/əˈblɪv·i·ən/
the state of being unconscious or lacking awareness of what is happening around you/kənˈtraɪt/
feeling very sorry and guilty for something bad that you have doneExamples:
a contrite apology/expression
/rænt/
to speak, write or shout in a loud, uncontrolled, or angry way, often saying confused or silly thingsExamples:
He's always ranting (on) about the government.
The minister's speech descended into a rant against his political opponents.
/ˈheɪtrɪd/
a very strong dislike of someone or somethingExamples:
He developed an intense hatred of all women.
/daɪˈvɜːt/
to send someone or something somewhere different from where they were expecting to goExamples:
The police were diverting traffic away from the town.
/skɪm/
to read or look at something quickly without looking at the detailsExamples:
She began skimming through the reports on her desk.
/ˈvɜː.sə.taɪl/
able to change easily from one activity to another or able to be used for many different purposesExamples:
He's a very versatile young actor who's as happy in highbrow dramas as he is in TV comedies.
A leather jacket is a timeless and versatile garment that can be worn in all seasons.
/ˌwel ˈvɜːst/
knowing a lot about somethingExamples:
He was well versed in modern history.
Examples:
The facts do not bear out his claims.
What are the facts, and what is the truth that the facts bear out?
Examples:
I've looked through some catalogues.
/mʌnˈdeɪn/
ordinary, or not interestingExamples:
a mundane task/life
/pɪk/
to criticize, punish, or be unkind to the same person often and unfairlyExamples:
Why are you picking on me?
He gets picked on by the other boys because he's so small.
/pəˈsjuː/
to follow someone or something, usually to try to catch him, her, or itExamples:
The car was pursued by helicopters.
We will not be pursuing this matter any further.
/ɪnˈkwaɪər/
to ask for informationExamples:
Shall I inquire about the price of tickets?
Phil inquired whether I wanted to meet his roommate.
Examples:
We should get off at the next stop.
to leave the place where you work, usually at the end of the dayExamples:
What time do you get off work?
/ˈɡuː.fi/
silly, esp. in an amusing way:Examples:
The movie has talking skeletons and goofy stuff like that.
I like Jim, but he's a little goofy.
/ʌnˈsiː.sɪŋ/
continuing and unlikely to stop or become lessExamples:
The authors are grateful for the unceasing support of the editors in London and New York.
The smile the keyboardist makes is the smile of unceasing pain.
/fiːst/
a special meal with very good food or a large meal for many peopleExamples:
"What a feast!" she said, surveying all the dishes on the table.
His food is a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
/ˈpæl.ət/
the top part of the inside of your mouthExamples:
I let my palate dictate what I eat.
/ˈbʊf.eɪ/
a meal where people serve themselves different types of foodExamples:
Are you having a sit-down meal or a buffet at the wedding?
/ˈrʌm.bəl/
to make a continuous low soundExamples:
Please excuse my stomach rumbling - I haven't eaten all day.
Convoys of tanks rumbled (= moved while rumbling) through the city streets.
/ˈkæv.i.æt/
a warning to consider something before taking any more action, or a statement that limits a more general statementExamples:
He agreed to the interview, with the caveat that he could approve the final article.
a warning, for example about the use or effectiveness of somethingExamples:
One caveat: Know when passengers must be back on board the plane.
/ˌleɪdˈbæk/
relaxed in manner and character; not usually worried about other people's behaviour or things that need to be doneExamples:
I've never seen her worried or anxious in any way - she's so laid-back.
/ɡriːf/
very great sadness, especially at the death of someoneExamples:
Her grief at her son's death was terrible.
She describes the anxieties and griefs caused by war.
/ˈsiː.ni.ər/
high or higher in rankExamples:
a senior government minister
It's important to impress your seniors if you want to be promoted.
/frɔːd/
the crime of getting money by deceiving peopleExamples:
He is fighting extradition to Hong Kong to face trial on fraud charges.
credit card fraud
/ˈver.i/
(used to add emphasis to a noun) exact or particularExamples:
This is the very book I've been looking for all month.
You're the very person we need for the job.
The very idea/thought of having her friends to stay fills me with dread.
What ended up happening was the very thing we feared the most.
/bəʊld/
not frightened of dangerExamples:
She was a bold and fearless climber.
The newspaper made the bold move/took the bold step of publishing the names of the men involved.
/kræmp/
a sudden painful tightening in a muscle, often after a lot of exercise, that limits movementExamples:
I've got cramp in my foot.
to limit someone, especially to prevent them from enjoying a full lifeExamples:
Worry and lack of money cramp the lives of the unemployed.
/ˈbɒs.i/
A bossy person is always telling people what to doExamples:
Henry, who is extremely bossy, wants to be in charge.
/pɪt/
a large hole in the ground, or a slightly low area in any surfaceExamples:
They'd dug a shallow pit and left the bodies in it.
These pits in my skin are from when I had chickenpox.
/ˌsniːk ˈpiːk/
an opportunity to see something before it is officially availableExamples:
The company is offering a sneak peek at the new software.
/ˈθʌr.ə/
detailed and carefulExamples:
a thorough revision of the manuscript
They did a thorough search of the area but found nothing.
/siːz/
to take something quickly and keep or hold itExamples:
He seized the chance/opportunity of a free flight with both hands (= with eagerness or enthusiasm).
I seized his arm and made him turn to look at me.
Troops yesterday seized control of the broadcasting station.
/ˈkɒn.fluː.əns/
the place where two rivers flow together and become one larger riverExamples:
The change has been brought on by a confluence of factors.
A confluence of events is pushing nuclear policy into the national spotlight.