Table of Contents

modern.......................................................................................................................... 2
typical of the past; not modern......................................................................................3
increase.........................................................................................................................3
decrease......................................................................................................................... 5
to spend money.............................................................................................................7
to show disapproval of someone or something.............................................................8
to search for something.................................................................................................9
to say something.........................................................................................................10
to relax........................................................................................................................12
to prevent something from happening.........................................................................13
to persuade someone to do something.........................................................................13
to move from a lower position to a higher position.....................................................14
to move onto or towards the top of something............................................................16
to make something happen..........................................................................................17
to make something......................................................................................................17
to make different.........................................................................................................18
to look at someone or something.................................................................................19
to laugh.......................................................................................................................20
to learn something.......................................................................................................21
to love someone..........................................................................................................22
to make someone angry...............................................................................................23
to obey someone or something....................................................................................23
to receive or be given something.................................................................................24
to repair something.....................................................................................................25

modern
These words refer to physical things that are made using the most recent techniques,
methods, materials, etc. They can also refer to ideas or beliefs that are based on the
most recent thoughts on a subject.
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One common word for this is modern. Modern refers to ideas and thoughts as well as
physical things.
The building was made using modern construction techniques.
He's got some fairly modern ideas considering his age.
The opposite of modern is old-fashioned.
He paddled around the lake in an old-fashioned rowing boat.
She's very old-fashioned about marriage.
For more opposites of modern, see the article at old-fashioned.
Another way of saying modern is up to date. Up to date refers to whatever is the
most current at the time.
The hospital has some of the most up-to-date equipment in the country.
We keep our antivirus software up to date.
Latest is a way of saying that something is the most modern.
She always wears the latest fashions.
The words cutting-edge, high-tech, or state-of-the-art can be used for things which use
the most modern ideas, materials, features, etc.
Computers have brought cutting-edge technology into the classroom.
Divers with high-tech equipment discovered the wreck of the ship.
They've got a new state-of-the-art kitchen.
Someone or something which uses modern ideas and systems to encourage change can
be described as progressive.
It's a very progressive school.
The word contemporary is used for art, literature, music, etc., that is modern.
The music was written a hundred years ago, but it still has a contemporary feel to it.
If something is modern but you do not like it, you can use the
adjective newfangled. Newfangled is a disapproving word.
I can't cope with all this newfangled technology.

typical of the past; not modern

The word with the broadest meaning is old-fashioned. It can be used of things or ideas
that people have.
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He's very old-fashioned and thinks that women should not work outside the home.
That's the old-fashioned way to make furniture.
She still has an old-fashioned phone in the house.
Antiquated, dated, and outdated are alternatives to old-fashioned. These words are
used of things that are not as good or useful as modern things.
The school wants to update its antiquated computer system.
The hotel's decor is starting to look dated.
Many hospitals struggle with outdated equipment and facilities.
Something that is attractive because it is old-fashioned can be described as quaint.
The area is full of quaint little villages.
The adjective antique can be used to describe things that are beautiful or valuable
because they are old. It is also sometimes used humorously to describe something that
was once common in the past but isn't any more.
She gave me an antique bedcover her great aunt made.
humorous Reading a printed book? What an antique notion!
Behind the times is a phrase that can be used to describe a person or thing that is
thought old-fashioned in modern society.
Her grandfather was behind the times and thought that women shouldn't work outside
the home.
If something is outmoded it is no longer useful because it is old-
fashioned. Outmoded is a disapproving word.
The company is suffering because of outmoded business models.

increase 
We need to increase production to meet demand.
Synonyms and examples
grow
The number of people living alone grows each year.
rise
Prices rose by 10 per cent.
go up
House prices keep going up.
escalate
Crime in the city has escalated in recent weeks.
rocket
Building costs have rocketed by 70%.
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soar
House prices have soared this year.
expand
We're hoping to expand our range of products.
extend
The company extended its sales territory this year.
maximize
We need to maximize profits.

When something increases, it gets bigger in amount, level, size, or degree. The fact of
something getting bigger in amount, level, size, or degree is called an increase.
AN INCREASE
There has been an sharp increase in municipal taxes this year.
Synonyms and examples
rise
Last month saw a rise in the rate of inflation.
gain
We are not seeing the gains in productivity that we expected.
boost
We are hoping for a boost in sales this year.
jump
The jump in prices was generally expected.
leap
The sudden leap in petrol prices took motorists by surprise.
surge
There has been a surge in demand for avocados.
spike
The city has seen a spike in drug deaths recently.
growth
We are anticipating modest sales growth.
upturn
Some sectors of the economy have seen a sharp upturn.
upswing
Natural gas production is on the upswing.
pickup
We're beginning to see a pickup in exports at last.
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Antonyms and examples
decrease
There has been a steady decrease in the number of visitors.
fall
We likely won't see a fall in the prices of manufactured goods this year.
downturn
The economic downturn is likely to continue.
downswing
We're seeing a downswing in auto manufacturing.
decrease
 The tests show that the tumour has decreased in size since we started treatment.
Synonyms and examples
lessen
A healthy diet lessens your risk for cardiovascular disease.
lower
They've just lowered the age at which you can join.
reduce
They've just reduced the price.
bring down
They are bringing down their prices.
drop
Stock prices dropped today after the company's announcement.
fall
Unemployment has fallen to six percent in the last year.
go down
Prices always go down in January.
come down
Has her fever come down at all?

plummet
Temperatures last night plummeted.
plunge
Temperatures last night plunged below zero.
dwindle
The number of students in the school has dwindled to around 200.
decline
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The number of members has declined by 25 per cent over the last 30 years.
shrink
Forests have shrunk to almost half the size they were 20 years ago.
contract
As the metal cools, it contracts.
Antonym and example
increase
I've been increasing my workouts by five minutes a day.
fall-off
falling-off
rise
nosedive
reduction
downturn
downswing
Learn more
When something decreases, it becomes smaller or less. You can also talk about a
decrease in something.
A DECREASE
There has been a steady decrease in the number of visitors.
Synonyms and examples
fall
A fall in the price of petrol is unlikely.
fall-off
There's been a sharp fall-off in demand for the product since the company's scandal
broke.
falling-off
There has been a slight falling-off in public sector employment growth.

rise
There has been a sharp rise in home sales this month.
drop
We are expecting a sharp drop in temperatures overnight.
decline
A decline in profits is to be expected in this economic climate.
nosedive
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Consumer confidence has taken a nosedive.
reduction
The company announced a 10 per cent wage reduction in response to poor earnings.
downturn
The economic downturn is likely to continue.
downswing
Banks took action to counter the downswing in manufacturing.
Antonyms and examples
increase
There has been an increase in noise complaints since the building started.
upturn
Some sectors of the economy have seen a sharp upturn.
upswing
Production is on the upswing after a stagnant third quarter.

to spend money 
These words all refer to giving money to someone or something as a payment for
something.
Spend is one of the common ways to say this.
How much do you intend to spend on a house?
The government has spent $1.9 billion dollars on defence this year alone.
Another verb you can use for this is pay. Pay has a slightly different use than spend.
It is used to say that you are giving money to a person or company in exchange for
something you are buying. Spend is used most often to say that you are using money
for something.
When you bought the tickets, how much did you pay?
I paid an extra £30 to get a double room.
The verb invest is used when someone spends money on something and hopes to get a
profit.
She's invested all her savings in the business.
If someone spends a lot of money on something, the phrasal verb pay out is sometimes
used.
I've just paid out £700 to get the car fixed.
If someone spends a lot of money on something that he or she wants but does not
need, you can use the verb splurge.
We've just splurged on new kitchen appliances.
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If someone spends a lot of money on something that seems like a waste of money, in
informal contexts you can use the verb blow.
We won a £15 million settlement in court and we blew it all in six years.
The phrasal verb dip into is sometimes used when someone spends part of a supply of
money that has been kept or saved.
We had to dip into our savings to pay for the repairs.
If someone spends money on something but does not want to, the informal phrasal
verbs fork out and shell out are often used.
I'm not going to fork out another £20 for their tickets.
We had to shell out £2,000 to get the roof fixed.

to show disapproval of someone or something

These words all refer to showing disapproval of someone or something.
The most common word for this is criticize. The UK English spelling of this word is
usually criticise.
He criticized the government's handling of the crisis.
UK She criticised me for wearing too much make-up.
The opposite of criticize is praise.
They praised his quick response to the attack.
For more opposites of criticize, see the article at praise.
Attack, condemn, and denounce can all be used when someone criticizes someone or
something severely.
She wrote an article attacking the judge and the way the trial had been conducted.
She was condemned for her comments about the candidate.
The government's economic policy has been denounced on all sides.
If someone is criticized strongly and publicly, you could also use the phrase come
under fire.
The government programme has come under fire for mismanaging funds.
A formal word that means the same as criticize is censure.
The trial judge was censured for incompetence.
In formal language, if you criticize someone or something very severely,
you chastise or castigate.
Critics chastised the government for withholding information from its citizens.
The organization was castigated for bungling the situation.

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Decry and excoriate are also formal words for criticizing someone or something very
severely. Decry can be used of people or things, while excoriate is used mostly of
things.
He was decried as a traitor to his country.
The minister excoriated the tabloid press for their biased and untrue coverage.
Blast and pan are both informal ways of saying criticize.
The senator blasted the president's record on taxes, foreign policy, and the economy.
Her latest movie has been panned by critics.
If a person criticizes someone in a very unpleasant way, you can say, in informal
English, that they bad-mouth that person.
The coach was suspended for bad-mouthing a referee.
If you think someone is criticizing something or someone unfairly, you could say
they find fault with that thing or person.
He's always finding fault with my work.
You can also say, in informal English, that they knock or run down that person or
thing. Knock is used in UK English.
UK Don't knock him. He's trying his best.
Stop running him down.

to search for something

These words refer to trying to find something.
Search is used when you spend time carefully trying to find something.
I've searched everywhere and can't find my passport.
Police are still searching for the missing person.
Look and hunt are very common alternatives to search.
She was looking in her handbag for a pen.
I'm looking for my keys. Have you seen them?
I've hunted all over the place but I can't find that book.
Rummage can be used when someone searches in a drawer, bag, etc. for something.
He rummaged through his pockets, looking for his keys.
The phrasal verb ferret out can be used when someone searches for information,
especially information that other people do not want known.
The inspector general has broad powers to ferret out fraud on the state and local
level.
If someone searches a place very carefully in order to find something or someone, the
words comb or scour are often used.
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Police combed the area for evidence.
Police scoured the countryside looking for the missing child.
If someone searches a place in a violent and careless way, you could use the
verb ransack.
Burglars had ransacked the house and stolen her jewellery.
If you are on the lookout for something, you are continuously searching for it.
He is always on the lookout for a bargain.

to say something
These words are all used when you express a thought or state information.
Say is a very common word. It can be used with a noun as an object, or with speech to
indicate the words spoken by someone.
When I say your name, raise your hand.
"What a lovely day," she said.
Utter is a formal word meaning to say something or make a sound with your voice. It
is often used in negative sentences.
She barely uttered a word all morning.
He died without uttering a sound.
For more words related to the action of speaking or saying words with your voice, see
the article at talk.
When reporting the opinions of a group of people, you can use they say or it is said.
They say the house is haunted.
It is said that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link.
If you state something, you say or write it, especially clearly and carefully. State is
used in formal or official contexts.
Union members stated that they were unhappy with the proposal.
Please state your name for the court.
Remark or comment can be used instead of say to talk about an opinion or thought. In
formal contexts, you can also use observe.
He remarked that she was looking thin.
Many teachers have commented that the curriculum can be difficult.
"I've always found German-made cars very reliable," he observed.
Maintain can be used instead of say to talk about expressing your opinion that
something is true firmly or repeatedly. Affirm is a more formal word for this.
His lawyers maintain that he acted honourably.
They affirm that military means are the final means for resolving future conflicts.
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Opine is a formal word meaning to express an opinion.
He opined that the financial crisis showed the need for a global effort to fight a
common cause.
Announce or declare are often used when someone says something publicly.
He suddenly announced in the middle of dinner that they were getting married.
She declared that it was the best chocolate cake she had ever tasted.
Pronounce is a formal word meaning to say something officially. It is often used about
a judge or jury giving a judgment.
The verdict was pronounced to a packed courtroom.
If you claim something, you say it, even though some people may not accept the truth
of what you are saying. Assert has a similar meaning, but is more formal.
He claimed that he was not responsible for the accident.
Some scholars assert that weaving and cloth making developed considerably earlier.
For words related to giving someone information, see the article at tell.
If someone says something suddenly and unexpectedly, you could use the
phrase come out with.
Young children come out with very funny things sometimes.
If you are finding it hard to say anything because other people are talking too, you
could say that you can't get a word in.
She couldn't get a word in - he just loves to talk.

to relax
These words all refer to becoming or making someone become calmer, less active,
and happier.
The most common word for this is relax. Relax is often used to refer to physically
resting to make yourself happier or calmer.
After a long day in the office, I love nothing more than relaxing on the sofa.
I like to relax with a cup of tea.
The phrasal verb chill out is a common informal way of saying relax.
We spent the whole week chilling out on the beach.
You can also use the very informal verb chillax to mean relax.
Hey, man, just chillax.

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The verb unwind means to start to relax after working or doing something difficult.
You can also use the phrasal verb wind down to refer to gradually relaxing after doing
something that is stressful or tiring.
Music helps me to unwind.
Our daughter knows that when we read a story at the end of the day, it's time to wind
down and get ready for bed.
If a person relaxes and doesn't use much energy, the expression take it easy is often
used.
You'll need to spend a few days taking it easy after the operation.
You can also use the phrasal verb slow down to refer to relaxing more and doing
fewer activities.
You need to slow down and start taking care of yourself.
If you de-stress, you do something to help you relax by reducing stress or worry. De-
stress is used in informal contexts. In informal US English, you can also use the
verb decompress.
I do yoga to de-stress.
US I just need a weekend to decompress and do some gardening.
The opposite of de-stress is stress out.
All this bad news is stressing me out!
The fixed expression put your feet up is also often used to refer to sitting down and
relaxing.
I'm going to make myself a cup of coffee and put my feet up for half an hour.
You can encourage a guest in your home to relax by telling them to make themselves
at home.
If you want water or tea, help yourself - make yourself at home.

to prevent something from happening

These words are used when you do something so that something else does not happen.
The verb prevent is used when someone or something is the reason that another thing
does not happen.
Vaccination will prevent the spread of the disease.
There's a clog which is preventing water from draining from the tub.
Only you can prevent forest fires.
Two common and more informal alternatives to prevent are avoid and stop.
Label the boxes to avoid confusion.
This should stop any further trouble.
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They've put barriers up to stop people from getting through.
To talk about preventing something bad from happening, the verb avert can be used.
We had to act quickly to avert disaster.
If something prevents something else by making it impossible, you can use the
verb prohibit.
Behavioural problems in the classroom prohibit learning.
Check can be used when something prevents another thing from continuing or
increasing.
Children are being vaccinated in an attempt to check the spread of the disease.
The verbs foil and thwart mean to prevent someone or something from being
successful.
The attempted kidnapping was foiled by some undercover police.
My trip to London was thwarted by a pilots' strike.

to persuade someone to do something

These words refer to making someone do something by giving them a good reason to
do it.
One common word for this is persuade. Persuade is used when you spend time and
thought trying to get someone to do, think, etc. the thing you would like them to.
If she doesn't want to do it, nothing you say will persuade her.
We are working to persuade the bureau to stop deportations of undocumented
migrants.
I eventually persuaded the cat to get into the carrier by using treats.
If someone persuades a person that something is true, you could use the
verb convince.
The lawyer convinced the jury of the man's innocence.
The more informal phrasal verb talk someone into doing something can be used
instead of persuade.
She managed to talk me into going along.
A related phrasal verb is talk someone out of. When you talk someone out of
something, you persuade them not to do the thing they are planning on doing.
I think I've talked him out of leaving the country.
The verb dissuade also means to persuade someone not to do something.
I tried to dissuade her from leaving.
The verbs cajole or coax are often used when someone persuades a person to do
something by saying nice things to that person.
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He really knows how to cajole people into doing what he wants.
A mother was coaxing her reluctant child to get into the water.
If you wheedle someone into doing something, you make them do it by being too nice
or complimentary to them. Wheedle is a disapproving word.
She's the type who can wheedle you into selling your own mother if you're not careful.
You can use the formal verb inveigle to describe persuading someone in a clever and
dishonest way to do something they do not want to do.
The con artist attempted to inveigle the company into revealing its trade secrets.

to move from a lower position to a higher position

These are all words for physically lifting someone or something into a higher position.
There are two common words for this. Lift is used to refer to moving someone or
something into a higher position, usually temporarily. You can lift a part of your body,
such as your arm or your eyebrows, or you can use your hands or arms to lift other
people or things.
I can't lift my arm past this point without pain.
He slowly lifted the lid of the box.
He lifts weights for exercise.
Lift me up, daddy, I want to see!
The second common word for moving something into a higher position
is raise. Raise can be used to describe moving a part of your body, and especially your
hand or your eyebrows, into a higher position than normal. When raise is used to
describe physically lifting things, it is usually because those things must be put in a
higher position to be used.
Raise your hand if you have a question, please.
She raised her eyebrows sceptically.
He raised his glass to toast the happy couple.
She raised the gun and fired.
The opposite of lift and raise is lower.
We lowered the flag.
Lower your hand after I've called on you.
In formal contexts, you can use the word elevate instead of lift or raise.
Put pressure on the wound and keep the injured limb elevated.
If you pick someone or something up, you lift them or it into a higher position using
your hands.
If the baby cries, pick him up and cuddle him.
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There's a bit of cracker on the floor - can you pick it up and bin it?
He picked up his fork and began to eat.
If you scoop someone or something up, you lift someone or something with your
hands or your arms in a quick and usually smooth motion.
She scooped up the crying toddler and carried him off to his cot.
He scooped up a handful of soil and dropped it into the flowerpot.
The informal phrasal verb hike up is used to describe lifting something, and especially
a piece of clothing that you are wearing, up with a quick motion.
She hiked up her skirt and climbed over the fence.
Heft can be used when you lift something heavy using your arms or hands.
She hefted the shopping bags up the stairs to her flat.
If you hoist something or someone heavy, you lift it or them into a higher position,
sometimes using ropes or machinery.
Hoist the sail!
We hoisted the hay into the loft.
She hoisted herself up and out of the pool.
You can use the verb winch when talking about lifting heavy things using the help of a
machine that uses a tube with a rope or chain wrapped around it to lift or lower things.
The builders winched the heavy iron beams into place.
If you jack something up, you lift it temporarily off the ground using a special
machine called a jack. This phrasal verb is used especially to talk about lifting
vehicles off the ground to fix them.
She jacked the car up to change the tyre.
to move onto or towards the top of something
These words mean to move onto or towards the top of something using your hands,
legs, or feet.
One of the most common words for this is climb. You can climb something using only
your legs, or your legs and arms. Climb is sometimes used with up.
It was an effort to climb the stairs.
She had always dreamed of climbing Mount Everest.
He climbed up the ladder.
Ascend is a formal word that has the same meaning as climb. It can also be used to
refer to going higher up in the sky.
She ascended the podium and began to speak.
We will ascend the summit tomorrow.
The plane ascended to 18,000 feet.
15
When you scale something, you climb up a very steep surface and usually reach the
top.
He claims to have scaled every peak of the Himalayas.
The prisoners scaled the jail walls and escaped.
People who climb mountains for sport go climbing or go mountaineering.
The conditions were so poor that we couldn't go climbing as planned.
She goes mountaineering on weekends with a club.
Mount can be used for things that you climb onto, and especially to ride, such as a
horse or a motorcycle.
The cowboy mounted his horse and rode off into the sunset.
The opposite of mount is dismount.
She reined the horse to a stop and dismounted.
Clamber and scramble mean to climb with difficulty, often using your hands and
feet. Scramble is used when you climb or move over something quickly.
Both clamber and scramble are usually followed by an adverb or preposition.
We clambered over the boulders.
He clambered into the rowing boat.
We scrambled up the rock face.
If you climb something vertical such as a tree using your hands and legs, you shin
up it, or, in US English, shinny up it.
I watched him shin up the old chestnut tree.
US She shinnied up the drainpipe.
to make something happen
 These words all refer to making something happen.
The most common verb for this is cause. Cause is used especially when the result or
effect is bad.
Firefighters determined that a campfire spark caused the wildfire.
Scientists know that exposure to certain chemicals can cause cancer.
If something is caused by something else, you can say that it brings about that thing.
Many illnesses are brought about by poor diet and lack of exercise.
When something causes something to happen or exist, you can say it results
in or leads to that thing.
The fire resulted in damage to their house.
Reducing speed limits has led to fewer deaths on the motorways.
If something causes someone or something to be in a particular state, the verb make is
often used.
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The heat is making me tired.
Arouse is sometimes used when something causes a strong feeling or emotion.
It's a subject that has aroused a lot of interest.
If the feeling it causes is negative, you can use the verb breed.
Favouritism breeds resentment.
The verbs trigger or spark are sometimes used to talk about something causing
something else to happen.
Some people find that certain foods trigger their headaches.
Her theories have sparked a great deal of debate.
For talking about the person or thing who causes something to happen, and especially
something bad, you can use the phrase be responsible for.
Last month's bad weather was responsible for the crop failure.

to make something
These words refer to bringing something into existence using a particular substance or
material.
The most common word for this, and the one with the broadest meaning,
is make. Make usually refers to physical things that you bring into existence using
other materials.
Can I make you a cup of coffee?
Cheese is made from milk.
Her father's company makes furniture.
He makes the best chocolate cake I've ever had.
Produce is an alternative to make.
California produces a lot of grapes.
Red blood cells are produced in the bone marrow.
The verb create is used when someone makes something new, especially something
original.
Leonardo da Vinci created the masterpiece we know as "Mona Lisa".
The verb invent is used for creating something new or original that is often practical
or made to be used, such as a machine, a system, a household item, etc.
Alexander Graham Bell is credited with inventing the telephone.
Develop is used for creating things that are complex and take a long time to create,
such as computer software or vehicles.
They are working to develop the next generation of underwater vehicles.
The verb manufacture is used when something is made in a factory.
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The car is manufactured in Germany.
You can use the verbs build or construct when someone makes things by putting
things together.
They're building their new house using sustainable materials.
The walls are constructed of concrete.

to make different
These words all refer to making someone or something different.
The most common word for this is change.
She'll always be like that - you can't change her.
I need to change my flight.
Alter is a common alternative to change.
We've had to alter our plans.
If you often change something that you do, you can say you vary it.
Try to vary the children's diet a little.
If someone changes the purpose or appearance of something, you can use the
verb convert, or the phrasal verb turn into.
We're going to convert the spare bedroom into an office.
There are plans to turn his latest book into a film.
If you change something completely, especially if you improve it, the
verb transform is sometimes used.
The riverside area has been transformed into a shopping and sports complex.
If you change something slightly in order to improve it, you can use the verb modify.
The engine was modified to improve its performance.
If someone changes from doing or using one thing to doing or using another, the
verb switch is sometimes used.
We've switched over to low-fat milk.
Jack has just switched jobs.
If someone or something changes to fit a new situation or use, you can use the
verb adapt.
The novel was adapted into a screenplay by the author.
This book has been adapted for children.
Our company is always adapting to the latest technologies.
If you change something slightly so that it is more effective or useful, you can use the
verb adjust.
You can adjust the height of the seat if the chair is uncomfortable.
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Teachers who must move their classes online will need to adjust their teaching styles.
If someone or something changes slowly and over a long period of time, you can use
the verb evolve. Evolve usually implies a very large or noticeable change.
The modern cat evolved from sabre-toothed tigers.
Her views on immigration evolved over the years.

to look at someone or something

These words are used when you turn your eyes towards someone or something to see
them.
One of the most common words for this, and the word with the broadest meaning,
is look. Look is often used with at and over to show which direction you should point
your eyes.
Look over there! A rainbow!
Don't look at that.
I looked over my shoulder to see if anyone was behind me.
Watch is used when someone looks at something for a period of time, especially
something that is changing or moving.
I sat by the window and watched people walking past.
Glance is used when someone looks at a person or thing very quickly.
She glanced around the room to see who was there.
If you look very quickly and secretly, you can use the verbs peep or peek.
She peeped through the curtains to see what was happening.
He peeked inside the box.
The verb stare is used when someone looks for a long time, especially because of
being surprised or frightened.
Don't stare at people like that - it's rude.
If you look at something or someone for a long time because you are admiring that
thing or person or because you are thinking about something, you can use the
verb gaze.
We sat there gazing at the lake.
Peer is used when someone looks at something with difficulty.
When no one answered the door, she peered through the window.
The verbs examine, inspect, or scrutinize are often used when someone looks at
something very closely in order to find out more about it. The UK spelling
of scrutinize is usually scrutinise.
Police are examining the house for clues.
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She inspected the car for damage.
He scrutinized the woman's face to see if she was lying.
UK She scrutinised the letter, looking for clues.

to laugh
These words refer to making a sound of enjoyment while smiling, usually in response
to something that is funny or pleasant.
The most common word for this is laugh. Laugh is used in most situations to refer to
making a loud sound of pleasure or joy while smiling.
The children were laughing at the cartoons.
When she heard the news, she laughed.
No one laughed at his jokes.
If someone laughs quietly, the verb chuckle is sometimes used.
She was chuckling as she read the letter.
The verb giggle is often used when someone laughs in a quiet, childish way, often at
something silly or rude, or because they are nervous.
The girls were giggling at the back of the classroom.
If someone laughs in a childish and unkind way, you can use the word snigger or, in
US English, snicker.
They sniggered at what she was wearing.
US Stop snickering at that rude joke and get back to your classwork.
Chortle can be used when someone laughs because of being pleased, especially at
someone else's bad luck.
She chortled with glee at the news.
The phrasal verb crack up or the phrase burst out laughing can be used when someone
suddenly starts laughing. Crack up is an informal verb.
I just cracked up when I saw him in that hat.
I fell over the chair and everyone burst out laughing.
If someone is laughing so much that they cannot stop, in informal situations you can
use the phrase in stitches.
His jokes had us all in stitches.

to learn something
These words and phrases are used when you gain the knowledge and skill to do or use
something.

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The most common word for this is learn. Learn can be used in most situations.
I'm learning how to play the piano.
If you study something, you are learning it usually by reading about it or taking
courses about it.
I'm studying Italian right now.
You could use the verb master when someone learns how to do something well.
She lived in Italy for several years but never quite mastered the language.
If someone learns something by practising it rather than by being taught, you could
use the phrasal verb pick up.
When you live in a country, you soon pick up the language.
When you learn about something or how to do something, you can say that
you familiarize yourself with it. The UK spelling of this phrase is usually familiarise
yourself with.
He prepared for the interview by familiarizing himself with the company's work.
Get the hang of something is an informal phrase that means to learn how to do
something, especially if it is not obvious or simple.
"I've never used this software before." "Don't worry, you'll soon get the hang of it."
to love someone
 These words mean to have a strong feeling of closeness and care for someone.
The most common word for this, and the word with the broadest meaning,
is love. Love is used to describe all strong feelings of closeness and care between two
people, whether those two people are in a romantic relationship or not. When it is used
to describe a feeling between members of the same family, it is not romantic.
I love you.
He said he's never loved another person as much as he loves me.
She loves her children very much.
If you adore someone, you love them very much and respect them.
He absolutely adores his wife.
If you dote on someone, you love them completely and think they are perfect. Dote
on implies that you give that person all of your attention in a way that is not always
positive.
She dotes on her grandkids.
If you love someone very much, you can also say that you are crazy about someone
or, in informal UK English, mad about someone.
I'm just crazy about our new daughter-in-law - she's perfect for our son.
UK He's absolutely mad about his new boyfriend.
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There are many words for having a strong romantic feeling for someone. If you are in
love with someone, you love them in a romantic or sexual way.
I think I'm in love with her.
When you start to feel romantic or sexual feelings for someone, you fall in love with
them or, informally, fall for them. Fall for is informal, and implies that you began to
love someone very suddenly.
I have a confession to make: I'm falling in love with your sister.
I fell for him the first time I laid eyes on him.
In informal English, if you have a crush on someone, you have a strong feeling of love
for someone or attraction to them that does not last very long. In informal UK English,
you can say that you have a pash on or for someone.
I had a crush on the football captain at school.
UK He had such a pash on her.

to make someone angry

 These are words that mean to make someone angry.
The most common way of saying this is make someone angry. A more formal word
is anger.
It angers me that governments never do anything to eradicate the problem.
Are you deliberately trying to make me angry?
If something makes you extremely angry, you can say that it infuriates you, or in more
informal English, that it makes your blood boil.
It infuriates me to hear of drug use in any sport.
It still makes my blood boil to think of all the time we wasted on this
If something makes you slightly angry, you can say that it annoys or irritates you.
He asked her to move more quickly, which annoyed her.
I'm the only one who talks to him, and that irritates me.
For more synonyms of annoy, see the article at annoy.
If something frustrates you, it annoys you because you keep not being able to do it or
it keeps happening.
It really frustrates me that I can't do things for myself.
You can use the word resent if someone is angry because they have been forced to
accept someone or something that they do not like.
She bitterly resented the wealth of her stepson and his wife.

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to obey someone or something
 These words refer to doing what you are asked or told to do.
One common word for this is obey. Obey implies that you do what you are being told
without questioning it, usually because it comes from an authority.
Children must obey their parents.
Obey all posted signs.
Follow can sometimes be used instead of obey.
All religions guide youths to follow the teachings of elders and parents.
Comply can be used in formal contexts when someone obeys an order, rule, or
request.
There are serious penalties for failure to comply with the regulations.
Observe is often used in formal contexts when someone obeys a law or custom.
People must observe the law.
If someone continues to obey a rule, you could use the phrasal verb adhere to.
They failed to adhere to the terms of the agreement.
Abide by can be used when someone accepts and obeys a decision, agreement, etc.
Players must abide by the referee's decision.

to receive or be given something

These words all mean to receive or be given something.
Get is a very common word that can be used in many different contexts. When used in
the passive voice, give is slightly more formal than it is when used in the active voice.
Another word may be able to express your meaning more precisely, especially in more
formal situations.
I got a new bike for my birthday.
She's getting treatment for a back injury.
We were given very little warning that there was going to be a strike.
Receive is more formal that get and obtain is more formal than receive.
You will receive your tickets by email.
After many years of trying, she finally obtained Brazilian citizenship.
Gain means to get something that is useful, that gives you an advantage, or that is in
some way positive, especially over a period of time.
You will improve at the job as you gain experience.
To earn something means to get something that you deserve.
Eventually, you will earn the dog's trust.

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If you achieve something such as a particular grade or result, especially a good one,
you get it after working hard for it.
She achieved top marks in the physics exam.
If you get hold of something, you look for it and manage to get it. This expression is
used only for physical objects. Get your hands on and lay your hands on something
are used in a similar way, but are more informal.
I'm trying to get hold of tickets for the Ireland match.
I'd like to get my hands on a 1960s Mini.
How did you lay your hands on such a rare vintage?
If you come by something, you receive it, especially in a way that has not been
explained.
I came by some interesting information yesterday.
Secure is a formal word meaning to get something, especially something that is
difficult to get.
He is responsible for securing funding.
If someone acquires something, they get it either by buying it or in some other way,
especially when you do not know how.
It is not known how these paintings were acquired or how they came to be in the
collection.
For more synonyms of get that have to do with paying money for something, see the
article at buy.

to repair something
 These words refer to taking something that is broken or damaged and working on it
so that it works again.
One of the most common words for this is repair. Repair is usually used for machines
or small electrical items.
He asked if she could repair the broken lamp.
I need to get the dishwasher repaired.
The verbs fix and mend are common alternatives. Mend is most often used for
clothing or other cloth items.
I must get my bike fixed.
Can you mend that hole in my trousers?
The phrasal verb do up is often used when someone repairs something and improves
it. Do up is more common in UK English than in US English.
Nick loves doing up old cars.
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The verb service is often used when examining and repairing cars or other machines.
I'm taking the car to the garage to have it serviced this afternoon.
The phrasal verb patch up can be used when someone fixes something in a basic and
temporary way.
I patched up the old bike and got it working.

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