By Fatskills Exam Guides Team — the exam nerds behind 28,500+ quizzes and 2.1M practice questions across 500+ global exams.
This guide may be very useful for both your IELTS Speaking and Writing tests. Make sure you use them correctly in your writing and pronounce them right during your Speaking Test.
1. MAYBE /ˈmeɪbi/ adverb, noun
COMMON MISTAKE! NOTE: Do not use ‘maybe’ when asked about your preferences! It ruins logic in your answer! For example: Do you like to visit museums? Maybe. (x)
- possibly /ˈpɒsəbli/ adv. - conceivably /kənˈsiːvəb(ə)li/ adv. - perhaps /pə(r)ˈhæps/ adv. - perchance /pə(r)ˈtʃɑːns/ formal, adv. (more suitable for writing) - apparently /əˈpærəntli/ adv. - in all likelihood /ˈlaɪklihʊd/ phr. = almost certainly - in all probability /ˌprɒbəˈbɪləti/ phr. - most likely /məʊst ˈlaɪkli/ phr. - one can assume that… /əˈsjuːm/ phr. - presumably /prɪˈzjuːməbli/ adv. - to all appearances /əˈpɪərənsiz/ phr. - probably /ˈprɒbəbli/ adv. - for all I know = phr. used to emphasize that you do not know something
2. ADVANTAGE VS. DISADVANTAGE /ədˈvɑːntɪdʒ/ vs. /ˌdɪsədˈvɑːntɪdʒ/ noun
NOTE: advantages and disadvantages of sth e.g. There are multiple advantages and disadvantages of studying abroad.
All pairs below can be used instead of advantage/disadvantage:
- reasons for sth vs. reasons against sth /ˈriːz(ə)nz/ - arguments for sth vs. arguments against sth /ˈɑː(r)ɡjʊmənts/ - strengths of sth/to do sth vs. weaknesses of /in sth /streŋθs/ vs. /ˈwiːknəsɪz/ - pluses of sth vs. minuses of sth /plʌsɪz/ vs. /ˈmaɪnəsɪz/ - plus factors of sth vs. minus factors of sth /ˈplʌs fæktə(r)z/ vs. /ˈmaɪnəs fæktə(r)z/ - pros of sth vs. cons of sth /prəʊz/ vs. /kɒnz/ - benefits of sth vs. drawbacks of sth /ˈbenɪfɪts/ vs. /ˈdrɔːˌbæks/ - good points of sth vs. bad points of sth /ˈɡʊd pɔɪnts/ vs. /ˈbæd pɔɪnts/ - profits in sth/doing sth vs. hindrances to sth /ˈprɒfɪts/ vs. /ˈhɪndrənsɪz/ - assets to sth vs. impediments to sth /ˈæsets/ vs. /ɪmˈpedɪmənts/ - conveniences of sth vs. inconveniences of sth /kənˈviːniənsɪz/ vs. /ˌɪnkənˈviːniənsɪz/ - strong points of sth vs. weak points of sth /ˈstrɒŋ pɔɪnts/ vs. /ˈwiːk pɔɪnts/
Words below are to be used separately (not as a pair) and can be used both in singular and plural forms:
Advantage: - blessing of sth /ˈblesɪŋ/ - value of sth /ˈvæljuː/ - plus point of sth /ˈplʌs pɔɪnt/ - virtue of sth/in doing sth /ˈvɜː(r)tʃuː/ - boon to/for sth /buːn/ - fruit of sth /fruːt/ - aid to sth /eɪd/ - gain to sth /ɡeɪn/ - perquisite of sth /ˈpɜː(r)kwɪzɪt/ (formal) - perk of sth /pɜː(r)k/ - pay-off of sth /ˈpeɪɒf/ (informal) - beauty of sth /ˈbjuːti/
Disadvantage: - liability to sth /ˌlaɪəˈbɪləti/ - handicap to/of sth /ˈhændiˌkæp/ - limitation of sth /ˌlɪmɪˈteɪʃ(ə)n/ - disamenity /ˌdɪsəˈmiːnɪti/ (best used at the end of the phrase, e.g. Two main sources of disamenity are tourism and weather.) - flaw in sth /flɔː/ - defect in sth /ˈdiːfekt/ - trouble with sth /ˈtrʌb(ə)l/ - catch in sth /kætʃ/ - disbenefit of/to sth /dɪsˈbɛnɪfɪt/ (formal) - downside of sth /ˈdaʊnˌsaɪd/ (informal) - hang-up in sth /ˈhæŋ ʌp/ (AmE, informal) - weak link in the chain (informal)
3. DELICIOUS /dɪˈlɪʃəs/ adjective
NOTE: You cannot say ‘very delicious’, e.g. French food is very delicious.
Instead say: French food is very tasty.
- tasty /ˈteɪsti/ - palatable /ˈpælətəb(ə)l/ - appetizing /ˈæpəˌtaɪzɪŋ/ - mouth-watering /ˈmaʊθ wɔːtə(r)ɪŋ/ - juicy /ˈdʒuːsi/ - succulent /ˈsʌkjʊlənt/ = tender, juicy and tasty - toothsome /ˈtuːθs(ə)m/ - savoury /ˈseɪvəri/ - tempting /ˈtemptɪŋ/ - melting in the mouth - delectable /dɪˈlektəb(ə)l/ (formal) - nectareous /nekˈtɛːrɪəs/ (formal) - ambrosial /æmˈbrəʊziəl/ (formal) - delish /dɪˈlɪʃ/ (informal) - scrumptious /ˈskrʌmpʃəs/ (informal) = extremely appetizing - yummy /ˈjʌmi/ (informal) - lip-smacking /ˈlɪp smækɪŋ/ (informal) - flavoursome /ˈfleɪvə(r)səm/ - inviting /ɪnˈvaɪtɪŋ/ - very enjoyable /ˈɪnˈdʒɔɪəb(ə)l/ - yum-yum /jʌm ˈjʌm/ (informal) - moreish /ˈmɔːrɪʃ/ (BE, informal) - sapid /ˈsæpɪd/ = having a strong, pleasant taste
4. TO RELAX /rɪˈlæks/ verb
Note: This verb is intransitive, which means you cannot say: Relax yourself/myself! (x) e.g. Jogging relaxes me.
- to rest /rest/ - to unwind /ʌnˈwaɪnd/ - to wind down /waɪnd ˈdaʊn/ - to loosen up /luːs(ə)n ˈʌp/ - to de-stress /diːˈstres/ - to tranquilize /ˈtræŋkwɪlaɪz/ - to unbend /ʌnˈbend/ (informal) - to take things easy - to let your hair down - to put your feet up - to chill (out) /tʃɪl/ (informal) - to veg out /vedʒ ˈaʊt/ - to chillax /tʃɪlˈæks/ (informal) - to ease up /iːzˈʌp/ - to calm down /kɑːm ˈdaʊn/ - to become less tense - to slack off /slækˈɒf/ (informal) - to sit back /sɪt ˈbæk/ - to unbutton /ʌnˈbʌt(ə)n/ - to kick back /kɪkˈbæk/ (AmE, informal)
5. SCHOOL /skuːl/ noun
- college /ˈkɒlɪdʒ/ = after high school - academy /əˈkædəmi/ = place of study in a specific field e.g. a police academy - institute /ˈɪnstɪˌtjuːt/ = an educational organization e.g. the Institute of Social Studies - educational institution /ˌedjʊˈkeɪʃ(ə)nəl ˌɪnstɪˈtjuːʃ(ə)n/ - university /ˌjuːnɪˈvɜː(r)səti/ - alma mater /ˌælmə ˈmɑːtə(r)/ = a school that one once attended
6. A SKILL /skɪl/ noun
- ability to do sth /əˈbɪləti/ - skillfulness of sth /ˈskɪlf(ə)lnes/ - aptitude for sth /ˈæptɪˌtjuːd/ - handiness for sth /ˈhændines/ - adeptness at sth /əˈdeptnəs/ - deftness /ˈdeftnes/ = quick and neat skill - adroitness /əˈdrɔɪtnɪs/ = cleverness or skill - talent for sth /ˈtælənt/ - knack for sth /næk/ - technique for sth /tekˈniːk/ - expertise /ˌekspə(r)ˈtiːz/ = an expert skill in a particular field - expertness /ˈekspɜː(r)tnɪs/ - finesse /fɪˈnes/ = a skill of being able to handle delicate situations - mastery of sth /ˈmɑːstəri/ - artistry /ˈɑː(r)tɪstri/ = a creative skill - competence in sth /ˈkɒmpɪtəns/ - dexterity in sth/with sth /dekˈsterəti/ = a skill in performing tasks, especially with hands - prowess /ˈpraʊes/ = a great skill or ability - capability of doing sth/to do sth /ˌkeɪpəˈbɪləti/ - virtuosity /ˌvɜː(r)tʃʊˈɒsəti/ = a great skill in music or another artistic pursuit - strength /streŋθ/ - skill set /ˈskɪl set/
7. ENVIRONEMNT /ɪnˈvaɪrənmənt/ noun - habitat /ˈhæbɪtæt/ = a natural home of plants and other organisms - territory /ˈterət(ə)ri/ = an area (both physical and mental) - surroundings /səˈraʊndɪŋz/ - environs /ɪnˈvaɪrənz/ = the surrounding area - conditions /kənˈdɪʃ(ə)nz/ - the natural world /ðə ˈnætʃ(ə)rəl wɜː(r)ld/ - nature /ˈneɪtʃə(r)/ - the Earth /ðiː ˈɜː(r)θ/ - the planet /ðə ˈplænɪt/ - the ecosystem /ðiː ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəm/ - the biosphere /ðə ˈbaɪəʊˌsfɪə(r)/ - Mother Nature /ˈmʌðə(r) ˈneɪtʃə(r)/ - wildlife /ˈwaɪldˌlaɪf/ - flora and fauna /ˈflɔːrə ənˈfɔːnə/ - domain /dəʊˈmeɪn/ = a physical area or sphere of knowledge
8. CITY /ˈsɪti/ noun - metropolis /məˈtrɒpəlɪs/ = a capital/chief city of a country or region - town /taʊn/ = smaller than city - conurbation /ˌkɒnɜː(r)ˈbeɪʃ(ə)n/ = an extended urban area - megalopolis /ˌmeɡəˈlɒpəlɪs/ - metropolitan area /ˌmetrəˈpɒlɪt(ə)n ˈeəriə/ - concrete jungle /ˈkɒŋkriːt ˈdʒʌŋɡ(ə)l/ = has high density of modern buildings - urban sprawl /ˈɜː(r)bən sprɔːl/ = an uncontrolled expansion of urban areas - micropolis /maɪkrəʊˈpəlɪs/ = a small city - cosmopolis /ˌkɒzməˈpəlɪs/ = a city occupied by people from many different countries - municipality /mjuːˌnɪsɪˈpæləti/ = a city with local government - metroplex /ˈmetrəʊpleks/ - the big smoke /ðə bɪɡˈsməʊk/ (informal)
9. NOWADAYS /ˈnaʊəˌdeɪz/ adverb - These days, … /ˈðiːz deɪz/ - At the present time, … - In this day and age, … - Currently, … /ˈkʌrəntli/ - Presently, … - In modern times, … - Contemporarily, … - In these times, … - In this present climate, … - In the present circumstances, … - Things being what they are, …
10.LITTLE & FEW /ˈlɪt(ə)l & ˈfjuː/ determiner
NOTE: Remember to use ‘little’ with uncountable nouns, whereas ‘few’ with countable ones.
UN = Uncountable Noun CN = Countable Noun
- hardly any + UN/CN /ˈhɑː(r)dli ˈeni/ - not much + UN /nɒt mʌtʃ/ - slight + CN /slaɪt/ - scant + UN/CN /skænt/ - limited + UN/CN /ˈlɪmɪtɪd/ - minimal + UN /ˈmɪnɪm(ə)l/ - negligible + UN/CN /ˈneɡlɪdʒəb(ə)l/ - scarcely any + UN/CN /ˈskeə(r)sli/ - a small number of + CN /ə smɔːl ˈnʌmbə(r) əv/ - one or two + CN /wʌn ɔː(r)ˈtuː/ - a handful of + CN /ə ˈhæn(d)fʊl əv/ - a couple of + CN /ə ˈkʌp(ə)l əv/ - a bit of + UN /ə ˈbɪt əv/
11. DEVICE /dɪˈvaɪs/ noun - gadget /ˈɡædʒɪt/ = a novel device - implement /ˈɪmplɪmənt/ = a piece of equipment for a particular purpose - utensil /juːˈtens(ə)l/ - tool /tuːl/ - apparatus /ˌæpəˈreɪtəs/ = technical equipment - instrument /ˈɪnstrʊmənt/ - hardware /ˈhɑːd(r)ˌweə(r)/ - machine /məˈʃiːn/ - mechanism /ˈmekəˌnɪz(ə)m/ - equipment /ɪˈkwɪpmənt/ - paraphernalia /ˌpærəfə(r)ˈneɪliə/ - impedimenta /ɪmˌpedɪˈmentə/ - resource /rɪˈzɔː(r)s/ - contrivance /kənˈtraɪv(ə)ns/ = a skilfully created tool - contraption /kənˈtræpʃ(ə)n/ = a complicated and strange machine
12. VILLAGE /ˈvɪlɪdʒ/ noun - hamlet /ˈhæmlət/ = smaller than a village - settlement /ˈset(ə)lmənt/ - little town /ˈlɪt(ə)l ˈtaʊn/ - one-horse town (informal) /wʌnˈhɔː(r)s ˈtaʊn/ - dorp /dɔː(r)p/ - whistle-stop /ˈwɪs(ə)l stɒp/
13. MUCH & MANY /mʌtʃ &ˈmeni/ determiner
NOTE: Remember to use ‘much’ with uncountable nouns, whereas ‘many’ with countable ones. UN = Uncountable Noun CN = Countable Noun
- a lot of/lots of + UN/CN /əˈlɒt əv & ˈlɒts əv/ - a great/large amount of + UN /əˈ ɡreɪt/lɑː(r)dʒ əˈmaʊnt əv/ - plenty of + UN/CN /ˈplenti əv / - ample + UN /ˈæmp(ə)l/ = enough - copious + UN/CN /ˈkəʊpiəs/ - plentiful + UN/CN /ˈplentɪf(ə)l/ - abundant in + UN/CN /əˈbʌndənt/ - considerable + UN/CN /kənˈsɪd(ə)rəb(ə)l/ - numerous + CN /ˈnjuːmərəs/ - a great/good deal of + UN/CN /əˈɡreɪt/ɡʊd diːl əv/ - countless + CN /ˈkaʊntləs/ - innumerable + CN /ɪˈnjuːmərəb(ə)l/ - a multitude of + CN /ə ˈmʌltɪˌtjuːd əv/ - multitudinous + CN /ˌmʌltɪˈtjuːdɪnəs/ - profuse + CN /prəˈfjuːs/ - an abundance of + CN/UN /ən əˈbʌndəns əv/ - several + CN /ˈsev(ə)rəl/ - multiple + CN /ˈmʌltɪp(ə)l/ - substantial + UN/CN /səbˈstænʃ(ə)l/
14. PEOPLE/POPULATION /ˈpiːp(ə)l/ noun - individuals /ˌɪndɪˈvɪdʒuəlz/ - citizens /ˈsɪtɪz(ə)nz/ - masses /ˈmæsɪz/ - community /kəˈmjuːnəti/ - natives /ˈneɪtɪvz/ - denizens /ˈdenɪz(ə)nz/ - society /səˈsaɪəti/ - humans /ˈhjuːmənz/ - residents /ˈrezɪd(ə)nts/ - inhabitants /ɪnˈhæbɪtənts/ - citizenry /ˈsɪtɪz(ə)nri/ can be followed by both singular and plural verb - public /ˈpʌblɪk/ - folks /fəʊks/ - humanity /hjuːˈmænəti/ - persons /ˈpɜː(r)s(ə)ns/ - the human race /ðə ˈhjuːmən reɪs/ - mortals /ˈmɔː(r)t(ə)ls/
15. TO INCREASE /ɪnˈkriːs/ verb (ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT FOR WRITING TASK 1)
NOTE: You can also use this phrase: on the increase. e.g. The numbers of tourists visiting England every year are on the increase.
Get it right: increase (n.) Don't use increase of when you want to say what is increasing.
Use increase in: (x) Is death penalty connected with the increase of conservative judges? ()Is death penalty connected with the increase in conservative judges? Use increase of with a number or percentage when you want to talk about the amount by which something increases. There has been an increase of nearly 20% in spending on public safety.
- to grow /ɡrəʊ/ - to get larger /lɑː(r)dʒə/ - to rise /raɪz/ - to escalate /ˈeskəleɪt/ = to increase rapidly - to rocket /ˈrɒkɪt/ = to increase very rapidly and suddenly - to intensify /ɪnˈtensɪfaɪ/ - to spread /spred/ = used most often with an area - to mount up /maʊnt ˈʌp/ = to grow more numerous or larger - to enlarge /ɪnˈlɑː(r)dʒ/ - to expand /ɪkˈspænd/ - to climb /klaɪm/ - to soar /sɔː(r)/ = increase rapidly above the usual level - to shoot up /ʃuːtˈʌp/ = to rise suddenly - to extend /ɪkˈstend/ - to multiply /ˈmʌltɪplaɪ/ - to pile up /paɪlˈʌp/ - to accumulate /əˈkjuːmjʊleɪt/ - to inflate /ɪnˈfleɪt/ - to magnify /ˈmæɡnɪfaɪ/ - to amplify /ˈæmplɪˌfaɪ/ - to become greater /bɪˈkʌm ˈɡreɪtə/ - to advance /ədˈvɑːns/ - to swell /swel/ - to proliferate /prəˈlɪfəreɪt/ = to increase rapidly in numbers - to go through the roof (informal) - to boost /buːst/ - to enhance /ɪnˈhɑːns/ - to widen /ˈwaɪd(ə)n/ - to hike up /haɪkˈʌp/ (informal)
16. TO DECREASE /diːˈkriːs/ verb (ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT FOR WRITING TASK 1) NOTE: Get it right: decrease (n.) Don't use decrease of when you want to talk about what is decreasing.
Use decrease in: (x) The programme has not led to the expected decrease of crime. () The programme has not led to the expected decrease in crime.
Use decrease of with a number or percentage, when you want to talk about the amount by which something decreases: These graphs show a decrease of 15 per cent over the past year.
- to lessen /ˈles(ə)n/ - to reduce /rɪˈdjuːs/ - to drop /drɒp/ - to diminish /dɪˈmɪnɪʃ/ - to decline /dɪˈklaɪn/ - to dwindle /ˈdwɪnd(ə)l/ = to decrease gradually - to abate /əˈbeɪt/ = to become smaller or less intense - to subside /səbˈsaɪd/ - to ebb /eb/ = to lessen gradually - to plummet /ˈplʌmɪt/ = to decrease rapidly - to plunge /plʌndʒ/ = to fall suddenly - to cut down /kʌt ˈdaʊn/ - to curtail /kɜː(r)ˈteɪl/ = to reduce in extent or quantity - to deplete /dɪˈpliːt/ = to use up (resources, supply) - to minimize /ˈmɪnɪmaɪz/ - to become less /bɪˈkʌm ˈles/ - to go down /ɡəʊ ˈdaʊn/ - to slide /slaɪd/ - to shrink /ʃrɪŋk/ - to trim /trɪm/ - to wane /weɪn/ (neg. in meaning) = to decrease in power - to die down /daɪˈdaʊn/ - to slump (informal) /slʌmp/ = to decline substantially
17. NUTRITIOUS /njuːˈtrɪʃəs/ adjective - full of nutrients /fʊl əv ˈnjuːtriənts/ - nutritive /ˈnjuːtrətɪv/ - healthful /ˈhelθfl/ - sustaining /səˈsteɪnɪŋ/ - nourishing /ˈnʌrɪʃɪŋ/ - wholesome /ˈhəʊls(ə)m/ - health-giving /ˈhelθ ɡɪvɪŋ/ - beneficial /ˌbenɪˈfɪʃ(ə)l/ - substantial /səbˈstænʃ(ə)l/ - invigorating /ɪnˈvɪɡəˌreɪtɪŋ/ - strengthening /ˈstreŋθ(ə)nɪŋ/
18. LATEST /ˈleɪtɪst/ adjective - most recent /məʊst ˈriːs(ə)nt/ - newest /ˈnjuːwest/ - just released /dʒʌst rɪˈliːst/ - up-to-the-minute /ʌp tə ðə ˈmɪnɪt/ - up-to-date /ʌp tə ˈdeɪt/ - state-of-the-art /steɪt əv ðə ˈɑː(r)t/ - current /ˈkʌrənt/ - contemporary /kənˈtemp(ə)r(ə)ri/ - fashionable /ˈfæʃ(ə)nəb(ə)l/ - in fashion /ɪnˈfæʃ(ə)n/ - in vogue /ɪnˈvəʊɡ/ - trendy /ˈtrendi/ - modern /ˈmɒdə(r)n/ - space-age /ˈspeɪs eɪdʒ/ = very modern, technologically advanced - hip /hɪp/ = following the latest fashion (clothes, music) - ahead of its time /əˈhed əv ɪts ˈtaɪm/ - just out /dʒʌst ˈaʊt/ - hot /hɒt/
19. PHENOMENON /fəˈnɒmɪnən/ noun - occurrence /əˈkʌrəns/ - happening /ˈhæp(ə)nɪŋ/ - situation /ˌsɪtʃuˈeɪʃ(ə)n/ - circumstance /ˈsɜː(r)kəmstəns/ - case /keɪs/ - status quo /ˌsteɪtəs ˈkwəʊ/ - event /ɪˈvent/ - incident /ˈɪnsɪd(ə)nt/ - episode /ˈepɪsəʊd/ - fact /fækt/ - occasion /əˈkeɪʒ(ə)n/ - state of affairs /steɪt əv əˈfeə(r)z/
20. CONVENIENT /kənˈviːniənt/ adjective - nearby /ˌnɪə(r)ˈbaɪ/ = not far away - suitable /ˈsuːtəb(ə)l/ = appropriate for sb or sth - appropriate /əˈprəʊpriət/ - fitting /ˈfɪtɪŋ/ = meeting the standard required - suited /ˈsuːtɪd/ - timely /ˈtaɪmli/ = opportune - favourable /ˈfeɪv(ə)rəb(ə)l/ - well situated /wel ˈsɪtʃueɪtɪd/ = of a place - handy /ˈhændi/ - practical /ˈpræktɪk(ə)l/ - easy-to-use /ˈiːzi tə ˈjuːz - well-designed /wel ˈdɪˈzaɪnd/ - user-friendly /ˈjuːzə(r)ˈfren(d)li/ - user-oriented /ˈjuːzə(r) ˈɔːrientɪd/ - functional /ˈfʌŋkʃ(ə)nəl/ - serviceable /ˈsɜː(r)vɪsəb(ə)l/ - at hand /ət ˈhænd/ - within reach /wɪðˈɪn ˈriːtʃ/ = nearby - accessible /əkˈsesəb(ə)l/ = able to be reached - at your disposal /ət jə(r) dɪˈspəʊz(ə)l/ - useful /ˈjuːsf(ə)l/ - labour-saving /ˈleɪbə(r) ˈseɪvɪŋ/ - opportune /ˈɒpə(r)tjuːn/ - expedient /ɪkˈspiːdiənt/ = convenient and practical (but might be immoral) - at you fingertips (informal) - just round the corner (informal) = nearby
21. GAP & DIFFERENCE /ɡæp/ & /ˈdɪfrəns/ noun - chasm between A & B /ˈkæz(ə)m/ - split between A & B/in sth /splɪt/ - contrast between A & B/to sth /ˈkɒntrɑːst/ - disparity between A & B /dɪˈspærəti/ = a great difference - divergence of sth /daɪˈvɜː(r)dʒ(ə)ns/ = conflict in opinions, interests etc. - imbalance of sth /ɪmˈbæləns/ = a lack of proportion - dissimilarity between A & B /dɪˌsɪmɪˈlærəti/ - distinction between A & B /dɪˈstɪŋkʃ(ə)n/ - variation of sth /ˌveərɪˈeɪʃ(ə)n/ = a different version of sth - polarity between A & B /pəʊˈlærəti/ = a contradiction - contradistinction /ˌkɒntrədɪˈstɪŋkʃ(ə)n/ = A is in contradistinction to B - unlikeness to/from sth /ənˈlaɪknəs/ - discrepancy between sth /dɪsˈkrepənsi/ - clash of A & B /klæʃ/
22. DATA & INFORMATION /ˈdeɪtə/ & /ˌɪnfə(r)ˈmeɪʃ(ə)n/ noun (ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT FOR WRITING TASK 1) - details /ˈdiːteɪlz/ - particulars /pə(r)ˈtɪkjʊlə(r)z/ - facts /fækts/ - figures /ˈfɪɡə(r)z/ - statistics /stəˈtɪstɪks/ - specifics /spəˈsɪfɪks/ - material /məˈtɪəriəl/ - input /ˈɪnpʊt/ - features /ˈfiːtʃə(r)z/
23. NUMBER /ˈnʌmbə(r)/ noun (ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT FOR WRITING TASK 1) - numeral /ˈnjuːmərəl/ - figure /ˈfɪɡə(r)/ - digit /ˈdɪdʒɪt/ - unit /ˈjuːnɪt/ - tally (a tally of = total) /ˈtæli/ - group /ɡruːp/ - statistics /stəˈtɪstɪks/ - sum /sʌm/ - count /kaʊnt/
24. TO IMPROVE /ɪmˈpruːv/ verb (Noun 1 improves Noun 2) - to make sth better - to better /ˈbetə(r)/ - to boost /buːst/ - to ameliorate /əˈmiːliəreɪt/ - to amend /əˈmend/ - to refine /rɪˈfaɪn/ = to improve by making small changes - to augment /ɔːɡˈment/ - to remedy /ˈremədi/ - to enhance /ɪnˈhɑːns/ - to correct /kəˈrekt/ - to enrich /ɪnˈrɪtʃ/ - to revitalize /riːˈvaɪtəlaɪz/ = to imbue with vitality - to redeem /rɪˈdiːm/ - to optimize /ˈɒptɪmaɪz/ - to perfect /pə(r)ˈfekt/ - to polish /ˈpɒlɪʃ/ - to touch sth up /tʌtʃ ˈʌp/ - to mend /mend/ - to revamp /ˌriːˈvæmp/ = to give sth a new form, appearance - to advance /ədˈvɑːns/ - to make headway /meɪk ˈhedˌweɪ/ = to make progress - to perk up (informal) /pɜː(r)kˈʌp/ - to give a facelift to (informal) - to do up (informal) - to fix up (informal)
25. THE PERIOD OF A & B /ˈpɪəriəd/ time phrase
(ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT FOR WRITING TASK 1) - the time of + how many years, months, days /taɪm/ - the stretch of + how many years, months, days /stretʃ/ - the duration of + how long /djʊˈreɪʃ(ə)n/ - the period from A to B /ˈpɪəriəd/ - from A to B - decade (10 years) /ˈdekeɪd/ - the span of + how long /spæn/ - the session of + how long /ˈseʃ(ə)n/ - the cycle of + how long /ˈsaɪk(ə)l/ - over + how many + year period - between A and B
26. PROBLEM /ˈprɒbləm/ noun - difficulty /ˈdɪfɪk(ə)lti/ - trouble /ˈtrʌb(ə)l/ - complication /ˌkɒmplɪˈkeɪʃ(ə)n/ - difficult situation /ˈdɪfɪk(ə)lt ˌsɪtʃuˈeɪʃ(ə)n/ - snag (informal) /snæɡ/ - drawback /ˈdrɔːˌbæk/ - stumbling block /ˈstʌmb(ə)lɪŋ blɒk/ - obstacle /ˈɒbstək(ə)l/ - hurdle /ˈhɜː(r)d(ə)l/ - hiccup /ˈhɪkʌp/ - setback /ˈsetˌbæk/ - predicament /priˈdɪkəmənt/ - plight /plaɪt/ - mishap /ˈmɪsˌhæp/ (informal) - dilemma /dɪˈlemə/ - quandary /ˈkwɒndəri/ = to be in a quandary - hassle /ˈhæs(ə)l/ (informal) - pickle /ˈpɪk(ə)l/ (informal) - tight spot /taɪt ˈspɒt/ (informal) - dire straits /ˈdaɪə(r) streɪts/ (informal) = to be in dire straits - catch-22 situation (informal) - conundrum /kəˈnʌndrəm/
27. A KIND OF /kaɪnd/ phrase - a sort of /sɔː(r)t/ - a type of /taɪp/ - a variety of /vəˈraɪəti/ - a class of /klɑːs/ - a category of /ˈkætəɡ(ə)ri/ - of this/his etc. ilk /ɪlk/
28. TO CAUSE /kɔːz/ verb - to bring about /brɪŋ əˈbaʊt/ - to give rise to /ɡɪvˈraɪz tə/ - to lead to /liːd/ - to result in /rɪˈzʌltɪn/ - to create /kriˈeɪt/ - to generate /ˈdʒenəreɪt/ - to bring on /brɪŋ ˈɒn/ - to precipitate /prɪˈsɪpɪteɪt/ - to promote /prəˈməʊt/ - to foster /ˈfɒstə(r)/ - to prompt /prɒmpt/ - to provoke /prəˈvəʊk/ - to trigger /ˈtrɪɡə(r)/ - to make sth happen /meɪk ˈhæpən/ - to induce /ɪnˈdjuːs/ - to form /fɔː(r)m/
29. TREND /trend/ noun
(ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT FOR WRITING TASK 1)
- tendency in + place/to do sth /ˈtendənsi/ - current of sth /ˈkʌrənt/ - variability /ˌveəriəˈbɪlɪtɪ/ - direction /daɪˈrekʃ(ə)n/ - orientation /ˌɔːriənˈteɪʃ(ə)n/ - flow /fləʊ/ - drift /drɪft/ - inclination for/to/towards sth /ˌɪŋklɪˈneɪʃ(ə)n/
30. OPPORTUNITY /ˌɒpə(r)ˈtjuːnəti/ noun - chance of sth/to do sth /tʃɑːns/ - right set of circumstances /raɪt setəv ˈsɜː(r)kəmstənsɪz/ - occasion for sth /əˈkeɪʒ(ə)n/ - opening for sth /ˈəʊp(ə)nɪŋ/ - window of opportunity /ˈwɪndəʊ əvˌɒpə(r)ˈtjuːnəti/ - possibility of sth /ˌpɒsəˈbɪləti/ - scope for sth /skəʊp/ - break in sth /breɪk/ (informal)
31. RULE /ruːl/ noun - regulation /ˌreɡjʊˈleɪʃ(ə)n/ - directive /daɪˈrektɪv/ = an official instruction - canon /ˈkænən/ = a general law, rule - fiat /ˈfiːæt/ = a decree - stipulation /ˌstɪpjʊˈleɪʃ(ə)n/ = a condition needed for an agreement - guidelines /ˈɡaɪdˌlaɪnz/ - principle /ˈprɪnsəp(ə)l/ - standard /ˈstændə(r)d/ - law /lɔː/ - ordinance /ˈɔː(r)dɪnəns/ = a decree - commandment /kəˈmɑːn(d)mənt/ = a divine rule to be observed strictly - restriction /rɪˈstrɪkʃ(ə)n/ - tenet /ˈtenɪt/ = in religion or philosophy - axiom /ˈæksiəm/ = an established truth - criterion /kraɪˈtɪəriən/
32. CLOTHES /kləʊðz/ noun - clothing /ˈkləʊðɪŋ/ - apparel /əˈpærəl/ = usually unusual or formal clothes - attire /əˈtaɪə(r)/ - dress /dres/ - garments /ˈɡɑː(r)mənts/ - outfit /ˈaʊtfɪt/= a set of clothes worn together - raiment /ˈreɪmənt/ (formal) - wardrobe /ˈwɔː(r)drəʊb/ = all clothes one has - gear /ɡɪə(r)/ (informal)
33. WORK /wɜː(r)k/ noun Meaning ‘occupation, job’:
- employment /ɪmˈplɔɪmənt/ = work that you are paid for regularly - profession /prəˈfeʃ(ə)n/ = a job that you need special qualifications to do - trade /treɪd/ = a job you are trained to do - career /kəˈrɪə(r)/ - calling /ˈkɔːlɪŋ/ = a job that you consider important - vocation /vəʊˈkeɪʃ(ə)n/ = a job that you do because you feel it is your purpose in life - pursuit /pə(r)ˈsjuːt/ = an activity you enjoy - field /fiːld/ = a type of work that you do - line of business - metier /ˈmetieɪ/ = a type of work that you are good at - livelihood /ˈlaɪvlihʊd/ = sth you do that provides money - craft /krɑːft/ = a skill you need for a particular profession - workmanship /ˈwɜː(r)kmənʃɪp/ = the skill you use in making sth - call /kɔːl/ = a strong feeling of wanting to do sth, esp. as a career - gig /ɡɪɡ/ = a piece of work you do for money, esp. if you’re self-employed - post /pəʊst/ = a job, esp. with a lot of responsibility
Meaning ‘task to do’: - assignment /əˈsaɪnmənt/ - undertaking /ˈʌndə(r)ˌteɪkɪŋ/ = a difficult task - job /dʒɒb/ - chore /tʃɔː(r)/ = an ordinary job done regularly - responsibility /rɪˌspɒnsəˈbɪləti/ - duty /ˈdjuːti/ - mission /ˈmɪʃ(ə)n/ = an important task - service /ˈsɜː(r)vɪs/ = duties done for sb - labour /ˈleɪbə(r)/ - effort /ˈefə(r)t/ - toil /tɔɪl/ = a very hard work, esp. physical work - heavy lifting (informal) /ˈhevi ˈlɪftɪŋ/ = difficult work that needs a lot of effort - challenge /ˈtʃæləndʒ/ = sth that needs a lot of skill, energy and determination to deal with
34. TO WORK /wɜː(r)k/ verb
Meaning ‘to be employed’: - to be employed - to have a job - to earn a living - to collaborate /kəˈlæbəreɪt/ = to work with sb in order to produce sth - to volunteer /ˌvɒlənˈtɪə(r)/= to do some work without getting paid - to be your own boss = to work for yourself
Meaning ‘to labour’: - to toil /tɔɪl/ = to work hard doing sth difficult, esp. physical work - to labour /ˈleɪbə(r)/ - to exert yourself /ɪɡˈzɜː(r)t/ = to use a lot of physical or mental effort - to drudge /drʌdʒ/ = to do boring work - to slave /sleɪv/ = to be forced to work - to slog /slɒɡ/ (informal) = to do difficult or boring job, for a long time - to peg away /peɡ/ (informal) = to do something with determination - to boil the ocean (informal) = to try to do sth very difficult - to strive /straɪv/ = to make a lot of effort to achieve sth
35. TO HELP /help/ verb (Meaning: sth helps sth else) - to aid /eɪd/ - to support /səˈpɔː(r)t/ - to assist /əˈsɪst/ - to be of assistance /əˈsɪst(ə)ns/ - to do sth for - to be of use - to guide /ɡaɪd/ - to cooperate /kəʊˈɒpəreɪt/ = to work with - to back /bæk/ - to contribute to /kənˈtrɪbjuːt/ - to promote /prəˈməʊt/ = to support sth - to boost /buːst/ - to give a boost to - to relieve /rɪˈliːv/ = used specially for pain - to alleviate /əˈliːvieɪt/ (formal) - to assuage /əˈsweɪdʒ/ = to make an unpleasant feeling less severe - to lessen /ˈles(ə)n/ - to remedy /ˈremədi/ = to solve sth - to ameliorate /əˈmiːliəreɪt/ (formal) = to improve sth - to mitigate /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/ (formal) = to reduce harmful effects of sth
36. KNOWLEDGE /ˈnɒlɪdʒ/ noun - comprehension of sth /ˌkɒmprɪˈhenʃ(ə)n/ = the ability to understand sth - grasp of sth /ɡrɑːsp/ - command of sth /kəˈmɑːnd/ = often used for languages - mastery of sth /ˈmɑːstəri/ = often used for languages - expertise in sth /ˌekspə(r)ˈtiːz/ = special knowledge you get from experience, training or study - learning sth /ˈlɜː(r)nɪŋ/ = the process of gaining knowledge - erudition /ˌerʊˈdɪʃ(ə)n/ (formal) = great knowledge gained through reading or studying - education /ˌedjʊˈkeɪʃ(ə)n/ - wisdom /ˈwɪzdəm/ = knowledge gained over a long period - cognition /kɒɡˈnɪʃ(ə)n/ (formal) = the process of understanding things - familiarity with sth /fəˌmɪlɪˈærəti/ = knowledge of sth because you have learnt or experienced it before - schooling /ˈskuːlɪŋ/ = the education you get at school - knowhow (informal) = knowledge needed to do sth, esp. practical - discernment /dɪˈsɜː(r)nmənt/ = the ability to make good judgments about art, music or books - proficiency in sth /prəˈfɪʃ(ə)nsi/ = a high degree of ability - savoir-faire /ˌsævwɑː(r) ˈfeə(r)/ = the ability to behave correctly, esp. in a social situation
37. HOLIDAY /ˈhɒlɪdeɪ/ noun
Meaning ‘vacation’ (AmE): - trip /trɪp/ - leave (UN) /liːv/ = to be on leave - leave of absence /ˈæbs(ə)ns/ - time off - day off - break from sth /breɪk/ - awayday - rest - furlough /ˈfɜː(r)ləʊ/ = when you are allowed to be away from a job or the army - sickie /ˈsɪki/ (BrE) = a day when you say you are ill because you do not want to go to work - respite from sth /ˈrespaɪt/ = a short period of rest from a difficult or unpleasant situation - sojourn /ˈsɒdʒə(r)n/ (formal) = when you stay in a place that is not your home - getaway /ˈɡetəˌweɪ/ (informal) = a short holiday - (take) French leave = time away from your job without asking for permission
Meaning ‘a national holiday’: - festival /ˈfestɪv(ə)l/ - public holiday - bank holiday - legal holiday - feast day /fiːst/ - celebration of sth /ˌseləˈbreɪʃ(ə)n/ - holy day = related to religion, e.g. Sunday
38. CULTURE /ˈkʌltʃə(r)/ noun - intellectual achievement /ˌɪntəˈlektʃuəl əˈtʃiːvmənts/ - cultivation of sth /ˌkʌltɪˈveɪʃ(ə)n/ - good taste /ɡʊdˈteɪst/ = the ability to judge if sth is good or bad - sophistication of sth /səˌfɪstɪˈkeɪʃ(ə)n/ = high quality culture - civilization /ˌsɪvəlaɪˈzeɪʃ(ə)n/ - way of life - customs /ˈkʌstəmz/ - traditions /trəˈdɪʃ(ə)nz/ - heritage /ˈherɪtɪdʒ/ - mores /ˈmɔːreɪz/ (formal) = traditional practices and values - inheritance /ɪnˈherɪt(ə)ns/ - background /ˈbækˌɡraʊnd/ - ancestry /ˈænsestri/ - heredity /həˈredəti/ = the genetic process by which characteristics are passed on - lifestyle /ˈlaɪfˌstaɪl/ - habits /ˈhæbɪts/ - the spirit of the times/age = the ideas, beliefs of a particular period of time
39. TO PREVENT /prɪˈvent/ verb - to stop sth /stɒp/ - to put a stop to sth - to avert sth /əˈvɜː(r)t/ = to prevent sth bad from happening - to avoid sth /əˈvɔɪd/ - to keep from sth - to halt sth /hɔːlt/ - to fend off sth /fend/ = to protect from sth negative - to ward off sth /wɔː(r)d/ - to hinder sth /ˈhɪndə(r)/ - to hamper sth /ˈhæmpə(r)/ - to obstruct sth /əbˈstrʌkt/ - to foil sth /fɔɪl/ - to counteract sth /ˌkaʊntərˈækt/ = to reduce the negative effect of sth by doing sth positive - to inhibit sth /ɪnˈhɪbɪt/ - to preclude sth /prɪˈkluːd/ (formal) - to prohibit sth /prəʊˈhɪbɪt/ - to debar sth /dɪˈbɑː(r)/ = to prevent officially - to stave off sth /steɪv/ - to thwart sb /θwɔː(r)t/ = to prevent sb from doing sth they want to do - to restrain sth/sb from sth/sb /rɪˈstreɪn/ - to impede sth /ɪmˈpiːd/ - to block sth /blɒk/ - to obviate sth /ˈɒbvieɪt/ (formal) = to get rid of sth - to interfere with sth /ˌɪntə(r)ˈfɪə(r)/ - to head off sth = to prevent sth from taking place - to squash sth /skwɒʃ/ - to knock sth on the head (informal) - to get in the way of sth (informal)
40. TO GRADUATE /ˈɡrædʒueɪt/ verb - to pass your final exams /pɑːs/ - to qualify as + profession /ˈkwɒlɪfaɪ/ - to complete one’s studies - to get one’s diploma /dɪˈpləʊmə/ - to get one’s degree - to certify /ˈsɜː(r)tɪfaɪ/
41. THING (SOMETHING) /θɪŋ/ noun - characteristic of sth /ˌkærɪktəˈrɪstɪk/ - attribute of sth/sb /ˈætrɪˌbjuːt/ - trait /treɪt/ - feature /ˈfiːtʃə(r)/ - point /pɔɪnt/ - aspect /ˈæspekt/ - facet of sth /ˈfæsɪt/ - side /saɪd/ - particular /pə(r)ˈtɪkjʊlə(r)/ - angle /ˈæŋɡ(ə)l/ - factor /ˈfæktə(r)/ - notion /ˈnəʊʃ(ə)n/ - element /ˈelɪmənt/
42. TO CONSIST OF STH /kənˈsɪstəv/verb
- to be composed of /kəmˈpəʊzd/ - to include sth /ɪnˈkluːd/ - to contain sth /kənˈteɪn/ - to take in sth - to incorporate sth /ɪnˈkɔː(r)pəreɪt/ - to embody sth /ɪmˈbɒdi/ - to involve sth /ɪnˈvɒlv/ - to encompass sth /ɪnˈkʌmpəs/ - to cover sth /ˈkʌvə(r)/ - to embrace sth /ɪmˈbreɪs/ (formal) - to be made up of - to be formed of
43. RICH /rɪtʃ/ adjective - wealthy /ˈwelθi/ - affluent /ˈæfluːənt/ = rich enough to buy things for pleasure - well-off (informal) - well-to-do = rich and belonging to an upper class family - prosperous /ˈprɒsp(ə)rəs/ = rich and successful - opulent /ˈɒpjʊlənt/ (formal) = used for things, e.g. opulent surroundings - comfortably off - moneyed /ˈmʌnid/ - well-heeled /ˌwel ˈhiːld/ (informal) - made of money (informal) - rolling in it (informal) - loaded /ˈləʊdɪd/ (informal) - filthy rich /ˈfɪlθi rɪtʃ/ (informal) - stinking rich (informal) - nouveau riche /ˌnuːvəʊ ˈriːʃ/ = became rich recently
44. POOR /pɔː(r)/ or /pʊə(r)/ adjective - impoverished /ɪmˈpɒvərɪʃt/ - poverty-stricken /ˈpɒvə(r)ti ˈstrɪkən/ - badly off - in need - hard-up - bankrupt /ˈbæŋkrʌpt/ - penniless /ˈpenɪləs/ - as poor as a church mouse - without means - destitute /ˈdestɪtjuːt/ - deprived /dɪˈpraɪvd/ = not having things essential for a comfortable life - underprivileged /ˌʌndə(r)ˈprɪvəlɪdʒd/ = not having as many opportunities as others - disadvantaged /ˌdɪsədˈvɑːntɪdʒd/ - lowly /ˈləʊli/ = with a low material status - needy /ˈniːdi/ - penurious /pəˈnjʊəriəs/ (formal) = extremely poor - impecunious /ˌɪmpɪˈkjuːniəs/ (formal) - indigent /ˈɪndɪdʒ(ə)nt/ (formal) - dirt-poor (informal) - broke /brəʊk/ (informal) - flat broke (informal) - skint /skɪnt/ (BrE, informal) - strapped for cash (informal) - not having a penny to your name (informal) - on the breadline /ˈbredˌlaɪn/ (BrE, informal) - moneyless - unable to make ends meet - pauperized /ˈpɔːpəraɪzd/
45. PART /pɑː(r)t/ noun
(ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT FOR WRITING TASK 1) - slice of sth /slaɪs/ - piece of sth /piːs/ - fragment of sth /ˈfræɡmənt/ - portion of sth /ˈpɔː(r)ʃ(ə)n/ - fraction of sth /ˈfrækʃ(ə)n/ - proportion of sth /prəˈpɔː(r)ʃ(ə)n/ - component of sth /kəmˈpəʊnənt/ - element of sth /ˈelɪmənt/ - bit of sth /bɪt/ - constituent of sth /kənˈstɪtjʊənt/ - section of sth /ˈsekʃ(ə)n/ - division of sth /dɪˈvɪʒ(ə)n/ - module of sth /ˈmɒdjuːl/ - factor in sth /ˈfæktə(r)/ - aspect of sth /ˈæspekt/ - facet of sth /ˈfæsɪt/ - particle of sth /ˈpɑː(r)tɪk(ə)l/ - scrap of sth /skræp/ = a small part - share in sth/of sth /ʃeə(r)/ - branch of sth /brɑːntʃ/
46. TO PROTECT /prəˈtekt/ verb - to safeguard /ˈseɪfˌɡɑː(r)d/ - to keep sth/sb safe - to keep sth/sb from harm - to preserve /prɪˈzɜː(r)v/ - to shield /ʃiːld/ - to insulate /ˈɪnsjʊleɪt/ - to hedge /hedʒ/ = to protect yourself from risks involving money - to shelter /ˈʃeltə(r)/ - to secure /sɪˈkjʊə(r)/ - to watch over - to inoculate /ɪˈnɒkjʊleɪt/ = to protect sb against a particular disease - to screen sth from sth /skriːn/ = to hide sth/sb by being in front of them - to harbour /ˈhɑː(r)bə(r)/
47. FAMOUS /ˈfeɪməs/ adjective - well-known - celebrated for sth /ˈseləˌbreɪtɪd/ - renowned as/for doing sth /rɪˈnaʊnd/ - fabled /ˈfeɪb(ə)ld/ = famous because of being extremely good, beautiful or interesting - legendary /ˈledʒ(ə)nd(ə)ri/ = famous for a long time - notorious /nəʊˈtɔːriəs/ = famous for sth bad - infamous /ˈɪnfəməs/ = famous for sth bad - illustrious /ɪˈlʌstriəs/ = famous because of what they have achieved - the one and only = used for introducing a famous person - acclaimed /əˈkleɪmd/ = publicly written and talked about in an admiring way - world-famous - noted /ˈnəʊtɪd/ - distinguished /dɪˈstɪŋɡwɪʃt/ - eminent /ˈemɪnənt/ - honoured /ˈɒnə(r)d/ - esteemed /ɪˈstiːmd/ - glorious /ˈɡlɔːriəs/ - prominent /ˈprɒmɪnənt/ = important and well-known - venerable /ˈven(ə)rəb(ə)l/ = very old, wise and respected - your name on everyone’s lips - having (made) a name for yourself
48. TO SHOW /ʃəʊ/ verb
(ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT FOR WRITING TASK 1) - to illustrate /ˈɪləstreɪt/ - to depict /dɪˈpɪkt/ - to display /dɪˈspleɪ/ - to present /prɪˈzent/ - to exhibit /ɪɡˈzɪbɪt/ - to uncover /ʌnˈkʌvə(r)/ - to demonstrate /ˈdemənˌstreɪt/ - it is visible/clear/obvious from… that /ˈvɪzəb(ə)l/klɪə(r)/ˈɒbviəs/ - to reveal /rɪˈviːl/ - to disclose /dɪsˈkləʊz/ - to divulge /daɪˈvʌldʒ/ - to make sth clear - to manifest /ˈmænɪfest/ (formal)
49. TO STUDY /ˈstʌdi/ verb - to cram (for an exam) /kræm/ - to learn /lɜː(r)n/ - to be taught - to investigate /ɪnˈvestɪɡeɪt/ = to try to get detailed information - to inquire into /ɪnˈkwaɪə(r)/ - to research /rɪˈsɜː(r)tʃ/ or /ˈriːsɜː(r)tʃ/ - to look into - to analyse /ˈænəlaɪz/ - to examine /ɪɡˈzæmɪn/ - to explore /ɪkˈsplɔː(r)/ - to review /rɪˈvjuː/ - to train /treɪn/ - to revise /rɪˈvaɪz/ = to read and learn information that you have studied in order to prepare for an exam - to read up on/about sth = to get information on a particular subject by reading a lot about it - to major in sth /ˈmeɪdʒə(r)/ = to study sth as your main subject at college or university - to scrutinize /ˈskruːtɪnaɪz/ = to examine sth very carefully - to peruse /pəˈruːz/ = to read sth - to pore over sth /pɔːrˈəʊvə(r)/ = to examine sth very carefully and in a lot of detail - to contemplate /ˈkɒntəmˌpleɪt/ - to ponder /ˈpɒndə(r)/ - to deliberate /dɪˈlɪbəreɪt/ = to think about or discuss sth very carefully - to swot /swɒt/ (informal) = to study hard, esp. before an exam - to mug up on sth (informal) = to quickly learn sth or check that you know it - to bone up (informal) = to study hard in order to prepare for a test, meeting etc.
50. STUDENT /ˈstjuːd(ə)nt/ noun - scholar /ˈskɒlə(r)/ = sb who studies a particular subject and knows a lot about it - undergraduate /ˌʌndə(r)ˈɡrædʒʊət/ - graduate /ˈɡrædʒuət/ (AmE) = sb still studying after receiving a first university degree - postgrad /ˈpəʊstˌɡræd/ (BrE) = a postgraduate - grad student - pupil /ˈpjuːp(ə)l/ - schoolchild /ˈskuːlˌtʃaɪld/ - novice /ˈnɒvɪs/ = sb who is beginning to learn a skill or subject - alumnus /əˈlʌmnəs/ = sb who was a student at a particular school, college or university - fresher /ˈfreʃə(r)/ (BrE) = a student in their first year at university - freshman /ˈfreʃmən/ (AmE) = a student in their first year at university - sophomore /ˈsɒfəˌmɔː(r)/ (AmE) = a student in the second year of a US college or high school - senior /ˈsiːniə(r)/ (AmE) = a student in the last year of high school or university - schoolboy /ˈskuːlˌbɔɪ/ - schoolgirl /ˈskuːlˌɡɜː(r)l/ - disciple /dɪˈsaɪp(ə)l/ - learner /ˈlɜː(r)nə(r)/ - trainee /ˌtreɪˈniː/ - apprentice /əˈprentɪs/ = sb who works for a particular person or company in order to learn
51. DIFFERENT /ˈdɪfrənt/ adjective - dissimilar /dɪˈsɪmɪlə(r)/ - unlike /ʌnˈlaɪk/ - contrasting /kənˈtrɑːstɪŋ/ - contrastive /kənˈtrɑːstɪv/ - divergent /daɪˈvɜː(r)dʒ(ə)nt/ - varying /ˈveəriɪŋ/ - disparate /ˈdɪsp(ə)rət/ (formal) - poles apart - incompatible /ˌɪnkəmˈpætəb(ə)l/ = not able to work together - mismatched /mɪsˈmætʃt/ - conflicting /ˌkənˈflɪktɪŋ/ - clashing /ˈklæʃɪŋ/ - alternative /ɔːlˈtɜː(r)nətɪv/ - distinct /dɪˈstɪŋkt/ - at odds - a far cry (informal) - worlds apart - different as chalk and cheese
52. FOR EXAMPLE /fərɪɡˈzɑːmp(ə)l/ phrase - for instance, … / … for instance /fər ˈɪnstəns/ - By way of illustration, … /ˌɪləˈstreɪʃ(ə)n/ - such as … - Like… - …in particular /pə(r)ˈtɪkjʊlə(r)/ - Namely… /ˈneɪmli/ - …, to wit: … /wɪt/ (formal) = that is to say - …, specifically… /spəˈsɪfɪkli/ - …, viz., … /vɪz/ (formal) = in other words - …, videlicet … (My family has 4 people, viz., mother, brother, sister and I.) - …, i.e. … (formal) = that is - …, inasmuch as… /ˌɪnəzˈmʌtʃ æz/ (formal) - … being … /ˈbiːɪŋ/ = to give explanation of sth - for one thing … (for another thing) - in other words … - … is a case in point - the epitome of /ɪˈpɪtəmi/ = the best possible example of sth - e.g. /ˌiː ˈdʒiː/ (formal) = for example - as an example/instance - say… - … to give as an illustration
53. DEVELOPMENT /dɪˈveləpmənt/ noun - evolution /ˌiːvəˈluːʃ(ə)n/ - growth /ɡrəʊθ/ - maturation /ˌmætʃʊˈreɪʃ(ə)n/ - expansion /ɪkˈspænʃ(ə)n/ - enlargement /ɪnˈlɑː(r)dʒmənt/ - progress /ˈprəʊɡres/ - invention /ɪnˈvenʃ(ə)n/ - advance /ədˈvɑːns/ - blossoming /ˈblɒs(ə)mɪŋ/ - elaboration /ɪˌlæbəˈreɪʃ(ə)n/ - furtherance /ˈfɜː(r)ðərəns/ - unfolding /ʌnˈfəʊldɪŋ/ - extension /ɪkˈstenʃ(ə)n/ - spread /spred/ - improvement /ɪmˈpruːvmənt/
54. TO DEVELOP /dɪˈveləp/ verb - to grow /ɡrəʊ/ - to expand /ɪkˈspænd/ - to spread /spred/ - to advance /ədˈvɑːns/ - to progress /prəʊˈɡres/ - to evolve /ɪˈvɒlv/ - to mature /məˈtʃʊə(r)/ - to thrive /θraɪv/ - to flourish /ˈflʌrɪʃ/ - to blossom /ˈblɒs(ə)m/ - to set in motion = to initiate - to augment /ɔːɡˈment/ - to broaden /ˈbrɔːd(ə)n/ - to reinforce /ˌriːɪnˈfɔː(r)s/ - to refine /rɪˈfaɪn/ - to improve /ɪmˈpruːv/ - to polish /ˈpɒlɪʃ/ - to perfect /pə(r)ˈfekt/ - to foster /ˈfɒstə(r)/ - to nurture /ˈnɜː(r)tʃə(r)/ - to amplify /ˈæmplɪˌfaɪ/ - to elaborate /ɪˈlæbəreɪt/ - to unfold /ʌnˈfəʊld/
55. TECHNOLOGY /tekˈnɒlədʒi/ noun - scientific knowledge - bleeding edge /ˈbliːdɪŋedʒ/ = very new and not yet fully tested - fifth-generation (adj.) = very advanced and includes artificial intelligence - high tech /haɪˈtek/ (adj.) = especially electronics - nanotechnology /ˈnænəʊtekˌnɒlədʒi/ = building very small parts, using molecules and atoms - cutting edge /ˈkʌtɪŋˈedʒ/ (adj.) - cleantech /ˈkliːnˌtek/ = technology which provided benefits such as clean energy, environmentally sustainable products - cybernetics /ˌsaɪbə(r)ˈnetɪks/ = makes copies of natural things, for example artificial body parts - intermediate technology /ˌɪntə(r)ˈmiːdiət tekˈnɒlədʒi/ = used in developing countries, based on cheap materials available there
56. HEALTHY /ˈhelθi/ adjective
To describe people: - in good health - in good trim /trɪm/ - fit /fɪt/ - in tip-tip shape - vigorous /ˈvɪɡ(ə)rəs/ - a picture of health (informal) - thriving /ˈθraɪvɪŋ/ - blooming /ˈbluːmɪŋ/ - well /wel/ - in condition /kənˈdɪʃ(ə)n/ - in fine fettle /ˈfet(ə)l/ - sturdy /ˈstɜː(r)di/ - robust /rəʊˈbʌst/ - strong /strɒŋ/ - hale /heɪl/ - able-bodied /ˌeɪb(ə)l ˈbɒdid/ - healthsome - hardy /ˈhɑː(r)di/ (informal) - fit as a fiddle /ˈfɪd(ə)l/ (informal) - right as rain (informal) - in the pink (informal)
To describe things: - healthful /ˈhelθfl/ - wholesome /ˈhəʊls(ə)m/ - good for one - beneficial /ˌbenɪˈfɪʃ(ə)l/ - salubrious /səˈluːbriəs/ - nutritious /njuːˈtrɪʃəs/ - nourishing /ˈnʌrɪʃɪŋ/ - bracing /ˈbreɪsɪŋ/ - invigorating /ɪnˈvɪɡəˌreɪtɪŋ/ - stimulating /ˈsɪmjʊleɪtɪŋ/ - therapeutic /ˌθerəˈpjuːtɪk/ = sth that makes you feel better
57. UNHEALTHY /ʌnˈhelθi/ adjective
To describe people: - sickly /ˈsɪkli/ = often ill - in poor health - ailing /ˈeɪlɪŋ/ = ill and weak - indisposed /ˌɪndɪˈspəʊzd/ (formal) - frail /freɪl/ - morbid /ˈmɔː(r)bɪd/ - ill /ɪl/ - unfit /ʌnˈfɪt/ - fragile /ˈfrædʒaɪl/ = not strong or healthy - unfit /ʌnˈfɪt/ - unwell /ʌnˈwel/ - infirm /ɪnˈfɜː(r)m/ - feeble /ˈfiːb(ə)l/ - debilitated /dɪˈbɪlɪteɪtɪd/ - diseased /dɪˈziːzd/ - pasty /ˈpeɪsti/ = looking pale and not healthy
To describe things: - harmful /ˈhɑː(r)mf(ə)l/ - detrimental /ˌdetrɪˈment(ə)l/ - destructive /dɪˈstrʌktɪv/ - damaging /ˈdæmɪdʒɪŋ/ - deleterious /ˌdelɪˈtɪəriəs/ - malign /məˈlaɪn/ - insalubrious /ˌɪnsəˈluːbriəs/ (formal) - unwholesome - noxious /ˈnɒkʃəs/ - morbid /ˈmɔː(r)bɪd/ - insalutary /ɪnˈsæljʊt(ə)ri/ (formal) - debilitating /dɪˈbɪlɪˌteɪtɪŋ/
58. GOVERNMENT /ˈɡʌvə(r)nmənt/ noun - administration /ədˌmɪnɪˈstreɪʃ(ə)n/ - authority /ɔːˈθɒrəti/ - leadership /ˈliːdə(r)ʃɪp/ - cabinet /ˈkæbɪnət/ = a group of members of a government chosen by the leader of the government to give advice to him/her - apparatus /ˌæpəˈreɪtəs/ = people and organizations involved in some aspect of government - bureaucracy /bjʊəˈrɒkrəsi/ = the people employed to run government organizations - executives /ɪɡˈzekjʊtɪvz/ - regime /reɪˈʒiːm/ = a government that controls the country, esp. in a strict or unfair way
59. SHOULD /ʃʊd/ modal verb - you’d better + verb - need to /niːd/ - must /mʌst/ - might /maɪt/ - could /kʊd/ - be forced to /fɔː(r)st/ - be compelled to /kəmˈpelt/ - be required to /rɪˈkwaɪə(r)d/ - be obliged to /əˈblaɪdʒd/ - can /kæn/ - may /meɪ/ - ought to /ɔːt/
60. SOCIETY /səˈsaɪəti/ noun - the community /kəˈmjuːnəti/ - the general public - the people - mankind /mænˈkaɪnd/ - individuals /ˌɪndɪˈvɪdʒuəlz/ - the many - citizenry /ˈsɪtɪz(ə)nri/ - population /ˌpɒpjʊˈleɪʃ(ə)n/ - nation /ˈneɪʃ(ə)n/ - public /ˈpʌblɪk/ - humanity /hjuːˈmænəti/ - elite /ɪˈliːt/ = a small group of people with a lot of advantages - nobs /nɒbs/ (informal) = rich and with a high social position - the grass roots = ordinary people in a society - folks /fəʊks/ - your fellow men = other people
61. FOOD /fuːd/ noun - nourishment /ˈnʌrɪʃmənt/ = food necessary for life, growth and health - sustenance /ˈsʌstənəns/ = food and drink - daily bread /ˈdeɪli bred/ - edibles /ˈedɪb(ə)lz/ - refreshments /rɪˈfreʃmənts/ = sth to eat or drink during an event, e.g. party, meeting - meals /miːlz/ = an occasion when you eat, esp. breakfast, lunch or dinner - provisions /prəˈvɪʒ(ə)nz/ = food needed esp. for a journey - rations /ˈræʃ(ə)nz/ = food provided for people who do not have enough and for soldiers - solids /ˈsɒlɪdz/ - foodstuff /ˈfuːdˌstʌf/ (formal) - nutrition /njuːˈtrɪʃ(ə)n/ = food as sth that keeps you healthy - subsistence /səbˈsɪstəns/ = the smallest amount of food that you need to stay alive - feed /fiːd/ = food given to animals - fodder /ˈfɒdə(r)/ = food, esp. hay or straw, for animals - diet /ˈdaɪət/ = the food that you usually eat - dish /dɪʃ/ - delicacy /ˈdelɪkəsi/ = a rare or expensive type of food - cuisine /kwɪˈziːn/ = food you can eat in a particular place (country, region) - viands /ˈvaɪəndz/ (formal) - eatables /ˈiːtəb(ə)lz/ (informal) - nosh /nɒʃ/ (BrE, informal) - groceries /ˈɡrəʊsəriz/ = food you buy regularly
62. FASHIONABLE /ˈfæʃ(ə)nəb(ə)l/ adjective - chic /ʃiːk/ - smart /smɑː(r)t/ - elegant /ˈelɪɡənt/ - stylish /ˈstaɪlɪʃ/ - designer /dɪˈzaɪnə(r)/ - modish /ˈməʊdɪʃ/ - in vogue /ɪnˈvəʊɡ/ - in /ɪn/ - popular /ˈpɒpjʊlə(r)/ - prevailing /prɪˈveɪlɪŋ/ - current /ˈkʌrənt/ - on-trend - latest /ˈleɪtɪst/ - up-to-the-minute - up-to-date - contemporary /kənˈtemp(ə)r(ə)ri/ - modern /ˈmɒdə(r)n/ - trendy /ˈtrendi/ (informal) - all the rage /reɪdʒ/ (informal) - hot /hɒt/ (informal) - natty /ˈnæti/ (informal) - glitzy /ˈɡlɪtsi/ (informal) = bright, exciting and attractive but with no real value - snazzy /ˈsnæzi/ (informal) - funky /ˈfʌŋki/ (informal) - hip /hɪp/ (informal) - dressed to the nines (informal) - dressed to kill - fancy /ˈfænsi/ - flashy /ˈflæʃi/ = very expensive, used to impress people - upmarket /ʌpˈmɑː(r)kɪt/ = designed for rich people - ritzy /ˈrɪtsi/ (informal) = expensive and fashionable - swanky /ˈswæŋki/ (informal) = expensive and fashionable
63. TO ALLOW /əˈlaʊ/ verb - to permit /pə(r)ˈmɪt/ - to let /let/ - to enable /ɪnˈeɪb(ə)l/ = to give sb the ability or opportunity to do sth - to authorize /ˈɔːθəraɪz/ = to give official permission - to sanction /ˈsæŋkʃ(ə)n/ = to give official approval for an action - to warrant /ˈwɒrənt/ - to approve /əˈpruːv/ - to say yes to (informal) - to give your consent to /kənˈsent/ - to agree to /əˈɡriː/ - to put up with (informal) - to okay /ˌəʊˈkeɪ/ (informal) - to give the green light to (informal) - to mandate /mænˈdeɪt/ = to give sb the authority to do sth - to grant /ɡrɑːnt/ = to allow sb to have or do what they want
64. HOME TOWN /ˈhəʊm taʊn/ noun - place of origin /ˈɒrɪdʒɪn/ - place of birth /bɜː(r)θ/ - native town /ˈneɪtɪv/ - native country /ˈneɪtɪv/ - fatherland /ˈfɑːðə(r)lænd/ - mother country - home /həʊm/ - roots /ruːts/ - provenance /ˈprɒvənəns/ - source /sɔː(r)s/ - cradle /ˈkreɪd(ə)l/ = a place where sth began - homeland /ˈhəʊmˌlænd/ = the country you come from - motherland /ˈmʌðə(r)ˌlænd/ - my native soil /sɔɪl/ = country of birth
65. SMALL /smɔːl/ adjective - tiny /ˈtaɪni/ - bitty /ˈbɪti/ = made up of many small parts that do not fit together - diminutive /dɪˈmɪnjʊtɪv/ = very short or small - insufficient /ˌɪnsəˈfɪʃ(ə)nt/ = not enough - limited /ˈlɪmɪtɪd/ - little /ˈlɪt(ə)l/ - meagre /ˈmiːɡə(r)/ = smaller or less than you want or need - microscopic /ˌmaɪkrəˈskɒpɪk/ = very small - mini /ˈmɪni/ - minute /maɪˈnjuːt/ - narrow /ˈnærəʊ/ = small in width - petite /pəˈtiːt/ - pocket-sized /ˈpɒkɪt ˌsaɪzd/ = small enough to fit in your pocket - petty /ˈpeti/ - pint-sized /ˈpaɪnt ˌsaɪzd/ (informal) - puny /ˈpjuːni/ = small, thin, weak (person, animal) - scanty /ˈskænti/ = not much, less than needed - slight /slaɪt/ = small in size, amount or degree - small-scale /smɔːl skeɪl/ - teensy /ˈtiːnzi/ (informal) - teeny /ˈtiːni/ (informal) - trifling /ˈtraɪf(ə)lɪŋ/ = not very important - trivial /ˈtrɪviəl/ = not important, serious or valuable - undersized /ˌʌndə(r)ˈsaɪzd/ = smaller than normal - wee /wiː/ - minuscule /ˈmɪnɪˌskjuːl/ = extremely small - compact /ˈkɒmpækt/ or /kəmˈpækt/ - cramped /kræmpt/ = small and crowded - poky /ˈpəʊki/ = small and uncomfortable - miniature /ˈmɪnətʃə(r)/ - infinitesimal /ˌɪnfɪnɪˈtesɪm(ə)l/ = extremely small - teeny weeny (informal) - paltry /ˈpɔːltri/ = small in number, not important - midget /ˈmɪdʒɪt/ = smaller than the usual size
66. BIG /bɪɡ/ adjective - large /lɑː(r)dʒ/ - great /ɡreɪt/ - bulky /ˈbʌlki/ = too big to be carried easily - colossal /kəˈlɒs(ə)l/ = extremely large - enormous /ɪˈnɔː(r)məs/ - extensive /ɪkˈstensɪv/ = very large in amount or degree - gigantic /dʒaɪˈɡæntɪk/ = extremely large - hefty /ˈhefti/ = large and heavy - huge /hjuːdʒ/ - humongous /hjuːˈmʌŋɡəs/ (informal) = extremely large and impressive - immense /ɪˈmens/ = extremely large - massive /ˈmæsɪv/ - ponderous /ˈpɒndərəs/ = moving slowly because of being big and heavy - roomy /ˈruːmi/ = large and providing you with a lot of space - spacious /ˈspeɪʃəs/ = for rooms, buildings etc. - substantial /səbˈstænʃ(ə)l/ = large in amount or degree - tremendous /trəˈmendəs/ = to emphasize that sth such as an amount, achievement, feeling is extremely great - vast /vɑːst/ - king-size /ˈkɪŋ ˌsaɪz/ - mondo /mˈɒndəʊ/ (informal) = very large or impressive - sizeable /ˈsaɪzəb(ə)l/ = fairly large - mammoth /ˈmæməθ/ = very large - whopping /ˈwɒpɪŋ/ (informal) = extremely large - ginormous /dʒaɪˈnɔː(r)məs/ (informal) = extremely large - mega /ˈmeɡə/ (informal) = extremely large
67. OPINION /əˈpɪnjən/ noun - belief /bɪˈliːf/ - judgement /ˈdʒʌdʒmənt/ - view /vjuː/ - viewpoint /ˈvjuːˌpɔɪnt/ - point of view - idea /aɪˈdɪə/ - perception /pə(r)ˈsepʃ(ə)n/ - stance /stæns/ - standpoint /ˈstæn(d)ˌpɔɪnt/ - impression /ɪmˈpreʃ(ə)n/ - sentiment /ˈsentɪmənt/ - assumption /əˈsʌmpʃ(ə)n/ - assessment /əˈsesmənt/ - conception /kənˈsepʃ(ə)n/ - notion /ˈnəʊʃ(ə)n/ - way of thinking - thought /θɔːt/ - school of thought - conviction /kənˈvɪkʃ(ə)n/ - persuasion /pə(r)ˈsweɪʒ(ə)n/ - attitude /ˈætɪˌtjuːd/ - estimation /ˌestɪˈmeɪʃ(ə)n/ (formal) - stand /stænd/ = an opinion that you state publicly
68. GOOD /ɡʊd/ adjective
Meaning ‘pleasant’: - acceptable /əkˈseptəb(ə)l/ - admirable /ˈædm(ə)rəb(ə)l/ - commendable /kəˈmendəb(ə)l/ - congenial /kənˈdʒiːniəl/ - deluxe /dəˈlʌks/ - excellent /ˈeksələnt/ - exceptional /ɪkˈsepʃ(ə)nəl/ - favourable /ˈfeɪv(ə)rəb(ə)l/ - first-class - first-rate - gratifying /ˈɡrætɪˌfaɪɪŋ/ - honourable /ˈɒn(ə)rəb(ə)l/ - marvellous /ˈmɑː(r)vələs/ - precious /ˈpreʃəs/ - prime /praɪm/ - reputable /ˈrepjʊtəb(ə)l/ - satisfactory /ˌsætɪsˈfækt(ə)ri/ - shipshape /ˈʃɪpˌʃeɪp/ = in good condition - spanking /ˈspæŋkɪŋ/ - splendid /ˈsplendɪd/ - sterling /ˈstɜː(r)lɪŋ/ = for work or character - stupendous /stjuːˈpendəs/ = very impressive - superb /sʊˈpɜː(r)b/ - tip-top = extremely good
Meaning ‘moral’: - admirable /ˈædm(ə)rəb(ə)l/ - blameless /ˈbleɪmləs/ - charitable /ˈtʃærɪtəb(ə)l/ - dutiful /ˈdjuːtɪf(ə)l/ - ethical /ˈeθɪk(ə)l/ - exemplary /ɪɡˈzempləri/ - guiltless /ˈɡɪltləs/ - honest /ˈɒnɪst/ - honourable /ˈɒn(ə)rəb(ə)l/ - inculpable /ɪnˈkʌlpəb(ə)l/ - innocent /ˈɪnəs(ə)nt/ - irreproachable /ˌɪrɪˈprəʊtʃəb(ə)l/ - lily-white - praiseworthy /ˈpreɪzˌwɜː(r)ði/ - pure /pjʊə(r)/ - respectable /rɪˈspektəb(ə)l/ - righteous /ˈraɪtʃəs/ - tractable /ˈtræktəb(ə)l/ - upright /ˈʌpraɪt/ - virtuous /ˈvɜː(r)tʃʊəs/
Meaning ‘skilled’: - able /ˈeɪb(ə)l/ - accomplished /əˈkʌmplɪʃt/ - adept /əˈdept/ - adroit /əˈdrɔɪt/ - competent /ˈkɒmpɪtənt/ - dexterous /ˈdekst(ə)rəs/ = able to use your hands skillfully - expert /ˈekspɜː(r)t/ - proficient /prəˈfɪʃ(ə)nt/ - proper /ˈprɒpə(r)/ - qualified /ˈkwɒlɪfaɪd/ - satisfactory /ˌsætɪsˈfækt(ə)ri/ - serviceable /ˈsɜː(r)vɪsəb(ə)l/ = good enough to be used for a particular purpose but not very attractive - skillful /ˈskɪlf(ə)l/ - suited /ˈsuːtɪd/ - talented /ˈtæləntɪd/ - thorough /ˈθʌrə/
Meaning ‘useful’: - advantageous /ˌædvənˈteɪdʒəs/ = likely to make sth/sb more successful - ample /ˈæmp(ə)l/ - appropriate /əˈprəʊpriət/ - apt /æpt/ = good at learning, suitable (name, description, comment) - auspicious /ɔːˈspɪʃəs/ = showing signs of success - beneficial /ˌbenɪˈfɪʃ(ə)l/ - congruous /ˈkɒŋɡruəs/ - decent /ˈdiːs(ə)nt/ - desirable /dɪˈzaɪrəb(ə)l/ - favouring /ˈfeɪvə(r)ɪŋ/ - fitting /ˈfɪtɪŋ/ - opportune /ˈɒpə(r)tjuːn/ - profitable /ˈprɒfɪtəb(ə)l/ - propitious /prəˈpɪʃəs/ = with the conditions needed for a successful result - salubrious /səˈluːbriəs/ - salutary /ˈsæljʊt(ə)ri/ = an experience that has a good effect although it is unpleasant - seemly /ˈsiːmli/ - unobjectionable /ʌnəbˈdʒekʃ(ə)nəb(ə)l/
Meaning ‘kind’: - altruistic /ˌæltruˈɪstɪk/ - approving /əˈpruːvɪŋ/ = very supportive - beneficent /bəˈnefɪs(ə)nt/ = doing things that are intended to help people - benevolent /bəˈnev(ə)lənt/ - charitable /ˈtʃærɪtəb(ə)l/ - considerate /kənˈsɪd(ə)rət/ - gracious /ˈɡreɪʃəs/ - humane /hjuːˈmeɪn/ - humanitarian /hjuːˌmænɪˈteəriən/ - merciful /ˈmɜː(r)sɪf(ə)l/ - obliging /əˈblaɪdʒɪŋ/ = willing to help - philanthropic /ˌfɪlənˈθrɒpɪk/ - well-disposed /ˌwel dɪˈspəʊzd/
69. BAD /bæd/ adjective
Meaning ‘unpleasant, poor’: - abominable /əˈbɒmɪnəb(ə)l/ - amiss /əˈmɪs/ - atrocious /əˈtrəʊʃəs/ - beastly /ˈbiːstli/ (informal) - bottom out = very low level - bummer /ˈbʌmə(r)/ (informal) - cheesy /ˈtʃiːzi/ = of poor quality - crappy/ˈkræpi/ (very informal) - crummy /ˈkrʌmi/ (informal) - defective /dɪˈfektɪv/ = not working correctly - diddly /ˈdɪdli/ (AmE, informal) = nothing - downer /ˈdaʊnə(r)/ (n.) = sth that makes you sad or disappointed - dreadful /ˈdredf(ə)l/ - erroneous /ɪˈrəʊniəs/ = not correct - faulty /ˈfɔːlti/ - gross /ɡrəʊs/ - grungy /ˈɡrʌndʒi/ (informal) = dirty and smelling bad - icky /ˈɪki/ (informal) = very unpleasant to touch, look at, smell or taste - inadequate /ɪnˈædɪkwət/ = not enough - inferior /ɪnˈfɪəriə(r)/ - junky /ˈdʒʌŋki/ (informal) - lousy /ˈlaʊzi/ (informal) - sleazy /ˈsliːzi/ - slipshod /ˈslɪpˌʃɒd/ = done in a careless way - substandard /ˌsʌbˈstændə(r)d/ - unacceptable /ˌʌnəkˈseptəb(ə)l/
Meaning ‘harmful’: - damaging /ˈdæmɪdʒɪŋ/ - deleterious /ˌdelɪˈtɪəriəs/ - detrimental /ˌdetrɪˈment(ə)l/ - hurtful /ˈhɜː(r)tf(ə)l/ - injurious /ɪnˈdʒʊəriəs/ (formal) = causing harm or damage - ruinous /ˈruːɪnəs/
Meaning ‘immoral’: - base /beɪs/ - corrupt /kəˈrʌpt/ - delinquent /dɪˈlɪŋkwənt/ = behaving in an immoral way (criminal) - evil /ˈiːv(ə)l/ - iniquitous /ɪˈnɪkwɪtəs/ - sinful /ˈsɪnf(ə)l/ - vicious /ˈvɪʃəs/ - vile /vaɪl/ - villainous /ˈvɪlənəs/ - wicked /ˈwɪkɪd/
Meaning ‘decayed’: - mouldy /ˈməʊldi/ - off /ɒf/ - putrid /ˈpjuːtrɪd/ - rancid /ˈrænsɪd/ - rotten /ˈrɒt(ə)n/ - sour /ˈsaʊə(r)/
- spoiled /spɔɪld/
Meaning ‘sorry, sad’: - apologetic /əˌpɒləˈdʒetɪk/ - conscience-stricken /ˈkɒnʃ(ə)ns ˈstrɪkən/ - contrite /ˈkɒntraɪt/ or /kənˈtraɪt/ - crestfallen /ˈkrestˌfɔːlən/ = sad and disappointed, esp. when sth has not succeeded - dejected /dɪˈdʒektɪd/ = lost all hope because they have failed at sth - disconsolate /dɪsˈkɒnsələt/ - down /daʊn/ - downhearted /ˌdaʊnˈhɑː(r)tɪd/ - regretful /rɪˈɡretf(ə)l/ - remorseful /rɪˈmɔː(r)sf(ə)l/ - woebegone /ˈwəʊbɪˌɡɒn/ (formal) = looking sad
70. SURE /ʃɔː(r)/ or /ʃʊə(r)/ adjective - confident /ˈkɒnfɪd(ə)nt/ - gutsy /ˈɡʌtsi/ = brave and determined - unhesitating /ʌnˈhezɪˌteɪtɪŋ/ - clear /klɪə(r)/ - convinced /kənˈvɪnst/ - doubtless /ˈdaʊtləs/ - enduring /ɪnˈdjʊərɪŋ/ - beyond doubt /bɪˈjɒnd daʊt/ - clinched /klɪntʃt/ - confirmed /kənˈfɜː(r)md/ - firm /fɜː(r)m/ - fixed /fɪkst/ - for a fact - genuine /ˈdʒenjuɪn/ - indisputable /ˌɪndɪˈspjuːtəb(ə)l/ - guaranteed /ˌɡeærənˈtiːd/ - positive /ˈpɒzətɪv/ - undeniable /ˌʌndɪˈnaɪəb(ə)l/ - unquestionable /ʌnˈkwestʃ(ə)nəb(ə)l/ - unshakable /ʌnˈʃeɪkəb(ə)l/ - sealed /siːld/ - certain /ˈsɜː(r)t(ə)n/ - definite /ˈdef(ə)nət/ - dogmatic /dɒɡˈmætɪk/ = so sure that your beliefs are right that you expect others to accept them - unmistakable /ˌʌnmɪˈsteɪkəb(ə)l/ - unfaltering /ʌnˈfɔːltərɪŋ/ (formal) - unwavering /ʌnˈweɪv(ə)rɪŋ/ - precise /prɪˈsaɪs/ - irrevocable /ɪˈrevəkəb(ə)l/ = impossible to change - pukka /ˈpʌkə/ (BrE, informal) = real - as sure as eggs is eggs (informal)
71. BEAUTIFUL /ˈbjuːtəf(ə)l/ adjective - alluring /əˈlʊərɪŋ/ or /əˈljʊərɪŋ/ - seductive /sɪˈdʌktɪv/ - angelic /ænˈdʒelɪk/ - appealing /əˈpiːlɪŋ/ - bewitching /bɪˈwɪtʃɪŋ/ - enchanting /ɪnˈtʃɑːntɪŋ/ - charming /ˈtʃɑː(r)mɪŋ/ - fascinating /ˈfæsɪneɪtɪŋ/ - classy /ˈklɑːsi/ (informal) - elegant /ˈelɪɡənt/ - cute /kjuːt/ - delightful /dɪˈlaɪtf(ə)l/ - highly pleasing /ˈhaɪli ˈpliːzɪŋ/ - divine /dɪˈvaɪn/ - perfect /ˈpɜː(r)fɪkt/ - dazzling /ˈdæzlɪŋ/ - adorable /əˈdɔːrəb(ə)l/ - dainty /ˈdeɪnti/ = small and attractive in a delicate way - exquisite /ɪkˈskwɪzɪt/ - gorgeous /ˈɡɔː(r)dʒəs/ - graceful /ˈɡreɪsf(ə)l/ - magnificent /mæɡˈnɪfɪs(ə)nt/ - marvellous /ˈmɑː(r)vələs/ - ravishing /ˈrævɪʃɪŋ/ - splendid /ˈsplendɪd/ - stunning /ˈstʌnɪŋ/ - sublime /səˈblaɪm/ - glamorous /ˈɡlæmərəs/ - hunky /ˈhʌŋki/ (informal) = usually of a man - magnetic /mæɡˈnetɪk/ - mesmeric /mezˈmerɪk/ - tempting /ˈtemptɪŋ/ - radiant /ˈreɪdiənt/ - voluptuous /vəˈlʌptʃʊəs/ = usually of a woman - striking /ˈstraɪkɪŋ/ - pulchritudinous /ˈpʌlkrɪtjuːdɪnəs/ (formal) - smashing /ˈsmæʃɪŋ/ (informal) - out of this world (informal) - drop-dead gorgeous (informal)
72. NICE /naɪs/ adjective
Meaning ‘likable’: - amiable /ˈeɪmiəb(ə)l/ - charming /ˈtʃɑː(r)mɪŋ/ - commendable /kəˈmendəb(ə)l/ (formal) = deserving praise - considerate /kənˈsɪd(ə)rət/ = thinking about the feelings and needs of other people - cordial /ˈkɔː(r)diəl/ - courteous /ˈkɜː(r)tiəs/ = polite - genial /ˈdʒiːniəl/ - groovy /ˈɡruːvi/ (informal) - ingratiating /ɪnˈɡreɪʃiˌeɪtɪŋ/ = done in an attempt to get sb’s approval (smile, nod) - nifty /ˈnɪfti/ (informal) = easy to use, skilful - unpresumptuous /ʌnprɪˈzʌmptʃuəs/ = showing a lot of respect - well-mannered
Meaning ‘precise’: - accurate /ˈækjʊrət/ - befitting /bɪˈfɪtɪŋ/ - cultured /ˈkʌltʃə(r)d/ - dainty /ˈdeɪnti/ = small and attractive in a delicate way - discerning /dɪˈsɜː(r)nɪŋ/ = Showing good judgement about things, able to tell whether something is valuable or well made - exact /ɪɡˈzækt/ - fastidious /fæˈstɪdiəs/ = caring about small details, keeping everything tidy - genteel /dʒenˈtiːl/ = polite well-educated person who is shocked by anything rude - meticulous /mɪˈtɪkjʊləs/ = very thorough and caring about details - neat /niːt/ - refined /rɪˈfaɪnd/ = very polite and well-educated - trim /trɪm/ = attractive person - well-bred /ˌwel ˈbred/ = with good manners and good education
73. INTERESTING /ˈɪntrəstɪŋ/ adjective
- absorbing /əbˈzɔː(r)bɪŋ/ = worth all your attention - affecting /əˈfektɪŋ/ = making you feel strong emotions - alluring /əˈlʊərɪŋ/ or /əˈljʊərɪŋ/ - attractive /əˈtræktɪv/ - captivating /ˈkæptɪˌveɪtɪŋ/ - charismatic /ˌkærɪzˈmætɪk/ = used for people - compelling /kəmˈpelɪŋ/ - delightful /dɪˈlaɪtf(ə)l/ - enchanting /ɪnˈtʃɑːntɪŋ/ - engaging /ɪnˈɡeɪdʒɪŋ/ - engrossing /ɪnˈɡrəʊsɪŋ/ = extremely interesting - enthralling /ɪnˈθrɔːlɪŋ/ - entrancing /ɪnˈtrɑːnsɪŋ/ - exceptional /ɪkˈsepʃ(ə)nəl/ - gripping /ˈɡrɪpɪŋ/ - intriguing /ɪnˈtriːɡɪŋ/ - inviting /ɪnˈvaɪtɪŋ/ - magnetic /mæɡˈnetɪk/ = able to attract people strongly - pleasurable /ˈpleʒ(ə)rəb(ə)l/ (formal) - prepossessing /ˌpriːpəˈzesɪŋ/ (formal) - readable /ˈriːdəb(ə)l/ = easy and pleasant to read - riveting /ˈrɪvɪtɪŋ/ = extremely interesting - stimulating /ˈstɪmjʊˌleɪtɪŋ/ - stirring /ˈstɜːrɪŋ/ = causing strong emotions - striking /ˈstraɪkɪŋ/ = unusual - thought-provoking /ˈθɔːt prəˌvəʊkɪŋ/ = makes you think of new ideas - unputdownable /ˌʌnpʊtˈdaʊnəb(ə)l/ (informal) = of a book that is so interesting you don’t want to stop reading it - buzzworthy /ˈbʌzˌwɜː(r)ði/ = likely to create interest and attention - nail-biting = exciting - water cooler (n.) = esp. a TV programme that is so interesting that people talk about it at work the next day
74. BORING /ˈbɔːrɪŋ/ adjective
- arid /ˈærɪd/ - characterless /ˈkærɪktə(r)ləs/ = very ordinary - cloying /ˈklɔɪɪŋ/ = too much of something hence not interesting - colourless /ˈkʌlə(r)ləs/ - commonplace /ˈkɒmənˌpleɪs/ - dead /ded/ = of a place where not much happens - drab /dræb/ - dull /dʌl/ - humdrum /ˈhʌmdrʌm/ - insipid /ɪnˈsɪpɪd/ - interminable /ɪnˈtɜː(r)mɪnəb(ə)l/ = continuing for a long time in a boring way - irksome /ˈɜː(r)ks(ə)m/ - lifeless /ˈlaɪfləs/ - monotonous /məˈnɒtənəs/ - plebeian /pləˈbiːən/ = typical of sb from a low social class, an insulting word - prosaic /prəʊˈzeɪɪk/ = lacking imagination or excitement - repetitious /ˌrepəˈtɪʃəs/ = done many times hence boring - spiritless /ˈspɪrɪtles/ - stale /steɪl/ = not new, original - stodgy /ˈstɒdʒi/ = boring and difficult to read - tame /teɪm/ - tedious /ˈtiːdiəs/ = boring and lasting too long - tiresome /ˈtaɪə(r)s(ə)m/ = making you feel bored - trite /traɪt/ - vapid /ˈvæpɪd/ - wearisome /ˈwɪəris(ə)m/ = making you feel tired or bored - mundane /ˌmʌnˈdeɪn/ = ordinary - dreary /ˈdrɪəri/ = making you feel bored or unhappy - unimaginative /ˌʌnɪˈmædʒɪnətɪv/ - uninspiring /ˌʌnɪnˈspaɪərɪŋ/ - jejune /dʒɪˈdʒuːn/ (formal) = understanding or describing ideas in a way that is too simple - samey /ˈseɪmi/ (BrE, informal) - dull as ditchwater/dishwater (informal) - mind-numbing /ˈmaɪndˈnʌmɪŋ/ = extremely boring
75. SO-SO /səʊˈsəʊ/ adjective, adverb - settled /ˈset(ə)ld/ = not likely to change - tolerable /ˈtɒl(ə)rəb(ə)l/ = satisfactory but not very good - average /ˈæv(ə)rɪdʒ/ - enough /ɪˈnʌf/ - fair to middling /feə(r)təˈmɪd(ə)lɪŋ/ (informal) - fairish /ˈfeə(r)ɪʃ/ - mediocre /ˌmiːdiˈəʊkə(r)/ - medium /ˈmiːdiəm/ - passable /ˈpɑːsəb(ə)l/ - run-of-the-mill (informal) - moderate /ˈmɒd(ə)rət/ - adequate /ˈædɪkwət/ - undistinguished /ˌʌndɪˈstɪŋɡwɪʃt/ = not special - no great shakes (informal) - suboptimal /ˌsʌbˈɒptɪm(ə)l/ (formal) = not of the highest quality - underwhelming /ˌʌndə(r)ˈwelmɪŋ/ = not impressive
76. IMPORTANT /ɪmˈpɔː(r)t(ə)nt/ adjective - eminent /ˈemɪnənt/ = for people - influential /ˌɪnfluˈenʃ(ə)l/ - leading /ˈliːdɪŋ/ - main /meɪn/ - major league (AmE) - meaningful /ˈmiːnɪŋf(ə)l/ - paramount /ˈpærəmaʊnt/ - prime /praɪm/ - principal /ˈprɪnsəp(ə)l/ - prominent /ˈprɒmɪnənt/ = important and well-known - significant /sɪɡˈnɪfɪkənt/ - substantial /səbˈstænʃ(ə)l/ = important or real - valuable /ˈvæljʊb(ə)l/ - momentous /məʊˈmentəs/ = very important because of having an effect on future events - noteworthy /ˈnəʊtˌwɜː(r)ði/ - relevant /ˈreləv(ə)nt/ - salient /ˈseɪliənt/ (formal) = fact, issue, feature - vital /ˈvaɪt(ə)l/ = necessary, essential - essential /ɪˈsenʃ(ə)l/ - key /kiː/ = very important - weighty /ˈweɪti/ - grave /ɡreɪv/ = very serious (situation) - far-reaching /ˌfɑː(r) ˈriːtʃɪŋ/ = affecting a lot of people or things in an important way - pivotal /ˈpɪvət(ə)l/ - epoch-making /ˈiːpɒkˈmeɪkɪŋ/ = having an important effect on the future - world-shattering /ˈwɜː(r)ld ˈʃæt(ə)rɪŋ/ - seminal /ˈsemɪn(ə)l/ (formal) = of a piece of writing or music - foremost /ˈfɔː(r)məʊst/ - prestigious /preˈstɪdʒəs/ = admired and respected - notable /ˈnəʊtəb(ə)l/ = interesting enough to be mentioned - esteemed /ɪˈstiːmd/ = for people - crucial /ˈkruːʃ(ə)l/ = extremely important - fundamental /ˌfʌndəˈment(ə)l/ = essential to the existence or success of sth
77. STRANGE /streɪndʒ/ adjective - odd /ɒd/ - peculiar /pɪˈkjuːliə(r)/ = strange in an unpleasant way - curious /ˈkjʊəriəs/ = unusual and interesting - queer /kwɪə(r)/ - weird /wɪə(r)d/ - bizarre /bɪˈzɑː(r)/ - eccentric /ɪkˈsentrɪk/ = used for sb’s behaviour - offbeat /ˈɒfˌbiːt/ (informal) - abnormal /æbˈnɔː(r)m(ə)l/ = in a way that is worrying or wrong - uncommon /ʌnˈkɒmən/ = rare - surreal /səˈrɪəl/ = so strange you don’t believe it’s real - perplexing /pə(r)ˈpleksɪŋ/ = confusing - inexplicable /ˌɪnɪkˈsplɪkəb(ə)l/ = impossible to explain - uncanny /ʌnˈkæni/ = strange and mysterious - singular /ˈsɪŋɡjʊlə(r)/ (formal) = strange and unusual - freaky /ˈfriːki/ (informal) = very strange and a bit frightening - wacky /ˈwæki/ (informal) = funny or silly - oddball /ˈɒdˌbɔːl/ (n., informal) = sb whose behaviour is strange - off-the-wall (informal) - novel /ˈnɒv(ə)l/ = unusual - exotic /ɪɡˈzɒtɪk/ - idiosyncratic /ˌɪdiəʊsɪŋˈkrætɪk/ = strange and not shared by others - outlandish /aʊtˈlændɪʃ/ = extremely strange and unusual - edgy /ˈedʒi/ = of music, films, books etc. that are strange in a way that is interesting or exciting - atypical /ˌeɪˈtɪpɪk(ə)l/ - anomalous /əˈnɒmələs/ - out of the ordinary - puzzling /ˈpʌz(ə)lɪŋ/ = confusing or difficult to solve - eerie /ˈɪəri/ = strange and mysterious, sometimes frightening - fishy /ˈfɪʃi/ (informal) = not completely right or honest - quirky /ˈkwɜː(r)ki/ = slightly strange
78. FAT /fæt/ adjective - overweight /ˌəʊvə(r)ˈweɪt/ = heavier than you should be - bulky /ˈbʌlki/ = big, wide and solid - chunky /ˈtʃʌŋki/ = short and wide - corpulent /ˈkɔː(r)pjʊlənt/ - heavy /ˈhevi/ - hefty /ˈhefti/ = large and heavy - obese /əʊˈbiːs/ = too fat - plump /plʌmp/ = slightly fat - stout /staʊt/ = slightly fat - weighty /ˈweɪti/ - chubby /ˈtʃʌbi/ (informal) = slightly fat, like a baby or a young child - large /lɑː(r)dʒ/ - portly /ˈpɔː(r)tli/ = fairly fat - paunchy /ˈpɔːntʃi/ - potbellied /ˈpɒtˌbelid/ = with a large stomach that sticks out - beer-bellied = with a fat stomach from drinking too much beer - meaty /ˈmiːti/ = big with a lot of fat or muscle - of ample proportions /əvˈæmp(ə)l prəˈpɔː(r)ʃ(ə)nz/ - heavyset = big and strong - plus-size (informal) - big-boned (informal) - tubby /ˈtʌbi/ (informal) = slightly fat - roly-poly /ˌrəʊli ˈpəʊli/ (informal) = short and fat - buxom /ˈbʌks(ə)m/ = of a woman, fat in an attractive way, with large breasts
79. VERY /ˈveri/ adjective, adverb - really /ˈrɪəli/ - enormously /ɪˈnɔː(r)məsli/ = extremely - excessively /ɪkˈsesɪvli/ - extremely /ɪkˈstriːmli/ - greatly /ˈɡreɪtli/ - highly /ˈhaɪli/ - hugely /ˈhjuːdʒli/ - remarkably /rɪˈmɑː(r)kəbli/ - strikingly /ˈstraɪkɪŋli/ - terribly /ˈterəbli/ (informal) - unusually /ʌnˈjuːʒʊəli/ - vastly /ˈvɑːs(t)li/ - truly /ˈtruːli/ - absolutely /ˈæbsəluːtli/ - amply /ˈæmp(ə)li/ - certainly /ˈsɜː(r)t(ə)nli/ - considerably /kənˈsɪd(ə)rəbli/ - deeply /ˈdiːpli/ - eminently /ˈemɪnəntli/ - exceedingly /ɪkˈsiːdɪŋli/ - incredibly /ɪnˈkredəbli/ - indispensably /ˌɪndɪˈspensəb(ə)li/ - largely /ˈlɑː(r)dʒli/ - notably /ˈnəʊtəbli/ - particularly /pə(r)ˈtɪkjʊlə(r)li/ - pretty /ˈprɪti/ - exceptionally /ɪkˈsepʃ(ə)nəli/ - tremendously /trəˈmendəsli/ - immensely /ɪˈmensli/ - acutely /əˈkjuːtli/ - abundantly /əˈbʌndəntli/ - decidedly /dɪˈsaɪdɪdli/ - supremely /sʊˈpriːmli/ - mightily /ˈmaɪtɪli/ - ever so (BrE, informal) - awfully /ˈɔːf(ə)li/ (informal) - seriously /ˈsɪəriəsli/ (informal) - mega /ˈmeɡə/ (informal) = extremely - dead /ded/ (informal) - thoroughly /ˈθʌrəli/ - indeed /ɪnˈdiːd/ = used following ‘very’, e.g. The book was very good indeed.
80. HOW ARE YOU ? phrase - What’s up? (informal) - How do you do? (BrE, formal) - How is it hanging? (informal) - How is it going? - How are you getting on? - How’ve you been? - How’s life? - What have you been up to? - How’s everything? - What’s going on? - How are things? - How are you doing? - What’s happening with you? - What’s new? - What’s new with you? - What’cha been up to lately? (AmE, informal) - Anything new? - What’s shakin’? (AmE, informal) - How’s life been treating you?
81. I’ M FINE. THANK YOU. phrase - Very well, thank you. And you? - Fine. - Great. - Good. - Not bad. - Nothing much. - Nothing special. - Nothing new. - Not much. - Very well. - Excellent. - Splendid.
82. CROWDED /ˈkraʊdɪd/ adjective - filled /fɪld/ - packed /pækt/ = extremely crowded - jammed /dʒæmd/ - congested /kənˈdʒestɪd/= with so many vehicles or people that it’s difficult to move around - crammed /kræmd/ - cramped /kræmpt/ - teeming with /ˈtiːmɪŋ/ - swarming with /swɔː(r)mɪŋ/ - overflowing with /ˌəʊvə(r)ˈfləʊɪŋ/ - jam-packed (informal) = completely full - packed like sardines /sɑː(r)ˈdiːnz/ (informal) = for people - chock-a-block (informal) = very full - thick on the ground (informal) = if things or people are thick on the ground, there are many of them - nuts to butts (AmE, informal) - full /fʊl/ - dense /dens/ - bulging /ˈbʌldʒɪŋ/ = completely full - fill to bursting - thronged /θrɒŋd/ = full of people - populous /ˈpɒpjʊləs/ = (nation, city, area etc. ) where many people live - bursting at the seams /siːmz/ - wall-to-wall = filled completely - standing room only = no place to sit - crawling with /krɔːlɪŋ/
83. RURAL /ˈrʊərəl/ adjective - country /ˈkʌntri/ - rustic /ˈrʌstɪk/ - pastoral /ˈpɑːst(ə)rəl/ - agricultural /ˌæɡrɪˈkʌltʃ(ə)rəl/ - agrarian /əˈɡreəriən/ (formal) - bucolic /bjuːˈkɒlɪk/ = pleasant - sylvan /ˈsɪlv(ə)n/ (formal) = relating to a forest - up-country (adv.) = of an area that is far away from towns - countrified /ˈkʌntrifaɪd/ = showing disapproval
84. URBAN /ˈɜː(r)bən/ adjective - metropolitan /ˌmetrəˈpɒlɪt(ə)n/ = belonging to a big city - municipal /mjuːˈnɪsɪp(ə)l/ = relating to a place with its own local government - civic /ˈsɪvɪk/ - built-up = with lots of buildings - megalopolitan /ˌmeɡəˈlɒpəlɪtən/ - overdeveloped /ˌəʊvə(r)dɪˈveləpt/ = with too many buildings - urbanized /ˈɜː(r)bənaɪzd/ = changed into cities after being countryside - uptown /ʌpˈtaʊn/ - inner-city - suburban /səˈbɜː(r)bən/ - citified - townie /ˈtaʊni/ (n.) = sb who lives in a town and doesn’t know anything about the countryside
85. DEPEND ON/UPON /dɪˈpend/ verb (A depends on B)
- rely on /rɪˈlaɪ/ - hinge on /hɪndʒ/ - be dependent on /dɪˈpendənt/ - rest on /rest/ - revolve around /rɪˈvɒlv/ - be subject to /ˈsʌbdʒɪkt/ - hang on /hæŋ/ - be decided by - be determined by /dɪˈtɜː(r)mɪnd/ - be based on /beɪst/ - ride on /raɪd/ - be contingent on /kənˈtɪndʒ(ə)nt/ (formal) - in accordance with /əˈkɔː(r)d(ə)ns/ (formal) - according to /əˈkɔː(r)dɪŋ/ - be conditional on /kənˈdɪʃ(ə)nəl/ - be up to
86. TRADITIONAL /trəˈdɪʃ(ə)nəl/ adjective - conventional /kənˈvenʃ(ə)nəl/ - classic /ˈklæsɪk/ - customary /ˈkʌstəməri/ - habitual /həˈbɪtʃuəl/ = often done - accustomed /əˈkʌstəmd/ (formal) - conservative /kənˈsɜː(r)vətɪv/ - ceremonial /ˌserəˈməʊniəl/ - established /ɪˈstæblɪʃt/ - fixed /fɪkst/ - set /set/ - long-established - time-honoured = done in the same way for a very long time - age-old = very old - historic /hɪˈstɒrɪk/ - folk /fəʊk/ - unwritten /ʌnˈrɪt(ə)n/ = known by everyone but no written down or official - standard /ˈstændə(r)d/ - orthodox /ˈɔː(r)θədɒks/ - ritual /ˈrɪtʃuəl/ - ancestral /ænˈsestrəl/ - antediluvian /ˌæntidɪˈluːviən/ = very old, old-fashioned - archaic /ɑː(r)ˈkeɪɪk/ = old and no longer used - out-of-date - grand old /ɡrænd/ = old, well-known, usually popular
87. HISTORICAL /hɪˈstɒrɪk(ə)l/ adjective - former /ˈfɔː(r)mə(r)/ - prior /ˈpraɪə(r)/ - ancient /ˈeɪnʃ(ə)nt/ - bygone /ˈbaɪɡɒn/ - of yore /jɔː(r)/ (formal) = of a period in history a very long time ago - chronicled /ˈkrɒnɪk(ə)ld/ - early /ˈɜː(r)li/ = used about periods of history - retrospective /ˌretrəʊˈspektɪv/ = relating to sth that happened in the past - documented /ˈdɒkjʊˌmentɪd/ - recorded /rɪˈkɔː(r)dɪd / - archival /ɑː(r)ˈkaɪv(ə)l/
88. TO AGREE WITH /əˈɡriː/ verb - to concur with /kənˈkɜː(r)/ - to get on with - to be of one mind with - to be of the same opinion with - to share the view with - to be at one with - to come to an agreement with - to accord with /əˈkɔː(r)d/ (formal) - to see eye to eye with (informal) - to go along with (informal) - to meet halfway (informal) - to be in agreement with /əˈɡriːmənt/ - to be of like mind - to subscribe to sth /səbˈskraɪb/ = to agree with an idea - to be united with /juːˈnaɪtɪd/
89. TO DISAGREE WITH /ˌdɪsəˈɡriː/ verb - to conflict with /kənˈflɪkt/ - to clash with /klæʃ/ - to contradict sth/sb /ˌkɒntrəˈdɪkt/ - to differ from /ˈdɪfə(r)/ - to beg to differ - to vary /ˈveəri/ - not to see eye to eye with sb - to be at odds with - to be at loggerheads with /ˈlɒɡə(r)ˌhedz/ = to disagree strongly - to quarrel with /ˈkwɒrəl/ - to bicker with /ˈbɪkə(r)/ = to argue about sth that isn’t important - to wrangle with /ˈræŋɡ(ə)l/ = to argue for a long time - to squabble with /ˈskwɒb(ə)l/ = to argue about sth that isn’t important - to contend with /kənˈtend/ = to have to deal with problems to achieve sth - to dispute with /dɪˈspjuːt/ - to dissent /dɪˈsent/ (formal) = to express strong disagreement - to fall out (informal) = to quarrel - to oppose /əˈpəʊz/ - to argue against - to reject sth /rɪˈdʒekt/ - to take issue with sth/sb - to be (at) daggers drawn /ˈdæɡə(r)z /drɔːn/ = to be angry towards each other - to contest sth /kənˈtest/ = to state formally that you disagree with sth - to challenge sth/sb /ˈtʃæləndʒ/ - to be at variance with /ˈveəriəns/ - to debate sth/with sb /dɪˈbeɪt/ - to cross swords with /sɔː(r)dz/ - to lock horns with /hɔː(r)nz/ - to gainsay sth/sb /ˌɡeɪnˈseɪ/ (formal)
90. FAVOURITE /ˈfeɪv(ə)rət/ adjective - preferred /prɪˈfɜː(r)d/ - favoured /ˈfeɪvə(r)d/ - pet /pet/ - best-loved - dearest /ˈdɪərəst/ - treasured /ˈtreʒə(r)d/ - esteemed /ɪˈstiːmd/ (formal) = admired and respected - dear /dɪə(r)/ = liked very much - precious /ˈpreʃəs/ = loved and valued by sb - longed-for (formal) = wanted for a long time - most-liked
91. TO LIKE /laɪk/ verb - to delight in sth/doing sth /dɪˈlaɪt/ - to find pleasant /ˈplez(ə)nt/ - to take pleasure in sth/doing sth /ˈpleʒə(r)/ - to take to sb/sth = to begin to like sth/sb - to appeal to /əˈpiːl/ - to appreciate /əˈpriːʃiˌeɪt/ - to be fond of /fɒnd/ - to find attractive - to be keen on /kiːn/ - to adore /əˈdɔː(r)/ - to hold dear - to cherish /ˈtʃerɪʃ/ - to relish /ˈrelɪʃ/ - to revel in /ˈrev(ə)l/ (formal) = to enjoy doing sth - to have a soft spot for (informal) - to dig (informal) - can’t get enough of sth - to be attached to - to have a liking for - to think well of - to admire /ədˈmaɪə(r)/ - to fancy /ˈfænsi/ - to be infatuated with /ɪnˈfætjueɪtɪd/ - to carry a torch for - to be crazy about (informal) - to have a crush on (informal) - to have a thing for (informal) - to take a shine to /ʃaɪn/ - to be partial to /ˈpɑː(r)ʃ(ə)l/ - to have a penchant for /ˈpɒ̃ʃɑ̃n/ - to have a passion for /ˈpæʃ(ə)n/ - to be mad about (informal) - to be hooked on /hʊkt/ (informal) - to get a kick out of (informal)
92. TO DISLIKE /dɪsˈlaɪk/ verb - to detest /dɪˈtest/ - to object to /əbˈdʒekt/ - to loathe /ləʊð/ - to abhor /əbˈhɔː(r)/ (formal) - to abominate /əˈbɒmɪneɪt/ (formal) - to regard with distaste - to shun /ʃʌn/ = to deliberately avoid - to despise /dɪˈspaɪz/ - to scorn /skɔː(r)n/ - to lump /lʌmp/ - to disfavour /dɪsˈfeɪvə(r)/ (formal) - to disrelish (formal) - to hate sb’s guts (informal) - to not stand the sight of (informal) - to not be sb’s cup of tea (informal) - be sick to the back teeth of (informal) - be no love lost between (informal) - to deplore /dɪˈplɔː(r)/ (formal) - to find sth/sb distasteful /dɪsˈteɪstf(ə)l/ - to be averse to /əˈvɜː(r)s/ - to have an aversion to /əˈvɜː(r)ʃ(ə)n/ - to shrink form /ʃrɪŋk/ = to not be willing to do sth difficult - to shudder at /ˈʃʌdə(r)/ - to find sth/sb repellent /rɪˈpelənt/ - to be unable to stomach (informal)
93. TO BUY /baɪ/ verb - to acquire /əˈkwaɪə(r)/ - to obtain /əbˈteɪn/ - to shop around - to stock up on /stɒk/ - to invest in /ɪnˈvest/ = to buy sth you need and will use a lot - to merchandize /ˈmɜː(r)tʃ(ə)ndaɪz/ (formal) - to panic-buy /ˈpænɪk baɪ/ = when you buy a lot of sth cause you’re worried there is not enough of it available - to purchase /ˈpɜː(r)tʃəs/ (formal) - to snap up /snæpˈʌp/ (informal) = to buy sth as soon as it becomes available - to splash out on sth /splæʃ/ (informal) = to buy sth expensive - to pick up /pɪkˈʌp / (informal) - to procure /prəˈkjʊə(r)/ = to obtain sth with effort - to get hold of (informal) - to snatch up /snætʃˈʌp / (informal) - to score /skɔː(r)/ (informal)
94. EASY /ˈiːzi/ adjective - effortless /ˈefə(r)tləs/ - uncomplicated /ʌnˈkɒmplɪˌkeɪtɪd/ - undemanding /ˌʌndɪˈmɑːndɪŋ/ - straightforward /ˌstreɪtˈfɔː(r)wə(r)d/ - foolproof /ˈfuːlˌpruːf/ = of a plan, method that is so well designed that it cannot go wrong - manageable /ˈmænɪdʒəb(ə)l/ - painless /ˈpeɪnləs/ - natural /ˈnætʃ(ə)rəl/ - a piece of cake (informal) - cushy /ˈkʊʃi/ (informal) - a doddle /ˈdɒd(ə)l/ (informal) = very easy to do - a cake walk (informal) - a walk in the park (informal) - easy as ABC (informal) - easy-peasy /ˌiːzi ˈpiːzi/ (BrE, informal) - easy as pie (informal) - child’s play (informal) - not rocket science (informal) - elementary /ˌelɪˈment(ə)ri/ - trouble-free /ˈtrʌb(ə)l ˈfriː/ - facile /ˈfæsaɪl/ = too simple to be able to deal with a real situation - no sweat /swet/ (informal) - smooth sailing /ˈsmuːðˈseɪlɪŋ/ (informal) = progress of a plan without problems
95. EXPENSIVE /ɪkˈspensɪv/ adjective - high-priced - high-cost - costly /ˈkɒs(t)li/ (formal) - exorbitant /ɪɡˈzɔː(r)bɪtənt/ - extortionate /ɪkˈstɔː(r)ʃ(ə)nət/ - overpriced /ˌəʊvə(r)ˈpraɪst/ = worth less than its price - extravagant /ɪkˈstrævəɡənt/ = costing more than reasonable - lavish /ˈlævɪʃ/ - steep /stiːp/ (informal) = of a price, very high - pricey /ˈpraɪsi/ (informal) - sky-high (informal) = of a price, very high - costing an arm and a leg (informal) - costing the earth (informal) - daylight robbery (informal) - exclusive /ɪkˈskluːsɪv/ = available only to people with lots of money - select /sɪˈlekt/ = very expensive - luxurious /lʌɡˈzjʊəriəs/ - sumptuous /ˈsʌmptʃuəs/ = impressive, expensive and of high quality - high-class = very good quality and very expensive - spendy (informal) - big-ticket (informal)
96. CHEAP /tʃiːp/ adjective - low-priced - reasonable /ˈriːz(ə)nəb(ə)l/ - low-cost - affordable /əˈfɔː(r)dəb(ə)l/ - bargain (n.) /ˈbɑː(r)ɡɪn/ = sth you buy that costs less than normal - cut-price = cheaper than the normal price - knock-down (BrE, informal) = at a reduced price - rock-bottom = at a very low price - budget /ˈbʌdʒɪt/ - economical /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk(ə)l/ - cheap-rate - on special offer - value-for-money - a good buy - bargainous (informal) - a snip /snɪp/ (BrE, informal) = sth that costs less than you expect - for a song (informal) = at a very cheap price - dirt-cheap (informal) - dog cheap (informal) - on a shoestring /ˈʃuːˌstrɪŋ/ (informal) = using or having very little money - cheap and cheerful = not expensive and of reasonable quality - reasonably priced - downmarket /ˈdaʊnˌmɑː(r)kɪt/ - cut-rate - bargain-basement = an area in a large shop where you can buy things cheaply, often of low quality
97. FRIENDLY /ˈfren(d)li/ adjective
- amiable /ˈeɪmiəb(ə)l/ - affable /ˈæfəb(ə)l/ - genial /ˈdʒiːniəl/ - convivial /kənˈvɪviəl/ = friendly and making you feel welcome - cordial /ˈkɔː(r)diəl/ - neighbourly /ˈneɪbə(r)li/ - companionable /kəmˈpænjənəb(ə)l/ - approachable /əˈprəʊtʃəb(ə)l/ - receptive /rɪˈseptɪv/ = willing to listen - hospitable /hɒˈspɪtəb(ə)l/ - amicable /ˈæmɪkəb(ə)l/ - well-disposed /ˌwel dɪˈspəʊzd/ - good-natured /ˌɡʊd ˈneɪtʃə(r)d/ - pally /ˈpæli/ (informal) - chummy /ˈtʃʌmi/ (informal) - folksy /ˈfəʊksi/ (AmE, informal) - genuine /ˈdʒenjuɪn/ = sincere - welcoming /ˈwelkəmɪŋ/ - bubbly /ˈbʌbli/ = lively, happy and friendly - congenial /kənˈdʒiːniəl/ = enjoying the company of others - gregarious /ɡrɪˈɡeəriəs/ = enjoys being with other people - easy to get on with - benign /bəˈnaɪn/ (formal) - amenable /əˈmiːnəb(ə)l/ = willing to agree with sb - benevolent /bəˈnev(ə)lənt/ (formal) = willing to help others - buddy-buddy /ˈbʌdiˈbʌdi/ (informal) = very friendly, esp. in a way that seems false
98. UNFRIENDLY /ʌnˈfren(d)li/ adjective
- standoffish /ˌstænd ˈɒfɪʃ/ = behaving in a formal way that isn’t friendly - aloof /əˈluːf/ - distant /ˈdɪstənt/ = doesn’t show their feelings - unapproachable /ˌʌnəˈprəʊtʃəb(ə)l/ - inhospitable /ˌɪnhɒˈspɪtəb(ə)l/ - unneighbourly /ˌʌn ˈneɪbə(r)li/ - unwelcoming /ʌnˈwelkəmɪŋ/ - chilly /ˈtʃɪli/ - frosty /ˈfrɒsti/ - wintry /ˈwɪntri/ = deliberately unfriendly - hostile /ˈhɒstaɪl/ = behaving in a way threatening towards others - strained /streɪnd/ = not relaxed or friendly - antagonistic /ænˌtæɡəˈnɪstɪk/ = disliking sb/sth very much and showing it in their behaviour - ill-disposed /ˌɪl dɪˈspəʊzd/ - surly /ˈsɜː(r)li/ = unfriendly and rude - inimical /ɪˈnɪmɪk(ə)l/ (formal) - churlish /ˈtʃɜː(r)lɪʃ/ = impolite and unfriendly - stony /ˈstəʊni/ = not friendly and not showing any emotion - ill-natured /ˌɪl ˈneɪtʃə(r)d/ - uncongenial / ʌnkənˈdʒiːniəl/ - starchy /ˈstɑː(r)tʃi/ (informal) = very formal and not showing much feeling
99. BUSY /ˈbɪzi/ adjective
Meaning ‘at the moment’: - occupied with sth /ˈɒkjʊpaɪd/ - engaged in sth /ɪnˈɡeɪdʒd/ - unavailable /ˌʌnəˈveɪləb(ə)l/ - having a previous engagement - having a prior appointment - tied up (informal) - in the thick of it (informal) - busy as a bee (informal) - engrossed in sth /ɪnˈɡrəʊst/ - load down with sth = having a lot to deal with - knee-deep in sth = having a lot of work or problems - immersed in sth /ɪˈmɜː(r)st/ - rushed off your feet = very busy - involved in sth /ɪnˈvɒlvd/ - swamped with sth /swɒmpt/ - up to one’s neck - absorbed in sth /əbˈzɔː(r)bd/
Meaning ‘busy day’: - lively /ˈlaɪvli/ - strenuous /ˈstrenjuəs/ - tiring /ˈtaɪərɪŋ/ - swarming /swɔː(r)mɪŋ/ - vibrant /ˈvaɪbrənt/ - teeming /ˈtiːmɪŋ/ - bustling /ˈbʌs(ə)lɪŋ/ - hectic /ˈhektɪk/ - frantic /ˈfræntɪk/ - eventful /ɪˈventf(ə)l/
Meaning ‘a busy person’: - active /ˈæktɪv/ - time-poor /ˌtaɪmˈpɔː(r)/ = with very little free time - lively /ˈlaɪvli/ - diligent /ˈdɪlɪdʒ(ə)nt/ = works very hard - energetic /ˌenə(r)ˈdʒetɪk/ - industrious /ɪnˈdʌstriəs/ - assiduous /əˈsɪdjʊəs/ = hard-working and thorough - restless /ˈres(t)ləs/ = not able to keep still - sedulous /ˈsedjʊləs/ (formal) = showing continuous hard work and determination - on the go (informal) - having your hands full (informal) - fully stretched (informal) - rushed/run off your feet (informal) = very busy - snowed under /snəʊd/ (informal) = with too much work to deal with - on the trot (informal) = busy doing sth tiring - as busy as a bee - hard at it (informal) = doing sth in a fast busy way
100. ENJOYABLE /ɪnˈdʒɔɪəb(ə)l/ adjective
- pleasant /ˈplez(ə)nt/ - delightful /dɪˈlaɪtf(ə)l/ - pleasurable /ˈpleʒ(ə)rəb(ə)l/ - smashing /ˈsmæʃɪŋ/ (BrE, informal) - ace /eɪs/ (informal) = very good - brill /brɪl/ (informal) - fab /fæb/ (informal) - mega /ˈmeɡə/ (informal) - epic /ˈepɪk/ = extremely enjoyable - entertaining /ˌentə(r)ˈteɪnɪŋ/ - amusing /əˈmjuːzɪŋ/ = funny or entertaining - diverting /daɪˈvɜː(r)tɪŋ/ - engaging /ɪnˈɡeɪdʒɪŋ/ - to one’s liking /ˈlaɪkɪŋ/ - marvellous /ˈmɑː(r)vələs/ - magnificent /mæɡˈnɪfɪs(ə)nt/ - splendid /ˈsplendɪd/ - fabulous /ˈfæbjʊləs/ - terrific /təˈrɪfɪk/ (informal) - magic /ˈmædʒɪk/ (informal) - killer /ˈkɪlə(r)/ (informal)
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