Unit 1 Core Vocabulary

The following words and phrases will help you better understand the readings from this
topic and carry out your project work. Complete the chart with information about the
word type, definition and example.

Displace

word type (adjective, noun, verb): Verb

definition: To force something out of its usual or original position.

example: The Colombian conflict has displaced thousands of people from their homes.

War-torn

word type (adjective, noun, verb): Adjective

definition: Severely damaged by a long war, especially between different groups from
the same country.

example: It is a long-term task to rebuild the infrastructure of a war-torn country such as

Angola.

Uproot

word type (adjective, noun, verb): Verb

definition: to remove a person from their home or usual environment.

example: The war has uprooted nearly two thirds of the country's population.

Commodity

word type (adjective, noun, verb): Noun

definition: a substance or product that can be traded, bought, or sold.

example: The country's most valuable commodities include tin and diamonds.

Infringe

word type (adjective, noun, verb): Verb

definition: to break a rule, law, etc.

example: They infringed building regulations.

Exploit

word type (adjective, noun, verb): Verb

definition: to use something in a way that helps you.

example: We need to make sure that we exploit our resources as fully as possible.

Marginalized

word type (adjective, noun, verb): Verb

definition: to treat someone or something as if they are not important.

example: Now that English has taken over as the main language, the country's native
language has been marginalized.

Extract (as in commodities)

word type (adjective, noun, verb): Verb

definition: to remove or take out something.

example: The oil which is extracted from olives is used for cooking.

Disadvantaged

word type (adjective, noun, verb): Adjective

definition: not having the standard of living conditions, education, etc. that most people
have.

example: A new educational programme has been set up for economically disadvantaged
children.

Address (as in a problem)

word type (adjective, noun, verb): Verb

definition: to give attention to or deal with a matter or problem.

example: The issue of funding has yet to be addressed.

Power Vacuum
word type (adjective, noun, verb): Noun

definition: a condition that exists when someone has lost control of something and no
one has replaced them.

example: She was quick to fill the power vacuum that was left by the sudden death of the
managing director.