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"Word family: Nouns: abuse

Adjectives: abusive

NOUN

BAD TREATMENT

! [C or U] bad or cruel treatment of people or animals

Dictionary examples:

sexual/psychological/mental abuse

The rescued dogs had been victims of physical abuse.

Learner example:

The one side opposes this treatment as an abuse of living creatures while the other side denies any suffering and points at the values of zoos for people.

WRONG USE

! [C or U] the use of a substance in an unsuitable and harmful way or for the wrong purpose

Dictionary examples:

Drug and alcohol abuse contributed to his early death.

This program tries to address problems that lead to substance abuse.

Learner example:

Get information about the [effect]s of drug abuse and make your generation a better one.

"Word family: Nouns: activity Adjectives: active

Adverbs: actively

ADJECTIVE

INVOLVED

very involved in an organization or planned activity

Dictionary examples:

He played an active role in the campaign. Both of his parents were politically active.

Enemy forces remain active in the mountainous areas around the city.

Learner example:

I have always been very active in different organizations, sports as well as c[h]arity.

Word family:

Nouns: activity Adjectives: active Adverbs: actively

ADVERB

in a way that involves positive action

Dictionary examples:

He's very actively involved in the local Labour Party. I've been actively looking for a job for six months.

Learner example:

There's statistic[al] evidence that maths can train a brain to study actively.

"Word family: Nouns: adoption Verbs: adopt

Adjectives: adopted

VERB

TAKE CHILD

[I or T] to legally become the parents of someone else's child

Dictionary examples:

They've adopted a baby girl.

She had the child adopted.

Learner example:

She isn't my biological mother, she adopted me when I was a baby.

START

[T] to accept or start to use something new

Dictionary examples:

We've adopted a new approach to the problem.

The new tax would force companies to adopt energy-saving measures.

He's adopted a remarkably light-hearted attitude towards the situation.

Learner example:

I believe that we must continue to adopt his ideas.

"PREPOSITION

BECAUSE OF

because of something that happened

Dictionary example:

I'll never trust her again after what she did to me.

Learner example:

I really needed those days after what I've been through this spring.

"Word family: Nouns: ambition

Adjectives: ambitious

ADJECTIVE

PERSON

wanting to be successful or powerful

Dictionary examples:

an ambitious young lawyer

He's very ambitious for his children.

Learner example:

I chose Omar because I find him very talented and ambitious.

PLAN

If a plan or idea is ambitious, it will need a lot of work and will be difficult to achieve.

Dictionary examples:

This is our most ambitious project so far.

She has some ambitious plans for her business.

Learner example:

If we a[c]complish these ambitious plans, we can even run for the 2006 Winter Olympic Games.

"Word family: Nouns: alphabet

Adjectives: alphabetical

ADJECTIVE

arranged in the same order as the letters of the alphabet

Dictionary examples:

an alphabetical list

The names are published in alphabetical order.

Learner example:

She looked again at the strange words and then she understood. Each letter ha[d] been replaced by the next one in the alphabetical order.

"Word family:

Nouns: accuracy, inaccuracy

Adjectives: accurate, inaccurate

Adverbs: accurately

NOUN [U]

how correct or exact something is

Dictionary example:

We can predict changes with a surprising degree of accuracy.

Learner example:

I was very disappointed to observe your lack of accuracy in the description of this wonderful

event.

Word family:

Nouns: accusation

Verbs: accuse

VERB [T]

to say that someone has done something bad

Dictionary examples:

He's been accused of robbery/murder. Are you accusing me of lying?

Learner example:

They were accused of vandalism.

"Word family:

Nouns: appreciation Verbs: appreciate

VERB [T]

VALUE

to understand how good something or someone is and be able to enjoy them

Dictionary examples:

There's no point buying him expensive wines - he doesn't appreciate them.

I don't think you appreciate how much time I spent preparing this meal.

Learner example:

It's like wine, it's impossible to drink a glass of wine quickly, you can't appreciate it.

would appreciate

used when you are politely requesting something

I would appreciate it if you could let me know in advance whether or not you will be coming. Learner example:

I would really appreciate a positive answer from your side.

I/We appreciate...

used when you are thanking someone or showing that you are grateful

Dictionary examples:

Thanks for all the help you gave us last weekend. We really appreciate it. I appreciate your making the effort to come.

Learner example:

Thanks for your congratulations. I really appreciate it.

"ADVERB

not/never get anywhere

INFORMAL to not make any progress

Dictionary example:

I tried discussing the problem with her but I didn't get anywhere.

Learner example:

If we think about making an effort and changing our daily routine at once, we will never get

anywhere because a drastic change usually does not last.

"NOUN [C or U]

when the police take someone away to ask them about a crime which they might

have committed

Dictionary examples:

Police made twenty arrests at yesterday's demonstration.

She was stopped outside the shop and placed/put under arrest.

Learner example:

When I came around, Mr Smith was under arrest and fortunately, thing[s] finished well for me.

"VERB

Don't ask!

INFORMAL said when someone asks you about an experience that was very bad

Dictionary example:

""How was the meeting?"" ""Don't ask!""

Learner example:

Don't ask me how the concert was!

Don't ask me

INFORMAL used to tell someone that you do not know the answer to a question and

that you are surprised they have asked you

Dictionary example:

""So why would she leave such a good job?"" ""Don't ask me!""

"Word family: Nouns: atom

Adjectives: atomic

ADJECTIVE

using the energy that is created when an atom is divided

Dictionary example:

atomic energy/power

Learner example:

There are lots more dangerous things in the world, like radioactive pol[l]ution or atomic bombs.

"Word family: Nouns: addition Verbs: add

Adjectives: additional

Adverbs: additionally

NOUN

NEW THING

[C] a new or extra thing which is added to something

Dictionary example:

Defender Matt Smith is the latest addition to the team.

Learner example:

There is only one more thing missing: it would be great if there was popcorn provided. I am sure that would be a good addition for everyone.

NUMBERS/AMOUNTS

[U] the process of adding numbers or amounts together in order to get a total

Dictionary example:

Twice a week the children are tested in basic mathematical skills such as addition and subtraction.

Word family:

Nouns: addition Verbs: add Adjectives: additional Adverbs: additionally

ADJECTIVE

extra

Dictionary examples:

additional costs/problems

There will be an extra charge for any additional passengers.

Learner example:

I do have some additional questions for you.

"Word family: Adjectives: automatic

Adverbs: automatically

ADJECTIVE

MACHINE

An automatic machine works by itself or with little human control.

Dictionary example:

automatic doors

Learner example:

It has both manual and automatic functions so it has a lot of possibilities.

"Word family:

Adjectives: bad Adverbs: badly

ADVERB (worse, worst)

UNPLEASANT

in an unpleasant way

Dictionary example:

I thought he was treated very badly.

Learner example:

In the past, zoos treated animals quite badly.

"ADVERB

only just

Dictionary examples:

They have barely enough to pay the rent this month.

She was barely fifteen when she won her first championship.

Learner example:

His father replied in a voice barely above a whisper.

"Word family:

Nouns: belongings Verbs: belong

VERB [I]

RIGHT PLACE

If something belongs somewhere, that is the place it should be in.

Dictionary examples:

This table belongs in the sitting room.

These papers belong with the others.

Learner example:

I can understand people wh[o] say that animals belong in nature.

HAPPY SOMEWHERE

to feel happy or comfortable in a situation

Dictionary example:

I spent two years in Oxford but I never felt that I belonged there.

"NOUN [C]

a piece of clothing with two parts that women wear for swimming

Dictionary example:

I packed my bikini for the beach.

Learner example:

Thelma was right: her bikini was really too big for her.

"Word family:

Verbs: boil

Adjectives: boiled, boiling

ADJECTIVE INFORMAL

very hot

Dictionary examples:

It's boiling in this room! It's boiling hot outside.

Learner example:

I wouldn't like a job like that, especially in the summer, when it's boiling hot.

"Word family: Nouns: aggression

Adjectives: aggressive Adverbs: aggressively

ADVERB

in an aggressive way

Dictionary examples:

Small children often behave aggressively.

They played more aggressively in the second half.

Word family:

Nouns: agreement, disagreement Verbs: agree, disagree

VERB

SAY YES

[I] to say you will do something that someone asks you to

Dictionary examples:

She agreed to help him.

The bank has agreed to lend me £5000.

Learner example:

When I came home, I told my mother everything and she agreed to put him up.

"Word family: Nouns: boss

Adjectives: bossy

ADJECTIVE

always telling other people what to do

Dictionary example:

a bossy older sister

Learner example:

Granny is the problem - she's a bit bossy!

"NOUN [C]

an important discovery or event that helps to improve a situation or provide an

answer to a problem

Dictionary examples:

Scientists are hoping for a breakthrough in the search for a cure for cancer. A major breakthrough in negotiations has been achieved.

Learner example:

For me the main technology breakthrough has been in computers.

"Word family: Nouns: access Verbs: access

Adjectives: accessible

ADJECTIVE

REACH

able to be reached or easily got

Dictionary example:

The resort is easily accessible by road, rail and air.

Learner example:

It is very accessible because it is situated in the centre.

"Word family:

Verbs: burn Adjectives: burning

VERB (burnt or burned, burnt or burned)

COPY

[T] to copy music, information or images onto a CD

Dictionary example:

He's burnt all his favourite records onto a CD.

Learner example:

Microsoft Vista is [such a] complex system that there is no need for the additional programs for viewing websites, watching movies, listening [to] music or burning your own CDs or DVDs.

ENERGY

[T] (ALSO burn up) to use fuel to produce heat or energy

Dictionary example:

to burn calories/fuel

In this way, our organism is provided with oxygen which is essential in order to burn fat and produce the energy we need every day.

"NOUN [U]

a type of Internet connection that allows large amounts of information to be sent

or received very quickly

Dictionary example:

We've got broadband at home.

"NOUN [C]

the amount of energy that a person or organization uses in order to exist or

operate

Dictionary example:

Many of us could reduce our carbon footprint by taking fewer flights and insulating our homes better.

Learner example:

I also included some possible precautions to reduce our carbon footprints.

"Word family:

Nouns: calculation, calculator

Verbs: calculate

NOUN [C or U]

when you use mathematics to discover an amount or number

Dictionary example:

I did some quick calculations to see if we could afford it.

Learner example:

Just a simple calculation: the living space an elephant has got in a zoo is about 500m2.

"NOUN [U]

a measurement of temperature in which water freezes at 0° and boils at 100°

Dictionary example:

Water boils at 100° centigrade.

Learner example:

The last few days I prefer[red] to go swimming, because the temperature was above thirty degrees centigrade.

"NOUN

be the case

to be true

Dictionary examples:

Bad diet can cause tiredness, but I don't think that's the case here.

I take it that the booking includes breakfast - if that isn't the case, please let us know.

Learner example:

Could you also please let me know if you're coming back in time for dinner because if that's the case I'll make a sp[lendid] dinner for us.

in any case

used to give another reason for something you are saying, or that you have done

Dictionary example:

I don't want to go and in any case, I haven't been invited.

Learner example:

I suggest that you should in any case leave your car at home and take buses or other public

means of transport.

in that case

because of the mentioned situation

Dictionary example:

There's no coffee left? In that case I'll have tea.

Learner example:

You could try [k]ayaking. In that case, of course, you need to pay for the equipment.

CRIME

[C] a crime that police are trying to solve

Dictionary examples:

a murder case

Police in the town have investigated 50 cases of burglary in the past month. The detective on the case has been suspended from duty.

Learner example:

They succeeded in solving a case too difficult even for the police.

COURT OF LAW

[C] a matter to be decided by a judge in a court of law

Dictionary examples:

The case will go before the European Court next month.

She accused her employer of unlawful dismissal and won/lost her case.

Learner example:

To summarize, we lost the case on the ground that he had [a] criminal background and that the girl's testimony wasn't reliable because she was in love with the man, as she confessed herself in

court.

"Word family: Nouns: adjustment

Verbs: adjust, readjust

NOUN [C or U]

a small change that you make to something so that it works better, fits better, or

is more suitable

Dictionary examples:

We've made a few adjustments to the schedule.

I have a few minor adjustments to make.

Learner example:

I have some questions and a minor adjustment to make.

"Word family:

Nouns: child, childhood Adjectives: childish

ADJECTIVE

SILLY

Childish behaviour is silly, like that of a small child.

Dictionary example:

Don't be so childish!

Learner example:

In comparison with other countries' tourists, they seem to be a little childish, just like a group of

duckling[s] or chickens.

OF A CHILD

typical of a child

Dictionary example:

childish handwriting

Learner example:

I heard a childish voice saying to me ""Take my hand.""

"NOUN [C]

any vehicle, with or without an engine, which can fly, such as a plane or helicopter

Dictionary example:

military/commercial aircraft

Learner example:

They have all [the] Swedish aircraft that have ever be[en] buil[t].

"VERB

ACCUSE

[T OFTEN PASSIVE] If the police charge someone, they accuse them officially of a crime.

Dictionary example:

She's been charged with murder.

Learner example:

While Jem is accused of [a] minor crime, Joss is charged with smuggling.

ATTACK

[I or T] to attack someone or something by moving forward quickly

Dictionary examples:

The bull lowered its horns and charged.

The violence began when the police charged at a crowd of demonstrators.

Learner example:

They had water bombs and water pistols at the ready. They started charging down the field

towards the fire and once in range everyone thew their balloon as far as they could.

ELECTRICITY

[I or T] to put electricity into something

Dictionary example:

My mobile needs charging.

NOUN

take charge

to take control of or make yourself responsible for something

Dictionary example:

I was happy to let her take charge of the holiday arrangements.

Learner example:

I am 21 years old which means that I can take charge of school children.

Word family:

Nouns: charm Adjectives: charming

NOUN

QUALITY

[C or U] a quality which makes you like or feel attracted to someone or something

Dictionary examples:

a woman of great charm

The building has a certain charm.

I had to use all my charms to get them to lend us the hall.

Learner example:

It's an extremely severe and rugged sort of landscape with its own very special charm.

"ADVERB

DIRECTION

to or in different parts of a place, often without purpose or order

Dictionary example:

They heard someone moving/walking about outside.

"Word family: Nouns: coincidence

Verbs: coincide

NOUN [C or U]

when two very similar things happen at the same time but there is no reason for it

Dictionary examples:

You chose exactly the same wallpaper as us - what a coincidence! Just by coincidence, I met my old school-mate again fifty years later.

It was pure coincidence that we met.

Learner example:

What a coincidence, don't you think so?

"Word family: Nouns: adventure

Adjectives: adventurous

ADJECTIVE

willing to try new and often difficult or dangerous things

Dictionary examples:

I'm trying to be more adventurous with my cooking.

She led an adventurous life.

Learner example:

I think it's better for us to sleep in tents because it'll be more adventurous than staying in rooms.

"ADJECTIVE

A classic book, film, etc. is one that has been popular for a long time and is considered to be of a high quality.

Dictionary example:

a classic film/novel/story

Learner example:

I am fond of reading different books, especially classic literature.

NOUN [C]

a piece of writing, a musical recording or a film which has been popular for a long

time and is considered to be of a high quality

Dictionary examples:

Jane Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice' is a classic of English literature.

Many of the Rolling Stones' records have become rock classics.

Learner example:

Wuthering Heights [is] a classic, which everybody knows about.

"NOUN [C]

IN ONE AREA

the people living in one particular area

Dictionary examples:

a rural/small community

He's well-known in the local community.

Drug trafficking is a matter of considerable concern for the entire international community.

Learner example:

He supported some projects in our community.

GROUP OF PEOPLE

[+ SINGULAR OR PLURAL VERB] a group of people with the same interests, way of life, nationality, job, etc.

Dictionary examples:

the black/white/Chinese/Jewish community the business community

Learner example:

As a member of our academic community, and a representative of [the] student's senate, I'm very glad to hear that our college will have a surplus in its annual budget.

"NOUN [U]

a light, silver-coloured metal used for making containers, cooking equipment and

aircraft parts

Dictionary examples:

Cover the fish with aluminium foil and cook over a low heat.

We take all our aluminium cans for recycling.

Learner example:

[In the future,] jewellery will be made of metals which [occur] naturally and [which are] cheap now but will be extremely expensive 100 years from now, such as aluminium and zinc.

"Word family:

Nouns: combination Verbs: combine

NOUN [C or U]

the mixture you get when two or more things are combined

Dictionary examples:

Strawberries and cream - a perfect combination.

A combination of tiredness and boredom caused me to fall asleep.

This drug can be safely used in combination with other medicines. Her experience and energy are a winning combination in business.

Learner example:

It has the winning combination of adventure in strange, far-off places, scientific discovery and

humour.

"Word family:

Nouns: confidence, self-confidence

Adjectives: confident, self-confident Adverbs: confidently

ADVERB

with confidence or in a confident way

Dictionary example:

Try to act confidently, even if you feel nervous.

Learner example:

I am quite [a] hard worker and I can confidently say that I am quite [a] reliable person.

"NOUN

QUALITY

[U] the quality in someone or something that makes them attractive or interesting

Dictionary examples:

sex appeal

Spielberg films have a wide appeal.

Parties on river-boats have lost their appeal since one sank last year.

Learner example:

In my opinion, computer games are so popular because the games have developed their graphics

and they have more appeal to youngsters.

VERB [I]

ATTRACT

to attract or interest someone

Dictionary examples:

Cycling has never really appealed to me.

It's a programme designed to appeal mainly to 16 to 25 year-olds.

Learner example:

In addition, books appeal to our imagination.

"Word family:

Adjectives: annual Adverbs: annually

ADVERB

once every year

Dictionary example:

Your starting salary is £28,000 per year and will be reviewed annually.

Learner example:

Dear Mr Benson, I am writing with regard to your letter, in which you asked me to give you some pieces of advice for the special events which take place in the College annually.

"Word family:

Adjectives: artificial Adverbs: artificially

ADVERB

in an artificial way

Dictionary example:

Most mushrooms sold in supermarkets have been grown artificially in manure.

Learner example:

Zoos are part of nature, despite the fact that they are created artificially.

"Word family:

Nouns: consumer, consumption

Verbs: consume

VERB [T]

EAT OR DRINK

FORMAL to eat or drink something

Dictionary example:

People generally consume far too much sugar.

Learner example:

People who eat fresh vegetables and meat tend to have good digestion and tend to consume less

salt.

"Word family:

Nouns: attraction Verbs: attract

Adjectives: attractive, unattractive

VERB

be attracted to sb

to like someone, often sexually, because of the way they look or behave

Dictionary example:

I was attracted to him straight away.

Learner example:

She was really attracted to him.

"Word family:

Nouns: argument Verbs: argue

NOUN [C]

REASON

a reason or reasons why you support or oppose an idea, action, etc.

Dictionary examples:

There are many arguments for and against nuclear energy.

I don't think that's a very strong/powerful argument.

Learner example:

An argument in favour of this statement is that shopping is very tiring.

"Word family:

Nouns: bank, banker, banking

NOUN [C]

RIVER

sloping raised land, especially along the sides of a river

Dictionary examples:

By the time we reached the opposite bank, the boat was sinking fast.

These flowers generally grow on river banks and near streams.

Learner example:

One bank of the river is stony, the other is sandy.

"NOUN [C]

a long passage in a building or train

Dictionary example:

Her office is at the end of the corridor.

Learner example:

The invigilator left the room and walked down the corridor looking for some help.

"Word family: Nouns: benefit Verbs: benefit

Adjectives: beneficial

ADJECTIVE

helpful, useful or good

Dictionary examples:

The improvement in sales figures had a beneficial effect on the company as a whole.

Exercise is beneficial to almost everyone.

Learner example:

To sum up, team sports are beneficial to children so if the schools they attend do not have any, they should take up [something].

Word family:

Nouns: benefit Verbs: benefit Adjectives: beneficial

VERB (-t-)

[I or T] to be helped by something or to help someone

Dictionary examples:

I feel that I have benefited greatly from her experience. How can we benefit those who most need our help?

Learner example:

I am sure that the café would benefit a great deal from a non-smoking-area.

"Word family:

Nouns: astonishment

Adjectives: astonished, astonishing

NOUN [U]

very great surprise

Dictionary examples:

To my astonishment, she started laughing. She gasped in astonishment.

Learner example:

To our astonishment, we were in front of a small house which seemed to have been built centuries

ago.

"NOUN [C]

an interest, experience, or feeling that makes people feel connected

Dictionary examples:

the bond between the mother and baby

There is a close/strong bond between the brothers. We formed a strong bond in this difficult period.

A love of opera created a bond between them.

Learner example:

The strong bond among the family members makes them feel secure and confident.

"Word family: Nouns: backing

Verbs: back

ADVERB

STATE

to the state something or someone was in before

Dictionary examples:

It's not badly broken - I'm sure we can put it back together again. Hopefully things will get back to normal soon.

I was woken by a thunderstorm, and I couldn't get back to sleep.

Learner example:

My life was back to normal.

EARLIER

at or to an earlier time

Dictionary examples:

We first met back in 1971.

This tradition dates back to the 16th century.

Learner example:

All in all, it is difficult to get bored in Moscow, where you can see buildings which date back to

centur[i]es ago.

AWAY FROM

in a direction away from something

Dictionary examples:

He pulled back the curtain.

The house is set back from the road.

Learner example:

The action of the book takes place in a lonely inn standing back from the road.

back up sb or back sb up PHRASAL VERB SUPPORT

to support or help someone

Dictionary example:

My family backed me up in my fight for compensation.

Learner example:

These courses seem to have been popular perhaps because the teacher of these courses was there to back up and help the students.

back up (sth) or back (sth) up PHRASAL VERB

to make an extra copy of something that is held on your computer

Dictionary example:

Always back up any music you download in case your computer crashes.

"Word family: Adjectives: brief

Adverbs: briefly

ADJECTIVE

in brief

using only a few words

Dictionary example:

world news in brief

Learner example:

In brief, I have had a marvellous week.

"NOUN [C or U]

a situation or time that is extremely dangerous or difficult

Dictionary examples:

an economic/financial crisis

The country's leadership is in crisis.

We had a family crisis at the time.

Learner example:

It is [a] crisis not only for animals but also [for] the planet.

"PREPOSITION

HOLDING

holding a particular part of someone or something

Dictionary example:

She grabbed me by the arm.

by far

by a great amount

Dictionary example:

They are by far the best students in the class.

Learner example:

I have travelled to many countries, but New Zealand is by far the best.

by heart

so that you can remember all of something

Dictionary example:

We had to learn the whole poem off by heart.

Learner example:

I know all his songs by heart and I was singing all the time.

day by day/little by little/one by one, etc.

used in particular phrases to mean 'gradually' or 'in units of'

Day by day he grew stronger. Learner example:

The weather gets warmer and warmer day by day and noone miss[es] the rain and the severe cold of winter.

AMOUNT

used to show measurements or amounts

Dictionary examples:

twelve by ten metres of floor space

Interest rates have been increased by 0.25%. I'm paid by the hour.

Copies have sold by the million.

Learner example:

Therefore you will see that this festival attracts people by the truckload.

C

"VERB (beat, beaten)

HIT

[T] to hit a person or animal repeatedly

Dictionary examples:

They saw him beating his dog with a stick. She was beaten to death.

Learner example:

He began to drink, and when he was drunk, he beat Kelly.

NOUN [C]

REGULAR SOUND

a regular movement or sound, especially that made by your heart

Dictionary examples:

I put my head on his chest but I could feel no heart beat. My heart missed a beat when she said, ""Yes, I'll marry you"".

Learner example:

She started to exhale after a moment, counting the beats of her heart.

MUSIC

the main rhythm of a piece of music

Dictionary examples:

The guitar comes in on the third beat.

He tapped his foot to the beat of the music.

Learner example:

They play rock with a very good beat.

"Word family:

Nouns: care, carelessness Verbs: care

Adjectives: careful, careless, caring

Adverbs: carefully, carelessly

ADVERB

in a careless way

Dictionary example:

He told me off for driving carelessly.

Learner example:

I broke your beautiful vase carelessly while I ran to answer the door.

"VERB

EYES

[I or T] to open and close both of your eyes quickly

Dictionary example:

You've got something in your eye - try blinking a few times.

Learner example:

Her eyes were blinking as she was looking at the bright sunlight outside the window.

NOUN [C]

PIECE

a solid piece of hard material, usually in the shape of a square or rectangle

Dictionary example:

a block of ice/stone/wood

Learner example:

It is like an enormous block of stone!

VERB [T]

PREVENT MOVEMENT

to prevent movement through something

Dictionary example:

A fallen tree is blocking the road.

Learner example:

It took over three hours because there was a car accident and the street was blocked for two hours.

"NOUN

RISK

[C] a risk

Dictionary examples:

I'm delivering my work by hand. I'm not taking any chances.

There's a chance of injury in almost any sport.

Learner example:

The chances of [having] an accident [on a] bicycle are bigger than [in a] car.

"NOUN [C]

a type of product made by a particular company

Dictionary examples:

a best-selling/popular brand of toothpaste This isn't my usual brand of deodorant.

Learner example:

My computer brand is Acer.

"VERB [T] (-pp-)

to cut something into pieces with an axe, knife, or other sharp instrument

Dictionary examples:

He was chopping wood in the yard.

Add some fresh parsley, finely chopped. Chop (up) the onions and carrots roughly.

Learner example:

You would use them to chop vegetable[s].

"VERB

HURT

[T] to hurt part of your body by hitting it against something hard

Dictionary example:

I bumped my head on the shelf as I stood up.

bump against/into sth

to hit something with force

Dictionary example:

She bumped into his tray, knocking the food onto his lap.

Learner example:

A young man ran after the ball and bumped into her.

NOUN [C]

a bar fixed along the front or the back of a vehicle to protect it in an accident

Dictionary example:

a front/rear bumper

Learner example:

The cars were bumper to bumper.

"Word family:

Nouns: collection, collector

Verbs: collect

NOUN [C]

someone who collects objects because they are interesting or beautiful

Dictionary examples:

a collector of modern art

a stamp collector

Learner example:

Anne has been a collector for many years and she knows almost everything about Swedish stamps.

"NOUN

AMOUNT

[C or U] the largest amount or number that a container, building, etc. can hold

Dictionary examples:

a restaurant with a capacity of 200

The new stadium has a seating capacity of 50 000.

The ground was filled to capacity.

Learner example:

I would recommend the use of the state stadium next year for the concerts, in order to support the capacity of the crowd.

ABILITY

[C] the ability to do, experience, or understand something

She has a great capacity for hard work.

What impresses me is his capacity to absorb information.

Learner example:

On the other hand, I think [films] reduce your capacity [for] imagination.

"Word family:

Nouns: competition, competitor Verbs: compete

Adjectives: competitive

VERB [I]

SUCCESS

to try to be more successful than someone or something else

Dictionary examples:

It's difficult for a small supermarket to compete against/with the big supermarkets. Both girls compete for their father's attention.

Learner example:

Most small cities like ours think that we have to compete with big cities by building new houses and shopping centres.

"VERB [I or T] FORMAL

to stop

Dictionary examples:

He ordered his men to cease firing.

The company has decided to cease all UK operations after this year.

She never ceases to amaze me.

Learner example:

I thought the ring was just inside my head, in the dream. But it didn't cease, making me realize it

was something else, from outside the room.

"Word family:

Nouns: confusion Verbs: confuse

Adjectives: confused, confusing

ADJECTIVE

NOT CLEAR

not clear

Dictionary example:

The witnesses gave confused accounts of what happened.

Learner example:

What can a child [think], hearing such confused explanations about animals that don't live where they s[h]ould live, that don't live how they should live.

"Word family:

Nouns: chemical, chemist, chemistry Adjectives: chemical

NOUN [C]

a basic substance that is used in chemistry or produced by chemistry

Dictionary examples:

The government has pledged to reduce the amount of chemicals used in food production. Each year, factories release millions of tonnes of toxic chemicals into the atmosphere.

Learner example:

There are a lot of chemicals and sewage in the river Dollmitz and the lakes, too.

ADJECTIVE

relating to chemicals

Dictionary examples:

a chemical reaction chemical weapons

The chemical industry produces such things as petrochemicals, drugs, paint and rubber.

Learner example:

In the latter many chemical reactions may be reproduced to show the students the final compounds generated.

"NOUN [PLURAL]

BOOK

a list in a book that tells you what different parts the book contains

Dictionary example:

a table of contents

"Word family: Nouns: clumsiness

Adjectives: clumsy

ADJECTIVE

Clumsy people move in a way that is not controlled or careful enough, and often knock or damage things.

Dictionary example:

That's the third glass you've smashed this week - you're so clumsy!

I was cleaning the house, and as you know, I'm very clumsy, so I was dusting the table, and, accidentally, I dropped the vase.

"Word family: Verbs: count

Adjectives: countless

VERB

BE IMPORTANT

[I] to be important

Dictionary examples:

I've always believed that happiness counts more than money.

My opinion doesn't count for anything around here.

Learner example:

It wasn't romantic, there were no flowers but Carla knew [that] what counts is in the h[e]art.

"Word family:

Nouns: commitment Verbs: commit

Adjectives: committed

NOUN

LOYALTY

[C or U] when you are willing to give your time and energy to something that you believe in, or a promise or firm decision to do something

Dictionary examples:

She is known chiefly for her commitment to human rights.

I'd like to thank the staff for having shown such commitment.

Learner example:

I really admire your stamina, your commitment and your eagerness to pursue a career as one of the youngest vice presidents ever in the company (and the only female I guess), but is it really

worth it?

ACTIVITY

[C] something that you must do or deal with that takes your time

Dictionary examples:

family/work commitments

I've got too many commitments at the moment to do an evening class.

Learner example:

Please tell me also the terms of [the] possible job so I can plan my future work commitments.

"NOUN [C]

a large reptile with a long mouth and sharp teeth, that lives in lakes and rivers

Dictionary example:

a crocodile-infested swamp

Learner example:

My friend started to walk into the water when suddenly a crocodile grabbed her leg.

Word family:

Nouns: crossing Verbs: cross

VERB

cross your mind

If an idea crosses your mind, you think about it for a short time.

Dictionary example:

It never crossed my mind that she might be married.

Learner example:

The first thought that crossed his mind was to call the police immediately and that was what he actually did.

"Word family:

Nouns: conductor Verbs: conduct

NOUN [C]

someone who stands in front of a group of musicians or singers and controls their

performance

Dictionary example:

a famous conductor

Learner example:

I am fifty five years old and have experience [as] a conductor of a choir.

"NOUN [C]

a time or day by which something must be done

Dictionary examples:

There's no way I can meet that deadline. We're working to a tight deadline.

I'm afraid you've missed the deadline - the deadline for applications was May 30th.

Learner example:

My last question is about the deadline of your offer.

Word family:

Nouns: death Adjectives: dead, deadly Adverbs: dead, deadly

ADJECTIVE

likely to cause death

Dictionary examples:

a deadly virus

a deadly weapon

Learner example:

Caught without cover, they were quickly eliminated by a burst of Bull's deadly machine gun.

"Word family: Adjectives: constant

Adverbs: constantly

ADJECTIVE

A LOT

happening a lot or all the time

Dictionary examples:

He's in constant trouble with the police. These machines are in constant use.

As for me, constant practice in [the] English language is quite important, it is the essence of my life.

"Word family:

Nouns: defence, defender Verbs: defend

Adjectives: defensive

NOUN [C]

someone in a sports team who tries to prevent the other team from scoring points,

goals, etc.

Dictionary example:

The Brazilian attack put France's defenders under pressure.

Learner example:

I'm mostly a defender, so scoring a goal for the first time gave me great pleasure!

"NOUN [U]

a reddish-brown metal used especially for making wire and coins, or the reddish

brown colour of this metal

Dictionary examples:

copper wire/pipes

Rosie's hair shone like copper in the sunlight.

Learner example:

Its domes are made of pure copper, inside there's a big bell called ""Zygmunt"".

"NOUN [C or U]

when you agree to something which is not exactly what you want

Dictionary examples:

It is hoped that a compromise will be reached in today's talks. You've both got to be willing to make compromises.

In a compromise between management and unions, a 4% pay rise was agreed in return for an

increase in productivity.

Learner example:

I hope that we'll find a compromise.

VERB

AGREE

[I] to agree to something that is not exactly what you want

Dictionary examples:

In a relationship, both people have to compromise. I'm not going to compromise on quality.

Learner example:

The famous stars and the journalists should compromise and respect each other's rights.

ADJECTIVE

If something is compulsory, you must do it because of a rule or law.

Dictionary examples:

Wearing seat belts in cars is compulsory by law. Swimming was compulsory at my school.

Learner example:

We have asked participants to wear a typical traditional dress/suit from their country - of course, this is not compulsory but everyone is warmly invited to do so.

"Word family:

Nouns: design, designer

Verbs: design

ADJECTIVE [ALWAYS BEFORE NOUN]

made by a famous or fashionable designer

Dictionary examples:

designer jeans/sunglasses

I can't afford designer labels/designer label clothes.

Learner example:

People like designer clothes like Armani, Chanel [and] so on.

"Word family:

Nouns: consciousness

Adjectives: conscious, unconscious, self-conscious

Adverbs: subconsciously, unconsciously

ADJECTIVE

be conscious of/that

to know that something is present or that something is happening

Dictionary examples:

The tooth doesn't exactly hurt, but I'm conscious of it all the time.

I think she's very conscious of being the only person in the office who didn't have a university education.

I'm very conscious of the fact that a lot of people disagree with me.

Learner example:

We have to be conscious that we are destroying the world where we are living.

"VERB (digging, dug, dug)

dig a hole/tunnel

to form a hole by moving soil

Dictionary examples:

The tunnel was dug with the aid of heavy machinery. The dog was digging a hole to hide its bone in.

Learner example:

I was ready to dig a hole and jump into it, because when you are at that age and your best friend's

father sees you kissing your boyfriend in the dark, [it is] just the most embarr[a]ssing thing which can happen to you.

"Word family:

Nouns: creation, creativity Verbs: create

Adjectives: creative

Adverbs: creatively

ADVERB

in a creative way

Dictionary example:

We have to think creatively about this problem.

Learner example:

I think that our college should have some of this kind of activities, so that students can spend their time creatively.

"VERB [T] (-ll-)

LIMIT

to limit the number, amount or increase of something

Dictionary examples:

Fire crews struggled to control the blaze.

No attempt was made to control the spread of the disease.

Learner example:

We have to control the [number of] cars, we can't allow as many car[s] as we drive [now].

to rule or govern an area

Dictionary example:

The whole area is controlled by rebel forces.

Learner example:

BRAVE NEW WORLD The part of the book I have read and I remember best is when John, the savage, comes into the New World [State] controlled by several World Controllers from the savage reservation.

NOUN

POWER

[C or U] when you make someone or something do what you want, or the power to do this

Dictionary examples:

She's got no control over that child. He lost control of the vehicle.

The police are in control of the situation.

Learner example:

Ap[p]arently he lost control of the wheel, so the car crashed into a tree.

beyond your/out of control

If something or someone is beyond control or out of control, you cannot influence, limit or direct them.

Dictionary examples:

The car skidded and went out of control, crashing into an oncoming truck. There's nothing we can do - the situation is beyond our control.

Learner example:

I had just driven through Piazza Duomo, when another car came round a corner much too fast, skidded, and went out of control.

under control

being dealt with successfully

Dictionary example:

Don't worry - everything's under control.

Learner example:

""Everything is under control,"" said the captain.

EQUIPMENT

[C] a switch or other device used to operate a machine such as a vehicle

Dictionary examples:

Where's the volume control on your stereo?

The main instruments are in the centre of the control panel. The captain sat at the controls of the aircraft.

Learner example:

He touched a switch on the control panel and heard that characteristic hiss.

take control

to start to rule or govern an area

Dictionary example:

The dictator took control of the country in 1933.

Learner example:

In the first part of the story animals take control of a farm in England.

LAW

[C] a rule or law that limits something

Dictionary example:

He wants the government to impose strict controls on dog ownership.

Learner example:

[It is important] to find a way to regulate the information show[n] [o]n the internet, because right now there is no control over the information.

OFFICIAL PLACE

[C or U] a place where something official, usually a document, is checked

Dictionary example: passport/immigration control

Learner example:

I kissed my parents and went to passport control.

"Word family:

Nouns: dissatisfaction, satisfaction Verbs: satisfy

Adjectives: dissatisfied, satisfactory, satisfied, unsatisfactory

Adverbs: satisfactorily

NOUN [U]

when someone is dissatisfied

Dictionary example:

At the moment she's experiencing a lot of dissatisfaction with her job.

Learner example:

I expect a full refund plus compensation for my dissatisfaction and discomfort which I suffered.

"NOUN

LAW

[C or U] the place where a judge decides whether someone is guilty of a crime

Dictionary examples:

He's due to appear in court again on Monday. Please describe to the court exactly what you saw. the European Court of Human Rights

The lack of evidence means that the case is unlikely to go to court.

Learner example:

Two days after, I went to the law court as a witness.

"VERB

dare (to) do sth

to be brave enough to do something

Dictionary examples:

I'd never dare to talk to my mother the way Ben talks to his. I didn't dare tell Dad that I'd scratched his car.

I wouldn't dare have a party in my flat in case the neighbours complained.

I daren't/don't dare think how much it's going to cost.

Carla didn't dare to look at the door. She just sat there and waited for things to happen.

"VERB [I or T]

to become twice the original size or amount, or to make something do this

Dictionary examples:

The government aims to double the number of students in higher education within 25 years.

Company profits have doubled since the introduction of new technology.

Learner example:

Taxes have doubled, and the price for petrol shows an increase of more than 50% within the last 3 months.

"Word family: Verbs: cure

Adjectives: incurable

VERB [T]

HEALTHY

to make someone with an illness healthy again

Dictionary example:

At the time, they couldn't cure the disease.

Learner example:

Harry and the other racketeers had watered down the medicine, so it was useless for curing the

meningitis.

NOUN [C]

something that makes someone with an illness healthy again

Dictionary example:

They are trying to find a cure for cancer.

Learner example:

He was only an intelligent scienti[st] who looked into an AIDS cure. Laura thought he must have

found something very special.

Word family:

Nouns: curiosity Adjectives: curious Adverbs: curiously

NOUN

[U] the feeling of wanting to know or learn about something

Dictionary examples:

My curiosity got the better of me and I opened the envelope. Just out of curiosity, how did you get my address?

Learner example:

When the warrior had left, [he] explored the cave out of curiosity and [to] his big surprise [he]

found the treasure.

"NOUN

SUBSTANCE

[U] soil or ground

Dictionary example:

The ploughed earth looked rich and dark.

Learner example:

At the same time, the two sisters began to throw earth and stones.

"NOUN [C or U]

(a) discussion or argument about a subject in which many people take part

Dictionary examples:

Education is the current focus of public debate. How we proceed from here is a matter for debate.

Over the year we have had several debates about future policy.

Learner example:

Public debates are shown on television and television is the best way for politicians to explain

their actions and projects.

"Word family: Nouns: declaration

Verbs: declare

VERB [T]

EXPRESS

to announce something publicly or officially

Dictionary examples:

They declared their support for the proposal. America declared on Japan in 1941.

The country declared independence in 1952.

Learner example:

We should declare [the city centre] a pedestrian zone.

"Word family: Adjectives: deliberate

Adverbs: deliberately

ADJECTIVE

done intentionally or planned

Dictionary examples:

a deliberate attack/insult/lie

This was a deliberate attempt to mislead us.

Learner example:

I'm sure that his deliberate intention with this was to make us get closer.

"NOUN

the eldest

a person who is the oldest of three of more people

Dictionary example:

He was the eldest of four kids.

Learner example:

She's the eldest - 98 years old - and knows the whole history of our town.

"Word family:

Nouns: despair, desperation

Adjectives: desperate

Adverbs: desperately

ADJECTIVE

WITHOUT HOPE

extremely worried or frightened and ready to do anything to change the bad situation you are in

Dictionary examples:

The doctors made one last desperate attempt/effort to save the boy's life. They made a desperate appeal for help.

Learner example:

I was almost desperate, trying to think about any possible solution to my problem, but the more I thought, the bigger was my problem, because hours went by.

NEEDING

needing or wanting something very much

Dictionary examples:

They are desperate for help.

He was desperate to tell someone his good news.

Learner example:

She was 19 and in desperate need of a boyfriend.

"Word family: Nouns: density Adjectives: dense

Adverbs: densely

ADJECTIVE

thick and difficult to see through

Dictionary examples:

dense fog

a dense forest

Learner example:

""Don't [be afraid] and don't run"" shouted someone from the dense forest.

"Word family:

Nouns: direction, directions, director Verbs: direct

Adjectives: direct, indirect

Adverbs: directly, indirectly

ADJECTIVE

NOTHING BETWEEN

with no other person or thing involved or between

Dictionary examples:

She decided to take direct control of the project. Have you any direct experience of this kind of work?

He left as a direct result/consequence of what she said.

There is a direct link/connection between smoking and lung cancer.

Learner example:

I think that there are huge dangers today such as war, violence, crime, pollution, etc. that have a

direct influence on our lives.

"Word family: Nouns: enjoyment Verbs: enjoy

Adjectives: enjoyable

NOUN [U]

when you enjoy something

Dictionary example:

Knowing the ending already didn't spoil my enjoyment of the film.

Learner example:

It is worth seeing because of the wonderful actors who play their roles with inspiration and enjoyment.

DETERMINER; PRONOUN NEGATIVE COMMENT

as much as or more than is wanted

Dictionary examples:

I've got enough work to do at the moment, without being given any more. Half an hour in his company is quite enough!

Stop. You've made enough of a mess already. You've drunk more than enough already.

Learner example:

Now I think I'm going to stay around here, as I [have] had enough disappointments for one summer.

ADVERB

strangely enough

although it may seem strange

Dictionary example:

Strangely enough, I was just speaking to him the other day.

Learner example:

Today, strangely enough, people out on the sea, often local fishermen, see the complete castle, like a ghost.

fair enough INFORMAL

used for saying that you can understand and accept someone's opinion or decision

Dictionary example:

""He says he'll only work on Sunday if he gets paid extra."" ""Fair enough.""

Learner example:

Most of the streets are open [to] cars and therefore people tend to escape to a little area around the pedestrian streets. Fair enough, but it make[s] those streets terribly overcrowded.

"VERB

RECOGNIZE DIFFERENCES

[I or T] to recognize the differences between two people, ideas or things

Dictionary examples:

He's colour-blind and can't distinguish (the difference) between red and green easily. I sometimes have difficulty distinguishing Spanish from Portuguese.

It's important to distinguish between business and pleasure.

It's not the beauty so much as the range of his voice that distinguishes him from other tenors.

Learner example:

This is the scene where in a card game between pig Napoleon and human Pilkington, the other animals, who secretly [watch] the game through the window, find it impossible to distinguish

between pigs and humans.

SHOW DIFFERENCES

[T] to make one person or thing seem different from another

Dictionary example:

His great skill distinguishes him from the rest of the team.

Learner example:

A person distinguishes [himself] from others by different tastes, manners, characters or behaviour.

SEE/HEAR

[T] to be able to see, hear or understand something

Dictionary example:

I couldn't distinguish anything in the darkness.

Learner example:

I could distinguish nothing in the darkness and was [scar]ed to death.

"Word family:

Nouns: development, developer, redevelopment

Verbs: develop, redevelop

Adjectives: developed, developing, underdeveloped, undeveloped

ADJECTIVE

describes a country or region of the world with an advanced level of technology, industry, etc.

Dictionary example:

a developed country/nation

Learner example:

To conclude I would like to say that the gover[n]ments of all developed countries wouldn't have been so concerned about [the] so-called ""problem 2000"" if the computer had not been so

important for modern society.

"VERB (-gg-)

PULL

[T] to pull someone or something along the ground, usually with difficulty

Dictionary examples:

Pick the chair up instead of dragging it behind you!

She dragged the canoe down to the water.

Learner example:

Another man approached the agent, both watching as officers dragged the man to a nearby car.

"Word family: Nouns: essence Adjectives: essential

Adverbs: essentially

ADVERB

relating to the most important characteristics or ideas of something

Dictionary examples:

It's essentially a dictionary but it differs in one or two respects. What he's saying is essentially true.

Learner example:

Although we are essentially a rock band, we integrate elements of traditional Indian music (such

as sitar).

"NOUN

RULES

[U] when people's behaviour is controlled using rules and punishments

Dictionary examples:

parental/military/school discipline

There should be better discipline in schools.

I don't know if that is because of their age, but whatever it is, I think teachers should change the methods of discipline they use.

"VERB

eat up (sth) or eat (sth) up PHRASAL VERB

to eat all the food you have been given

Dictionary example:

Be a good boy and eat up your dinner.

Learner example:

There wasn't any more time after eating it up.

"Word family:

Nouns: existence Verbs: exist

Adjectives: existing, non-existent

ADJECTIVE [ALWAYS BEFORE NOUN]

describes something that exists now

Dictionary examples:

The existing church was built in the sixteenth century.

The existing laws are inadequate.

Learner example:

The computer upgraded most of the existing inventions, and made them more efficient, faster and [more user-friendly].

"Word family: Nouns: elegance Adjectives: elegant

Adverbs: elegantly

ADJECTIVE

stylish and attractive

Dictionary examples:

She's a very elegant woman.

Tara looked very elegant in a simple black dress. He led me to an elegant dining room.

Learner example:

The building itself looks grand and elegant.

"Word family:

Nouns: division, divide

Verbs: divide

Adjectives: divided

NOUN

PART

[U] when something is separated into parts or groups, or the way that it is separated

Dictionary example:

the equal division of labour between workers

Learner example:

Suddenly all the atomic missiles of the defensive system rose up in the sky, and so did the Russian ones, not turned off after the division of the ex-USSR.

ORGANIZATION

[C] one of the groups in a business or organization

Dictionary example:

the sales division

Learner example:

Being a lucky guy, I had the chance to work at the Disneyland Hotel, which is a division of the famous Walt Disney Company.

SPORT

[C] one of the groups of football teams in a league

Dictionary example:

the Second Division

Learner example:

I've been playing football for an Italian second division team, by the way.

"NOUN [C]

the piece of skin that covers your eyes when you close them

Dictionary example:

His eyelids drooped with tiredness.

"Word family: Nouns: enthusiasm

Adjectives: enthusiastic

Adverbs: enthusiastically

NOUN [U]

a feeling of energetic interest in a particular subject or activity and an eagerness to

be involved in it

Dictionary examples:

One of the good things about teaching young children is their enthusiasm. After the accident he lost his enthusiasm for the sport.

Learner example:

I am filled with enthusiasm about [spend]ing two weeks at Camp California in the U.S.A.

"NOUN [C]

a large amount of information stored in a computer system in such a way that it

can be easily looked at or changed

Dictionary example:

We're linked to the online database at our head office.

Learner example:

So, we decide[d] to access our school database and change our test results.

Word family:

Nouns: date Verbs: date Adjectives: dated

NOUN [C]

to date

FORMAL up to the present time

Dictionary example:

This is her best work to date.

Learner example:

I enclose a copy of my curriculum vitae, which will give you further details about my career to date.

VERB

date back PHRASAL VERB

to have existed a particular length of time or since a particular time

Dictionary example:

This house dates back to 1650.

Learner example:

Near the end of the route there's a castle that dates back to the Middle Ages, which would be really nice to visit.

date from sth PHRASAL VERB

to have existed since a particular time

Dictionary example:

The castle dates from the 11th century.

Learner example:

The Olympic Museum dates from the 19th century and is the biggest in Europe.

"VERB

fasten sth on/to/together, etc.

to fix one thing to another

Dictionary example:

He fastened the rope to a tree.

"ADVERB

even if

whether or not

Dictionary example:

Even if you take a taxi, you'll still miss your train.

Learner example:

I often go to parks, with or without the children, even if the weather is not good.

even though

although

Dictionary examples:

Even though he left school at 16, he still managed to become a millionaire.

He still smokes even though he's got asthma.

Learner example:

They didn't give up hope even though they were tired and wet to the bone.

"Word family: Nouns: depth Verbs: deepen Adjectives: deep

Adverbs: deeply

ADVERB

extremely or strongly

Dictionary examples:

I'm deeply grateful to you.

He found her comments deeply irritating/annoying/offensive.

We don't want to get too deeply involved with these people. After 20 years of marriage, they're still deeply in love.

Learner example:

I was deeply impressed by the long-term cooperation between the zoo and the school.

"Word family:

Nouns: expectation Verbs: expect

Adjectives: expected, unexpected

Adverbs: unexpectedly

NOUN

[C USUALLY PLURAL] when you expect good things to happen in the future

Dictionary examples:

The holiday lived up to all our expectations. I have high expectations for this job.

We did so well - beyond all our expectations.

Learner example:

The talks given by writers were up to my expectations and it was a pleasure to attend all of them.

"Word family: Nouns: finance Verbs: finance Adjectives: financial

Adverbs: financially

ADVERB

in a way that relates to money or how money is managed

Dictionary example:

He's still financially dependent on his parents.

Learner example:

They advise them or help them financially.

"Word family:

Nouns: depression

Adjectives: depressed, depressing

NOUN [C or U]

UNHAPPINESS

when you feel very unhappy, or a mental illness that makes you feel very unhappy and anxious for long periods

Dictionary example:

If you suffer from depression, it's best to get professional help.

Learner example:

My mum always worried about my sister because of her shyness and depression.

"NOUN [C]

one of the things that has an effect on a situation, decision, event, etc.

Dictionary examples:

Money was an important factor in their decision to move.

Price is an important/key/major factor in the success of any product. economic factors

Learner example:

[Modern technology] is another important factor which affects our life.

"NOUN

STONE

[C or U] an extremely hard valuable stone which is used in jewellery, and in industry for cutting hard things

Dictionary examples:

a diamond ring/necklace

He had worked in the diamond mines of South Africa.

Learner example:

She found a gorgeous diamond ring on her finger.

SHAPE

[C] a shape with four straight sides of equal length, forming two opposite angles which are wide and two which are narrow

Dictionary example:

Joe's socks had diamond patterns on them.

"ADJECTIVE

HAPPY

[ALWAYS BEFORE NOUN] expressing or causing happy feelings

Dictionary example:

Many of us have fond memories of our childhoods.

Learner example:

I will keep fond memories of the two nights I have spent with you.

"Word family:

Nouns: dishonesty, honesty Adjectives: dishonest, honest

Adverbs: honestly, dishonestly

ADJECTIVE

not honest and likely to lie or do something illegal

Dictionary examples:

a dishonest lawyer

a dishonest way of making money

He's been dishonest in his dealings with us/about his past.

Learner example:

Both of them are dishonest men: Joss organizes the smuggling, and Jem is a horse-thief.

"Word family:

Nouns: fault

Adjectives: faulty, faultless

NOUN

at fault

responsible for something bad that has happened

Dictionary example:

I was at fault and I would like to apologize.

Learner example:

I really felt at fault.

PROBLEM

[C] something that is wrong with something

Dictionary examples:

The car has a serious design fault.

They think the fire was caused by an electrical fault.

Learner example:

I went out of the house and I saw that the other houses had not got any lights, so it was not an electrical fault.

BAD QUALITY

[C] something that is wrong with someone's character

Dictionary example:

He has many faults, but dishonesty isn't one of them.

Learner example:

He had a fault: he talked a lot.

"NOUN [C or U]

a thin, white layer of ice that forms on surfaces at night when it is very cold, or a

time when the temperature is very cold and water freezes

Dictionary examples:

When I woke up this morning the ground was covered with frost. There was a frost last night.

There were a lot of hard frosts that winter.

Learner example:

Thirdly, you do not have to worry about rain, wind, frost or other bad weather conditions.

"Word family:

Nouns: dominance, domination

Verbs: dominate

Adjectives: dominant, predominant

Adverbs: predominantly

VERB [I or T]

HAVE CONTROL

to have control over a place or a person

Dictionary examples:

He refuses to let others speak and dominates every meeting. They work as a group - no one person is allowed to dominate.

Learner example:

For instance, in bank[s], school[s], hospital[s], [and] airport[s] we are absolutely dominated by

computers, aren't we?

"NOUN [C USUALLY NO PLURAL]

an organization that is in charge of preventing and stopping unwanted fires

Dictionary example:

Call the fire brigade.

Learner example:

By that time the fire brigade had arrived - luckily som[e] neighbour had phoned them.

"Word family: Nouns: eagerness Adjectives: eager

Adverbs: eagerly

NOUN [U]

when you are eager to do something

Dictionary example:

In their eagerness to find a solution, they have overlooked certain difficulties.

Learner example:

I really admire your stamina, your commitment and your eagerness to pursue a career as one of the youngest vice presidents ever in the company, but is it really worth it?

"Word family:

Adjectives: genuine Adverbs: genuinely

ADJECTIVE

REAL

If something is genuine, it is really what it seems to be.

Dictionary example:

genuine leather

Learner example:

The bicycle is [a] genuine Shimano bicycle.

"Word family:

Nouns: efficiency

Adjectives: efficient, inefficient

Adverbs: efficiently

ADVERB

quickly and effectively in an organized way

Dictionary example:

She runs the business very efficiently.

Learner example:

Needless to say, the computer plays a [key] role [in making] us use a library efficiently.

"Word family: Verbs: forbid

Adjectives: forbidden

VERB [T]

to order someone not to do something, or to say that something must not happen

Dictionary examples:

I forbid you to see that boy again!

The law forbids the sale of cigarettes to underage people. He is forbidden from leaving the country.

Learner example:

But the worst effect is when someone is driving a car and [is at] the same time talking [on a]

mobile phone: today, there is a law which forbids it.

Word family:

Nouns: force Verbs: force Adjectives: forceful

NOUN

POWER

[U] physical strength or power

Dictionary examples:

The force of the wind had brought down a great many trees in the area. The army seized power by force.

Teachers aren't allowed to use force in controlling their pupils.

Learner example:

I understood that someone had entered [my house] by force and had stolen my television.

GROUP

[C] a group of people organized to work together for a particular purpose, for example in military service

Dictionary examples:

the security forces the work force

He joined the police force straight after school.

Learner example:

Donald Wood [was] risking his life and that of his family in the process of reporting the vile crimes of the SA. police force.

VERB [T]

GIVE NO CHOICE

to make someone do something that they do not want to do

Dictionary examples:

You can't force her to make a decision.

I had to force myself to finish the match.

I didn't actually want any more dessert, but Julia forced it on me.

Learner example:

By participating in such games you force yourself to do your best.

Word family:

Nouns: foreigner Adjectives: foreign

ADJECTIVE

OTHER COUNTRIES

[ALWAYS BEFORE NOUN] relating to or dealing with countries that are not your own

Dictionary examples:

foreign policy

the Foreign Minister

Learner example:

She is also extrao[r]dinary in that she graduated from Harvard University and Tokyo University and

used to work for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as a senior civil servant.

"Word family: Nouns: end, ending Verbs: end

Adjectives: endless

NOUN

STOP

[C USUALLY NO PLURAL] when something stops happening

Dictionary examples:

They are calling for an end to the violence. My contract comes to an end in June.

Learner example:

My job comes to an end in two weeks, and then I will have one month free, so it will be possible for me to go [on] your next journey to Africa.

for hours/days, etc. on end

for hours/days, etc. without stopping

Dictionary example:

He waited by the telephone for hours on end.

Learner example:

You can find information o[n] whatever issue you want, science, technology, business, arts, etc., everything is there, without mentioning the fantastic and simplified way of buying by internet or just surfing for hours on end [for] whatever thing you are int[e]rested in.

no end INFORMAL

a lot

Dictionary example:

I've had no end of trouble finding a hotel room.

Learner example:

I had no end of fun when we were going to the beach and the car stopped and we had to go on foot.

put an end to sth

to make something stop happening or existing

Dictionary examples:

He's determined to put an end to these rumours. Leg injuries put an end to his athletics career.

Learner example:

Maybe because I needed someone to know, or because I wanted to put an end to that feeling, and

[have] a normal life.

"Word family: Nouns: fury Adjectives: furious

Adverbs: furiously

ADJECTIVE

extremely angry

Dictionary examples:

I was late and he was furious with me.

He's furious about/at the way he's been treated.

Learner example:

He was absolutely furious, having learned about our engagement.

Word family:

Nouns: fury Adjectives: furious Adverbs: furiously

ADVERB

in a very angry way

Dictionary example:

""Get out of here!"" she shouted furiously.

Learner example:

""Put that light out"", I shouted furiously after those sleepless nights.

"NOUN [C]

a period of time in history that is special for a particular reason

Dictionary examples:

the Clinton era the post-war era

They had worked for peace during the long era of conflict.

The fall of the Berlin wall marked the end of an era.

Learner example:

The world is paddling through the era of technology.

"VERB

glance at/over/through, etc.

to read something quickly

Dictionary example:

She glanced through the newspaper.

Learner example:

As you know, I always like glancing at some international newspapers.

NOUN [C]

QUICK LOOK

a quick look

Dictionary example:

She had a quick glance around the restaurant but couldn't see him.

Just have a glance at the enclosed menu.

"Word family: Nouns: exception

Adjectives: exceptional

Adverbs: exceptionally

ADJECTIVE

GOOD

extremely good

Dictionary example:

He really is an exceptional student.

Learner example:

This trip constitutes an exceptional challenge for me.

"NOUN

SOIL

[U] the soil in an area

Dictionary examples:

soft/stony ground

The ground was frozen hard and was impossible to dig.

Learner example:

Winds sweep the grey granite coast line letting survive [a] few rare species of plants which are

adapted to the dry and salty ground.

Word family:

Nouns: growth Verbs: grow Adjectives: growing

VERB (grew, grown)

grow tired/old/calm, etc.

to gradually become tired/old/calm, etc.

Dictionary examples:

Our bodies change as we grow older.

The music was growing louder and louder.

Learner example:

They went to the field and, relaxing on [the] grass, spoke about their life without each other. Soft blue evening came and it was growing dark.

"Word family:

Adjectives: extraordinary Adverbs: extraordinarily

ADVERB

very

Dictionary example:

She is, it must be said, extraordinarily beautiful.

Learner example:

Besides, the trip will be extraordinarily helpful for my course at school.

"Word family:

Nouns: harm Verbs: harm

Adjectives: harmful, harmless

NOUN [U]

HURT

hurt or damage

Dictionary examples:

Smoking can cause serious harm to the lungs. Alan would never do anyone any harm.

Missing a meal once in a while never did anyone any harm.

She was frightened by the experience but she came to no harm.

Learner example:

It is true that the car does us harm.

VERB [T OFTEN PASSIVE]

to hurt someone or damage something

Dictionary examples:

Thankfully no one was harmed in the accident.

The government's reputation has already been harmed by a series of scandals.

Learner example:

But in those places animals were harmed and died easily.

"Word family:

Adjectives: fantastic Adverbs: fantastically

ADVERB

extremely

Dictionary examples:

They're fantastically rich. They're doing fantastically well.

Learner example:

We spent three fantastically romantic days later.

"PRONOUN

EMPHASIS

used to emphasize the pronoun 'he' or the particular male person you are referring to

NOUN [C]

SUGGESTION

when you say something that suggests what you think or want, but not in a direct way

Dictionary examples:

He's dropped several hints to the boss that he'll quit if he doesn't get a promotion. Did she give you any hints about where she was going?

You can't take a hint, can you? Just go away and leave me alone!

Learner example:

He didn't take a hint. When that day had come, I timidly approached him and [gave] him my [final] words [of] warning.

ADVICE

a small piece of advice

Dictionary example:

The magazine gives lots of useful hints on how to save money.

Learner example:

I would like to make use of this offer, therefore I am writing down [some] helpful hints about

Lampton.

"ADJECTIVE

VIOLENT

violent or angry

Dictionary examples:

a fierce dog

a fierce attack/battle

Two men were shot during fierce fighting last weekend.

Learner example:

This may surprise some of you who have always thought of [the] tiger as a fierce and dangerous beast.

STRONG

very strong or powerful

Dictionary examples:

Fierce winds/storms battered the coast all weekend. Fire fighters had to retreat from the fierce heat.

Learner example:

The need for darkness was justified by the fierce thunderstorm, which seemed likely to smash the

house into pieces.

FEELING

showing strong feeling or energetic activity

Dictionary examples:

The expansion plans will face fierce opposition/resistance from environmentalists.

There is fierce competition to join the Special Branch.

Learner example:

Nowadays, family life importance is a matter that arouses fierce passions.

"Word family: Nouns: ice Adjectives: icy

Adverbs: icily

NOUN [U]

break the ice

to make people feel more relaxed in a social situation

Dictionary example:

I told everyone a joke, which helped to break the ice.

Learner example:

And, of course, don't forget that a warm smile is one of the best ways to break the ice.

"Word family: Nouns: fluency Adjectives: fluent

Adverbs: fluently

ADVERB

in a way that is fluent

Dictionary example:

I'd like to speak English fluently.

Learner example:

I can speak both English and Japanese fluently.

"Word family: Nouns: politeness

Adjectives: impolite, polite

Adverbs: politely

ADJECTIVE

FORMAL not polite

Dictionary example:

It is impolite to point at people.

Learner example:

Besides, [the] serving speed was too slow and some waiters were even impolite to customers.

import

"Word family: Nouns: freedom Adjectives: free

Adverbs: freely

ADJECTIVE

NOT LIMITED

not limited or controlled

Dictionary examples:

a free society

Am I free to leave now?

People should be free to say what they think.

The agreement gives companies free access to the markets of member countries.

Learner example:

The plan was this: they would call the police, which would trap the man so the child would be free to return to his mother.

NOT A PRISONER

not in prison

Dictionary example:

He will soon be a free man again.

Learner example:

I will [regret it] for the rest of my life, because I wanted to be a free man...

set sb/sth free

to allow someone to leave prison or to allow a person or animal to escape

Dictionary example:

He opened the cage and set the birds free.

Learner example:

To sum up, animals should be set free and live as they should live in nature.

NOT USED

not being used by anyone

Dictionary example:

Is this seat free?

Learner example:

The hall was full of people and no seat was free.

ADVERB

NO LIMIT/CONTROL

in a way that is not tied, limited, or controlled

Dictionary example:

The horse broke free and ran away.

Learner example:

If animals were born free, why [do] they have to live in a prison?

VERB [T]

to allow someone to leave a prison or place where they have been kept

Dictionary example:

After a ten-hour siege the gunman agreed to free the hostages.

Learner example:

We were taken hostage by a bank robber but the police came and freed us.

Word family:

Nouns: freedom Adjectives: free Adverbs: freely

NOUN [C or U]

BEING ALLOWED

the condition or right of being able or allowed to do, say, think, etc. whatever you want to, without being controlled or limited

Dictionary examples:

Children are allowed much more freedom these days. I felt such a sense of freedom, up in the hills alone.

At university, you have the freedom to do what you want. Everyone should be allowed freedom of choice.

Learner example:

[The car] gives some freedom of choice: I can move quick[ly] from one place to another, I don't

waste time on public transport and in winter [it] protects me from [the] cold and rain.

"NOUN [C OFTEN PLURAL]

SUCCESS

one of the parts of something successful

Dictionary example:

Trust is an essential ingredient in a successful marriage.

Learner example:

In my opinion it is clear that with these ""ingredients"" you can make an interesting video about

[daily] life at our school.

"Word family: Nouns: generosity

Adjectives: generous

Adverbs: generously

NOUN [U]

the quality of being generous

Dictionary example:

Her friends take advantage of her generosity.

Learner example:

Anna, thank you again for your generosity.

"Word family: Adjectives: internal

Adverbs: internally

ADJECTIVE

existing or happening inside a person, object, organization, place or country

Dictionary examples:

He sustained injuries to his arms, legs and several internal organs. The bank conducted its own internal investigation into the robbery.

The government warned its neighbours not to interfere in its internal affairs.

Learner example:

The letter box for internal post should be hung on the wall, so that pupils could make any suggestions about [the] school, or even complaints, directly to reception.

"VERB

GIVE

[T] FORMAL to give or allow someone something, usually in an official way

Dictionary example:

He was granted asylum.

He came to the USA in 1990 and was granted a permanent resident status.

take sb/sth for granted

to not show that you are grateful for someone or something, and forget that you are lucky to have them

Dictionary example:

Most of us take our freedom for granted.

Learner example:

So don't take the telephone for granted, but keep in mind that our modern way of life is mainly due to its invention.

take it for granted

to believe that something is true without checking or thinking about it

Dictionary example:

I took it for granted that we'd be invited to the wedding.

Learner example:

I have taken it for granted that you will arrive for dinner.

"Word family:

Nouns: irritation

Verbs: irritate

Adjectives: irritated, irritating, irritable

ADJECTIVE

making you feel annoyed

Dictionary example:

an irritating habit

Learner example:

John was absolutely fed up with Bill's irritating behaviour.

"Word family:

Nouns: hand, handful

NOUN [C]

on the one hand ... on the other hand

used when you are comparing two different ideas or opinions

Dictionary example:

On the one hand, computer games develop many skills, but on the other, they mean kids don't

get enough exercise.

Learner example:

On the one hand, I know from my experience that it's much easier in life if you know more about everything, but on the other hand, I'd say that if someone [had given] me a chance (when I was

kid) to study what I enjoy[ed], probably I'd have more possibility to develop my skills.

hand in hand

holding each other's hand

Dictionary example:

The young couple walked hand in hand by the lake.

Learner example:

Hand in hand they got off the train and she felt that her decision to leave was the best decision she had ever [made] in her life.

VERB [T]

hand over sb/sth or hand sb/sth over PHRASAL VERB

to give someone or something to someone else

Dictionary examples:

The hijacker was handed over to the French police. We were ordered to hand over our passports.

Learner example:

In the end, we handed them over to the police and we were rewarded.

"Word family: Nouns: kindness

Adjectives: kind, unkind

Adverbs: kindly

NOUN [C]

kind of INFORMAL

used to describe something approximately

Dictionary examples:

It's a kind of shed.

He was kind of half laughing and half crying.

Learner example:

I know that the Frene Hotel is kind of expensive, but it's just for one night so I think we can make it.

"NOUN [C]

a row of bushes growing close together, often used to divide land into separate

areas

Dictionary example:

She planted a hedge along the back of the garden.

Learner example:

Besides, people should be allowed to sit under the trees. At present, [the] lawn, bushes and

hedges aren't open to people.

NOUN [C]

BODY PART

the back part of your foot

Dictionary example:

The sharp stone dug into my heel.

"NOUN [U]

clothes, sheets, etc. that need to be washed

Dictionary example:

to do the laundry

Learner example:

Does the camp have laundry facilities?

"NOUN [C]

PERSON

someone who invites people to a meal or a party, or to stay in their home

Dictionary examples:

We thanked our hosts for the lovely evening.

My host family looked after me very well during my month in London.

Learner example:

My experience [of] liv[ing] with a host family was very good, so I suggest we should look for a nice place for both of us.

"Word family:

Nouns: liar, lie Verbs: lie

NOUN [C]

someone who tells lies

Dictionary examples:

He's such a liar - you can't trust a word he says. You liar - I never touched it!

Learner example:

The plan works: the jury thinks that the wife is a notorious liar and her husband is found innocent.

"Word family: Adjectives: illegal, legal

Adverbs: illegally, legally

ADVERB

in a way that is not allowed by law

Dictionary examples:

They entered the country illegally. an illegally parked car

Learner example:

He was afraid and bought a gun illegally.

"Word family: Nouns: logic Adjectives: logical

Adverbs: logically

ADJECTIVE

using reason

Dictionary example:

a logical choice/conclusion

Learner example:

When someone is logical and smart and loves life, he is not in danger when he drives a car.

"Word family:

Nouns: independence, dependence

Verbs: depend

Adjectives: dependent, independent Adverbs: independently

ADVERB

in a way that is independent

Dictionary examples:

The two scientists both made the same discovery independently, at roughly the same time. Each part of the organization operates independently of the others.

Learner example:

What students should understand is the existence of links among apparently different subjects

and the impossibility of studying them independently or, [worse], studying one and neglecting the others.

"Word family: Nouns: majority

Adjectives: major

NOUN [NO PLURAL]

more than half of a group of people or things

Dictionary examples:

The majority of our employees have university degrees.

A large majority of people approve of the death sentence.

The vast majority of smokers claim they would like to give up. In Britain women are in the majority.

the majority decision

Learner example:

However the majority of the teachers found that buying movies was not a good idea.

"Word family:

Adjectives: instant Adverbs: instantly

ADVERB

immediately

Dictionary example:

Both drivers were killed instantly.

Learner example:

To talk to a friend from another city or country instantly online is really nice and exciting.

"MODAL VERB

may have

used to talk about things that possibly happened in the past or might possibly

have happened by a certain time in the future

Dictionary examples:

The explosion may have been caused by a faulty electrical connection.

That may not have been Mike's brother you met - I think his cousin is staying with him at the moment.

Helen may have already left by the time you arrive.

Learner example:

Besides, your report is full of mistakes, so it seem[s] to me that you may not have been well informed.

may as well

used to suggest doing something, often when there is nothing better to do

Dictionary examples:

We may as well start the meeting - the others will be here soon.

If the shops are closed, we may as well go home.

"Word family:

Nouns: investigation, investigator Verbs: investigate

NOUN [C]

a person whose job is to examine a crime, accident, etc. in order to discover the

truth

Investigators have studied the possible effects of contamination. a private investigator

Learner example:

My name is Jacques Martinov, and I am a private investigator.

"Word family:

Nouns: mine, miner, mining

NOUN [C]