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Essential+ English

Essential words and expressions in the English language

TermDefinition
by the way incidentally; used to introduce a topic not directly connected with what was being spoken about previously
mishap an unlucky accident
to bubble [of a liquid] to contain bubbles of air or gas rising to the surface
to translate to say or write in a different language
whim a sudden desire or change of mind, especially one that is unusual or unexplained
feverish having or showing the symptoms of a fever
owl a nocturnal bird of prey with large forward-facing eyes surrounded by facial disks, a hooked beak, and typically a loud call.
curb a stone or concrete edging to a street or path.
abstract (noun) a summary of the contents of a book, article, or formal speech
abstract (adjective) : relating to or involving general ideas or qualities rather than specific people, objects, or actions
dichotomy a division or contrast between two things that are or are represented as being opposed or entirely different
to engulf [of a natural force] to sweep over (something) so as to surround or cover it completely
consolidate combine (a number of things) into a single more effective or coherent whole
planning the process of making plans for something
tactic particular method used to achieve something
liaison a person who helps organizations or groups to work together and provide information to each other
to fulfill to bring to completion or reality; achieve or realize (something desired, promised, or predicted)
self-taught having acquired knowledge or skill on one's own initiative rather than through formal instruction or training
switch (noun) a device for making and breaking the connection in an electric circuit
cane a length of cane or a slender stick, especially one used as a support for plants, as a walking stick, or as an instrument of punishment
to shy -to develop or show a dislike or distaste —usually used with from or away from -[especially of a horse] start suddenly aside in fright at an object, noise, or movement
shy (adjective) -sensitively diffident or retiring; reserved -disposed to avoid a person or thing
lie something that is not true
bubble a small globule that is typically hollow and light: such as -a thin film of liquid inflated with air or gas -a globule in a transparent solid -something {such as a plastic or inflatable structure} that is hemispherical or semicylindrical
to deceive to make someone believe something that isn't true, often to get something from them
to curb to check or control with or as if with a curb
to fool to trick or deceive (someone); dupe
curveball [in baseball] a pitch thrown with a strong downward spin, causing the ball to drop suddenly and veer to the side as it approaches home plate - [idiomatic] a difficult and unexpected problem, situation, question, etc.
dire [of a situation or event] extremely serious or urgent
to clone to propagate a clone from; to make a copy of
to imply to strongly suggest the truth or existence of (something not expressly stated)
contour an outline, especially one representing or bounding the shape or form of something
to bring (someone) up to speed to give someone all the latest information about something
couch a long upholstered piece of furniture for several people to sit on
sofa a long upholstered seat with a back and arms, for two or more people
to overwhelm to cause (someone) to have too many things to deal with; to overpower in thought or feeling
burdensome difficult to carry out or fulfill; taxing
taxing physically or mentally demanding; something that wears (something) down
to assign to designate or set (something) aside for a specific purpose
guarantee a formal promise or assurance (typically in writing) that certain conditions will be fulfilled, especially that a product will be repaired or replaced if not of a specified quality and durability
surge a sudden powerful forward or upward movement, especially by a crowd or by a natural force such as the waves or tide
log a part of the trunk or a large branch of a tree that has fallen or been cut off
trunk the main woody stem of a tree as distinct from its branches and roots.
rhombus a parallelogram with opposite equal acute angles, opposite equal obtuse angles, and four equal sides.
shape -a geometric figure such as a square, triangle, or rectangle. -the visible makeup characteristic of a particular item or kind of item -the condition in which someone or something exists at a particular time
to convey to transport or carry to a place
mail letters and packages conveyed by the postal system
hook -a curved cutting instrument, especially as used for reaping or shearing. -a curved or bent device for catching, holding, or pulling -something intended to attract and ensnare -a device especially in music or writing that catches the attention
disorder a state of confusion
ailment an illness, typically a minor one
advancement the process of promoting a cause or plan
stable [of an object or structure] not likely to give way or overturn; firmly fixed
guide a person who advises or shows the way to others
specialization the process of concentrating on and becoming expert in a particular subject or skill
threshold -a strip of wood, metal, or stone forming the bottom of a doorway and crossed in entering a house or room -a level, point, or value above which something is true or will take place and below which it is not or will not
sense of fulfillment feeling of satisfaction and achievement
to beg for forgiveness to make a strong request for understanding and mercy
hormone overload feeling overwhelmed due to the body's natural chemicals
null and void having no force, binding power, or validity [typically of a contract or a legally binging agreement]
null amounting to nothing
coercion the practice of persuading someone to do something by using force or threats
to zero out to reduce the amount of (something) to zero
scale a specific relative size, extent, or degree
to forfeit to lose or be deprived of {property or a right or privilege} as a penalty for wrongdoing
groove -a long narrow channel or depression -a situation suited to one's abilities or interests -a fixed routine -a pronounced enjoyable rhythm
coincidence a remarkable concurrence of events or circumstances without apparent causal connection
quaint attractively unusual or old-fashioned
double take a delayed reaction to a surprising or significant situation after an initial failure to notice anything unusual; usually used in the phrase do a double take
thought-provoking inspiring a lot of thinking
novel a fictitious prose narrative of book length, typically representing character and action with some degree of realism
integrity the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness
structural integrity quality of either a structure or structural component is fit for purpose under normal operational conditions and is safe even should conditions exceed that of the original design.
happy medium a satisfactory compromise; (point/area) where one parameter is not too close to either end of a spectrum
cattle large ruminant animals with horns and cloven hoofs, domesticated for meat or milk, or as beasts of burden; cows.
to replenish -to fill (something) up again -to fill or build up again
cycle a series of events that are regularly repeated in the same order
lifestyle the way a person or group of people choose to live their daily lives
consumption industrialized countries should reduce their energy consumption
carbon emission Emission of carbon, especially into the atmosphere in the form of carbon dioxide as a contributor to global warming.
to play dirty to (act/participate) in a dishonest or unfair way
counter a level surface {such as a table, shelf or display case} over which transactions are conducted or food is served or on which goods are displayed or work is conducted
to counter to act in opposition to (something/someone) and in a way that corresponds with the actions of the opposing entity
to advise to offer suggestions about the best course of action to someone
someone an unknown or unspecified person; some person
anyone any person or people
whoever the person or people who; any person who
appealing attractive or interesting
to press to move or cause to move into a position of contact with something by exerting continuous physical force
pedals each of a pair of foot-operated levers used for powering a bicycle or other vehicle propelled by the legs.
mixed messages communication that is unclear and inconsistent with others which in turn insinuates something different that ones intentions
time crunch a period when pressure to succeed is great, often toward the end of an undertaking.
nature -the physical world and everything in it that is not made by people -the natural forces that control what happens in the world -the basic or inherent features of something, especially when seen as characteristic of it
envelope a flat paper container with a sealable flap, used to enclose a letter or document.
unique -used to say that something or someone is unlike anything or anyone else -very special or unusual
hardship severe suffering or privation.
to sizzle to make a hissing sound in or as if in burning or frying;
to envelop to enclose or enfold completely with or as if with a covering
to overlap to extend over or past and cover a part of
to expedite -to accelerate the process or progress of -to speed up [of a process]
to remember to bring to mind or think of again; to retain in the memory
to remind -to put in mind of something -to cause to remember
to sweat to excrete moisture in visible quantities through the openings of the sweat glands
to conduct to organize and perform a particular activity; ex. to conduct an orchestra;
reign the period of time during which a king, queen, emperor, etc., is ruler of a country
rein a strap fastened to a bit by which a rider or driver controls an animal [usually used in plural]
site -the place where something {such as a building} is, was, or will be located; ex. construction site, to be on site -a place where something important has happened -a place that is used for a particular activity
seaside the district or land bordering the sea : country adjacent to the sea
sleet rain that freezes or partly freezes as it falls from the sky
claw a sharp usually slender and curved nail on the toe of an animal
hot tub a large tub of hot water in which bathers soak and usually socialize
timeline -a graphic representation of the passage of time as a line. -a schedule for when a process or procedure will be carried out.
to pave the way to make it easier for (something) to happen or (someone) to do something; to facilitate
to dumb (something) down to simplify or reduce the intellectual content of something so as to make it accessible to a larger number of people.
kick-off the start of an event or activity. [originally from "the start or resumption of a football game, in which a player kicks the ball from the center of the field"]
frisbee a light plastic disc that one person throws to another as a game
heritage -property that is or may be inherited; an inheritance. -a special or individual possession; an allotted portion.
sermon a talk on a religious or moral subject, especially one given during a church service and based on a passage from the Bible.
ceramic made of clay and hardened by heat.
to judge a book by its cover to judge the worth or value of something by its outward appearance alone
to smack - to strike so as to produce a smack. intransitive verb. : to make or give a smack -to close and open (lips) noisily and often in rapid succession especially in eating.
to squish -to make a soft squelching sound when walked on or in -to yield or cause to yield easily to pressure; squash
fertility -the quality of being fertile; productiveness -the ability to conceive children or young
sterility the quality or condition of being sterile [unable to produce offspring]
genie a spirit, often appearing in human form, that when summoned by a person carries out the wishes of the summoner
to breed -[of animals] to mate and then produce offspring - to cause (an animal) to produce offspring, especially in a controlled and organized way
offspring a person's child or children
paper-thin extremely thin or insubstantial; literally: as thin as paper
to turn to (someone/something) to go to (someone/something) for help when you are having difficulty dealing with a situation.
go-to denoting a person or thing that may be relied on or is regularly sought out in a particular situation
notice notification or warning of something, especially to allow preparations to be made
to notice to become aware of
to squirm to twist about like a worm
to wiggle to move to and fro with quick jerky or shaking motions
to share to partake of, use, experience, occupy, or enjoy with others
to divide to separate into two or more parts, areas, or groups to perform mathematical division
to derail -to cause to run off the rails; -to obstruct the progress of
handrail a rail fixed to posts or a wall for people to hold on to for support [often while using stairs]
crime rate the number of crimes that are committed during a period of time in a particular place
easily influenced impressionable, easy to convince or affect
photo album a type of book in which you keep photos
fungus any of various types of organisms that get their food from decaying material or other living things (ex. mushrooms, mold, etc.)
pun a humorous use of a word or phrase that has several meanings or that sounds like another word
to sleepwalk to get out of bed and walk around while you are sleeping
to sequester to take temporary possession of someone's property until they have paid money that is owed or until they have obeyed a court order
default the thing that exists or happens if you do not change it intentionally by performing an action
to default -to happen or appear automatically in a particular way, if a user does not make a different choice -[in finance] to fail to pay interest or other money that is owed
back to back -close together and facing in opposite directions [relative position] -happening one after another, without interruption [of occurences]
side by side next to each other [of relative position]
to get together two or more people get together; they meet each other, having arranged it before: ex. to get together with friends, to get together for Christmas
meow the characteristic sound a cat makes (typically either for happy or sad cats)
to meow to make the sound of a cat [for cats] to vocalize; often in order to receive attention or food or perhaps gain access to a room
riches material wealth
to be on the right track to be following a course that is likely to result in success
to make a bed fit a bed with sheets, blankets, and pillows
day care daytime care for the needs of people who cannot be fully independent, such as children or elderly people
intricacy the quality of being intricate; [of intricacies] details, especially of an involved or perplexing subject
to cough to expel air from the lungs with a sudden sharp sound; often to expel foreign bodies from the throat, lungs, etc.
to sneeze to make a sudden involuntary expulsion of air from the nose and mouth due to irritation of one's nostrils
to linger to stay in a place longer than necessary because of a reluctance to leave; to be slow to disappear or die
actual real and not merely possible or imagined; existing in fact or reality
possible being within the limits of ability, capacity, or realization
probable supported by evidence strong enough to establish presumption but not proof
far-fetched brought from a remote time or place; not easily or naturally deduced or introduced
to have a trick up (one's) sleeve to have a secret plan, idea, or advantage that can be utilized if and when it is required. A reference to cheating at a card game by hiding a favorable card up one's sleeve.
to pitch (an idea/concept) to present or advertise especially in a high-pressure way
to start a trend to do something that others are copying
trend a general direction of change : a way of behaving, proceeding, etc., that is developing and becoming more common
to struggle to make forceful or violent efforts to get free of restraint or constriction.
to rise -to move upward -to become higher -to slope or extend upward -to assume an upright position especially from lying, kneeling, or sitting -[of the sun] to appear above the horizon -to become heartened or elated
growth -a stage in the process of growing -the result of growth -increase; expansion
to grow out of -to develop or come from (a source) -to become too large for (a certain size of clothing) -to stop doing or having (something) because one is older and more mature
to get around -to become known or current; ex. "word got around that he was resigning" -to go from place to place -to find or take the necessary time or effort [used with to] -to circumvent; evade -
wide -having great extent -extending over a vast area -comprehensive, inclusive; ex. a wide selection/assortment -straying or deviating from something specified [used with of]
to put (someone) down to criticize someone; in a manner that discourages or degrades a person
to downplay to make something seem less important or less bad than it really is
dead end -an end of a road or passage from which no exit is possible; a cul-de-sac -a position that offers no hope of progress; blind alley; cul-de-sac:
funnel a tube or pipe that is wide at the top and narrow at the bottom, used for guiding liquid or powder into a small opening.
to funnel to guide or channel (something) through or as if through a funnel
flavor -the distinctive taste of a food or drink. -an indication of the essential character of something
beneficial favorable or advantageous; resulting in good
favorable -expressing approval -to the advantage of someone or something -(of weather, or a period of time judged in terms of its weather) fine -suggesting a good outcome
the (final/last) straw used to describe the last of a series of undesirable or unpleasant events that makes you come to the realization that you can no longer accept a situation that has been worsening for a while; references “it is the last straw that breaks the camel’s back.”
either -being the one or the other of two -being the one and the other of two
neither -used before the first of two (or occasionally more) alternatives that are being specified (the others being introduced by “nor”) to indicate that they are each untrue or each do not happen. -not the one or the other of two or more
nor used before the second or further of two or more alternatives (the first being introduced by a negative such as “neither” or “not”) to indicate that they are each untrue or each do not happen.
belly -abdomen -the stomach and its adjuncts -the undersurface of an animal's body -womb, uterus -an internal cavity -a central place where something is most prevalent, concentrated, or deeply ingrained ---in the belly of the beast
binary something made of two things or parts
to droop -bend or hang downward limply -to hang or incline downward -to sink gradually -to become depressed or weakened
pitch -the property of a sound and especially a musical tone that is determined by the frequency of the waves producing it : highness or lowness of sound -an often high-pressure sales presentation -the delivery of a baseball by a pitcher to a batter
grand finale the climactic conclusion of something: such as -the last section of an instrumental musical composition -the closing part, scene, or number in a public performance -the last and often climactic event or item in a sequence
(one) last hurrah -a final often valedictory effort, production, or appearance -Someone's last hurrah is the last occasion on which they do something, especially at the end of their career or at the end of their tenure.
to heal -to make free from injury or disease; to make sound or whole -to make well again; to restore to health -to cause (an undesirable condition) to be overcome
effective successful in producing a desired or intended result
to scrutinize to examine or inspect closely and thoroughly.
dilemma a situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two or more alternatives, especially equally undesirable ones
conducive making a certain situation or outcome likely or possible
expression a word or phrase, especially an idiomatic one, used to convey an idea
to pull off to succeed in achieving or winning something difficult
sledgehammer a large, heavy hammer used for such jobs as breaking rocks and driving in fence posts.
overkill excessive use, treatment, or action; too much of something
to backtrack to retrace one's steps
to eavesdrop secretly listen to a conversation
to wail give a cry of pain, grief, or anger
whaling the practice or industry of hunting and killing whales for their oil, meat, or whalebone
to adhere -to bind oneself to observance -to hold fast or stick by or as if by gluing, suction, grasping, or fusing
to coerce to persuade (an unwilling person) to do something by using force or threats
"benefits" something extra from a job, such as health insurance, in addition to pay
to accrue (of sums of money or benefits) to be received by someone in regular or increasing amounts over time
reputation the general opinion regarding (somebody/something)
shed a simple roofed structure, typically made of wood or metal, used as a storage space, a shelter for animals, or a workshop
to shed -to rid oneself of temporarily or permanently as superfluous or unwanted -to cast off some natural covering (such as fur or skin)
to lean toward to gravitate towards one or more possible (selections/directions); often where a decision may have to be made eventually.
insurmountable too great to be overcome
jinx a person or thing that brings bad luck
loaf an item of food formed into an oblong shape and sliced into portions (often bread)
trope a figurative or metaphorical use of a word or expression.
to shudder (of a person) tremble convulsively, typically as a result of fear or revulsion.
to pull off (something) -to succeed in achieving or winning something difficult. -to remove (something/someone) from (something/someone); i.e. an article of clothing -to carry out despite difficulties : accomplish successfully against odds
to "lose it" to lose control of one's temper or emotions
disarmament the reduction or withdrawal of military forces and weapons
choice (noun) an act of selecting or making a decision when faced with two or more possibilities.
choice (adj.) -(especially of food) of very good quality. -(of words, phrases, or language) rude and abusive.
century a period of one hundred years
to vote to choose, endorse, decide the disposition of, defeat, or authorize (someone or something) by vote
to waste -to allow to be used inefficiently or become dissipated -to spend or use carelessly -to damage or destroy gradually and progressively
to complexify to make complex
onomatopeia the naming of a thing or action by a vocal imitation of the sound associated with it (such as buzz, hiss)
textbook (adj.) pertaining to, characteristic of, or seemingly suitable for inclusion in a textbook; typical; classic:
musky of or like musk, as an odor: musk = a fragrance, perfume, odor; usually a natural secretion or from certain flowers, materials..
to shimmer to shine with or reflect a subdued, tremulous light; gleam faintly.
to rush
to have (something) to fall back on to have a second option in case the primary one does not go well
to rise to the occasion to perform well when the opportunity presents itself
impulsively (acting/behaving/deciding) in a manner that bypasses the process of rational thinking
binoculars a handheld optical instrument composed of two telescopes and a focusing device and usually having prisms to increase magnifying ability —usually used in plural
risk -possibility of loss or injury -someone or something that creates or suggests a hazard
frontier -the farthermost limits of knowledge or achievement in a particular subject a line of division between different or opposed things
asterisk * ^symbol with various functions throughout the language; usually denotes some time of relevent information that may appear as a footnote.
to rebound -to spring back on or as if on collision or impact with another body -to recover from setback or frustration -to gain possession of a rebound in basketball
curl something having a spiral or winding form
whether used as a function word usually to present aternative conditions or possibilities "Whether it rains or whether it snows, the mail man still delivers the mail." "Whether or not we can see the show, we are going to have a good night." (in any case)
"feel free to (verb)" a common expression that welcomes a person to do (something); often used to accomodate a person in one's own (home/house/apartment)
to decimate to cause great destruction or harm to (someone/something)
blind -sightless; of or relating to sightless persons -unable or unwilling to discern or judge; this use of "blind" is figurative
latest -most recent -the latest acceptable time -something that is the most recent or currently fashionable
initiatuve -an introductory step -energy or aptitude displayed in initiation of action
to proofread to read and mark corrections in (something, such as a proof/essay)
riddle -a mystifying, misleading, or puzzling question posed as a problem to be solved or guessed -omething or someone difficult to understand
aristocracy -government by the best individuals or by a small privileged class -a government in which power is vested in a minority consisting of those believed to be best qualified -a class or group of people believed to be superior
blurry lacking definition or clarity (used literally as well as figuratively)
organized -having a formal organization to coordinate and carry out activities; antonym = disorganized
haste -rapidity of motion -rash or headlong action -
hip the laterally projecting region of each side of the lower or posterior part of the mammalian trunk formed by the lateral parts of the pelvis and upper part of the femur together with the fleshy parts covering them
to dwell on (something) to speak,write, or think about one thing insistently; usually periodically and/or in a way that might annoy others or bother oneself —used with on or upon
dramatic -of or relating to drama - suitable to or characteristic of the drama - striking in appearance or effect
sludge -a muddy deposit -typically gross or disgusting in it's nature like sewage; can also be a concoction of various chemicals
vernacular of or relating to the language or dialect of a region -the normal way of speaking amongst people in said region the language used in a specific (setting/trade/craft/branch of academia)
to pose -(of a question/idea/option) to set forth or offer for consideration - to put or set in place -(of a person/animal) to assume a posture or attitude usually for artistic purposes -to act as (often deceptively)
to crumble to breakdown and/or fall into small pieces
stretchy easily stretched, flexible, rubberlike; antonyms = tight, solid, hard
unofficial not authorized or acknowledged by a government, group, class, or society; has yet to be officially determined
whimsical -resulting from or characterized by whim or caprice - subject to erratic behavior or unpredictable change
ulterior going beyond what is openly said or shown and especially what is proper
constipation abnormally delayed or infrequent passage of usually dry hardened feces
brim an upper or outer edged of a (cavity/container/vessel/natural depression)
actually -in act or in fact -in point of fact -used to suggest something unexpected '
on the contrary as opposed to what one might believe OR as opposed to what has just been stated
otherwise (pronoun) -something or anything else (adverb) -in a different way or manner -in different circumstances -in other respects (apart from previous (remarks/statements/etc.))
without used as a function word to indicate the absence or lack of something or someone
at your earliest convenience (polite) used to suggest that ("time is not of the essence" / one can act whenever they have an (opportunity/chance)) "If you can return my call at your earliest convenience, I would truly appreciate it."
to find the needle in the haystack (figurative expression) to look for one unique object amongst countless other objects that are relatively similar (said object is hard to find and rarely found)
orthodontist a specialist in a branch of dentistry dealing with irregularities of the teeth (such as malocclusion) and their correction (as by braces); also used to denote
cluster a number of similar things that occur or are grouped together; naturally or artificially, such as: -stars and galaxies -houses and buildings -various foods (like candy stuck together) -objects that typically adhere to each other
to group together to take or collect various (items/abstractions ) and, generally, to put them in one (category/space/container/area)
readily available something that is present or ready for immediate use (emphasis on the element of potential for use whenever the need arises)
recognition the action of recognizing : the state of being recognized: such as -acknowledgement (often presented formally) -special notice or attention -perceiving and then realizing past familiarity
succinct marked by compact precise expression without wasted words
in lieu of instead of
backdrop -a painted cloth hung across the rear of a stage -background
pitiful -(adj.) exciting pitying contempt (as by meanness or inadequacy) synonym = pathetic, sad, sorry
to be on one's case to frequently criticize someone or tell someone what to do; induces annoyance, frustration, and/or irritation
allegorical having hidden spiritual meaning that transcends the literal sense of a sacred text
menacing presenting, suggesting, or constituting a menace or threat
crust -the hardened exterior or surface part of bread - a piece of this or of bread grown dry or hard -the pastry shell of a pie -the bready layer that forms the foundation of a pizza -the outer part of a planet -deposit of dried bodily secretion; scab
scab -a crust of hardened blood and serum over a wound -a contemptible person
deplorable -deserving censure or contempt -wretched
epitome -a typical or ideal example -often the example that embodies the (idea/notion/etc.) to the greatest degree "the epitome of ______"
to marginalize to assign to an unimportant or powerless position within a society or group; often by means of legislative action or decision, both directly and indirectly.
prognosis the prospect of recovery as anticipated from the usual course of disease or peculiarities of the case
to glide -to move smoothly, continuously, and effortlessly -to descend gradually in controlled flight
consensus -general agreement -the judgment arrived at by most of those concerned
to kid -to gently criticize or tease (someone) in a friendly or good-humored way -to fail to admit the truth to (someone)
to elope to run away secretly with the intention of getting married usually without parental consent
grumpy (of moods) ill-tempered and irritable
precarious -dependent on chance circumstances, unknown conditions, or uncertain developments -characterized by a lack of security or stability that threatens with danger
AKA (acronym) also known as
to develop -to set forth or make clear by degrees or in detail -to subject (exposed material) especially to chemicals to produce a photograph -to create or produce especially by deliberate effort over time -to make active or promote the growth of (something)
to trespass -to enter unlawfully upon the land of another -to make an unwarranted or uninvited incursion
sure -marked by or given to feelings of confident certainty OR -firmly established; reliable, trustworthy
to wink -to shut one eye briefly as a signal or in teasing -to (send/give(someone)) a wink
to doze off to enter a state of light sleep that may develop into a full-fledged slumber; often unintentionally, characterized by transitions from consciousness to unconsciousness with fitful movements e.g. head falling and perking back up
furnace a structure or apparatus in which heat is generated, such as for heating houses, melting metals, producing steam, or disposal of waste
to forge -to form by heating and hammering; as done by a blacksmith practicing metalurgy -to form or make, especially by concentrated, often collaborative, effort -to make a forgery of (signature/official document); to falsify
to kickstart -(of motorcycles) to start by means of a kick starter, which is a pedal that is kicked downwards -to make (something) active, functional, or productive -to commence some kind of initiative or prolonged event with the end goal of achieving momentum
upcoming -coming up; about to take place, appear, or be presented synonyms = approaching, coming, next (week, month, *not upcoming "day"* which is expressed with tomorrow)
a break from the norm a deviation from the normal way of doing things or the mundane daily life; something different than the usual and often, but not always, unexpected and appreciated
to chime in to add (one's comment or opinion) to a conversation or discussion that one has been listening to or one in which one has been rather passively participating as the listening party
to stick together to remain united or mutually loyal; to continue to support each other
to catch on (of trends, fashions, practices, etc.) to become popular or, not as frequently, to become a norm
to catch on to (something) to understand what is meant or how to do something
precedent an earlier even or action that is regarded as an example or guide to be considered in subsequent similar circumstances
to take a toll on (something/someone) to have a serious, bad effect on someone or something
to simulate to give or assume the appearance or effect of often with the intent to deceive; to create a situation that is meant to resemble a real-life situation, often as accurately as possible
to play pretend to make believe and imagine or dream up situations in a playful manner where the premise is rather loose and improvised (mostly limited to children)
to act (something) out to dramatize something; to think through an idea out loud or to postulate a situation and consider how it might evolve, develop, or resolve itself
to do (something) out of curiosity to do or try (something) as a result of curiosity; almost always not knowing what results may arise and often to see what will happen if said thing is done or tried
to keep (someone) up -(of stimulants) to induce a state of restlessness that renders a person unable to sleep or inclined to stay awake -(of noises) to effectively deter a person from sleeping
at ease -describes a person who is in a comfortable situation, being free from pressure, pain, discomfort -(milit. jargon) standing silently in place with the feet apart and one or both hands behind the body, often an order given
to disconnect -to sever the connection of or between (two things) -to dissociate -to become detached or withdrawn -(colloquial) to withdraw from society often by means of (travel/exercise/leisure)
outright *used colloquially in specific situations -in entirety; completely -on the spot
gregarious -tending to associate with others of one's kind; social "gregarious animals" -marked by or indicating a liking for companionship synonyms = friendly / outgoing -of or relating to a social group -(of a plant) growing in a cluster or a colony
blank (noun) -an empty space; usually on paper -an empty paper, usually a form -a dash substituting for an omitted word "I'm drawing a blank" = I cannot think of the specific thing I want to say. I think know it but I can't think of it right now.
to garner -to gather into storage -to deposit as if in a granary -to acquire by effort "to garner praise"
displacement -the act or process of displacing; the state of being displaced -the volume displaced by a piston in a single stroke -the redirection of an emotion or impulse form its original object to another -substitute one behavior for a better one
flap -(sth) broad, limber, or flat and usually thin and hangs loose or projects freely, such as: --a piece shirt or pants that hangs free --inner part of a book sleeve --flap of an envelope --motion of something broad and limber
unique -being without a like or equal -being the only one -distinctively "This climate is unique to California" -unusual
one-of-a-kind -being unique/different from all others "Bobby, you're a one-of-a-kind gentleman"
quite a few -numerous, more than a few; often used in a manner that is similar to an understatement when referring to very many things of the same sort
understatement -a statement that represents something as smaller or less intense, or less important than it really is
pollution the action or process of making the environment dirty or harmful
to reduce to diminish in size, amount, extent, number; at times, an act of consolidation
driven -having a compulsive or urgent quality -determined to succeed; highly energetic and motivated -propelled or motivated by something
blank (adj.) -devoid of content or a covering -expressionless; appearing or causing to appear dazed, confounded, or nonplussed -of something that has spaces to be filled in
awkward -lacking dexterity or skill -showing the result of a lack of expertness -lacking ease or grace -lacking social grace or assuredness -causing embarrassment
insistent -disposed to insist; persistent -compelling attention
prodigal (noun) -one who has returned after an absence -one who spends or gives lavishly and foolishly (adj.) -characterized by profuse or wasteful expenditure -recklessly -yielding abundantly
lap the act or an instance of traversing a course (such as a racing track or swimming pool) -one segment of a larger unit -one complete turn
to lap -to overtake and thereby lead or increase the lead over (another contestant) by a full circuit of a racecourse -to take in (food or drink) with the tongue -to take in or absorb (something) eagerly or quickly --used with up "to lap up"
expel -to force out -to force to leave (a place, an organization, a school) by official action
sedentary -not migratory -doing or requiring much sitting -not physically active -permanently attached
travesty -a debased, distorted, or grossly inferior imitation -a burlesque translation or literary or artistic imitation usually grotesquely incongruous in style, treatment, or subject matter
supplementary -added or serving as a supplement -being or relating to a supplement or a supplementary angle
litigation the act, process, or practice of settling a dispute in a court of law
blinds something to hinder sight or keep out light, such as: -a window shutter -a roller window shade -window blinds
sizable -fairly large; considerable
projection -the display of motion pictures by projecting an image from them upon the screen -estimate of future possibility -the attribution of one's own ideas, feeling, or attiudes to other people or to objects
tendon -a tough cord/band of dense white fibrous connective tissue that unites a muscle with some other tissue and transmits the force which the muscle exerts
ligament -a tough fibrous band of tissue connecting the articular extremities of bones or supporting an organ in place
hinge -a jointed or flexible device on which a door, lid, or other swinging part turns -a flexible ligamentous joint
knuckle -the joints in the finger, including those that connect the fingers to the hand bones -(most notably, commonly) the joints where the ends of the hand bones meet the ends of the largest finger bones
to intermingle -to coalesce in a social manner -to mingle together; for example at a social function
proverbial -of, relating to, or resembling a proverb -that has become a proverb or 'byword': "the proverbial smoking gun"
Created by: un_insieme
Popular English Vocabulary sets

 

 



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