New SAT Vocabulary List Test 1 tranquil /‘traen.kw1l/ /‘traen-/ adjective calm and peaceful and without noise, violence, worry, etc. She stared at the tranquil surface of the water. The hotel is in a tranquil rural setting. A spasm of pain crossed his normally tranquil features accommodate /a'kom.a.dert/ /-'ka:.ma-/ verb[ T ] 2. to give what is needed to someone The new policies fail to accommodate the disabled. We always iry to accommodate (= help) our clients with financial assistance if necessary. impediment /1m'ped.z.mant/ noun[ C ] FORMAL something that makes progress, movement, or achieving something difficult or impossible Ina number of developing countries, war has been an additional impediment to progress. See also speech impediment content /kan'tent/ adjective [ after verb ] pleased with your situation and not hoping for change or improvement He seems fairly content with (his) life. [+ to infinitive ] They're content to socialize with a very small circle of people. dashing /'dae{.1n/ adjective oLD-FastioNED attractive in a confident, exciting and stylish way a dashing young soldier ample /‘zem.p| / adjective ENOUGH 1. more than enough You'll have ample opportunity to ask questions afier the talk There's ample evidence that the lawyer knew exactly what she was doing. They had ample warning of the factory closure. amiable /'e1.mi.a.b| / adjective describes a person or their behaviour that is pleasant and friendly He seemed an amiable young man. So amiable was the mood of the meeting that a dec! haughty /‘ho:.ti//'ho:.ti/ adjective DIsAPPROVING unfriendly and seeming to consider yourself better than other people She has a rather haughty manner. g /teek.sin/ adjective difficult or needing a lot of thought or effort 1 like a bit of light reading when 'm on holiday - nothing too taxing. allure /a'ljva r/, /-'loar/ /-lor/ noun[ U] the quality of being attractive, interesting or exciting the allure of work ing in television sexual allure sision was soon reached. ta: Scanned with CamScannergrudge /grad3/ noun[ C] a strong feeling of anger and dislike for a person who you feel has treated you badly, which often lasts for a long time I don't bear any grudge against you. Philippa still has/holds a grudge against me for refusing to lend her that money. obsolete / ob.s al'i:t/ /,a:b-/ adjective not in use any more, having been replaced by something newer and better or more fashionable Gas lamps became obsolete when electric lighting was invented. prelude /‘prel.ju:d/ noun INTRODUCTION 1. [C usually singular ] something that comes before a more important event or action which introduces or prepares for it The changes are seen as a prelude to wide-ranging reforms detriment /‘det.r.mant/ noun[ U ] rorMAL harm or damage Are you sure that I can follow this diet without detriment to my health? She was very involved with sports at college, to the detriment of (= harming) her studies. predisposition / pri:.dt.spa'z1{. an/ noun[ C ] FORMAL the state of being likely to behave in a particular way or to suffer from a particular disease She has an annoying predisposition to find fault. There is evidence that a predisposition to(wards) asthma runs in families. contend /kan'tend/ verb CLAIM 2. [T+ (that ) ] FORMAL to state that something is true or is a fact The lawyer contended (that) her client had never been near the scene of the crime. undue /an’dju:/ /-'du:/ adjective [ before noun ] rorMaL toa level which is more than is necessary, acceptable or reasonable Such a high increase will impose an undue burden on the local tax payer. maintain /mein'tern/ verb[ T ] EXPRESS 3. to express firmly your belief that something is true Throughout his prison sentence Dunn has always maintained his innocence [+ that ] He maintains that he has never seen the woman before. impassioned /1m'pzf. and/ adjective describes speech or writing that is full of strongly felt and strongly expressed emotion Relatives of the dead made an impassioned plea for the bodies to be flown back 10 this country. susceptible /sa'sep.ts.bl / adjective INFLUENCED 1. easily influenced or harmed by something She isn't very susceptible to flattery. These plants are particularly susceptible to frost. Among particularly susceptible children, the disease can develop very fast. 2. describes someone who is easily emotionally influenced They persuade susceptible teenagers to part with their money. Scanned with CamScannerVocabulary Test 1 Part Il margin: passive ] to treat someone or something as if they are not important Now that English has taken over as the main language, the country's native language has been marginalized, ambivalent /zem'brv.a.lant/ adjective having two opposing feelings at the same time, or being uncertain about how you feel I felt very ambivalent about leaving home. He has fairly ambivalent feelings towards his father. an ambivalent attitude to exercise apathy /'zp.2.6i/ noun[ U] ‘when someone shows no interest or energy and is unwilling to take action, especially over something important widespread apathy among students voter apathy aversion /a'v3: on/, /-3 an/ /-'v3:.3 »n/ noun[ C usually singular } (a person or thing which causes) a feeling of strong dislike or of not wishing to do something L felt an instant aversion to his parents. She has a deep aversion to gett ing up in the morning. Greed is my pet aversion (= the thing I dislike most of all longevity /lon'dgev.a.ti/ /la:n'd3ev.a.ti/ noun [ U ] FORMAL living for a long time To what do you attribute your longevity? retain /n'tern/ verb[ T ] 1. SLIGHTLY FORMAL to keep or continue to have something She has lost her battle to retain control of the company. He managed to retain his dignity throughout the performance. She succeeded in retaining her lead in the second half of the race. Thave a good memory and am able to retain (= remember) facts easily. compromise /’kom.pra.marz//’ka:m-/ verb AGREEMENT 1. [ 1] to accept that you will reduce your demands or change your opinion in order to reach an agreement with someone Party unity is threatened when members will not compromise. Well, you want $400 and I say $300, so let's compromise atfon $350. 2. [ T ] DISAPPROVING to allow your principles to be less strong or your standards or morals to be lower Don't compromise your beliefs/principles for the sake of being accepted. Af we back down on this issue, our reputation will be compromised. [ R ] His political career ended when he compromised himself by accepting bribes. ¢ , UK USUALLY marginalise /'ma:.d3t.na.larz/ /'ma:r-/ verb [ T often Scanned with CamScanner3. causing damage to the reputation of someone, especially making known that they have had a sexual relationship with someone who is considered unsuitable Photographs were published of her in a compromising pos bodyguard. interdisciplinary / 1n.ta'drs.1.pli.n er.i/ /-t2°drs.a.pli.ner-/ adjective involving two or more different subjects or areas of knowledge interdisciplinary courses an interdisciplinary approach to the problem exorbitant /1g'z9:.br.t ent/ /-'z:or-ba.t ant/ adjective Exorbitant prices and demands, etc. are much too large The bill for dinner was exorbitant. unwieldy /an'wi:l.di/ adjective DIFFICULT TO MOVE 1. An unwieldy object is difficult to move or handle because it is heavy, large or a strange shape A piano is a very unwieldy item to get down a flight of stairs. heedless /‘hi:d.las/ adjective FoRMAL not giving attention to a risk or possible difficulty Heedless destruction of the rainforests is contributing to global warming. Journalists had insisted on getting to the front line of the battle, heedless of the risks. hue and cry a noisy expression of public anger or disapproval There has been a great hue and cry about the council's plans to close the school effusion /r'fju:.3 an/ noun[ C usually singular ] LireaRy a sudden and uncontrolled expression of strong emotion an effusion of anger and despair compulsion /kam'pal.{ an/ noun FORCE 2. [ S or U Ja force that makes you do something He seems to be driven by some kind of inner compulsion. { + to infinitive | We were under no compulsion to attend. Don't feel under any compulsion to take me with you. See also compel austere /2:’stia -//a:'stir/ adjective 1, very simple and without comfort or unnecessary limits on money or goods an austere childhood during the war 2. plain and without decoration The courtroom was a large dark chamber, an austere place. 3. very strict and unfriendly in manner He was a tall, austere, forbidding figure. ion/situation with her gs, especially because of severe Scanned with CamScannerorthodox /’>:.G3.doks/ /'o:r.8a.da:ks/ adjective 1. (of beliefs, ideas or activities) considered traditional, normal and acceptable by most people orthodox treatment/methods orthodox views/opinions We would prefer a more orthodox approach/solution to the problem. Compare heterodox liberal /‘Itb. er. 2l/ , /-ral/ /-2-/ adjective SOCIETY 1. respecting and allowing many different types of beliefs or behaviour a liberal society/attitude Her parents were far more liberal than mine. Opposite illiberal or intolerant alleviate /a'li.vi.ert/ verb [ T ] ForMAL to make something bad such as pain or problems less severe The drugs did nothing to alleviate her pain/suffering. sceptical UK , US skeptical /'skep.trk l/ adjective doubting that something is true or useful Many experts remain sceptical about/of his claims. unprecedented /nn'pres.1.den.trd/ /-t1d/ adjective never having happened or existed in the past This century has witnessed environmental destruction on an unprecedented seale diminish /d1'min.f/ verb [ I or T ] to reduce or be reduced in size or importance I don't want to diminish her achievements, but she did have a lot of help. These memories will not be diminished by time. What he did has seriously diminished him in many people's eyes. We've seen our house diminish greatly/sharply/substantially in value over the last six months. dwindle /‘dwin.d|/ verb 1] to become smaller in size or amount, or fewer in number The community has dwindled to a tenth of its former size in the last two years. Her hopes of success in the race dwindled last night as the weather became worse Scanned with CamScannerVocabulary List Test 2 Part! imposing /1m'pav.zin/ /-'pov-/ adjective having an appearance which looks important or causes admiration ‘an imposing mansion He was an imposing figure on stage. grandeur /‘grzen.dja«/ /-d32/ noun[ U] the quality of being very large and special or beautiful the silent grandeur of the desert the grandeur of Wagner's music covet /‘kav.tt/ verb [ T ] Format. to want to have something very much, especially something which belongs to someone else She always coveted power but never quite achieved it. The Booker Prize is the most coveted British literary award fantastic /faen'taes.trk/ adjective NOT REAL 2. (ALso fantastical ) strange and imaginary, or not reasonable He drew fantastic animals with two heads and large wings. fantastical tales (= about imaginary things) of little/no consequence ( ALso not of any/much consequence ) not important The money was of little consequence to Tony. marvel /'ma:.val//'ma:r-/ noun[ C] a thing or person that is very surprising or causes a Jot of admiration This miniature TV is the latest technological marvel from Japan. It's a marvel (to me) how they've managed to build the tunnel so quickly. contemplate /‘kon.tam.plert//‘ka:n.tam-/ verb[ or T ] to spend time considering a possible future action, or to consider one particular thing for along time in a serious and quiet way {+ -ing verb | /'m contemplating go ing abroad for a year. You're not contemplating a change of job, are you? It's too awful/horrific/dangerous to contemplate. sublime /sa'blarm/ adjective 1. extremely good, beautiful or enjoyable sublime beauty The book contains sublime descriptive passages. content /kan'tent/ adjective [ after verb ] pleased with your situation and not hoping for change or improvement He seems fairly content with (his) life. [+o infinitive ] They're content to socialize with a very small circle of people. Scanned with CamScannerbutt /bat/ verb [ lor T ] to hit something or someone hard with the head or the horns sagacious /sa'ger.Jas/ adjective FoRMAL having or showing understanding and the ability to make good judgments; wise a sagacious person/comment/choice solemn /'sol.am/ /'sa:.lam/ adjective 1. serious and without any humour a solemn face/voice solemn music Everyone looked very solemn. critical /‘krit.k o|/ /'krtt-/ adjective GIVING OPINIONS 3. giving opinions or judgments on books, plays, films, etc. She has written a major critical appraisal/study of Saul Bellow's novels. His last film won/received critical acclaim (= was praised by film critics) . critical /‘krit..k ol/ /‘krit-/ adjective NOT PLEASED 1. saying that someone or something is bad or wrong acritical report The report is highly critical of safety standards at the factory critical /'krit..k 2l/ /'krtt-/ adjective IMPORTANT 2. of the greatest importance to the way things might happen The President's support is critical ( to this project). a-critical decision objective /ab'd3ek.trv/ adjective based on real facts and not influenced by personal beliefs or feelings an objective and impartial report I can't really be objective when I'm judging my daughter's work. Opposite subjective emulate /‘em ju.lett/ verb [ T ] ForMaL to copy something achieved by someone else and try to do it as well as they have They hope to emulate the success of other software companies. Fitzgerald is keen to emulate Martin's record of three successive world titles. solely /'saul.li/ /'soul-/ adverb only and not involving anyone or anything else I bought it solely for that purpose. It seems he’s not solely to blame for the accident. The product's success cannot be attributable solely to the ads. foreboding /f2:'bav.din/ /fo:r'bou-/ noun[ C or U ] LITERARY a feeling that something very bad is going to happen soon There's a sense of foreboding in the capital, as if fighting might at any minute break out. Her forebodings about the future were to prove justified. [ + (that ) ] He had a strange foreboding (that) something would go wrong. Scanned with CamScannerawe /2://a:/ noun[ U a feeling of great respect sometimes mixed with fear or surprise I've always held musicians in awe. As children we were rather in awe of our grandfather. You can't help but stand in awe of (= respect greatly and fear slightly) powerful people. unravel /an'reev. 9l/ verb -ll- or US USUALLY -l- SUBJECT 2. [Lor T ] If you unravel a mysterious, unknown or complicated subject, you make it known or understood, and if it unravels, it becomes known or understood invigorate /in'vig. or.ext//-2-/ verb T ] to make someone feel fresher, healthier and more energetic We were invigorated by our walk. flagging /fleeg/ adjective becoming weaker flagging energy/enthusiasm trigger /'trg.a-/ /-2/ noun START 2. [ C usually singular ] an event or situation, etc. that causes something bad to start There are fears that the incident may be a trigger for further violence in the capital. longevity /lon'dsev.a.ti/ /la:n'd3ev.o.ti/ noun[ U ] FORMAL living for a long time To what do you attribute your longevity? stave sth/sb oft phrasal verb [ M ] to stop something bad from happening, or to keep an unwanted situation or person away, usually temporarily We were hoping to stave off these difficult decisions until September. Scanned with CamScannerVocab List Test 2 Part II despot /‘des.pot/ /-pa:t/ noun[ C ] a person, especially a ruler, who has unlimited power over other people, and often uses it unfairly and cruelly an evil despot The king was regarded as having been a enlightened despot. See also tyrant prejudice /‘pred3.v.dis/ noun[ C or U] 1. an unfair and unreasonable opinion or feeling, especially when formed without enough thought or knowledge Laws against racial prejudice must be strictly enforced. [+ that ] The campaign aims to dispel the prejudice that AIDS is confined to the homosexual community. He claims that prejudice against homosexuals would cease overnight if all the gay stars in the country were honest about their sexuality. unanimous /ju:'naen.z.mas/ adjective If a group of people are unanimous, they all agree about one particular matter or vote the same way, and if a decision or judgment is unanimous, itis formed or supported by everyone in a group The jury returned a unanimous verdict of guilty after a short deliberation. After a lengthy discussion we reached a unanimous decision on the proposal. The new format has unanimous support and could be introduced next season. infallible /1n’feel..b| / adjective never wrong, failing or making a mistake Even the experts are not infallible. suffice /sa'fars/ verb [ I] FORMAL to be enough I'm taking four hundred pounds' worth of travellers’ cheques - I think that should suffice trivial /'trav.i.al/ adjective 1. having little value or importance I don't know why he gets so upset about something that is utterly trivial. Sexual harassment in the workplace is not a trivial matter sarcasm /'sa:.kzez.em/ /'sa:r-/ noun[ UJ the use of remarks which clearly mean the opposite of what they say, and which are made in order to hurt someone's feelings or to criticize something in a humorous way "You have been working hard, " he said with heavy sarcasm, as he looked at the empty page. Scanned with CamScannercynical /'sin..k ol/ adjective DisarPROVING 1. believing that people are only interested in themselves and are not sincere I think she takes a rather cynical view of men. I've always been deeply cynical about politicians. ive / 1n.dr'sax.stv/ adjective 1, not good at making decisions He is widely thought to be an indecisive leader. partisan , partizan / pa:.tr zeen/, /'---/ /' pa:r.t1.zan/ adjective strongly supporting a person, principle or political party, often without considering or judging the matter very carefully The audience was very partisan, and refused to listen to her speech. partisan politics adhere /ad'hra +/ /-"hir/ verb[ I] FoRMAL to stick firmly A smooth, dry surface helps the tiles adhere to the wall. futile /‘fju:.tatl/ /-tal/ adjective (of actions) having no effect or achieving nothing; unsuccessful Attempts to get supplies to the region are futile because troops will not allow the aid convoy to enter the city. It's quite futile try ing to reason with him - he just won't listen. All my attempts to cheer her up proved futile. self-esteem / self.'sti:m/ noun[U ] belief and confidence in your own ability and value The compliments she received afier the presentation boosted her self-esteem. She suffers from low self-esteem and it prevents her from pursuing her goals. endowment /in'dau.mant/ noun 1.[C or U | money that is given to a college or hospital, etc. in order to provide it with an income, or the giving of this money The school has received an endowment of £50 000 to buy new books for the library. 2. [C ] something that you have from birth, often a quality There are tests which can establish a baby's genetic endowment. commend /ka'mend/ verb[ T ] to formally praise someone or something. The judge commended her for/on her bravery. For a low-budget film, it has much to commend it (= it deserves praise) It says on the back cover of the book ' highly commended" disparity /dr'spzer.a.ti/ /~' per.a.ti/ noun[ C or U ] SLIGHTLY FORMAL, a state in which there is no equality and similarity, especially in a way that is not fair; difference the growing disparity between rich and poor frequent /an'fri:.kwant/ adjective not happening very often His letters became infrequent, then stopped completely. Scanned with CamScannerpreferential /,pref. or'en. t {ol/ /-a'ren-/ adjective [ before noun ] describes something you are given which is better than what other people receive Inmates claimed that some prisoners had received preferential treatment . Single mothers have been given preferential access to council housing. manoeuvre UK , US maneuver /ma'nu:.va ¢/ /-va/ noun MOVEMENT 1. [C ] a movement or set of movements needing skill and care Reversing round a corner is one of the manoeuvres you are required to perform in a driving test. vulnerable /'val.n or.0.b|/,, /'van.ra-/ /'val.na.2-/ adjective able to be easily physically, emotionally, or mentally hurt, influenced or attacked felt very vulnerable, standing there without any clothes on. It is on economic policy that the government is most vulnerable. Tourists are more vulnerable to attack, because they do not know which areas of the city to avoid. hierarchy /‘hara.ra:.ki/ /‘harr.a:r-/ noun[ C] 1. a system in which people or things are arranged according to their importance ys have a very complex social hierarchy. through the political hierarchy to become party leader. forage /'for.1d3/ /'fa:r-/ verb[ 1] to go from place to place searching, especially for food The children had been living on the streets, foraging for scraps and sleeping rough. The pigs foraged in the woods for acorns. impede /1m'pi:d/ verb[ T ] Format. to slow down or cause problems for the achievement or finishing of something Although he's shy, it certainly hasn't impeded his career in any way. altruistic / zl.tru'ss.trk/ adjective showing a wish to help or bring advantages to other people, even if it results in disadvantage for yourself ‘I doubt whether her motives for donating the money are altruistic - she's probably looking for publicity. consensus /kan'sen t .sas/ noun[ $ or U] a generally accepted opinion or decision among a group of people The general consensus in the office is that he's useless at his job. Could we reach a consensus on this matter? Let's take a vote. Scanned with CamScannerVocabulary list Test 3 Part I provoke /pra 'vauk/ /-'vouk/ verb [ T ] CAUSE REACTION 1. to cause a reaction, especially a negative one The prospect of increased prices has already provoked an outery: Test results provoked worries that the reactor could overheat. dissipated /‘drs.1.per.tid/ /-t1d/ adjective FORMAL DISAPPROVING spending too much time enjoying physical pleasures and harmful activities such as drinking too much alcohol He recalled his dissipated youth spent in nightclubs and bars. exacting /1g'zaek.tin/ adjective demanding a lot of effort, care or attention an exacting training schedule exacting standards pique /pi:k/ noun[ U] a feeling of anger, especially caused by damage to your feeling of being proud of yourself He stormed from the room in a fit of pique, shouting that he had been misunderstood. reminisce /,rem.'nts/ verb[ I ] FoRMAL to talk or write about past experiences which you remember with pleasure My grandfather used to reminisce about his years in the navy. furiate /in'fjva.riert/ /-'fjor.i-/ verb[ T ] to make someone extremely angry His sexist attitude infuriates me. scandalize , UK usuALLy scandalise /'skzen.d »|.a12/ verb [ T often passive ] If you are scandalized by someone's behaviour, you disapprove of it and are shocked by it because you think it is against moral laws. The whole village was scandalized by her second marriage. urbane /3:'betn/ /3:-/ adjective APPROVING (especially of a man) confident, comfortable and polite in social situations John Herschel was an urbane, kindly and generous man. loquacious /la 0 ‘kwex.jas/ /lou'kwer-/ adjective FORMAL describes someone who talks a lot lackadaisical /,l2ek.a'der.21.k al/ adjective FORMAL, showing little enthusiasm and effort The food was nice enough but the service was rather lackadaisical. itimidating /rn'trm.1.dex.tin/ /-t1n/ adjective making you feel frightened or nervous aan intimidating array of weapons aan intimidating manner She can be very intimidating when she's angry. demanding /dr' ma:n.din/ /-'mzen-/ adjective needing a lot of time, care, attention or energy She's a very demanding child, Scanned with CamScannerlaborious /la'bo:.ri.as/ /-'bo:r.i-/ adjective needing a lot of time and effort a laborious task cordial /'ko:.di.al/ /'ko:r.d3al/ adjective FRIENDLY 1. friendly, but formal and polite a cordial smile/greetingwelcome/reception Relations between the two leaders are said to be cordial. awe /2://a:/ noun{ U] a feeling of great respect sometimes mixed with fear or surprise I've always held musicians in awe. As children we were rather in awe of our grandfather. You can't help but stand in awe of (= respect greatly and fear slightly) powerful people. ttrigue /in'tri:g/ verb[ T ] to interest someone a lot, especially by being strange, unusual or mysterious Throughout history, people have been intrigued by the question of whether there is intelligent life elsewhere in the universe. disdain /d1s'dein/ noun[ U ] FoRMAL when you dislike someone or something and think that they do not deserve your interest or respect He regards the political process with disdain. inscrutable /in'skru:.tr.bl / /-ta-/ adjective (especially of a person or their expression) not showing emotions or thoughts and. therefore very difficult to understand or get to know an inscrutable face/expression/smile perplexity /pa'plek.st-ti/ /p2 plek.se.ti/ noun[ C or U] a state of confusion or a complicated and difficult situation or thing She stared at the instruction booklet in complete perplexity. the perplexities of life boisterous /‘bar.st a.as/ /-sta-/ adjective noisy, energetic and rough boisterous children a boisterous game forge /fo:d3/ /fo:rd3/ verb COPY 1. [ T ] to make an illegal copy of something in order to deceive a forged passport a forged signature A number of forged works of art have been sold as genuine. 2. [ T ] to make or produce, especially with some difficulty The accident forged a close bond between the two families She forged a new career for herself as a singer. quirky /’kws:.ki/ /'kwa:-/ adjective unusual in an attractive and interesting way He was tall and had a quirky, off-beat sense of humour. Scanned with CamScanneramenity /a'mi:.nz.ti/ /a'men.a.ti/ noun [ C usually plural ] 1. something, such as a swimming pool or shopping centre, that is intended to make life ‘more pleasant or comfortable for the people in a town, hotel or other place The council has some spare cash which it proposes to spend on public amenities. 2. basic amenities things considered to be necessary to live comfortably such as hot water The 200-year-old jail is overcrowded, understaffed and lacking in basic amenities. ia /ns'tael.dga/ /na:'stel-/ noun[ U J a feeling of pleasure and sometimes slight sadness at the same time as you think about things that happened in the past Some people feel nostalgia for their schooldays Hearing that tune again filled him with nostalgia. a wave (= sudden strong feeling) of nostalgia serene /sa'ri:n/ adjective peaceful and calm; worried by not She has a lovely serene face. subtle /'sat.|//'snt-/ adjective approvinc 1. not loud, bright, noticeable or obvious in any way The room was painted a subile shade of pink. The play's message is perhaps too subtle to be understood by young children. 2. small but important There is a subtle difference between these two plans. 3. achieved in a quiet way which does not attract attention to itself and which is therefore good or clever «a subtle plan/suggestion subtle questions Propagate /‘prop.a.gert/ /'pra:.pa-/ verb GROW 1. [Lor T ] to produce a new plant from a parent plant Most house plants can be propagated from stem cuttings. Plants needs certain conditions to propagate. 2. [Tor T ] FORMAL (of a plant or animal) to reproduce propagate /’prop.2.gett/ /'pro:.p2-/ verb SPREAD ['T ] FORMAL to spread opinions, lies or religions among a lot of people The government have tried to propagate the belief that this is a just war. Such lies are propagated in the media deter /dr't3: -/ /-'ts:/ verb[ T ] -rr- to prevent from doing something or to make someone less enthusiastic about doing something by making it difficult for them to do it or by threatening bad results if they do it These measures are designed to deter an enemy attack. High prices are deterring many young people from buy ing houses. optimistic / op.tr'mis.tik/ /,a:p.ta-/ adjective hopeful; believing that good things will happen in the future She is optimistic about her chances of winning a gold medal. nostal: Scanned with CamScannerVocabulary List Test 3 Part II eradicate /t'raed.xkert/ verb [ T ] FORMAL to get rid of completely or destroy something bad The government claims to be doing all it can to eradicate corruption. The disease which once claimed millions of lives has now been eradicated. exterminate /rk'sts:.mznert/ /-'sts:-/ verb[ T] to kill all the animals or people in a particular place or of a particular type Once cockroaches get into a building, it's very difficult to exterminate them. Millions of Jewish people were exterminated in concentration camps in the Second World War. intertwine /1n.ta'twamn/ /-t2-/ verb[ Lor T ] to twist or be twisted together, or to be connected so as to be difficult to separate The town's prosperity is inextricably intertwined with the fortunes of the factory. The trees’ branches intertwined to form a dark roof over the path, apprehension / zp.r'hen.J »n/ noun[ U] WORRY 1. worry about the future, or a fear that something unpleasant is going to happen I's normal to feel a litle apprehension before starting a new job. There is some apprehension in the office about who the new director will be. apprehension / zp.rr'hen.Jan/ noun[ U] CATCHING 2. FORMAL when the police catch and arrest someone who has not obeyed the law Both the army and the police were involved in the apprehension of the terrorists. apprehension / zp.r'hen.J 2n/ noun[ U ] UNDERSTANDING 3. FORMAL when you understand something compelling /kam'pel.in/ adjective STRONG 1. Ifa reason, argument, etc. is compelling, it makes you believe it or accept it because it s so strong compelling evidence It's a fairly compelling argument for going. ig /kam'pel.in/ adjective EXCITING 2. very exciting and interesting and making you want to watch or listen found the whole film very compelling a compelling story imbue sth/sb with sth phrasal verb FORMAL. to fill something or someone with a particular feeling, quality or idea His poetry is imbued with deep, religious feeling. precedence /‘pres.r.d ant s//-a.dent s/ noun[U] 1. the condition of being dealt with before other things or of being considered more important than other things Precedence must be given to the injured in the evacuation plans. Business people often think that fluency and communication take precedence over grammar when speaking. 2. FORMAL the order of importance given to people in particular societies, groups or organizations comp Scanned with CamScannerThe order of precedence for titled nobility in Britain is duke, marquis, earl, viscount, baron. contrive /kan'trarv/ verb[ T ] 1. to arrange a situation or event, or arrange for something to happen, using clever planning Couldn't you contrive a meeting between them? I think they'd be ideally suited, [+ to infinitive ] Somehow she contrived to get tickets for the concert. 2. to invent and/or make a device or other object in a clever and possibly unusual way Do you think you could contrive something for hanging my clothes on until I can get a wardrobe? despise /dr'sparz/ verb [ T not continuous ] to feel a strong dislike for someone or something because you think they are bad or have no value The two groups despise each other. She despised him for the way he treated her sister. LR | He despised himself for be ing such a coward. exponent /rk'spav.nant/ /-'spou-/ noun[ C ] PERSON 1. a person who supports an idea or belief or performs an activity Adain Smith was an exponent of free trade. Jacqueline du Pré was a leading exponent of cello-playing. outlandish / aut'laen.dy{/ adjective DisaPPROVING strange and unusual and difficult to accept or like an outlandish hairstyle/outfit abolish /a'bol.a{/ /-'ba:.luf/ verb[ T ] to end an activity or custom officially I think bullfighting should be abolished. National Service was abolished in Britain in 1962. juxtapose / d3ak.sta'pauz/ /-'pouz/ verb[ T ] to put things which are not similar next to each other The exhibition juxtaposes Picasso's early drawings with some of his later works. conscientious / kon. t fi'en t .fas/ / ka:n-/ adjective putting a lot of effort into your work ‘a conscientious student appalling /a'po:.lin/ /-'pa:-/ adjective 1. shocking and very bad appalling injuries Prisoners were kept in the most appalling conditions. anomaly /a'nom.a.li/ /-'na:.ma-/ noun C or U ] FORMAL a person or thing that is different from what is usual, or not in agreement with something else and therefore not satisfactory Statistical anomalies can make it difficult to compare economic data from one year to the next. The anomaly of the social security system is that you sometimes have more money without a job. Scanned with CamScannerimplication /,1m.ph’ker »n/ noun 1. [Cor U ] when you seem to suggest something without saying it directly [+ that ] From what she said, the implication was that they were splitting up. She accused the party and, by implication, its leader t00. 2. [ C usually plural ] the effect that an action or decision will have on something else in the future The company is cutting back its spending and I wonder what the implications will be for our department. What are the implications of the new law? 3. [U ] when you suggest or show that someone is involved in a crime The case depended upon his implication of his co-workers in the fraud reiterate /ri'tt. ar.ext/ /-'1t.2.ert/ verb[ T ] FORMAL to say something again, once or several times The government has reiterated its refusal to compromise with terrorists. [+ that ] She reiterated that she had never seen him before. abrasive /a'brer.siv/ adjective UNPLEASANT 1. rude and unfriendly She has a rather abrasive manner . He can be quite abrasive in meetings. muse /mju:z/ verb [1] FORMAL to think about something carefully and for a long time I began to muse about/on the possibility of starting my own business. interlude /‘sn.ta.lu:d/ /-t2-/ noun[ C] a short period when a situation or activity is different from what comes before and after it Except for a brief Christian interlude at the beginning of the 11th century, Istanbul has been a Muslim city for almost 1300 years. The musical interludes don't really fit in with the rest of the play. conducive /kan'dju:.siv/ /-'du:-/ adjective providing the right conditions for something good to happen or exist Such a noisy environment was not conducive to a good night’s sleep. This is a more conducive atmosphere for studying. Scanned with CamScannerVocabulary List Test 5 rory Vocabulary feminism /‘fem..nt.z 2m/noun[ U] the belief that women should be allowed the same rights, power and opportunities as men and be treated in the same way, or the set of activities intended to achieve this state She had a lifelong commitment to feminism. feminist /‘fem.t.nust/ noun[ C] a person who believes in feminism, often being involved in activities that are intended to achieve change All her life she was an ardent feminist a radical feminist anarchism /‘zn.a.kt.2 2m/ /-2-/ noun[ U] the political belief that there should be little or no formal or official organization to society but that people should work freely together anarchist /'zn.a.kast/ /-2-/ noun[ C] 1. a person who believes in anarchism He was a poet, an anarchist and a vegan. an anarchist group/slogan/bookshop 2. DISAPPROVING someone who wishes to destroy the existing government and laws. anarchist tendencies/demonstrations abolitionist / zeb.a'byf. an.st/ noun[ CJ a person who supports the abolition of something (slavery) ratify /‘raet..far/ /‘ret.a-/ verb[ T ] FORMAL (especially of governments or organizations) to make an agreement official Many countries have now ratified the UN convention on the rights of the child. The decision will have to be ratified (= approved) by the executive board. nullify /‘nal..fat/ verb[ T ] 1. FORMAL to make a legal agreement or decision have no legal force The state death penalty law was nullified in 1977. enfranchise /in'fraen.tfarz/ verb [ T ] FoRMAL to give a person or group of people the right to vote in elections Women in Britain were first enfranchised in 1918. insurrection / 1n.s or'ek,fn//-s2-/ noun C or U an organized attempt by a group of people to defeat their government and take control of their country, usually by violence armed insurrection Scanned with CamScannertumult /‘tju:.malt/ /‘tu:-/ noun [ C or U ] ForMAL a loud noise, especially that produced by an excited crowd, or a state of confusion, change or uncertainty, You couldn't hear her speak over the tumult from the screaming fans. From every direction, people were running and shouting and falling over each other ina tumult of confusion. The financial markets are in tumult. il /‘treen.kwnl/ /'traen-/ adjective calm and peaceful and without noise, violence, worry, etc. She stared at the tranquil surface of the water. The hotel is in a tranquil rural setting. A spasm of pain crossed his normally tranquil features. bill /bt!/ noun LAW [C ] a formal statement of a planned new law that is discussed before being voted on The bill was amended (= changed) When a bill is passed in parliament it becomes law: INFORMAL The bill was thrown out (= did not go past the first stage of discussion and will not become law) repeal /rrpi:l/ verb[ T ] If a government repeals a law, it causes that law no longer to have any legal force. consent /kan'sent/ verb[ 1] to agree to do something, or to allow someone to do something [ + to infinitive ] Very reluctantly, I've consented to lend her my car. My aunt never married because her father wouldn't consent to her marriage. contend /kan'tend/ verb CLAIM 2. [T+ (that ) ] FORMAL to state that something is true or is a fact The lawyer contended (that) her client had never been near the scene of the crime. unanimous /ju:'nzn.1.mas/ adjective If a group of people are unanimous, they all agree about one particular matter or vote the same way, and if a decision or judgment is unanimous, it is formed or supported by everyone in a group trang The jury returned a unanimous verdict of guilty after a short deliberation. Afier a lengthy discussion we reached a unanimous decision on the proposal. The new format has unanimous support and could be introduced next season. despise /dr'sparz/ verb [ T not continuous ] to feel a strong dislike for someone or something because you think they are bad or have no value The two groups despise each other. She despised him for the way he treated her sister. [R | He despised himself for be ing such a coward. render /‘ren.da -/ /-da/ verb[ T ] CAUSE 1, FORMAL to cause someone or something to be in a particular state [ + adjective ] His rudeness rendered me speechless . Scanned with CamScannerNew technology has rendered my old computer obsolete. 2. FORMAL to change words into a different language or form She is rendering the book into English from French. render /‘ren.da :/ /-d/ verb[ T ] GIVE 3. FORMAL to give something such as a service, a personal opinion or expression, or a performance of a song or poem, etc. to people The singers rendered the song with enthusiasm. We see that freight railroads make good profits while rendering excellent service . imbecile /'1m.ba.si:|/ /-st!/ noun[ C] ‘a person who behaves in a stupid way What an imbecile that boy is! insufficient /in.sa'fi. ant/ adjective not enough insufficient information/time [+ to infinitive ] There was insufficient money to fund the project. oppressive /a'pres.1v/ adjective CRUEL 1. cruel and unfair an oppressive government/military regime obdurate /'pb.dju.rat/ /‘a:b.dur.t/ adjective rormaL. 1. DISAPPROVING extremely determined to act in a particular way and not to change ‘what anyone else says The President remains obdurate on the question of tax cuts. 2. describes a person who refuses to change their mind, or someone or something that is difficult to deal with or change The union remains obdurate that any redundancies must be voluntary. Several obdurate facts/differences remain, preventing a compromise solution. gratitude /‘graet.1tju:d/ /'greet.a.tu:d/ noun[ U ] ( aLsogratefulness ) the feeling or quality of being grateful deep/eternal gratitude She sent them a present to show/express her gratitude. Take this as a token of my gratitude for all your help. /'stolad/ /'sto:.lid/ adjective SLIGHTLY DISAPPROVING (of a person) calm and not showing emotion or excitement, or (of a thing) not interesting or attractive He's a very stolid, serious man. The college is a stolid-looking building with no lawn hallelujah alleluia / heel.r'lu:.ja/ exclamation , noun[ C (an emotional expression of) praise and thanks to God des stol servitude /'ss:.vi.tju:d/ /'ss:.vt.tu:d/ noun U ] FORMAL the state of being under the control of someone else and of having no freedom In the past, the majority of women were consigned to a lifetime of servitude and poverty. patriotism /'pzet.ri.a.tt.z »m/ , /‘per.tri-/ /‘per.tri-/ noun[ U ] when you love your country and are proud of it posterity /pos'ter.a.ti/ /pa:'ster.a.ti/ noun [ U ] FORMAL. 3 Scanned with CamScannerthe people who will exist in the future Every attempt is being made to ensure that these works of art are preserved for posterity. trample /‘traem.p|/ verb [ I or T usually + prep ] STEP HEAVILY ON 1. to step heavily on something or someone, causing damage or injury Somebody trampled all over my flowerbeds in the night! Eight people were trampled to death (= killed) when the stadium collapsed and the crowd rushed out onto the football pitch. pledge /pled3/ noun[ C] a serious or formal promise, especially one to give money or to be a friend, or something that you give as a sign that you will keep a promise (+ (0 infinitive ] All the candidates have given/made pledges not to raise taxes if they are elected. Thousands of people made pledges (= promised to give money) to the Children in Need campaign. I give you this ring as a pledge of my everlasting love for you. reverence /‘rev. ar. ant s//-2. ent s/noun[U] a feeling of respect or admiration for someone or something She has/shows/feels great reverence for her professors. preach /pri:t{/ verb SPEAK IN CHURCH 1. [Tor T ] (especially of a priest in a church) to give a religious speech Father Martin preached to the assembled mourners. During the sermon, he preached about the need for forgiveness. proclaim /pra o 'kleim/ /prou-/ verb T ] ANNOUNCE 1, FORMAL to announce something publicly or officially, especially somet All the countries have proclaimed their loyalty to the alliance. Republican party members were confidently proclaiming victory even as the first few votes came in. [+ that ] J1 was the famous speech in which he proclaimed that socialism was dead. [+ two objects ] She was proclaimed Queen at the age of thirteen after the sudden death of her father. repudiate /rr'pju:.di.ert/ verb [ T ] rorMaL to refuse to accept something or someone as true, good or reasonable He repudiated the allegation/charge/claim that he had tried to deceive them. Tutterly repudiate those remarks, charit inexorable /1'nek.s or.2.bl/ /-sa-/ adjective roRMAL continuing without any possibility of being stopped the inexorable progress of science pervasive /pa ver.siv/ /pa-/ adjective FORMAL (PREVALENT/WIDESPREAD) present or noticeable in every part of a thing or place The influence of Freud is pervasive in her books. a pervasive smell of diesel Reforms are being undermined by the all- pervasive corruption in the country. Scanned with CamScannerdiscredit /dr'skred.tt/ verb[ T ] Forma to cause people to stop respecting someone or believing in an idea or person Evidence of links with drug dealers has discredited the President. discredited theories quarrel /‘kwor. #1/ /'kwa:r-/ noun[ CJ an angry disagreement between two or more people or groups They had a bitter quarrel about/over some money three years ago and they haven't spoken to each other since. We have no quarrel with the people of your country with or dislike them) . They seem to have patched up their quarrel (= finished their disagreement and started to be friendly) reproach /r1'praut{/ /-'prout{/ verb[ T ] to criticize someone, especially for not being successful or not doing what is expected His mother reproached him for not eating all his dinner. [R ] You have nothing to reproach your self for/with . antidote /'zen.ti.daut/ /-ti.doot/ noun[ C] 1. a chemical, especially a drug, which limits the effects of a poison Sales of nerve gas antidotes increased dramatically before the war. 2. a way of preventing or acting against something bad Regular exercise is the best antidote to tiredness and entrust /an'trast/ verb[ T + adv/prep ] to give someone a thing or a duty for which they are responsible He didn't look like the sort of man you should entrust your luggage to . Two senior officials have been entrusted with organiz ing the auction. unjust /an‘d3nst/ adjective DIsarPROVING not fair cherish /'tfer.{/ verb [ T] 1. to love, protect and care for someone or something that is important to you Although I cherish my children, I do allow them their independence. Her most cherished possession is a 1926 letter from F. Scott Fitzgerald, Freedom of speech is a cherished (= carefully protected) right in this country. We have no reason to disagree condemn /kan'dem/ verb T ] to criticize something or someone strongly, usually for moral reasons The terrorist action has been condemned as an act of barbarism and cowardice. The film was condemned for its sexism. Scanned with CamScannerVocabulary List Test 4 impassioned /1m' pz. and/ adjective describes speech or writing that is full of strongly felt and strongly expressed emotion Relatives of the dead made an impassioned plea for the bodies to be flown back to this country. tremendous /tr1'men.das/ adjective very great in amount or level, or extremely good They were making the most tremendous amount of noise last night. She's been a tremendous (= very great) help to me over the last few months. You won? That's tremendous! abate /a'bert/ verb [ 1] FoRMAL to become less s The storm/wind/rain has started to abate. The fighting in the area shows no sign of abating. See also unabated nebulous /‘neb.ju.las/ adjective (especially of ideas) not clear and having no form She has a few nebulous ideas about what she might like to do in the future, but nothing definite. lucrative /‘lu:.kra.trv/ /-t1v/ adjective (especially of a business, job or activity) producing a lot of money The merger proved to be very lucrative for both companies. prospective /pra'spek.tiv/ adjective prospective buyers/employers/parents, ete. people who are expected to buy something/employ someone/become a parent, ete We've had three sets of prospective buyers looking round the house. indifferent /1n'dif. ar. ant/ , /-rant/ /-2-/ adjective NOT INTERESTED 1. not thinking about or interested in someone or something Why don't you vote - how can you be so indifferent ( to what is going on)! He found it very hard teaching a class full of indifferent teenagers. unequivocal /,an.1'kw1v.a.k »l/ adjective total, or expressed in a clear and certain way The Prime Minister, he said, had the party's unequivocal support. The church has been unequivocal in its condemnation of the violence. upsurge /’ap.s3:d3/ /-s3:d3/ noun[ C] a sudden and usually large increase in something An upsurge offin violence in the district has been linked to increased unemployment. bottom ' line noun[ S ] IMPORTANT FACT 2. the bottom line the most important fact in a situation The bottom line is that we need another ten thousand dollars to complete the project. Scanned with CamScannertangible /‘taen.dga.bl/ adjective real or not imaginary; able to be shown, touched or experienced We need tangible evidence if we're going to take legal action. Other tangible benefits include an increase in salary and shorter working hours. jpoverished /tm'pov. a r.1{t/ /-\pa:.va-/ adjective FORMAL 1. very poor She's going out with an impoverished young actor. 2. made weaker or worse in quality He warned that the breakdown of the family unit would lead to an impoverished society: synopsis /st'nop.sts/ /-na:p-/ noun C ] plural synopses a short description of the contents of something such as a film or book comprehend /,kom.prr'hend/ /,ka:m-/ verb [ 1 or T not continuous ] SLIGHTLY FORMAL. to understand something completely L fail to comprehend their attitude. He doesn't seem to comprehend the scale of the problem [ + question word ] I'll never comprehend wh y she did what she did. [+ that ]/ don't think he fully comprehends that she won't be here to help him. utter /‘at.ar//Ata/ verb[ T ] SLIGHTLY FORMAL to say something or to make a sound with your voice She sat through the whole meeting without uttering a word. utter /‘at.a«//'nta/ adjective [ before noun ] complete or extreme utter confusion/misery/chaos utter nonsense/rubbish/drivel The meeting was a complete and utter waste of time. Lying back in the hot bath was utter bliss. exponential /,ek.spa o ‘nen. t fa/ /-spou-/ adjective INCREASE 1, FORMAL describes a rate of increase which becomes quicker and quicker as the thing that increases becomes larger We are looking for exponential growth in our investment. There has been an exponential increase in the world population this century. afflict /a'flikt/ verb[ T ] If a problem or illness afflicts a person or thing, they suffer from it I is an illness which afflicts women more than men, 4a country afflicted by civil war assail /a'serl/ verb rorMaL 1. [ T ] to attack someone violently or criticize someone strongly The victim had been assailed with repeated blows to the head and body. He was assailed with insults and abuse as he left the court. 2. [ T often passive | to cause someone to experience a lot of unpleasant things 10 be assailed by doubts/fears/problems Scanned with CamScannerprognosis /prog'nav.sis/ /pra:g'nov-/ noun C ] plural prognoses 1. (ALSO prognostication ) FORMAL a doctor's judgment of the likely or expected development of a disease or of the chances of getting better The prognosis after the operation was for a full recovery. 2. a statement of what is judged likely to happen in the future, especially in connection with a particular situation ‘Iwas reading a gloomy economic prognosis in the paper this morning. proliferate /pra'lif. ar.ert/ /-a.rert/ verb [ I] FoRMAL to increase a lot and suddenly in number Small businesses have proliferated in the last ten years. malignant /ma'lig.nant/ adjective DISEASE 1. describes a disease or a growth that is likely to get uncontrollably worse and lead to death The process by which malignant cancer cells multiply isn't fully understood. Is the tumour malignant or benign? Compare benign benign /br'nain/ adjective 1. pleasant and kind a benign old lady 2. describes a growth that is not likely to cause death a benign tumour Compare malignant substantiate /sab'staen.fiert/ verb [ T ] FoRMAL to show something to be true, or to support a claim with facts We have evidence to substantiate the allegations against him. Reports that children had been hurt have not been substantiated. ify /'vil.fat/ verb [ T ] rorMAL to say or write unpleasant things about someone or something, in order to cause other people to have a bad opinion of them He was vilified by the press as a monster of perversity. insurmountable / 1n.sa'maon.ta.b| / /-s%' man.ta-/ adjective FORMAL. (especially of a problem or a difficulty) so great that it cannot be dealt with successfully insurmountable difficulties This small country is faced with an insurmountable debt. bolster /‘baul.sta r//'boul.sta/ verb T] to support or improve something or make it stronger More money is needed to bolster the industry. She tried 10 bolster my confidence/morale (= encourage me and make me feel stronger) by telling me that I had a special talent. They need to do something to bolster their image . supersede / su:.pa'si:d/ /-pa-/ verb[ T ] to replace something, especially something older or more old-fashioned Most of the old road has been superseded by the great Interstate highways. Scanned with CamScannerpreside /prr'zatd/ verb[ 1] to be in charge of a formal meeting or ceremony Who would be the best person to preside at/over the public enquiry? constructive /kan'strak.tiv/ adjective If advice, criticism or actions are constructive, they are useful and intended to help or improve something She criticised my writing, but in a way that was very constructive - I learned a lot from her. Ifyou don't have anything constructive to say, I'd rather you kept quiet. inflection , UK atsoinflexion /mn'flek.Jn/ noun SPEECH 2. [Cor U ] the way in which the sound of your voice changes during speech, for example when you emphasize particular words His voice was low and flat, with almost no inflection. caustic /’ka:.sttk/ /'ka:-/ adjective WORDS 2. describes a remark or way of speaking that is hurtful caustic comments She's famous in the office for her caustic wit. veracity /va'raes.1ti/ /va' zs.2.ti/ noun[ U ] roRMAL the quality of being true, honest or accurate Doubts were cast on the veracity of her alibi after three people claimed to have seen her at the scene of the robbery. bask in sth phrasal verb to take pleasure from something that makes you feel good He basked in his moment of glory, holding the trophy up to the crowd. parochial /pa'rav.ki.al/ /-'rou-/ adjective LIMITED 2. DISAPPROVING showing interest only in a narrow range of matters, especially those which directly influence yourself, your town or your country a parochial view/opinion Although it's just the local paper, it somehow manages not to be too parochial in its outlook. distorted /dr'sto:.trd/ /~'sto:r.t3d/ adjective changed from the usual, original, natural or intended form This report gives a somewhat distorted impression of what actually happened. The music just gets distorted when you play it so loud. His face was distorted in agony. confine /kan'fain/ verb 1. [T ] to limit an activity, person or problem in some way Let's confine our discussion to the matter in question, please! Please confine your use of the telephone to business calls: By closing the infected farms we're hoping to confine the disease to the north of the top it from spreading to other areas) . ical or intentionally unkind region Scanned with CamScannerstaunch /sto:nt{/ /sta:nt{/ adjective always loyal in supporting a person, organization or set of beliefs or opinions staunch friend and ally He gained a reputation as being a staunch defender/supporter of civil rights fortify /fo:.tr.far/ /‘fo:r-ta-/ verb[T ] to strengthen something, especially in order to protect it 4 fortified town They hurriedly fortified the village with barricades of carts. The argument had fortified her resolve to prove she was right. He fortified himself with a drink and a sandwich before driving on. a fruit drink fortified with vitamin C (= with vitamin C added) detrimental /,det.r1’men.t al/ /-t 2\/ adjective rormal. causing harm or damage These chemicals have a detrimental effect/impact on the environment. Their decision could be detrimental to the future of the company. lure /|j va r/ /lor/ noun 1. [C usually singular } the quality or power that something or someone has that makes them attractive the lure of fame/power/money pervasive /pa'ver.siv/ /p2-/ adjective FORMAL present or noticeable in every part of a thing or place The influence of Freud is pervasive in her books. a pervasive smell of diesel Reforms are being undermined by the all- pervasive corruption in the country. the rudiments /da‘ru:.di.mants/ plural noun the simplest and most basic facts about a subject or activity Ironly took me an hour to learn/pick up the rudiments of skiing. Scanned with CamScanner