Thematic Vocbulary List for WRITING

Technology / Social Media Education

Word Simple Word Simple
S/N Word Definition / USE in a sentence Word Definition / USE in a sentence
Class Synonym Class Synonym

likely to be influenced or affected by

something: The scientists estimated
susceptible (-) not very exciting, impressive etc; dull:
1 adjective at risk that 20,000 more people were adjective lacklustre (-) dull
a lacklustre performance
becoming susceptible to measles
every month.

being part of the nature or character literary much better than that of other
2 adjective intrinsic basic of someone or something: The job is adjective surpassing (+) exceeding people or things:
of little intrinsic interest. a picture of surpassing beauty

With the proliferation of applications having special permission not to do

and tools on the internet, computer something you would normally have to
3 adjective prolifieration (+) creation users are sometimes spoilt for adjective exempt excused do:
choice with the affordances of The interest is exempt from income
technology. tax.

a momentous event, occasion, decision

to say that a situation or event is
etc is very important or serious,
caused by something: The fall in the
important especially because it will have a great
4 adjective attributed credited number of deaths from heart adjective momentous (+)
(very) influence on the future: a momentous
disease is generally attributed to
decision was made in the interest of
improvements in diet.
the majority
extremely important and needing to be
something that tries to stop people done or dealt with immediately : it is
from doing something: The biggest important imperative (that): It is absolutely
5 adjective disincentive (-) deterrent adjective imperative (+)
disincentive to spend is the fear of (extremely) imperative that these safety
debt. measures are implemented
immediately.
extremely important and necessary for
something to succeed or exist: Regular
done or made in the traditional or important
6 adjective authentic (+) genuine adjective vital (+) exercise is vital for your health. / play
original way: authentic Chinese food (extremely)
a vital role: Richardson played a vital
role in the team's success.

important
more important than anything else: The
causing harm or damage: Smoking is (more than
7 adjective detrimental (-) harmful adjective paramount (+) interests of the consumer should be
detrimental to health. anything
paramount.
else)

something bad that is blatant is very

not interested in anything except your
clear and easy to see, but the person
inward- own group, country, way of life etc: In
8 adjective blatant (-) obvious responsible for it does not seem adjective insular (-)
looking today's small world, we must guard
embarrassed or ashamed: a blatant
against an insular outlook.
abuse of power

a potential customer, problem, effect

etc is not a customer, problem etc yet,
but may become one in the future: The
9 adjective potential (+) possible
agents were eager to impress
potential buyers; a potential threat
to national security
an innate quality has been part of your
character since you were born: Donna
adjective innate natural
had an innate ability to sense when
someone was unhappy.

behaving as if you want to keep already in use or existing for a long

something secret: There was period of time: established anti-
10 adjective furtive secretive adjective established (+) proven
something furtive about his cancer drugs / well established: well-
appearance established teaching methods
 Technology / Social Media Education

very unusual and impressive:

done in a sensible and careful way: a phenomenal
11 adjective judicious sensible adjective remarkable phenomenal strength / phenomenal
judicious choice (-)
economic growth

fairly large, especially large enough to

frightening in a way that makes you feel
have an effect or be important: She
12 adjective considerable (+) substantial adjective daunting (-) scary less confident: It's a daunting task,
has considerable influence with the
but we're optimistic
President
extremely painful, so that you are
not important; insignificant: He made a
unable to move or do something:
13 adjective inconsequential unimportant few inconsequential remarks before adjective excruciating (-) unbearable
When I bend my arm the pain is
moving on to the next guests.
excruciating.
likely to change your mind suddenly or
not showing any emotion or feeling:
unpredictabl behave in an unexpected way: as
14 adjective capricious adjective impassive (-) unemotional Oscar's face remained impassive
e capricious and manipulative as her
throughout the trial.
mother had been
extremely serious, bad or terrible: He
was in dire trouble and he knew it. Dire determined and never becoming tired:
15 adjective dire (-) urgent consequences: Increasing fuel prices adjective indefatigable (+) untiring an indefatigable campaigner for
will have dire consequences for the human rights
poor
something bad that is rampant, such as something bad that is rampant, such as
crime or disease, is widespread and crime or disease, is widespread and
16 adjective rampant widespread difficult to control: The country faces adjective rampant widespread difficult to control: The country faces
famine and rampant disease / famine and rampant disease /
rampant inflation rampant inflation

as was certain to happen and could not correct or suitable for a particular time,
be prevented: It could only be situation, or purpose: Your clothes are
17 adverb inevitably certainly adjective appropriate suitable
handled in that manner. Inevitably, hardly appropriate for a job
we had overlooked a few points. interview.
the degree to which someone is
admired or regarded as important:
18 noun bewilderment confusion a feeling of being very confused noun stature reputation
Louis Armstrong was a musician of
world stature.
the results of an action or event,
especially a bad one, that continue to
expressed in a way that is clear and
consequenc have an effect for some time, in
19 noun repercussion (-) adjective lucid (+) clear easy to understand: a lucid and
e complicated and unexpected ways:
accurate account of the day's events
The break-up of communism has
had world-wide repercussions.

a difficult or unpleasant situation in the level at which something starts to

which you do not know what to do, or happen or have an effect: pain
predicament you have to make a difficult choice: threshold (=the amount of pain you
20 noun difficulty noun threshold level
(-) There is no painless way out of can suffer before you react to it) / have
America's current economic a high pain threshold (=be able to
predicament. suffer a lot of pain before you react)

a collection of numbers which represent facts or

formal to be the cause of a situation or feeling: Racial
21 noun statistics figures measurements: Statistics on illness are used in verb engender produce
inequality engenders conflict.
planning health care.

the state of being alone especially when this is what formal a situation in which no one has an unfair
22 noun solitude (-) loneliness you enjoy: She wished for the solitude of her noun equity (+) fairness advantage; fairness: a society run on the principles
house on the lake. of equity and justice

the way someone behaves or looks that gives you a at this juncture spoken formal at this point in an
23 noun demeanour manner general idea of their character: There was certainly noun juncture moment activity or period of time: At this juncture, we would
a large element of irony in his demeanour. like to suggest we take a short break.
someone who expresses strong disapproval or dislike
formal illegal or unfair threats : under duress (=using
of a person, idea, organization etc.: He became an
24 noun duress (-) pressure unfair threats): The confession was obtained noun critic opponent
outspoken critic of the country's educational
under duress.
policies.
 Technology / Social Media Education
Word Simple Word Simple
Word Definition / USE in a sentence Word Definition / USE in a sentence
Class Synonym Class Synonym
a way of behaving or speaking that hides your true formal illegal or unfair threats : under duress (=using
25 noun masquerade pretence thoughts or feelings: She didn't really love him, but noun duress pressure unfair threats): The confession was obtained
she kept up the masquerade for years. under duress.
the way by which you can enter a building or reach a
a range of different people or things; variety: the
place: Access is by means of a small door on the
26 noun access (+) right to use noun diversity variety cultural diversity of the United States / a diversity
right.: Access to the restrooms is through the
of opinion
foyer.

infringe: to do something that is against a law or the most successful point in the development of
27 verb infringe (-) violate someone's legal rights: Increasing care must be noun zenith (+) peak something : reach its zenith/be at its zenith: Opera
taken not to infringe copyright rules/ laws. reached its zenith at the turn of the century.

forge a relationship/alliance/links etc to develop a

something that is very useful and makes your life a lot
build / establish strong relationship, with other groups or other
28 noun boon (+) benefit easier: The new bus service will be a real boon to verb forge
something well countries: Gorbachev was able to forge new links
people in the village.
between Russia and the West.
to restrict someone's freedom and prevent them from to show that something such as a belief or explanation
29 verb fetter (-) bind doing what they want: fettered by family verb invalidate refute is wrong: The theory was invalidated by later
responsibilities findings.
mull sth over phrasal verb [transitive : to think about a
to treat someone unfairly by threatening them or being
problem, plan etc and consider it for a long time:
30 verb harass (-) bully continuously unpleasant to them: Black teenagers verb mull consider
Victor mulled over the idea and finally decided
are being constantly harassed by the police.
that it made sense.
contend with sth (phrasal verb)have to contend with
sth/have sth to contend with to have to deal with to make something continue to exist for a long time:
31 verb contend (+) deal with something difficult or unpleasant: He had to contend verb perpetuate continue an education system that perpetuates the
with a lot of shouting and jeering from the divisions in our society
audience.
to trick someone in a clever way so that you can get
culminate in sth phrasal verb [transitive]: if a process
an advantage for yourself: Be wary of scams that
culminates in something, it finally reaches the highest
deceive/ try to hoodwink you into giving over sensitive
32 verb hoodwink (-) verb culminate result in/ end point of development or the most important result: a
to trick or mislead information such as your bank card details and
series of minor clashes culminating in a full scale
passwords, only to use your private information
war
against your interests.
culminate in sth phrasal verb [transitive]: if a process to officially stop an activity by making it illegal or
culminates in something, it finally reaches the highest against the rules: Smoking is strictly prohibited inside
result in /
33 verb culminate point of development or the most important result: a verb prohibit forbid the factory. | prohibit sb from doing sth: Nuclear
end in
series of minor clashes culminating in a full scale powers are prohibited from selling this
war technology.

to risk losing or spoiling something important or to try to be like someone else, because you admire
endanger/
34 verb jeopardise (-) valuable: She asked to remain anonymous in verb emulate imitate them: The local khans tried to emulate the art,
threaten
order not to jeopardise her online status culture, and pageantry of the Persian courts.

to force someone to do something they do not want to

do by threatening them : coerce sb into doing sth: The to improve something: The flavor of most foods can
35 verb coerce (-) force verb enhance (+) improve
rebels coerced the villagers into hiding them be enhanced by good cooking.
from the army.
to make something by using whatever you can find
to make someone feel unhappy by restricting their
because you do not have the equipment or materials
36 verb oppress harass freedom in some way: The solitude of her little verb improvise (+) invent
that you need: We improvised a crude shelter
apartment oppressed her.
using branches.
 Technology / Social Media Education
to show up the good qualities in someone or
to explain a fact, statement, idea etc in a way that
something, or make them seem more attractive: The
37 verb distort misrepresent changes its real meaning: The journalist was verb complement (+) match
white silk of her blouse complements her olive
accused of distorting the facts.
skin perfectly
someone who is resilient quickly becomes healthy or to publicly say that you no longer believe in or support
38 adjective resilient (+) quick to recover happy again after an illness, difficulty, change etc: I verb renounce reject something: Writers and artists were called upon to
wouldn't worry - kids are very resilient. renounce all bourgeois values.
to encourage someone by making them excited about
to completely get rid of something such as a disease
and interested in something : stimulate sb to do sth:
39 verb stimulate (+) rouse verb eradicate (+) remove or a social problem: Smallpox has now been
Technology, used appropriately, can stimulate
eradicated from the world.
students to succeed.
to show a particular person or thing in a film,
to show a feeling, attitude etc: They have so far
40 verb feature (+) showcase magazine, show etc: an exhibition featuring verb manifest (+) show
manifested a total indifference to our concerns.
paintings by contemporary artists

to fix ideas, principles etc in someone's mind :

ancient times: a tradition that stretches back into
41 noun antiquity ancient times verb inculcate (+) teach inculcate sth in/into: She tries very hard to
antiquity
inculcate traditional values into her students.

so interested that you pay a lot of attention to what you formal to think for a long time about something: He
42 adjective enthralled (+) fascinated are seeing or hearing: Richard listened, enthralled verb ruminate think over sat ruminating deeply about/on the answer he'd
by the Captain's stories. been given.

one of the small parts or details that together form a to completely change the way people think or do
pattern, system, method etc : the intricacies of: I still things, especially because of a new idea or invention:
43 noun intricacies complexities verb revolutionise (+) transform
haven't mastered the intricacies of the filing New metal alloys have revolutionized the ways
system. cars are manufactured.

to treat someone unfairly in order to get money or an

an event that is imminent will happen very soon: The
44 verb exploit (-) abuse advantage for yourself: People who work at home adjective imminent (-) looming
company is now in imminent danger of collapse.
are more easily exploited by employers.

boost sb's confidence/morale/ego to make someone

the ability to be very quick and skilful with your hands:
45 noun dexterity (+) skilfulness verb boost (+) encourage feel more confident and less worried: He regularly
He used his knife with speed and dexterity.
phones to boost her morale.

a clever trick used to deceive someone: It dawned on the complete range of possibilities: College life
46 noun ruse (-) trick noun gamut (+) range
me that this was only a ruse, done to gain time opened up a whole gamut of new experiences.

obligated / to make it necessary for someone to do something :

the complete range of possibilities: College life compelled/ be obliged to do sth: | feel obliged to do sth (=feel that
47 noun gamut (+) range verb obliged (-)
opened up a whole gamut of new experiences. a must to do you have a duty to do something): Don't feel obliged
something to play if you don't want to.

in a way that is surprising because it is the opposite of

to make someone think and behave exactly as you
what you would expect: Paradoxically, the
48 adverb paradoxically (+) surprisingly verb manipulate influence want them to, by skilfully deceiving them or influencing
prohibition of liquor caused an increase in
them: I don't like the way she manipulates people.
alcoholism.

if someone is overwhelmed by an emotion, they feel it

extremely interested in something you are listening to :
so strongly that they cannot think clearly: He was
49 adjective spellbound (+) enthralled hold sb spellbound: The storyteller held his verb overwhelmed (-) overcome
suddenly overwhelmed by a strong feeling of his
audience spellbound.
insignificance. | Grief overwhelmed me.

not at all well known and usually not very important: an

exciting and full of activity and energy: Hong Kong is
50 adjective obscure unknown obscure personality / The exact origin of the adjective vibrant (+) lively
a vibrant, fascinating city.
paisley design is obscure.

What do the signs mean? What do the signs mean?

(+) POSITIVE CONNOTATION (+) POSITIVE CONNOTATION
(-) NEGATIVE CONNOTATION (-) NEGATIVE CONNOTATION
nothing NEUTRAL OR nothing NEUTRAL OR
WORD COULD BE USED WITH POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE CONNOTATIONS WORD COULD BE USED WITH POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE CONNOTATIONS
 Thematic Vocbulary List for WRITING
Elderly Family
Simple Simple
S/NWord Class Word Definition / USE in a sentence Word Class Word Definition / USE in a sentence
Synonym Synonym

likely to be influenced or affected by

unpleasantly clear and impossible to
susceptible (- something: The scientists estimated
avoid; harsh : stark reality: The film
1 adjective ) at risk that 20,000 more people were adjective stark complete
shows the stark realities of life in the
becoming susceptible to measles
slums
every month.

belonging to the present time; modern :

2 adjective contingent
dependent on something that is
uncertain or that will happen in the
depending future: Further investment would be
contingent upon the company's
profit performance.
contemporary music/art/dance etc: The
contemporary beliefs and practices
adjectivecontemporary current
of many families in our society today
have indicated a clear shift in what
truly matters to people.

a place that is desolate is empty and

formal to be the cause of a situation or
looks sad because there are no people
3 adjective desolate (-) deserted verb engender produce feeling: Racial inequality engenders
there and not much activity: desolate
conflict.
moorland

something that tries to stop people boost sb's confidence/morale/ego to

disincentive from doing something: The biggest make someone feel more confident and
4 adjective deterrent adjective boost (+) encourage
(-) disincentive to spend is the fear of less worried: He regularly phones to
debt. boost her morale.

having special permission not to do

something you would normally have to include more to include different areas of activity:
5 adjective exempt excused do: The interest is exempt from adjective straddle than 1 thing Her job straddled marketing and
income tax. at a time public relations.

famous and admired because of what seeming rude and unfriendly, especially
illustrious you have achieved in the past: I would acute/ sharp/ because you do not waste time in
6 adjective famous adjective abrupt (-)
(+) like to introduce our illustrious brusque friendly conversation; brusque: Sorry, I
guest, Professor Brookes. didn't mean to be so abrupt.

someone who is supple bends and

if a baby or child is fractious, they are
moves easily and gracefully: She fractious
7 adjective supple flexible verb irritable angry or upset: Babies tend to be
exercises every day to keep herself (-)
fractious when they are teething.
supple.

something such as an argument that is not at all well known and usually not
clear & cogent is reasonable, so that people very important: an obscure poet | The
8 adjective cogent (+) verb obscure unknown
persuasive are persuaded that it is correct : a exact origin of the paisley design is
cogent examination of facts. obscure.

to make someone experience serious

belonging to another country or race; beset problems or dangers: The business
9 adjective alien foreign verb harass
foreign: an alien culture (-) has been beset with financial
problems.

gratuitous violence/insults/cruelty etc very expensive, beautiful, and

gratuitous unreasonabl violence etc that is done for no reason luxurious comfortable: The bathroom was
10 adjective adjective lavish
(-) e and causes unnecessary harm or luxurious, with gold taps and a thick
offence carpet.
 Elderly Family
to be able to recognize and understand
done or made in the traditional or
the difference between two similar
original way: Whenever she travels to
11 adjective authentic genuine verb distinguish differentiate things or people: Dogs can
US, she would visit the Chinatown
distinguish a greater range of
to enjoy authentic Chinese food
sounds than humans.
bad-tempered, unfriendly, and often exciting and full of activity and energy:
surly vibrant
12 adjective impolite rude: Passengers complain of adjective lively Hong Kong is a vibrant, fascinating
(-) (+)
frequent delays and surly staff. city.

someone who is wary is careful because they think

wary
13 adjective preponderant important (most) main or most important adjective cautious something might be dangerous or harmful : be wary of
(-)
(doing) sth: I'm a bit wary of driving in this fog.

someone who is subtle uses indirect methods to hide

a momentous event, occasion, decision etc is very
what they really want or intend to do: Hugo didn't
14 adjective momentous important (very) important or serious, especially because it will have a adjective subtle clever
even try to be subtle about it - he stared right at
great influence on the future: a momentous decision
her.

extremely important and needing to be done or dealt to make it necessary for someone to do something :
important with immediately : it is imperative (that): It is be obliged to do sth: | feel obliged to do sth (=feel that
15 adjective imperative verb obliged obligated
(extremely) absolutely imperative that these safety measures you have a duty to do something): Don't feel obliged
are implemented immediately. to play if you don't want to.

extremely important and necessary for something to in a way that is surprising because it is the opposite of
important succeed or exist: Regular exercise is vital for your what you would expect: Paradoxically, the
16 adjective vital adverb paradoxically surprisingly
(extremely) health. | play a vital role: Richardson played a vital prohibition of liquor caused an increase in
role in the team's success. alcoholism.

important(more to make someone think and behave exactly as you

more important than anything else: The interests of
17 adjective paramount than anything verb manipulate influence want them to, by skilfully deceiving them or influencing
the consumer should be paramount.
else) them: I don't like the way she manipulates people.

a traumatic experience is so shocking an upsetting

sedentary a sedentary job is done while sitting down, and without traumatic
18 adjective inactive adjective shocking that it affects you for a long time: The death of his
(-) moving around very much (-)
son was the most traumatic event in Stan's life.

vivid memories, dreams, descriptions etc are so clear

inept
19 adverb incompetent having no skill: an inept driver adjective vivid distinct that they seem real: a vivid account of their
(-)
journey across the desert

likely to do something or suffer from something, to treat someone unfairly in order to get money or an
exploit
20 adjective prone likely to especially something bad or harmful: Some plants verb abuse advantage for yourself: People who work at home
(-)
are prone to a particular disease. are more easily exploited by employers.

having opinions, or beliefs especially about politics,

that are not extreme and that most people consider so interested that you pay a lot of attention to what you
enthralled
21 adjective moderate reasonable reasonable or sensible: Her views represent the adjective fascinated are seeing or hearing: Richard listened, enthralled
(+)
moderate wing of the party. | a moderate by the Captain's stories.
politician
one of the small parts or details that together form a
too unusual or strange to be explained or understood:
pattern, system, method etc : the intricacies of: I still
22 adjective inexplicable mysterious the inexplicable disappearance of a young noun intricacies complexities
haven't mastered the intricacies of the filing
woman
system.
laborious task/process/method etc a job or piece of
famous and admired: the legendary Babe Ruth, laborious
23 adverb legendary mythical adjective arduous work that is difficult and needs a lot of effort: the
one of the greatest baseball players of all time (-)
laborious task of collating all the evidence

an innate quality has been part of your character since to think carefully about something for a long time: He
24 adjective innate natural you were born: Donna had an innate ability to verb muse ponder lit a cigarette and sat musing over the problems
sense when someone was unhappy. of the world.
 Elderly Family
Simple Simple
S/NWord Class Word Definition / USE in a sentence Word Class Word Definition / USE in a sentence
Synonym Synonym
something bad that is blatant is very clear and easy to to fix ideas, principles etc in someone's mind :
blatant
25 adjective obvious see, but the person responsible for it does not seem verb inculcate teach inculcate sth in/into: She tries very hard to
(-)
embarrassed or ashamed: a blatant abuse of power inculcate traditional values into her students.

someone or something that is conspicuous is very formal to think for a long time about something: He
ruminate
26 adjective conspicuous obvious easy to notice: I felt very conspicuous in my suit - verb think over sat ruminating about/on the answer he'd been
(+)
everyone else was in jeans. given.

to frighten someone by behaving in a threatening way,

extremely unpleasant or of very bad quality:
abominable intimidate especially in order to make them do what you want:
27 adjective offensive abominably_adverb : Mavis behaved abominably verb threaten
(-) (-) Buildings were bombed in an attempt to
towards his parents.
intimidate the opposition.
insulting and disapproving : derogatory to completely change the way people think or do
derogatory remark/comment/term etc: Many 'special' or things, especially because of a new idea or invention:
28 adjective offensive verb revolutionise transform
(-) physically-handicapped people regard `queer' as New metal alloys have revolutionized car
a very derogatory term. manufacture.
preposterous completely unreasonable; absurd: The case on the antiquity ancient times: a tradition that stretches back into
29 adjective outrageous noun ancient times
(-) abuse sounds absolutely preposterous! antiquity

a strong feeling in society that a type of behaviour is

indigent stigma
30 adjective poor not having much money or many possessions; poor noun shame shameful: There is a strong stigma attached to
(-) (-)
suicide. | the stigma of alcoholism/abortion.

seeming reasonable and sensible: It's a logical site to express what you are thinking or feeling very
31 adjective logical reasonable for a new supermarket, with the housing verb articulate express clearly: muddled emotions that I found difficult to
development nearby. | a logical conclusion articulate.

to say that something must be done, when you are

inflexible inflexible rules, arrangements etc are impossible to making an agreement or offer: stipulate that sth be
32 adjective rigid verb stipulate specify
(-) change done: Tony stipulated that all expenses be
refunded.

simple, old-fashioned, and not spoiled by modern

someone who is resilient quickly becomes healthy or
developments, in a way that is typical of the resilient
33 adverb rustic rural adjective quick to recover happy again after an illness, difficulty, change etc: I
countryside: The village had a certain rustic (+)
wouldn't worry - kids are very resilient.
charm.

feeling healthier, stronger, and having more energy

daunting frightening in a way that makes you feel less invigorated
34 adjective scary adjective refreshed than you did before: He felt invigorated after his
(-) confident: It's a daunting task, but we're optimistic (+)
day in the country.

formal to repeat a statement or opinion in order to

behaving as if you want to keep something secret:
make your meaning as clear as possible : reiterate
35 adjective furtive secretive There was something furtive about his verb reiterate repeat
that: Let me reiterate that we have absolutely no
appearance
plans to increase taxation.
to be considered to be something: Boarding a train
done in a sensible and careful way:
36 adjective judicious sensible verb constitutes is without a ticket constitutes a breach of the
a judicious choice
regulations.
 Elderly Family
unreasonably determined not to change your beliefs or to make something less painful or difficult: a medicine
obdurate
37 noun stubborn feelings; stubborn: She remained obdurate despite verb alleviate lessen to alleviate cold symptoms | measures to alleviate
(-)
their pleas. poverty

fairly large, especially large enough to have an effect to restrict someone's freedom and prevent them from
38 adverb considerable substantial or be important: She has considerable influence verb fetter bind doing what they want: fettered by family
with the President responsibilities
forge a relationship/alliance/links etc to develop a
extremely painful, so that you are unable to move or do
excruciating strong relationship, with other groups or other
39 adjective unbearable something: When I bend my arm the pain is verb forge build
(-) countries: Gorbachev was able to forge new links
excruciating.
between Russia and the West.
to treat someone unfairly by threatening them or being
impassive not showing any emotion or feeling: Oscar's face harass
40 adverb unemotional verb bully continuously unpleasant to them: Black teenagers
(-) remained impassive throughout the trial. (-)
are being constantly harassed by the police.

if you are redundant your employer no longer has a mull sth over phrasal verb [transitive : to think about a
job for you : make sb redundant: Seventy factory problem, plan etc and consider it for a long time:
41 adjective redundant unneeded verb mull consider
workers were made redundant in the resulting Victor mulled over the idea and finally decided
cuts. that it made sense.
extremely serious, bad or terrible: He was in dire
to cut through something, separating it into two parts,
dire trouble and he knew it. Dire consequences:
42 adjective urgent verb sever cut or to become severed in this way: Martin's hand was
(-) Increasing fuel prices will have dire
severed in the accident.
consequences for the poor

to say or write unpleasant things about someone that

wrath malign
43 noun anger formal extreme anger: fearing the wrath of God ver defame are untrue: She had seen herself repeatedly
(-) (-)
maligned in the newspapers.

a condition of having money and everything that is

valour
44 noun bravery literary great courage, especially in war noun prosperity wealth needed for a good life: an era of unparalleled peace
(+)
and prosperity
formal to tell someone that you strongly disapprove of
the degree to which someone is admired or regarded
remonstrate something they have said or done: They only
45 noun stature reputation as important: Louis Armstrong was a musician of verb argue
(-) stopped teasing after Evans remonstrated
world stature.
with/against them.
a difficult or unpleasant situation in which you do not
expressed in a way that is clear and easy to
lucid predicament know what to do, or you have to make a difficult
46 noun clear understand: a lucid and accurate account of the noun difficulty
(+) (-) choice: There is no painless way out of America's
day's events
current economic predicament.
the level at which something starts to happen or have
an effect: | pain threshold (=the amount of pain you
47 noun bewilderment confusion a feeling of being very confused noun threshold level can suffer before you react to it) | have a high pain
threshold (=be able to suffer a lot of pain before you
react)
the results of an action or event, especially a bad one, a short but extremely strong feeling of happiness and
that continue to have an effect for some time, in euphoria excitement: the current state of euphoria after
48 noun repercussion consequence noun elation
complicated and unexpected ways: The break-up of (+) Ireland's amazing victory over England last
communism has had world-wide repercussions. Saturday

a difficult or unpleasant situation in which you do not

the state of being alone especially when this is what
predicament know what to do, or you have to make a difficult solitude
49 noun difficulty noun loneliness you enjoy: She wished for the solitude of her
(-) choice: There is no painless way out of America's (-)
house on the lake.
current economic predicament.
the level at which something starts to happen or have
an effect: | pain threshold (=the amount of pain you the ability to suffer difficulties or pain with strength
endurance
50 noun threshold level can suffer before you react to it) | have a high noun persistence and patience: The marathon really tested his
(+)
threshold for pain(=be able to suffer a lot of pain endurance.
before you react)

What do the signs mean? What do the signs mean?

(+) POSITIVE CONNOTATION (+) POSITIVE CONNOTATION
(-) NEGATIVE CONNOTATION (-) NEGATIVE CONNOTATION
nothing NEUTRAL/ Word could be used with either positive or negative contexts. nothing NEUTRAL/ Word could be used with either positive or negative contexts.
 Thematic Vocbulary List for WRITING
Community Environment
Simple Simple
S/NWord Class Word Definition / USE in a sentence Word Class Word Definition / USE in a sentence
Synonym Synonym
materials, chemicals etc that are
biodegradable are changed naturally
by the action of bacteria into
formal trouble between two people or substances that are not harmful to the
1 noun strife (-) trouble groups; conflict: a time of political adjective biodegradable recyclable environment: When we are out
strife camping, we should not leave
anything behind, particularly
receptables that are not
biodegradable.

official orders or laws stopping trade,

formal a situation in which no one has communication etc with another
an unfair advantage; fairness: a country, as a way of forcing its leaders
2 noun equity (+) fairness noun sanctions punishment
society run on the principles of to make political changes.
equity and justice Impose(start using) or lift(stop)
sanctions.

water, food etc that is contaminated

an alleged fact, quality etc is supposed
has dangerous or harmful things in it,
to be true although there is no proof contaminated
3 adjective alleged (-) assumed adjective polluted such as chemicals or poison: Several
that it actually is: reports of alleged (-)
outbreaks of infection have been
police brutality
traced to contaminated food.

an amount of gas or other substance

that a machine or factory produces and
being part of the nature or character of
sends into the air: Britain has agreed
4 adjective intrinsic basic someone or something: The job is of noun emissions releases
to cut emissions of nitrogen oxide
little intrinsic interest.
from power stations. | emissions of
CFCs

Of an artist, author, or composer

very impressive and attractive: a
5 adjective prolific (+) creative producing many works:he was a adjective dazzling (+) amazing
dazzling display of football skills
prolific composer of operas

belonging to the present time; modern :

6 adjective contemporary
connected with beauty and the study of
contemporary music/art/dance etc: an
current adjective aesthetic artistic beauty: From an aesthetic point of
exhibition of contemporary
view, it's a nice design.
Japanese prints

extremely important and needing to be

done or dealt with immediately : it is
imperative important imperative (that): It is absolutely pleasantly calm, quiet, and peaceful: a
7 adjective adjective tranquil (+) calm
(+) (extremely) imperative that these safety tranquil village scene
measures are implemented
immediately.
extremely important and necessary for
something to succeed or exist: Regular
important very very dangerous: a perilous journey
8 adjective vital (+) exercise is vital for your health. | adjective perilous (-)
(extremely) dangerous across the mountains
play a vital role: Richardson played a
vital role in the team's success.

a place that is desolate is empty and

looks sad because there are no people
pleasantly calm, quiet, and peaceful: a
9 adjective tranquil (+) calm adjective desolate (-) deserted there and not much activity: desolate
tranquil village scene
areas/ parcels of land which can be
further developed and better utilised

be tantamount to sth if an action,

suggestion, plan etc is tantamount to completely clean and not containing
10 adjective tantamount equal something, it is almost the same thing adjective sterile germ-free any bacteria: Operations must be
as it: But that's tantamount to saying carried out in a sterile environment.
poor people are criminals!
 Community Environment

to risk losing or spoiling something

causing harm or damage: Smoking is
11 verb jeopardise (-) endanger important or valuable: his life of crime adjective detrimental (-) harmful
detrimental to health.
jeapardised his chances of a career

fairly large, especially large enough to extremely large: a colossal statue |

have an effect or be important: She Their secret to success was
12 adjective considerable substantial adjective colossal huge
has considerable influence with the manufacturing cheap goods on a
President colossal scale.
a fight between small groups of soldiers, ships etc,
especially one that happens away from the main part
containing poison, or caused by poisonous
13 noun skirmish (-) clash of a battle: the cultural differences between the adjective toxic (-) poisonous
substances: toxic fumes | a toxic waste dump
Protestants and Catholics resulted in skirmishes
in Northern Ireland

a strong feeling in society that a type of behaviour is

a dilapidated building, vehicle etc is old and in very
14 noun stigma (-) shame shameful: There is a strong stigma attached to adjective dilapidated (-) rundown
bad condition
suicide. | the stigma of alcoholism/abortion.

simple, old-fashioned, and not spoiled by modern

a condition of having money and everything that is
developments, in a way that is typical of the
15 noun prosperity (+) wealth needed for a good life: an era of unparalleled peace adjective rustic rural
countryside: The village had a certain rustic
and prosperity
charm.

infringe: to do something that is against a law or an attack of a disease that causes death and spreads
16 verb infringe (-) violate someone's legal rights: Increasing care must be noun plague (-) disease quickly to a large number of people: Europe suffered
taken not to infringe copyright. many plagues in the Middle Ages.

to force someone to do something they do not want to

all the pieces that are left after something has been
do by threatening them : coerce sb into doing sth: The
17 verb coerce (-) force noun debris trash destroyed in an accident, explosion etc: The beach
rebels coerced the villagers into hiding them
was littered with debris.
from the army.

to make someone feel unhappy by restricting their hazardous chemicals/waste/substances etc technical
18 verb oppress (-) harass freedom in some way: The solitude of her little adjective hazardous (-) harmful chemicals etc that are dangerous and likely to harm
apartment oppressed her. people's health

to be considered to be something: Boarding a train

to prove that an idea or opinion is completely wrong:
19 verb constitutes is without a ticket constitutes a breach of the verb demolish (-) disprove
He demolished my argument in minutes.
regulations.

something that happens or exists, especially

to change what you are doing so that you are not
something that is studied because it is not
following an expected plan, idea, or type of behaviour:
20 verb deviate move away noun phenomenon occurrence understood: the phenomenon of international
The plane had to deviate from its normal flight
terrorism | violent natural phenomena such as
path.
hurricanes

a terrible event in which there is a lot of destruction or

someone who is resilient quickly becomes healthy or
many people are injured or die: the catastrophe of a
21 adjective resilient (+) quick to recover happy again after an illness, difficulty, change etc: I noun catastrophe (-) disaster
worldwide conflict | The oil spill threatens an
wouldn't worry - kids are very resilient.
unparalleled ecological catastrophe.
to behave as if you think you are better or more
to spoil or damage something holy: Due to
important than other people: She'd be a better
22 verb condescend (-) talk down verb desecrate (-) insult deforestation, the temple was demolished and
teacher if she didn't speak in such a
the holy land desecrated.
condescending tone to her students.
to fix ideas, principles etc in someone's mind :
exciting and full of activity and energy: Hong Kong is
23 verb inculcate (+) teach inculcate sth in/into: She tries very hard to adjective vibrant (+) lively
a vibrant, fascinating city.
inculcate traditional values into her students.
to completely change the way people think or do
things, especially because of a new idea or invention: an event that is imminent will happen very soon: The
24 verb revolutionise transform adjective imminent (-) looming
New metal alloys have revolutionized car company is now in imminent danger of collapse.
manufacture.
 Community Environment
Simple Simple
S/NWord Class Word Definition / USE in a sentence Word Class Word Definition / USE in a sentence
Synonym Synonym
one of the small parts or details that together form a
pattern, system, method etc : the intricacies of: I still to cause a lot of harm or suffering to a place or group
25 noun intricacies complexities verb scourge (-) curse
haven't mastered the intricacies of the filing of people: a country scourged by disease and war
system.
a lot of noise or angry protest about something : be in
literary too many to count: Myriad bright stars
26 adjective myriad countless noun uproar (-) pandemonium an uproar: The house was in an uproar, with
shone in the sky above.
babies crying and people shouting.

two statements, beliefs etc that are contradictory, are the results of an action or event, especially a bad one,
different and therefore cannot both be true: The that continue to have an effect for some time, in
27 adjective contradictory inconsistent noun repercussion consequence
witnesses gave two completely contradictory complicated and unexpected ways: The break-up of
accounts. communism has had world-wide repercussions.

Friendly, helpful, or cooperative feelings

as was certain to happen and could not be prevented:
28 noun goodwill (+) benevolence or attitude:the scheme is dependent on goodwill adverb inevitably certainly
Inevitably, we had overlooked a few points.
between the two sides
Publicly recommend or support:voters
29 verb advocate sanction supported candidates who advocated adjective opulent wealthy very rich: opulent officials in large limousines
an Assembly
selfless concern for the well-being of others:some existing in such large amounts that it can never be
30 noun altruism (+) selflessness may choose to work adjective inexhaustible unlimited finished or used up: a man of inexhaustible energy
with vulnerable elderly people out of altruism | an inexhaustible supply of firewood
The desire to promote the welfare of
others, expressed especially by something that is very useful and makes your life a lot
31 noun philanthropy (+) humanitarianism the generous donation ofmoney to noun boon (+) benefit easier: The new bus service will be a real boon to
good causes:he acquired a considerable people in the village.
fortune and was noted for his philanthropy

to risk losing or spoiling something important or

A rule or directive made and maintained by
32 noun regulation law verb jeopardise (-) endanger valuable; his life of crime jeopardised his chances
an authority:planning regulations
of a career

Relating to or done by all people or things in susceptible to sth : likely to suffer from a particular
the world or in a particular group; applicable to all illness or be affected by a particular problem: Certain
33 adjective universal all-inclusive adjective susceptible (-) at risk
cases:universal adult suffragethe incidents people are more susceptible to stress than
caused universal concern others.
A union or association formed for mutual benefit,
especially between countries or a chaotic situation is one in which everything is
34 noun alliance union organizations:a defensive alliance adjective chaotic (-) disorderly happening in a confused way: Traffic conditions
between Australia and New Zealand divisions tonight are chaotic.
within the alliance
A person who gives money or other help to a person be tantamount to sth if an action, suggestion, plan etc
or cause:a low-interest loan from a is tantamount to something, it is almost the same
35 noun benefactor (+) sponsor adjective tantamount equal
benefactor allowed them to build a floor for thing as it: But that's tantamount to saying poor
the exhibition hall people are criminals!
Make (someone) stronger and more confident,
especially in controlling their life very impressive and exciting: a spectacular
36 verb empower (+) emancipate adjective spectacular (+) very impressive
and claiming their rights:movements to empower fireworks display
the poor
 Community Environment
Make (someone) behave in a way that is acceptable to
learning too slight or unimportant to have any effect: The
37 noun socialisation their society:newcomers are socialized adjective negligible insignificant
behaviours damage done to his property was negligible.
into orthodox ways

unpleasantly clear and impossible to avoid; harsh : something bad that is blatant is very clear and easy to
38 adjective stark complete stark reality: The film shows the stark realities of adjective blatant obvious see, but the person responsible for it does not seem
life in the slums embarrassed or ashamed: a blatant abuse of power
to say that a situation or event is caused by
something: The fall in the number of deaths from happening often but not regularly; intermittent:
39 adjective attributed credited adjective sporadic random
heart disease is generally attributed to sporadic fighting in the west of the city
improvements in diet.
not interested in anything except your own group, the act of treating something holy in a way that does
40 adjective insular inward-looking country, way of life etc: In today's small world, we noun sacrilege (-) blasphemy not show respect: the way they trampled all over
must guard against an insular outlook. was a sacrilege.

a difficult or unpleasant situation in which you do not

insulting and disapproving : derogatory
know what to do, or you have to make a difficult
41 adjective derogatory (-) offensive remark/comment/term etc: Many gay men still noun predicament (-) difficulty
choice: There is no painless way out of America's
regard `queer' as a very derogatory term.
current economic predicament.

already in use or existing for a long period of time:

connected with space or the universe: There was an
42 adjective established proven established anti-cancer drugs | well established: adjective cosmic extraterrestrial
instant cosmic connection between us.
well-established teaching methods

a range of different people or things; variety: the

boring, ordinary, or lacking in imagination: a prosaic
43 adjective prosaic (-) simple noun diversity variety cultural diversity of the United States | a diversity
writing style
of opinion

using power (as a ruler) in a cruel and unfair way: to make something continue to exist for a long time:
44 adjective despotic (-) tyrannical The general was a despotic leader who did not verb perpetuate continue an education system that perpetuates the
care about the well-being of his subjects. divisions in our society

something such as a substance or an idea, made by to officially stop an activity by making it illegal or
45 noun synthesis combination combining different things: Their beliefs are a verb prohibit forbid against the rules: Smoking is strictly prohibited
synthesis of Eastern and Western religions. inside the factory.

to pay someone money because they have suffered

the state of being alone especially when this is what
injury, loss or damage :The firm agreed to
46 noun solitude loneliness you enjoy: She wished for the solitude of her verb compensate pay
compensate its workers for their loss of
house on the lake.
earnings.

the way someone behaves or looks that gives you a to treat someone unfairly in order to get money or an
47 noun demeanour manner general idea of their character: There was certainly verb exploit (-) abuse advantage for yourself: People who work at home
a large element of irony in his demeanour. are more easily exploited by employers.

formal an event, organization, or thing that is similar to important

more important than anything else: The interests of
48 noun antecedent originator the one you have mentioned but existed earlier: adjective paramount (+) (more than
the consumer should be paramount.
historical antecedents anything else)

something bad that is rampant, such as crime or

someone who joins an opposing side in a war, in
disease, is widespread and difficult to control: The
49 noun renegade (-) rebel politics etc: renegade soldiers/troops etc: At the adjective rampant (-) widespread
country faces famine and rampant disease. |
meeting were several renegade Communists.
rampant inflation

the appearance again and growth of a belief or activity, a testament to sth something that shows or proves
especially one that is harmful or undesirable: a something else very clearly: The aircraft's safety
50 noun resurgence (-) reappearance noun testament evidence
resurgence of racial violence]: a resurgence in record is an impressive testament to its
the popularity of 60s music designers' skill.

What do the signs mean? What do the signs mean?

(+) POSITIVE CONNOTATION (+) POSITIVE CONNOTATION
(-) NEGATIVE CONNOTATION (-) NEGATIVE CONNOTATION
nothing NEUTRAL/ Word could be used with either positive or negative contexts. nothing NEUTRAL OR
WORD COULD BE USED WITH POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE CONNOTATIONS