
nonchalance: indifference; lack of interest
acknowledge: v. accept the truth of admit (sth)
caulk: v. make (esp a boat) watertight by filling the seams or joints with waterproof material
extol: v. ~sb (as sth) (fml ) praise (sb/sth) highly
compliant: adj. ~ (usu derog ) (too) willing to comply (with other people, with rules, etc)
prodigy n.: person with unusual or remarkable qualities or abilities
skeptic =: sceptic
rhetoric: n. using language impressively or persuasively, esp in public speaking
inimical: adj. ~ (fml ) unfriendly; hostile
stereotype: n. image,idea, character, etc that has become fixed or standardizedin a conventional form without individuality
temper: n. state of the mind as regards anger or calmness
decorum n.: dignified and socially acceptable behaviour
arbitrate: v. ~ (between A and B) make a judgement about or settle (a dispute) between two parties (usu when asked by them to do so)
dirge: n. song sung at a burial or for a dead person
satire: n. attacking foolish or wicked behaviour by making fun of it, often by using sarcasm and parody
taciturn: adj. saying very little; uncommunicative ;
objective: adj. not influenced by personal feelings or opinions; unbiased; fair
stanza: n. group of lines forming a unit in some types of poem; verse of poetry
subpoena: n. written order requiring a person to appear in a lawcourt
authoritarian: adj. favouring complete obedience to authority before personal freedom
nutrient: n, adj (substance) serving as or providing nourishment, esp for plants or animals
medium: n. (pl usu media) means by which sth is expressed or communicated
blithe: adj. happy and carefree; casual
erroneous: adj. incorrect; mistaken
prolixity: n.
euphemism: n. use of pleasant, mild or indirect words or phrases in place of more accurate or direct ones
exonerate: to relieve of a responsibility, obligation, or hardship
prudent adj.: acting with or showing care and foresight; showing good judgement
ironic: adj. using or expressing irony; full of irony
sophisticated: adj. having or showing much worldly experience and knowledge of fashionable life
eccentricity n.: quality of being eccentric; strangeness of behaviour, etc
erode: v. destroy or wear (sth) away gradually
curb: n. ~ thing that restrains or controls
inhibit v.: ~ sb prevent sb from doing sth that should be natural or easy to do
penury: n. extreme poverty
assuage v.: make (sth) less severe; soothe
dilemma n.: situation in which one has to choose between two undesirable things or courses of action
equivocate: v. speak in an ambiguous way to hide the truth or mislead people
facetious: adj. intended to be amusing, often inappropriately
onerous adj.: needing effort; burdensome
exploit n.: brave or adventurous deed or action
enigmatic: adj. difficult to understand; mysterious
pedestrian: n. person walking in the street
atrophy n.: wasting away of the body or part of it through lack of nourishment or use
saturate: v. ~ sth make sth very wet; soak sth
inherent: adj. ~ existing as a natural or permanent feature or quality of sb/sth

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Deck Info

Number of cards 588