Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Easier English Basic Dictionary Pre-Int PDF
Easier English Basic Dictionary Pre-Int PDF
ENGLISH
BASIC
DICTIONARY
SECOND EDITION
Dictionary Titles in the Series
English Language:
Easier English Basic Synonyms 0 7475 6979 7
English Study Dictionary 1 9016 5963 1
Easier English Student Dictionary 0 7475 6624 0
English Thesaurus for Students 1 9016 5931 3
Specialist Dictionaries:
Dictionary of Accounting 0 7475 6991 6
Dictionary of Banking and Finance 0 7475 6685 2
Dictionary of Business 0 7475 9680 0
Dictionary of Economics 0 7475 6632 1
Dictionary of Environment and Ecology 0 7475 7201 1
Dictionary of Hotels, Tourism and Catering Management 1 9016 5999 2
Dictionary of Human Resources and Personnel Management 0 7475 6623 2
Dictionary of ICT 0 7475 6990 8
Dictionary of Marketing 0 7475 6621 6
Dictionary of Medical Terms 0 7475 6987 8
Dictionary of Military Terms 1 9038 5620 5
Dictionary of Nursing 0 7475 6634 8
Dictionary of Science and Technology 0 7475 6620 8
Pronunciation
The following symbols have been used to show the pronunciation of the main
words in the dictionary.
Stress has been indicated by a main stress mark ( ) and a secondary stress
mark ( ). Note that these are only guides, as the stress of the word changes
according to its position in the sentence.
Vowels Consonants
back b buck
harm d dead
stop other
a type d jump
a how f fare
a hire gold
a hour h head
course j yellow
annoy k cab
e head l leave
e fair m mix
e make n nil
e go sing
word p print
i keep r rest
i happy s save
about shop
fit t take
near t change
u annual theft
u pool v value
book w work
tour x loch
' shut measure
z zone
Basic.fm Page 1 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
A
a1 /e/, A noun the first letter of the alpha-
a
abandon /bndn/ verb 1. to leave The plane was flying above the
abandon
abroad /br
d/ adverb in or to another
abroad
day. I lived abroad for three years.
cy to do something well I admire his
absence /bsns/ noun the fact of be-
absence
thing They werent able to find the
house. Will you be able to come to the Ten of the staff are absent with flu.
absolute /bslu
t/ adjective com-
absolute
absolutely 2 accompany
absolutely adverb 1. /bslu
tli/ com- little gift. 2. to say yes or to agree to
absolutely
pletely I am absolutely sure I left the something She accepted the offer of a
keys in my coat pocket. 2. /bslu
tli/
job in Australia. I invited her to come
yes, of course Did you build it your- with us and she accepted. (NOTE: Do not
self? Absolutely! confuse with except.)
acceptable /kseptb()l/ adjective
acceptable
absorb /bz
b/ verb 1. to take in
absorb
something to be able to reach a place,
The people being arrested shouted meet a person, or obtain something
abuse at the police. 2. very bad treat- Ill have access to the studio day and
ment the sexual abuse of children night. The company has access to
She suffered physical abuse in prison. substantial funds. verb to get infor-
(NOTE: [all senses] no plural) mation from a computer She tried to
abuse2 /bju
z/ verb 1. to treat some-
abuse
sexually She had been abused as a pleasant thing which happens and caus-
child. 2. to make the wrong use of some- es damage or injury He lost his leg in
thing He abused his position as fi- an accident at work. She was involved
nance director. 3. to say rude things in a car accident and had to go to hos-
about someone The crowd noisily pital. 2. something that happens unex-
abused the group of politicians as they pectedly Their third baby was an ac-
entered the building. cident. by accident without being
academic /kdemk/ adjective 1. re-
academic
ter from the principal. 2. only in theory, happening without being planned or ex-
not in practice It is only of academic pected an accidental meeting acci-
interest. noun a university teacher dental damage His death was not ac-
All her friends are academics. cidental.
accelerate /kselret/ verb to go fast-
accelerate
accomplish 3 action
else plays another instrument or sings acid /sd/ noun a chemical substance
acid
She sang and was accompanied on the that is able to dissolve metals
piano by her father. (NOTE: accompa-
acknowledge /knld"/ verb 1. to
acknowledge
She didnt acknowledge receiving my
something successfully You wont ac- letter. 2. to accept that something is true
complish anything by arguing. She acknowledged that she had seen
according to /k
d tu
/ preposi- me there.
according to
washing machine was installed accord- noun a letter or note sent to say that
ing to the manufacturers instructions. something has been received
According to the police, the car was
acorn /ek
n/ noun the fruit of an oak
acorn
tion to The teachers have separated person you know slightly She has
the children into classes according to many acquaintances in the travel indus-
their ages. try but no real friends.
acquire /kwa/ verb to become the
acquire
because of, due to The trains are late side to the other Dont run across the
on account of the fog. We dont use the road without looking to see if there is
car much on account of the price of pet- any traffic coming. 2. on the other side
rol. take something into account of He saw her across the street. ad-
to consider something We have to take verb from one side to the other The
the weather into account. on no ac- river is only twenty feet across. The
count not at all stream is very narrow you can easily
accurate /kjrt/ adjective correct in
accurate
jump across.
act /kt/ noun 1. something which is
act
4. a law passed by Parliament an act
one has done something wrong The to ban the sale of weapons verb 1. to
police accused her of stealing the mon- do something You will have to act
ey. (NOTE: You accuse someone of a quickly if you want to stop the fire. She
crime or of doing something.) acted in a very responsible way. to act
achieve /ti
v/ verb to succeed in do-
achieve
strangely. to get your act together
something which has been done suc- to organise yourself properly If they
cessfully She is very modest about her dont get their act together, theyll miss
achievements. Coming sixth was a their train.
action /kn/ noun 1. the fact of doing
action
active 4 address
tion to prevent the problem spreading. ad /d/ noun an advertisement (informal )
ad
What action are you going to take to If you want to sell your car quickly,
prevent accidents? out of action not put an ad in the paper.
working The car has been out of ac- adapt /dpt/ verb 1. to change some-
adapt
tion for a week. 2. something that is thing to be suitable for a new situation
done Theyve shown their commit- She adapted the story for TV. The car
ment by their actions. 3. a movement has been adapted for disabled drivers.
Avoid sudden actions that could alarm 2. to change your behaviour to fit into a
the animals. 4. the things that happen in new situation Well all have to learn
a performance such as a play or film to adapt to the new system.
The action of the play takes place in a adaptable /dptb()l/ adjective
adaptable
add up phrasal verb to make a total
fact of being active 2. something that the figures do not add up the total is
someone does to pass time pleasantly not correct
addition /d()n/ noun 1. someone or
addition
looks quite small but the actual height is cluded as well as what there is already
5 metres. Her actual words were much
address /dres/ noun 1. a set of details
address
stronger.
of the number of a house, the name of a
actually /ktuli/ adverb really
actually
ers are not normally addressed as Sir go in to a place Children are admitted
here. 3. to make a formal speech to a free, but adults have to pay. This ticket
group The chairman addressed the admits three people. (NOTE: admits
meeting. admitting admitted) to admit (to)
doing something to say that you have
address book /dres bk/ noun a
address book
done something wrong They admitted
notebook or computer file in which you stealing the car.
can record peoples names, home ad-
adopt /dpt/ verb 1. to take someone
adopt
adhesive /dhi
sv/ adjective able to
adhesive
crime. The team made an advance
change to something I need to adjust into their opponents half. 2. money
this belt a bit. to adjust to something paid as a loan or as a part of a payment
to become used to something How are to be made later adjective done before
you adjusting to being a parent? something happens She made an ad-
vance payment of 3000. in advance
admiration /dmre()n/ noun re-
admiration
earlier than the time something happens
spect for someone or something You must phone in advance to make
admire /dma/ verb to consider
admire
an appointment. They asked us to pay
someone or something with approval 200 in advance.
advanced /dv
nst/ adjective which
advanced
ist. We admired the view from the bal- is studied at a higher level Hes stud-
cony. ying advanced mathematics. Shes
admission /dm()n/ noun 1. the act
admission
studying for an advanced degree.
advantage /dv
ntd"/ noun some-
advantage
place Admission to the exhibition is thing which will help you to be success-
free on Sundays. My friend was re- ful Being able to drive a car is an ad-
fused admission to the restaurant be- vantage. Knowledge of two foreign
cause he was not wearing a tie. no ad- languages is an advantage in this job.
mission no one can enter 2. a statement She has several advantages over the
saying that something bad is true Her other job candidates. to take advan-
Basic.fm Page 6 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
adventure 6 afraid
tage of something to profit from ral: use some advice or, for one item, a
something They took advantage of the piece of advice)
cheap fares on offer. to take advan- advise /dvaz/ verb 1. to suggest to
advise
tage of someone to get something un- someone what they should do He ad-
fairly from someone to (good or vised her to save some of the money. 2.
best) advantage in a way that helps to tell someone officially that something
someone or something appear especial- has happened (formal ) They advised
ly good She used her knowledge of us that the sale of the house had been
Italian to good advantage. completed.
adventure /dvent/ noun a new, ex-
adventure
citing and dangerous experience I one who helps people to make decisions
must tell you about our adventures in about what to do
the desert.
aerial /eril/ noun a piece of equipment
aerial
adverb /dv
b/ noun a word which
adverb
advertisement /dv
tsmnt/ noun
advertisement
of making sure that people know that liking someone, especially a friend
something is for sale, or that something She always spoke of him with great af-
is going to happen The company has fection.
afford /f
d/ verb to have enough mon-
afford
on advertising. They spent millions on ey to pay for something How will you
the advertising campaign. afford such an expensive holiday? be
advice /dvas/ noun an opinion that
advice
unable to afford, cant afford to be un-
someone gives you about what you able to accept something because it
should do He went to the bank manag- might cause you a problem I cant af-
er for advice on how to pay his debts. ford a delay of more than three weeks.
afraid /fred/ adjective 1. frightened of
afraid
after 7 agreement
sorry to say Im afraid that all the aged /ed"d/ adjective with the age of
aged
1
cakes have been sold. You cant see a girl aged nine She died last year,
the boss Im afraid hes ill. Have aged 83.
you got a pocket calculator? No, Im
aged2 /ed"d/ adjective very old an
aged
afraid not.
aged man
after /
ft/ preposition 1. following or
after
ter you you go first 2. later than We for discussion whats on the agenda?
arrived after six oclock. We dont let what are we going to discuss? a set of
the children go out alone after dark. things that someone plans to do top of
conjunction later than a time After the your agenda what someone wants most
snow fell, the motorways were blocked. A holiday is top of my agenda at
Phone me after you get home. (NOTE: present.
after is used with many phrasal verbs: agent /ed"nt/ noun a person who
agent
to look after, to take after, etc.) af- works for or represents someone else
ter all 1. in spite of everything Every- Our head office is in London but we
thing was all right after all. 2. the fact is have an agent in Paris.
He should be OK; after all, he is
aggression /'re()n/ noun a feeling
aggression
eighteen now.
pressed, especially in physical force
between midday and the evening He an act of aggression an attack on some-
always has a little sleep in the after- one
noon. There is an afternoon flight to
aggressive /'resv/ adjective ready
aggressive
afterwards /
ftwdz/ adverb later
afterwards
again /'en/ adverb 1. another time phoned a few minutes ago. This all
again
He had to take his driving test again. happened a long time ago. (NOTE: ago
again and again several times, usually always follows a word referring to
in a firm or determined way The po- time.)
lice officer asked the same question agree /'ri
/ verb 1. to say yes or give
agree
again and again. 2. back as you were permission After some discussion he
before Although I like going on holi- agreed to our plan. (NOTE: You agree to
day, Im always glad to be home again. or on a plan.) 2. to say or show that you
against /'enst/ preposition 1. so as to
against
is playing against South Africa tomor- or fact of thinking the same to reach
row. Its hard cycling uphill against an agreement or to come to an agree-
the wind. They went against his ad- ment on salaries Agreement between
vice. the two sides is still a long way off.
age /ed"/ noun the number of years
age
ahead 8 alive
ahead /hed/ adverb 1. in front Our has a fleet of ten aircraft. (NOTE: The
ahead
team was losing, but now we are ahead plural is aircraft: one aircraft, six air-
again. Run on ahead and find some craft.)
seats for us. You need to go straight airfare /efe/ noun the amount of mon-
airfare
ahead, and then turn left. 2. in future ey a passenger has to pay to travel on an
My diary is filled with appointments for aircraft
six weeks ahead. 3. before We try to air force /e f
s/ noun a countrys mil-
air force
international match.
aid /ed/ noun 1. help, especially money, airport /ep
t/ noun a place where air-
airport
aid
food or other gifts given to people living craft land and take off You can take
in difficult conditions aid to the earth- the underground to the airport. We
quake zone an aid worker (NOTE: This are due to arrive at Heathrow Airport at
meaning of aid has no plural.) in aid midday.
of in order to help We give money in alarm /l
m/ noun 1. a loud warning
alarm
aid of the Red Cross. They are collect- sound An alarm will sound if someone
ing money in aid of refugees. 2. some- touches the wire. to raise the alarm
thing which helps you to do something to warn everyone of danger 2. same as
kitchen aids verb 1. to help some- alarm clock verb to frighten some-
thing to happen 2. to help someone one I dont want to alarm you, but
aim /em/ noun what you are trying to do theres a police car parked outside your
aim
liceman.
drinks such as beer or wine that can
air /e/ noun 1. a mixture of gases which
air
air have no plural.) adjective refer- ing carefully, ready to notice something
alike /lak/ adjective very similar ad-
alike
goods using aircraft new air routes verb in a similar way My sister and I
by air in an aircraft I dont enjoy trav- just dont think alike. The change will
elling by air. Its quicker to send the affect rich and poor alike.
letter by air. verb to make a room or alive /lav/ adjective 1. living He was
alive
clothes fresh by giving them more air still alive when he was rescued from the
Lets open the windows to air the room. burning building. When my grandfa-
aircraft /ekr
ft/ noun a vehicle which
aircraft
all 9 alphabetical
The holiday village really comes alive Jack has been my closest ally in the
at night. to come alive to become campaign.
busy and active ally2 /la/ verb to ally yourself with
ally
all /
l/ adjective, pronoun everything or or to someone to join forces with some-
all
everyone They all or All of them like one The unions have allied them-
coffee. All trains stop at Clapham selves with the opposition. (NOTE: allies
Junction. Did you pick all (of) the to- allying allied)
matoes? Where are all the children? almost /
lmst/ adverb nearly
almost
adverb 1. completely The ground London is almost as far from here as
was all white after the snow had fallen. Paris. Shes almost as tall as I am.
I forgot all about her birthday. 2. all Shell eat almost anything. Hurry up,
by yourself all alone You cant do it its almost time for the train to leave.
all by yourself. Im all by myself this alone /ln/ adjective 1. with no one
alone
evening my girlfriends gone out. all else She lives alone with her cats.
along right from the beginning all at He was all alone in the shop. 2. only
once suddenly all in 1. tired out 2. She alone knew the importance of the
including everything all of a sudden message. adverb without other people
suddenly all over 1. everywhere over We dont let the children go out alone
something 2. finished all right well after dark. I dont like travelling
She was ill yesterday but shes all right alone. leave alone 1. not to disturb
now. all the same in spite of this someone Leave your sister alone,
Im not really keen on horror films, but shes trying to read. 2. to stop touching
Ill go with you all the same. or playing with something Leave the
allergic /l
d"k/ adjective suffering cat alone, it doesnt like being stroked.
allergic
a substance which makes you sneeze, or of He has planted fruit trees along
makes your skin itch, e.g. She has an both sides of the garden path. The riv-
allergy to household dust. The baby er runs along one side of the castle. 2. in
has a wheat allergy. a straight forward direction She ran
along the pavement. Walk along the
allow /la/ verb to let someone do
allow
street until you come to the post office.
something She allowed me to borrow I was just driving along when I caught
her book. Smoking is not allowed in sight of my brother. 3. to a place John
the restaurant. You are allowed to came along after about five minutes.
take two pieces of hand luggage onto the Is it ok if I bring a friend along?
plane. aloud /lad/ adverb in a voice which
aloud
already 10 amount
already /
lredi/ adverb before now or hot in tropical countries. 3. frequently,
already
before the time mentioned Ive al- especially when someone finds it an-
ready done my shopping. It was al- noying Shes always asking me to
ready past ten oclock when he arrived. lend her money.
am /m, m/ 1st person present singular
am
also /
ls/ adverb in addition to some-
also
sister also likes to cycle when she can. have to catch the 7 a.m. train to work
She sings well and can also play the vi- every day. Telephone calls made be-
olin. (NOTE: also is usually placed be- fore 6 a.m. are charged at the cheap
fore the main verb or after a modal or rate. (NOTE: a.m. is usually used to
auxiliary verb.) show the exact hour and the word
alter /
lt/ verb to become different, or oclock is left out)
alter
his face had altered slightly. surprising It was amazing that she
alteration /
ltre()n/ noun 1. the
alteration
alternate1 /
lt
nt/ adjective every do something special His great ambi-
alternate
alternate2 /
ltnet/ verb to keep which carries sick or injured people to
alternate
changing from one particular position or hospital When she fell down the stairs,
state to another her husband called an ambulance.
alternative /
lt
ntv/ adjective 1. in American /merkn/ adjective relat-
American
alternative
place of something else If the plane is ing to America or to the United States
full, we will put you on an alternative among /m/, amongst /mst/
among
of the fact that Although it was freez- amount /mant/ noun a quantity of
amount
ing, she didnt put a coat on. Ive nev- something such as money The amount
er been into that shop although Ive of- in my bank account has reached 1000.
ten walked past it. We spent a large amount of time just
altogether /
lt'e/ adverb taking
altogether
waiting. a certain amount some but
everything together The food was 10 not a lot Painting the house will take
and the drinks 5, so that makes 15 al- a certain amount of time.
together. The staff of the three shops amount to phrasal verb 1. to make a
come to 200 altogether. total of My years savings amount to
always /
lwez/ adverb 1. every time less than 1000. 2. to be similar or equal
always
She is always late for work. Why to something I think what he said
does it always rain when we want to go amounts to a refusal to take part. 3. to
for a walk? 2. all the time Its always amount to the same thing to mean the
Basic.fm Page 11 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
amuse 11 annoying
same, to be the same Whether he took not straight The shop front is at an an-
cash or free holidays, it all amounts to gle to the road.
angrily /'rli/ adverb in an angry
angrily
one laugh This story will amuse you. angry /'ri/ adjective upset and an-
angry
ment making someone feel pleasure in that moves independently I love hav-
a funny situation Much to her amuse- ing animals as pets. (NOTE: animal may
ment, the band played Happy Birthday include humans in scientific contexts.)
to you!. 3. a way of passing the time ankle /kl/ noun the part of the body
ankle
pleasantly They had planned several where your leg joins your foot
visits for the guests amusement.
anniversary /nv
s()ri/ noun the
anniversary
amusing /mju
z/ adjective funny
amusing
same date as an important event that
an /n, n/ a
an
nlsi
z/.) statement made in public The manag-
ancient /ennt/ adjective very old, or ing director made an announcement to
ancient
belonging to a time long ago He was the staff. There were several an-
riding an ancient bicycle. nouncements concerning flight chang-
and /n, nd, nd/ conjunction used to
and
es.
annoy /n/ verb to make someone feel
annoy
cles and aunts live in the country. The slightly angry or impatient Their rude
children were running about and sing- behaviour really annoyed us.
ing. Come and sit down next to me. annoyance /nns/ noun a feeling of
annoyance
(NOTE: and is used to say numbers af- being slightly annoyed There was a
ter 100: seven hundred and two tone of annoyance in her voice.
(702)) and so on, and so forth, annoyed /nd/ adjective slightly an-
annoyed
and so on and so forth with other gry or impatient He was annoyed with
similar things He talked about plants, his neighbour who had cut down one of
flowers, vegetables, and so on. his trees. I was annoyed to find some-
anger /'/ noun a feeling of being
anger
his anger. She couldnt hide the anger you angry or impatient I find it very
she felt. annoying that the post doesnt come be-
angle /'l/ noun a corner where two
angle
annual 12 anywhere
annual /njul/ adjective happening do something In his anxiety to get
annual
once a year The village fair is an an- away quickly, he forgot to lock the door.
nual event. I get annual interest of 6% anxious /ks/ adjective 1. nervous
anxious
She tried on one dress after another, ous, worried way They are waiting
but couldnt find anything she liked. anxiously for the results of the exam.
each other any /eni/ adjective, pronoun 1. it doesnt
any
answer /
ns/ noun 1. something that
answer
the door to someone who knocks or at all Anyone can learn to ride a bike.
rings the bell No-one answered the anyone else any other person Is
door though I knocked twice. there anyone else who cant see the
ant /nt/ noun a small insect that lives in
ant
screen?
anything /eni/ pronoun 1. it doesnt
anything
large groups
antibiotic /ntibatk/ noun a sub-
antibiotic
matter what You can eat anything you
stance which kills harmful organisms want. Our dog will bite anything that
such as bacteria moves. 2. (in questions or negatives)
something Did you do anything inter-
antique /nti
k/ noun an old and valu-
antique
esting at the weekend? Did you hear
able object He collects antiques. anything make a noise during the night?
adjective old and valuable an antique Has anything happened to their plans
Chinese vase for a long holiday? Do you want any-
antiseptic /ntseptk/ noun a sub-
antiseptic
apart 13 apple
weekend? Is there anywhere where I money to continue their work. 2. to
can sit down? appeal against a verdict to make a le-
apart /p
t/ adverb 1. separated The
apart
gal request for a court to look again at a
two villages are about six miles apart. 2. decision He has appealed against the
in separate pieces He took the watch sentence. 3. to appeal to someone to
apart. apart from except for Do attract someone These CDs appeal to
you have any special interests apart the teenage market. The idea of work-
from your work? Im feeling fine, ing in Australia for six months appealed
apart from a slight cold. to her.
appealing /pi
l/ adjective 1. attrac-
appealing
apartment /p
tmnt/ noun a sepa-
apartment
rate set of rooms for living in She tive The design has proved appealing
shares an apartment with a friend. to our older customers. 2. wanting help
ape /ep/ noun a large monkey
ape
or support The child gave her an ap-
pealing look as she got up to leave.
apologise /pld"az/, apologize
apologise
(NOTE: only used before a noun)
verb to say you are sorry He shouted
appear /p/ verb 1. to start to be seen
appear
seem There appears to be a mistake.
He appears to have forgotten the time.
cating that you are sorry (NOTE: The
She appeared rather cross. 3. to play
plural is apologies.) plural noun
apologies a statement indicating that a part in a film or play or take part in a
you are sorry, especially if you cannot TV programme She appears regularly
attend a meeting My apologies for be- on TV. 4. to come to a law court He
ing so late. Please give the chairman appeared in court, charged with murder.
appearance /prns/ noun 1. the
appearance
my apologies.
way that someone or something looks
ing sign (), either showing that a letter You could tell from his appearance that
has been left out, e.g. werent, or after a he had been sleeping rough. 2. the fact
noun to show possession, e.g. Bens of being present somewhere, especially
coat or the girls coats unexpectedly The appearance of a
teacher caused them to fall silent. to
apparatus /prets/ noun scientific
apparatus
3. the beginning of something new the
to see or accept as true It was appar- rapid appearance of mobile phone
ent to everyone that she was annoyed. 2. shops all over the country They were
possibly different from what something worried by the sudden appearance of a
seems to be There is an apparent mis- red rash. 4. an occasion when someone
take in the accounts. is performing in a film or play or on TV
apparently /prntli/ adverb accord- This is her second appearance in a
apparently
and then disappeared. He didnt come to eat Going for a long walk has given
to work today apparently hes got a me an appetite. Hes not feeling well
cold. and has lost his appetite.
appeal /pi
l/ noun 1. an act of asking
appeal
applause /pl
z/ noun the act of clap-
applause
peal for witnesses. The hospital is ping your hands together several times
launching an appeal to raise 50,000. to show that you liked a performance
apple /p()l/ noun a common fruit that
apple
appliance 14 are
appliance /plans/ noun a machine approach /prt/ noun 1. the fact of
appliance approach
verb to come near The plane was
the process of putting something on approaching the airport when the lights
something else Several applications went out.
of the cream will be necessary. 2. the
appropriate /prprit/ adjective
appropriate
approval /pru
v()l/ noun the act of
approval
choice of colour have your approval or
job to ask for a job She applied for a meet with your approval?
job in the supermarket. Hes applying
approve /pru
v/ verb 1. to agree to
approve
April 5th or April 5: say the fifth of
an agreed time for a meeting I want to April or April the fifth or in US English
make an appointment to see the doctor. April fifth.)
She was late for her appointment.
aptitude /pttju
d/ noun a natural
aptitude
she was made a manager 2. the process ability that can be developed further
arch /
t/ noun a round structure form-
arch
something round like an arch The cat
nise the value of something Shoppers arched her back and started spitting.
architect /
ktekt/ noun a person who
architect
to be served.
apprentice /prents/ noun a young
apprentice
sign of buildings
are /,
/ 1st person plural present of be.
are
area 15 arrange
area /eri/ noun 1. a space The whole not armed. Armed guards surrounded
area
area round the town hall is going to be the house. 2. involving weapons the
rebuilt. We always sit in the no smok- armed struggle between the two groups
ing area. 2. a measurement of the space 3. ready for use as a weapon The de-
taken up by something, calculated by vice is already armed. armed with
multiplying the length by the width provided with Armed with picnic bas-
The area of the room is four square me- kets, towels and cameras, we set off for
tres. We are looking for a shop with a the beach.
sales area of about 100 square metres. armed forces /
md f
sz/, armed
armed forces
area for getting to the motorways and country, trained for fighting on land
airports. the London area the part of He left school at 16 and joined the army.
England around London Houses in An army spokesman held a news con-
the London area are more expensive ference. (NOTE: The plural is armies.)
than elsewhere in the country.
aroma /rm/ noun a pleasant smell
aroma
argue /
'ju
/ verb to discuss without
argue
room. (NOTE: You argue with someone all round something She had a gold
about or over something.) chain around her neck. The flood wa-
argument /
'jmnt/ noun a situa- ter was all around the village. 2. close to
argument
tion in which people discuss something or in a place or area Is there a bus stop
without agreeing Nobody would back around here? 3. in various places We
her up in her argument with the boss. have lots of computers around the office.
to get into an argument with someone 4. not exactly It will cost around
to start to argue with someone He got 200. Around sixty people came to the
into an argument with the taxi driver. meeting. adverb 1. in various places
Papers were lying around all over the
arise /raz/ verb to start to appear
arise
The problem arose in the planning de- floor. The restaurants were all full, so
partment. (NOTE: arises arising we walked around for some time. 2. in a
arose /rz/ arisen /rzn/)
position that is fairly near We try not
to talk about it when shes around. Its
arithmetic /rmtk/ noun calcula-
arithmetic
the only swimming pool for miles
tions with numbers, especially as a sub- around. 3. in existence Shes one of
ject studied at school the best eye surgeons around. The new
arm /
m/ noun 1. the part of the body
arm
arm. She tripped over the pavement der The chairs are arranged in rows.
and broke her arm. 2. the part of a chair The books are arranged in alphabeti-
which you can rest your arms on He cal order. The ground floor is ar-
put his coffee cup on the arm of his ranged as an open-plan area with a lit-
chair. verb to give weapons to The tle kitchen at the side. 2. to make a plan
police were armed with guns. arm in for something Lets arrange to meet
arm with arms linked together They somewhere before we go to the theatre.
walked down the street arm in arm. The tour has been arranged by the
armchair /
mte/ noun a chair with
armchair
arrangement 16 as
You arrange for someone to do some- the Museum of Modern Art. 2. the ob-
thing; you arrange for something to be jects that are created in this way
done; or you arrange to do something.
artery /
tri/ noun a tube carrying
artery
Note also arranges arranging ar- blood from the heart around the body.
ranged.) Compare vein (NOTE: The plural is ar-
arrangement /rend"mnt/ noun 1.
arrangement
teries.)
the process of putting things in order
article /
tk()l/ noun 1. a report in a
article
used before a noun to show whether you
catch and hold someone who has broken are referring to a particular or general
the law The police arrested two men example of something. The definite arti-
and took them to the police station. cle is the and the indefinite article is
He ended up getting arrested as he tried a or an.
to leave the country. She was arrested
artificial /
tf()l/ adjective not nat-
artificial
someone for breaking the law The po- ural She was wearing artificial pearls.
lice made several arrests at the demon- artificially /
tf()li/ adverb in a
artificially
under arrest.
skilled in making works of art such as
arrival /rav()l/ noun 1. the act of
arrival
1. in a particular job She had a job as
They arrived at the hotel tired out. a bus driver. 2. because of being a par-
The train from Paris arrives in London ticular type of person As a doctor, he
at 5 p.m. (NOTE: You arrive in a town or has to know the symptoms of all the
in a country but at a place. Note also: common diseases. 3. in a particular way
arrives arriving arrived.) She was dressed as a nurse. They
treated him as a friend of the family.
arrogant /r'nt/ adjective very
arrogant
ascend 17 assistant
As well as being a maths teacher, he is a assassinate /ssnet/ verb to kill a
assassinate
hotel by the coach at 9 a.m. They as-
rassed and sorry for something that you sembled a panel of experts to renew the
have done or not done project. 2. (especially of people) to
come together in a place, or to be
aside /sad/ adverb to one side He
aside
brought together by someone, especial-
took me aside and whispered in my ear. ly formally or in an ordered way Well
aside from except for Aside from a
assemble outside the hotel at 9 a.m.
minor infection, his health had been re- They assembled a panel of experts to re-
markably good. Ive got to read these new the project.
three articles, and thats aside from all
assembly /sembl/ noun 1. a meeting
assembly
my regular work.
the station to ask about cheap tickets. thing or someone in order to make a
Ask the assistant how much the shoes judgment or decision about it Its hard
cost. 2. to put a question to get someone to assess how difficult it will be to make
to do something Ask your father to the necessary changes. 2. to consider
teach you how to drive. Can I ask you someones achievement or progress in
not to make so much noise? 3. to invite order to decide if it is satisfactory Stu-
someone to an event or to do something dents are regularly assessed by their
We asked them to our party. She teachers and feedback. 3. to calculate an
asked me to go skiing with her. amount to be paid The cost of the new
building is assessed at 1 million.
ask for phrasal verb to say that you
assignment /sanmnt/ noun a piece
assignment
the shop and asked for the manager. of work that has to be done in a specific
ask out phrasal verb to ask someone to time My literature assignment has to
go out with you, e.g. to a restaurant or to be finished by Wednesday. He was
the cinema Bill wants to ask my sister given the assignment of reporting on the
out. war.
assist /sst/ verb to help someone
assist
asleep /sli
p/ adjective sleeping He
asleep
was asleep and didnt hear the fire He assists me with my income tax forms.
alarm. They were lying asleep on the I will be assisted in my work by Jackie
ground. to fall asleep to begin to sleep Smith. (NOTE: You assist someone in
aspect /spekt/ noun 1. a way of con-
aspect
doing something or with something.)
assistance /sst()ns/ noun help
assistance
drug, used in the treatment of minor ill- who helps someone as part of their job
nesses to reduce pain 2. a pill that con- His assistant makes all his appoint-
tains aspirin ments.
Basic.fm Page 18 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
associate 18 attached
associate /ssiet/ verb to connect
1 ishing amount of money buying Christ-
associate
wonderful holiday when I first read it. ing time Well meet at eleven oclock.
to be associated with to be connected You must put your lights on when you
with or involved in something drive at night. At the weekend, we
associate2 /ssit/ noun a person
associate
went to see my mother. We went to
who works in the same business as Paris at Easter. 2. used for showing
someone else place Meet us at the post office.
Shes got a job at the supermarket.
association /ssie()n/ noun 1.
association
Hes not at home, hes at work. 3. used
an official group of people or a group of for showing speed The train was trav-
companies in the same trade an asso- elling at 200 kilometres an hour. 4.
ciation offering support to victims of showing direction She threw her slip-
street violence the Association of Brit- per at the TV. 5. showing cause She
ish Travel Agents 2. a connection laughed at my old coat. (NOTE: at is of-
formed in the mind between things ten used after verbs, e.g. to look at, to
For some people, a black cat has an as- point at.)
sociation with luck. Manchester has
ate /et, et/ past tense of eat
ate
published in association with the local sports such as running which are com-
tourist board. This programme is petitions between individuals (NOTE: no
brought to you in association with Brit- plural)
ish Airways.
atlas /tls/ noun a book of maps
atlas
assume /sju
m/ verb 1. to imagine or
assume
(NOTE: The plural is atlases.)
believe that something is true Lets atmosphere /tmsf/ noun the air
atmosphere
assume that he is innocent. I assume around the Earth The atmosphere sur-
you have enough money to pay for the rounds the Earth to a height of several
meal? 2. to take on something such as a hundred kilometres. the air in a partic-
job or responsibility When she was ular place The room had a hot stuffy
twenty-one, she assumed complete con- atmosphere. noun a general feeling
trol of the family business. He has as- The atmosphere in the office was tense.
sumed responsibility for fire safety. I like the friendly atmosphere at our
asthma /sm/ noun a medical condi-
asthma
college.
tion in which someone suffers breathing atom /tm/ noun the smallest part of a
atom
difficulties, often because a particular chemical element that can exist inde-
substance has a bad effect on his or her pendently
body
atomic /tmk/ adjective relating to
atomic
the energy produced if an atom is split
someone very much His success in apart
maths astonished his teacher he never attach /tt/ verb to fasten something
attach
to the post. I am attaching a copy of
surprised We were astonished to learn my previous letter.
that the head teacher had left. attached /ttt/ adjective having a
attached
attack 19 August
attack /tk/ noun 1. the act of trying to ical attention. 3. the position of a sol-
attack
hurt someone or something They dier, standing straight, with heels to-
made an attack on the town. under at- gether and looking straight ahead The
tack in the situation of being attacked guards stood to attention at the entrance
The town is under attack from rebel of the palace. for the attention of
guerrillas. 2. a criticism He launched words written on a letter to show that it
an attack on the government. 3. a sud- is intended for a particular person to
den return of a particular illness She deal with it to attract (someones)
had an attack of malaria. verb to try attention to make someone notice
to hurt someone or to hit someone someone or something The new play
Three men attacked her as she walked has attracted a lot of press attention or
home. The old lady was attacked by attention in the press.
muggers. attitude /ttju
d/ noun 1. a way of
attitude
portrait shows him in a thoughtful atti-
something, especially something diffi- tude.
cult She attempted to lift the box onto attract /trkt/ verb to make someone
attract
pleasant to look at They found the
duty in a public place such as a museum mountain scenery very attractive.
attention /tenn/ noun 1. the act of
attention
Shes an attractive woman. 2. having
concentrating on what you are doing features which people like There are
Dont distract the drivers attention. some attractive bargains in the sale.
Please give the talk on safety proce- The rival firm made him a very attrac-
dures your full attention. to pay at- tive offer.
tention to to concentrate on something
audience /
dins/ noun the people
audience
aunt 20 aware
the fifteenth or the fifteenth of August gether and dividing by the number of
or in US English August fifteenth.) different quantities added the average
aunt /
nt/ noun the sister of your mother
aunt
for the last three months or the last three
or father, or the wife of an uncle She months average The temperature has
lives next door to my aunt. Say good- been above the average for the time of
bye to Aunt Anne. year. adjective 1. ordinary or typical
It was an average working day at the
author /
/ noun a writer She is the
author
typical 2. not very good Their results
do something He has no authority to were only average. 3. calculated by di-
act on our behalf. (NOTE: no plural) 2. viding the total by the number of quan-
an organisation that has control over tities His average speed was 30 miles
something The education authority per hour. verb to be as an average
pays teachers salaries. (NOTE: The plu- Price increases have averaged 10% per
ral is authorities.) annum.
automatic /
tmtk/ adjective 1.
automatic
ing I want to avoid discussing details
1. by a machine, without people having at this stage. How can we avoid a
to do anything 2. without thinking about row?
it very much I signed the bill automat-
awake /wek/ adjective not asleep
awake
ically. as a result of an agreement or
existing situation The company auto- Its 2 oclock and Im still awake. verb
matically retires people at 60. 1. to wake someone up He was awok-
en by the sound of the telephone. (NOTE:
automobile /
tmbi
l/ noun espe-
automobile
tumn term.
someone a design award He re-
who helps other workers (NOTE: The ceived an award of 1000. The school
plural is auxiliaries.) has been nominated for a technology
available /velb()l/ adjective able to
available
a town, often with trees along the side awarded 10,000 in damages.
average /v()rd"/ noun 1. the stand- aware /we/ adjective knowing some-
average aware
ard that is usual or typical The journey thing Im not aware of any problem.
time today was much slower than the Is he aware that we have to decide
bus companys average. 2. a total calcu- quickly? not that I am aware of not
lated by adding several quantities to- as far as I know Has there ever been
Basic.fm Page 21 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
away 21 axe
an accident here before? Not that I am awfully /
f()li/ adverb very (informal )
awfully
awkward /
kwd/ adjective 1. embar-
awkward
den.
awake
awful /
f()l/ adjective very bad or un-
awful
B
b /bi
/, B noun the second letter of the al-
b
phone you when I am back in the office. which has been treated with salt or
(NOTE: Back is often used after verbs: smoke, usually cut into thin pieces
to give back, to go back, to pay
bacteria /bktri/ plural noun very
bacteria
badge 23 ban
were shocked at their bad behaviour. 2. balance in three instalments. The bal-
of poor quality or skill Hes a bad ance outstanding is now 5000. verb
driver. Shes good at singing but bad 1. to stay or stand in position without
at playing the piano. 3. unpleasant falling The cat balanced on the top of
Hes got a bad cold. Shes in a bad the fence. 2. to make something stay in
temper. Ive got some bad news for position without falling The waiter
you. The weather was bad when we balanced a pile of dirty plates on his
were on holiday in August. 4. serious arm.
He had a bad accident on the motorway. balcony /blkni/ noun 1. a small flat
balcony
which you take with you when travel- happening Ill start the ball rolling by
ling introducing the visitors, then you can in-
bake /bek/ verb to cook food such as
bake
troduce yourselves. to play ball to
bread or cakes in an oven Mums bak- work well with someone to achieve
ing a cake for my birthday. Bake the something I asked them for a little
pizza for 35 minutes. more time but they wont play ball. to
have a ball to enjoy yourself a lot You
baker /bek/ noun a person whose job
baker
fall over to lose your balance to fall which is blown up with air or gas 2. a
down As he was crossing the river on very large balloon which rises as the air
the tightrope he lost his balance and inside it is heated, sometimes with a
fell. 2. an amount of money remaining container attached for people to travel in
in an account I have a balance of 25 verb to increase quickly in size or
in my bank account. 3. an amount of amount
ban /bn/ noun an official statement
ban
banana 24 bare
something There is a ban on smoking bank account /bk kant/ noun
bank account
in cinemas. verb to say officially that an arrangement which you make with a
people must not do something She bank to keep your money safely until
was banned from driving for three you want it to open a bank account
years. (NOTE: bans banning to start keeping money in a bank He
banned) opened a bank account when he started
banana /bn
n/ noun a long yellow, his first job.
banana
slightly curved fruit which grows in hot bank holiday /bk hlde/ noun a
bank holiday
marched down the street, following the hard The yard was full of planks and
band. My brothers in a rock band. 2. metal bars. a solid piece of a sub-
a group of people who do something to- stance such as chocolate or soap noun
gether Bands of drunken football fans a place where you can buy and drink al-
were wandering around the streets. 3. a cohol Lets meet in the bar before din-
narrow piece of something Her hair ner. preposition except All of the
was tied back with a red band. 4. a long suppliers replied bar one. All bar two
thin mark of a particular colour a of the players in the team are British.
black tee-shirt with a broad band of yel- verb 1. to block something The road
low across the front 5. a range of things was barred by the police. The path is
taken together Hes in the top salary barred to cyclists. 2. to bar someone
band. Were looking for something in from doing something to prevent
the 10 15 price band. someone officially from doing some-
bandage /bndd"/ noun a cloth for thing He was barred from playing
bandage
putting around an injured part of the football for three months. (NOTE: bars
body The nurse put a bandage round barring barred)
his knee. His head was covered in barbecue /b
bkju
/ noun 1. a metal
barbecue
barely 25 bass
barely /beli/ adverb almost not She thing else to use something as a model
barely
barely had enough money to pay for her for something else The book is based
ticket. He barely had time to get on her mothers life. His theory was
dressed before the police arrived. The based on years of observations.
noise is barely tolerable. baseball /besb
l/ noun 1. an Ameri-
baseball
bargain /b
'n/ noun 1. something can game for two teams of nine players,
bargain
bought more cheaply than usual The in which a player hits a ball with a long,
car was a real bargain at 500. 2. an narrow bat and players from the other
agreement between two people or team try to catch it 2. the hard ball used
groups of people into the bargain as in playing baseball
well as other things The plane was -based /best/ suffix 1. produced or de-
-based
late and they lost my suitcase into the veloped from a milk-based dessert 2.
bargain. verb to discuss the terms of living or working at a particular place
an agreement or sale more than or a London-based company
not what you bargained for different,
basement /besmnt/ noun a floor in a
basement
usually worse, than you had expected building below ground level
bargain on phrasal verb to expect
basic /besk/ adjective very simple, or
basic
bat 26 beam
bat /bt/ noun 1. a piece of wood used
His last years were spent battling
bat
flaps like wings that flies at night and where the land curves inwards a shel-
hangs upside down when resting tered bay 2. a marked or enclosed area
bath /b
/ noun 1. a large container in used for a particular purpose a bay
bath
which you can sit and wash your whole marked Reserved Parking
body Theres a washbasin and a bath be /b, bi
/ verb 1. used for describing a
be
in the bathroom. (NOTE: The plural is person or thing Our house is older
baths /b
s/) 2. to have a bath to than yours. She is bigger than her
wash your whole body in a bath verb brother. Lemons are yellow. The
to wash yourself or someone else in a soup is hot. Put on your coat it is
bath Shes bathing the baby. Do you cold outside. Im cold after standing
prefer to bath or shower? (NOTE: Do not waiting for the bus. Are you tired after
confuse with bathe. Note also: baths your long walk? 2. used for showing age
bathing /b
/ bathed /b
t/.) or time Hes twenty years old. She
bathe /be/ verb 1. to go into water to will be two next month. It is nearly ten
bathe
soldiers died in the first battle of the small stones by the edge of the sea
war. Wellington won the Battle of Wa-
beak /bi
k/ noun the hard part of a birds
beak
bean 27 before
verb to give a big happy smile The became /bkem/ past tense of be-
became
pod of various different plants, that is reason that follows I was late because
cooked and eaten I missed the train. The dogs wet be-
cause hes been in the river. because
bear /be/ noun a large wild animal cov-
bear
mans chin and cheeks a long white sleeping on Lie down on my bed if
beard youre tired. 2. a piece of ground for
beat /bi
t/ noun a regular pattern of
beat
sound His heart was still beating where you sleep My bedroom is on the
when the ambulance arrived. Her first floor. The hotel has twenty-five
heart beat faster as she went into the in- bedrooms. Shut your bedroom door if
terview. 2. to hit something or someone you want to be quiet.
hard He was beaten by a gang of bee /bi
/ noun an insect which makes
bee
youths. 3. to win a game against another honey, and can sting you
player or team They beat their rivals
beef /bi
f/ noun meat from a cow roast
beef
before /bf
/ preposition earlier than
before
beg 28 belong
earlier I didnt see him last week, but his colleagues were behind his decision.
I had met him before. Why didnt you Were behind you! adverb 1. at the
tell me before? back He was first, and the rest of the
beg /be'/ verb 1. to ask for things like
beg
runners were a long way behind. 2. later
money or food She sat begging on the than you should be I am behind with
steps of the station. Children were my correspondence. The company has
begging for food. 2. to ask someone in fallen behind schedule with its deliver-
an emotional way to do something or ies.
being /bi
/ noun 1. a person 2. a living
being
S. The meeting is due to begin at ten something is true his firm belief in the
oclock sharp. (NOTE: begins begin- power of law her strong belief in God
ning began has begun) to be- believe /bli
v/ verb 1. to be sure that
believe
gin again to start a second time She something is true, although you cant
played a wrong note and had to begin prove it People used to believe that the
again. earth was flat. Dont believe anything
beginner /b'n/ noun a person who is
beginner
ding. 2. any object designed to make a
ringing noise, especially one that uses
behalf /bh
f/ noun on behalf of
behalf
electricity The alarm bell rings if you
someone, on someones behalf acting touch the door. The postman rang the
for someone She is speaking on behalf door bell. You ought to have a bell on
of the trade association. He was cho- your bicycle. to ring a bell or any
sen to speak on the workers behalf. bells to sound familiar or remind you of
behave /bhev/ verb to act in a certain
behave
bellies.)
doing things His behaviour was quite belong /bl/ verb 1. to be kept in the
belong
natural. Local people complained usual or expected place That book be-
about the behaviour of the football fans. longs on the top shelf. 2. to be happy to
behind /bhand/ preposition 1. at the
behind
below 29 best
tennis club. 5. to belong with to be a bridge and watched the river flowing
part of or connected to something else beneath.
These knives belong with the set in the beneficial /benf()l/ adjective hav-
beneficial
benefit
Standing on the bridge we looked at the What benefit would I get from joining
river below. These toys are for chil- the club? verb 1. to be useful to some-
dren of two years and below. preposi- one The book will benefit anyone who
tion lower down than The temperature is planning to do some house repairs. 2.
was below freezing. In Singapore, the to benefit from or by something to
temperature never goes below 25C. get an advantage from something
Do not write anything below this line. Tourists will benefit from improved
These tablets should not be given to transport links. Older people can ben-
children below the age of twelve. Can efit from free bus passes. (NOTE: bene-
you see below the surface of the water? fits benefitting benefitted)
belt /belt/ noun a strap which goes round bent /bent/ adjective curved or twisted
belt bent
your waist to hold up a skirt or trousers These nails are so bent we cant use
She wore a skirt with a bright red belt. them.
berry /beri/ noun a small round fruit
berry
eral people We sat down on one of the with several small seeds inside (NOTE:
park benches. The plural is berries. Do not confuse
with bury.)
bend /bend/ noun a curve in something
bend
bridge. (NOTE: bends bending as They have two other cars besides
bent /bent/) the big Ford. Besides managing the
shop, he also teaches in the evening.
bend down phrasal verb to move to a besides being or doing something in
lower position, so that your head is low- addition to being or doing something
er than your waist He bent down to adverb used for adding another stronger
pick up the little girl. reason for something I dont want to
bend over phrasal verb to move to a go for a picnic besides, its starting to
different or a lower position You can rain.
read it if you bend over to the left. best /best/ adjective better than anything
best
Bend over till you can touch your toes. else Shes my best friend. He put on
to bend over backwards for his best suit to go to the interview.
someone or to do something to do What is the best way of getting to Lon-
everything you can to help someone don from here? noun the thing which
Their friends bent over backwards for is better than anything else The pic-
or to support the family after the acci- ture shows her at her best. adverb in
dent. the most effective or successful way
beneath /bni
/ preposition under
beneath
bet 30 bicycle
even though this may not be perfect to shes got flu. It would be better if you
do your best to do as well as you can phoned your father now.
to make the best of something to between /btwi
n/ preposition 1. with
between
take any advantage you can from some- people or things on both sides Theres
thing to make the best of a bad job only a thin wall between his office and
to accept a bad situation cheerfully to mine, so I hear everything he says.
the best of someones ability as well Dont sit between him and his girl-
as possible Ill help you to the best of friend. 2. connecting two places The
my ability. to the best of my knowl- bus goes between Oxford and London.
edge as far as I know best regards, 3. in the period after one time and be-
best wishes a greeting sent to someone fore another Im in a meeting between
Give my best wishes to your father. 10 oclock and 12. Can you come to
bet /bet/ noun a sum of money which is
bet
see me between now and next Monday?
risked by trying to say which horse will 4. within a range between two amounts
come first in a race or which side will or numbers The parcel weighs be-
win a competition He placed a bet on tween four and five kilos. Cherries
his friends horse but lost when the cost between 2 and 3 per kilo. 5. used
horse came last. Ive got a bet on Bra- for comparing two or more things
zil to win the next World Cup. verb to Sometimes its not easy to see a differ-
risk money by saying which horse you ence between blue and green. She
think will come first in a race or which could choose between courses in Ger-
team will win a competition He bet man, Chinese or Russian. 6. among
me 10 the Prime Minister would lose between you and me speaking pri-
the election. She bet 30 on the hors- vately in between with things on
both sides Theres only a thin wall be-
es. (NOTE: bets betting bet) I bet
tween his bedroom and mine, so I hear
(you) (that) or Ill bet (you) (that) Im
everything he says on the phone.
sure that I bet you shes going to be
beware /bwe/ verb to be careful about
beware
late
better for you than white. We will shop away than The post office is beyond
around to see if we can get a better the bank. 2. outside the usual range of
price. 2. healthy again I had a cold something The delivery date is be-
last week but Im better now. I hope yond our control. I cant accept new
your sister will be better soon. adverb orders beyond the end of next year. be-
more successfully than something else yond someones means too expensive
She sings better than her sister. My
for someone to buy Id love to buy a
sports car, but I think it would be beyond
old knife cuts better than the new one.
my means. 3. later than The party
to think better of something to decide
went on beyond midnight.
that something is not a good idea He
Bible /bab()l/ noun 1. the holy book of
Bible
bid 31 bit
shopping on her bicycle. Hes learn- the demand for payment. (NOTE: bins
ing to ride a bicycle. binning binned)
bid /bd/ noun 1. an offer to buy some- bind /band/ verb 1. to tie someones
bid bind
thing at a particular price His bid for hands or feet so they cannot move
the painting was too low. 2. an attempt They bound her arms with a rope. 2. to
to do something she made a bid for tie something or someone to something
power she tried to seize power verb to else Bind the sticks together with
make an offer to buy something at an strings. They bound him to the chair
auction He bid 500 for the car. with strips of plastic. 3. to force some-
(NOTE: bids bidding bid) one to do something The contract
binds him to make regular payments. 4.
big /b'/ adjective of a large size I dont
big
biggest)
living things
bird /b
d/ noun 1. an animal with wings
bird
drafted a bill to ban the sale of guns. 4. which someone was born April 23rd
US a piece of paper money a 10-dol- is Shakespeares birthday. My birth-
lar bill day is on 25th June. What do you want
billion /bljn/ noun 1. one thousand for your birthday?
billion
million The government raises bil- biscuit /bskt/ noun a small flat, usual-
biscuit
lions in taxes each year. 2. one million ly sweet, hard cake (NOTE: The US term
million (dated ) 3. a great many Bil- for a sweet biscuit is cookie)
lions of Christmas cards are sent every bit /bt/ noun 1. a little piece He tied the
bit
year. (NOTE: In American English billion bundle of sticks together with a bit of
has always meant one thousand mil- string. Would you like another bit of
lion, but in British English it formerly cake? 2. the smallest unit of information
meant one million million, and it is still that a computer system can handle
sometimes used with this meaning. verb bite to bits 1. into little pieces
With figures it is usually written bn: 2. very much thrilled to bits to
$5bn say five billion dollars.) come or fall to bits to fall apart The
bin /bn/ noun 1. a container for putting
bin
bite 32 blanket
a little bit longer. Can you wait a bit? blame /blem/ noun criticism for having
blame
Im not ready yet. Have you got a done something wrong Im not going
piece of wood a bit bigger than this one? to take the blame for something I didnt
for a bit for a short period of time do. to get the blame for something to
Can you stop for a bit? Im getting tired. be accused of something Who got the
bite /bat/ verb 1. to cut someone or blame for breaking the window? Me,
bite
something with your teeth The dog of course! to take the blame for
tried to bite the postman. She bit a something to accept that you were re-
piece out of the pie. 2. (of an insect) to sponsible for something bad verb to
make a small hole in your skin which blame someone for something, to
turns red and itchy Shes been bitten blame something on someone to say
by a mosquito. (NOTE: bites biting that someone is responsible for some-
bit /bt/ has bitten /bt()n/) thing Blame my sister for the awful
noun 1. a small amount of food that you food, not me. He blamed the accident
cut with your teeth in order to eat it on the bad weather. I dont blame
She took a big bite out of the sandwich. you I think youre right to do that I
a bite or a bite to eat a small meal 2. dont blame you for being annoyed,
a place on someones body where it has when everyone else got a present and
been bitten you didnt. you have only yourself to
bitter /bt/ adjective 1. not sweet
bitter
blame no one else is responsible for
This black coffee is too bitter. 2. angry what happened You have only yourself
because something is not fair She was to blame if you missed the chance of a
very bitter about the way the company free ticket. to be to blame for to be re-
treated her. 3. causing great disappoint- sponsible for something The manager
ment or unhappiness a bitter winter is to blame for the bad service.
blank /blk/ adjective not containing
blank
blankly 33 blow
of fog. 3. a barrier to protect something able to see, especially for a short time
a blanket of secrecy adjective af- She was blinded by the bright lights of
fecting everything or everyone a blan- the oncoming cars.
ket ban on smoking blindness /blandns/ noun the state
blindness
Several windows were shattered by the open them again very quickly The
blast. 2. a strong current of wind an sudden flash of light made him blink.
icy blast from the north 3. a sharp loud verb (of lights) to go on and off The
sound from a signal or whistle Three alarm light is blinking.
blasts of the alarm means that passen- block /blk/ noun 1. a large building
block
gers should go on deck. verb to de- They live in a block of flats. 2. a large
stroy with a bomb or bullets The bur- piece Blocks of ice were floating in the
glars blasted their way into the safe. river. 3. something that prevents some-
They blasted their way out of the police thing happening a block on making
trap. payments to put a block on some-
blaze /blez/ verb to burn or shine strong-
blaze
er. 2. (of colours) to go well together of flowers that appears on trees in the
The grey curtains blend with the pale spring The hedges are covered with
wallpaper. hawthorn blossom. The trees are in
bless /bles/ verb to make something holy
bless
He went blind in his early forties. blow air through your nose into a hand-
(NOTE: Some people avoid this word as kerchief, especially if you have a cold
it can cause offence and prefer terms She has a cold and keeps having to blow
such as visually impaired or partially her nose. noun 1. a knock or hit with
sighted.) verb to make someone un- the hand He received a blow to the
Basic.fm Page 34 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
blue 34 bodyguard
head in the fight. 2. a shock, which 2. almost rude His blunt manner often
comes from bad news The election re- upset people.
sult was a blow to the government. bluntly /blntli/ adverb in a direct way
bluntly
something fall down by blowing Six cause you are ashamed or embarrassed
trees were blown down in the storm. 2. She blushed when he spoke to her.
to fall down by blowing The school
board /b
d/ noun 1. a long flat piece of
board
blow up phrasal verb 1. to make some- people use for moving on water They
thing get bigger by blowing into it He sailed their boat across the lake. They
blew up balloons for the party. Your went to Spain by boat. When is the
front tyre needs blowing up. 2. to de- next boat to Calais? in the same
stroy something by making it explode boat in the same difficult situation
The soldiers blew up the railway bridge. Dont expect special treatment were
3. to make a photograph bigger The all in the same boat.
article was illustrated with a blown-up body /bdi/ noun 1. the whole of a per-
body
picture of the little girl and her stepfa- son or of an animal He had pains all
ther. over his body. (NOTE: The plural is bod-
blue /blu
/ adjective of the colour of the
blue
boil 35 booking
guards. 2. a group of people who guard bombing /bm/ noun an occasion
bombing
Put the egg in when you see that the wa- in the body, which make up the skeleton
ters boiling. Dont let the milk boil. 2. He fell over and broke a bone in his
to heat a liquid until it changes into leg. Be careful when youre eating fish
steam Can you boil some water so we they have lots of little bones.
can make tea? 3. to cook food such as
bonfire /bnfa/ noun a fire made out-
bonfire
floor. to make a bolt for something per attached together, usually with a
to rush towards something At the end stiff cover Im reading a book on the
of the show everyone made a bolt for the history of London. He wrote a book
door. to make a bolt for it to run about butterflies. 2. sheets of paper to
away from someone or something write or draw on, attached together in a
When the guards werent looking two cover. exercise book, notebook,
prisoners tried to make a bolt for it. sketchbook verb to reserve a place,
bomb /bm/ noun a weapon which ex-
bomb
a seat, a table in a restaurant or a room
plodes, and can be dropped from an air- in a hotel We have booked a table for
craft or placed somewhere by hand tomorrow evening. to book someone
The bomb was left in a suitcase in the on or onto a flight to order a plane tick-
middle of the station. They phoned to et for someone else Ive booked you
say that a bomb had been planted in the on the 10 oclock flight to New York.
booking /bk/ noun an arrangement
booking
boom 36 bottled
boom /bu
m/ noun 1. a sudden increase
boom
border /b
d/ noun 1. an imaginary
border
line between countries or regions ple or things together Hold onto the
They crossed the border into Switzer- handle with both hands. Both my
land. The enemy shelled several bor- shoes have holes in them. Both her
der towns. He was questioned by the brothers are very tall. She has two
border guards. 2. a pattern around the brothers, both of them in Canada. She
edge of something I dont like the pink and her brother both go to the same
border on the scarf. 3. a patch of soil at school. Im talking to both of you.
the side of a path or an area of grass bother /b/ noun trouble or worry
bother
where flowers or bushes are planted We found the shop without any bother.
verb to be along the edge of something It was such a bother getting packed that
The path is bordered with rose bushes. we nearly didnt go on holiday. verb
The new houses border the west side 1. to make someone feel slightly angry,
of the park. especially by disturbing them It both-
border on phrasal verb same as bor- ers me that everyone is so lazy. Stop
der verb bothering me Im trying to read. 2.
bore /b
/ noun a dull person who is not
bore
to bother to do something to take the
very interesting I dont want to sit next time or trouble to do something Dont
to him, hes such a bore. verb to make bother to come with me to the station
a hole in something Bore three holes I can find my way easily.
bottle /bt()l/ noun 1. a tall plastic or
bottle
close together.
bored /b
d/ adjective not interested in
bored
glass container for liquids, usually with
what is happening You get very bored a narrow part at the top He opened two
having to do the same work every day. bottles of red wine. She drank the wa-
Im bored lets go out to the club. ter straight out of the bottle. He
bought his wife a bottle of perfume on
boredom /b
dm/ noun the state of
boredom
bottom 37 brain
bottom /btm/ noun 1. the lowest after the other. 2. the front part of a ship
bottom
point The ship sank to the bottom of verb 1. to bend your body forward as
the sea. Turn left at the bottom of the a greeting or sign of respect He bowed
hill. Is there any honey left in the bot- to the queen. 2. to bend your head for-
tom of the jar? 2. the far end Go down wards She bowed her head over her
to the bottom of the street and you will books.
see the station on your left. The shed bowl /bl/ noun 1. a wide, round con-
bowl
is at the bottom of the garden. 3. the part tainer for something such as food or wa-
of the body on which you sit Does my ter Put the egg whites in a bowl and
bottom look big in these trousers? beat them. 2. the food or liquid con-
plural noun bottoms the lower part of a tained in a bowl He was eating a bowl
set of clothes He was wearing just his of rice. A bowl of hot thick soup is just
track suit bottoms. adjective lowest what you need in this cold weather.
The jam is on the bottom shelf. He was verb 1. (especially in cricket) to throw a
standing on the bottom rung of the lad- ball to a batsman to bowl someone
der. (out) to throw the ball to someone and
bought /b
t/ past tense and past partici- hit his or her wicket 2. (in a game of
bought
of old letters bound with pink ribbon from our school won the tennis match.
The burglars left him bound hand and I knew him when he was a boy. 2. a son
foot. verb to make a big jump, or Her three boys are all at university. 3.
move fast suddenly She bounded into the boys men who are friends, or who
the room. He bounded out of his chair. play sport together (informal )
The dog bounded into the bushes.
boyfriend /bfrend/ noun a young or
boyfriend
brainy 38 break
brainy /breni/ adjective very intelligent bravely /brevli/ adverb in a brave way
brainy bravely
vehicles brakes The driver of the lit- and water baked in an oven Can you
tle white van braked, but too late to get a loaf of bread from the bakers?
avoid the dog. She cut thin slices of bread for sand-
branch /br
nt/ noun 1. a thick part of
branch
wiches.
a tree, growing out of the main part breadth /bred/ noun 1. a measurement
breadth
He hit his head against a low branch. 2. of how wide something is The breadth
a local office of an organisation Hes of the piece of land is over 300m. 2. the
the manager of our local branch of fact of being full or complete His an-
Lloyds Bank. The store has branches swers show the breadth of his knowl-
in most towns in the south of the coun- edge of the subject. the length and
try. 3. one part of something larger breadth of something everywhere in
Genetics is a branch of biology. Im a place We walked the length and
not in contact with the Irish branch of breadth of the field but found no mush-
my family. 4. a section of a road, railway rooms.
line or river that leads to or from the
break /brek/ verb 1. to make something
break
breakable 39 breeze
broken down again. The car broke on the motorway. A breakdown truck
down and we had to push it. 2. to show came to tow us to the garage.
breakfast /brekfst/ noun the first
breakfast
break in phrasal verb 1. to break in, and out of the body through the nose or
to break into a building to use force to mouth We could see our breath in the
get into a building Burglars broke cold air. out of breath, gasping for
into the office during the night. 2. to in- breath having difficulty in breathing
terrupt something that is happening He was out of breath after running all
Im sorry to break in, but I need to speak the way to the station. to hold your
to Mr McGregor urgently. breath to keep air in your lungs, e.g. in
break into phrasal verb to start doing order to go under water She held her
something When they saw the photos, breath under water for a minute. to
they broke into laughter. take a deep breath to breathe in as
much air as you can to take some-
break off phrasal verb 1. to make
ones breath away to surprise some-
something come off by breaking He one very much The beautiful view just
broke a piece off his pie and gave it to took our breath away. under your
the dog. 2. to come off by breaking breath quietly He swore under his
The handle broke off the cup in the dish- breath. dont hold your breath
washer. Several branches broke off in dont expect it to happen He said hell
the wind. 3. to stop something suddenly pay us next month, but dont hold your
He broke off in the middle of his story. breath!
They broke off the discussions. to
breathe /bri
/ verb to take air into the
breathe
break it off to end a relationship They lungs or let it out Relax and breathe in
were going to get married, but she and then out slowly. to breathe deep-
broke it off. ly to take a lot of air into the lungs
break out phrasal verb 1. to start breathing down someones neck al-
War broke out between the countries in ways watching and judging what some-
the area. 2. to escape Three prisoners one is doing
broke out of jail. breathless /brels/ adjective finding
breathless
on the rocks. 2. (of a meeting) to end plants specially developed with features
The meeting broke up at 3 p.m. that make it different from others of the
breakable /brekb()l/ adjective that
breakable
uation in which someone cannot contin- ones They breed sheep for the meat
ue to live normally any more because and the wool. (NOTE: breeds breed-
they are mentally ill or very tired 2. a ing bred /bred/)
breeze /bri
z/ noun a slight wind A
breeze
brick 40 brown
this. verb to walk around looking very stepped out into the brilliant sunshine.
pleased with yourself He breezed into 3. very good (informal ) The way the
the meeting carrying a cup of coffee. information is displayed on this website
breeze through phrasal verb to do is brilliant.
bring /br/ verb to come with someone
bring
clay used for building brought his girlfriend home for tea.
bride /brad/ noun a woman who is get-
bride
Are you bringing any friends to the par-
ting married or has just married ty? (NOTE: brings bringing
brought /br
t/)
bridge /brd"/ noun 1. a road or path
bridge
built over a road or river so that you can bring up phrasal verb 1. to look after
walk or drive from one side to the other and educate a child He was born in
2. a connection or helpful link between the USA but brought up in England.
two things A shared interest can be a He was brought up by his uncle in Scot-
bridge between old and young. land. 2. to mention a problem He
brought up the question of the noise.
brief /bri
f/ adjective short He wrote a
brief
flag.
sunlight a bright day a bright room broad /br
d/ adjective very wide a
broad
very strong They have painted their TV programme The broadcast came
front door bright orange. 3. a young live from the award ceremony.
person who is bright is intelligent
broke /brk/ adjective with no money
broke
clear light or colour A childrens book lery fixed onto clothes with a pin (NOTE:
with brightly painted pictures. The The plural is brooches.)
brother /br/ noun a boy or man who
brother
idea. 2. (of light) strong and clear She like earth or wood She has brown hair
Basic.fm Page 41 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
bruise 41 bull
and blue eyes. Its autumn and the the contents of a bucket They threw
leaves are turning brown. 2. with skin buckets of water on the fire. verb to
made dark by the sun Hes very brown pour with rain (informal ) Its bucket-
he must have been sitting in the sun. ing down outside.
bruise /bru
z/ noun a dark painful area bud /bd/ noun a place where a new
bruise bud
on the skin, where you have been hit shoot or flower will grow from on a
She had bruises all over her arms. plant It was spring and the buds on
verb to make a bruise on the skin by be- the trees were beginning to open.
ing hit or by knocking yourself on
budget /bd"t/ noun an amount of
budget
bullet 42 bus
bullet /blt/ noun a piece of metal that
bullet
one often She was bullied by the other tries to get into a building to steal things
children in school. (NOTE: bullies burn /b
n/ noun a burnt area of the skin
burn
bullying bullied)
or a surface She had burns on her face
bump /bmp/ noun 1. a slight knock
bump
burnt /b
nt/ adjective destroyed or
burnt
bush 43 by
bus to school every morning. We butterfly /btfla/ noun an insect with
butterfly
missed the last bus and had to walk large brightly coloured wings which
home. flies during the day
buttocks /btks/ plural noun the part
buttocks
a small
bush with red berries An animal was of the body on which you sit
button /bt()n/ noun 1. a small, usual-
button
its none of your business its nothing which a button goes through when it is
to do with you fastened Youve put the button in the
/bznsp
s()n/
businessperson
businessperson
wrong buttonhole.
buy /ba/ verb to get something by paying
buy
ing a difference He is very tall, but his is just by the bus stop. Sit down here
wife is quite short. We would like to by me. 2. not later than They should
come to your party, but were doing have arrived by now. You must be
something else that evening. preposi- home by eleven oclock. It must be fin-
tion except Everyone but me is al- ished by Friday. 3. used for showing the
lowed to go to the cinema. They had means of doing something Send the
eaten nothing but apples. parcel by airmail. Get in touch with
butcher /bt/ noun a person who pre-
butcher
the office by phone. They came by car.
pares and sells meat She caught a cold by standing in the
rain. You make the drink by adding
butter /bt/ noun a yellow fat made
butter
bye 44 bye
She was knocked down by a car. 5. used verb past She drove by without seeing
for showing amounts We sell toma- us.
toes by the kilo. Eggs are sold by the bye /ba/, bye-bye /ba ba/ interjection
bye
C
c /si
/, C noun the third letter of the alpha- caf /kfe/ noun a small restaurant
c caf
The aircraft is divided into three sep- answer to a problem using numbers
arate passenger cabins: first-class, The bank clerk calculated the rate of ex-
business and tourist. 3. a small hut He change for the dollar. He calculated
has a cabin by a lake where he goes fish- that it would take us six hours to finish
ing. the job.
cabinet /kbnt/ noun 1. a piece of calculation /klkjle()n/ noun 1.
cabinet calculation
furniture with shelves a china cabinet a series of numbers that you obtain
2. a committee formed from the most when you are calculating something
important members of a government According to my calculations, we have
The cabinet met at 10 oclock this morn- enough fuel left to do only twenty kilo-
ing. Theres a cabinet meeting every metres. 2. the act of calculating
calculator /klkjlet/ noun a small
calculator
Tuesday morning.
electronic machine for doing calcula-
cable /keb()l/ noun 1. a wire for car-
cable
tions
rying electricity or electronic signals
calendar /klnd/ noun a set of pages
calendar
cable
is veal.)
v"()n/, cable TV /keb()l ti
vi
/
call /k
l/ verb 1. to say something loudly
call
callbox 46 can
the police the shop has been burgled! verb
to make someone, or a situation,
Can you call me a cab, please? 3. to more peaceful
wake someone Call me at 7 oclock. calm down phrasal verb 1. to become
4. to give someone or something a name quieter and less annoyed After shout-
Theyre going to call the baby Sam. ing for some minutes he finally calmed
His name is John but everyone calls him down. 2. to make someone quieter
Jack. What do you call this computer She stroked his hand to try to calm him
programme? 5. to be called to have as down.
a name Our cats called Felix. 6. to calmly /k
mli/ adverb in a way that is
calmly
He asked for an early morning call. I live in tents or small buildings in the
want a call at 7 oclock I want someone open air We set up camp halfway up
to wake me at 7 oclock 3. a visit to the mountain. verb to spend a period
someones home or place of work The of time in a tent They camped for a
doctor made three calls on patients this week by the side of the lake. to go
morning. to make a call to visit some- camping to spend a holiday in a tent
one or somewhere, especially on busi- We go camping in Sweden every sum-
ness on call available for duty mer.
call off phrasal verb to decide not to do campaign /kmpen/ noun 1. an or-
campaign
nuclear reactors.
phone box Im phoning from the call-
can /kn/ noun a round metal container
can
canal 47 capital
der 18 cant drive cars. He says we cane /ken/ noun 1. a strong stem of a
cane
can go in. The policeman says we plant, especially of tall thin plants like
cant park here. 3. to ask politely Can bamboo a raspberry cane 2. a walk-
we come in, please? Can you shut the ing stick cut from the stem of some
door, please? (NOTE: The negative is types of plant She was leaning heavily
cannot, usually cant. The past tense on a cane as she walked up the path.
is could, could not, usually couldnt. cannot /knt/ can
cannot
word to.) verb to put food in cans pointed ends, which is moved forwards
(NOTE: cans canning canned) by one or more people using long pieces
of wood She paddled her canoe
canal /knl/ noun an artificial river
canal
cant /k
nt/ can
cant
canvas shoes. (NOTE: The plural is can-
vases.)
the act of cancelling something The
cap /kp/ noun 1. a flat hat with a flat
cap
son who applies for a job We inter- work well and to deal with problems
viewed six candidates for the post of as- Shes an extremely capable manager.
sistant manager. 2. a person who has en- capable of able to do something The
tered for an examination Candidates car is capable of very high speeds.
are given three hours to complete the ex- She isnt capable of running the confer-
am. 3. a person who is taking part in an ence without help.
election or competing for a prize She capacity /kpsti/ noun 1. an amount
capacity
accompanied the candidate round the which something can hold This barrel
constituency. 4. someone or something has a larger capacity than that one.
that is likely to be chosen for or be The cinema was filled to capacity. to
something a city that is a candidate work at full capacity to do as much
for the next Olympics work as possible 2. the situation that
candle /knd()l/ noun a stick of wax someone is in or the job they have act-
candle
with a string in the centre, which you ing in his capacity as manager acting
burn to give light as a manager speaking in an official
candy /kndi/ noun 1. US a sweet food
candy
capacity speaking officially
capital /kpt()l/ noun 1. the main
capital
captain 48 careless
vested a company with 10,000 capi- of cards a period of playing with a spe-
tal or with a capital of 10,000. 3. also cial set of cards
capital letter a letter written as A, B, C, cardboard /k
db
d/ noun thick card,
cardboard
D, etc., rather than a, b, c, d, etc. often used for making boxes (NOTE: no
captain /kptn/ noun 1. a person in plural: some cardboard; a piece of
captain
carelessly 49 cassette
carelessly /kelsli/ adverb without
carelessly
fact of being careless or not thinking tests on the patients. The police are
carefully carrying out a search for the missing
caretaker /ketek/ noun a person
caretaker
man.
cartoon /k
tu
n/ noun 1. a film made
cartoon
carve /k
v/ verb 1. to cut up a large
carve
covering floors He spilt his coffee on for carrying things such as your clothes
our new cream carpet. when travelling She was still packing
carriage /krd"/ noun 1. one of the her case when the taxi came. The cus-
carriage
vehicles that are joined together to make toms made him open his case. suit-
a train Wheres the first-class carriage case 2. a special box for an object
on this train? 2. a vehicle, especially an Put the gun back in its case. Ive lost
old-fashioned one, that is pulled by a my red glasses case. 3. a large box for a
horse 3. the cost of carrying goods, or set of goods to be sold He bought a
the action of carrying goods Carriage case of wine. 4. a situation, or a way in
is 15% of the total cost. How much do which something happens a case of
they charge for carriage? having made a poor choice In many
carried /krd/ past tense and past par-
carried
cases, we cannot find the owner of the
ticiple of carry goods. in that case if that happens or
if that is the situation There is a strike
carries /kriz/ 3rd person singular
carries
up the stairs. The plane was carrying notes, not in cheques We dont keep
120 passengers. That suitcase is too much cash in the office. Id prefer to
heavy for me to carry. 2. (of sound ) to use up my spare cash, rather than pay
be heard at a distance The sound of the with a credit card.
bells carries for miles. (NOTE: carries cash in phrasal verb to make money
carrying carried) to get carried from something The company cashed
away to become emotional or excited
in on the huge interest in computer
carry on phrasal verb to continue do- games.
ing something When the teacher came cassette /kset/ noun a plastic case
cassette
in, the students all carried on talking. containing magnetic tape which can be
They carried on with their work right used for listening to words or music, or
through the lunch hour. recording sounds Do you want it on
Basic.fm Page 50 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
cast 50 ceiling
cassette or CD? He bought a cassette seems such a good deal, but there must
of folk songs. We recorded the poems be a catch in it somewhere.
onto a cassette. catch up phrasal verb to move to the
cast /k
st/ noun all the actors in a play
cast
In his first film, he was cast as a sol- ness) likely to spread from one person
dier. (NOTE: casts casting cast) to another
castle /k
s()l/ noun a large building
castle
with strong walls built in the past for groups that people, animals or things are
protection in war The soldiers shut the divided into in a formal system We
castle gate. grouped the books into categories ac-
casually /k"jli/ adverb in an infor-
casually
up the title in the library catalogue. and the most important church in an
verb to make a list of things that exist area
somewhere She spent months cata-
cattle /kt()l/ plural noun animals
cattle
She caught him by the sleeve as he makes something else happen What is
turned away. As he slipped, he caught the main cause of traffic accidents?
the rail to stop himself falling. 3. to get The police tried to find the cause of the
hold of an animal, especially in order to fire. 2. an aim, organisation or idea
kill and eat it He sat by the river all which people support She is fighting
day but didnt catch anything. Our cat for the cause of working mothers.
is no good at catching mice shes too verb to make something happen The
lazy. 4. to get on a vehicle such as a bus, accident caused a traffic jam on the mo-
plane or train before it leaves You will torway. The sudden noise caused her
have to run if you want to catch the last to drop the cup she was carrying.
bus. He caught the 10 oclock train to
cautious /k
s/ adjective not willing
cautious
caught /k
t/ has caught) noun 1.
the action of taking and holding a ball as something (formal )
ceiling /si
l/ noun the solid part of a
ceiling
celebrate 51 certainly
ed the kitchen ceiling. The bedroom cream centres They planted a rose
has a very low ceiling. bush in the centre of the lawn. The
celebrate /selbret/ verb to have a par-
celebrate
town centre is very old. 2. a large build-
ty, or do special things because some- ing containing several different sections
thing good has happened, or because of an army training centre 3. an impor-
something that happened at a particular tant place for something Nottingham
time in the past Our team won, so is the centre for the shoe industry.
were all going out to celebrate. They verb 1. to put something in the middle
celebrated their wedding anniversary Make sure you centre the title on the
with their children. page. 2. to concentrate on something
celebration /selbre()n/ noun 1. a
celebration
Our report centres on some aspects of
party or festival We had my birthday the sales team.
century /sentri/ noun one hundred
century
of the train crash. to stand on cere-
used in building, which is mixed with mony to be formal and not relaxed
water and dries hard He was mixing without ceremony in an informal and
cement to make a path round the house. often impolite way
cemetery /semt()ri/ noun an area of
cemetery
certain /s
t()n/ adjective 1. sure
certain
ground where the bodies of dead people about something Are you certain that
are buried (NOTE: The plural is ceme-
you locked the door? Im not certain
teries.)
where she lives. 2. definitely going to
cent /sent/ noun US a small coin of
cent
certificate 52 championship
certainly impressed the judges. He room (NOTE: Now often preferred to
certainly knows how to score goals. blackboard.)
certificate /stfkt/ noun an official challenge /tlnd"/ noun 1. a diffi-
certificate challenge
document which proves or shows some- cult test of someones skill or strength
thing She has been awarded a certifi- Its a difficult job, but I enjoy the chal-
cate for swimming. He has a certifi- lenge. to pose a challenge to some-
cate of competence in English. one to be extremely difficult to do
chain /ten/ noun 1. a series of metal
chain
Getting the piano up the stairs will pose
rings joined together She wore a gold a challenge to the helpers. 2. an invita-
chain round her neck. He stopped tion to something such as a fight or com-
when the chain came off his bike. 2. a se- petition Our team accepted the chal-
ries of businesses such as shops, restau- lenge to play another game. 3. an action
rants or hotels which belong to the same that shows there are doubts about the
company a chain of hotels or a hotel truth, accuracy or legality of something
chain a chain of shoe shops verb to a challenge over the ownership of the
attach with a chain I chained my bike property verb 1. to accept an invita-
to the fence. tion to a contest 2. to ask someone to
prove that they are right When chal-
chair /te/ noun 1. a piece of furniture
chair
chalkboard /t
kb
d/ noun a dark
chalkboard
chance 53 characteristic
chance /t
ns/ noun 1. a possibility money which you get back when you
chance
There is little chance of rain in August. have given more than the correct price
What are their chances of survival in So thats 1.50 change from 5. The
this weather? a chance of doing shopkeeper gave me the wrong change.
channel /tn()l/ noun 1. a frequency
channel
ferent, or make something different There was total chaos when the elec-
Shes changed so much since I last saw tricity failed.
her that I hardly recognised her. Liv- chap /tp/ noun a man (informal )
chap
ing in the country has changed his atti- Hes a really nice chap. I bought it
tude towards towns. 2. to become differ- from a chap at work.
ent London has changed a lot since chapel /tp()l/ noun 1. a room used
chapel
all that coffee. 3. money in coins I tive typical You can recognise her by
need some change for the parking meter. her characteristic way of walking.
Have you got change for a 5 note? 4. The shape is characteristic of this type
Basic.fm Page 54 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
charge 54 cheat
of flower. (NOTE: something is charac- by the village and surrounding area. 2.
teristic of something) noun a typical to use magic on someone or something
feature The two cars have very similar The fairy charmed the trees to grow
characteristics. golden fruit.
charming /t
m/ adjective attrac-
charming
charge /t
d"/ noun 1. money which
charge
done something bad or wrong I com- in order to try to catch him or her The
pletely reject the charge that I had these postman was chased by a dog. They
facts before I made the decision. verb chased the burglars down the street. 2.
1. to ask someone to pay The restau- to find out how work is progressing in
rant charged me 10 for two glasses of order to try to speed it up We are try-
wine. How much did the garage ing to chase the accounts department
charge for mending the car? 2. (of the for your cheque. I will chase up your
police) to say that someone has done order with the production department.
something wrong She was charged noun an occasion on which you run
with stealing the jewels. 3. to attack after someone to try to catch them He
someone while running The police was caught after a three-hour chase
charged the rioters. If the bull charg- along the motorway. to give chase to
es, run as fast as you can for the gate! 4. run after someone in order to try to catch
to run quickly and without care The him or her The robbers escaped and
children charged into the kitchen. 5. to the police gave chase.
put electricity into a battery You can chase up phrasal verb to find out how
charge your phone battery overnight. work is progressing in order to try to
in charge of something in control of speed it up Ill chase it up for you on
something Whos in charge here? Monday.
He was put in charge of the sales de- chat /tt/ noun an informal, friendly
chat
partment. to take charge of some- talk She likes to drop in for a cup of
thing to start to be responsible for coffee and a chat. Id like to have a
something She took charge of the chat with you about your work.
class while the teacher was out of the
cheap /ti
p/ adjective not costing a lot
cheap
room.
of money I want to buy a cheap radio.
charity /trt/ noun an organisation
charity
local market.
cheaply /ti
pli/ adverb 1. without
cheaply
one into helping him. I was charmed to be successful They are sure he
Basic.fm Page 55 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
check 55 chest
cheated in his exam, but cant find out cheer up phrasal verb to become hap-
how he did it. noun a person who acts pier, or make someone happier Im
unfairly in order to win I wont play sure Ill cheer up once the treatment is
cards with him again, hes a cheat. over. She made him a meal to try to
check /tek/ noun 1. an examination or cheer him up. cheer up! stop being
check
test The police are carrying out unhappy Cheer up! Itll all be over to-
checks on all cars. A routine check of morrow.
the fire equipment. 2. US (in a restau- cheerful /tf()l/ adjective 1. happy
cheerful
rant) a bill Ill ask for the check. 2. pleasant a cheerful smile a bright
verb 1. to make sure Id better check cheerful room
with the office if there are any messages cheese /ti
z/ noun a solid food made
cheese
for me. Did you lock the door? Ill from milk At the end of the meal well
go and check. 2. to examine something have cheese and biscuits.
to see if it is satisfactory You must
chef /ef/ noun a cook in a restaurant
chef
cheque.
a supermarket where you pay for the
cherry /teri/ noun a small sweet red or
cherry
chew 56 choice
top part of the body just under the arms gloom The death of the brides father
Whats his chest size or measure- cast a chill over the wedding. verb to
ment? 3. a piece of furniture, like a large cool He asked for a glass of chilled
box orange juice. chilled to the bone very
chew /tu
/ verb to use your teeth to
chew
cold (informal ) They were chilled to
make something soft, usually so that the bone when they came back from
you can swallow it You must chew their walk over the moors.
chilly /tli/ adjective quite cold (NOTE:
chilly
chicken /tkn/ noun 1. a bird kept for tom jaw She suddenly stood up and hit
chicken
its eggs and meat Chickens were run- him on the chin.
ning everywhere in the farmyard. china /tan/ noun things such as cups
china
(NOTE: The plural is chickens.) 2. meat and plates made of decorated fine white
from a chicken Were having roast clay (NOTE: no plural)
chicken for lunch. Would you like an- chip /tp/ noun 1. a long thin piece of
chip
town is famous chiefly for its cathedral. banged the cup down on the plate and
child /tald/ noun 1. a young boy or girl
child
chipped it. (NOTE: chips chipping
There was no TV when my mother was
chipped) to have a chip on your
a child. A group of children were play- shoulder to feel constantly annoyed
ing on the beach. 2. a son or daughter because you feel you have lost an ad-
Whose child is that? They have six vantage Hes got a chip on his shoul-
children two boys and four girls. We der because his brother has a better job
have two adult children. (NOTE: The than he has.
chocolate /tklt/ noun 1. a sweet
chocolate
plural is children.)
childhood /taldhd/ noun the time
childhood
brown food made from the crushed
when someone is a child seeds of a tropical tree a bar of choc-
olate Her mother made a chocolate
childish /tald/ adjective 1. silly or
childish
choir 57 circle
for our holiday. 2. the act of choosing chop off phrasal verb to cut something
something You must give customers off, e.g. with an axe or knife
time to make their choice. 3. a range of chop up phrasal verb to cut something
things to choose from The store has a into pieces
huge choice of furniture. I hadnt any chore /t
/ noun a piece of routine
chore
choice, I had no choice there was noth- work, e.g. cleaning in a house, that you
ing else I could do adjective (of food ) have to do household chores
specially selected choice meat
chorus /k
rs/ noun 1. a part of a song
chorus
choice peaches
which is repeated later in the song
choir /kwa/ noun a group of people
choir
to block something such as a pipe The to the religion based on the teachings of
canal was choked with weeds. 3. to Jesus Christ noun a person who be-
squeeze someones neck so that they lieves in the teachings of Jesus Christ
cannot breathe He felt the tight collar and in Christianity
was choking him. to choke someone
Christmas /krsms/ noun a Christian
Christmas
church /t
t/ noun a building where
church
you want Have you chosen what you Christians go to pray (NOTE: The plural
want to eat? They chose him as team is churches.)
leader. Dont take too long choosing a
cigarette /s'ret/ noun a roll of very
cigarette
several good candidates to choose from. thin paper containing tobacco, which
You must give customers plenty of
you can light and smoke a packet or
time to choose. 2. to decide to do one pack of cigarettes The room was full
thing when there are several things you of cigarette smoke.
cinema /snm/ noun a building where
cinema
bone attached We had lamb chops for round shape He drew a circle on the
dinner. verb 1. to cut something blackboard. 2. anything forming a
roughly into small pieces with a knife or round shape The children sat in a cir-
other sharp tool He spent the after- cle round the teacher. The soldiers
noon chopping wood for the fire. 2. to formed a circle round the prisoner. 3. a
chop and change to do one thing, then group of people or a society She went
another He keeps chopping and to live abroad and lost contact with her
changing and cant make his mind up. old circle of friends. He moves in the
highest government circles. 4. a row of
(NOTE: chops chopping
seats above the stalls in a theatre We
chopped)
got tickets for the upper circle. verb to
chop down phrasal verb to cut down a make circular movements Large birds
tree with an axe were circling above the dead animals.
Basic.fm Page 58 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
circuit 58 classic
circuit /s
kt/ noun 1. a fixed or regular citizen /stz()n/ noun a person who
circuit citizen
way of travelling from one place to an- comes from a particular country or has
other for a particular activity a famil- the same right to live there as someone
iar speaker on the lecture circuit 2. a who was born there All Australian cit-
path on which competitions take place izens have a duty to vote. He was born
a race circuit 3. a trip around some- in Germany, but is now a British citizen.
thing His first circuit of the track was city /st/ noun a large town busy city
city
very slow. 4. the path that electricity streets Traffic is a problem in big cit-
flows around ies. the city centre the central part of
circular /s
kjl/ adjective 1. round in a town He has an office in the city cen-
circular
circular letter to all employees. (NOTE: general public life rather than to the
only used before a noun) noun a doc- armed forces He left the air force and
ument with one or just a few pages sent became a civil airline pilot. 2. polite
to a number of people to inform them She wasnt very civil to the policeman.
about something 3. in court, relating to cases brought by
circulate /s
kjlet/ verb 1. to send one person against another, as opposed
circulate
Blood circulates round the body. which someone asks for money His
Waiters circulated round the room car- claim for a pay increase was turned
rying trays of drinks. 3. vi to talk to dif- down. 2. a statement of something
ferent people at a party Lets talk later which you believe to be true but have no
Ive got to circulate. proof His claim that the car belonged
circulation /s
kjle()n/ noun 1. to him was correct. verb to state, but
circulation
the act of circulating The circulation without any proof He claims he never
of the new price list to all departments received the letter. She claims that the
will take several days. 2. the movement car belongs to her.
of blood around the body Rub your clap /klp/ verb to beat your hands to-
clap
hands together to get the circulation go- gether to show you are pleased At the
ing. He has poor circulation. end of her speech the audience stood up
circumference /skmf()rns/ noun
circumference
and clapped. He clapped his hands
the distance round the outside edge of a together in delight. (NOTE: claps
circle, an object or an area We walked clapping clapped)
class /kl
s/ noun 1. a group of children
class
classical 59 clerical
to study several classics of English liter- cleaner /kli
n/ noun 1. a machine
cleaner
ature for our course. adjective 1. (of which removes dirt a carpet cleaner
a style) elegant and traditional The 2. a person who cleans a building such
classic little black dress is always in as a house or an office The cleaners
fashion. The style of the new hotel didnt empty my wastepaper basket.
building is classic, simple and elegant.
cleaning /kli
n/ noun 1. the action of
cleaning
a school where children are taught clear out phrasal verb 1. to empty
When the teacher came into the class- something completely Can you clear
room all the children were shouting. out your bedroom cupboard? 2. to leave
clause /kl
z/ noun a paragraph in a le-
clause
somewhere quickly (informal ) Its
gal document According to clause six, time for me to clear out of here com-
payments will not be due until next year. pletely. Clear out! used to tell some-
one to leave (impolite)
claw /kl
/ noun a nail on the foot of an
claw
damage.
ring to office work A clerical error
clean up phrasal verb to make every- made the invoice 300.00 when it
thing clean and tidy, e.g. after a party should have been 3000.00. Hes
It took us three hours to clean up after looking for part-time clerical work. 2.
her birthday party. referring to clergy The newspaper sto-
Basic.fm Page 60 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
clerk 60 closed
ry has been talked about in clerical cir- clockwise /klkwaz/ adjective, ad-
clockwise
and learn quickly Clever children can round the ring road when the accident
took place.
usually do this by the time they are eight
clone /kln/ noun an exact genetic copy
clone
years old.
cleverly /klevli/ adverb in a clever
cleverly
of an animal or plant A cutting pro-
way duces a clone of a plant. This sheep
was the first mammal to survive as a
click /klk/ noun a short sharp sound
click
a close.
things together a paper clip verb to
close down phrasal verb 1. to shut a
attach things with a clip She clipped
the invoice and the cheque together and business permanently 2. (of a business)
put them in an envelope. (NOTE: clips to shut permanently
closed /klzd/ adjective 1. changed
closed
clipping clipped)
from being open by being covered or
cloak /klk/ noun a long type of coat
cloak
closely 61 coach
closely /klsli/ adverb with a lot of at-
closely
clue /klu
/ noun information which helps
clue
which you wear to cover your body and or people that are close together a
keep you warm, e.g. trousers, socks, brooch with a cluster of pearls He
shirts and dresses The doctor asked photographed a cluster of stars.
clutch /klt/ verb to grip something
clutch
coal 62 collect
coal /kl/ noun a hard black substance
coal
coarse /k
s/ adjective 1. consisting of
coarse
large pieces coarse grains of sand 2. This machine only takes 20p coins.
cold /kld/ adjective 1. with a low tem-
cold
system agreed as a way of sending mes- suddenly The roof collapsed under
sages Were trying to break the ene- the weight of the snow. 2. to fail sudden-
mys code. He sent the message in ly The company collapsed with
code. 2. a system of numbers or letters 25,000 in debts. 3. to fall down uncon-
which mean something The code for scious He collapsed after the mara-
Heathrow Airport is LHR. What is the thon. noun 1. a sudden fall The col-
code for phoning Edinburgh? 3. a set of lapse of the old wall buried two work-
laws or rules of behaviour The hotel men. 2. a sudden fall in price the
has a strict dress code, and people collapse of the dollar on the foreign ex-
wearing jeans are not allowed in. change markets 3. the sudden failure of
a company They lost thousands of
coffee /kfi/ noun 1. a hot drink made
coffee
thing or into a coil The snake had or people together, or to come together
Basic.fm Page 63 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
collection 63 come
We collected information from all the children were given crayons and told to
people who offered to help. A crowd colour the trees green and the earth
collected at the scene of the accident. 2. brown.
to get things and keep them together coloured /kld/ adjective in colour
coloured
Your coat is ready for you to collect from a coloured postcard a book with col-
the cleaners The mail is collected oured illustrations
from the postbox twice a day. I must
-coloured /kld/ suffix with a particu-
-coloured
collect the children from school at 4 lar colour She was wearing a cream-
p.m. 3. to buy things or bring things to-
coloured shirt.
gether as a hobby He collects stamps
colourful /klf()l/ adjective 1. with
colourful
is in such a mess that you cant get a
sion when someone or something hits comb through it. verb to smooth your
against something accidentally Two hair with a comb She was combing
people were injured in the collision be- her hair in front of the mirror.
tween a lorry and the bus. in collision
combination /kmbne()n/ noun
combination
the part inside your body that removes wards a place Come and see us when
waste The intestines are divided into
youre in London. The doctor came to
two parts: the small intestine and the see him yesterday. Some of the chil-
large intestine or colon. 2. a printing dren come to school on foot. Dont
sign (:) make any noise I can hear someone
color /kl/ noun, verb US spelling of
color
comedy 64 commercial
come across phrasal verb to find relax She made herself comfortable in
something by chance I came across the chair by the fire.
comfortably /kmftbli/ adverb in a
comfortably
shirt. Red wine stains dont come out mark (,) showing a break in a sentence
easily.
command /km
nd/ noun an order
command
come to phrasal verb 1. to add up to a Dont start until I give the command.
particular amount The bill comes to The general gave the command to at-
10. 2. to become conscious again tack. in command of in control of
When he came to, he was in hospital. They are not fully in command of the sit-
comedy /kmdi/ noun 1. entertain-
comedy
commit 65 comparative
purposes and not private or military pur- communication /kmju
nke()n/
communication
poses The company makes commer- noun the act of passing information on
cial vehicles such as taxis and buses. to other people Email is the most rap-
(NOTE: [all adjective senses] only used id means of communication. There is
before nouns) noun an advertisement a lack of communication between the
on television Our TV commercial at- head teacher and the other members of
tracted a lot of interest. staff. plural noun communications
commit /kmt/ verb 1. to carry out a
commit
1. a system of sending information be-
crime The gang committed six robber- tween people or places an improved
ies before they were caught. He said communications network Telephone
he was on holiday in Spain when the communications have been restored. 2.
murder was committed. 2. to promise, or the ways people use to give information
make someone promise, something or or express their thoughts and feelings to
to do something Under my contract I each other Theres been a breakdown
committed to work for them three days a in communications between the agen-
week. The agreement commits us to cies dealing with the case.
community /kmju
nti/ noun a group
community
They didnt want to commit 5000 all at of people living in one area The local
once. (NOTE: commits committing community is worried about the level of
committed) violence in the streets.
compact disc /kmpkt dsk/ noun
compact disc
promise to do something such as pay a hard, round piece of plastic which can
money He has difficulty in meeting his hold a large amount of music or compu-
commitments. ter information I usually get Dad a
CD for his birthday. Abbreviation CD
committee /kmti/ noun an official
committee
things for a larger group The company son who is with someone She turned
has set up a committee to look into to her companion and said a few words.
company /kmp()ni/ noun 1. an or-
company
company of three other girls from col-
and confusion lege. 3. a group of people who work to-
communicate /kmju
nket/ verb 1.
communicate
gether a theatre company
comparative /kmprtv/ adjective
comparative
compare 66 complaint
compare /kmpe/ verb 1. to look at The case falls within the competence of
compare
two things side by side to see how they the tribunal. This is outside the com-
are different Compare the front with petence of this court.
the back. The colour of the paint was competent /kmpt()nt/ adjective 1.
competent
They agreed to compensate her for dam- liking to win competitions Hes very
age to her car. The airline refused to competitive. 2. having a business advan-
compensate him when his baggage was tage, especially by being cheaper
lost. competitive prices We must reduce
/kmpnse()n/
compensation
compensation
costs to remain competitive.
noun 1. something that makes some-
competitor /kmpett/ noun 1. a per-
competitor
ant Working in the centre of London son who enters a competition All the
has its compensations. Four weeks competitors lined up for the start of the
holiday is no compensation for a years race. 2. a company which competes
work in that office. 2. payment for dam- with another in the same business Two
age or loss The airline refused to pay German firms are our main competi-
any compensation for his lost luggage. tors.
complain /kmplen/ verb to say that
complain
compete /kmpi
t/ verb to try to win a
compete
the quality of being able to do a job or casion when someone says that some-
task well enough Does she have the thing is not good enough or does not
necessary competence in foreign lan- work properly She sent her letter of
guages? 2. the quality of being legally complaint to the directors. You must
suitable or qualified to do something file your complaint with the relevant de-
Basic.fm Page 67 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
complete 67 conceited
partment. 2. an illness She was admit- facturer of computer components
ted to hospital with a kidney complaint. Each section of the plan is broken down
complete /kmpli
t/ adjective 1. with
complete
into separate components. adjective
all its parts He has a complete set of forming part of something larger
the new stamps. 2. finished The build- compose /kmpz/ verb to write
compose
ing is nearly complete. (NOTE: used af- something, thinking carefully about it
ter a verb) 3. used for emphasis The He sat down to compose a letter to his
trip was a complete waste of money. family. It took Mozart only three days
verb 1. to finish something The build- to compose his fifth piano concerto.
ers completed the whole job in two days.
composition /kmpz()n/ noun 1.
composition
completed the application form, send it something which has been composed,
to us in the envelope provided. e.g. a poem or piece of music We will
now play a well-known composition by
completely /kmpli
tli/ adverb totally
completely
Dowland. 2. an essay or piece of writing
The town was completely destroyed in on a special subject We had three
the earthquake. I completely forgot hours to write a composition on pollu-
about my dentists appointment. tion.
complex /kmpleks/ adjective compli-
complex
/kmpand/ adjective
compound
compound
cated This really is a complex prob- made up of several parts The word
lem. noun 1. a group of buildings address book is a compound noun.
The council has built a new sports com- noun 1. a chemical made up of two or
plex. 2. a worry or an unreasonable fear more elements Water is a compound
He has a complex about going bald.
of two gases, oxygen and hydrogen. 2.
complicated /kmplketd/ adjective
complicated
the form.
1. something that causes difficulties 2.
computer /kmpju
t/ noun an elec-
computer
ing another illness She appeared to be tronic machine which processes and
getting better, but complications set in. keeps information automatically, and
(NOTE: usually plural) which can be used for connecting to the
Internet and sending emails on com-
compliment1 /kmplmnt/ noun a
compliment
praise someone or tell them how nice He tried to conceal the camera by
they look I would like to compliment putting it under his coat. 2. to prevent
the chef on an excellent meal. She someone from discovering some infor-
complimented me on my work. (NOTE: mation He concealed the fact that he
Do not confuse with complement.) had a brother in prison.
component /kmpnnt/ noun a conceited /knsi
td/ adjective think-
component conceited
small part of something larger, especial- ing that you are better, more intelligent,
ly a small piece of a machine a manu- or more talented than other people
Basic.fm Page 68 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
concentrate 68 condition
Hes the most conceited and selfish per- people thought after the information
son Ive ever known. session.
concentrate /knsntret/ verb to concerning /kns
n/ preposition
concentrate concerning
ter thinking carefully She came to or
particular thing as a subject The film reached the conclusion that he had
concerns children growing up in the found another girlfriend. What con-
1950s. to concern yourself with clusions can you draw from the evi-
something to deal with something dence?
concrete /kkri
t/ noun a mixture of
concrete
concrete object.
worried She looked concerned. I
condemn /kndem/ verb 1. to say
condemn
concerned look on her face. We are strongly that you do not approve of
concerned about her behaviour do something She condemned the police
you think she is having problems at for their treatment of the prisoners. 2. to
school? 2. involved in or affected by sentence a criminal She was con-
something Ill speak to the parents demned to death.
condition /knd()n/ noun 1. a state
condition
conduct 69 conflict
car is in very good condition. He was a group or society The annual confer-
taken to hospital when his condition got ence of the Electricians Union. 2000
worse. 2. something which has to be people attended the conference on ge-
agreed before something else is done netic engineering.
They didnt agree with some of the con- confess /knfes/ verb to admit that you
confess
ditions of the contract. One of condi- have committed a crime or done some-
tions of the deal is that the company thing wrong He confessed to six bur-
pays all travel costs. on condition glaries. She confessed that she had
that only if I will come on condition forgotten to lock the door.
that you pay my fare.
confession /knfe()n/ noun a state-
confession
the police. I was surprised by her con-
something in an organised or particular fession of ignorance about the correct
way (formal ) I dont like the way they procedures to follow. I have a confes-
conduct their affairs. They are con- sion to make I forgot to send the
ducting an experiment into the effect of cheque.
TV advertising. to conduct yourself confidence /knfd()ns/ noun 1. a
confidence
to behave in a particular way I was im- feeling of being sure about your own or
pressed by the calm way in which she someone elses abilities The staff do
conducted herself. The children con- not have much confidence in their man-
ducted themselves well during the long ager. I have total confidence in the pi-
speeches. 2. to direct or take someone to lot. He hasnt got much confidence in
a place The guests were conducted to himself. 2. the fact of being secret in
their seats. 3. to direct the way in which confidence as a secret He showed
a musician or singer performs The or- me the report in confidence.
chestra was conducted by a Russian
confident /knfd()nt/ adjective sure
confident
in the exam.
son who sells tickets on a bus 2. the per-
confidential /knfdenl/ adjective
confidential
confer /knf
/ verb 1. to discuss The something is certain The dates of the
confer
leader of the Council conferred with the concerts have been confirmed by the
Town Clerk. 2. to give something such pop groups manager. The photo-
as a responsibility, legal right or honour graph confirmed that the result of the
to someone (formal ) the powers con- race was a dead heat. We have been
ferred on the council by law told that she left the country last month
conference /knf()rns/ noun 1. a
conference
can you confirm that?
conflict1 /knflkt/ noun 1. a strong
conflict
conflict 70 conscious
into conflict with someone to start to brating a special occasion a congrat-
disagree strongly with someone They ulations card Congratulations
soon came into conflict over who should youre our millionth customer! Con-
be in charge. gratulations on passing your exam!
conflict2 /knflkt/ verb to disagree The office sent him their congratula-
conflict
have been connected to the printer.
to understand or to think clearly Im a Connect the two red wires together. 2. to
bit confused did we say 8 p.m. or 8.30? make it possible for a telephone or a
Grandmother used to get rather con- computer to be used for communicating
fused in her old age. with others Has the telephone been
connected yet?
confusing /knfju
z/ adjective diffi-
confusing
state of not knowing what to do or how which you catch after getting off anoth-
er means of transport My train was
to decide something Her reply just
created more confusion over who was late and I missed my connection to Bir-
responsible. in confusion not able to mingham. 3. a particular way of com-
municating remotely a low connec-
decide what is happening or what to do
tion charge Is there a reliable phone
He was looking at the letter in great
confusion. 2. a state in which things are connection? 4. a point at which two dif-
not organised in the correct way or are ferent pieces of equipment join There
not clear There were scenes of confu- is a loose connection somewhere. plu-
ral noun connections people you
sion at the airport when the snow
stopped all flights. know He has business connections in
Argentina, in connection with relat-
congratulate /kn'rtlet/ verb 1.
congratulate
ing to Im writing in connection with
to tell someone that you are very your visit.
pleased that they have been successful
conquer /kk/ verb 1. to defeat peo-
conquer
ter of congratulation on passing his de- tive working carefully and well Shes
gree. plural noun congratulations a very conscientious worker.
conscious /kns/ adjective awake
conscious
consciously 71 construction
around you She was conscious during considerable /knsd()rb()l/ ad-
considerable
the minor operation on her toe. a con- jective fairly large He lost a consider-
scious decision a decision which you able amount of money at the horse race.
have thought carefully about Refusing considerably /knsd()rbli/ adverb
considerably
consideration
something else If we lose this order, tion, preposition used to say that one
the consequences for the firm will be thing affects another He plays the vi-
disastrous. Smoking has serious olin extremely well, considering hes
health consequences. 2. importance only five. He ought to be more grate-
ful, considering the amount of help you
(formal ) of no consequence not im-
have given him.
portant What he thinks about the situ-
consonant /knsnnt/ noun a letter
consonant
thing which does not change Death
not wanting to change He has very and taxes are the only constants in life.
conservative views. The speed of light is a scientific con-
consider /knsd/ verb 1. to think
consider
stant.
constantly /knstntli/ adverb all the
constantly
considered used for saying that you the act of building The construction of
have thought about all aspects of a situ- the new stadium took three years. un-
ation, including the bad ones All der construction being built The new
things considered, the party went off airport is still under construction. 2.
quite well. something which has been built
Basic.fm Page 72 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
consult 72 contestant
consult /knslt/ verb 1. to ask some- container /knten/ noun an object
consult container
one for advice He consulted his bank such as a box or bottle which holds
about transferring his account. 2. to something else We need a container
look at something to get information for all this rubbish. The gas is shipped
After consulting the map they decided to in strong metal containers.
go north. contemporary /kntemp()rri/ ad-
contemporary
expert who gives advice His tax con- rary art noun a person who lives at
sultant advised him to sell the shares. 2. the same time as someone Shake-
a senior hospital doctor who is an expert speare and his contemporaries He is
in a particular medical condition or ill- one of my contemporaries from school.
ness Well make an appointment for contender /kntend/ noun a person
contender
cially someone who is likely to win
drink something The guests consumed Hes a definite contender for the world
over a hundred hamburgers. 2. to use title.
content1 /kntent/ noun the amount of
content
barrel contains 250 litres. I have lost with other people to achieve a position
a briefcase containing important docu- There are four candidates contesting
ments. 2. to limit or prevent something the championship. 2. to say that you dis-
harmful or unpleasant The army tried agree with what is written in a legal doc-
to contain the advance of the enemy ument
contestant /kntestnt/ noun a per-
contestant
tain the revolt among its members. son who takes part in a competition
Basic.fm Page 73 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
context 73 contribution
The two contestants shook hands before 1
/kntrkt/ noun a legal
contract
contract
the match. agreement I dont agree with some of
context /kntekst/ noun the other
context
sometimes guess its meaning from the come smaller Metal contracts when it
context. taken out of context show- gets cold, and expands when it is hot. 2.
ing only part of what someone said or to make an official agreement to do
wrote, so that the meaning is changed some work to contract to supply spare
My words have been taken out of context parts or to contract for the supply of
I said the book was one of the best spare parts
not the best Id read.
contradict /kntrdkt/ verb 1. to say
contradict
in sharp contrast. in contrast to as
1. referring to a continent 2. referring to opposed to He is quite short, in con-
or typical of Europe excluding the Unit- trast to his sister who is very tall. The
ed Kingdom north of the country is green and wood-
ed in contrast to the south which is dry
continual /kntnjul/ adjective 1.
continual
and sandy.
happening many times in a period of
contrast2 /kntr
st/ verb to be obvi-
contrast
continual change. 2. happening fre- ously different from His formal letter
quently in a way that is annoying The contrasted with his friendly conversa-
tion on the telephone.
computer has given us continual prob-
contribute /kntrbju
t/ verb 1. to
contribute
without stopping or without a break thing that someone does to help some-
She has been in continuous pain for thing to happen I want to thank you
three days. A continuous white line on for your enormous contribution to the
the road means that you are not allowed success of the project. noun some-
to overtake. thing, usually money, given to help to
continuously /kntnjsli/ adverb
continuously
contributor 74 copper
contributor /kntrbjt/ noun a per- cook /kk/ noun a person who gets food
contributor cook
keeping someone or something in order Its my turn to cook the dinner tonight.
or being able to direct them He lost How do you cook cabbage?
control of his business and resigned. cooker /kk/ noun a large piece of
cooker
The club is under the control of three kitchen equipment, used for cooking
people. 2. the ability to get people to do food
what you want The teacher has no
cookie /kki/ noun 1. usually US a
cookie
The business is controlled by a com- way, or colder than you would like or
pany based in Luxembourg. (NOTE: than you expect It was hot on deck but
controls controlling controlled) cool down below. Wines should be
controlled /kntrld/ adjective kept
controlled
not causing any practical problems ception when I arrived half an hour late.
Six oclock in the morning is not a very Their proposal got a cool response.
convenient time for a meeting. A bank to be cool towards someone to be un-
draft is a convenient way of sending friendly to someone or unenthusiastic
money abroad. about something She was rather cool
conveniently /knvi
nintli/ adverb
conveniently
towards me last time we met. My col-
in a convenient way leagues were cool towards the plan un-
fortunately. 3. calm The nurses re-
conventional /knven()n()l/ ad-
conventional
mained cool and professional. 4. fash-
jective ordinary or usual For your in- ionable (informal ) They thought it was
terview its best to wear a conventional cool to wear white trainers. 5. good
suit. (informal ) a cool party a really cool
conversation /knvse()n/ noun
conversation
idea (NOTE: cooler coolest) verb
an occasion on which two or more peo- to make something cool; to become cool
ple talk to each other about something She boiled the jam for several hours
We had a long conversation with the and then put it aside to cool. noun 1.
bank manager. Why did he suddenly a colder area which is pleasant After
change the subject of the conversation? the heat of the town centre, it is nice to
convict1 /knvkt/ noun a criminal
convict
be satisfied with something (informal )
court that someone is guilty She was We can go tomorrow Im cool with
convicted of theft. that.
convinced /knvnst/ adjective very copper /kp/ noun a reddish metal
copper
convinced
certain Shes convinced that shes which turns green when exposed to air
right. Copper is a good conductor of elec-
Basic.fm Page 75 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
copy 75 costume
tricity. The end of the copper wire the corner 1. to go from one street into
should be attached to the terminal. another by turning left or right She
copy /kp/ noun 1. something made to
copy
turned the corner into the main street. 2.
look the same as something else This to get better after being ill or in a diffi-
is an exact copy of the painting by Pi- cult situation Our business affairs
casso. 2. a particular book or newspaper seem to have turned the corner.
Wheres my copy of todays Times? corporate /k
p()rt/ adjective relat-
corporate
stole a credit card and copied the signa- large company Working for a big cor-
ture 2. to do what someone else does poration can be rather impersonal.
correct /krekt/ adjective 1. without
correct
cord /k
d/ noun a strong thin rope
cord
any mistakes You have to give correct
Pull the cord to open the parachute. answers to all the questions if you want
In an emergency, pull the cord to stop to win first prize. If the information
the train. you gave us is correct, we can finish the
work by Thursday. 2. right according to
core /k
/ noun the central part of an ob-
core
ject the core of an apple, an apple rules or standards verb to take away
core the hard part in the middle of an mistakes in something You must try to
apple, containing the seeds the most correct your driving mistakes, or you
basic or essential part of something will never pass the test. The computer
Lack of resources is the core of the prob- keeps switching itself off can you cor-
lem. adjective most important rect this fault?
correction /krekn/ noun 1. an ac-
correction
core values the things that a group of tion that makes something correct He
people think are most important Hon- made a few small corrections to the let-
esty and reliability are among our core ter. 2. the process of correcting some-
values. thing We drew up a timetable for the
cork /k
k/ noun 1. a small solid tube,
cork
correction of minor faults.
used for closing wine bottles 2. the very correctly /krektli/ adverb without
correctly
corn /k
n/ noun 1. cereal plants such as
corn
wheat or barley a field of corn 2. to pay for something What is the cost
maize, a cereal crop which is grown in of a return ticket to London? Compu-
many parts of the world corn on the ter costs are falling each year. verb to
cob the part of maize that has the seeds, have as a price Potatoes cost 20p a ki-
boiled and served hot, with butter and lo. Petrol seems to cost more all the
salt time. (NOTE: costs costing cost
has cost) at all costs no matter
corner /k
n/ noun a place where two
corner
walls, streets or sides meet The bank what happens At all costs, we have to
is on the corner of London Road and be in Trafalgar Square by 12 oclock.
New Street. Put the plant in the corner to cost an arm and a leg to be very
of the room nearest the window. The expensive The repairs to his car cost
number is in the top right-hand corner him an arm and a leg.
costume /kstju
m/ noun a set of
costume
cosy 76 country
The costumes for the film are magnifi- count /kant/ verb 1. to say numbers in
count
thread from the soft seed heads of a be important Your appearance counts
tropical plant 2. cloth made of cotton for a lot in an interview. noun 1. the
I bought some blue cotton to make a action of counting or of adding 2. a large
skirt. He was wearing a pair of cotton amount of something, calculated scien-
trousers. tifically Today there is a high pollen
count. to lose count to no longer
cough /kf/ noun the act of making a
cough
ally couldnt. Note also that could is which is has borders and governs itself
the past of can; could is only used in the countries of the EU Some Afri-
front of other verbs and is not followed can countries voted against the plan.
by the word to.) (NOTE: The plural in this sense is
council /kansl/ noun 1. an elected
council
countryside 77 crack
countryside /kntrisad/ noun land tell the court what you saw when you
countryside
which is not in a town the beautiful opened the door. to take someone to
English countryside in spring The court to arrange for someone to come to
countryside is in danger of being cov- a court to end an argument 2. an area
ered in new houses. (NOTE: no plural) where sports such as tennis or basket-
county /kanti/ noun a district that has
county
ball are played The tennis courts are
some powers of government over local behind the hotel. to be on court to be
matters (NOTE: The plural is counties.) playing tennis 3. a group of people liv-
ing round a king or queen
couple /kp()l/ noun 1. two things to-
couple
court case /k
t kes/ noun a legal ac-
court case
the trailer to the back of the truck. a you put over something else to protect it
couple of 1. two Theyve got a cou- or keep it clean Keep a cover over
ple of children. 2. a few The film last- your computer when you are not using
ed a couple of hours. it. Put a cover over the meat to keep
coupon /ku
pn/ noun a piece of paper
coupon
course of the last few years. crack of a whip The crack of a twig
court /k
t/ noun 1. a room with a judge
court
crafty 78 credit
field is so dry it is full of cracks. verb creak /kri
k/ verb to make a squeaky
creak
1. to make a sharp sound A twig noise noun a noise like that of wood
cracked as he stepped on it. 2. to make moving She heard a creak on the
a long thin break in something The stairs and sat up in bed. (NOTE: Do not
stone cracked the glass. confuse with creek.)
crafty /kr
fti/ adjective good at getting cream /kri
m/ noun 1. the thick yellow
crafty cream
the things you want, often in a way that part of milk, full of fat I like strawber-
is not completely honest (NOTE: craftier ries and cream. 2. any soft smooth sub-
craftiest) stance used, e.g. for cleaning or for pro-
cramped /krmpt/ adjective too small
cramped
tecting the skin face cream shaving
or too close together On some planes, cream shoe cream adjective of a
the seats are very cramped. yellow-white colour He was wearing
a cream shirt. Do you like our new
crane /kren/ noun a tall metal piece of
crane
cream carpet?
equipment for lifting heavy things
crease /kri
s/ noun 1. a mark made in
crease
tres from the airport. 2. to fall, making a making or inventing something Our
loud noise The wall came crashing aim is the creation of new jobs for young
down. The ladder crashed onto the unemployed people. 2. something
floor. which has been made, especially some-
thing artistic or unusual
crate /kret/ noun 1. a large wooden box
crate
creature /kri
t/ noun 1. an animal,
creature
money and to buy goods without paying ard by which things are judged Does
for them immediately the candidate satisfy all our criteria?
creep /kri
p/ verb 1. to move around qui- critic /krtk/ noun 1. a person who ex-
creep critic
etly They crept softly down the stairs. amines something and comments on it,
2. to move slowly The traffic was especially a person who writes com-
creeping along the motorway because ments on new plays and films for a
of the fog. (NOTE: creeps creeping newspaper Shes the TV critic of The
crept) Times. The film was praised by all the
crew /kru
/ noun the people who work on critics. 2. a person who says that some-
crew
a vehicle such as boat or aircraft The thing is bad or wrong The chairman
lifeboat rescued the crew of the sinking tried to answer his critics at the meet-
ship. The plane was carrying 125 pas- ing.
critical /krtk()l/ adjective 1. danger-
critical
of cry
say that something or someone is bad or
crime /kram/ noun 1. illegal behaviour
crime
ring to illegal acts the criminal justice tile which lives in or near rivers and
system Stealing is a criminal offence. lakes and eats other animals Croco-
noun a person who commits a crime
diles lay on the banks of the river wait-
ing for the animals to come to drink.
crisis /krass/ noun a serious situation
crisis
banking crisis
crisp /krsp/ adjective 1. (of food ) hard,
crisp
bles or cereals grown for food The
able to be broken into pieces and mak- bad weather has set the crops back by
ing a noise when you bite it These bis- three weeks. We had a wonderful crop
cuits are not crisp any more, they have of potatoes or a wonderful potato crop
gone soft. Pick an apple off the tree, this year.
theyre really very crisp. 2. cold and crop up phrasal verb to happen sud-
Basic.fm Page 80 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
cross 80 crunch
denly (informal ) or her head verb 1. to make someone
cross /krs/ verb 1. to go across some-
cross
king or queen by placing a crown on his
thing to the other side She just crossed or her head The Queen was crowned
the road without looking to see if there in Westminster Abbey. 2. to be a very
was any traffic coming. 2. to put one good end to a set of things that happen
thing across another He crossed his He crowned his career by winning a
arms and looked annoyed. She sat gold medal. to crown it all used to re-
down and crossed her legs. The road fer to the last of several bad things to
crosses the railway line about 10 km happen To crown it all, he lost his car
from here. noun a shape made where keys.
crucial /kru
()l/ adjective extremely
crucial
cross on the top of the church tower. or animal suffer Dont be so cruel!
adjective angry The teacher will be You must not be cruel to your new pup-
cross with you for missing school. py. It was cruel of him to mention her
Dont be cross the children were only weight problem. (NOTE: crueller cru-
trying to help. ellest)
cross off, cross out phrasal verb to cruelty /kru
lti/ noun the act of being
cruelty
not be there
crossing /krs/ noun 1. an occasion
crossing
of a long journey in a ship, stopping at
of going across to the other side of an different places When he retired they
area of water How long is the crossing went on a cruise round the Mediterrane-
from England to Germany? 2. a place an. verb to go in a boat from place to
where you go across safely Cars have place They spent May cruising in the
to take care at the railway crossing. Aegean Sea. The ship cruised from is-
land to island.
crossword /krsw
d/ noun a puzzle
crossword
crust 81 curl
crust /krst/ noun 1. a hard outer layer culture /klt/ noun 1. activities in-
crust culture
that covers something softer 2. the hard volving things such as music, art and lit-
outside layer of bread You can cut the erature He is taking a course in Rus-
crusts off the sandwiches. 3. the layer of sian culture. 2. a countrys way of think-
pastry on top of a pie 4. the outer layer ing or behaving Is a TV in every home
of the Earth really what we want from Western cul-
cry /kra/ verb 1. to have tears coming out
cry
ture?
of your eyes The baby cried when her cunning /kn/ adjective clever at
cunning
for the library consists of a series of niture with shelves and doors Put the
cubes. 2. something shaped like a cube jam in the kitchen cupboard. She
He put two cubes of sugar in his tea.
painted the cupboard doors white.
The ice cubes chinked in the glasses.
cure /kj/ noun something which
cure
round someone and hold them close to to know things Im curious to know
you The little girl was cuddling her what happened at the meeting. 2. unusu-
teddy bear. There was a last chance to al or strange We found a curious ob-
cuddle in the taxi that took them to the ject that turned out to be an old kitchen
airport. noun an act of putting your tool. Its curious that no one knew
arms round someone and holding them where he lived.
close to you She picked up her daugh- curl /k
l/ verb to twist, or make some-
curl
ter and gave her a cuddle. thing twist My hair curls naturally.
culprit /klprt/ noun a person or thing
culprit
Some plants have stems that curl round
that is responsible for a crime, or for other plants. noun 1. a piece of hair
something which has gone wrong which grows in a twist The little girl
looked lovely with her golden curls. 2. a
cultural /klt()rl/ adjective relating
cultural
curly 82 cut
curly /k
li/ adjective with natural
The road curves round the side of the
curly
the present time What is the current hind your back if you find your chair is
state of the report will it be finished on too hard. verb to make soft something
time? Who is the current prime minis- which could be hard or painful The
ter of Japan? Do you have a current bushes cushioned his fall. to cushion
timetable? mine is out of date. 2. somebody or something from some-
widely accepted at the present time or at thing to protect someone or something
a particular time current ideas about from the bad effects of something to
how to treat children The idea that the cushion the blow or the shock to re-
world was flat was current in the Middle duce the bad effect of something that
Ages. noun 1. a flow of water or air happens She made no attempt to cush-
Dont go swimming in the river the ion the blow, but just told them straight
current is very strong. A warm wester- out that they had all lost their jobs.
ly current of air is flowing across the custom /kstm/ noun 1. something
custom
country. Vultures circle in rising cur- that people usually do, or have done for
rents of warm air. 2. a flow of electricity a long time the local custom of deco-
Switch the current off at the mains. rating the wells in spring Its their
currently /krntli/ adverb at the custom to invite all their neighbours to a
currently
present time He is currently the man- party at New Year. 2. the use of a shop
ager of our Paris office. We are cur- or restaurant If the assistants are rude
rently in the process of buying a house. to me again I will take my custom else-
curriculum /krkjlm/ noun 1. the
curriculum
where. to lose someones custom to
set of subjects studied in school I am experience a situation in which a regular
very glad that music and drama have customer goes to another place of busi-
been added to the curriculum. 2. the ness, e.g. a restaurant or shop The lit-
parts of a particular subject that are tle shops will lose a lot of custom when
studied (NOTE: [all senses] The plural is the new supermarket opens.
customary /kstmri/ adjective usu-
customary
curriculums or curricula.)
curriculum vitae /krkjlm vi
ta/
curriculum vitae
al (formal ) He handled the situation
noun full form of CV with his customary efficiency. Its cus-
tomary to give taxi drivers a tip.
curry /kri/ noun an Indian food pre-
curry
cutlery 83 cylinder
six children, so she cut the cake into six something from something larger She
pieces. 2. to damage the skin with some- cut an advertisement out of the newspa-
thing sharp She cut her finger on the per. 2. to remove a part of something
broken glass. He cut himself while larger We had to cut out all the extras
shaving. 3. to reduce the size of some- from our order because they cost too
thing We are trying to cut the number much. 3. to stop doing or eating some-
of staff. Accidents have been cut by thing Shes decided to cut out sweet
10%. The article is too long, so I things so as to lose weight. cut it out!
asked the author to cut 500 words.
stop doing that! (informal ) to be cut
(NOTE: cuts cutting cut has cut)
out for something to be ideally suited
noun 1. a place which bleeds when
for something I dont think hes cut
your skin has been broken 2. a mark
made in a surface by something sharp 3. out for an office job.
the sudden lowering of the amount of cut up phrasal verb to make something
something price cuts large cuts in into small pieces by cutting it She cut
spending a cut in working hours 4. a the old towel up into little pieces. Can
share of something such as profits you cut up the meat for the children?
cutlery /ktlri/ noun knives, forks and
cutlery
cut out phrasal verb 1. to remove shaped like a tube closed at both ends
Basic.fm Page 84 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
D
d /di
/, D noun the fourth letter of the al-
d
dances
river to make a lake After the heavy
danger /dend"/ noun the possibility
danger
dangerous
damaged. 2. to affect someone or some- likely to cause injury or damage Be
thing in a negative way careful that old staircase is danger-
damaged /dmd"d/ adjective broken ous! Police warned the public not to
damaged
dare 85 day
dare /de/ verb 1. to be brave enough to home to watch the football on television.
dare
dare not do something to not be brave figures or results of studies The data
enough to do something I darent go is stored in our main computer. We
any faster. 2. to try to make someone do spent months gathering data on hospital
something dangerous or unusual in or- waiting times. The data shows that, on
der to see how brave they are I dared average, flowering takes place after two
him to go the meeting in his pink track- weeks. (NOTE: Data is often used with a
suit. I dare you to jump across that singular verb, except in scientific con-
stream. 3. used for telling someone how texts: The data is easily available.)
angry you are Dont you dare do that database /detbes/ noun a large
database
again! How dare you look in my desk amount of information stored in a com-
drawers! puter in a way that allows particular
dark /d
k/ adjective 1. with little or no
dark
ed to rain. Can you switch the light in a month or year, or a day when some-
on? Its getting too dark to see. In thing will happen or has happened Put
Scotland in the summer it gets dark very todays date on the document. Whats
late. 2. not a light colour Her eyes are the date next Wednesday? The dates
dark. She was wearing a dark blue of the exhibition have been changed.
coat. (NOTE: darker darkest) The date of the next meeting has been
darkness /d
kns/ noun the fact of
darkness
dart /d
t/ noun 1. a small heavy arrow
dart
with plastic feathers, used for playing a parent They have two sons and one
the game of darts Each player takes a daughter. My daughter Mary goes to
turn to throw his or her three darts. 2. the local school.
dawn /d
n/ noun the beginning of a day,
dawn
ing or printing, showing a space or sep- 24 hours There are 365 days in a year
arating items The reference number is and 366 in a leap year. New Years
one four six dash seven (1467). 2. a Day is on January 1st. They went on a
sudden movement towards a place ten-day tour of southern Spain. I
There was a mad dash to buy tickets. spoke to him on the phone the day be-
While the policeman wasnt looking she fore yesterday. We are planning to
made a dash for the door. (NOTE: The meet the day after tomorrow. 2. the peri-
plural is dashes.) verb to hurry od from morning until night, when it is
somewhere I cant stop now I must light She works all day in the office,
dash to catch the last post. I dashed and then looks after the children in the
Basic.fm Page 86 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
daylight 86 debt
evening. It took the workmen four verb 1. to deal in something to buy
days to build the wall. and sell something She deals in car-
daylight /delat/ noun light that you
daylight
pets and rugs imported from India. 2. to
see during the daytime in broad day- give out playing cards to players Its
light openly, in the middle of the day my turn to deal. He dealt me two aces.
Three men robbed the bank in broad (NOTE: deals dealing dealt /delt/)
daylight. deal with phrasal verb to do what is
daytime /detam/ noun the period of necessary to complete a job or solve a
daytime
light between morning and night I problem The job involves dealing
watched a lot of daytime television when with the public. Leave it to the filing
I lost my job. clerk hell deal with it. We will deal
dazzle /dz()l/ verb to shine a strong
dazzle
with your order as soon as we can.
light in someones eyes so that they can- The government has to deal with the
not see for a moment She was dazzled problem of teenage crime.
dealer /di
l/ noun a person who buys
dealer
complete There was dead silence in Shes a very dear friend of mine.
the exam room. The train came to a (NOTE: dearer dearest) 2. Dear
dead stop. 3. not working We tried to James or Dear Julia used at the begin-
start the car but the battery was dead. 4. ning of a letter to a friend or someone
not lively, not exciting Seaside towns you know quite well Dear Sir or
can be quite dead in winter. adverb 1. Madam used at the beginning of a letter
completely He was dead tired after to a man or woman whom you do not
his long walk. 2. exactly Youre dead know 3. costing a lot of money Fresh
right. The train arrived dead on time. fruit is always dearer in the winter.
deadly /dedli/ adjective likely to kill
deadly
deal /di
l/ noun 1. a good or great deal
deal
After his talk the professor had a lively
much Hes feeling a good deal better debate with the students. 2. a formal dis-
after two days off work. She didnt say cussion ending with a vote a debate
a great deal. a good or great deal of on increasing student fees verb 1. to
a lot of He made a good deal of money consider or discuss a subject We sat in
from his business. Theres a great deal the rain and debated what to do next. 2.
of work still to be done. 2. a business to discuss something formally before
agreement or contract Weve signed a coming to a decision
debt /det/ noun money owed to someone
debt
decade 87 deep
owe money He is in debt to the tune of declare /dkle/ verb to state something
declare
20th century
downwards Sales figures have gone
of going bad or of becoming damaged, into a sharp decline. verb 1. to refuse
e.g. when things are not looked after or to turn down an invitation or offer
properly The government has plans to She declined their request. He de-
deal with inner city decay. Tooth de- clined to come to lunch. 2. to become
cay is especially bad in children who eat weaker He declined rapidly after he
sweets. You must treat the wood to went into hospital. 3. to become less in
prevent decay. (NOTE: no plural) verb numbers or amount Our sales de-
to go bad or to become damaged in this clined over the last year. The fish pop-
way Sugar makes your teeth decay. ulation has declined sharply.
decorate /dekret/ verb 1. to put paint
decorate
She cant come to the phone shes dec-
believe something which is not true orating the kitchen. 2. to cover some-
They had tried to deceive me, but I real- thing with pretty or colourful things to
ised just in time. make it look attractive or to celebrate an
occasion The streets were decorated
December /dsemb/ noun the twelfth
December
with flags.
and last month of the year, after Novem-
decoration /dekre()n/ noun the
decoration
decrease2 /dkri
s/ verb to become less
decrease
cided which restaurant to go to? They The number of road accidents is de-
decided to stay at home and watch TV. creasing. Applications to join have
decreased by 20%.
decide against phrasal verb to make
deed /di
d/ noun an act, especially a
deed
system based on ten Three-quarters down The water is very deep in the
expressed as a decimal is 0.75. middle of the river. This is the deepest
lake in North America. In the shallow
decision /ds"()n/ noun an occasion
decision
deeply 88 deliberate
way down The mine goes deep under define /dfan/ verb to explain some-
define
party was heavily defeated in the presi- uring temperature or angles, shown by
dential election. Our team has not the symbol () an angle of eighty de-
been defeated so far this season. The grees The temperature of the water is
proposal was defeated by 10 votes to 3. above 20. (NOTE: With figures, degree
defence /dfens/ noun 1. protection is usually written as the symbol : 25
defence
(in games) a part of a team whose job is which something is late There will be
to protect the goal The England de- a delay of ten minutes before the meet-
fence came under attack from the other ing starts. We are sorry for the delay
teams forwards. 4. (in a law court) the in replying to your letter. verb 1. to
lawyers acting on behalf of the accused make someone or something late The
person train has been delayed by fog. He was
defend /dfend/ verb to protect a person
defend
delayed because his taxi had an acci-
or place that is being attacked They dent. 2. to put something off until later
brought in extra troops to defend the city We will delay making a decision until
against attack. we see the result of the election. The
company has delayed payment of all in-
defense /dfens/ noun US spelling of
defense
voices.
defence
deliberate1 /dlb()rt/ adjective 1.
deliberate
done on purpose It was a deliberate
enough of something needed to make attempt to spoil her birthday party. 2.
someone or something healthy or com- slow and thoughtful in speaking or do-
plete Their diet has a deficiency of ing something She has a very deliber-
iron or has an iron deficiency. ate way of signing her name.
deficit /defst/ noun an amount by deliberate2 /dlbret/ verb to discuss
deficit deliberate
deliberately 89 department
on the possible ways of solving the prob- The plural is democracies.) 2. a sys-
lem. tem of government in which politicians
deliberately /dlb()rtli/ adverb on
deliberately
are elected by the people The people
purpose It was an accident I didnt want democracy, not a dictatorship.
democratic /demkrtk/ adjective
democratic
of people who are protesting against
singing was a pure delight. The news something We went to a demonstra-
was greeted with delight by the waiting tion in Trafalgar Square. They staged
crowd. to take (great) delight in demonstrations against the government
something to enjoy something verb in several towns.
den /den/ noun 1. a place where an ani-
den
their way through dense forest. 3. con-
pleasant What a delightful show of taining a lot of information I find it
flowers! difficult to read through 100 pages of
dense text. (NOTE: denser densest)
deliver /dlv/ verb to bring something
deliver
demand /dm
nd/ noun 1. the act of
demand
asking for something a demand for is not true You were there, werent
payment Her latest demands are quite you? Dont deny it! She denied that
unreasonable. 2. the need for particular she had ever seen him. He flatly de-
goods or services We cant sell the nied stealing the car. (NOTE: denies
book, because there is no demand for it. denying denied)
depart /dp
t/ verb to go away from a
depart
for our services. verb to ask firmly for place The coach departs from Victoria
something I demand an explanation. Coach Station at 09.00.
democracy /dmkrsi/ noun 1. a department /dp
tmnt/ noun 1. a
democracy department
If you want cheese youll need to go to happy that you are not able to enjoy life,
the food department. You will find especially over a long period of time
beds in the furniture department. Shes been feeling depressed since the
department store /dp
tmnt st
/
department store
accident.
noun a large shop with several different depressing /dpres/ adjective mak-
depressing
leaving a place The departure time is how deep something is The depth of
3 oclock. The planes departure was the lake is 20m. The submarine dived
delayed by two hours. to a depth of 200m.
depend /dpend/ verb 1. to happen only
depend
Spain, it all depends. 2. to depend on from something The local people de-
someone or something to be sure that rive a good deal of pleasure from watch-
someone will do what they say they will ing the tourists.
describe /dskrab/ verb to say or write
describe
beard. The police asked him to de-
needing money from someone else in scribe what happened.
description /dskrpn/ noun the act
description
hospital staff. 3. caused or affected by the world, usually covered with rocks or
something The success of the project sand (NOTE: Do not confuse with des-
is dependent on getting a government sert.)
grant.
desert2 /dz
t/ verb 1. to leave the
desert
armed forces without permission 2. to
in a bank Her deposits in the bank had leave someone in a difficult situation
grown over the years. 2. a particular
deserted /dz
td/ adjective with no
deserted
one as a first payment for something ex- people We walked around the desert-
pensive She had to pay a deposit on ed town.
deserve /dz
v/ verb to earn some-
deserve
posit? I paid a 30% deposit and dont thing because of what you have done
have to pay anything more for six He didnt deserve to win because he
months. verb to put money into a bank cheated. Ive been on my feet all day
Basic.fm Page 91 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
design 91 determination
I think I deserve a sit-down. He de- not confuse with desert. The word
serves a holiday. dessert is mainly used in restaurants.
design /dzan/ noun a plan or drawing
design
At home, this part of the meal is usual-
of something, before it is made or built ly called the sweet or afters or pud-
Here are the designs for the book cov- ding.)
er. The architect has produced the de- destination /destne()n/ noun the
destination
signs for the new opera house. verb to place to which a person or vehicle is go-
draw plans for the shape or appearance ing We reached our destination at
of something before it is made or built eight oclock. The destination is
He designed the new university library. shown on the front of the bus.
She designs garden furniture.
destroy /dstr/ verb to damage some-
destroy
thing so badly that it no longer exists
plans the shape or appearance of things The bomb destroyed several buildings.
such as goods, clothes or rooms A lot of private property was de-
desire /dza/ noun something that
desire
drawers, used for writing He put the formation Send in your CV including
papers away in his desk drawer. She full details of your past experience.
was sitting at her desk when the tele- Can you give me further details of when
phone rang. the accident took place? I cant make
out the details in the photo because the
despair /dspe/ noun a feeling that a
despair
light is bad. The policeman noted
situation is so bad that there is nothing down the details of the incident. verb
you can do to make it better When he to list all the facts or items He detailed
lost his job and his girlfriend left him, he the work which had to be done. in de-
was filled with despair. the depths of tail with as much information as possi-
despair a situation where there is com- ble The catalogue lists all the furni-
plete lack of hope verb to give up all
ture in detail. Please describe the cir-
hope of achieving something After
cumstances of the accident in as much
two months in the jungle, he despaired
detail as possible.
of ever being rescued.
detailed /di
teld/ adjective giving a lot
detailed
having a strong need for something that of details We need a detailed list of the
you are not able to get, and feeling very items which have been stolen. The po-
worried because you do not know how lice issued detailed descriptions of the
to solve the problem Food ran out and two men.
detective /dtektv/ noun a police of-
detective
urgent There is a desperate need for ficer whose job is to try to find out who
medical supplies. committed crimes Detectives have in-
despite /dspat/ preposition although terviewed four suspects.
despite
determination /dt
mne()n/
spite the wet weather we still enjoyed noun a strong wish to do something, and
our holiday. not to let anyone stop you doing it
dessert /dz
t/ noun a sweet dish at
dessert
determined 92 die
/dt
mnd/ number using the buttons on a telephone
determined
determined adjective
having a strong wish to do something, To call the police you must dial 999.
and not letting anyone prevent you from Dial 9 to get an outside line. (NOTE:
doing it Shes a very determined dials dialling dialled. The US
young woman, and will go far. He had spelling is dialing dialed.)
a very determined expression on his dialect /dalekt/ noun a variety of a
dialect
face as he entered the ring. She is de- language spoken in a particular area
termined to win the prize. They were speaking in a local dialect.
develop /dvelp/ verb 1. to grow and
develop
opment of property on the site of the ferent number of spots on each side,
former docks 4. a group of buildings used for playing games Shake the dice
that have been built together at the same in the cup and then throw them onto the
time a new housing development board. (NOTE: The plural is dice.)
device /dvas/ noun a small tool or
device
piece of equipment that is useful for a which lists words in alphabetical order,
particular purpose He invented a de- giving their meanings or translations
vice for fixing tops on bottles. The en- into other languages (NOTE: The plural
gineers brought in a device for taking is dictionaries.)
samples of soil. to be left to your
did /dd/ past tense of do
did
mother died last year. She died in a
line) going straight from one corner to car crash. If you dont water the
another He drew a diagonal line on plants theyll die. death (NOTE: dies
the floor. Areas of the map shaded dying died) 2. dying for or to
with diagonal lines indicate cultivated wanting something very much Were
land. noun a diagonal line dying for a cold drink. Im dying to
read his book.
diagram /da'rm/ noun a plan or ac-
diagram
curate drawing She drew a diagram to die away phrasal verb to become less
show how to get to her house. The noisy
book gives a diagram of the circulation die down phrasal verb to get less
of the blood. strong The wind began to die down.
dial /dal/ noun a round face of a meas-
dial
The government is waiting for the street
uring instrument or a old type of tele- protests to die down.
phone The pilot sits in front of a dis- die out phrasal verb to disappear grad-
play of dials. verb to call a telephone ually
Basic.fm Page 93 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
diet 93 dinosaur
diet /dat/ noun 1. the kind of food you ging in the garden all morning. They
diet
eat He lives on a diet of bread and dug a big hole in the ground. The pris-
beer. These people are healthier than oners dug a tunnel to try to escape.
us because their diet is so simple. 2. the (NOTE: digging dug has dug)
practice of eating only certain types of dig up phrasal verb 1. to find some-
food, either in order to become thinner thing by digging We dug up a Roman
or to cure an illness The doctor told coin in the garden. 2. to break a solid
her to follow a strict diet. verb to eat surface by digging The workmen had
less food or only one sort of food He to dig the road up to mend the water
dieted for two weeks before going on main.
holiday. digest /dad"est/ verb 1. to break down
digest
fers from the earlier model. Their process by which food is broken down
business differs from ours in one impor- in the stomach
tant aspect. 2. if people differ, they have
digital /dd"t()l/ adjective 1. storing
digital
agree
difference /df()rns/ noun a way in
difference
lights grew dimmer. (NOTE: dimmer
which two things are not the same dimmed) verb to make a light less
Can you tell the difference between an bright They dimmed the cabin lights
apple and a pear with your eyes shut? before takeoff. (NOTE: dims dimming
What is the difference in price between dimmed)
dime /dam/ noun US a coin that is worth
dime
ent from living in the country. I went tent of a problem the international di-
to three different clothes shops but I mension of the refugee problem The
couldnt find anything in my size. He task is taking on huge dimensions.
looks different now that he has a beard. dining room /dan ru
m/ noun a
dining room
have difficulty with or in doing some- We were having dinner when the tele-
thing to find it hard to do something phone rang. Would you like to come to
She has difficulty in paying the rent. dinner on Saturday? What are we
with difficulty not easily She walks having for dinner? or Whats for din-
with difficulty. 2. a problem The diffi- ner? 2. a formal evening meal The
culty is that nobody in the group can club is organising a dinner and dance
drive. He is in financial difficulties. on Saturday.
She went swimming in the rough sea and dinosaur /dans
/ noun a large crea-
dinosaur
got into difficulties. (NOTE: The plural is ture that existed on the Earth millions of
difficulties.) years ago At the time when dinosaurs
dig /d'/ verb to make a hole in the
dig
dip 94 disappointed
dip /dp/ noun 1. a sudden drop in an area rector to win an Oscar? Compare pro-
dip
dipped her hand into the stream. (NOTE: Playing rugby gets your clothes dirty.
dips dipping dipped) Someone has to wash all the dirty
diploma /dplm/ noun a document
diploma
Whats the most direct way of getting to able to use part of your body, e.g. be-
London? verb 1. to aim something to- cause of long-term illness an associa-
wards a point I hope youre not direct- tion for disabled riders The car crash
ing that gun at me! 2. to say something left him permanently disabled.
to a particular person He directed his disadvantage /dsdv
ntd"/ noun
disadvantage
There are certain disadvantages to leav-
towards which you are going You are ing at 5.30 in the morning.
disagree /ds'ri
/ verb to say that
disagree
to get to the station. The post office is you do not have the same opinion as
in the opposite direction. plural noun someone else We all disagreed with
directions instructions on how to do the chairperson. They disagreed
something in all directions every- about what to do next.
where The wind was blowing bits of disagreement /ds'ri
mnt/ noun
disagreement
with you directly. conjunction as soon ly not be seen any more He hit the ball
as I will write the letter directly I get hard and it disappeared into the bushes.
home. The two boys disappeared on their
director /darekt/ noun 1. a person
director
way home from school. 2. to leave a
who is in charge of all of, or part of, a place, often suddenly and without peo-
company The sales director gave a re- ple noticing or knowing where you have
port on sales to date. There are four gone Where have the kids disap-
directors on the board of the company. peared to? Half the guests have disap-
2. a person who organises the making of peared already.
disappointed /dspntd/ adjective
disappointed
the actors, or dealing with the lighting sad, because things have not happened
or sound Who was the first female di- as you hoped She is disappointed with
Basic.fm Page 95 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
disappointing 95 disgust
her exam results. He was disappoint-
The firm discovered some errors in
ed because his ticket didnt win a prize. the accounts. We discovered that the
You should have seen the disappoint- estate agent had sold the house twice.
ed expression on his face. discovery /dskv()ri/ noun 1. the act
discovery
house while she was away They con-
noun 1. a feeling of sadness that you get gratulated him on his discovery of a new
when things have not happened as you planet. 2. a new thing which has been
hoped She tried hard not to show her found Look at his latest discovery
disappointment. To his great disap- an antique oak table which he found in
pointment, he didnt win anything on the a barn. (NOTE: The plural is discover-
lottery. (NOTE: no plural in this sense) ies.)
discuss /dsks/ verb to talk about a
discuss
the details of the wedding.
discussion /dsk()n/ noun an oc-
discussion
The head teacher disapproves of casion on which people talk about a se-
members of staff wearing jeans to rious matter or problem Most prob-
school. lems can be solved by discussion. The
next programme will feature a discus-
disaster /dz
st/ noun a very bad ac-
disaster
tremely bad
with antibiotics.
disc /dsk/ noun a round flat object
disc
The setting sun was a huge orange disc which people should be ashamed of
on the horizon. disk
disguise /ds'az/ noun a set of clothes
disguise
dish 96 distant
are upset and annoyed She walked out missed as being quite impractical. All
of the interview in disgust. verb to his suggestions were dismissed by the
give someone a strong feeling of dislike MD. 3. to dismiss an employee to re-
or disapproval The smell of cooking move an employee from a job He was
disgusted her. The greediness of these dismissed for being late. When they
people disgusts me. found him taking money from the petty
dish /d/ noun 1. a large plate for serv-
dish
cash he was dismissed instantly.
disobey /dsbe/ verb not to obey
disobey
ial, shaped like a plate, used to get sig- bition a display of local crafts They
nals from satellites (NOTE: The plural is have a fine display of Chinese porce-
dishes.) lain. verb to put something in a dis-
dish out phrasal verb to give some- play She is displaying her collection
thing out, especially in large quantities of Persian carpets at the antiques fair.
dispute /dspju
t, dspju
t/ noun an
dispute
bread and a bowl of soup to anyone who argument He tried to mediate in the
asked for it. dispute. There was some dispute over
dishonest /dsnst/ adjective not
dishonest
who would pay the bill. verb to say
honest that you strongly believe that something
is not true or correct I dispute her ver-
dishonestly /dsnstli/ adverb not
dishonestly
metal in a plastic case, used in comput- not satisfied We were dissatisfied with
ers to record information How much the service we got from our bank.
data do these disks hold? disc
dissolve /dzlv/ verb to make a solid
dissolve
substance become part of a liquid Dis-
liking something or someone She had solve the sugar in half a litre of boiling
a great dislike of noisy parties. 2. some- water. The powder should dissolve in
thing which you do not like We try to warm water.
take account of the likes and dislikes of
distance /dstns/ noun 1. the space
distance
one that they can leave At the end of distant /dstnt/ adjective far away
distant
the interview he dismissed her with a We could hear the sound of distant gun-
brief good afternoon. 2. to refuse to fire. distant relative a relative who is
consider an idea Her plan was dis- not a member of the immediate family
Basic.fm Page 97 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
distinct 97 divorce
Shes a very distant relative her wobbling. 3. to change the order or ar-
grandfather was my grandmothers rangement of something The police
cousin. told us that nothing must be disturbed in
distinct /dstkt/ adjective 1. separate
distinct
the bedroom.
There are two distinct varieties of this disturbance /dst
bns/ noun an oc-
disturbance
plant. They keep their printing works casion on which someone is disturbed
quite distinct from their publishing com- I need to work somewhere where there
pany. 2. that you can clearly see, hear or wont be any disturbance.
feel I got the distinct impression that
ditch /dt/ noun a long narrow hole cut
ditch
he was carrying a gun. Did you notice into the ground for taking away water
the distinct tone of anger in his voice? After the storm, the ditches were full of
distinction /dstkn/ noun 1. a dif-
distinction
rainwater. He fell into the ditch beside
ference There is a distinction between the road. (NOTE: The plural is ditches.)
being interested in politics and joining a
dive /dav/ verb to jump into water head
dive
a person who swims under water, espe-
hear clearly, or to see details We could cially as a job Police divers searched
easily distinguish houses on the other the canal.
side of the lake. I could distinguish at
divide /dvad/ verb 1. to cut something
divide
among the children. How can you di-
someones attention when they should vide the cake into thirteen pieces? The
be doing something else The noise of two companies agreed to divide the
the planes is bound to distract the stu- market between them. Our open-plan
dents. office is divided up with low partitions.
distress /dstres/ noun a sad or painful
distress
2. to calculate how many times one
feeling which is very strong I dont number fits in another Ten divided by
want to cause the family any distress. two gives five. (NOTE: Dividing is usu-
The whole family was in distress at ally shown by the sign : 10 2 = 5:
grandmothers death. verb to make say ten divided by two equals five.
someone very sad and worried The Note also divides dividing divid-
news of her grandmothers death dis- ed.)
tressed her very much.
division /dv"()n/ noun 1. an impor-
division
distribute /dstrbju
t/ verb to share
distribute
tant part of a large organisation The
something between people She dis- sales division employs twenty people.
tributed part of her money to the poor. She is the head of the production divi-
The flight attendants came round, dis- sion. 2. a calculation, where one figure
tributing immigration forms to non-EU is divided by another My little sister is
passengers. Ill distribute the list to just learning how to do division.
all the committee members.
divorce /dv
s/ noun a legal separation
divorce
divorced 98 doctor
divorced /dv
st/ adjective no longer
divorced
ness with. 9. to succeed, to continue
married Theyre both divorced, with Shes doing very well in her new job.
children from their previous marriages. He did badly in the interview. Hows
your business doing? 10. to finish cook-
dizzy /dzi/ adjective having a feeling
dizzy
document 99 double
have a ten oclock appointment to see countries can be shown by the initial
the doctor. If you have pains in your letter of the country: Can$ (Canadian
chest, you ought to see a doctor. He dollar) Aus$ (Australian dollar).)
went to the doctors last Friday. dolphin /dlfn/ noun a large animal
dolphin
have risen. noun a servant in a house
something in official writing Cases of (old ) When the fire broke out all the
this disease are well documented in Af- domestics ran into the house to rescue
rica. the furniture.
/dkjment()ri/
documentary
documentary
donate /dnet/ verb to give some-
donate
noun a film which shows facts about a thing, especially money, to a charity or
real subject Did you see the documen- similar organisation He donated a lot
tary about hippos last night? adjec- of money to a charity for the homeless.
tive referring to documents
done /dn/ past participle of do
done
She
doubt on the whole proposal. 2. no dozed for a while after lunch. noun a
doubt certainly No doubt they will be short sleep
asking for more money soon. in doubt
dozen /dz()n/ noun 1. I need a doz-
dozen
Dr abbr doctor
doubtful /datf()l/ adjective not sure
doubtful
draft /dr
ft/ noun a rough plan of a doc-
draft
that something is right or good, or not ument He quickly wrote out a draft of
likely I am doubtful about whether we the agreement. Its not the final ver-
should go. It is doubtful whether the sion, its just a draft. verb to draw up
race will take place because of the snow. a rough plan of something
down /dan/ preposition 1. towards the
down
waste water away In the autumn the
bottom of a hill The road goes down- drains get blocked by leaves. We had
hill for a while and then crosses the riv- to phone the council to come and clear
er. the blocked drain. verb to remove a
downstairs /danstez/ adverb on or
downstairs
Globe has put on an unknown Eliza- has been drawn Ive bought an old
bethan drama. Im reading a book on drawing of the church. 2. the activity or
19th-century French drama. Shes a skill of making pictures with a pencil or
drama student or Shes studying drama. pen He studied drawing in Rome.
2. a series of serious and exciting events
drawn /dr
n/ adjective tired and ill
drawn
unexpected and very noticeable the sound of her voice filled him with dread.
dramatic moment in the film, when the She has a dread of meeting him in the
dinosaurs start to attack them The street. in dread of being very afraid of
door was thrown open and she made a They lived in constant dread of being
dramatic entrance. The TV news arrested. verb to fear something very
showed dramatic pictures of the disas- much Im dreading taking my driving
ter. test. She dreads her weekly visit to the
doctor.
drank /drk/ past tense of drink
drank
draught /dr
ft/ noun a flow of cool air
draught
draw /dr
/ noun 1. a game or competi-
draw
tion which ends with both teams having tremely in a way that is not good or
the same number of points The match pleasant
dream /dri
m/ noun a story or series of
dream
draw up phrasal verb 1. (of a vehicle) usually worn by women or girls, cover-
to come close and stop As I was stand- ing the body and part or all of the legs
ing at the bus stop, a car drew up and She was wearing a blue dress. (NOTE:
the driver asked if I wanted a lift. 2. to The plural is dresses.) verb 1. to put
write down something, e.g. a plan clothes on someone She dressed her
They have drawn up a plan to save mon- little girl all in blue. 2. to get dressed
ey. Have you drawn up a list of people to put clothes on yourself He got up,
you want to invite to the party? got dressed and left the house. 3. to
drawer /dr
/ noun a part of a desk or
drawer
all in black. He was dressed in a tee- Theres a hole in the tent a drip just
shirt and shorts. fell on my nose. verb 1. (of a liquid ) to
dressing /dres/ noun 1. a sauce for
dressing
flow slowly out of an opening, especial- ly in a car Lets go for a drive into the
ly out of your mouth The baby drib- country. The baby gets sick on long
bled over her dress. 2. (of a liquid ) to drives. Its a four-hour drive to the
flow slowly out of an opening Ketch- coast. 2. a part of a computer which
up dribbled onto the tablecloth. 3. to makes a disk work The disk is stuck in
kick a football along as you are running, the drive. verb to make a motor vehi-
or to move a ball along with one hand as cle travel in a certain direction I never
you are running learnt to drive. He was driving a lorry
when the accident happened. She was
dried, drier, dries, driest /drad,
dried, drier, dries, driest
snow) blown horizontally by the wind drug, or put a drug in their food or drink,
They were forced to turn back because to make them unconscious They
of the driving rain. noun the action of drugged him and took him away in a
driving a motor vehicle Driving in the car. The dogs food had been drugged
centre of London can be very frustrat- with something to make him sleep.
ing. Shes taking driving lessons. (NOTE: drugs drugging drugged)
driving licence /drav las()ns/ drum /drm/ noun 1. a large round mu-
drum
driving licence
noun a permit which allows someone to sical instrument which you hit with a
drive a vehicle on public roads stick He plays the drums in the band.
drizzle /drz()l/ noun light rain A
drizzle
2. a large barrel or container shaped like
thin drizzle was falling so we took our a cylinder oil drums verb 1. to play
umbrellas. verb to rain a little Its on a drum 2. to hit something frequently
He drummed his fingers on the table.
drizzling outside, so you need a rain-
coat. (NOTE: drums drumming
drummed)
drop /drp/ noun a small amount of liq-
drop
uid which falls Drops of rain ran drum into phrasal verb to drum
down the windows. verb 1. to fall or something into someone to make
let something fall He dropped the someone learn something My grand-
glass and it broke. The plate dropped father drummed it into me that I had to
onto the floor. 2. to decrease Prices be polite to customers.
drunk /drk/ adjective excited or ill
drunk
dropped) Dont
drop in phrasal verb to call on some- touch the door the paint isnt dry yet.
one, to visit someone The soil is dry because it hasnt
drop off phrasal verb 1. to fall asleep rained for weeks. 2. (of wine) not sweet
She dropped off in front of the TV. It A dry white wine is served with fish.
took me ages to drop off. 2. to let some- (NOTE: drier driest) verb 1. to be-
one get off a bus or car at a place come dry The clothes are drying in
Where would you like me to drop you the sun. Leave the dishes beside the
off? sink to dry. 2. to wipe something until it
is dry If I wash up, can you dry or dry
drought /drat/ noun a long period
drought
dubious /dju
bis/ adjective thinking
dubious
went through the low doorway. as a copy of something Put the dupli-
due /dju
/ adjective 1. expected When
due
cate invoices in the file. noun a copy
is the baby due? We are due to leave She sent the invoice and filed the du-
London Airport at 5 oclock. The plicate.
duplicate2 /dju
plket/ verb 1. to
duplicate
The trains are late due to fog. The room had never been cleaned
there was dust everywhere. A tiny
dug /d'/ past tense and past participle of
dug
es? I find them dull. 2. (of weather ) er for rubbish, kept outside a house
grey and cloudy a dull rainy day 3. (of dusty /dsti/ adjective covered with
dusty
given to a baby to suck in order to stop 9.00 to 6.00. Shes been on duty all
it from crying The baby sat sucking a day. 3. a tax which has to be paid plu-
dummy. (NOTE: The plural is dum- ral noun duties different jobs that have
mies.) to be done as part of your official work
One of his duties is to see that the
dump /dmp/ noun a large area where
dump
E
e /i
/, E noun the fifth letter of the alpha- earn /
n/ verb to be paid money for
e earn
holding a towel in each hand. Each worn attached to part of the ear
one of us has a separate office. pro-
earth /
/ noun 1. also Earth the planet
earth
always send each other presents on our won the first round with the greatest of
birthdays. The boxes fit into each oth- ease. The bottle has a wide mouth for
er. ease of use. verb to make less painful
eager /i
'/ adjective wanting to do A couple of aspirins should ease the
eager
shows that you want something very ficulty I passed my driving test easily.
much I can easily get there by 9 oclock. 2.
ear // noun one of the parts on either
ear
a lot (for emphasis before compara-
side of your head which you hear with tives or superlatives) Her work was
Rabbits have long ears. Have you easily better than yours. He is easily
washed behind your ears? the tallest man in the team. Our shop
is easily the biggest in the High Street.
earlier /
li/ adjective relating to a time
earlier
east /i
st/ noun 1. the direction of where
east
of washing-up liquid.
needing a lot of effort The test was
edge /ed"/ noun 1. a side of something
edge
the echo of voices in the tunnel. If you charge of a newspaper or part of a news-
go to the Whispering Gallery in the paper He wrote to the editor of The
dome of St Pauls Cathedral you can Times asking for a job. She is the
hear the echo very clearly. (NOTE: The sports editor of the local paper. 2. a per-
plural is echoes.) verb 1. (of sound ) son who edits books
to make an echo Their voices echoed
educate /edjket/ verb to teach some-
educate
of alcohol.
relating to the economy I dont agree educated /edjketd/ adjective hav-
educated
with the governments economic policy. ing been to school and university
The government has introduced con-
education /edjke()n/ noun the
education
(years old) next week. The train
The cuts in spending will have a seri- leaves at eighteen twenty (18:20).
ous effect on the hospital. The cream eighteenth /eti
n/ adjective relating
eighteenth
has had no effect on her rash. The ef- to number 18 in a series The eight-
fects of the shock took some time to wear eenth of April or April the eighteenth
off. with effect from starting from (April 18th). Todays the seventeenth,
(formal ) Prices will be increased by so tomorrow must be the eighteenth.
10% with effect from January 1st. Thats the eighteenth invoice weve sent
effective /fektv/ adjective 1. which
effective
out today. Its his eighteenth birthday
produces the required result His meth- next week. noun number 18 in a series
od of keeping the children quiet is very A lot of people have called me today
effective. Advertising on TV is a very shes the eighteenth.
eighth /et/, 8th adjective relating to
eighth
which produces a good result The Monday. noun number eight in a se-
floodlighting worked very effectively. ries Hes the eighth in line to the
throne. King Henry the Eighth (Henry
effectiveness /fektvns/ noun the
effectiveness
VIII) had six wives. (NOTE: eighth is
ability to produce an effective result usually written 8th in dates: April 8th,
efficient /f()nt/ adjective able to
efficient
1999; September 8th, 1866 (American
work well and do what is necessary style is September 8, 1866), say the
without wasting time, money or effort eighth of September or September
He needs an efficient assistant to look the eighth (American style is Septem-
after him. The new system of printing ber eighth); with names of kings and
invoices is very efficient. queens, eighth is usually written VIII:
King Henry VIII, say: King Henry the
efficiently /f()ntli/ adverb in an ef-
efficiently
Eighth.)
ficient way
eightieth /eti/, 80th adjective relat-
eightieth
ing electricity and very small parts
stretches Youll need to sew this piece which affect the electric current which
of elastic onto the ballet shoes. adjec- passes through them an electronic ad-
tive able to stretch and contract She dress book My car has an electronic
was wearing tight shorts made of some ignition.
elastic material. electronics /elektrnks/ noun the
electronics
voting She was elected MP for the African or Indian animal, with large
town. The president is elected for a ears, a trunk and two long teeth called
term of four years. The chairman is tusks
elected by the members of the commit-
elevator /elvet/ noun US a machine
elevator
tee.
for moving people up or down from
election /lekn/ noun the process of
election
floor to floor inside a building Take
choosing by voting After the election, the elevator to the 26th floor.
the crowds were dancing in the streets.
eleven /lev()n/ noun the number 11
eleven
me at eleven (oclock).
by electricity Is your cooker electric eleventh /lev()n/, 11th adjective re-
eleventh
ing to electricity a shop selling elec- nouns) What else can I say? Every-
trical appliances The college offers one else had already left. Who else
courses in electrical engineering. was at the meeting? or else or if not
They are trying to repair an electrical We could do it now, or else wait till
fault. John comes. You must have a ticket, or
electricity /lektrsti/ noun energy
electricity
else you will be thrown off the train by
used to make light, heat, or power We the inspector.
elsewhere /elswe/ adverb some-
elsewhere
month. The electricity was cut off this where else, in another place This shop
morning. The heating is run by elec- doesnt stock maps, so youll have to try
tricity. The cottage is in the mountains elsewhere.
Basic.fm Page 109 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
a system of sending messages from one table for emphasis as she spoke. 2. how
computer to another, using telephone loud your voice is when you pronounce
lines You can contact me by phone or a word or phrase Everyone noticed the
email if you want. Ill give you my emphasis he put on the word peace.
email address. 2. a message sent by (NOTE: The plural is emphases.)
email I had two emails from him this emphasise /emfsaz/, emphasize
emphasise
morning. verb to send a message to verb to show how important you feel
someone using email I emailed him something is, by saying it more loudly
about the meeting. or slowly Please emphasise that the
embarrass /mbrs/ verb to make meeting must start on time. He em-
embarrass
we make more money? How can we
existence as something It was only af- best employ our free time on Sunday?
employee /mpli
/ noun a person
employee
gerous situation such as a fire or an ac- organisation that gives work to people
cident, where decisions have to be taken and pays them Her employer was a
quickly Phone for an ambulance Hong Kong businessman. The car fac-
this is an emergency! tory is the biggest employer in the area.
emotion /m()n/ noun a strong
emotion
feeling Hatred and love are two of the ular paid work
most powerful emotions. He tried to
empty /empti/ adjective with nothing
empty
Take an empty pot and fill it with soil.
causing you to feel emotion, or showing The fridge is empty well have to go
emotion Saying goodbye was an emo- out to eat. The ski resorts are empty
tional time for us all. The music made because there is no snow. (NOTE: empti-
her feel very emotional and she started er emptiest) verb to make some-
to cry. thing empty She emptied the clothes
emphasis /emfss/ noun 1. the act of
emphasis
ble for someone to do something The finally, at last In the end the teacher
dictionary should enable you to under- let him go home. In the end the shop
stand English better. (NOTE: enables had to call in the police. to make
enabling enabled) ends meet to have just enough money
to live on Im having trouble making
enclose /nklz/ verb 1. to put some-
enclose
ends meet.
thing inside an envelope with a letter
I am enclosing a copy of our current end up phrasal verb to finish in a par-
catalogue. Please find our cheque en- ticular situation
endeavour /ndev/ verb to try very
endeavour
and fax. (NOTE: The US spelling is en-
rounded on all sides an enclosed deavor.)
ending /end/ noun the way a story
ending
space
encounter /nkant/ verb to meet
encounter
finishes I like films which have a hap-
someone or something On the journey py ending. He told us so much of the
we encountered several amusing peo- story that we could guess the ending.
enemy /enmi/ noun a person or coun-
enemy
other, and may try to harm them Did
it easier for something to happen your husband have many enemies?
Leaving your credit cards on your desk (NOTE: The plural is enemies.)
energetic /end"etk/ adjective active
energetic
clopaedia noun 1. a reference book which makes something work the use
containing articles on many subjects of of atomic energy or nuclear energy to
human knowledge, usually presented in make electricity We try to save energy
alphabetical order 2. a reference book by switching off the lights when the
containing articles on a single subject, rooms are empty.
arranged usually in alphabetical order engine /end"n/ noun 1. a machine
engine
be finished The work should come to who looks after and repairs technical
an end next month. 2. the final part of a equipment There are not enough tele-
period of time Can you wait until the phone engineers in the area. The pho-
end of the week? verb when some- tocopiers broken down again well
thing ends, it reaches the point when it have to call the engineer. 2. a person
stops happening The film ends with a whose job is to design mechanical, elec-
wedding. The meeting ended with eve- trical or industrial equipment
Basic.fm Page 111 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
enlarge /nl
d"/ verb to make some-
enlarge
southern part of the island of Great Brit- thing bigger Could you enlarge this
ain, the largest country in the United photograph?
Kingdom How long does it take to
enormous /n
ms/ adjective of an
enormous
cross from England to France? A lot extremely large size The ballroom is
of Scottish people live in England. absolutely enormous. He ate an enor-
(NOTE: the word England is often used
mous lunch.
instead of Britain, and this is a mistake,
enormously /n
msli/ adverb very
enormously
lish; currency: pound sterling) needed Have you got enough money
English /'l/ adjective relating to
English
for your fare or to pay your fare?
England the beautiful English coun- There isnt enough light to take photo-
tryside Is the English weather really graphs. pronoun as much of some-
as bad as it is made out to be? I think thing as is needed I had 20 in my
she is English, although she speaks with purse to pay the taxi, but it wasnt
an Australian accent. (NOTE: English is enough. Have you all had enough to
often used instead of British. This is a eat? adverb as much as is needed
mistake as England is only one part of This box isnt big enough for all these
Great Britain. Do not say the English books. He doesnt work fast enough.
ensure /n/ verb to make sure of
ensure
Smith is our English teacher. She into a place He took off his hat as he
gives English lessons at home in the entered the church. Did they stamp
evenings. There are twenty students in your passport when you entered the
my English class. country? 2. to decide to take part in a
Englishman /'lmn/ noun a man race or competition She has entered
Englishman
from England (NOTE: The plural is Eng- the 2,000 metres. 3. to write information
lishmen.) on a book or a form, or to type informa-
tion into a computer system We will
Englishwoman /'lwmn/ noun
Englishwoman
job the land, the water, the air and the build-
entertainment /enttenmnt/ noun ings which are around us, and the condi-
entertainment
things such as films and shows that peo- tions in which we live The environ-
ple enjoy watching She sang for their ment in the office is not good for con-
entertainment. Theres not much en- centrated work. The pollution
tertainment in the village the nearest produced by the factory is causing long-
cinema is 25km away. term damage to the environment.
environmental /nvarnment()l/
environmental
enthusiasm /nju
ziz()m/ noun
enthusiasm
new project.
enthusiastic /nju
zistk/ adjec-
enthusiastic
that you would like to have something
tive showing great interest and approval which someone else has Her beautiful
The editor was very enthusiastic long dark hair filled us all with envy.
about my book. There were enthusias- verb to have the unhappy feeling that
tic cheers at the end of the performance. you would like to have something that
someone else has I dont envy him
entire /nta/ adjective whole We
entire
to the audience.
duced by living cells which makes other
entirely /ntali/ adverb completely
entirely
substances change, as when digestion
I agree with you entirely. This is an takes place
entirely separate problem.
equal /i
kwl/ adjective having exactly
equal
into a place The sign on the door said six. (NOTE: equals equalling
No Entry. 2. the door or opening equalled. The US spelling is equaling
where you go into a place The entry to equaled.) noun a person who is on
the cave was blocked by rocks. 3. a piece the same level as someone else I dont
of information in a such as a dictionary, consider him your equal. Were all
or in a computer system She looked up equals here.
equally /i
kwli/ adverb in exactly the
equally
per cover for sending letters in She ly badly. They were both equally re-
wrote the address on the envelope and sponsible for the mistake.
sealed it. She wrote down all the in- equipment /kwpmnt/ noun all the
equipment
formation on the back of an envelope. things such as tools, arms and machines
Basic.fm Page 113 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
or speaking There isnt a single error 1. the act of creating something She
in the whole document. The waiter helped them with the establishment of
made an error in calculating the bill. the local drama society. (NOTE: no plu-
erupt /rpt/ verb (of a volcano) to
erupt
ral in this sense) 2. a business; an or-
throw out fire and other very hot sub- ganisation Its an establishment which
stances The volcano last erupted in imports radios from China. He runs
1968. an important teaching establishment.
Establishment, the /stblmnt/
Establishment, the
away from prison or from a difficult sit- noun the most important people in soci-
uation There were three escapes from ety, especially those who are in authori-
this jail last year. A weekend by the ty He spent a lot of his life fighting
sea was a wonderful escape from the of- against the Establishment.
estate /stet/ noun 1. a large area of
estate
fice.
land belonging to one owner He owns
for showing that something is the case a 250-acre estate in Norfolk. 2. a group
to a great degree This suitcase is espe- of houses on one piece of land, usually
cially heavy. 2. used for showing that all built at the same time
estimate1 /estmt/ noun a calculation
estimate
cream is an essential in the desert. on, and other things like this Fruit
Weve got all the basic essentials food, such as oranges, bananas, etc.
water and fuel. euro /jr/ noun the unit of money
euro
including the UK Holidays in Europe which keeps its leaves all winter Holly
are less popular than last year. and other evergreens can be used as
European /jrpi
n/ adjective re-
European
decorations in winter.
lating to Europe every /evri/ adjective 1. each It rained
every
judgement about something after think- have a party every New Years Day.
ing carefully about it The students Every Wednesday, he goes for a swim in
were asked to evaluate the usefulness of the local pool. Every house in the
the lessons. street has a garden. 2. with a particular
amount of time or distance in between
evaluation /vljue()n/ noun the
evaluation
everyone
to turn into steam by being heated Wa-
everyone /evriwn/ pronoun all the
everyone
saw her yesterday evening. The acci- things Did you bring everything you
dent took place at 8.30 in the evening. need? The burglars stole everything
We arrived in London at breakfast time, of value. Everything he says annoys
having left New York the previous me. 2. things in general Everything
evening. We always go to a restaurant was dark in the street. Everything is
on Sunday evenings. They took an under control.
evening flight to Madrid. The evening
everywhere /evriwe/ adverb in all
everywhere
which happens the events leading up proves that something really exists or
to the war A babys first birthday is has happened The bloodstains on his
always a very happy event. coat were clear evidence of the crime.
eventually /ventuli/ adverb in the Scientists are looking for evidence of
eventually
end After weeks of hesitation he even- life on Mars. There is no evidence that
tually decided to sell the cottage. he was ever there.
evident /evd()nt/ adjective obvious
evident
evil /i
v()l/ adjective morally very bad
evil
person used to have a particular job or the eleventh century. to set an exam-
relationship an ex-soldier Toms my ple to do things well or properly your-
ex-boyfriend. self, so that other people can copy you
exact /'zkt/ adjective completely ac-
exact
He sets everyone a good example by get-
ting into the office before 8.00 every
curate, with no more or no less What
is the exact time of arrival? Could you morning. to make an example of
repeat the exact words she used? The someone to punish someone so that oth-
salesgirl asked me if I had the exact ers will learn not to do what that person
sum, since she had no change. did Her teacher made an example of
her by making her miss the class trip.
exactly /'zktli/ adverb not more, not
exactly
exceed /ksi
d/ verb to go beyond
exceed
and fifty cents. The time is exactly something The car was exceeding the
16.24. speed limit. Our expenses have ex-
ceeded our income for the first time.
exaggerate /'zd"ret/ verb to
exaggerate
Did the UN troops exceed their man-
make things seem, e.g. worse, better, date?
bigger than they really are The wide
excellent /ekslnt/ adjective very
excellent
mine.
tion The exam was very difficult
except /ksept/ preposition not includ-
except
ine the shops scales to see if they show to a very great degree, often so great as
the correct weight. The customs offi- to be surprising
cials wanted to examine the inside of the exchange /kstend"/ verb to give
exchange
car. The water samples were exam- one thing and to get another thing back
ined in the laboratory. 2. to test a stu- The footballers from the two teams ex-
dent They examined everyone in changed shirts at the end of the match.
mathematics and computer skills. noun the act of giving one thing for
examiner /'zmn/ noun a person
examiner
at or by the thought of going on holiday. notebook with lines on each page for
The children are excited because its writing school work in
the Christmas holidays. Whats every- exhausted /'z
std/ adjective very
exhausted
children.
feeling of being excited Whats all the exhibition /eksb()n/ noun a public
exhibition
film or an experience) full of activity, When I was a child, colour TV didnt ex-
sometimes making you a little scared ist. I dont believe the document exists
because you do not know what is going I think it has been burnt.
to happen I couldnt sleep after
existence /'zstns/ noun the state of
existence
thing which proves the existence of life
thing loudly and suddenly on Mars? They lived a miserable ex-
exclude /ksklu
d/ verb not to include
exclude
fire is excluded from the insurance poli- tion at this moment Can we modify
cy. Dont exclude his name from your the existing structure in some way?
list. Existing regulations do not allow the
excuse1 /kskju
s/ noun a reason given sale of food in the street.
excuse
for doing something wrong, or for not exit /e'zt/ noun a way out of a building
exit
doing what was expected His excuse The customers all rushed towards the
for not coming was that he forgot the exits when the fire alarm rang.
date. expand /kspnd/ verb to increase the
expand
excuse2 /kskju
z/ verb to forgive
excuse
execute /ekskju
t/ verb 1. to kill
execute
to take exercise to do physical move- hope; a feeling that something will hap-
ments, like walking or running, in order pen She lived up to all our expecta-
to keep fit You should take some exer- tions. We thought our team would do
Basic.fm Page 117 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
which you think or hope will happen 2. lot about a subject They can give you
due to arrive Our guests are expected expert advice on DIY. 2. expert at do-
at 10 oclock. ing something very good at doing
expedition /ekspd()n/ noun a
expedition
something Im not very expert at mak-
journey to explore a place He set off ing pastry. noun 1. a person who
on an expedition to the South Pole. knows a great deal about a subject a
leading expert in tropical medicine or
expense /kspens/ noun an amount of
expense
on tropical diseases A rose expert was
money that you have to pay I cant af- the judge at the flower show. 2. a person
ford the expense of a holiday just now. who is very good at doing something
The expense of running a household an expert plumber Hes an expert at
seems to increase every week. getting the children to go to bed.
expensive /kspensv/ adjective cost-
expensive
ing a lot of money Fresh vegetables sons for something Can you explain
are more expensive in winter. Send why the weather is cold in winter and
your furniture to Australia by sea it warm in summer? 2. to make something
would be much too expensive by air. clear He tried to explain the new pen-
experience /ksprins/ noun 1.
experience
your past experience in your CV. reason for something The police offic-
Some experience of selling is required er asked him for an explanation of why
for this job. (NOTE: no plural in this the stolen car was in his garage. The
sense) 2. something that happens to company has given no explanation for
you Going to the top of the Eiffel Tow- the change of plan.
er was a wonderful experience. He
explode /kspld/ verb (of bombs,
explode
the desert. verb to live through some- etc.) to blow up A bomb exploded in a
thing Im surprised shes so cheerful crowded train.
explore /kspl
/ verb to travel and dis-
explore
have experienced a great deal of pleas- cover place and things that you have not
ure and frustration in my career. He is seen before It is a part of the jungle
experiencing sharp pains in his tooth. which has never been explored before.
experienced /ksprinst/ adjective
experienced
We spent our holidays exploring Hol-
good at something because you have land by canal.
explosion /kspl"()n/ noun an oc-
explosion
you have had Shes a very experi- casion on which something such as a
enced doctor. Hes the most experi- bomb explodes Several explosions
enced member of our staff. The police were heard during the night as the army
are experienced in crowd control. occupied the city.
experiment1 /kspermnt/ noun a explosive /ksplsv/ noun a sub-
experiment explosive
scientific test; a way of finding out stance used for destroying things by
about something to carry out scientif- making them explode Tests revealed
ic experiments Were offering our cus- traces of explosive on his hands. The
tomers free samples as an experiment. box contained explosives. Police ex-
experiment2 /ksperment/ verb to
experiment
plosives experts defused the bomb.
export1 /eksp
t/ noun the business of
export
big export trade in wine. a product outside The external walls of the
sent to a foreign country to be sold house are quite solid. Her injuries
The countrys major export is tea. Ex- were all external.
ports to Africa have increased by 25%. extinct /kstkt/ adjective 1. (of a type
extinct
export2 /ksp
t/ verb to send goods to
export
coming extinct. 2. ((of a volcano)) no
thoughts or feelings in words, pictures longer active The mountain is an ex-
or actions He expressed his gratitude tinct volcano.
extra /ekstr/ adjective more than usu-
extra
/kstr
d()nrli/
extraordinarily
extraordinarily
cows come home is an expression adverb extremely Her action was ex-
which means for a very long time. 2. a traordinarily brave.
extraordinary /kstr
d()n()ri/ ad-
extraordinary
feeling His expression showed how jective 1. wonderful Seeing her again
miserable he was. Everyone noticed gave him an extraordinary thrill. A
the expression of surprise on her face. 3. peacocks feathers are quite extraordi-
the act of expressing thoughts and feel- nary. 2. very unusual Its extraordi-
ings nary weather for June.
extreme /kstri
m/ adjective 1. very
extreme
something out She extended both great The device is made to withstand
arms in welcome. 2. to cover a particular extreme cold. He showed extreme re-
are area of land The grounds of the luctance to get involved. 2. considered
house extend over two hectares. 3. to unreasonable by some people He
make something longer or bigger We holds extreme views.
extremely /kstri
mli/ adverb to a very
extremely
The company has extended my contract great degree It was extremely hot in
for another two years. August. The film is extremely long,
and some people left before the end. It
extension /kstenn/ noun 1. the act
extension
needle, through which the thread goes
ing a large area or amount The to catch someones eye to look at
grounds of the house are very extensive. someone who is looking at you She
The church roof needs extensive re- caught his eye and nodded towards the
pair work. door. to keep an eye on someone
extent /kstent/ noun the degree, size or
extent
available or nearby I must keep an eye growing round the edges of your eyes
out for Seville oranges to make some (NOTE: The plural is eyelashes.)
marmalade. Can you keep an eye out eyelid /ald/ noun a piece of skin which
eyelid
for the traffic warden while I go into the covers the eye
bank?
eyesight /asat/ noun the ability to see
eyesight
F
f /ef/, F noun the sixth letter of the alpha- it is surprising Have you seen John re-
f
the success of the village fair is the
invented story that is not true The weather. 2. one of the numbers which
newspaper story was a complete fabri- produce a certain other number when
cation from start to finish. multiplied Four and two are factors of
eight.
face /fes/ noun 1. the front part of your
face
tance. 3. to become less noisy The
something easily She has a facility for sound of the music faded away.
fail /fel/ verb 1. not to succeed The ex-
fail
I
dont have much faith in these new to look like something real a set of
teaching methods. 2. a religious belief false nails
We must respect people of other faiths. falsehood /f
lshd/ noun a lie (liter-
falsehood
seen before; that you know The dog don? The road was blocked by cars as
wagged its tail as it heard its masters far as we could see. 2. used with com-
familiar voice at the door. He looked paratives to mean much It is far
round the room, and saw a couple of fa- cheaper to go by bus than by train.
miliar faces. Restaurant food is far nicer than the
family /fm()li/ noun 1. a group of
family
food at college. adjective a long way
people who are related to each other, es- away; distant The shop is at the far
pecially mother, father and children end of the High Street. (NOTE: far far-
ther /f
/ or further /f
/ - far-
The Jones family are going on holiday
thest /f
st/ or furthest /f
st/)
to Spain. He grew up in a big family.
fare /fe/ noun a price which you have to
fare
farm /f
m/ noun an area of land used for
farm
farmer /f
m/ noun a person who man-
farmer
very interesting A microscope gives
had a fantastic time on holiday. ad- you a fascinating glimpse of life in a
jective strange; like a dream His sto- drop of water. The book gives a fasci-
ries are full of fantastic creatures. nating description of London in the
fantasy /fntsi/ noun an invented sto-
fantasy
driving fast cars. She was driving in shop is at fault if they sent you the wrong
the fast lane of the motorway. 2. not table.
faulty /f
lti/ adjective 1. not working
faulty
something tightly Please fasten your done to help someone Can I ask a fa-
seatbelts. These shoes fasten with a vour will you look after my bike while
buckle.
Im in the post office? 2. approval or
fastener /f
s()n/ noun an object
fastener
or weighing too much Two fat men got make things easier for someone The
out of the little white car. Youll have conditions favour Australian bowlers.
to eat less youre getting too fat. favourable /fev()rb()l/ adjective
favourable
which, when you twist it, lets liquid or fax /fks/ noun a copy of a document or
fax
a group of people, especially one eaten such as a doctor or lawyer for work done
to celebrate a special occasion 2. a spe- Private school fees are very high.
cial religious day Today is the Feast of The lawyers fee for two days work was
St Nicholas. more than I earn in a month!
feat /fi
t/ noun an particularly difficult feeble /fi
b()l/ adjective 1. physically
feat feeble
part The tour features a visit to the ally with your fingers Feel how soft
Valley of the Kings. The next pro- the bed is. 2. to seem soft, cold, etc.,
gramme will feature a discussion be- when touched The bed feels hard.
tween environmental experts. 3. to ap- The stone floor felt cold. 3. to experi-
pear as the main actor in, or as the sub- ence something with your body or mind
ject of a film or a TV programme She Did you feel the table move? I felt
has featured in many TV series. the lift go down suddenly. Do you feel
February /februri/ noun the second
February
feeling /fi
l/ noun something which
feeling
fell /fel/ past tense of fall
fell
She has very few friends at work. We
go to fewer concerts than last year.
fellow /fel/ noun 1. a man A young
fellow
wood or wire, used to keep people or an- a farm, used for keeping animals or
imals in or out of a place The fence growing crops a field of potatoes
was blown down. The boys looked The sheep are in the field. 2. a piece of
through the hole in the fence. The ground for playing a game a football
builders put up a fence round the con- field The two teams ran onto the field.
struction site. fierce /fs/ adjective very angry and
fierce
ferocious /frs/ adjective wild likely to attack Watch out that dog
ferocious
the night ferry to Belgium. Theres a There are fifteen players in a rugby
ferry across the Rhine here. team. Shes fifteen (years old).
festival /festv()l/ noun 1. a religious
festival
public holiday The tour will visit number 15 in a series the fifteenth of
Hong Kong for the Lantern Festival. 2. July or July the fifteenth (July 15th).
an event, often lasting several days, Thats the fifteenth phone call Ive made
where entertainment is provided We this morning. It will be her fifteenth
saw some excellent plays at the Edin- birthday next week. noun number 15
burgh Festival this year. in a series Our house is the fifth on the
fetch /fet/ verb to go to a place and
fetch
right.
bring someone or something back Its fifth /ff/ adjective relating to number 5
fifth
your turn to fetch the children from in a series The fifth of May or May the
school. Can you fetch me the atlas? fifth (May 5th). Its his fifth birthday
fever /fi
v/ noun a state in which the
fever
tomorrow. noun one part of five equal
bodys temperature is higher than nor- parts
fiftieth /ffti/ adjective relating to
fiftieth
My
mother made fifty pots of jam. Hes empty spaces on a form Could you
fifty (years old). please fill out this form?
fill up phrasal verb to make something
fight /fat/ noun 1. an occasion on which
fight
1977.
e.g. 35 I cant read the figure on the filthy /fli/ adjective very dirty Your
filthy
order is it 250? He added up the fig- hands are absolutely filthy! (NOTE: filth-
ures on the bill. Cheques have to be ier filthiest)
made out in both words and figures.
fin /fn/ noun a thin part on the body of a
fin
making rough surfaces smooth Use a end The police finally cleared up the
file to round off the edges of the metal. 2. mystery. The little boy finally turned
a container similar to an envelope, used up in Edinburgh.
for keeping documents in When you
finance /fanns/ noun money, espe-
finance
have finished with the papers, put them cially money which belongs to the pub-
back in the file. The police have a file lic or to a company How are you go-
on him. 3. a set of information held in a ing to raise the finance for the project?
computer Type the name of the file My finances are in a poor state at the
and then press enter. moment. verb to provide money for
fill /fl/ verb to make something full; to
fill
ment of the city centre is being financed completely Havent you finished your
locally. homework yet? Tell me when youve
financial /fannl/ adjective relating finished reading the paper. You cant
financial
to money What is our financial posi- go out until youve finished doing the
tion? The company has got into finan- washing up. 2. to come to an end The
cial difficulties. game will finish at about four oclock.
find /fand/ verb 1. to see where some- finish up phrasal verb 1. to be some-
find
thing hidden or lost is after looking for where in the end We got lost and fin-
it I found a 2 coin behind the sofa. ished up miles from our hotel. 2. to eat
Did she find the book she was looking something completely You must finish
for? 2. to discover something which was up all your vegetables.
fir /f
/ noun fir tree a tree with needle-
fir
dry and sunny Well go for a walk to- emergency in which something such as
morrow if the weather stays fine. Lets a building burns They lost all their be-
hope its fine for the village fair next longings in the fire. 4. shooting with
week. 2. well; healthy I was ill in bed guns The soldiers came under fire.
yesterday, but today Im feeling fine. 3. verb 1. to shoot a gun The gunmen
with no problems How are things at fired at the police car. We could hear
home? Fine! 4. acceptable Its fine guns firing in the distance. 2. to tell
to wear casual clothes for this meeting. someone that they must leave their job
5. very thin or very small Use a sharp because of something wrong they have
pencil if you want to draw fine lines. I done She was fired for being late.
cant read the notice the print is too fireplace /faples/ noun a hole in the
fireplace
fine. adverb satisfactorily or well wall of a room where you can light a fire
Its working fine. noun money which for heating
you have to pay as a punishment for firework /faw
k/ noun a small tube
firework
having done something wrong I had holding chemicals which will shine
to pay a 25 fine for parking in a No brightly or explode when lit
Parking area. verb to make someone
firm /f
m/ adjective 1. solid or fixed
firm
first-class /f
st kl
s/ adjective 1.
first-class
very good quality You can get a first- gas (NOTE: Drinks which are not fizzy
class meal in that hotel. 2. using the are still. A drink which is no longer
most expensive seats on a plane or train fizzy is flat.)
flag /fl'/ noun a piece of brightly col-
flag
try of catching fish which falls from the sky Snow fell in
large soft flakes all night.
fist /fst/ noun a tightly closed hand
fist
ness, or of an emotion such as anger part of a fire, or the light that burns on a
She had a coughing fit or a fit of cough- candle Flames could be seen coming
ing. In a fit of anger he threw the plate out of the upstairs windows.
flap /flp/ noun a flat part which is at-
flap
or curved a house with a flat roof 2. lessly and with a lot of force He flung
(of a battery) with no electric power left the empty bottle into the sea. (NOTE:
The car wouldnt start because the flings flinging flung)
battery was flat. noun a set of rooms float /flt/ verb 1. to lie on the top of a
float
on one floor, usually in a building with liquid Dead fish were floating in the
several similar sets of rooms They live river. 2. to put something on the top of a
in the block of flats next to the under- liquid He floated a paper boat on the
ground station. Their flat is on the lake.
ground floor.
flock /flk/ noun a group of similar ani-
flock
please them Just flatter the boss a bit, side. (NOTE: flock is usually used with
tell him how good his golf is, and hell sheep, goats, and birds such as hens
give you a rise. or geese. For cattle, the word to use is
herd.) verb to move in large numbers
flavor /flev/ noun, verb US spelling of
flavor
you want? verb to add things such as over an area of land which is usually dry
salt or pepper to food, to give it a special The floods were caused by heavy rain.
taste soup flavoured with herbs Use verb 1. to cover something with water
rosemary to flavour lamb. They are going to build a dam and
flee /fli
/ verb to run away from some-
flee
big hit on Broadway but it flopped in flying ants noun the act of travel-
London. (NOTE: flops flopping ling in a plane He has a fear of flying.
flopped)
foam /fm/ noun a mass of small bub-
foam
powder, used for making food such as bles This soap makes a large amount
bread or cakes of foam.
fog /f'/ noun a thick mist made up of
fog
air She came in with a big smile, flour- such as cloth or skin which hangs down
ishing a cheque. loosely She wanted the surgeon to re-
flow /fl/ verb to move along smoothly move the folds of skin under her chin.
flow
The river flows into the sea. Traffic verb to bend something such as a piece
on the motorway is flowing smoothly. of paper so that one part is on top of the
noun the movement of things such as other Fold the piece of paper in half.
liquid or air, or of people She tried to He folded the newspaper and put it
stop the flow of blood with a tight band- into his briefcase.
age. There was a steady flow of visi- folder /fld/ noun an envelope made
folder
tors to the exhibition. of thin card or plastic and used for hold-
flower /fla/ noun the colourful part of
flower
ing papers
a plant, which attracts insects and pro-
folk /fk/ noun people (NOTE: Folk
folk
inch (NOTE: The plural is feet. As a they are not allowed to do something
measurement foot often has no plural The staff are forbidden to use the front
form: six foot tall; three foot wide. With entrance. (NOTE: forbids forbidding
numbers foot is also often written with forbade /fbd/ forbidden /f
football /ftb
l/ noun 1. a game
football
boots. 2. a ball used for kicking; the ball think will happen in the future His
used in the various games of football forecast of sales turned out to be com-
They were kicking a football around in pletely accurate. verb to say what will
the street. happen in the future They are fore-
footballer /ftb
l/ noun a person
footballer
by a foot touching the ground We front of the head above the eyes and be-
heard soft footsteps along the corridor. low the line of the hair
Basic.fm Page 132 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
own country There are lots of foreign or stand with others so as to make a par-
medical students at our college. ticular shape The children formed a
foreigner /frn/ noun a person who
foreigner
circle. Form a queue here, please. 2.
does not come from the same country as formed of made of The team is
you formed of ex-students.
formal /f
m()l/ adjective 1. done ac-
formal
with trees The country is covered with cording to certain rules The formal
opening ceremony was performed by
thick forests. In dry weather theres a
the mayor. 2. serious in style; suitable
danger of forest fires. In winter bears
for special or official occasions Good
come out of the forest to search for food.
afternoon is a formal way of saying
forever /f
rev/, for ever /fr ev/
forever
Hello in the afternoon.
adverb 1. always in the future I will
formally /f
mli/ adverb according to
formally
love you forever. 2. a very long time It rules; done or spoken in a serious way
took us forever to get to the hotel.
formation /f
me()n/ noun the act
formation
of forming something The formation
Hes forgotten the name of the restau- of ice occurs at temperatures below ze-
rant. Ive forgotten how to play chess. ro.
She forgot all about her doctors ap-
former /f
m/ adjective referring to a
former
with someone Dont worry about it time He was formerly head of our de-
I forgive you! Will she ever forgive me partment.
fort /f
t/ noun a strong army building
fort
desert.
forgotten /f't()n/ past participle of
forgotten
forth /f
/ adverb forwards
forth
forget
fortieth /f
t/ adjective relating to
fortieth
fork /f
k/ noun an object with a handle
fork
mood; well Shes in good form today. amount of money He won a fortune
3. a class, usually in a secondary school on the lottery. She made a fortune on
Basic.fm Page 133 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
to tell your fortune using cards. thing; to begin something The busi-
forty /f
ti/ noun the number 40 Shes ness was founded in 1900. past tense
forty
forty (years old). He has more than and past participle of find
forty pairs of shoes. forties the num- foundation /fande()n/ noun 1. the
foundation
which is going to happen Im looking has four corners. Hes four (years
forward to my holidays. He isnt look- old). I have an appointment with the
ing forward to his exams. Im looking doctor at four (oclock).
forward to seeing her again. noun a fourteen /f
ti
n/ noun the number 14
fourteen
player in a team whose job is to attack There are fourteen houses in our
the other side The England defence street. Hes fourteen (years old) next
came under attack from the other teams week.
forwards.
fourteenth /f
ti
n/ adjective, noun
fourteenth
forwards /f
wdz/ adverb in the di-
forwards
forwards.
the fourth of October or October the
fossil /fs()l/ noun the mark of an ani-
fossil
materials that are easily broken Be not decay We froze the raspberries we
careful when youre packing these picked this morning. 3. to become very
plates theyre very fragile. cold The forecast is that it will freeze
tonight. Put a hat on or youll freeze!
fragment /fr'mnt/ noun a small
fragment
glass.
frail /frel/ adjective physically weak, es-
frail
ment like a large box, which is very cold
pecially because of age His grand- inside, used for freezing food and keep-
mother is now rather frail. ing it frozen
freezing /fri
z/ adjective very cold
freezing
not in prison or a cage After six years The ferries dont run as frequently in
in prison hes a free man again. to set the winter. She could frequently be
someone or something free to allow seen walking her dog in the park.
someone to leave prison, or to let an an-
fresh /fre/ adjective 1. not used or not
fresh
kind, wanting to make friends Dont which is furthest forward The front of
be frightened of the dog hes very the house is on London Road. She
friendly. Were not on friendly terms spilt coffee down the front of her dress.
with the people who live next door. adjective which is in front She sat
(NOTE: friendlier friendliest) in the front seat, next to the driver. in
front further forwards Her mother sat
friendship /frendp/ noun the state of
friendship
animal with long legs, which jumps, and skin on your forehead because you are
lives both on land and in water He concentrating or worried He frowned
kept some tadpoles in a jar hoping they as he tried to do the calculation. noun
would turn into frogs. Can you hear pulling your eyebrows together as a sign
the frogs croaking round the pond? that you are angry or worried Take
from /frm, frm/ preposition 1. away
from
trees or plants, which is often eaten raw Why did you do that? Just for the fun
and is usually sweet You should eat of it! to make fun of someone, to
five pieces of fruit or vegetables every poke fun at someone to laugh at
day. He has six fruit trees in his gar- someone Dont make fun of her
den. shes trying her best. He poked fun at
the Prime Minister.
fry /fra/ verb to cook something in oil or
fry
as is possible Is the box full? The tive basic; essential The fundamental
bag is full of potatoes. We couldnt get difference between us is that I apologise
on the first bus because it was full. All for my mistakes and you dont. Good
the hotels were full. 2. complete You air quality is fundamental for childrens
must give the police full details of the health.
accident. Write your full name and funds /fndz/ noun money which is
funds
address at the top of the paper. adverb available for spending He started a
completely The story has never been course at college and then ran out of
told in full. funds. The company has the funds to
full stop /fl stp/ noun a punctuation set up the research programme. Funds
full stop
mark like a small dot, showing the end are available to get the project off the
of a sentence or an abbreviation ground.
fully /fli/ adverb completely He was funeral /fju
n()rl/ noun a ceremony
funeral
fully
fully aware that he had made a mistake. at which a dead person is buried or cre-
She still hasnt fully recovered from mated The church was packed for her
her accident. The hotel is fully booked funeral. The funeral will take place on
for the Christmas week. When fully Friday morning.
grown, an elephant can weigh several fungus /f's/ noun a plant which has
fungus
river. for fun as a joke or for enjoy- opening and a narrow tube, used when
ment She poured water down his neck pouring liquids from one container into
for fun. Just for fun, he drove the car another
Basic.fm Page 137 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
laugh He made funny faces and all the Please send me further details of holi-
children laughed. That joke isnt fun- days in Greece.
ny. 2. strange Shes been behaving in furthest /f
st/ adverb, adjective at
furthest
a funny way recently. Theres a funny or to the greatest distance Some of the
smell in the bathroom. (NOTE: funnier staff live quite close to the office James
funniest) lives furthest away. The furthest dis-
fur /f
/ noun the soft covering of an ani- tance I have ever flown is to Hong Kong.
fur
mals body This type of cat has very fury /fjri/ noun very strong anger
fury
e.g. a house or an office such as tables, has a 13-amp fuse. If the lights go out,
chairs, beds and cupboards The bur- the first thing to do is to check the fuses.
glars stole all our office furniture. You fuss /fs/ noun unnecessary excitement
fuss
should cover up all the furniture before or complaints Whats all the fuss
you start painting the ceiling. (NOTE: no about?
plural: some furniture; a lot of furniture;
future /fju
t/ noun a time which has
future
a piece of furniture)
not yet happened What are his plans
furry /f
ri/ adjective covered with fur
furry
G
g /d"i
/, G noun the seventh letter of the gle match between two opponents or
g
the hedge.
a place where objects such as pictures
gape /'ep/ verb 1. to open your mouth
gape
ly on horseback The riders galloped cars. 2. a place where petrol is sold and
through the woods. He galloped where cars are repaired or sold
through his lecture. noun the fastest Wheres the nearest garage? I need
running speed of a horse The horse some petrol. I cant drive you to the
went off at a gallop. station my car is in the garage for re-
game /'em/ noun 1. an activity in
game
pair. You can hire cars from the ga-
which people compete with each other rage near the post office.
garbage /'
bd"/ noun 1. nonsense
garbage
who looks after a garden either as a hob- of the same sex, or relating to people
by or as a job like this Its a club where gay men and
gardening /'
d()n/ noun the activ-
gardening
women meet. They met in a gay bar. 2.
ity of looking after a garden bright and lively (dated ) The houses
along the street are all painted in gay
garlic /'
lk/ noun a round white vege-
garlic
bill. noun a sudden loud breath that cell which carries information about
you take when you are surprised or in features that are passed from parent to
pain She gave a gasp when she saw child
the face at the window.
general /d"en()rl/ adjective not spe-
general
people together He gathered his pa- The office is generally closed between
pers together after the lecture. She Christmas and the New Year.
has been gathering information on the
generate /d"enret/ verb to produce
generate
the same time The 1960s generation to Germany or its inhabitants noun 1.
had an easier life than we did. Many the language spoken in Germany, Aus-
people of my fathers generation cannot tria and parts of Switzerland and Italy 2.
understand computer technology. 3. a person from Germany
members of a family born at about the gesture /d"est/ noun a movement of
gesture
same time 4. a series of machines made a part of the body such as the hands to
at about the same time They are devel- show feeling She made a slight ges-
oping a new type of engine for the next ture of impatience with her hand. verb
generation of aircraft. to make a movement with your hands
generous /d"en()rs/ adjective 1.
generous
people usually do Thank you! Youre We got a letter from the bank this morn-
so generous! 2. large a generous help- ing. She gets more money than I do. 2.
ing of pudding to get to a place or situation to arrive
generously /d"en()rsli/ adverb in a at a place or situation We only got to
generously
train get to London? The plane gets to
and study of the way genes are involved New York at 4 p.m. When you get to
in passing features from parents to chil- my age youll understand! 3. to start to
dren be in a particular state Im getting too
old for rugby. Hes got much fatter
genre /"nr/ noun a type of something
genre
kind The nurse has gentle hands. 2. to make someone do something Can
not very strong After a little gentle you get them to mend the brakes? Ill
persuasion, she agreed to the plan. He try and get her to bring some CDs.
gave the door a gentle push. 3. not very (NOTE: gets getting got /'t/
steep There is a gentle slope down to has got or gotten)
the lake. (NOTE: gentler gentlest) get going phrasal verb to start doing
gentleman /d"ent()lmn/ noun a
gentleman
something, or to leave Come on, lets
man, especially a well-behaved or up- get going!
per-class man Hes such a gentleman; get across phrasal verb 1. to manage
he always opens the door for me. to cross something They got across
the river on rafts. 2. to make someone
gently /d"entli/ adverb 1. softly and
gently
causes disease Wash your hands after (of news) to be heard by a lot of people
emptying the dustbin so you dont The news soon got around that they
spread any germs. were married.
Basic.fm Page 141 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
place or a vehicle Get in! the trains person which some people believe they
going to leave. The burglars must have seen They say the house is haunt-
have got in through the bathroom win- ed by the ghost of its former owner.
dow. 2. to arrive home or at the office Her face is white she looks as if she
What time did you get in last night? has seen a ghost.
Because of the train strike, we didnt get giant /d"ant/ noun (in fairy tales and
giant
in until eleven oclock. 3. to ask some- myths) a very large man a story about
one to come to do a job Well get a a giant who lived in a castle at the top of
builder in to mend the wall. a mountain adjective very large
get into phrasal verb to go inside a Hes grown a giant cabbage. They are
place or a vehicle They got into the planning to build a giant car factory in
back of the car. I was just getting into South Wales.
bed when the phone rang. The bur-
giddy /'di/ adjective feeling that every-
giddy
place or a vehicle The bus stopped showing you are embarrassed verb to
and the driver got out. The burglars laugh like this When she saw her
got out through the front door. mothers hat she started to giggle. The
get over phrasal verb 1. to climb over class giggled at his accent.
Basic.fm Page 142 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
Aunt
used in cooking Fry the meat with Jane was glad to get your postcard.
spring onions and slices of ginger. After shopping all day, she was glad to
Add a pinch of powdered ginger to the find somewhere to sit down.
cake mixture. adjective (of hair ) or-
gladly /'ldli/ adverb with great pleas-
gladly
gave him an admiring glance. verb to
animal with a very long neck look quickly He glanced over his
shoulder to see who was following him.
girl /'
l/ noun a female child a crowd
girl
girlfriend /'
lfrend/ noun a girl or
girlfriend
please. Can you give me some infor- terial which you can see through, used
mation about holidays in Greece? 2. to to make things such as windows, vases
send or pass something to someone as a and bowls a bowl made of glass or a
present We gave her flowers for her glass bowl They found some very old
birthday. What are you going to give pieces of glass in the earth. (NOTE: no
him when he gets married? We gave plural) 2. a container to drink out of,
ten pounds to the Red Cross. 3. to do usually made of glass She put the
something to someone or something dirty glasses in the dishwasher. We
He gave me a broad smile. He gave took plastic wine glasses on the picnic.
her a kiss. She gave the ball a kick. 4. (NOTE: The plural is glasses.) 3. the
to organise something such as a party liquid contained in a glass She asked
They gave a reception for the visiting for a glass of water. He was so thirsty
Foreign Minister. We gave a party to he drank three glasses. Add a glass of
celebrate her twenty-first birthday. red wine to the sauce. (NOTE: The plural
(NOTE: gives giving gave /'ev/ is glasses.) plural noun glasses two
has given /'v()n/) plastic or glass lenses in a frame which
give back phrasal verb to hand some- you wear in front of your eyes to help
thing back to someone you see better She has to wear glasses
give in phrasal verb to agree to do for reading. (NOTE: no singular: for one
something that you had refused to do item, say a pair of glasses.)
earlier glide /'lad/ verb to move in a smooth
glide
give up phrasal verb to stop doing way Skaters were gliding across the
something Shes trying to give up ice. A bird went gliding past.
smoking. glimpse /'lmps/ noun a quick sight of
glimpse
give way phrasal verb 1. to let some- something We caught a glimpse of the
one go first Give way to traffic com- princess as she drove past. There was
ing from the right. 2. to break under a a brief glimpse of the sun during the af-
heavy weight The chair gave way ternoon. verb to catch sight of some-
when he sat on it. 3. to stop opposing one or something We only glimpsed
something In the end, our dad gave the back of her head as she was leaving.
Basic.fm Page 143 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
glitter 143 go
glitter /'lt/ verb to shine brightly with motorbike to go. 4. to fit Its too big to
glitter
small points of light, as the stars in the go into the box. This case wont go
sky seem to shine The jewels in her into the back of the car. 5. to be placed
crown were glittering in the light of the The date should go at the top of the
candles. Her eyes glittered hopefully letter. 6. to become Her face went red
as she spoke. from sitting in the sun. He went pale
global /'lb()l/ adjective 1. relating
global
and rushed out of the room. You have
to the whole world We offer a global to shout, my fathers going deaf. Shes
parcel delivery service. 2. relating to the going grey, but it suits her. 7. to happen
whole of something We are carrying in a particular way The party went
out a global review of salaries. very well. Things are going badly at
work. 8. to make a particular sound
globe /'lb/ noun 1. the globe the
globe
The logs glowed in the fireplace. Her level There are thirty-nine steps
face glowed with pride. noun a soft which go down to the beach. Be care-
bright light the warm glow of the fire ful when going down the hill. After
glue /'lu
/ noun a substance which sticks
glue
having a rest in her bedroom, she went
things together She spread the glue down to the hotel bar. Prices have
carefully onto the back of the poster. gone down.
The glue on the envelope doesnt stick go in phrasal verb to enter a place
very well. verb to stick things together You dont need to knock just go in.
He glued the label to the box. go in for phrasal verb to take an exam-
gnaw /n
/ verb to bite something again
gnaw
ination
and again go into phrasal verb 1. to enter a place
She went into the bedroom. 2. to ex-
go /'/ verb 1. to move from one place
go
cold. All the lights in the building sud- (NOTE: The plural is goddesses.)
denly went out. goes /'z/ 3rd person singular present
goes
is to open a new pizza restaurant every good /'d/ adjective 1. sensible, enjoya-
good
you been good while weve been away? suddenly He grabbed his suitcase and
noun an advantage or a benefit The ran to the train. 2. to get something
medicine didnt do me any good. He quickly (informal ) Lets grab some
decided to give up smoking for the good lunch before the meeting starts. (NOTE:
of his health. Whats the good of hav- grabs grabbing grabbed)
ing a big garden if you dont like gar- graceful /'resf()l/ adjective moving
graceful
Well see you again on Thursday. (NOTE: I always buy grade 2 eggs. What
often shortened to bye) grade of vegetables do you sell most of?
good evening /'d i
vn/ interjec- 2. an examination mark She got top
good evening
sells goods from various European have been written or painted on walls in
countries. 2. possessions; things which public places
you own She carried all her worldly
graft /'r
ft/ noun very hard work that
graft
goods in a bag.
needs a lot of physical energy (informal )
gossip /'sp/ noun stories or news
gossip
sip about Sue? verb to talk about peo- wheat or corn a field of grain the
ples private lives They spent hours grain harvest 2. a very small piece a
gossiping about the people working in grain of sand
the office.
gram /'rm/, gramme noun a unit of
gram
ures: 50 g.)
The country is governed by three gen- grammar /'rm/ noun 1. the rules of
grammar
granddaughter /'rnd
t/ noun the
granddaughter
area that you walk or sit on The grass
ther of your mother or father Tomor- is getting too long it needs cutting.
grate /'ret/ noun a metal frame for
grate
nan by children)
grandpa /'rnp
/ noun 1. a grandfa-
grandpa
where a dead person is buried At the
ther (informal ) 2. a common name used funeral, the whole family stood by the
for addressing a grandfather grave. adjective serious She looked
at him with a grave expression. (NOTE:
grandparent /'rnpernt/ noun the
grandparent
graver gravest)
mother or father of one of your parents
gravity /'rvti/ noun the force which
gravity
earths gravity.
(informal ) 2. a common name used for
gravy /'revi/ noun sauce made from
gravy
addressing a grandmother
the juices of cooked meat (NOTE: no plu-
grant /'r
nt/ noun an amount of money
grant
ral)
given to help someone to pay for some-
gray /'re/ noun, adjective US spelling
gray
(formal ) The council has granted the some grease on the hinge. 2. fat that
school permission to build a new hall. comes from meat when it is cooked
grape /'rep/ noun a small green or red
grape
the chips they serve here theyre too food is cooked under the heat Cook
greasy. (NOTE: greasier greasiest) the chops under the grill. verb to cook
great /'ret/ adjective 1. large She was
great
something in this part of the cooker
carrying a great big pile of sandwiches. Were having grilled sardines for dinner.
grim /'rm/ adjective 1. serious and not
grim
did you think of the film? It was great! old dirt that is difficult to remove The
It was great of you to help. It was furniture was broken and the windows
great that they could all get to the pic- were grimy.
nic.
grin /'rn/ verb to smile widely He
grin
food or other things than you need grinned) noun a wide smile She
(NOTE: greedier greediest) gave me a big grin.
grind /'rand/ verb 1. to crush some-
grind
green /'ri
n/ adjective 1. of a colour like
green
people say to each other when they meet His salary is paid gross.
ground /'rand/ noun 1. the surface of
ground
grew /'ru
/ past tense of grow
grew
searched the school grounds for the bad-tempered way, especially regularly
weapon. The village fair is held in the and often about unimportant things
grounds of the hospital. 2. reasons Hes always grumbling about the music
Does he have any grounds for com- from the flat above.
plaint? What grounds have you got guarantee /'rnti
/ noun 1. a legal
guarantee
floor in a building which is level with travel agent could not give a guarantee
the street that we would be accommodated in the
hotel mentioned in the brochure. 2. a
group /'ru
p/ noun 1. a number of peo-
group
is growing very fast. (NOTE: grows dier who is not part of a regular national
growing grew /'ru
/ grown army
/'rn/) guess /'es/ noun an attempt to give the
guess
guided us up the steps in the dark. 2. to with a gun The gunman pulled out a
show tourists round a place He guided revolver and started shooting. (NOTE:
us round the castle and told us about its The plural is gunmen.)
history.
gut /'t/ noun the tube in which food is
gut
very guilty about not having written to where water can flow Pieces of paper
you. (NOTE: guiltier guiltiest) and leaves were blowing about in the
guitar /'t
/ noun a musical instrument gutter. 2. an open pipe under the edge of
guitar
with six strings, played with the fingers a roof for catching rain It rained so
He plays the guitar in a pop group. hard the gutters overflowed.
gulf /'lf/ noun an area of sea partly sur- guy /'a/ noun 1. a man (informal ) She
gulf guy
rounded by land the Gulf of Mexico married a guy from Texas. The boss is
gum /'m/ noun 1. glue She spread a very friendly guy. Hey, you guys,
gum
gum on the back of the photo and stuck come and look at this! 2. a model of a
it onto a sheet of paper. 2. the flesh man burnt on Bonfire Night, November
around the base of your teeth Brush- 5th The children are collecting
ing your teeth every day is good for your clothes to make a guy. Penny for the
gums. verb to stick something with guy!
glue She gummed the pictures onto a gym /d"m/ noun 1. a place with special
gym
H
h /et/, H noun the eighth letter of the al- way there! The post office is about
h
came out.
to stop something The cars halted
hair /he/ noun 1. a mass of long fibres
hair
who cuts and washes your hair of minced beef grilled and served in a
hairstyle /hestal/ noun the way in
hairstyle
toasted roll
hammer /hm/ noun a tool with a
hammer
utes after an hour at the end of each arm, which you use
for holding things She was carrying a
half-term /h
f t
m/ noun a short hol-
half-term
which move round and show the time. useful to come in handy to be useful
The minute hand is longer than the hour The knife will come in handy when we
hand. verb to pass something to are camping.
someone Can you hand me that box? hang /h/ verb to attach one thing to
hang
which a woman carries to hold small buses late. Hes late something must
things such as money or make-up have happened to him. 2. to happen
to someone or something to have an ef-
handicap /hndikp/ noun 1. a phys-
handicap
kerchiefs or handkerchieves.)
happiness /hpins/ noun a feeling of
happiness
being happy
thing which you hold in your hand to
happy /hpi/ adjective 1. (of people)
happy
handsome /hns()m/ adjective a boats can come and tie up The ship
handsome
handsome man or boy has an attractive came into harbour last night.
face Her boyfriend is very handsome. hard /h
d/ adjective 1. not soft If you
hard
(NOTE: usually used of men rather than have back trouble, you ought to get a
women) hard bed. The ice cream is rock hard
handwriting /hndrat/ noun writ-
handwriting
He hit the nail hard. Its snowing very effort They hauled the boat up onto
hard. 2. with a lot of effort They the beach.
worked hard to finish the order on time.
have /hv, v, hv/ verb 1. to own
have
She always tries hard. its hard to
say its difficult to know Its hard to
something She has a lot of money.
say if its going to rain or not. They have a new green car. She has
long dark hair. The house has no tele-
hardly /h
dli/ adverb almost not Do
hardly
ple or animals He didnt mean to do thing to be done for you I must have
any harm or He meant no harm. my hair cut. Shes having the house
Theres no harm in having a little drink painted. 5. used to form the present and
before you go to bed. verb to physical- past perfect form of verbs Have they
ly affect something or someone in a bad finished their work? She has never
way Luckily, the little girl was not been to Paris. They had finished sup-
harmed. The bad publicity has per when we arrived. I havent seen
harmed our reputation. him for two days. If she had asked me
harmful /h
mf()l/ adjective which
harmful
I would have said no. 6. used to intro-
causes damage duce good wishes to someone Have a
nice day! Have a good trip! (NOTE:
harmless /h
mls/ adjective which
harmless
he /hi, hi
/ pronoun referring to a man or
he
on the cupboard door. 2. your brain; in- Step over that heap of rubbish. verb
telligence She has a good head for fig- to pile things up A pile of presents
ures. He tried to do the sum in his were heaped under the Christmas tree.
head. If we all put our heads together Boxes were heaped up on the station
we might come up with a solution. 3. the platform.
first place An old lady was standing at
hear /h/ verb 1. to notice sounds with
hear
to move your head from side to side to Bats have a very sharp sense of hear-
mean no She asked him if he wanted ing. She has hearing difficulties.
any more coffee and he shook his head. (NOTE: no plural)
headache /hedek/ noun a pain in your
headache
heart /h
t/ noun 1. a main organ in the
heart
head Ive got a bad headache. body, which pumps blood around it
headline /hedlan/ noun words in large
headline
heat /hi
t/ noun 1. the state of being hot
heat
place believed by some people to be with a set of large flat blades on top that
where good people go after death She spin round, making it rise straight up in
believes that when she dies she will go the air
to heaven. for heavens sake an ex- hell /hel/ noun 1. a place where some
hell
pression showing you are annoyed, or people believe bad people are sent after
that something is important What are they die Medieval pictures show hell
you screaming for? Its only a little as a burning place. 2. a very unpleasant
mouse, for heavens sake. For heav- place or experience Its hell working
ens sake try to be quiet, we dont want in the office these days. 3. used to em-
the guards to hear us! good heavens phasise what you are saying (informal )
an expression showing you are sur- What the hells been going on here?
prised Good heavens! Its almost 10 Am I going to lend you 50? Am I hell!
oclock! (NOTE: Using expressions that include
heavily /hevli/ adverb 1. with force
heavily
rained heavily during the night. ing She called hello from the other
side of the street. Hello Mary! Im
heavy /hevi/ adjective 1. weighing a lot
heavy
food for one person The helpings in your sister enjoy herself? Shes too
this restaurant are very small. Chil- young to be able to dress herself.
drens helpings are not as large as those hesitate /heztet/ verb to be slow to
hesitate
do anything to make a bad situation bet- Shes hesitating about whether to ac-
ter cept the job.
hen /hen/ noun an adult female chicken hiccup /hkp/, hiccough noun 1. a
hiccup
hen
The hens were scared by the fox. sudden high sound that you sometimes
Look, one of the hens has laid an egg! make in your throat, e.g. if you have
hence /hens/ adverb in the future Five
hence
been eating too quickly She had an at-
months hence, the situation should be tack of hiccups. He got the hiccups
better. from laughing too much. 2. a small thing
which goes wrong There has been a
her /, h, h
/ object pronoun referring
her
in the castle.
pecially cows Herds of cattle were hide /had/ verb 1. to put something
hide
grazing on the hillside. (NOTE: The where no one can see or find it She hid
word herd is usually used with cattle; the presents in the kitchen. They kept
for sheep, goats, and birds, the word to some gold coins hidden under the bed.
use is flock.) Someone has hidden my car keys. 2.
here /h/ adverb 1. in this place Ill sit
here
here, please? Here comes the bus! unpleasant to look at Where did she
here you are take this Here you are, get that hideous dress?
todays newspaper!
hiding /had/ noun a situation in
hiding
hers /h
z/ pronoun belonging to her
hers
tres high. High also refers to things that reveals information in an indirect
that are a long way above the ground: way He didnt give a hint as to where
a high mountain, high clouds. For peo- he was going on holiday. 2. a piece of
ple and narrow things like trees use advice or a suggestion She gave me
tall: a tall man.) 2. large in quantity some useful hints about painting furni-
the high level of unemployment in the ture. I dont know what to give her for
country He earns a high income. her birthday have you any hints?
High prices put customers off. The car verb to say something in a way that
shakes when going at high speeds. makes people guess what you mean
The price of petrol is higher every year. She hinted that her sister was pregnant.
adverb above; up in the air The sun
hip /hp/ noun the part of the body where
hip
rose high in the sky. The bird flew your legs join your waist The tailor
higher and higher. (NOTE: higher measured him round the hips. adjec-
highest) tive very fashionable (slang) Thats a
highly /hali/ adverb used before some
highly
priced meals The restaurant has been money to use something for a time
highly recommended. Their employ- She hired a car for the weekend. He
ees are not very highly paid. was driving a hired car when the acci-
highway /hawe/ noun a main public
highway
(informal ) The hills are covered with lating to history He likes books of his-
spring flowers. If you climb to the top torical interest.
of the hill you will get a good view of the history /hst()ri/ noun 1. the study of
history
on grass, where you try to hit a small Ill find him for you.
ball into your opponents goal using a hold out phrasal verb 1. to move
long stick which is curved at the end something towards someone Hold out
He played in the hockey team at school. your plate to be served. He held out
his hand but she refused to shake it. 2. to
hoist /hst/ verb to lift something or
hoist
something Youve got a hole in your which you take home from school to do
sock. We all peeped through the hole in the evening Have you finished your
in the fence. Rabbits live in holes in maths homework? I havent got any
the ground. homework today, so I can watch TV.
(NOTE: no plural)
holiday /hlde/ noun 1. a period when
holiday
side a hollow log If you tap the box ing honest I admire him for his hones-
it sounds hollow. ty in saying the job was too difficult for
him.
holy /hli/ adjective relating to religion
holy
with honey.
you live or where your parents live honeymoon /hnimu
n/ noun a holi-
honeymoon
Their home is a flat in the centre of Lon- day taken immediately after a wedding
don. Will you be at home tomorrow They went on their honeymoon to
evening? When do you leave home for Corsica.
work in the morning? I like to go
honor /n/ noun, verb US spelling of
honor
home with me. If you dont want to clothing to cover your head He has a
walk, you can always take the bus home. blue coat with a hood. 2. a folding roof
(NOTE: used without a preposition: He on something such as a car or pram
went home or Shes coming home.) Lets put down the hood, its very hot. 3.
adjective referring to where you live or US a metal cover for the front part of a
where you were born My home town car, covering the engine He lifted the
Basic.fm Page 159 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
horse, cow and many other animals unpleasant The victims of the fire had
(NOTE: The plural is hooves /hu
vz/.) horrible injuries. Hes a horrible little
boy. We had a horrible meal at the
hook /hk/ noun 1. a bent piece of metal
hook
restaurant.
for hanging things on Hang your coat
horrified /hrfad/ adjective fright-
horrified
the worm but didnt swallow the hook. being very frightened He couldnt
hop /hp/ verb 1. to jump on one leg
hop
frog hopped onto the lily pad. (NOTE: riding or for pulling vehicles She was
hops hopping hopped) noun 1. riding a black horse. The coach was
a little jump Magpies walk in a series pulled by six white horses. Hes out on
of little hops. 2. a short flight Its only his horse every morning.
a short hop from London to Paris. hospital /hspt()l/ noun a place
hospital
only hope is that she will get better invited guests The host asked his
soon. They have given up all hope of guests what they wanted to drink. 2. the
rescuing any more earthquake victims. landlord of a hotel or inn, also some-
hopeful /hpf()l/ adjective confident
hopeful
sites for other people
the distance where the earth and the sky
hostage /hstd"/ noun a person who
hostage
meet
is captured and held by someone or an
horizontal /hrznt()l/ adjective
horizontal
Ill meet you in the hotel lobby. All the never go out on Saturdays however,
hotel rooms in the town are booked. this week were going to a wedding.
conjunction in whatever way Do it
hour /a/ noun a period of time which
hour
someone or something to stay or be kept size Huge waves battered the ship.
His collection of old cars is housed in The concert was a huge success. Fail-
a barn. We have been asked if we can ing the test was a huge disappointment
house three students for the summer for him.
term. (NOTE: houses housing hum /hm/ verb 1. to make a low sound
hum
ral)
housing /haz/ noun houses Pub- people
housing
lic housing has to meet certain stand- humble /hmbl/ adjective feeling or
humble
without moving forward flies hover- she does for charity makes me feel very
ing over the surface of a pool humble. (NOTE: humbler humblest)
how /ha/ adverb 1. showing or asking humor /hju
m/ noun US spelling of
how humor
Some of her comments were rather hu- thing to search for something Were
morous. hunting for a cheap flat. The police
humorously /hju
mrsli/ adverb in a
humorously
make situations seem funny He has a mice. They go to Scotland every year
good sense of humour. She has abso- to hunt deer. (NOTE: You hunt animals,
lutely no sense of humour. Want to but you hunt for things.) noun a
meet male, aged 30 35, with a good search The hunt for new offices has
sense of humour (GSOH). 2. a general just started.
hunter /hnt/ noun a person who
hunter
hygiene /had"i
n/ noun the science of
hygiene
I
i /a/, I noun the ninth letter of the alpha- identity /adentti/ noun someones
i identity
the object of a verb, I becomes me: I happen If it freezes tonight, the paths
gave it to him he gave it to me; I hit will be slippery tomorrow. If Im in
him he hit me. When it follows the London, Ill come and see you. If he
verb be, I usually becomes me: Who is had told me you were ill, Id have come
it? Its me!) to see you in hospital. If I won the lot-
I /a/ noun the Roman numeral for one or
I
2 tery, I would take a long holiday. 2. used
first King Charles I in asking questions Do you know if
the plane is late? I was wondering if
ice /as/ noun water which is frozen and
ice
knowing anything
careful, the pavement is icy. ignore /'n
/ verb not to notice some-
ignore
straight through. When we met he just
ly suitable This is the ideal site for a ignored me.
factory. The cottage is an ideal place ill /l/ adjective sick; not well Stress can
ill
ought to see a doctor. to fall ill to be-
actly the same The twins wore identi- come ill She fell seriously ill and we
cal clothes for the party. Their politi- thought she was going to die. to be
cal opinions are identical. taken ill to become ill suddenly He
was taken ill while on holiday in
identify /adentfa/ verb 1. to recog-
identify
Greece.
nise a person or thing and to be able to
illegal /li
'()l/ adjective against the
illegal
identify what sort of rock this is? She law It is illegal to serve alcohol to
was able to identify her attacker. 2. to people under 16.
illegally /li
'li/ adverb in an illegal
illegally
got my letter, and wrote back immedi-
ture in a book The book has 25 colour ately. As soon as he heard the news he
illustrations. immediately phoned his wife.
immoral /mrl/ adjective not follow-
immoral
someone or something I want the por- ing the usual principles of good behav-
trait to be a faithful image of my mother. iour
impact1 /mpkt/ noun 1. a strong ef-
impact
on impact as soon as contact is made
not real; part of a story The plane burst into flames on impact
with the ground.
imagination /md"ne()n/ noun
imagination
part of your own immediate life She something to have a strong effect on
let her imagination run riot in her sto- something The fall in the value of the
ries for children. currency will impact strongly on busi-
nesses.
imagine /md"n/ verb to think of
imagine
immediate life Imagine yourself sit- of the ability to wait for things in a calm
ting on a beach in the hot sun. She way
impatient /mpe()nt/ adjective una-
impatient
then decided she had imagined it. ble to wait for something in a calm way;
imitate /mtet/ verb to copy some-
imitate
in a hurry to do something We were all
thing or someone The company imi- impatient for the film to start. Hes
tates its competitors by making very very impatient with anyone who works
similar products. to behave as some- slowly.
impatiently /mpe()ntli/ adverb in
impatiently
tion that I knew anything about the re-
soon He wrote an immediate letter of port in advance.
imply /mpla/ verb to suggest some-
imply
mediate reply, did you? Your order thing without saying it directly He im-
Basic.fm Page 164 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
plying implied)
a process of becoming better, or of mak-
impolite /mplat/ adjective rude; not
impolite
ing something better There has been
polite no improvement in the train service
import /mp
t/ verb to bring goods into
import
ning some home improvements such as a
of being important Do not attach too new kitchen. The new software is a
much importance to what he says. The great improvement on the old version.
bank attaches great importance to the in /n/ preposition, adverb 1. used for
in
which cannot be done Its impossible born in 1999. He ate his meal in five
to do all this work in two hours. Get- minutes. We went for a skiing holiday
ting skilled staff is becoming impossible. in January. 4. used for showing time in
impress /mpres/ verb to make some-
impress
the future Ill be back home in about
one feel admiration or respect Her two hours. She should arrive in twenty
rapid response to the request impressed minutes time. 5. fashionable This
her boss. She was impressed by his year, short skirts are in. 6. used for
skill with the paintbrush. The military showing a state or appearance He was
government organised the display to im- dressed in black. She ran outside in
press the neighbouring states. her dressing gown. Were in a hurry.
The words are set out in alphabetical
impression /mpre()n/ noun an ef-
impression
order.
fect on someones mind Blue walls
inability /nblti/ noun the state of
inability
lems.
pressing people He had a series of im- inch /nt/ noun a measure of length
inch
something better We are trying to im- plural is inches. With numbers inch is
prove our image with a series of TV usually written with the symbol ": a 3
commercials. 2. to get better The gen- disk; He is 5 9.; say: a three and a
eral manager has promised that the bus half inch disk, Hes five foot nine)
Basic.fm Page 165 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
thing which happens, especially some- 1. freedom from rule by another country
thing unpleasant Last year six hun- The colony achieved independence
dred incidents of oil pollution were re- ten years ago. Scotland is aiming for
ported. 2. a violent action or independence in the next few years. 2. a
disturbance that occurs somewhere state of not needing help from anyone
There were several incidents during the else Shes eighteen and is looking for-
demonstration. ward to a life of independence from her
incidentally /nsdent()li/ adverb
incidentally
family.
used for mentioning something new in a independent /ndpendnt/ adjective
independent
enia has been independent since 1991.
one or something along with others 2. not owned by a group, not controlled
The waiter did not include service in the by the state The big chains are forcing
bill. The total is 140, not including the independent shops to close down. 3.
insurance and handling charges. not needing help from anyone else
There were 120 people at the wedding if Shes eighteen and wants to be inde-
you include the children. pendent of her family.
including /nklu
d/ preposition tak-
including
ing something together with something alphabetical order, showing the pages
else The total comes to 25.00 includ-
on which different subjects appear in a
ing VAT.
book Look up the references to Lon-
income /nkm/ noun an amount of
income
in this sense is indices)
something becoming larger an in- indicate /ndket/ verb to show some-
indicate
crease in tax or a tax increase an in- thing Can you indicate the position of
crease in the cost of living the enemy camp on this map? The lat-
increase2 /nkri
s/ verb 1. to rise or to est figures indicate a fall in the number
increase
or amount higher The boss increased ing offended or angry because of an un-
her salary. Rail fares have been in- fair situation I was really indignant
creased by 10%. when I found out how much my col-
increased /nkri
st/ adjective larger or
increased
league earned.
higher than before These increased
indirectly /ndrektli/ adverb not di-
indirectly
increasingly /nkri
sli/ adverb more
increasingly
ing Lets go indoors. Mum was in- someone or something change She
doors, reading. was deeply influenced by her old teach-
industrial /ndstril/ adjective relat-
industrial
er. The moon influences the tides.
ing to the production of goods The The price of oil has influenced the price
Midlands is the main industrial region of industrial goods.
inform /nf
m/ verb to tell someone
inform
in Britain.
brings in a lot of foreign currency. laxed, not formal Dress casually the
(NOTE: The plural is industries.) party will be informal. The guide gave
infamous /nfms/ adjective famous
infamous
us an informal talk on the history of the
for being bad or unpleasant Tourists castle. 2. (of language) used when talk-
were warned not to go near the infa- ing to friends and family
information /nfme()n/ noun a
information
about how the accident happened.
sudden strong feeling of love for some- She gave me a very useful piece or bit of
one, especially someone you do not information. For further information,
know very well or someone who does please write to Department 27.
not love you
informed /nf
md/ adjective having a
informed
abroad on holiday.
the office. She seems to catch every lit- al or substance which you use to make
tle infection there is. something Make sure youve got all
infectious /nfeks/ adjective (of an
infectious
your ingredients together before you
illness or an emotion such as fear ) start cooking.
inhabit /nhbt/ verb to live in a place
inhabit
another This strain of flu is highly in- inhabitant /nhbt()nt/ noun a per-
inhabitant
fectious. Hes a great music teacher son who lives in a particular place
and his enthusiasm for jazz is very infec-
initial /n()l/ adjective first The in-
initial
tious.
itial stage of the project went off
infinitive /nfntv/ noun the basic
infinitive
smoothly. My initial reaction was to
form of a verb, usually shown with to say no. He started the business with
influence /nfluns/ noun the ability to
influence
ning Initially we didnt like the new ment inquiry into the police force A
flat, but we have got used to it now. public inquiry will be held about plans
initiative /ntv/ noun a decision
initiative
to build another airport. 2. a question
which is intended to solve a problem about something I refer to your in-
The government has proposed various quiry of May 25th. All inquiries
initiatives to get the negotiations mov- should be addressed to this department.
He made an inquiry about trains to
ing again.
Edinburgh. (NOTE: also spelt enquiry.
injection /nd"ekn/ noun the act of
injection
The plural is inquiries.)
putting a liquid into the body using a insect /nsekt/ noun a small animal
insect
needle The doctor gave him a flu in- with six legs and a body in three parts
jection. A butterfly is a kind of insect. Insects
injure /nd"/ verb to cause pain or
injure
He
has ink marks on his shirt. The ink er building Come on inside its cold
wont come off the tablecloth. She in the street. It rained all afternoon,
wrote comments on his work in red ink. so we just sat inside and watched TV.
Is there anyone there? The house
inland /nlnd/ adverb away from the
inland
fice.
inner /n/ adjective inside Go insist /nsst/ verb to state firmly He
inner insist
through that arch and you will come to insisted that he had never touched the
the inner courtyard. Heat is conduct- car. She insisted that she should be
ed from the inner to the outer layer of paid compensation for the delay.
the material. inspect /nspekt/ verb to look at some-
inspect
innocent /ns()nt/ adjective not thing closely She inspected the room
innocent
put into a computer The input from the There have been several instances of
Basic.fm Page 168 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
stance, we will pay for the damage. or about a person That is an insult to
for instance as an example Why the government. The crowd shouted
dont you take up a new sport golf, for insults at the police.
instance? insult2 /nslt/ verb to say rude things
insult
ter an event that no time appears to have ment with a company by which you are
passed in between paid money for loss or damage in return
instead /nsted/, instead of adverb in for regular payments of money Do
instead
place of We havent any coffee you have insurance for your travel?
would you like some tea instead? If intelligence /nteld"ns/ noun 1. the
intelligence
you cant go, can I go instead? Im ability to think and understand His in-
going instead of him, because hes ill. telligence is well above average. 2. in-
Instead of stopping when the police of- formation provided by the secret servic-
ficer shouted, he ran away. es Intelligence gathered by our net-
institute /nsttju
t/ noun an organisa- work of agents is very useful to us in
institute
education. She goes to the research to understand and learn things very well
institutes library every week. Hes the most intelligent child in his
institution /nsttju
()n/ noun 1. an
institution
class.
intense /ntens/ adjective very strong
intense
came with the deliberate intention of
one how to do something (formal ) We making trouble.
were all instructed in the use of the fire interest /ntrst/ noun 1. special atten-
interest
terest in politics. He has no interest in
statement telling someone what they what his sister is doing. Why doesnt
must do 2. something which explains he take more interest in local affairs? 2.
how something is to be done or used a thing that you enjoy doing Her main
She gave us detailed instructions how to interest is canoeing. List your special
get to the church. interests on your CV. 3. a payment made
to someone who lends money Deposit
instructor /nstrkt/ noun a teacher,
instructor
accounts pay more interest. How
especially of a sport much interest do I have to pay if I bor-
instrument /nstrmnt/ noun a piece
instrument
interpretation
interfere /ntf/ verb to interfere ing when someone else is talking Ex-
interfere
in or with something to get in the way cuse me for interrupting, but have you
of something, to be involved in some- seen the office keys anywhere?
thing in such a way that it does not work interruption
cleared. 2. a period of time between two
exclamation, a word used to show an acts in a play Anyone arriving late
emotion such as surprise wont be allowed in until the first inter-
intermittent /ntmt()nt/ adjective val.
intermittent
She gave an interview to the Sunday
tive between countries an internation- magazine. 2. a formal meeting in which
al conference on the environment an one or more people ask you questions to
important international company find out if you are suitable for some-
noun a sportsperson who has played for thing such as a particular job or a course
his or her countrys team against anoth- at university We asked six candidates
er country There are three England for interview. Hes had eight inter-
internationals in our local team. views, but still no job offers. When
will you attend your first interview?
Internet /ntnet/ noun an international
Internet
used for showing movement towards the find out about something The detec-
inside She went into the shop. He tive is investigating the details of the
fell into the lake. Put the cards back case. We are investigating the possi-
into their box. You cant get ten peo- bility of going to live abroad.
ple into a taxi. We all stopped talking investigation /nvest'e()n/ noun
investigation
when he came into the room. The bus a close examination a police investi-
is going into the town centre. 2. hitting gation into the causes of the crash
against something The bus drove into
invisible /nvzb()l/ adjective which
invisible
change The tadpole changed into a cannot be seen The message was writ-
frog. Water turns into steam when it is ten in invisible ink and hidden inside the
heated. 4. used for showing that you are pages of a book.
dividing something Try to cut the cake invitation /nvte()n/ noun a letter
invitation
thing or go somewhere He received
someone another persons name when an invitation to his sisters wedding.
they meet for the first time He intro- She had an invitation to dinner.
invite /nvat/ verb to ask someone to do
invite
cial event such as a party We invited
part at the beginning of a book which two hundred people to the party. She
describes the subject of the book Read invited us to come in. Shes been invit-
the introduction which gives an expla- ed to talk to the club.
invoice /nvs/ noun a note sent to ask
invoice
voice six weeks late. Ask the sales as-
process or a new machine She invent- sistant to make out an invoice for 250.
involve /nvlv/ verb 1. to include
involve
the decision about the bypass. Mem-
creating a new process or a new ma- bers of the local council are involved in
chine The invention of computers was the company which has won the con-
made possible by developments in elec- tract for the new road. 2. to make an ac-
tronics. 2. a machine or process that tivity necessary Going to Cambridge
someone has invented from here involves taking a bus and then
the train.
inventor /nvent/ noun a person who
inventor
The old gates are made of iron. (NOTE: thing which has just been mentioned
no plural in this sense: some iron, What do you want me to do with the
lumps of iron, pieces of iron) 2. an ob- box? Put it down. Wheres the box?
ject with a flat metal bottom, which is Its here. She picked up a potato and
heated and used to make clothes smooth then dropped it on the ground. I put
after washing Dont leave the iron my book down somewhere and now I
there it will burn the clothes. If your cant find it. Wheres the newspaper?
iron is not hot enough it wont take the Its on the chair. 2. used for talking
creases out. verb to make cloth about the weather, the date or time or
smooth using an iron She was ironing another situation Look! Its snow-
shirts when the telephone rang. Her ing. Its miles from here to the railway
skirt doesnt look as if it has been station. Is it the 30th today? Its al-
ironed. most impossible to get a ticket at this
irresponsible /rspnsb()l/ adjec- time of year. What time is it? Its ten
irresponsible
tive acting or done in a way that shows a oclock. Its dangerous to use an elec-
lack of good sense tric saw when its wet. (NOTE: Its = it is
irritable /rtb()l/ adjective easily an-
irritable
or it has. Do not confuse with its.)
IT
with water all around it They live on a for the following items from your cata-
little island in the middle of the river. logue. I couldnt buy several items on
The Greek islands are favourite holiday the shopping list because the shop had
destinations. sold out.
issue /u
/ noun 1. an occasion when its /ts/ adjective belonging to it
issue its
I
something is officially given out The cant use the car one of its tyres is flat.
issue of identity cards has been delayed. The company pays its staff very badly.
2. a newspaper or magazine which is (NOTE: Do not confuse with its.)
published at a particular time We
its /ts/ short for it is, it has
its
able for use The new set of stamps will ring back to a thing or an animal The
be issued next week. 2. to give some- dog seems to have hurt itself. The
thing out officially Each soldier was screw had worked itself loose. 2. used
issued with a gun. 3. to come out for emphasis If the plug is all right
Smoke began to issue from the hole in there must be something wrong with the
the ground. computer itself.
Basic.fm Page 172 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
J
j /d"e/, J noun the tenth letter of the al- ary. (NOTE: January 26th or January
j
collect.
something heavy, especially a car I
jargon /d"
'n/ noun a special type of
jargon
was wearing a blue jacket and brown which hold the teeth and form the mouth
jazz /d"z/ noun a type of music with a
jazz
United States
to jail for three months. verb to put
jealous /d"els/ adjective feeling an-
jealous
knitting a pink jersey for the new baby. Go on for about two hundred metres,
2. a special shirt worn by a member of a until the road joins the motorway. The
sports team After every game the two rivers join about four kilometres be-
players swapped jerseys with the other yond the town. 2. to become a member
team. of a club or other organisation After
jet /d"et/ noun 1. a long narrow stream of
jet
university, he is going to join the police.
liquid or gas A jet of water put out the She joined the army because she
flames. 2. an aircraft with jet engines wanted to travel. 3. to do something
Jets flew low overhead. with someone Were going to have a
cup of coffee would you like to join us?
jet engine /d"et end"n/ noun an en-
jet engine
of gas
bones come together and can move,
jewel /d"u
l/ noun a valuable stone
jewel
jigsaw /d"'s
/ noun jigsaw puzzle
jigsaw
a picture made of shaped pieces of wood make people laugh She poured water
or cardboard that you have to try to fit down his neck as a joke. They all
together As its raining, lets stay in- laughed at his jokes. He told jokes all
doors and try to do this huge jigsaw of evening.
journal /d"
n()l/ noun a book where
journal
What a job it was getting a hotel room at who writes for newspapers or maga-
the time of the music festival! zines, or reports on events for radio or
jog /d"'/ verb 1. to run fairly slowly, es-
jog
my elbow and I spilt my drink. (NOTE: when you travel somewhere, usually a
jogs jogging jogged) to jog long distance Its at least two days
someones memory to make someone journey from here. They went on a
remember something The police are train journey across China. She has a
hoping that the film from the security difficult journey to work every day she
camera will jog peoples memories. has to change buses twice.
Basic.fm Page 174 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
The birth of our baby son filled us with clothing, usually made of wool, which
joy. covers the top part of your body and
judge /d"d"/ noun 1. a person whose
judge
your arms
junction /d"kn/ noun a place
junction
seventeenth.)
noun 1. a legal decision by a judge or
jungle /d"'l/ noun an area of thick
jungle
1 for two glasses of orange juice. She bish Dont keep that its junk. You
had a glass of grapefruit juice for break- should throw away all that junk you
fast. keep under your bed. (NOTE: no plural)
juicy /d"u
si/ adjective full of juice
juicy
Is that
(NOTE: juicier juiciest) too much sugar? No, its just right.
July /d"la/ noun the seventh month of
July
up or down into the air The jump was nothing more. Ive been to Berlin just
higher than she thought and she hurt once.
her leg. verb 1. to go suddenly into justice /d"sts/ noun fair treatment in
justice
the air from or towards the ground law Justice must always be seen to be
Quick, jump on that bus its going to done.
Oxford Circus! The horse jumped
justify /d"stfa/ verb to show that
justify
K
k /ke/, K noun the eleventh letter of the
k
He kept out of the quarrel. Try to
alphabet, between J and L keep out of trouble with the police.
keen /ki
n/ adjective very sensitive keep up with /ki
p p w/ phrasal
keen
Bats have a keen sense of hearing. verb to go at the same speed as someone
(NOTE: keener keenest) My foot hurts, thats why I cant keep
keep /ki
p/ verb 1. to continue to have
keep
up with the others. His salary hasnt
something Can I keep the newspaper kept up with the cost of living.
kerb /k
b/ noun the stone edge of a path
kerb
low level Keep your voice down, the on something such as a computer or pi-
police will hear us! 2. to bend down in ano She spilled her coffee on the com-
order to hide from someone Keep puter keyboard. He practises on the
down behind the wall so that they wont keyboard every day. verb to put infor-
see us. mation into a computer using a key-
keep off phrasal verb not to walk on board She was keyboarding the fig-
something Keep off the grass! ures.
keep on phrasal verb to continue to do kick /kk/ noun 1. the act of hitting some-
kick
There were a few school kids on their bi- win when he drew the king of spades.
cycles. Theyre married with two kids. kingdom /kdm/ noun 1. the land
kingdom
2. a young goat verb to make some- ruled over by a king or queen England
one believe something which is not true is part of the United Kingdom. He
Are you kidding? She tried to kid me gave her a book of fairy stories about a
that shed had an accident. (NOTE: kids magic kingdom. 2. a part of the world of
kidding kidded) nature the animal kingdom
kidnap /kdnp/ verb to take someone kiss /ks/ noun the act of touching some-
kidnap kiss
away illegally and keep them prisoner one with your lips to show that you are
(NOTE: kidnaps kidnapping kid- pleased to see them or that you like them
napped) She gave the baby a kiss. verb to
kidney /kdni/ noun one of a pair of or- touch someone with your lips to show
kidney
gans in animals that clean the blood and that you are pleased to see them or that
remove waste from it you like them She kissed her daughter
and walked away. They kissed each
kill /kl/ verb to make someone or some-
kill
other goodbye.
thing die Sixty people were killed in
kit /kt/ noun clothes and personal equip-
kit
plural is kilos.)
can cook food She put the meat down
kilogram /kl'rm/ noun a measure
kilogram
of distance equal to one thousand me- and paper or cloth which is flown in the
tres wind on the end of a string He was fly-
kind /kand/ adjective friendly and help-
kind
knew /nju
/ past tense of know
knew
back during the fight. (NOTE: knifes string, rope, or other fibre, twisted and
knifing knifed) fastened together Boy Scouts are sup-
knit /nt/ verb to make cloth out of wool posed to be able to tie knots. Is the
knit
knob /nb/ noun 1. a rounded handle that thing, to have information about some-
knob
you turn, e.g. on a door or drawer To thing Do you know how to start the
open the door, just turn the knob. 2. a computer? He didnt know she had
round object which you turn to operate died. How was I to know she wasnt
a radio or TV, etc. Turn the knob to in- his wife? You knew it would be expen-
crease the volume. sive. Do you know the Spanish for
knock /nk/ noun a sound made by hit-
knock
one two three? His secretary
ting something Suddenly, there was a doesnt know where he is. 2. to have met
knock at the door. verb to hit some- someone I know your sister we were
thing Knock twice before going in. at school together. I used to know a
Youll need a heavy hammer to knock man called Peter Jones who worked in
that nail in. your company. 3. to have been to a place
often I know Paris very well. She
knock down phrasal verb 1. to make doesnt know Germany at all. (NOTE:
something fall down They are going knows knowing knew /nju
/
to knock down the old house to build a has known)
factory. 2. to hit someone or something
knowledge /nld"/ noun the general
knowledge
L
l /el/, L noun the twelfth letter of the al- was cancelled because of lack of funds.
l
lack interest.
something to give information about,
ladder /ld/ noun an object made of
ladder
labour
laboratory /lbrt()ri/ noun a place
laboratory
lay
lain /len/ past participle of lie verb 2
lain
hard work Does the price include the spring, the fields are full of sheep and
cost of labour? 2. the people who do their little lambs. 2. meat from a lamb or
work Cheap labour is difficult to find. sheep a leg of lamb roast lamb
3. the process of giving birth to a baby (NOTE: no plural in this sense)
She went into labour at home, and her lamp /lmp/ noun an object which pro-
lamp
husband drove her to the hospital. She duces light The hall is lit by large
was in labour for 12 hours. verb 1. to electric lamps.
work hard They laboured night and land /lnd/ noun earth, as opposed to
land
day to finish the project in time. 2. to do water They were glad to be back on
something with difficulty She la- (dry) land again after two weeks at sea.
boured across the room to me. (NOTE: no plural) verb to arrive on the
lace /les/ noun 1. a thin strip of material
lace
from whom you rent a place to live His farm is largely grazing land.
You must pay your rent to the landlady The price rises are largely due to in-
every month. (NOTE: The plural is land- creased demand.
ladies.) laser /lez/ noun an instrument which
laser
landlord /lndl
d/ noun a man or
landlord
speaking or writing used in a country or expected time The plane is thirty min-
by a group of people We go to English utes late. Its too late to change your
language classes twice a week. She ticket. Hurry or youll be late for the
can speak several European languages. show. We apologise for the late arriv-
lap /lp/ noun 1. the part of your body
lap
al of the plane from Amsterdam. 2. at the
from your waist to your knees when you end of a period of time The traffic was
are sitting She listened to the story, bad in the late afternoon. He moved to
sitting in her fathers lap. 2. one turn London in the late 1980s. 3. a word used
round a racetrack Hes finished lap 23 instead of dead in order to be polite
only two laps to go! verb 1. (of ani- His late father was a director of the
mals) to drink with the tongue The company. (NOTE: only used before a
dog lapped the water in the pond. 2. to noun in this meaning)
lately /letli/ adverb during recent days
lately
(NOTE: laps lapping lapped) present; at a time after a time which has
large /l
d"/ adjective big She ordered
large
(informal ) Have you seen his latest a law against the ownership of guns.
film? He always drives the latest mod- lawful /l
f()l/ adjective allowed by the
lawful
el car. The latest snow reports are law (formal ) Their behaviour was
published each day in the papers. at perfectly lawful.
the latest no later than the time stated law-making /l
mek/ noun the
law-making
laugh /l
f/ noun a sound you make
laugh
when you think something is funny flat He laid the papers on the table.
Hes got a lovely deep laugh. Thats A new carpet has been laid in the dining
right, she said with a laugh. verb to room. 2. to lay the table to arrange
make a sound to show you think some- knives, fork, spoons, plates and glasses
thing is funny He was very good last on a table for a meal The table is laid
night he had everyone laughing at his for four people. 3. (of birds, turtles,
jokes. She fell off the ladder and eve- etc.) to produce an egg The hens laid
ryone laughed. three eggs. (NOTE: lays laying laid)
layer /le/ noun an amount of a sub-
layer
laughter /l
ft/ noun the sound or act
laughter
of laughing As soon as he opened his stance that lies on a flat surface She
mouth, the audience burst into laughter. put a layer of chocolate on the cake,
(NOTE: no plural)
then one of cream.
layout /leat/ noun a design, e.g. of a
layout
launch /l
nt/ noun 1. the act of start-
launch
launched the new ship. 2. to send a al Tie a piece of lead to your fishing
spacecraft into space The spacecraft line to make it sink. 2. the black part in
was launched from Cape Kennedy. 3. to the middle of a pencil
start selling a new product Were
lead2 /li
d/ noun 1. an electric wire which
lead
top of the hill. 4. to be the main person Hes a lean athletic man. 2. (of meat)
in a group She is leading a group of with little fat a slice of lean bacon
businesswomen on a tour of Chinese verb to be in or to put into a sloping po-
factories. (NOTE: leads leading led sition The ladder was leaning against
/led/) the shed. She leant her bike against
lead up to phrasal verb to happen in a the wall. He leaned over and picked
way that makes something else impor- up the cushion. Its dangerous to lean
tant happen the events that led up to out of car windows. (NOTE: leans
the First World War leaning leaned or leant /lent/)
leader /li
d/ noun a person who is in
leader
on.
ty to manage or direct others We think leap /li
p/ verb to jump He leapt over
leap
he has certain leadership qualities. 2. the ditch. She leapt with joy when she
the position of a leader Under his heard the news. He leapt into the train
leadership the party went from strength as it was leaving. (NOTE: leaps leap-
to strength. 3. a group of leaders of an ing leaped or leapt /lept/)
organisation The leadership was
learn /l
n/ verb 1. to find out about
learn
learner /l
n/ noun a person who is
learner
least /li
st/ adjective used for describing
least
where liquid or gas can escape I can the smallest amount This car uses by
smell gas there must be a gas leak in far the least petrol. adverb less than
the kitchen. 2. an occasion on which se- everyone or everything else I liked
cret information is given to the public that part of the book least. He was the
She was embarrassed by the leak of the least conceited man she had ever met.
news. The leak of the report led to the
leather /le/ noun the skin of certain
leather
got out. 4. to produce a mark that re- left side The book is in the left-hand
mains The coffee left a stain on the ta- drawer of his desk. In England cars
blecloth. 5. not to take something drive on the left-hand side of the road.
Leave some pizza for your brother. 6. to
left-handed /left hndd/ adjective
left-handed
leave behind phrasal verb to not take tics, relating to people who believe that
someone or something with you money and property should be shared
leave out phrasal verb to forget some- more equally
leg /le'/ noun 1. one of the parts of the
leg
thing or someone
lecture /lekt/ noun a talk on a partic- body with which a person or animal
lecture
ular subject given to people such as stu- walks The bird was standing on one
dents She gave a lecture on Chinese leg, asleep. Some animals cant stand
art. Are you going to the lecture this on their back legs. She fell down the
evening? The lecture lasted thirty steps and broke her leg. 2. one of the
minutes, and then there was time for parts of a chair or table which touch the
questions. verb 1. to give a lecture on floor The table has four legs. 3. a leg
something He will lecture on Roman of an animal used for food roast leg of
history next Thursday. 2. to teach a sub- lamb Would you like a chicken leg?
ject, by giving lectures She lectures on to pull someones leg to try to make
history at Birmingham University. someone believe something that is not
lecturer /lektr/ noun 1. a person
lecturer
true for a joke Dont worry, she will
who gives a talk on a particular subject get here on time I was only pulling
This weeks lecturer is talking about
your leg.
legal /li
'()l/ adjective 1. allowed by
legal
lead law
ledge /led"/ noun a narrow flat part legislation /led"sle()n/ noun
ledge legislation
which sticks out from a cliff or a build- laws, written rules which are passed by
ing Parliament and applied in the courts
left /left/ adjective 1. relating to the side legitimate /ld"tmt/ adjective fair
left legitimate
of the body which has the hand that and reasonable, or allowed by the law
most people do not use for writing I They have legitimate concerns about the
cant write with my left hand. The post project. He acted in legitimate de-
office is on the left side of the street as fence of his rights.
Basic.fm Page 183 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
with a sour taste Oranges are much 2. something which you learn from ex-
sweeter than lemons. perience and which makes you wiser
lend /lend/ verb to let someone use some-
lend
Hes learnt his lesson, he now knows
thing for a certain period of time He you shouldnt take such big risks with
asked me if I would lend him 5 till money.
let /let/ verb 1. to allow someone to do
let
or plastic, used for looking through to let off phrasal verb 1. to make some-
make things clearer or bigger My eye- thing such as a gun or bomb fire explode
sight is not very good, and I have to They let off fireworks in the town cen-
have glasses with strong lenses. It tre. 2. to not punish someone severely
looks as if the camera lens was He was charged with stealing, but the
scratched. (NOTE: The plural is lenses.) judge let him off with a fine.
lent /lent/ past tense and past participle of let up phrasal verb to do less, to be-
lent
plural is libraries.)
site of darkness I cant read the map
licence /las()ns/ noun a document
licence
which gives official permission to own by the light of the moon. Theres not
something or to do something She has enough light to take a photo. 2. a piece
applied for an export licence for these of electrical equipment which gives
paintings. light Turn the light on I cant see to
read. Its dangerous to ride a bicycle
licensed /las()nst/ adjective given
licensed
sometimes with a handle Wheres the 1. not heavy I can lift this box easily
lid for the black saucepan? He man- its quite light or its as light as a feath-
aged to get the lid off the jam jar. er. You need light clothing for tropical
lie /la/ verb 1. to say something which is
lie
countries. Shes just been ill, and can
not true She was lying when she said only do light work. 2. pale He was
she had been at home all evening. He wearing a light green shirt. I prefer a
lied about the accident. (NOTE: in this light carpet to a dark one. 3. having a lot
sense: lies lying lied) 2. to be in a of light so that you can see well The
flat position Six soldiers lay dead on big windows make the kitchen very
the ground. The dog spends the light. It was six oclock in the morning
evening lying in front of the fire. (NOTE: and just getting light. to cast or
lies lying lay lain) noun some- throw light on something to make
thing that is not true Thats a lie! I something easier to understand The
didnt day that! Someone has been papers throw light on how the minister
telling lies about her. reached his decision.
Basic.fm Page 185 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
come less heavy Ill have to lighten is affected by having an injured leg or
my suitcase its much too heavy. foot After the accident she limped
lightning /latn/ noun a flash of elec- badly. noun a way that someone
lightning
tricity in the sky in a storm The storm walks, when one leg hurts or is shorter
approached with thunder and lightning. than the other His limp has improved
since his operation. adjective soft, not
like /lak/ preposition 1. similar to, in the
like
to happen Its likely to snow this line up phrasal verb to stand in a line
weekend. Hes not likely to come to Line up over there if you want to take
the party. Is that at all likely? (NOTE: the next boat.
linen /lnn/ noun a strong cloth made
linen
likelier likeliest)
from natural fibres a linen tablecloth
liking /lak/ noun a feeling of enjoy-
liking
rostar links London and Paris or Brus- for liquids, equal to 1000 millilitres
sels. 2. to be related in some way His (NOTE: usually written l or L after fig-
salary is linked to the cost of living. ures: 25 l, say twenty-five litres.)
lion /lan/ noun a large wild yellowish-
lion
brown animal of the cat family (NOTE: in public places The council tries to
The female is a lioness and the young
keep the main street clear of litter.
are cubs.)
(NOTE: no plural in this sense) 2. a
lip /lp/ noun one of the two pink or red
lip
They
them getting sore.
have two children a baby boy and a lit-
liquid /lkwd/ noun a substance such as
liquid
much longer.
light
live on phrasal verb to use food or
liter /li
t/ noun US spelling of litre
liter
literature
literature /lt()rt/ noun 1. books or
literature
(NOTE: livelier liveliest)
liver /lv/ noun 1. a large organ in the
liver
dered liver and bacon. tainer such as a box, used for fastening
living /lv/ adjective having the signs
living
it so that you can only open it with a key
such as breathing or growing of not be- She left the key in the lock, so the bur-
ing dead Does she have any living rel- glars got in easily. We changed the
atives? noun money that you need for locks on the doors after a set of keys
things such as food and clothes He were stolen. verb 1. to close a door or
earns his living by selling postcards to a container such as a box, using a key
tourists. I forgot to lock the safe. We always
lock the front door before we go to bed.
living room /lv ru
m/ noun (in a
living room
jects which are carried in a vehicle such She was locking up the shop when a
as truck The lorry delivered a load of man walked in. 2. to put someone in
bricks. verb 1. to put something, espe- prison They locked him up for a week.
loft /lft/ noun the top part of a house
loft
camera They loaded their guns and brought in a load of logs for the fire.
hid behind the wall. 3. to put a program
loneliness /lnlins/ noun 1. a feel-
loneliness
about 10 loaves of bread per week. because of being alone Its odd how
loan /ln/ noun 1. a thing lent, especial-
loan
place or district near where you are or a long piece of string The Nile is the
where you live She works as a nurse longest river in the world. My hair
in the local hospital. The local paper needs cutting its getting too long. 2.
comes out on Fridays. She was for- not short in time What a long pro-
merly the headmistress of the local gramme it lasted almost three hours.
school. Theyve been waiting for the bus for a
long time. We dont approve of long
locate /lket/ verb to find the position
locate
holidays in this job. 3. used for asking
of something Divers are trying to lo- about an amount of time How long is
cate the Spanish galleon. it before your holiday starts? adverb
location /lke()n/ noun a place or
location
long. for long for a long time He piece of something such as string, which
wasnt out of a job for long. verb to crosses over itself To tie your laces,
want something very much Im long- start by making a loop.
ing for a cup of tea. Everyone was
loose /lu
s/ adjective 1. (of a garment)
loose
loo /lu
/ noun a toilet or a room in which
loo
lord /l
d/ noun 1. a man who has a high
lord
dow you can see our house. He thing somewhere and not to know where
opened the lid of the box and looked in- it is I cant find my wallet I think I
side. 2. to appear to be I went to see lost it on the train. If you lose your
her in hospital and she looks worse. ticket youll have to buy another one. 2.
Those pies look good. It looks as if it not to have something any longer We
may snow. He looks much older than lost money on the lottery. 3. not to win
forty. We lost the match 10 0. Did you
look after phrasal verb to take care of win? No, we lost. (NOTE: loses los-
someone or something ing lost /lst/) to lose your way
look back phrasal verb to turn your to not know where you are or which di-
head to see what is behind you He rection to go in They lost their way in
looked back and saw a police car was the fog on the mountain.
loss /ls/ noun 1. the state of no longer
loss
following him.
look for phrasal verb to search for having something He was very un-
something, to try to find something happy at the loss of his house. The
look into phrasal verb to try to find out loss of a child is almost unbearable to a
about a matter or problem parent. 2. money which you have spent
look out phrasal verb to be careful and have not got back through earnings
Look out! the car is going backwards! Companies often make losses in their
look out for phrasal verb to try to see first year of operations.
lost /lst/ past tense and past participle of
lost
now. Lots of people are looking for head on the low branch. The town is
jobs. the lot everything Thats the surrounded by low hills. We shop
lot theres nothing left. There were around to find the lowest prices. The
old pots and books and newspapers engine works best at low speeds. The
we sold the lot for 50. We picked 2 ki- temperature here is too low for oranges
los of beans and ate the lot for dinner. to grow. Sales were lower in Decem-
lottery /ltri/ noun a game of chance in
lottery
ber than in November. adverb to-
which tickets with numbers on are sold wards the bottom; not high up The
with prizes given for certain numbers plane was flying too low it hit the
(NOTE: The plural is lotteries.) trees.
lower /la/ adjective not as high
lower
Cant you stop your watch making such They booked a cabin on the lower deck.
a loud noise? Turn down the radio verb to make something go down
its too loud. adverb loudly I cant They lowered the boat into the water.
loyal /ll/ adjective who supports
loyal
to their owners.
easy to hear
loyalty /llti/ noun the quality of be-
loyalty
ing loyal
being loud, being noisy
luck /lk/ noun something, usually good,
luck
love to love someone or to love each that you think an event was lucky
other They seem to be very much in lucky /lki/ adjective 1. having good
lucky
love. I told her I was in love with her. things happening to you, especially if
to fall in love with someone to start they are unexpected Hes lucky not to
to feel very strong affection for some- have been sent to prison. How lucky
one They fell in love at first sight. 2. you are to be going to Spain! 2. bringing
(in games such as tennis) a score of good luck Fifteen is my lucky number.
zero points She lost the first set six (NOTE: luckier luckiest)
love (60). verb 1. to have strong feel-
luggage /l'd"/ noun suitcases or
luggage
He lived a life of great luxury. A hot dessert on Friday nights. (NOTE: The
bath is a real luxury after two weeks plural in this sense is luxuries)
camping in the mountains. 2. a thing lying /la/ present participle of lie
lying
M
m /em/, M noun the thirteenth letter of the some people believe they have, which
m
things happen She claimed to be a
equipment that uses power We have witch and able to perform magic.
magician /md"()n/ noun 1. a wiz-
magician
ed the kitchen.
machinery /mi
nri/ noun machines
machinery
which attracts iron and steel She has a
in general The factory has got rid of a Mickey Mouse which sticks to the fridge
lot of old machinery. (NOTE: no plural: door with a magnet.
magnetic /m'netk/ adjective which
magnetic
ryone thought he was mad to try to cross livered or which are sent The mail
the Atlantic in a rowing boat. 3. very an- hasnt come yet. The receipt was in
gry (informal ) Shes mad at or with this mornings mail. 2. a service provid-
him for borrowing her car. He was ed by the post office We sent the par-
hopping mad when they told him his car cel by sea mail. Its cheaper to send
had been stolen. (NOTE: madder the order by surface mail than by air.
maddest) to drive someone mad main /men/ adjective most important
main
to make someone crazy or upset The The main thing is to get to work on time.
noise is driving her mad. Their main factory is in Scotland.
madam /mdm/ noun 1. a polite way
madam
major roads are open. noun a rank of e.g. face powder and lipstick, which
an officer in the army below colonel A people put on their face to make it more
major came up in a truck with six sol- beautiful or change their appearance in
diers. (NOTE: also used as a title before some way She wears no makeup apart
a surname: Major Smith) from a little eye shadow. He spent
majority /md"rti/ noun 1. the larger hours over his makeup for the part of the
majority
elected with a majority of 10,000. 3. the which does not give birth to young A
age when you become legally adult male deer is called a stag. (NOTE: Do
make /mek/ verb 1. to put something to-
make
boat out of old pieces of wood. These imal which gives birth to live young and
knives are made of steel. 2. to get some- feeds them with milk
thing ready She is making a Christ- man /mn/ noun a male human being
man
mas cake. Do you want me to make That tall man is my brother. Theres a
some tea? 3. to add up to a total Six young man at reception asking for Mr
and four make ten. 4. to give someone a Smith. (NOTE: The plural is men
feeling The smell of curry makes me /men/.) verb to provide staff to work
hungry. The rough sea made him feel something The switchboard is
sick. Looking at old photographs manned all day. She sometimes mans
made her sad. He made himself com- the front desk when the receptionist is
fortable in the armchair. 5. to force ill. (NOTE: mans manning
someone to do something His mother manned)
made him clean his room. The teacher
manage /mnd"/ verb to be in charge
manage
she made straight for the exit. son in charge of a department in a shop
make out phrasal verb 1. to be able to or in a business The bank manager
see clearly Can you make out the wants to talk about your account. The
house in the dark? 2. to claim some- sales manager organised a publicity
thing which is probably not true The campaign. Shes the manager of the
English weather isnt really as bad as it shoe department. 2. a person in charge
is made out to be. She tries to make of a sports team The club have just
out that shes very poor. sacked their manager.
make up phrasal verb to invent a story mane /men/ noun the long hair on the
mane
He said he had seen a man climbing neck of a lion or horse (NOTE: Do not
into the house, but in fact he made the confuse with main.)
Basic.fm Page 193 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
ing She has a very unpleasant man- the year, between February and April
ner. The staff dont like the new man- (NOTE: March 6th or March 6: say
agers manner. March the sixth or the sixth of March
manufacture /mnjfkt/ verb to or in US English: March sixth.)
manufacture
of things or people Many old people a wide margin so that you can write
live on the south coast. So many peo- notes in it.
ple wanted rooms that the hotel was marine /mri
n/ adjective referring to
marine
booked up. She ate twice as many the sea marine plants and animals
cakes as her sister did. 2. asking a ques-
mark /m
k/ noun 1. a small spot of a
mark
of leaves blew onto the pavement. I which can be used to make something
have a mass of letters or masses of let- You can buy all the materials you need
ters to write. 2. a Catholic church serv- in the DIY shop. (NOTE: The plural is
ice Shes a strict Catholic and goes to materials.) 2. cloth I bought three
mass every week. adjective involving metres of material to make curtains.
a large number of people They found What material is your coat made of?
a mass grave on the hillside. The (NOTE: no plural) 3. facts or information
group is organising a mass protest to Shes gathering material for a TV
parliament. programme on drugs. (NOTE: no plural)
massive /msv/ adjective very large
massive
He had a massive heart attack. The /ms/ noun the science of numbers
company has massive losses. A mas- and measurements
sive rock came hurtling down the moun-
matter /mt/ noun 1. a problem or dif-
matter
top of the hill. forming the part of a bed that you lie on
master /m
st/ verb to become skilled
master
at something She has mastered the art greatest possible What is the maxi-
of TV newscasting. Although he mum number of guests the hotel can
passed his driving test some time ago, take? noun the greatest possible
he still hasnt mastered the art of motor- number or amount The maximum we
way driving. are allowed to charge per person is 10.
mat /mt/ noun a small piece of some-
mat
birthdays in May. Today is May 15th. thing represents If you want to find the
She was born on May 15. We went meaning of the word, look it up in a dic-
on holiday last May. (NOTE: May 15th tionary. The meaning of a red light is
or May 15: say the fifteenth of May or pretty clear to me.
May the fifteenth or in US English: means /mi
nz/ noun 1. a way or method
means
me /mi
/ pronoun used by the person who this time She hid under the table
me
is speaking to talk about himself or her- meanwhile, the footsteps were coming
self give me that book Could you nearer.
give me that book, please? Im shout- measure /me"/ noun a piece of equip-
measure
ing as loud as I can cant you hear ment which shows the size or quantity
me? Shes much taller than me. of something verb 1. to be of a certain
Who is it? Its me! Can you hear size or quantity a package which
me? Shes taller than me. measures or a package measuring 10cm
meadow /med/ noun a large field of by 25cm How much do you measure
meadow
relating to machines Engineers are the family sat on the beach. Three
trying to fix a mechanical fault. members of staff are away sick.
medal /med()l/ noun a round metal ob- membership /membp/ noun 1. the
membership
medal
someone He met her at the railway work which has a fault Shes trying to
station. Well meet for lunch before mend the washing machine.
we go to the cinema. 2. to come together mental /ment()l/ adjective relating to
mental
Several streets meet at the Arc de Tri- the mind Ive lost my calculator
omphe. If you draw a diagonal line hows your mental arithmetic?
from each corner of a square to the op-
mentally /ment()li/ adverb concern-
mentally
menu /menju
/ noun 1. a list of food
menu
belongs to a group The two boys went hope it doesnt mess up your arrange-
Basic.fm Page 197 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
ments.
which is sent to someone I will leave middle /md()l/ adjective in the centre;
middle
a message with his secretary. Can you halfway between two ends They live
give the director a message from his in the middle house, the one with the
wife? We got his message by e-mail. green door. in the middle 1. in the
messenger /mesnd"/ noun a person centre She was standing in the middle
messenger
tury.
ment for counting how much of some- middle class /md()l kl
s/ noun a
middle class
thing such as time, water or gas has been social or economic group of people who
used He came to read the gas meter. 2. usually have more than enough money
US spelling of metre to live on, and who often own their own
method /med/ noun a way of doing
method
property
something We use the most up-to-date midnight /mdnat/ noun twelve
midnight
hotel at midnight.
ment of length, equal to 100 centimetres might /mat/ noun strength She pulled
might
in mind to remember something that
one place to another as the weather be- might change a decision Bear in mind
comes warmer or colder that it takes 2 hours to get there. Bear
me in mind when youre looking for
mild /mald/ adjective 1. not severe
mild
to the armed forces The two leaders enough chairs, but I dont mind stand-
discussed the possibility of military in- ing up. never mind dont worry
tervention. Military spending has fall- Never mind youll get another chance
en over the past three years. to enter the competition next year.
milk /mlk/ noun a white liquid produced mindful /mandf()l/ adjective remem-
milk mindful
pepper mill on the table. 2. a large fac- That book is mine. Can I borrow your
tory a paper mill bike, mines been stolen. Shes a great
millimetre /mlmi
t/ noun one of a
millimetre
friend of mine. noun a deep hole in the
thousand parts of a metre (NOTE: usually ground from which substances such as
written mm after figures: 35mm. The coal are taken The coal mine has
US spelling is millimeter.) stopped working after fifty years. He
million /mljn/ noun the number
million
has shares in an African gold mine.
miner /man/ noun a person who
miner
with minor.)
mineral /mn()rl/ noun a substance,
mineral
mum age for drivers is 18. noun the small A minute piece of dust must
smallest possible amount We try to have got into the watch.
keep expenditure to a minimum. She
miracle /mrk()l/ noun 1. a very
miracle
government. 2. a clergyman
a metal backing which reflects an image
ministry /mnstri/ noun a government
ministry
when a person is less than 18 years old that you are trying to hit He missed
During the kings minority the coun- the target. She tried to shoot the rab-
try was ruled by his uncle. bit but missed. 2. not to see, hear or no-
minus /mans/ preposition 1. reduced
minus
ter.
girl or woman who is not married mixed /mkst/ adjective 1. made up of
mixed
Have you met Miss Jones, our new sales different things put together Ill have
manager? The letter is addressed to the mixed salad, please. 2. not com-
Miss Anne Smith. (NOTE: used before a pletely for or against an idea The re-
surname, or a first name and sur- action to the proposal has been rather
name) mixed some people approve, but oth-
missile /msal/ noun a weapon which
missile
ers disapprove.
mixture /mkst/ noun 1. a number of
mixture
not there Im looking for my missing est paintings are a strange mixture of
car keys. They found there was a lot of shapes and colours.
moan /mn/ noun a low sound made by
moan
noun 1. a mobile phone Ill call him
that is wrong There are lots of mis- on his mobile. He gave me the number
takes in this essay. Youve made a mis- of his mobile. 2. an object made of small
take my name is David, not John. pieces of metal, card etc., which when
verb to not understand or not realise hung up move around with the move-
something Theres no mistaking him, ments of the air They bought a mobile
with his red hair and purple anorak. of clowns to hang over the babys cot.
(NOTE: mistakes mistaking mis- mobile phone /mbal fn/ noun a
mobile phone
not mix.
to the present time It is a fairly mod-
mix up phrasal verb to think that a per- ern invention it was patented only in
son or thing is someone or something the 1980s. You expect really modern
else I always mix her up with her sis- offices to have air-conditioning systems.
Basic.fm Page 201 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
moonlight /mu
nlat/ noun the light
moonlight
land covered with grass and small bush- Muslims meet for prayer
es The horsemen galloped across the
mosquito /mski
t/ noun a small
mosquito
try, full of moors and forests. verb to flying insect which bites people and an-
attach a boat to something The boat imals and sucks their blood
most /mst/ adjective the largest
most
extra thing or amount Is there any children Hes twenty-two but still
more of that soup? 300 for that suit lives with his mother. Her mothers a
thats more than I can afford! Weve dentist. Mother! Theres someone
only got nine men, we need two more to asking for you on the telephone.
make a football team. motion /m()n/ noun the act of
motion
moreover /m
rv/ adverb in addi-
moreover
tion to make something start to happen your face through which you take in
Now that we have planning permis- food and drink, and which has your
sion for the new sports hall, we can set teeth and tongue inside Its not polite
things in motion to get the foundations to talk with your mouth full. He
laid. snored because he slept with his mouth
motive /mtv/ noun a reason for do- open. The cat was carrying a mouse
motive
ing something The police are trying to in its mouth. 2. a wide or round entrance
find a motive for the murder. The mouth of the cave is hidden by
motor /mt/ noun the part of a ma-
motor
bushes. The train came out of the
chine which makes it work The model mouth of the tunnel. New York is built
plane has a tiny electric motor. on the mouth of the Hudson river.
(NOTE: The plural is mouths /maz/.)
motorbike /mtbak/ noun a motor-
motorbike
cycle
making any sound She mouthed No
motorcycle /mtsak()l/ noun a
motorcycle
land are very mountainous. feel emotion a moving story The fu-
mouse /mas/ noun 1. a small animal
mouse
Ms 204 musician
Mrs Jones, . (NOTE: used before a sur- munch /mnt/ verb to eat noisily some-
munch
name, sometimes with both the first thing such as an apple or raw carrot,
name and surname.) with a regular movement of your mouth
Ms /mz, mz/ noun (at the beginning of
Ms
murder /m
d/ noun the act of deliber-
murder
a letter ) a way of referring to a woman ately killing someone The murder was
without saying whether or not she is committed during the night. She was
married (NOTE: Ms is used with a sur- accused of murder. They denied the
name, sometimes with both the first murder charge. verb to kill someone
name and surname.) deliberately He was accused of mur-
much /mt/ adjective a lot of
much
She eats too much meat. adverb a lot people talking There was a murmur of
Hes feeling much better today. Its
voices in the hall. verb to speak very
much less cold in the south of the coun- quietly She murmured something and
try. Does it matter very much? closed her eyes.
Much as I like her, I dont want to share
muscle /ms()l/ noun one of the part
muscle
museum /mju
zi
m/ noun a building
museum
dle She passed round mugs. verb to always very popular with school parties
attack and steal from someone in the who go to see the dinosaurs.
street She was mugged as she was mushroom /mru
m/ noun a round
mushroom
looking for her car keys. Shes afraid white or brown fungus which can be
of going out at night for fear of being eaten Do you want fried mushrooms
mugged. The gang specialises in mug- with your steak? She ordered a mush-
ging tourists. (NOTE: mugs mugging room omelette. (NOTE: Fungi which are
mugged) poisonous are called toadstools.)
multiple /mltp()l/ adjective involv-
multiple
music /mju
zk/ noun 1. the sound
music
ing many people or things She was made when you sing or play an instru-
taken to hospital suffering from multiple ment Do you like Russian music?
injuries. Shes taking music lessons. Her music
multiply /mltpla/ verb to calculate
multiply
teacher says she plays the violin very
the result when several numbers are well. 2. written signs which you read to
added together a certain number of play an instrument Heres some mu-
times Square measurements are cal- sic, see if you can play it on the piano.
culated by multiplying length by width. He can play the piano by ear he
Ten multiplied by five gives fifty. doesnt need any music.
musical /mju
zk()l/ adjective relat-
musical
bled an excuse and left the room. She whose job is to play music a group of
mumbled something about the tele- young musicians playing the street
phone and went to the back of the shop. The actors applauded the group of mu-
Basic.fm Page 205 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
you really go so soon? (NOTE: The neg- ferring back to I I hurt myself climb-
ative is mustnt, neednt. Note also ing down the ladder. Its true I saw
the meanings: mustnt = not allowed; it myself. I enjoyed myself a lot at the
neednt = not necessary: we mustnt party.
be late; you neednt hurry) 2. used for mysterious /mstris/ adjective
mysterious
N
n /en/, N noun the fourteenth letter of the place adjective belonging to a coun-
n
ject which you use for attaching two nary, not unusual Her behaviour at
pieces of a hard material such as wood the meeting was quite natural. Its
Hit the nail hard with the hammer. natural to worry about your first baby.
You need a hammer to knock that nail in. 2. coming from nature, and not pro-
2. the hard part at the end of your fingers duced or caused by people Do you
and toes She painted her nails red. think the colour of her hair is natural?
verb to attach something with nails Yes, shes a natural blonde. The in-
He nailed the notice to the door. quest decided that he died from natural
causes.
naked /nekd/ adjective not wearing
naked
pass.
nasty /n
sti/ adjective unpleasant
nasty
fights battles at sea He left school and
joined the navy. The navy has many
nation /ne()n/ noun 1. a country
nation
day?
neck. 2. the part of a piece of clothing who lives near you He doesnt get on
which goes round your neck I cant with his neighbours. 2. a person who is
wear this shirt the neck is too tight.
sitting next to you Help yourself and
necklace /nekls/ noun a piece of jew-
necklace
Spain. Painting needs a lot of skill. which is close to you (NOTE: The US
I need someone to help me with the spelling is neighboring.)
cooking. 2. to want something Does
neither /na, ni
/ adjective, pro-
neither
nerve /n
v/ noun 1. one of the fibres in
nerve
nerve to ask for a day off, when he was though a particular situation exists I
away all last week. 3. the ability to keep know it is raining, but nevertheless Id
your fear under control in order to like to go for a walk along the beach.
achieve something It takes a lot of She had a cold, but went to the meeting
nerve to disagree with your friends. nevertheless.
He went over to speak to her but at the
new /nju
/ adjective 1. made very recent-
new
news /nju
z/ noun spoken or written in-
news
noun the system of nerves in the body formation about what has happened
nest /nest/ noun a structure built by
nest
election.
things such as roads or railways con- New Years Day /nju
jz de/ noun
New Years Day
fence into the next garden. She took lating to number 90 in a series Its his
the seat next to mine. pronoun the ninetieth birthday tomorrow. noun
thing or person following After two number ninety in a series Ive had so
buses went past full, the next was almost many calls this is the ninetieth.
empty. Ill be back from holiday the ninety /nanti/ noun number 90 My
ninety
week after next. (asking the next per- old aunt will be ninety (years old) next
son in the queue to come) Next, please! week and her husband is ninety-two:
nibble /nb()l/ verb to take small bites
nibble
biscuit. The mice have nibbled into number 9 in a series Youre the ninth
the flour sacks. person in the queue. noun number
nice /nas/ adjective 1. pleasant, enjoya- nine in a series A lot of people have
nice
ble We had a nice time at the seaside. cancelled hes the ninth.
If the weathers nice lets have a pic- no /n/ adjective, adverb 1. used for
no
nic. The nicest thing about the town is giving a negative answer I asked my
that it is on the sea. 2. pleasant, polite mother if we could borrow her car but
That wasnt a very nice thing to say. she said no. Do you want another
Try and be nice to your grandfather. cup of coffee? No, thank you. 2. not
(NOTE: nicer nicest) any Theres no milk left in the fridge.
nickname /nknem/ noun a short or We live in a little village, and theres
nickname
informal name given to someone Her no post office for miles around. We
real names Henrietta, but everyone had no reply to our fax. no entry you
calls her by her nickname Bobbles. may not go in this way no exit you
verb to give a nickname to someone may not go out this way no parking
He was nicknamed Camel because of you may not park no smoking you
his big nose. may not smoke
nobody /nbdi/ pronoun same as no
nobody
niece /ni
s/ noun a daughter of a brother
niece
nineteen /nanti
n/ noun the number
nineteen
sound The workmen are making such
19 Hes nineteen (years old) tomor- a lot of noise that we cant use the tele-
row. phone. Lets not invite the children I
nineteenth /nanti
n/, 19th adjective
nineteenth
you. The bus is normally late. She doesnt
noisily /nzli/ adverb making a lot of
noisily
normally drink wine.
north /n
/ noun the direction to your
north
noise
noisy /nzi/ adjective who or which
noisy
left when you are facing the direction in
which the sun rises There will be snow
makes a lot of noise a crowd of noisy
in the north of the country. Its cold
little boys Unfortunately, the hotel
when the wind blows from the north.
overlooks a noisy crossroads. (NOTE:
adjective relating to the north We
noisier noisiest)
went on holiday to the north coast of
none /nn/ pronoun 1. not any
none
north-east /n
i
st/ adverb the di-
north-east
They worked non-stop to finish the job to the north Northern countries have
on time. more rain. They live in the northern
noon /nu
n/ noun twelve oclock in the
noon
no one /n wn/ pronoun no person rection between west and north They
no one
We met no one we knew. No one here were travelling north-west at the time.
takes sugar in their tea. There was no- Go north-west for a few miles and then
body in the caf. Nobody wants to do youll come to our house. noun the
her job. no one else no other person part of a country to the north and west
No one elses child behaved as badly as The North-West of England is wetter
ours on the plane! than the east coast. We can expect
rain when the wind blows from the
nor /n
/ conjunction and not
nor
holes in your nose, which you breathe match. 2. an official warning that some-
through thing has to be done, or that something
not /nt/ adverb used with verbs to show
not
is going to happen They gave us five
the negative A service charge is not minutes notice to leave the office. If
included. It isnt there. She cant you want to resign, you have to give a
come. He didnt want any meat. We months notice. The train times were
couldnt go home because of the fog. changed without notice. verb to see
Dont you like coffee? not exactly 1. and take note of something I wore one
not completely Was it a disaster? blue and one white sock all day and no-
Not exactly a disaster, but it didnt go body noticed. I didnt notice you had
very well. Its not exactly the colour I come in. Did you notice if John was
wanted. 2. used for emphasising a nega- sitting next to Sarah? at short notice
tive Hes not exactly pleased at hav- with very little warning It had to be
ing to pay out so much money. done at short notice. The bank man-
noteither and notalso She
ager will not see anyone at such short
doesnt eat meat, and she doesnt eat notice. until further notice until dif-
fish either. It wasnt hot, but it wasnt ferent instructions are given You must
very cold either. not onlybut also pay 200 on the 30th of each month un-
not just thisbut this as well The film til further notice.
noticeable /ntsb()l/ adjective
noticeable
write to tell someone something or to has this strange notion that she ought to
help you to remember something She be a TV star.
notorious /nt
ris/ adjective well
notorious
speech. She made a note of what she known for bad qualities, or for doing
needed to buy before she went to the su- bad things
permarket. He left us a note before he noun /nan/ noun (in grammar ) a word
noun
went out. 2. a piece of paper money I which can be the subject or object of a
tried to pay with a 10 note. 3. a musical verb and is used to refer to a person,
sound, or a written sign representing a thing or animal nouns such as brick
musical sound He cant sing high and elephant In the cat caught a
notes. verb to write down something mouse, cat and mouse are both
in a few words The policeman noted nouns.
in his notebook all the details of the ac- novel /nv()l/ noun a long story with
novel
ing giving information, usually put in a very little experience or skill, e.g. in a
place where people can see it He job or sport Hes still a novice at row-
Basic.fm Page 212 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
any success I rang six shops to try and very many He has been fined for
find a spare part, but got nowhere. speeding on numerous occasions.
nuclear /nju
kli/ adjective relating to
nuclear
O
o //, O noun the fifteenth letter of the al- er than the other The screen is an ob-
o
which loses its leaves in winter a for- the act of observing By careful obser-
est of oak trees Oaks produce thou- vation, the police found out where the
sands of acorns each year. 2. wood from thieves had hidden the money. 2. a re-
this tree an oak table mark He made several observations
obedient /bi
dint/ adjective doing about the government.
obedient
very obedient he always comes when obey something such as a law, rule or
you call him. custom His family observes all the re-
obese /bi
s/ adjective someone who
obese
ligious festivals strictly. The local
is obese is so fat that it is dangerous for laws must be observed. 2. to watch
their health something with a lot of attention They
obey /be/ verb to do what someone observed and recorded all the changes
obey
tells you to do If you cant obey orders carefully. 3. to make a remark I mere-
you shouldnt be a policeman. Every- ly observed that the bus was late as usu-
one must obey the law. al.
object1 /bd"ekt/ noun 1. a thing obtain /bten/ verb to manage to get
object obtain
They thought they saw a strange object something She obtained a copy of the
in the sky. 2. an aim Their object is to will. He obtained control of the busi-
take control of the radio station. 3. a ness.
noun, pronoun or phrase which follows
obvious /bvis/ adjective clear; easily
obvious
sidering things from a general point of cial occasion a special event such as a
view and not from your own You must wedding The babys first birthday
be objective when planning the future of was a special occasion. 2. a happening,
your business. noun an aim Our a time when something happens She
long-term objective is to make the com- claimed that she hadnt seen anything
pany financially sound. The company on that particular occasion. on occa-
has achieved its main objectives. sion from time to time On occasion,
obligation /bl'e()n/ noun some- we spend a weekend in the country.
obligation
thing that you must do, e.g. for legal rea- occasional /ke"()n()l/ adjective
occasional
sons You have an obligation to attend happening sometimes, but not very of-
the meeting. ten He was an occasional visitor to
oblong /bl/ noun a shape with two my parents house. We make the occa-
oblong
pairs of equal sides, one pair being long- sional trip to London.
Basic.fm Page 214 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
sometimes, not very often Occasion- moved to London. (NOTE: October 18th
ally he has to work late. We occasion- or October 18: say October the eight-
ally go to the cinema. eenth or the eighteenth of October; in
occupation /kjpe()n/ noun 1.
occupation
US English: October eighteenth.)
octopus /ktps/ noun a sea animal
octopus
occupation for a week. 2. a job, posi- normal Its odd that she can never re-
tion, employment What is her occu- member how to get to their house. He
pation? His main occupation is run- doesnt like chocolate Really, how
ning a small engineering works. odd! 2. odd numbers numbers such
occupied /kjupad/ adjective 1. be-
occupied
work in They occupy the flat on the the last few years. On the odd occa-
first floor. The firm occupies offices in sions Ive met him, hes seemed very
the centre of town. 2. (of time, thoughts nice.
or attention) to use or fill Dealing odour /d/ noun a smell, especially
odour
with the office occupies most of my time. an unpleasant smell the odour of rot-
3. to keep someone busy Could you ten eggs (NOTE: The US spelling is
occupy him for five minutes while I odor.)
wrap his present? (NOTE: occupies
of /v, v/ preposition 1. used for show-
of
occupying occupied)
ing a connection Shes the sister of the
occur /k
/ verb 1. to happen When
occur
girl who you met at the party. Wheres
did the accident occur? 2. to come to the top of the jam jar? What are the
your mind Did it never occur to you names of Henry VIIIs wives? 2. used
that she was lying? (NOTE: occurs for showing a part or a quantity a litre
occurring occurred) of orange juice How much of the cloth
ocean /()n/ noun a very large area
ocean
bers to show the time Get up its 7 school takes children of ten and over.
oclock. We never open the shop be- He earns a salary of over 30,000. 4.
fore 10 oclock. By 2 oclock in the showing position, material, cause He
morning everyone was asleep. (NOTE: lives in the north of the town. The
Oclock is only used for the exact jumper is made of cotton. She died of
hour, not for times which include min- cancer. (NOTE: Of is often used after
utes. It can also be omitted: We got verbs or adjectives: to think of, to be
home before eight. or We got home fond of, to be tired of, to smell of, to be
before eight oclock.) afraid of, etc.)
October /ktb/ noun the tenth of course /v k
s/ adverb 1. used to
October of course
month of the year, between September say yes or no more strongly Are
and November October 18 Do you you coming with us? Of course I am!
ever go on holiday in October? Today Do you want to lose all your money?
Basic.fm Page 215 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
off 215 OK
Of course not! 2. used for stating evening. We bought some new office
something that is not surprising He is furniture. Dad has his office at the top
rich, so of course he lives in a big house. of the house.
off /f/ adverb, preposition 1. showing officer /fs/ noun a person who holds
off officer
spent their holiday on an island off the an organisation, especially one which is
coast of Wales. The children got off part of a government or some other au-
the bus. Take your boots off before you thority He left official papers in his
come into the house. 2. away from work car. We had an official order from the
She took the week off. Its my day off local authority. He represents an offi-
today. Half the staff are off with flu. 3. cial body. 2. done or approved by some-
not switched on Is the TV off? one in authority She received an offi-
off and on /f nd n/ adverb not con- cial letter of explanation. The strike
off and on
tinuously, with breaks in between was made official by the union head-
offence /fens/ noun 1. the state of be-
offence
quarters. noun a person holding a rec-
ing offended He took offence when I ognised position They were met by an
said he looked bigger than before. 2. a official from the embassy. Ill ask an
crime, an act which is against the law official of the social services depart-
He was charged with committing an of- ment to help you.
officially /f()li/ adverb 1. in an offi-
officially
was let off with a fine. cial way He has been officially named
as a member of the British team. She
offend /fend/ verb 1. to be or to go
offend
business. Do you eat beef often?
pleasant What an offensive smell! 2. How often is there a bus to Richmond?
not polite; rude The waiter was quite every so often from time to time
offensive. We go to the cinema every so often.
offer /f/ noun a suggestion to some- oil /l/ noun 1. a liquid taken from plants
offer oil
one that you will give them something and animals, which flows smoothly and
or do something for them He turned is used in cooking Cook the vegeta-
down her offer to drive him to the sta- bles in hot oil. 2. a thick mineral liquid
tion. She accepted his offer of a job in found mainly underground and used as a
Paris. verb to suggest doing some- fuel or to make something move
thing for someone or giving someone smoothly The door squeaks it needs
something She offered to drive him to some oil. Some of the beaches are
the station. on offer which has been covered with oil. The company is
offered There are several good holi- drilling for oil in the desert.
day bargains on offer. OK /ke/, okay interjection 1. used for
OK
time He collects old cars. Play tinuously but with breaks in between
some old music, I dont like this modern
once /wns/ adverb 1. one time Take
once
out She omitted the date when she plus one makes two. Our grandson is
signed the contract. one year old today. His grandmother
on /n/ preposition 1. on the top or sur- is a hundred and one. 2. a single item
on
face of something Put the box down Have a toffee oh dear, theres only one
on the floor. Flies can walk on the left! pronoun a single thing All the
ceiling. 2. hanging from Hang your china plates were dirty so we made do
coat on the hook. 3. showing movement with Which hat do you like best the
or place A crowd of children got on black one or the red one? One of the
the train. The pictures on page three. staff will help you carry the box to your
The post office is on the left-hand side car. Ive lost my map have you got
of the street. 4. doing something I one? Small cars use less petrol than
have to go to Germany on business. big ones.
Were off on holiday tomorrow. 5. refer-
onion /njn/ noun a round, strong-
onion
just almost not only too very much thinks about a subject Ask the lawyer
onto /nt, nt, ntu
/ preposition for his opinion about the letter. In my
onto
on or to something The speaker went opinion, we should wait until the weath-
up onto the platform. The door opens er gets warmer before we go on holiday.
directly onto the garden. Turn the box Tell me what in your opinion we
onto its side. should do.
open /pn/ adjective 1. not shut opponent /pnnt/ noun 1. a person
open opponent
The safe door is open. Leave the win- or group which is against something
dow open its very hot in here. 2. avail- Opponents of the planned motorway
able for use by or the enjoyment of the have occupied the site. 2. (in boxing, an
public Is the supermarket open on election, etc.) a person who fights
Sundays? The show is open from 9 someone else His opponent in the
a.m. to 6 p.m. The competition is open election is a local councillor. He
to anyone over the age of fifteen. verb knocked out his last three opponents.
1. to make something open Can you opportunity /ptju
nti/ noun a
opportunity
open the door for me, Im trying to carry chance allows you to do something
these heavy boxes? Dont open the When you were in London, did you have
envelope until tomorrow. 2. to start do- an opportunity to visit St Pauls Cathe-
ing something, to start a business A dral? Id like to take this opportunity
new restaurant is going to open next to thank all members of staff for the
door to us. Most shops open early in work they have done over the past year.
the morning. oppose /pz/ verb 1. to put yourself
oppose
something work He knows how to op- opposite side of the road. Her van was
erate the machine. She is learning hit by a lorry going in the opposite di-
how to operate the new telephone rection. noun something which is
switchboard. 2. to treat a patient by cut- completely different Black is the op-
ting open the body She was operated posite of white. Shes just the oppo-
on by Mr Jones. The surgeon decided site of her brother hes tall and thin,
she would have to operate on the pa- shes short and fat. He likes to say one
tient. thing, and then do the opposite.
operation /pre()n/ noun 1. an opposition /pz()n/ noun 1. the
operation opposition
organised activity carried out to achieve act of opposing something There was
a specific aim The rescue operation a lot of opposition to the companys
was successful. 2. a medical treatment, plans to build a supermarket. 2. (in pol-
usually involving cutting open a per- itics) the party or group which opposes
sons body Shes had three operations the government The leader of the op-
on her leg. The operation lasted al- position rose to speak. The party lost
most two hours. the election and is now in opposition.
Basic.fm Page 218 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
tests your eyes and sells glasses dered the protesters out of the building.
option /pn/ noun a choice One op-
option
The doctor ordered him to take four
tion would be to sell the house. The weeks holiday. 2. (of a customer ) to
tour offers several options as half-day ask for something to be served or to be
visits. sent They ordered chicken and chips
and some wine. Ive ordered a new
or /
/ conjunction 1. used for joining two
or
orbit /
bt/ noun the curved path of
orbit
something moving through space The ganization noun 1. the act of arranging
rocket will put the satellite into orbit something The organisation of the
round the earth. verb to move in a meeting is done by the secretary. 2. an
curved path round something The sat- organised group or institution Hes
ellite orbits the earth once every five chairman of an organisation which
hours. looks after blind people. International
relief organisations are sending sup-
orchestra /
kstr/ noun a large group
orchestra
plies.
of musicians who play together the
organisational /
'na
organisational
order /
d/ noun 1. an instruction to
order
ze()n()l/, organizational adjec-
tive relating to the way in which some-
someone to do something He shouted
orders to the workmen. If you cant thing is organised
organise /
'naz/, organize verb 1.
organise
organizer
noun a person who arranges things to be the case She ought to pass her
origin /rd"n/ noun where something
origin
driving test easily. He left his office at
or someone comes from What is the six, so he ought to be home by now.
origin of the word taboo? His family (NOTE: The negative is ought not,
has French origins. shortened to oughtnt. Note also that
ought is always followed by to and a
original /rd"n()l/ adjective 1. new
original
things are copied Send the police a office is near the station. Our cat is
copy, but make sure you keep the origi- missing again. Two of our children
nal. caught flu. (NOTE: Do not confuse with
originally /rd"n()l/ adverb in the
originally
hour.)
beginning Originally it was mine, but ours /az/ pronoun a thing or person
ours
ferent person or thing We went swim- referring back to the subject pronoun
ming while the other members of the we We all organised ourselves into
group sat and watched. I dont like two teams. We were enjoying our-
chocolate cakes can I have one of the selves when the police came.
others? Im fed up with that restau-
out /at/ adverb 1. away from inside
out
give the tickets to someone else. air, not inside a building The ceremo-
ought /
t/ modal verb 1. it would be a
ought
ny is usually held outdoors. Why dont
good thing to You ought to go swim- we take our coffee outdoors and sit in
ming more often. You ought to see the the sun? The concert will be held out-
doctor if your cough doesnt get better. doors if the weather is good. (NOTE: You
He oughtnt to eat so much hell get
can also say out of doors.)
outer /at/ adjective on the outside
outer
ten worn for a particular purpose She She looked over the edge of the balcony.
bought a new outfit for the wedding. 4. during Over the last few weeks the
For the fancy dress party she wore a weather has been cold and wet. Lets
nurses outfit. discuss the problem over lunch. 5. more
outing /at/ noun a short trip The
outing
than Children over 16 years old have
children went on an outing to the sea- to pay full price. The car costs over
side. 40,000. We had to wait for over two
hours. adverb 1. down from being up-
outline /atlan/ noun a line showing
outline
of the house are made of brick. ad- taking in everything The overall im-
verb not inside a building Its beauti- pression was favourable.
ful and warm outside in the garden. overcome /vkm/ verb 1. to deal
overcome
The dogs all wet it must be raining with a difficult situation Do you think
outside. the drugs problem can ever be over-
outstanding /atstnd/ adjective come? 2. to make someone helpless
outstanding
excellent or of a very high standard or She was overcome by fear. Two people
quality an antique Chinese vase of were overcome by smoke. 3. to gain vic-
outstanding quality Her performance tory over an enemy The army quickly
was outstanding. overcame the invaders. (NOTE: over-
outwards /atwdz/ adverb towards
outwards
comes overcoming overcame
the outside or away from the centre or /vkem/ has overcome)
starting point
an oval bowl.
plate in the oven its made of plastic. dentally something which you are not
Supper is cooking in the oven. Can meant to hear I couldnt help over-
you look in the oven and see if the meat hearing what you said just then. (NOTE:
is cooked? overhears overhearing over-
heard /vh
d/)
over /v/ preposition 1. above or high-
over
something She overlooked several of The plane was late owing to fog.
mistakes when she was correcting the
owl /al/ noun a large bird which hunts
owl
exam papers.
small animals, mainly at night
overseas1 /vsi
z/ adverb in or to a
overseas
ily. verb to have or to possess
someone travelling in front of you Theres no sense in owning a car, since
(NOTE: overtakes overtaking theres nowhere to park.
overtook has overtaken)
owner /n/ noun a person who owns
owner
P
p /pi
/, P noun the sixteenth letter of the goods are sold Instructions for use are
p
pack /pk/ noun 1. a set of things put to- cardboard or plastic used to wrap goods
pack
gether in a box He bought a pack of The boxes are sent in plastic packag-
chewing gum. 2. a set of playing cards ing. 2. the act of wrapping of goods
a pack of cards Shuffle the pack. 3. a The packaging is all done by machines.
group of wild animals together a pack packed /pkt/ adjective 1. full of peo-
packed
of wild dogs 4. a bag which you can car- ple The restaurant was packed and
ry on your back Will you be able to there were no free tables. 2. put in a con-
manage this walk with a heavy pack on tainer a packed lunch
your back? verb 1. to put things into
packet /pkt/ noun a small bag, parcel
packet
for a bucket (NOTE: Do not confuse with pair of green shorts? This pair of scis-
pale.) sors is blunt.
pal /pl/ noun a friend (informal )
pal
of being hurt or ill If you have a pain palace /pls/ noun a large building
palace
in your chest, you ought to see a doctor. where a king, queen, president, etc.,
She had to take drugs because she lives
could not stand the pain. I get pains in pale /pel/ adjective 1. light-coloured
pale
my teeth when I eat ice cream. What colour is your hat? Its a pale
painful /penf()l/ adjective hurting,
painful
palm /p
m/ noun 1. the soft inside sur-
palm
paints coming off the front door. (NOTE: er with a handle Boil the potatoes in a
no plural) verb 1. to cover something pan of water. She burnt her hand on
with paint We got someone in to paint the hot frying pan. frying pan,
the house. They painted their front saucepan
door blue. She painted her toenails panel /pn()l/ noun 1. a flat piece of
panel
paints something such as a house The The forecast of flooding caused panic in
painter is coming next week to paint the towns near the river. verb to become
kitchen. 2. a person who paints pictures very frightened Dont panic, the fire
He collects pictures by 19th-century engine is on its way. (NOTE: panics
French painters. panicking panicked)
painting /pent/ noun 1. the act of pant /pnt/ verb to breathe fast He was
painting pant
putting paint on something or of making red in the face and panting as he crossed
pictures with paint Painting and dec- the finishing line.
orating is my trade 2. a picture done paper /pep/ noun 1. thin, often white,
paper
with paints Do you like this painting material, which you write on, and which
of the old church? is used for wrapping or to make books,
pair /pe/ noun 1. two things taken to-
pair
Our local paper comes out on Fri- ing a car somewhere when you are not
days. The Sunday papers are so big using it
that it takes me all day to read them.
parliament /p
lmnt/ noun a group
parliament
these drugs.
of soldiers A sergeant inspects the
parrot /prt/ noun a brightly coloured
parrot
pardon /p
d()n/ noun the act of for- formed from a verb, used either to form
pardon
earlier. piece
parent /pernt/ noun 1. a father or particular /ptkjl/ adjective spe-
parent
particular
mother 2. an organisation which owns cial, referring to one thing or person and
or rules another Our parent company to no other The photocopier only
is based in Switzerland. works with one particular type of paper.
parents /pernts/ noun your mother particularly /ptkjlli/ adverb spe-
parents particularly
and father His parents live in Man- cially I particularly asked them not to
chester. Did your parents tell you I walk on the lawn. Its a particularly
had met them in London? difficult problem. He isnt particular-
park /p
k/ noun an open space with
park
ly worried about the result.
partly /p
tli/ adverb not completely
partly
also because we want to move nearer to who is travelling, e.g. in a car, bus, train
the sea. or plane, but who is not the driver or one
partner /p
tn/ noun 1. a person who of the people who works on it His
partner
plays games or dances with someone cars quite big it can take three pas-
Take your partners for the waltz. Sally sengers on the back seat. The plane
is my usual tennis partner. 2. a person was carrying 104 passengers and a
with whom you are in a relationship, es- crew of ten.
pecially one you live with We invited passing /p
s/ adjective 1. existing
passing
him and his partner for drinks. 3. a per- for a short time only Its just a passing
son who owns and works in a business fashion. 2. which is going past The
together with one or more others He driver of a passing car saw the accident.
became a partner in a firm of solicitors. passion /p()n/ noun a very strong
passion
partnership /p
tnp/ noun a busi-
partnership
ment between the partners things to happen to you and not taking
party /p
ti/ noun a special occasion
party
pass /p
s/ noun (in football, etc.) the act
pass
pass out phrasal verb to become un- ter Its past the childrens bedtime.
conscious for a short time He passed Its ten past nine (9.10) weve missed
out when he saw the blood. the TV news. 2. passing in front of
pass round phrasal verb to hand something If you go past the bank,
something to various people She youll see the shop on your left. She
passed the box of chocolates round the walked past me without saying any-
table. thing. The car went past at at least 60
passage /psd"/ noun 1. a long nar-
passage
working in France. The time for talk- of being patient With a little patience,
ing is past what we need is action. youll soon learn how to ride a bike. I
noun the time before now In the past dont have the patience to wait that
we always had an office party just be- long.
fore Christmas. patient /pe()nt/ adjective the ability
patient
Add tomato paste to the soup. verb to ing guard by walking or driving in one
glue something such as paper She direction and then back again They
pasted a sheet of coloured paper over make regular patrols round the walls of
the front of the box. He pasted the the prison. He was on patrol in the
postcards into his scrapbook. cut centre of town when he saw some youths
pastry /pestri/ noun a mixture of flour,
pastry
running away from a bank. 2. a group of
fat and water, used to make pies She people keeping guard Each time a pa-
was in the kitchen making pastry. trol went past we hid behind a wall.
verb to keep guard on a place by walk-
pat /pt/ noun a gentle touch with the
pat
as a cat or dog The bear held the fish Can you see that snow-covered peak
in its paws. in the distance? 2. the highest point
The team has to reach a peak of fitness
pay /pe/ noun the money you receive for
pay
pound each for washing the car. Ill jewel formed inside an oyster She
pay you a pound to wash my car. (NOTE: wore a string of pearls which her grand-
You pay someone to wash the car mother had given her.
before he or she washes it, but you pebble /peb()l/ noun a small round
pebble
giving money for something I make bike go up the hill. verb to make a bi-
regular monthly payments into her ac- cycle go by pushing on the pedals He
count. She made a payment of had to pedal hard to get up the hill.
10,000 to the solicitor. (NOTE: pedals pedalling ped-
alled)
pea /pi
/ noun a climbing plant of which
pea
keep the peace in the area. Both sides a vegetable Throw the banana peel
are hoping to reach a peace settlement. into the rubbish bin. This orange has
2. a calm quiet state Noisy motorcy- got very thick peel. (NOTE: no plural)
cles ruin the peace and quiet of the vil- verb to take the outer skin off a fruit or
lage. a vegetable He was peeling a banana.
peaceful /pi
sf()l/ adjective enjoyable
peaceful
together with wooden pegs. 2. clothes cant cycle any faster than fifteen miles
peg little wooden clip, used to attach per hour. Potatoes cost 10p per kilo.
wet clothes to a washing line verb to We paid our secretaries 10 per hour.
attach something with a peg She
perceive /psi
v/ verb to notice or real-
perceive
40 per cent.
coin, one hundredth of a pound It cost
perfect1 /p
fkt/ adjective 1. good in
perfect
pence.) not have a penny not have thing new and perfect She perfected a
any money process for speeding up the bottling sys-
pension /penn/ noun money paid
pension
tem.
perfectly /p
fktli/ adverb very well
perfectly
sion is not enough to live on. tion She performed a perfect dive.
people /pi
p()l/ noun men, women or
people
powder used in cooking, made from the way in which someone or something
whole seeds of a plant (black pepper) or works, e.g. how successful they are or
from seeds with the outer layer removed how much they achieve Were looking
(white pepper) Add salt and pepper to for ways to improve our performance.
taste. (NOTE: no plural in this sense) 2. After last nights miserable perform-
a hollow green, red or yellow fruit used ance I dont think the team is likely to
Basic.fm Page 229 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
house by the window. His fathers a
who gives a public show in order to en- very interesting person. in person
tertain people used to emphasise that someone is phys-
perfume /p
fju
m/ noun 1. a liquid ically present Several celebrities were
perfume
which smells nice, and which you put at the first night in person.
on your skin 2. a pleasant smell, espe- personal /p
s()n()l/ adjective 1. be-
personal
time She swam under water for a character He has a strange personali-
short period. The offer is open for a ty. 2. a famous person, especially a TV
limited period only. It was an unhap- or radio star The new supermarket is
py period in her life. 2. the time during going to be opened by a famous sporting
which a lesson is given in school We personality.
have three periods of English on Thurs-
persuade /pswed/ verb to get some-
persuade
days.
or asking She managed to persuade
ed after a regular period of time peri- the bank manager to give her a loan.
odic attacks of the illness We carry After ten hours of discussion, they per-
out periodic reviews of the companys fi- suaded him to leave.
nancial position.
pest /pest/ noun 1. a plant, animal or in-
pest
permanent /p
mnnt/ adjective
permanent
permanently /p
mnntli/ adverb
permanently
film with a camera
phrasal verb /frez()l v
b/ noun a
phrasal verb
If
up with
phrase /frez/ noun a short sentence or
phrase
row evening? I need to phone our of- to the human body The illness is men-
fice in New York. tal rather than physical. He has a
phone back phrasal verb to reply by strong physical attraction for her.
telephone; to call again The manager physically /fzkli/ adverb 1. relating
physically
is out can you phone back in about fif- to the body I find him physically very
teen minutes? She phoned back three attractive. One of the children is phys-
minutes later to ask me my address. ically handicapped. 2. relating to the
phone book /fn bk/ noun a book
phone book
series of numbers that you press on a tel- strument with black and white keys
ephone to contact a particular person which you press to make music Shes
photo /ft/ noun a photograph; a
photo
brought some holiday photos to show The captain picks the football team.
you. (NOTE: The plural is photos.) She was picked to play the part of the
photograph /ft'r
f/ noun a pic-
photograph
son who takes photographs, especially kerchief and he picked it up. He bent
as a job down to pick up a pound coin which he
Basic.fm Page 231 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
Can you send a taxi to pick us up at sev- plane or other aircraft Hes training to
en oclock? be an airline pilot. Hes a helicopter
picnic /pknk/ noun a meal eaten out- pilot for an oil company.
picnic
the magazine.
squeezing something between your fin-
pie /pa/ noun meat or fruit cooked in a
pie
of plates crashed onto the floor. The coloured Your cheeks look pink and
wind blew piles of dead leaves into the healthy now. noun a pale red colour
road. He was carrying a huge pile of The bright pink of those flowers shows
books. clearly across the garden.
Basic.fm Page 232 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
that carries a liquid or a gas from one orated with leaves and flowers, but the
place to another Hes clearing a inside is quite plain. 2. easy to under-
blocked pipe in the kitchen. The water stand The instructions are written in
came out of the hole in the pipe. 2. a plain English. 3. obvious Its perfect-
tube for smoking tobacco, with a small ly plain what he wants. We made it
bowl at one end in which the tobacco plain to them that this was our final of-
burns fer. 4. a more polite word than "unattrac-
pit /pt/ noun 1. a deep dark hole in the tive", used for describing a person His
pit
ground They dug a pit to bury the rub- two daughters are rather plain. noun
bish. 2. a mine; a place where substanc- a flat area of country a broad plain
es such as coal are dug out of the ground bordered by mountains (NOTE: Do not
My grandfather spent his whole life confuse with plane.)
working down a pit. plainly /plenli/ adverb 1. in a way that
plainly
jects in space which move round the off the trains easily Crowds of people
Sun Is there life on any of the planets? were waiting on the platform. The
Earth is the third planet from the Sun. train for Liverpool will leave from plat-
2. the planet the planet Earth an en- form 10. 2. a high wooden floor for
vironmental disaster which could affect someone to stand on when they are
the whole planet speaking in public The main speakers
plank /plk/ noun a long flat piece of
plank
sat in a row on the platform.
play /ple/ noun a story which is acted in
play
made from chemicals, used to make ble or attractive What a pleasant gar-
many things We take plastic plates den! How pleasant it is to sit here un-
when we go to the beach. The super- der the trees!
market gives you plastic bags to put please /pli
z/ interjection used when you
please
your shopping in. We cover our gar- are making a polite request or accepting
den furniture with plastic sheets when it an offer Can you close the window,
rains. (NOTE: no plural: a bowl made of please? Please sit down. Can I have
plastic) a ham sandwich, please? Do you want
plate /plet/ noun 1. a flat round dish for
plate
structure by the side of the railway lines Were very pleased with our new house.
Basic.fm Page 234 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
be able to visit you today. with pleas- slightly fat in an attractive way Hes a
ure used for saying that you are happy short man with a plump red face. Is
to do something for someone Ill do she pregnant or is she just plumper than
the job with pleasure. she was?
plenty /plenti/ noun a large quantity
plenty
Youve got plenty of time to catch the self into water He plunged into the
train. Plenty of people complain river to rescue the little boy. 2. to fall
about the bus service. Have you got sharply Share prices plunged on the
enough bread? Yes, weve got plenty. news of the devaluation.
(NOTE: no plural)
plural /plrl/ adjective, noun (in
plural
200,000 plus
from a bird Ask the butcher to pluck
pocket /pkt/ noun a small bag sewn
pocket
fruit with a smooth skin and a large Reading poetry makes me cry. This
Basic.fm Page 235 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
theres no point theres no good rea- job is to control traffic, to try to stop
son for doing something Theres no crime and to catch criminals The po-
point in asking them to pay they ha- lice are looking for the driver of the car.
vent any money. whats the point? The police emergency number is 999.
why? Whats the point of doing the Call the police Ive just seen some-
same thing all over again? 5. a score in one drive off in my car.
a game Their team scored three policeman
policeman /pli
smn,
p
which kills you or makes you ill if it is make things shiny Wash the car thor-
swallowed or if it gets into the blood oughly before you put the polish on.
Theres enough poison in this bottle to verb to rub something in order to make
kill the whole town. Dont drink that it shiny He polished his shoes until
its poison. they shone.
poisonous /pz()ns/ adjective able Polish /pl/ adjective relating to Po-
Polish
poisonous
to kill or harm people or animals with land The Polish Army joined in the
poison manoeuvres. noun the language spo-
poke /pk/ noun a quick push with a
poke
ken in Poland I know three words of
finger or something sharp He got a Polish. You will need an English-
poke in the eye from someones umbrel- Polish phrasebook if youre visiting
la. verb to push something or some- Warsaw.
polite /plat/ adjective pleasant to-
polite
thing sharp He poked the heap with wards other people, not rude Sales
his stick. to poke about for some- staff should be polite to customers.
thing to search for something among (NOTE: politer politest)
Basic.fm Page 236 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
Ask the lady politely if you can have a money The family is very poor now
sweetie. that both parents have no work. This
politeness /platns/ noun the prac-
politeness
is one of the poorest countries in Africa.
tice of being polite 2. of not very good quality Vines can
grow even in poor soil. They were
political /pltk()l/ adjective refer-
political
selling off poor quality vegetables at a
ring to government or to party politics cheap price. Shes been in poor health
I dont want to get involved in a political for some months. 3. used for showing
argument. She gave up her political you are sorry Poor old you, having to
career when she had the children. stay at home and finish your homework
politician /plt()n/ noun a person
politician
holidays.
ess of making the environment dirty popularity /ppjlrti/ noun the fact
popularity
people and the environment It took six number of people who live in a place
months to clean up the oil pollution on The population of the country is 60 mil-
the beaches. The pollution in the cen- lion. Paris has a population of over
tre of town is so bad that people have three million.
pork /p
k/ noun fresh meat from a pig,
pork
pool /pu
l/ noun 1. a very small lake
pool
where boats can stop, or a town with a
He dived in and swam across the moun-
place like this a fishing port The
tain pool. We looked for shrimps in
ship is due in port on Tuesday. We left
the rock pools. 2. a large bath of water
port at 12.00. 2. an opening in a compu-
for swimming in an outdoor pool a
heated pool We have a little swimming ter for plugging in an attachment a
pool in the garden. He swam two mouse port
portable /p
tb()l/ adjective which
portable
is only a small portion of the material be done She agreed that the changes
we collected. Our carriage was in the were possible.
rear portion of the train. 2. an amount of possibly /psbli/ adverb 1. perhaps
possibly
food, usually for one person The por- The meeting will possibly finish late.
tions in that restaurant are tiny. Ask January had possibly the worst snow-
the waiter if they serve childrens por- storms we have ever seen. 2. used with
tions. can or cant to make a phrase strong-
portrait /p
trt/ noun a painting or
portrait
or sure Im positive I put the key in my which you can put letters, which will
pocket. Are you positive he said six then be collected and sent on by the post
oclock? 2. (in a test) showing that the office
postcard /pstk
d/ noun a piece of
postcard
which you send to someone with a short
message on it
thing They possess several farms in
postcode /pstkd/ noun a series of
postcode
is to sort letters
of owning something When he
poster /pst/ noun a large notice,
poster
of being likely to happen Is there any who delivers letters to houses (NOTE:
possibility of getting a ticket to the The plural is postmen.)
show? There is always the possibility post office /pst fs/ noun a build-
post office
that the plane will be early. There is ing where you can do such things as
no possibility of the bank lending us any buying stamps, sending letters and par-
more money. cels and paying bills The main post
Basic.fm Page 238 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
several other countries He earns more
the time or date of an event so that it will than six pounds an hour. The price of
happen a later date or time The meet- the car is over 50,000 (fifty thousand
ing has been postponed until next week. pounds). He tried to pay for his bus
ticket with a 20 note (twenty-pound
pot /pt/ noun 1. a glass or china contain-
pot
ship was pounded to pieces by heavy
white or yellow root vegetable which waves.
grows under the ground boiled pota-
pour /p
/ verb 1. to make a liquid flow
pour
bought this vase from the pottery where flour with very small dry grains The
it was made. (NOTE: The plural in this drug is available in the form of a white
sense is potteries.) 2. objects such as powder. This machine grinds pepper
pots and plates, made of clay Theres corns to powder.
a man in the market who sells local pot-
power /pa/ noun 1. the ability to con-
power
lot of force, influence or capability praised the firemen for their efforts in
This model has a more powerful engine. putting out the fire.
The treasurer is the most powerful pray /pre/ verb to speak to God or some
pray
person in the organisation. The raft other religious being, asking for some-
was swept away by the powerful cur- thing or saying thank you for something
rent. This is the most powerful per- Farmers prayed for rain.
sonal computer on the market.
prayer /pre/ noun the words that some-
prayer
We
practically /prktkli/ adverb almost need to know the precise measurements
practically
Practically all the students passed the of the box. At that precise moment my
test. The summer is practically over. father walked in. Can you be more
His suit is such a dark grey it is practi- precise about what the men looked like?
cally black. precisely /prsasli/ adverb exactly
precisely
practice /prkts/ noun 1. the act of
practice
football practice this evening. The happen The weather forecasters have
cars make several practice runs before predicted rain. He predicted correctly
the race. 3. a way of doing something, that the deal would not last. Every-
especially a way that is regularly used thing happened exactly as I had predict-
Its a standard practice for shops to ed.
open late one day a week for staff train-
prefix /pri
fks/ noun a group of letters
prefix
carried out The plan seems very inter- woman or female animal ) carrying a
esting, but what will it cost in practice? developing baby inside the body
practise /prkts/ verb 1. to do some- Dont carry heavy weights when youre
practise
thing many times in order to become pregnant. She hasnt told her family
better at it Hes practising catching yet that shes pregnant. There are
and throwing. 2. to work as a doctor, three pregnant women in my office.
dentist or lawyer Hes officially re- preparation /prepre()n/ noun 1.
preparation
tired but still practises part-time. the things that you do in order to get
praise /prez/ noun admiration, the act
praise
thing ready We have prepared the hall other people about their work The
for the school play. I have some company made a presentation of the
friends coming to dinner and I havent services they could offer.
presently /prez()ntli/ adverb 1. soon
presently
for a chemical company. Shes pres-
Be prepared, you may get quite a shock. ently in England. What is presently
Six people are coming to dinner and being done to correct the problem?
Ive got nothing prepared. preserve /prz
v/ verb 1. to look after
preserve
preposition /prepz()n/ noun a something and keep it in the same state
preposition
word used with a noun or pronoun to Our committee aims to preserve the
show place or time wildlife in our area. The doctors aim
presence /prez()ns/ noun 1. the fact
presence
is to preserve the life of the unborn
of being present The presence of both child. They would like to preserve
his wives in court was noted. Your their own alphabet rather than use the
presence is requested at a meeting of the Roman one. 2. to treat something so that
committee on June 23rd. 2. an effect you it does not decay Meat can be pre-
have on other people The general has served in salt. Freezing is a common
a commanding presence. method of preserving meat.
president /prezd()nt/ noun the head
president
thing which you give to someone, e.g. of a republic President Bush was
on their birthday I got a watch as a elected in 2000. The French president
Christmas present. How many birth- came on an official visit. (NOTE: also
day presents did you get? Her col- used as a title before a surname: Pres-
leagues gave her a present when she got ident Wilson)
presidential /prezdenl/ adjective
presidential
happening now The present of the group The election wasnt reported in
verb to go is he goes or he is going. the British press. There has been no
adjective at a place when something mention of the problem in the press.
happens there How many people were (NOTE: no plural) verb to push some-
present at the meeting? at present thing Press 12 for room service.
now The hotel still has some vacan- pressure /pre/ noun 1. something
pressure
cies at present. for the present for which forces you to do something
now That will be enough for the
Pressure from farmers forced the minis-
present. ter to change his mind. to put pres-
present2 /przent/ verb 1. to give
present
sure on someone to do something to
something formally to someone as a try to force someone to do something
present When he retired after thirty They put pressure on the government to
years, the firm presented him with a build a new motorway. 2. the force of
large clock. 2. to introduce a show on something such as air which is pushing
TV or radio Shes presenting a pro- or squeezing There is not enough
gramme on gardening. pressure in your tyres. under pres-
presentation /prez()nte()n/
presentation
prevent /prvent/ verb to stop some- tant The prime suspect in the case is
prevent
thing happening We must try to pre- the dead womans husband. This is a
vent any more flooding. prime example of what is wrong with
previous /pri
vis/ adjective happen-
previous
this country. 2. most likely to be chosen
ing or existing at an earlier time The She is a prime target for any kidnap-
letter was sent to my previous address. per.
The gang of workers had arrived the prime minister /pram mnst/
prime minister
previous night and started work first noun the head of the government in
thing in the morning. I had spent the Britain and other countries the Aus-
previous day getting to know my way tralian Prime Minister or the Prime
round the town. Minister of Australia She cut out the
previously /pri
visli/ adverb at a time picture of the Prime Minister from the
previously
before This is my first train trip to newspaper. The Prime Minister will
Paris previously Ive always gone by address the nation at 6 oclock tonight.
plane. The arrangements had been He was determined to become prime
made six weeks previously. At that minister before the age of 40. (NOTE:
time they were living in New York, and Use initial capitals when you are talk-
previously had lived in London. ing about a particular prime minister.)
prey /pre/ noun an animal eaten by an- prince /prns/ noun the son of a king or
prince
prey
price /pras/ noun money which you of a king or queen Once upon a time
price
read this book the print is too small. 2. Its probable that the ship sank in a
a photograph If you are not happy storm.
with your prints, we can guarantee a full probably /prbbli/ adverb used for
probably
in the maths test. no problem used
first Children have priority in the for giving an informal agreement to a
waiting list. 2. a thing which has to be request
done first Finding somewhere to stay procedure /prsi
d"/ noun 1. the way
procedure
the night was our main priority. in which something should be carried
prison /prz()n/ noun a building where
prison
Prison is often used without the article He proceeded down the High Street
the.) towards the river. 2. to do something af-
prisoner /prz()n/ noun a person
prisoner
longs to one person, and is not available which something is done, or the fact of
to everyone He flew there in his pri- it being done a new process for ex-
vate jet. 2. that you would not like to tracting oil from coal (NOTE: The plural
Basic.fm Page 243 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
some teachers of music and art She
something or bring something out of goes to Professor Smith for piano les-
e.g. your pocket The tax office asked sons. (NOTE: used as a title before a
him to produce the relevant documents. name: Professor Smith.)
He produced a bundle of notes from
profit /prft/ noun money you gain
profit
birth to young Our cat has produced structions given to a computer to load
six kittens. 5. to grow crops The re- a program to run a program a
gion produces enough rice to supply the word-processing program verb to
needs of the whole country. give instructions to a computer They
produce2 /prdju
s/ noun things that
produce
product.)
or radio show We watched a pro-
producer /prdju
s/ noun a company
producer
gramme on life in the 17th century.
or country which makes or grows some- Theres a football programme on after
thing an important producer of steel the news. I want to listen to the phone-
The company is a major car producer. in programme at 9.15. There are no
product /prdkt/ noun a thing which
product
on TV or radio The new chat show is
process of making of something We programmed to compete with the gar-
are trying to step up production. Pro- dening programme on the other chan-
duction will probably be held up by the nel.
strike. 2. organising a play or film The progress1 /pr'res/ noun 1. a move-
progress
/prnnsie()n/
pronunciation
jected slides of his visit to the Arctic. noun a way of saying words Whats
projector /prd"ekt/ noun a machine
projector
the correct pronunciation of controver-
which sends pictures onto a screen sy? You should try to improve your
pronunciation by taking lessons from
promise /prms/ noun the act of say-
promise
native speakers.
ing that you will definitely do some-
proof /pru
f/ noun something which
proof
into the problem. She promised the rect; in the way that things are normally
staff an extra weeks holiday but it never done She didnt put the sugar back
materialised. into its proper place in the cupboard.
promote /prmt/ verb 1. to give This is the proper way to use a knife and
promote
someone a better job He was promot- fork. The parcel wasnt delivered be-
ed from salesman to sales manager. 2. to cause it didnt have the proper address.
properly /prpli/ adverb correctly
properly
ply. verb to tell an actor words which of a whole Only a small proportion of
he or she has forgotten He had to be his income comes from his TV appear-
prompted in the middle of a long speech. ances.
promptly /prmptli/ adverb very soon proposal /prpz()l/ noun a plan
promptly proposal
after an event, in a way that is helpful or which has been suggested The com-
efficient mittee made a proposal to rebuild the
Basic.fm Page 245 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
propose /prpz/ verb to make a sug- who protests in a public way about
propose
gestion I propose that we all go for a something they dont agree with Sev-
swim. eral protesters stood outside the banks
offices handing out leaflets.
prosecute /prskju
t/ verb to bring
prosecute
her to change her mind. Faced with you are proud of something
the grim prospect of two weeks at home
prove /pru
v/ verb to show that some-
prove
teaches you something
or something safe from harm or danger
provide /prvad/ verb to supply some-
provide
against dust. The injection is sup- thing Medical help was provided by
posed to protect you against the disease. the Red Cross. Our hosts provided us
with a car and driver.
protection /prtekn/ noun shelter,
protection
trees give some protection from the rain. condition that; as long as, so long as
The legislation offers no protection to
Its nice to go on a picnic provided it
temporary workers. The injection doesnt rain. You can all come to
gives some protection against cholera. watch the rehearsal providing you dont
protein /prti
n/ noun a substance in
protein
interrupt.
food such as meat, eggs and nuts which prudent /pru
dnt/ adjective showing
prudent
is one of the elements in food which you good sense and using good judgement
need to keep your body working proper- It would be prudent to consult a lawyer
ly before you sign the contract.
protest1 /prtest/ noun a statement pub /pb/ noun a place where you can
protest
pub
saying that you object or disapprove of buy beer and other alcoholic drinks, and
something The new road went ahead sometimes meals I happened to meet
despite the protests of the local inhabit- him at the pub. We had a sandwich
ants. She resigned as a protest against and some beer in the pub.
the change in government policy. public /pblk/ adjective relating to the
public
protest2 /prtest/ verb 1. to say or people in general The crown jewels
protest
show that you do not approve of some- are on public display in the Tower of
thing After being stuck in the train for London. Its in the public interest that
twenty minutes, the passengers began to the facts should be known. noun peo-
protest. to protest against something ple in general The public have the
to object strongly to something Eve- right to know what is going on.
publication /pblke()n/ noun 1.
publication
the show was blamed on bad publicity. clothing made of wool, which covers
publicly /pblkli/ adverb in public
publicly
pany publishes six magazines for the ing liquids or air into something a bi-
business market. We publish diction- cycle pump verb to force in something
aries for students. 2. to make something such as liquid or air with a pump Your
publicly known The government has back tyre needs pumping up. The
not published the figures yet. heart pumps blood round the body.
publisher /pbl/ noun a person or
publisher
company that produces books or news- fist She landed two punches on his
papers for sale head. 2. a metal tool for making holes
pudding /pd/ noun 1. a sweet dish at
pudding
wards you or after you Pull the door He was punctual for his appointment
to open it, dont push it. The truck was with the dentist.
punctuation /pktue()n/ noun
punctuation
pull it off.
pull out phrasal verb 1. to take some- suffer because of something they have
thing out by pulling They used a rope done The children must be punished
to pull the car out of the river. 2. to drive for stealing apples. The simplest way
a car away from the side of the road to punish them will be to make them pay
He forgot to signal as he was pulling for the damage they caused.
out. Dont pull out into the main road punishment /pnmnt/ noun a
punishment
until you can see that there is nothing treatment given to punish someone As
coming. a punishment, youll wash the kitchen
pull over phrasal verb to drive a car to- floor.
wards the side of the road and stop pupil /pju
p()l/ noun 1. a child at a
pupil
The police car signalled to him to pull school There are twenty-five pupils in
over. the class. The piano teacher thinks
Basic.fm Page 247 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
dog has had six puppies. (NOTE: The putting put has put)
plural is puppies.) put back phrasal verb to put some-
purchase /p
ts/ noun something
purchase
The purpose of the meeting is to plan film, but my brother said something
the village fair. which put me off.
purse /p
s/ noun a small bag for carry- put on phrasal verb 1. to place some-
purse
a certain piece of clothing I put a
one in order to try to catch him or her clean shirt on before I went to the party.
(formal ) The police pursued the stolen Put your gloves on, its cold outside.
car across London. The boys fled, Put on your wellies if youre going
pursued by their older brother. out in the rain. 3. to switch something
push /p/ noun the action of making
push
on Can you put the light on, its get-
something move forwards Can you ting dark? Put on the kettle and well
give the car a push? It wont start. have some tea.
verb to make something move away put out phrasal verb 1. to place some-
from you or in front of you Well have thing outside Did you remember to
to push the car to get it to start. The put the cat out? 2. to switch something
Basic.fm Page 248 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
the last train, can you put them up for square base and four sides rising to meet
the night? at a point
Basic.fm Page 249 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
Q
q /kju
/, Q noun the seventeenth letter of quarter empty. He paid only a quarter
q
the alphabet, between P and R of the normal fare because he works for
qualification /kwlfke()n/ noun
qualification
the airline.
quay /ki
/ noun the part of a harbour or
quay
something which limits the meaning of King Charles Is queen was the
a statement, or shows that you do not
daughter of the king of France. 2. a
agree with something completely I
woman who rules a country The
want to add one qualification to the
Queen sometimes lives in Windsor Cas-
agreement: if the goods are not deliv-
tle. Queen Victoria was queen for
ered by the 30th of June, then the order
many years. (NOTE: queen is spelt with
will be cancelled. 3. success in a test or
a capital letter when used before a
competition which takes you on to the
name or when referring to a particular
next stage She didnt reach the neces-
person: Queen Elizabeth I.) 3. in the
sary standard for qualification.
game of chess, the second most impor-
qualify /kwlfa/ verb to attach condi-
qualify
pear into quarters. The jar is only a printed list of questions given to people
Basic.fm Page 250 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
queue /kju
/ noun a line of people or
queue
things such as cars, waiting one behind such as a job or a place and not return
the other for something There was a When the boss criticised her, she quit.
queue of people waiting to get into the Im fed up with the office, Im thinking
exhibition. We joined the queue at the of quitting. 2. US to stop doing some-
entrance to the stadium. verb to stand thing Will you quit bothering me!
in a line and wait for something We He quit smoking. (NOTE: quits quit-
spent hours queuing for tickets. (NOTE: ting quit or quitted)
quite /kwat/ adverb 1. to some degree
quite
We had a quiet holiday by the sea. Its some good quotes from his speech to put
a quiet little village. The hotel is in the into my report. verb to repeat what
quietest part of the town. someone has said or written He start-
quietly /kwatli/ adverb without mak-
quietly
R
r /
/, R noun the eighteenth letter of the ing air waves They got the news by ra-
r
with tight strings, used for hitting the Her face was red with rage. verb to
ball in games She bought a new tennis be violent The storm raged all night.
racket at the start of the summer season. raid /red/ noun a sudden attack; a sud-
raid
She asked if she could borrow his den visit by the police Robbers car-
badminton racket for the tournament. 2. ried out six raids on post offices during
a loud noise (informal ) Stop that rack- the night. Police carried out a series
et at once! The people next door make of raids on addresses in London. verb
a terrible racket when theyre having a to make a sudden attack on a place
party. The police raided the club. We caught
radiator /rediet/ noun 1. a metal ob- the boys raiding the fridge.
radiator
ject, usually fixed to a wall, which is rail /rel/ noun 1. a straight metal or
rail
filled with hot water for heating a room wooden bar The pictures all hang
Turn the radiator down its boiling from a picture rail. Hold onto the rail
in here. When we arrived at the hotel as you go down the stairs. There is a
our room was cold, so we switched the heated towel rail in the bathroom. 2.
radiators on. 2. a metal container filled one of two parallel metal bars on which
with cold water for preventing a car en- trains run Dont try to cross the rails
gine from becoming too hot The radi- its dangerous. 3. the railway, a system
ator overheated causing the car to of travel using trains Six million com-
break down. muters travel to work by rail each day.
radio /redi/ noun 1. a method of
radio
way system has high-speed trains to all of things which are available We have
major cities. a range of holidays at all prices. I am
rain /ren/ noun drops of water which fall
rain
half a circle which shines with many verb to range from include all
colours in the sky when it is sunny and types between two limits The sizes
raining at the same time range from small to extra large. Holi-
days range in price from 150 to 350
raincoat /renkt/ noun a coat which
raincoat
captain.
higher position or at a higher level He
rapid /rpd/ adjective done very quick-
rapid
programme. Where will he raise the Its very rare to meet a foreigner who
money from to start up his business? 4. speaks perfect Chinese. Experienced
to look after a child She was raised by sales staff are rare these days. The
her aunt in Canada. (NOTE: raises woodland is the habitat of a rare species
raising raised) of frog. (NOTE: rarer rarest)
rally /rli/ noun a large meeting of
rally
there before us. If you type at a steady or said as a result of something else
rate of 70 words per minute youll finish His immediate reaction to the news was
copying the text today. to burst into laughter. There was a
rather /r
/ adverb to a slight degree very negative reaction to the proposed
rather
thing measured in relation to another stand written words She was reading
amount the ratio of successes to fail- a book when I saw her. What are you
ures Our athletes beat theirs by a ra- reading at the moment? Were read-
tio of two to one (2:1). (NOTE: The plural ing about the general election. 2. to
is ratios.) look at and understand written music
rattle /rt()l/ verb to make a repeated
rattle
She can play the piano by ear, but cant
noise like two pieces of wood hitting read music. 3. to understand the mean-
each other The wind made the win- ing of data from something such as a
dows rattle. computer disk or a piece of electronic
equipment My PC cannot read these
raw /r
/ adjective not cooked Dont be
raw
very sharp blade for removing hair from read aloud, read out phrasal verb to
the face or body speak the words you are reading
reach /ri
t/ noun how far you can reader /ri
d/ noun 1. a person who
reach reader
stretch out your hand Keep the medi- reads, especially a person who reads
cine bottle out of the reach of the chil- regularly or who reads a particular
dren. verb 1. to stretch out your hand newspaper or type of book a message
in order to touch or take something from the editor to all our readers
She reached across the table and took Shes a great reader of science fiction.
Basic.fm Page 254 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
The
reading /ri
d/ noun 1. the act of look-
reading
the bookshop.
rear of the car was damaged in the acci-
ready /redi/ adjective 1. prepared for
ready
cial Is that watch real gold? That grass. The walls of the castle reared
plastic apple looks very real or looks up before them.
just like the real thing. He has a real reason /ri
z()n/ noun 1. a thing which
reason
leather case. 2. used for emphasising explains why something has happened
something That car is a real bargain The airline gave no reason for the
at 300. Their little girl is going to be planes late arrival. The boss asked
a real beauty. Wasps can be a real him for the reason why he was behind
problem on picnics. Theres a real with his work. 2. the ability to make sen-
danger that the shop will be closed. 3. sible judgments She wouldnt listen to
which exists in the world, not only in reason. verb to think or to plan some-
someones imagination or in stories thing carefully and sensibly He rea-
She believes fairies are real. soned that any work is better than no
realise /rlaz/, realize verb 1. to un- work, so he took the job. If you take
realise
derstand clearly something that you did the time to reason it out, youll find a so-
not understand before He didnt real- lution to the problem. it stands to
ise what he was letting himself in for reason it is reasonable It stands to
when he said he would paint the house. reason that he wants to join his fathers
We soon realised we were on the firm. to see reason to see that some-
wrong road. When she went into the ones argument is right or reasonable
managers office she did not realise she She was going to report her neighbours
was going to be sacked. 2. to make to the police, but in the end we got her to
something become real After four see reason. within reason to a sensi-
years of hard work, the motor racing ble degree, in a sensible way The chil-
team realised their dream of winning the dren get 5 pocket money each week,
Grand Prix. By buying a house by the and we let them spend it as they like,
sea he realised his greatest ambition. within reason.
reality /rilti/ noun situations which reasonable /ri
z()nb()l/ adjective
reality reasonable
are real and not imaginary the grim 1. sensible The manager of the shop
realities of life in an industrial town was very reasonable when she tried to
He worked hard, and his dreams of explain that she had left her credit cards
wealth soon became a reality. (NOTE: at home. 2. not expensive The hotels
Basic.fm Page 255 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
rebel1 /reb()l/ noun a person who short time ago Ive seen him quite a
rebel
vourable reception. The critics gave
one or something The peasants are re- the play a warm reception. 2. the place
belling against the kings men. The in a hotel where guests go when they ar-
class rebelled at the idea of doing extra rive or leave, e.g. to get the key to their
homework. (NOTE: rebels rebelling room Lets meet at reception at 9.00
rebelled) am tomorrow. 3. a place in a large build-
ing where visitors go when they arrive
recall1 /ri
k
l/ noun the act of asking
recall
models as there is a fault in the steering. cooking food I copied the recipe for
3. to tell a government official to come leek soup from the newspaper. You
home from a foreign country The can buy postcards with recipes of local
United States recalled their representa- dishes.
tives after the military coup.
reckon /rekn/ verb 1. to calculate
reckon
receipt /rsi
t/ noun a piece of paper
receipt
something or to estimate something
that shows you have paid for something We reckon the costs to be about 25,000.
or shows you have received something We reckon well be there before lunch.
We cant give you your money back if 2. to have an opinion about something
you dont have a receipt. or to make a judgment about something
receive /rsi
v/ verb 1. to get something I reckon we should have stayed at
receive
We only received our tickets the day be- jective who can be recognised
fore we were due to leave. The staff recognise /rek'naz/, recognize
recognise
have not received any wages for six verb 1. to know someone or something
months. 2. to meet or to welcome a vis- because you have seen him or her or it
itor The group was received by the before Hed changed so much since I
mayor. last saw him that I hardly recognised
recent /ri
s()nt/ adjective something
recent
the Ministry of Education. She is rec- of putting sounds or images onto some-
ognised as an expert in the field of ge- thing such as a film, tape or disc the
netics. 4. to express praise for some- recording of a video The recording
thing which has been done They rec- session starts at 3pm. 2. music or
ognised her years of service. speech which has been recorded Did
recognition /rek'n()n/ noun
recognition
his services he was given a watch. again after being ill Has she recovered
recommend /rekmend/ verb 1. to
recommend
mend Miss Smith for the job. Can you ess of becoming healthy again after be-
recommend a good hotel in Amsterdam? ing ill She made a quick recovery and
record1 /rek
d/ noun 1. a success in
record
tins of beans. 2. written evidence of able activities that people do for fun
something which has happened We The park is used for sport and recrea-
have no record of the sale. 3. a flat tion.
round piece of usually black plastic on
rectangle /rekt'l/ noun a shape
rectangle
public She spoke off the record about waste material so that it can be used
her marriage. again
record2 /rk
d/ verb 1. to report some- red /red/ adjective coloured like the col-
record red
thing or to make a note of something our of blood She turned bright red
First, I have to record the sales, then Ill when we asked her what had happened
post the parcels. 2. to put sounds or im- to the money. Dont start yet the
ages onto something such as a film, tape traffic lights are still red. noun a col-
or disc The police recorded the whole our like the colour of blood I would
conversation on a hidden tape-recorder. like a darker red for the door. Dont
This song has been badly recorded. start yet the traffic lights are still on
recorder /rk
d/ noun 1. an instru-
recorder
red.
reduce /rdju
s/ verb to make some-
reduce
corder doesnt work, so I cant record thing smaller or less The police are
Basic.fm Page 257 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
Prices have been reduced by 15 per ing something in order to make it better
cent. Id like to reduce the size of the The government is planning a series
photograph so that we can use it as a of reforms to the benefit system. verb
Christmas card. 1. to change something in order to make
reduction /rdkn/ noun the act of
reduction
it better They want to reform the edu-
making something smaller in size or cational system. 2. to stop committing
number Price reductions start on 1st crimes, or to stop having bad habits and
August. The company was forced to to become good After her time in pris-
make job reductions. on she became a reformed character.
He used to drink a lot, but since he got
reef /ri
f/ noun a long line of rocks just
reef
The yacht hit a reef and sank. thing which is refreshing makes you
refer /rf
/ verb 1. to be about some-
refer
referred to an ear specialist by his GP. has left his or her country because of
(NOTE: refers referring referred) war or because the government did not
referee /refri
/ noun (in sports) a per-
referee
fighting broke out between the players, ing that you do not accept something
the referee stopped the match. The ref- His refusal to help was unexpected.
eree sent several players off. Did you accept? no! I sent a letter of
reference /ref()rns/ noun an act of
reference
refusal.
refuse1 /rfju
z/ verb 1. to say that you
refuse
She made a reference to her brother-in- will not do something His father re-
law. The report made no reference to fused to lend him any more money. He
the bank. with reference to concern- asked for permission to see his family,
ing something With reference to your but it was refused. 2. the car refused
letter of May 25th. to start the car would not start Once
again this morning the car refused to
refill1 /ri
fl/ verb to fill a container that
refill
start.
has become empty The waiter refilled
refuse2 /refju
s/ noun rubbish and
refuse
regards relating to As regards the of a play or concert before the first pub-
cost of the trip, Ill let you know soon lic performance
what the final figure is. with regard
reign /ren/ noun a period when a king,
reign
fected the whole country it is only re- cept something She rejected my sug-
gional. After the national news, here gestion that we changed our plans.
is the regional news for the South West. The proposals for the new project were
register /red"st/ noun 1. a list of
register
with the registrar as soon as they are with something The regulations relate
born. to the movement of boats in the harbour.
regret /r'ret/ noun the feeling of being
regret
2. to tell a story It took him half an
sorry that something has happened I hour to relate what had happened.
related to /rletd t/ adjective 1. be-
related to
we did. verb to be sorry that some- longing to the same family as Are you
thing has happened I regret to say that related to the Smith family in London
you were not successful. I regret the Road? 2. connected in some way with
trouble this has caused you. We regret The disease is related to the weakness of
the delay in the arrival of our flight from the heart muscle. There are several
Amsterdam. (NOTE: regrets regret- related items on the agenda.
ting regretted)
relating to /rlet tu
/ adverb relat-
relating to
close friendship, especially one in breathed a sigh of relief when the police
which two people are involved in a ro- car went past without stopping. What
mantic or sexual way with each other a relief to have finished my exams! 2.
She decided to end the relationship help for people in a difficult or danger-
when she found he had been seeing oth- ous situation The Red Cross is organ-
er women. 2. the way that people or or- ising relief for the flood victims.
ganizations behave towards each other relieved /rli
vd/ adjective glad to be
relieved
nection There is a proven relationship or in one God Does their religion help
between smoking and lung cancer. them to lead a good life? It is against
relative /reltv/ noun a person who is
relative
tent The children have been relatively ing to do something He seemed reluc-
free from colds this winter. We are tant to help.
dealing with a relatively new company. reluctantly /rlktntli/ adverb not
reluctantly
willingly
to be less tense They spent the first rely
rely verb
week of their holiday relaxing on the
beach. Guests can relax in the bar be- rely on phrasal verb to believe or know
fore going to eat in the restaurant. that something will happen or that
Just lie back and relax the injection someone will do something We can
wont hurt. rely on him to finish the work on time.
Can these machines be relied on?
relaxed /rlkst/ adjective not upset or
relaxed
for the rest of the week. She remained
makes you less tense behind at the office to finish her work. 2.
release /rli
s/ verb 1. to stop holding to be left Half the food remained un-
release
something, or to stop keeping someone eaten and had to be thrown away. Af-
prisoner Pull that lever to release the ter the accident not much remained of
brakes. The hostages were released the car.
last night. 2. to make something public remainder /rmend/ noun what is
remainder
The government has released figures left after everything else has gone
about the number of people out of work. What shall we do for the remainder of
relevant /relv()nt/ adjective if some- the holidays?
relevant
with the thing being mentioned Which someone says I heard his remark even
is the relevant government department? if he spoke in a low voice. verb to no-
Can you give me the relevant papers? tice and comment on She remarked on
Is this information at all relevant? how dirty the caf was.
reliable /rlab()l/ adjective which remarkable /rm
kb()l/ adjective
reliable remarkable
you get when pain has stopped or when unusually great degree, or in an unusual
you are no longer nervous or worried way She remained remarkably calm.
Basic.fm Page 260 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
remember /rmemb/ verb to bring thing away You can remove his name
remember
back into your mind something which from the mailing list. The waitress re-
you have seen or heard before Do you moved the dirty plates and brought us
remember when we got lost in the fog? some tea.
My grandmother can remember see- renowned /rnand/ adjective known
renowned
ing the first television programmes. and admired by many people the re-
She cant remember where she put her nowned Italian conductor Rome is re-
umbrella. I dont remember having nowned as the centre of Catholicism.
been in this hotel before. I remember
rent /rent/ noun money paid to live in a
rent
town. He rented a villa by the beach
one remember something Now that for three weeks.
youve reminded me, I do remember see-
repair /rpe/ verb to make something
repair
the tickets for New York. She remind- work which is broken or damaged I
ed him that the meeting had to finish at dropped my watch on the pavement, and
6.30. I dont think it can be repaired. Shes
trying to repair the washing machine.
remote /rmt/ adjective 1. far away
remote
The photocopier is being repaired.
from towns and places where there are noun the act of making something
lots of people The hotel is situated in which is broken or damaged work again
a remote mountain village. 2. not very His car is in the garage for repair.
likely Theres a remote chance of The hotel is closed while they are carry-
finding a cure for his illness. The pos- ing out repairs to the kitchens.
sibility of him arriving on time is re-
repeat /rpi
t/ verb to say something
repeat
motely situated farm 3. without direct back where it was before Please re-
physical contact They were able to set place the books correctly on the shelves.
the controls remotely. replacement /rplesmnt/ noun 1. a
replacement
removal /rmu
v()l/ noun 1. taking
removal
something in exactly the same way as animal which has skin covered with
before scales and which lays eggs
republic /rpblk/ noun a system of
republic
She just shook her head in reply and opinion that people have of someone
turned away. verb to give or send an He has a reputation for being difficult to
answer to something such as a message deal with. His bad reputation wont
or letter He never replies to my letters. help him find a suitable job.
We wrote last week, but he hasnt re-
request /rkwest/ noun asking for
request
somewhere officially, or to say that you thing The disease requires careful
have arrived somewhere to report for nursing. Writing the program requires
work Candidates should report to the a computer specialist.
office at 9.00.
required /rkwad/ adjective which
required
reporter /rp
t/ noun a journalist
reporter
must be done or provided We can cut
who writes reports of events for a news- the wood to the required length. We
paper or for a TV news programme cant reply because we dont have the
represent /reprzent/ verb 1. to speak
represent
required information.
or act on behalf of someone or of a requirement /rkwamnt/ noun
requirement
reproduce /ri
prdju
s/ verb to make
reproduce
residents.
resolve /rzlv/ (formal ) verb to strong-
resolve
noun a strong decision to do some-
feeling of being angry and upset about thing The head teacher encouraged
something that someone else has done him in his resolve to go to university.
resource /rz
s/ noun a source of sup-
resource
cial resources The country is rich in
act of booking something, e.g. a seat or oil, minerals and other natural resourc-
table I want to make a reservation on es.
respect /rspekt/ noun admiration for
respect
call for help. The changes provoked
He resigned with effect from July 1st. an angry response from customers. in
She has resigned (her position) as fi- response to something as an answer or
nance director. reaction to something In response to
resist /rzst/ verb to oppose or fight
resist
ty for the students welfare? 2. some- and make it seem new again The old
thing that someone is responsible for house has been restored and is now
responsible /rspnsb()l/ adjective open to the public.
responsible
sponsible to the sales manager. 2. (of a or something You are restricted to two
person) reliable and able to be trusted to bottles per person.
be sensible
result /rzlt/ noun 1. something which
result
verb 1. to spend time relaxing or not us- battle Napoleon retreated from Mos-
ing energy Dont disturb your father cow in 1812. noun the act of pulling
hes resting. They ran for ten miles, back an army from a battle The ar-
rested for a few minutes, and then ran mys retreat was swift and unexpected.
return /rt
n/ noun 1. the act of going
return
something She rested her bike against or coming back to a place It snowed
the wall. on the day of her return from Canada.
restaurant /rest()rnt/ noun a place
restaurant
Ill come and see you on my return. 2.
where you can buy and eat a meal I the key on a keyboard which you press
dont want to stay at home tonight lets when you have finished keying some-
go out to the Italian restaurant in the thing, or when you want to start a new
High Street. Shes was waiting for me line To change directory, type C: and
at the restaurant. press return. verb 1. to come back or
go back When she returned from
restful /restf()l/ adjective which
restful
thing in a general way The bank will
something which was hidden He re- review our overdraft position at the end
vealed his ignorance about cars. An of the month. Lets review the situa-
unexpected fault was revealed during tion in the light of the new develop-
the test. The X-ray revealed a brain ments. 3. US to study a lesson again
tumour. You must review your geography before
the exam.
revenge /rvend"/ noun the act of pun-
revenge
she has caused you They attacked the again There isnt enough time to re-
police station in revenge for the arrest of vise before the exam. Im revising for
three members of the gang. All the my history test. 2. to change something
time he spent in prison, his only thought or make something correct He is re-
was of revenge. He had his revenge in vising the speech he is due to give this
the end, when her car broke down and evening. These figures will have to be
she had to phone for help. revised, there seems to be a mistake.
revision /rv"()n/ noun the action of
revision
reverse /rv
s/ adjective opposite to
reverse
tions are printed on the reverse side of tremely unpleasant, often so unpleasant
the invoice. in reverse order back- as to make you feel ill a revolting
wards They called out the names of smell
the prize-winners in reverse order.
revolution /revlu
()n/ noun 1. a vi-
revolution
read what was on the reverse of the la- olent attempt to get rid of a government
bel? 2. a car gear which makes you go or ruler He led an unsuccessful revo-
backwards Put the car into reverse lution against the last president. 2. a
and back very slowly into the garage. change in the way things are done a
The cars stuck in reverse! verb 1. to revolution in data processing
make something do the opposite The reward /rw
d/ noun money given to
reward
page order was reversed by mistake. someone for work done or as a prize for
Dont try to reverse the trend, go along finding something, or for information
with it. 2. to make a car go backwards about something When she took the
Reverse as far as you can, then go for- purse she had found to the police station
ward. Be careful not to reverse into she got a 25 reward. He is not inter-
that lamppost. ested in money the Olympic gold med-
review /rvju
/ noun 1. written com-
review
which protect your chest He fell down swer is 285 quite right! Is the station
while skiing and broke two ribs. clock right? Is this the right train for
ribbon /rbn/ noun a long thin piece of
ribbon
Manchester? all right 2. on the same
material for tying things or used as dec- side as the hand which most people use
oration to write with In England cars dont
drive on the right side of the road. The
rice /ras/ noun the seeds of a tropical
rice
thing to throw something away Do tion, keep right on to the end of the road,
you want to get rid of that old bookcase? and then turn left. Go right along to
We have been told to get rid of twenty the end of the corridor, youll see my of-
staff. She doesnt seem able to get rid fice in front of you. 2. exactly The pub
of her cold. is right at the end of the road. The
phone rang right in the middle of the TV
ride /rad/ noun a pleasant trip, e.g. on a
ride
barrel which you hold with two hands, round, like a wheel or a cup The rim
against your shoulder The gunman of the glass is chipped. 2. a frame of a
was on a roof with a rifle. He was pair of spectacles He wears glasses
shooting at a target with an air rifle. with steel rims.
right /rat/ adjective 1. correct She ring /r/ noun 1. a round object, espe-
right ring
didnt put the bottles back in the cially a piece of jewellery She has a
Youre right the number 8 bus doesnt gold ring in her nose. He wears a ring
go to Marble Arch. She gave the right on his little finger. 2. a circle of people
Basic.fm Page 266 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
to say he would be late. Dont ring to-
morrow afternoon the office will be There is not much risk of rain in August.
The risk of going blind is very remote.
closed. Dont ring me, Ill ring you.
There is a financial risk attached to
(NOTE: rings ringing rang /r/
rung /r/) to ring a bell to remind this deal. At the risk of looking fool-
someone of something The name ish, Im going to ask her to come out
rings a bell. Does the name Arbuthnot with me. verb to do something which
ring any bells? may possibly harm you The fireman
risked his life to save her. He risked
ring up phrasal verb to speak to some- all his savings on buying the bookshop.
one using a telephone
risky /rski/ adjective which is danger-
risky
picked Dont eat that apple it isnt vehicles travel on The road to York
ripe yet. goes directly north from London.
Drivers must be careful because roads
ripple /rp()l/ noun a little wave Even
ripple
He roared with laughter at the film. loaf of bread for one person, sometimes
The lion roared and then attacked. cut in half and used to make a sandwich
roast /rst/ verb to cook food over a fire
roast
a bowl of soup and a bread roll verb
or in an oven You can either roast pi- 1. to make something go forward by
geons or cook them in a casserole. ad- turning it over and over He rolled the
jective which has been roasted What a ball to the other player. 2. to go forward
lovely smell of roast meat! We had by turning over and over The ball
roast chicken for dinner. rolled down the hill. My pound coin
rob /rb/ verb to attack and steal from
rob
has rolled under the piano. 3. to make
someone (NOTE: robs robbing something move on wheels or rollers
robbed) The table is fitted with wheels, just roll
it into the room. The patient was
robber /rb/ noun a person who at-
robber
he listens to. verb to move from side of mystery and love romantic music
to side, or to make something move The atmosphere in the restaurant was
from side to side The little boat rocked very romantic. 2. used to describe some-
in the wake of the ferry. The explosion thing, often a literary or artistic style,
rocked the town. which is based on personal emotions or
rocket /rkt/ noun 1. a type of space
rocket
imagination His style is too romantic
vehicle that looks like a tall tower 2. a for my liking. She has a romantic view
type of firework which flies up into the of life.
sky We stood in the square and roof /ru
f/ noun 1. a part of a building
roof
watched the rockets lighting up the sky. which covers it and protects it The cat
3. a type of bomb which is shot through walked across the roof of the green-
space at an enemy They fired a home- house. She lives in a little cottage with
made rocket into the police station. a thatched roof. 2. the top of the inside
rod /rd/ noun a long stick You need
rod
one in a play or film He plays the role divided from other parts by walls The
of the king. 2. the purpose of someone or flat has six rooms, plus kitchen and
something in real life He played an bathroom. We want an office with at
important role in getting the project off least four rooms. 2. a bedroom in a hotel
the ground. (NOTE: Do not confuse with Your room is 316 heres your key.
roll.) His room is just opposite mine. 3. space
roll /rl/ noun 1. a tube of something for something The table is too big it
roll
which has been turned over and over on takes up a lot of room. There isnt
itself a roll of fax paper a roll of toi- enough room in the car for six people.
Basic.fm Page 268 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
goes down into the ground, and which like a circle In Chinese restaurants,
takes nourishment from the soil Im you usually sit at round tables. 2. with a
not surprised the plant died it has shape like a sphere Soccer is played
hardly any roots. 2. the part of a hair or with a round ball, while a Rugby ball is
a tooth which goes down into the skin oval. People used to believe that the
He pulled her hair out by the roots. Earth was flat, not round. adverb,
rope /rp/ noun a very thick cord
rope
preposition 1. in a circular way or
Youll need a rope to pull the car out of movement The wheels of the lorry
the ditch. The burglar climbed down went round and round. The Earth
from the balcony on a rope. verb to tie goes round the Sun. He was the first
together with a rope The climbers person to sail round the world single-
roped themselves together. We roped handed. We all sat round the table
the sofa onto the roof of the car. chatting. He ran down the street and
disappeared round a corner. 2. towards
rose /rz/ noun a common garden flow-
rose
route /ru
t/ noun a way to be followed to
route
There were roughly one hundred people way of doing things He doesnt like
in the audience. Ten euros make his daily routine to be disturbed. A
roughly six pounds. The cost of build- change of routine might do you good.
Basic.fm Page 269 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
row of cabbages in the garden. They completely The rain spoiled our pic-
pulled down an old house to build a row nic.
of shops. I want two seats in the front rule /ru
l/ noun a strict order telling peo-
rule
or queen principles.
ruler /ru
l/ noun 1. a person who gov-
ruler
the surface of something else He erns A ruler should be fair. Hes the
rubbed his hands together to get them ruler of a small African state. 2. a long
warm. These new shoes have rubbed piece of wood or plastic with measure-
against my heel and given me a blister. ments marked on it, used for measuring
The cat rubbed herself against my and drawing straight lines You need a
legs. (NOTE: rubs rubbing rubbed) ruler to draw straight lines.
run /rn/ verb 1. to go quickly on foot
run
corner too fast and ran into a parked countryside Rural roads are usually
van. 3. to amount to something Costs fairly narrow. We live quite close to a
have run into thousands of pounds. town but the country round us still looks
Her income runs into five figures. 4. to very rural.
find someone by chance I ran into
rush /r/ noun a fast movement There
rush
thon.
She tried to cut the string with a pair
running /rn/ adjective for three
running
days running one day after another for of rusty old scissors. He has a rusty
three days The company have made a old fridge in his front garden. (NOTE:
profit for six years or the sixth year run- rustier rustiest)
rut /rt/ noun a deep track made in soft
rut
S
s /es/, S noun the nineteenth letter of the safety /sefti/ noun 1. the fact of being
s safety
for work.
say
sad /sd/ adjective not happy Hes sad
sad
soon went up the salary scale. I expect made with two pieces of bread with oth-
a salary increase as from next month. er food between them She ordered a
sale /sel/ noun 1. the act of selling
sale
cheese sandwich and a cup of coffee.
something The sale of the house pro- What sort of sandwiches do you want to
duced 200,000. The shop only take for your lunch? I didnt have a
opened this morning and weve just big meal just a sandwich with some
made our first sale. 2. an occasion when beer in the pub.
sang /s/ past tense of sing
sang
ment store along the High Street. I sat /st/ past tense and past participle of
sat
price.
space which goes round the Earth and
salesperson /selzp
s()n/ noun a
salesperson
sends and receives signals, pictures and
person who sells goods in a shop data The signals are transmitted by
salt /s
lt/ noun a white substance that
salt
Earth.
satisfaction /stsfkn/ noun a
satisfaction
ing, looking, sounding, etc. exactly ing that something is enough, is good or
alike These two beers taste the same. is correct
You must get very bored doing the satisfy /stsfa/ verb to make some-
satisfy
same work every day. She was wear- one pleased with what he or she has re-
ing the same dress as me. This book is ceived or achieved The councils deci-
not the same size as that one. 2. showing sion should satisfy most people. Our
that two or more things are in fact one aim is to satisfy our customers. (NOTE:
They all live in the same street. Should satisfies satisfying satisfied)
we all leave at the same time? Our Saturday /stde/ noun the sixth day
Saturday
children go to the same school as theirs. of the week, the day between Friday and
sample /s
mpl/ noun a small part
sample
16th must be a Sunday. We arranged she saying? I dont know, I dont un-
to meet up on Saturday. derstand Dutch. She says the fee is 3
sauce /s
s/ noun a liquid with a partic- per person. Dont forget to say thank
sauce
ular taste, poured over food ice cream you after the party. The weather fore-
with chocolate sauce We had chicken cast said it was going to rain and it did.
with a barbecue sauce. The waitress I was just saying that we never see
put a bottle of tomato sauce on the table. James any more. 2. to give information
in writing The letter says that we owe
saucepan /s
spn/ noun a deep metal
saucepan
a tube of skin full of a mixture of meat often used to describe an aspect of eve-
and spices ryday life
save /sev/ verb 1. to stop something scale /skel/ noun 1. the size of a smaller
save scale
house. How many passengers were scarce, there is much less of it than you
saved when the ferry sank? 5. to store need This happened at a period when
information on a computer disk Dont food was scarce. Good designers are
forget to save your files when you have getting scarce.
finished working on them.
scare /ske/ verb to make someone feel
scare
ting logs with a saw. verb to cut some- showing fear Dont be scared the
thing with a saw She was sawing snake is harmless. She was too scared
wood. You will need to saw that piece to answer the door. Im scared at the
Basic.fm Page 274 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
scene /si
n/ noun 1. a place where some-
scene
something work She joined the com- wheeled vehicle which is pushed along
pany pension scheme. He has thought with one foot while the other foot is on
up some scheme for making money very the board 2. a vehicle like a small mo-
quickly. torbike with a platform for the feet
school /sku
l/ noun 1. a place where stu- She dodged through the traffic on her
school
ring to some things, especially food and or excitement He let out a scream of
drink, from Scotland pain. verb to make a loud cry of pain
Scotland /sktlnd/ noun a country to
Scotland
or excitement People on the third
the north of England, forming part of floor were screaming for help. They
the United Kingdom He was brought screamed with pain. She screamed at
up in Scotland. Scotlands most fa- the class to stop singing.
screen /skri
n/ noun 1. a flat surface
screen
proven is a decision in Scots Law. thing, e.g. fire or noise a screen deco-
rated with flowers and birds The
Scottish /skt/ adjective relating to
Scottish
smooth fur which eats fish and lives ond of March or March the second
near or in the sea verb to close some- (March 2nd). The Great Fire of Lon-
thing tightly a box carefully sealed don took place when Charles the Sec-
with sticky tape ond (Charles II) was king. (NOTE: In
dates second is usually written 2nd or
search /s
t/ noun the action of trying
search
day
season /si
z()n/ noun 1. one of four
season
important
second-class /seknd kl
s/ adjec-
second-class
ing secret or keeping something secret something Can you see that tree in the
secret /si
krt/ adjective not known
secret
distance? They say eating carrots
about by other people There is a se- helps you to see in the dark. We ran
cret door into the cellar. noun some- because we could see the bus coming. 2.
thing which other people do not know to watch something such as a film I
about Have I told you my secret? dont want to go to the cinema this week,
Ive seen that film twice already. We
secretary /sekrt()ri/ noun a person
secretary
economy or of the business organisation I cant see through the window its
of a country All sectors of industry so dirty. 2. not to be tricked by some-
suffered from the rise in the exchange thing or someone Wont they quickly
rate. Computer technology is a boom- see through such a poor excuse? He
ing sector of the economy. 2. a part of a pretended he was helping me, but I soon
circle between two lines drawn from the saw through him.
centre to the outside edge The circle see to phrasal verb to arrange some-
had been divided into five sectors. thing or make sure that something is
secure /skj/ adjective firmly fixed done
secure
seed /si
d/ noun a part of a plant which is
seed
seeking a group of teenagers who were
protection against harm There were in the area when the attack took place.
worries about security during the (NOTE: seeks seeking sought
princes visit. Security in this office is /s
t/ has sought)
seem /si
m/ verb to give the appearance
seem
hold it tight She seized the bag of group has accused the government of
sweets in both hands and would not let selling out to the oil companies.
go. sell up phrasal verb to sell a business
seldom /seldm/ adverb not often
seldom
He sold up and retired.
semicolon /semikln/ noun a
semicolon
She was first elected to the Senate in
There is a huge selection of hats to 2001.
senator /sent/ noun a member of a
senator
acter She was ill for some time, but something go from one place to another
now shes her old self again. Shes not My mother sent me to the bakers to
her usual happy self today I think buy some bread. I was sent home from
shes got something on her mind. (NOTE: school because I had a headache. He
The plural is selves.) sent the ball into the net. The firm is
sending him out to Australia for six
selfish /self/ adjective doing things
selfish
the
sell off phrasal verb to sell goods senior members of the tribe 2. more im-
quickly and cheaply to get rid of them portant, e.g. in rank A sergeant is sen-
At the end of the day the market stalls ior to a corporal. My senior col-
sell off their fruit and vegetables very leagues do not agree with me.
cheaply. sensation /sense()n/ noun 1. a gen-
sensation
sell out phrasal verb 1. to sell every eral feeling I felt a curious sensation
item of a particular type Have you got as if I had been in the room before. 2. a
the dress in a size 12? No, Im afraid physical feeling She had a burning
weve sold out. Were selling out of sensation in her arm. 3. a thing or per-
these hats fast. 2. US to sell a business son that causes great excitement The
Basic.fm Page 279 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
ways in which you notice something people or things The employees are
(sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch) He separated into permanent and tempo-
may be 93, but he still has all his senses. rary staff. The teacher separated the
His senses had been dulled by the class into two groups. 2. to keep people
drugs he was taking. Dogs have a or things apart The police tried to sep-
good sense of smell. 2. a meaning He arate the two gangs. Is it possible to
was using bear in the sense of to car- separate religion and politics?
ry. 3. the fact of being sensible At separately /sep()rtli/ adverb indi-
separately
least someone showed some sense and vidually, rather than together or as a
tried to calm the situation. She didnt group
have the sense to refuse. I thought
September /septemb/ noun the ninth
September
of send
sentence /sentns/ noun 1. a series of
sentence
broadcast on TV or radio in separate
words put together to make a complete parts an Australian police serial
statement, usually ending in a full stop (NOTE: Do not confuse with cereal.)
series /sri
z/ noun 1. a group of
series
riously damaged by water. Her moth- an activity is taking place All these
er is seriously ill. long sessions in front of the computer
seriousness /si
risns/ noun the fact
seriousness
servant /s
vnt/ noun a person who is
servant
to someone She served the soup in set the plate of biscuits down on the ta-
small bowls. Just take a plate and ble next to her chair. 2. to fix something
serve yourself. Has everyone been When we go to France we have to set
served? 2. to go with a dish Fish is our watches to French time. The price
served with a white sauce. You usually of the new computer has been set at
serve red wine with meat. 3. to help a 500. 3. to make something happen
customer, e.g. in a shop Are you being He went to sleep smoking a cigarette
served? The manager served me him- and set the house on fire. All the pris-
self. Will you serve this lady next, oners were set free. I had been wor-
please? 4. (in games like tennis) to start ried about her, but her letter set my mind
the game by hitting the ball She at rest. 4. when the sun sets, it goes
served two faults in a row. He served down The sun rises in the east and
first. sets in the west. (NOTE: sets setting
service /s
vs/ noun 1. a facility which
service
set) adjective ready Were all set
the public needs Our train service to for a swim. My bags are packed and
London is very bad. The postal serv- Im all set to leave. Her latest novel is
ice is efficient. The bus service is very set to become the best-selling book of
irregular. The hotel provides a laun- the year.
dry service. 2. the act of serving or help- set off phrasal verb 1. to begin a trip
ing someone in a shop or restaurant Were setting off for Germany tomor-
The food is good here, but the service is row. They all set off on a long walk af-
very slow. The bill includes an extra ter lunch. 2. to start something
10% for service. Is the service includ- happening They set off a bomb in the
ed? The bill does not include service. shopping centre. If you touch the wire
3. a regular check of a machine The it will set off the alarm. Being in the
car has had its 20,000-kilometre serv-
same room as a cat will set off my asth-
ice. 4. a group of people working to-
ma.
gether the ambulance service 5. a
time when you work for a company or set out phrasal verb to begin a journey
organisation or in the armed forces The hunters set out to cross the moun-
Did he enjoy his service in the army? tains. We have to set out early tomor-
She did six years service in the police. row.
settee /seti
/ noun a long seat with a
settee
long service to the company. He saw soft back where several people can sit
Basic.fm Page 281 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
a story The setting for the story is June the seventh or the seventh of June
Hong Kong in 1935. (June 7th). 2. one of seven equal parts
settle /set()l/ verb 1. to arrange or /sevnti/
settle seventieth
seventieth adjective
agree something Well, Im glad every- number 70 in a series Its his seventi-
things settled at last. Have you set- eth birthday next week He came sev-
tled the title for the new film yet? It entieth out of a hundred. noun the
took six months of negotiation for the thing that is number 70 in a series
union and management to settle their seventy /sev()nti/ noun the number
seventy
out many changes of house or much He was very severe with any child who
travelling He has worked all over the did not behave. Discipline in the
world, and doesnt seem ready to settle school was severe. 2. having a very bad
down. She had lots of boyfriends, and effect The government imposed se-
then got married and settled down in vere financial restrictions on importers.
Surrey. The severe weather has closed several
seven /sev()n/ noun the number 7
seven
main roads. (NOTE: severer sever-
There are only seven children in his est)
class. Shes seven (years old) next severely /svli/ adverb 1. strictly
severely
week. The train is supposed to leave She was severely punished for being
at seven (oclock). late. 2. to a great extent a severely in-
seventeen /sev()nti
n/ noun the jured survivor Train services have
seventeen
the seventeenth letter of the alphabet. male and female, into which animals
Its his seventeenth birthday next week. and plants can be divided Theyve had
He came seventeenth out of thirty.
a baby, but I dont know what sex it is. 2.
noun the thing that is number 17 in a se- physical activity which, between a man
ries Today is October the seventeenth and a woman, could cause a baby to de-
or the seventeenth of October (October velop a film full of sex and violence
17th). Sex was the last thing on her mind.
seventh /sevn/ adjective, noun
seventh
shabby coat with two buttons missing. soap for washing your hair or for wash-
shade /ed/ noun 1. a variety of a par- ing things such as carpets or cars 2. the
shade
ticular colour Her hat is a rather pret- action of washing the hair She went to
ty shade of green. 2. a dark place which the hairdressers for a shampoo.
is not in the sun Lets try and find shape /ep/ noun the form of how
shape
some shade its too hot in the sun. something looks A design in the shape
The suns so hot that well have to sit in of a letter S. The old table was a funny
the shade. shape. verb to make into a certain
shadow /d/ noun a dark place be- form He shaped the pastry into the
shadow
They rested for a while, in the shadow is divided between two or more people
of a large tree. Did he get his share of the prize?
shaft /
ft/ noun 1. the long handle of a
shaft
past. His hand shook as he opened the which lives in the sea and can kill peo-
envelope. (NOTE: shakes shaking ple
shook /k/ shaken) sharp /
p/ adjective 1. with an edge or
sharp
top to bottom Children were playing has a sharp eye for a bargain. Hes
in the shallow end of the pool. The riv- pretty sharp at spotting mistakes. ad-
er is so shallow in summer that you can verb 1. exactly The coach will leave
walk across it. the hotel at 7.30 sharp. 2. suddenly, at
shame /em/ noun the feeling you have
shame
an angle The road turned sharp right.
sharpen /
pn/ verb to make some-
sharpen
sheep /i
p/ noun a common farm ani-
sheep
was a sheer drop to the beach below. such as position or direction The com-
sheet /i
t/ noun 1. a large piece of thin
sheet
shifted since I read the official report. pleasant, which gives someone a sudden
shin /n/ noun the front part of your leg
shin
surprise
below the knee He scraped his shin shoe /u
/ noun a piece of clothing
shoe
climbing over the wall. They kicked which is worn on your foot Shes
him in the shins. bought a new pair of shoes. He put his
shine /an/ verb 1. to be bright with
shine
shoes on and went out. Take your
light The sun is shining and they say shoes off if your feet hurt. (NOTE: The
itll be hot today. She polished the ta- plural is shoes.)
shone /n/ past tense and past participle
shone
passengers and goods on the sea Shes shooting into the woods. 2. to hit or kill
a fine ship. How many ships does the a person or animal by firing a gun One
Royal Navy have? The first time we of the robbers was shot by a policeman
went to the United States, we went by when he tried to run away. We went
ship. (NOTE: A ship is often referred to out hunting and shot two rabbits. 3. to
as she or her.) go very fast When the bell rang she
shot down the stairs. He started the
shirt /
t/ noun a light piece of clothing
shirt
sea or a lake She stood on the shore body at the top of the arm The police-
waving as the boat sailed away. man hurt me on the shoulder. Look
short /
t/ adjective 1. not long Have
short
over your shoulder, hes just behind you.
shout /at/ noun a loud cry She gave
shout
sleep on the plane. 4. not tall He is gave the car a shove and it rolled down
only 1m 40 much shorter than his the hill. verb to push someone or
brother. something roughly He shoved the pa-
shortage /
td"/ noun the fact that
shortage
war, there were food shortages. Hampton Court Flower Show opens to-
shortly /
tli/ adverb soon
shortly
rain or snow In April theres usually a shops are shut on Sundays, but most big
mixture of sunshine and showers. stores are open. We tried to get into
There were snow showers this morning, the museum but it was shut. She lay
but it is sunny again now. 2. a piece of with her eyes shut. Come in the door
equipment in a bathroom, usually fixed isnt shut! verb 1. to close something
high up on the wall, which sends out which is open Can you please shut the
water to wash your whole body 3. an oc- window its getting cold in here.
casion when you wash your body with a Heres your present shut your eyes
shower She went up to her room and and guess what it is. 2. to close for busi-
had a shower. He has a cold shower ness In Germany, shops shut on Sat-
every morning. You cant take a show- urday afternoons. The restaurant
er now, theres no hot water. verb to shuts at midnight. (NOTE: shuts shut-
wash yourself under a shower He ting shut)
showered and went down to greet his shut down phrasal verb 1. to close
guests. completely The factory shut down for
shown /n/ past participle of show the holiday weekend. 2. to switch off an
shown
anyone.
or from the side Crabs walk sideways.
sick /sk/ adjective 1. not in good health
sick
something is happening or has hap- making any noise He kept silent for
pened There is no sign of the rain the whole meeting. This new washing
stopping. The economy is showing machine is almost silent. They showed
signs of improvement. The police can some old silent films.
find no sign of how the burglars got into silk /slk/ noun cloth made from fibres
silk
the office. He should have arrived by produced by insects She was wearing
now, but theres no sign of him. 4. a a beautiful silk scarf. I bought some
printed character the pound sign () blue silk to make a dress.
the dollar sign ($) verb to write your
silly /sli/ adjective stupid in an annoy-
silly
simple to use. 2. not unusual, special or
portant or noticeable It is highly sig- complicated They had a simple meal
nificant that everyone else was asked to of bread and soup. Its a very simple
the meeting, but not the finance director. pattern of lines and squares.
There has been a significant improve-
simply /smpli/ adverb 1. in a simple
simply
in a shop Would you like a drink with
and real, not false or pretended your lunch, sir? Please come this way,
sir. 2. Dear Sir a polite way of begin-
sincerely /snsli/ adverb honestly or
sincerely
voice She was singing as she worked. ment which makes a loud warning sig-
Please sing another song. He al- nal
ways sings in the bath. She sang a fun-
sister /sst/ noun 1. a girl or woman
sister
fact about him is that he has no money. bottom on something Mother was sit-
2. for one person only Have you got a ting in bed eating her breakfast. 2. (of a
single room for two nights, please? bird ) to rest on something The robin
We prefer two single beds to a double always comes and sits on the fence when
bed. 3. not married Shes twenty-nine Im digging. (NOTE: sits sitting sat
and still single. Are there any single /st/)
men on the course? sit down phrasal verb to sit on a seat
singular /s'jl/ adjective showing
singular
ter in which you wash things such as bed to eat his breakfast. 3. to delay go-
dishes in a kitchen The sink was piled ing to bed or to go to bed later than usual
high with dirty dishes. He was wash- We sat up playing cards until 2 a.m.
ing his hands at the kitchen sink. verb site /sat/ noun 1. a place where some-
site
1. to go down to the bottom of some- thing is or will be This is the site for
thing such as water or mud The ferry the new factory. 2. a place where some-
Basic.fm Page 290 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
sitting room /st ru
m/ noun a com-
sitting room
sixteen /sksti
n/ noun the number 16
sixteen
spelling of sceptical
Hell be sixteen next month. The
sketch /sket/ noun a rough quick draw-
sketch
something She was sketching the old
16 in a series She came sixteenth in church. He sketched out his plan on
the race. Her sixteenth birthday is on the back of an envelope.
Tuesday. noun the thing that is
sketchbook /sketbk/ noun a book
sketchbook
16th).
sixth /sks/ adjective number 6 in a se-
sixth
jects which are attached to your boots
ries His office is on the sixth floor. for sliding over snow We always hire
What is the sixth letter of the alphabet? skis when we get to the ski resort.
Tomorrow is her sixth birthday. Someone stole my new pair of skis.
noun 1. the thing that is number 6 in a verb to travel on skis The mountain
series Today is September the sixth or rescue team had to ski to the site of the
the sixth of September (September 6th). avalanche. We skied down to the bot-
2. one part of six equal parts Ten min- tom of the slope without falling. She
utes is a sixth of an hour. broke her arm skiing. (NOTE: skis ski-
ing skied)
sixtieth /skst/ adjective number
sixtieth
skiing /ski
/ noun the sport of sliding
skiing
series
sixty /sksti/ noun the number 60
sixty
of skill
skilfully /sklfli/ adverb in a skilful
skilfully
skilled programmers. 2. needing a par- or not fitting tightly The wind had
ticular skill nursing and other skilled dropped and the sails were slack. The
professions ropes are slack pull on them to make
skillful /sklf()l/ adjective US spelling
skillful
floating on a liquid Skim the soup to slam /slm/ verb 1. to bang a door shut
slam
remove the fat on the surface. 2. to move When he saw me, he slammed the
quickly over the surface of something door in my face. 2. to shut with a bang
Flies skimmed across the surface of the The door slammed and I was locked out.
lake. (NOTE: skims skimming 3. to move, or to hit something, with
skimmed) great force The car slammed into a
skin /skn/ noun 1. the outer surface of
skin
tree. He slammed his fist on the desk.
the body The babys skin is very (NOTE: slams slamming
smooth. 2. the outer surface of a fruit or slammed)
vegetable This orange has a very thick slang /sl/ noun popular words or
slang
skin. You can cook these new potatoes phrases used by certain groups of peo-
with their skins on. ple, but which are not used in formal sit-
skinny /skni/ adjective too thin to be
skinny
uations Dont use slang in your essay.
attractive A tall skinny guy walked in. Slang expressions are sometimes dif-
She has very skinny legs. (NOTE: skin- ficult to understand.
slant /sl
nt/ noun a slope The garden
slant
nier skinniest)
skip /skp/ verb 1. to run along partly is on a slant, which makes cutting the
skip
hopping and partly jumping The chil- lawn difficult. verb to slope The
dren skipped happily down the lane. 2. path slants down the side of the hill.
to jump over a rope which you turn over The picture seems to be slanting to the
your head The boys played football right.
slap /slp/ noun a blow given with your
slap
which is blue during the day and where stone used to cover a roof The slates
the moon and stars appear at night were already piled up on the roof ready
What makes the sky blue? Its going to for fixing.
slaughter /sl
t/ noun 1. the killing of
slaughter
closed in an unconscious state She extent He was only slightly hurt in the
never sleeps for more than six hours car crash. The American bank is of-
each night. He slept through the fering a slightly better interest rate. I
whole of the TV news. Dont make any only know him slightly.
noise Daddys trying to sleep. (NOTE: slim /slm/ adjective with a body that is
slim
go to sleep The children had a busy slimmer in that dress. (NOTE: slimmer
day they were very sleepy by 8 oclock. slimmest) verb to eat less food, or
The injection will make you feel eat only special foods, in order to be-
sleepy. If you feel sleepy, dont try to come thin She started slimming be-
drive the car. Sitting in front of the TV fore her summer holidays. (NOTE: slims
made him sleepier and sleepier. (NOTE: slimming slimmed)
sleepier sleepiest) slime /slam/ noun a slippery substance,
slime
sleet /sli
t/ noun snow mixed with rain which covers surfaces
sleet
The temperature fell and the rain turned slimy /slami/ adjective covered with
slimy
clothing which covers your arm The Whats this slimy mess at the bottom of
sleeves on this shirt are too long. He the fridge? (NOTE: slimier slimiest)
was wearing a blue shirt with short slip /slp/ verb 1. to push something with-
slip
thin, or tall and slim slender fingers slipped the keys into his pocket. 2. to go
a slender flower stem a girl with a quickly Ill just slip down to the post
slender figure office with this letter. (NOTE: slips
slipping slipped) noun a small,
slept /slept/ past tense and past participle
slept
has got stuck in the slot of the parking es He dropped the plate and it
meter. Put the system disk into the slot smashed to pieces. 2. to break some-
on the front of your computer. thing into pieces, often using force or
slow /sl/ adjective 1. needing a long
slow
violence Demonstrators smashed the
time to do something Luckily, the car windows of police cars. 3. to do better
was only going at a slow speed. She is than the previous best performance
the slowest walker of the group. The She smashed the world record. Six
company is very slow at answering my records were smashed at the Olympics.
letters. Sales got off to a slow start but 4. to hit against something violently
picked up later. 2. showing a time which The train smashed into the car. The
is earlier than the right time The office crowd smashed through the railings.
smell /smel/ noun 1. the sense that al-
smell
something with your hand flat She of gas in the kitchen. 3. to bring your
smacked the little girl for being rude. nose close to something to smell it
noun an act of hitting someone, espe- She bent down to smell the snowdrops.
cially a child, with your hand flat If (NOTE: smells smelling smelled
you pull the cats tail youll get a smack. or smelt /smelt/)
small /sm
l/ adjective not large in size smile /smal/ noun an act of turning your
small smile
or amount Small cars are more eco- mouth up at the corners to show that you
nomical than large ones. The house is are pleased The dentist gave me a
too big for us, so were selling it and friendly smile. She had a big smile as
buying a smaller one. She only paid a she told them the good news. verb to
small amount for that clock. The show that you are pleased by turning
guidebook isnt small enough to carry in your mouth up at the corners That girl
your pocket. These trousers are al- has just smiled at me. Everyone smile
ready too small for him. please Im taking a picture!
smart /sm
t/ adjective 1. having a neat smoke /smk/ noun a white, grey or
smart smoke
was smoking even though the signs said small amount of food eaten between
no smoking. She doesnt smoke
meals We didnt have time to stop for
much. You shouldnt smoke if you a proper lunch, so we just had a snack
want to play football. (NOTE: smokes
on the motorway.
smoking smoked)
snag /sn'/ noun a little problem which
snag
smooth /smu
/ adjective 1. with no
smooth
bumps or rough parts the smooth sur- prevents you from doing something
face of a polished table The babys Weve run into a snag: there are no
skin is very smooth. Velvet has a flights to the island on Sundays. The
smooth side and a rough side. 2. with no only snag is that hes not a very good
sudden unpleasant movements Dirt in driver.
snail /snel/ noun a small animal which
snail
smoothness /smu
ns/ noun the
smoothness
heard a snarl.
something, especially your own
snatch /snt/ verb to grab something
snatch
to the house, hidden by the trees. body into a warm comfortable position
sneer /sn/ noun an unpleasant smile
They snuggled under their blankets.
sneer
snore /sn
/ noun a loud noise which
snore
I cant get to sleep because my hus- wash with, made from oils and usually
band snores. with a pleasant smell Theres no soap
snow /sn/ noun water which falls as left in the bathroom. Ive put a new
snow
light white pieces of ice in cold weather bar of soap in the kitchen. (NOTE: no
Two metres of snow fell during the plural: some soap, a bar or a cake or a
night. The highest mountains are al- piece of soap)
ways covered with snow. Children soar /s
/ verb 1. to go up very quickly
soar
were out playing in the snow. We went Food prices soared during the cold
for a skiing holiday and there was hard- weather. 2. to fly high up into the sky
ly any snow. verb to fall as snow The rocket went soaring into the night
Look its started to snow! It snowed sky. (NOTE: Do not confuse with sore.)
all day, and the streets were blocked. sob /sb/ verb to cry, taking short breaths
sob
It hardly ever snows here in March. like hiccups She lay sobbing on the
(NOTE: The verb snow is always used bed. The little girl sobbed herself to
with the subject it.) sleep. (NOTE: sobs sobbing
snug /sn'/ adjective warm and com-
snug
with the head, but not carried (NOTE: grow Put some soil in the plant pot
The game is called football in most and then sow your flower seeds. This
countries, but is generally called soc- soils too poor for growing fruit trees.
cer in the USA to distinguish it from The farm has fields of rich black soil.
American football.)
solar /sl/ adjective relating to the
solar
of sell
friendly situation I know her from
soldier /sld"/ noun a member of an
soldier
of people, usually all the people living one person Their sole aim is to make
in a country, considered as an organised money. She was the sole survivor from
community a free and democratic so- the crash. I have sole responsibility
ciety a member of society Society for what goes on in this office. noun 1.
needs to be protected against these the underneath side of your foot He
criminals. (NOTE: no plural) 2. a club or tickled the soles of her feet. 2. the main
association of people who have the underneath part of a shoe, but not the
same interests He belongs to the local heel These shoes need mending Ive
drama society. (NOTE: The plural is so- got holes in both soles. (NOTE: Do not
cieties.) confuse with soul.)
solemn /slm/ adjective 1. serious and
solemn
on your foot inside a shoe a pair of formal The doctor looked very solemn
socks and shook his head. At the most sol-
emn moment of the ceremony someones
sofa /sf/ noun a long comfortable
sofa
ily when pressed I dont like soft seats gives advice to members of the public
in a car. Do you like soft ice cream? 2. and acts for them in legal matters
not loud When she spoke, her voice solid /sld/ adjective 1. hard and not
solid
was so soft that we could hardly hear liquid a solid lump of fat She is al-
her. Soft music was playing in the lowed some solid food. 2. firm or strong
background. 3. not bright Soft lighting Is the table solid enough to stand on?
makes a room look warm. His wealth is built on a solid base of
software /sftwe/ noun computer
software
ready, but I still need someone else. If
solving a problem It took us weeks to Jo is ill, could someone else help you?
somersault /sms
lt/ noun a move-
somersault
bought some oranges and bananas. some occasions but not on others
Weve just picked some strawberries. 2. Sometimes the car starts easily, and
a certain amount of Can you buy some sometimes it wont start at all. She
bread when you go to town? Can I sometimes comes to see us when shes in
have some more coffee? Her illness is town on business.
of some concern to her family. 3. used
somewhat /smwt/ adverb to a fairly
somewhat
house is some way away from the rail- a large family two sons and four
way station. daughters. Her son has got married at
somebody /smbdi/ pronoun 1.
somebody
means that are not yet known Some- now Dont worry, well soon be in Ox-
Basic.fm Page 298 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
soprano /spr
n/ adjective relating
soprano
to a high-pitched womans singing you eat hot from a bowl at the beginning
voice She sings soprano in the local of a meal, usually made from meat, fish
choir. noun a woman with a high- or vegetables We have onion soup or
pitched singing voice The sopranos mushroom soup today. Does anyone
are too feeble I can hardly hear them. want soup? A bowl of hot soup is al-
(NOTE: The plural is sopranos.) ways welcome on a cold day. If youre
hungry, open a tin of soup.
sore /s
/ adjective rough and swollen or
sore
you can hear Sounds of music came south The southern part of the country
from the street. I thought I heard the is warmer than the north.
sound of guns. Please can you turn
souvenir /su
vn/ noun a thing
souvenir
tween other things Theres a space to ly Her jewels sparkled in the light of
park your car over there. Write your the candles. His eyes sparkled when
name and reference number in the space he heard the salary offered.
at the top of the paper. 2. an area which speak /spi
k/ verb 1. to say words She
speak
is available for something His desk spoke to me when the meeting was over.
takes up too much space. 3. also outer He walked past me without speaking.
space the area beyond the earths at- He was speaking to the postman when
mosphere exploring outer space I saw him. The manager wants to
space vehicles speak to you about sales in Africa. 2. to
spade /sped/ noun 1. a tool with a wide
spade
be able to say things in a particular lan-
square blade at the end of a long handle, guage We need someone who can
used for digging or moving something speak Russian. He speaks English
such as soil or sand 2. a similar small with an American accent. You will
plastic tool, used by children The chil- have to brush up your Japanese as my
dren took their buckets and spades to mother speaks hardly any English.
the beach. (NOTE: speaks speaking spoke
/spk/ has spoken /spkn/) to
spaghetti /sp'eti/ noun long thin
spaghetti
speak your mind to say exactly what
strips of pasta, cooked and eaten with a you think
sauce
speak out phrasal verb to make your
span /spn/ noun the width of wings or
span
spares spare parts or pieces used to ing stick, formerly used as a weapon
mend broken parts of a car or other ma- They kill fish with spears. verb to push
chine We cant get spares for that something sharp into something to catch
make of washing machine. Its diffi- it Spearing fish is not easy. She
cult to get spares for the car because managed to spear a sausage on the bar-
they dont make this model any more. becue with her fork.
verb to give something or to do without special /spe()l/ adjective having a
special
something Can you spare your assist- particular importance or use This is a
ant to help me for a day? Can you very special day for us its our twenty-
spare about five minutes to talk about fifth wedding anniversary. He has a
the problem? If you have a moment to special pair of scissors for cutting met-
spare, can you clean the car? al.
spark /sp
k/ noun a little flash of fire or
spark
of light Sparks flew as the train went verb 1. to study one particular subject
over the junction. verb 1. to send out At university, she specialised in marine
sparks or to make electric sparks 2. to biology. 2. to produce one thing in par-
make something start The proposed ticular The company specialises in
closure of the station sparked anger electronic components.
amongst travellers. The shooting of
specialist /spelst/ noun 1. a person
specialist
went shopping and spent a fortune.
something in particular Can you be Why do we spend so much money on
more specific about what youre trying food? 2. to use time doing something
to achieve? I gave specific instruc- He wants to spend more time with his
tions that I was not to be disturbed. Is family. She spent months arguing with
the money intended for a specific pur- the income tax people. Dont spend
pose? too long on your homework. Why
specifically /spsfkli/ adverb partic- dont you come and spend the weekend
specifically
ularly I specifically said I didnt want with us? (NOTE: spends spending
a blue door. The advertisement is spe- spent /spent/)
cifically aimed at people over 50. sphere /sf/ noun an object which is
sphere
specimen /spesmn/ noun an exam- perfectly round like a ball The earth is
specimen
ple of something The bank asked for not quite a perfect sphere.
a specimen signature for their records. spice /spas/ noun a substance made
spice
spectator /spektet/ noun a person from the roots, flowers, seeds or leaves
spectator
who watches an event like a football of plants, which is used to flavour food
match or a horse show Add a blend of your favourite spices.
You need lots of different spices for In-
speech /spi
t/ noun 1. a formal talk
speech
dian cookery.
given to an audience She made some
spider /spad/ noun a small animal
spider
are only used in speech, not in writing. der out of a container by mistake That
speed /spi
d/ noun the rate at which
speed
the letters that make a word W-O-R-R- round very fast The earth is spinning
Y spells worry How do you spell in space. The plane was spinning out
your surname? We spelt his name of control. 2. to make something turn
wrong on the envelope. (NOTE: spells round and round The washing ma-
spelling spelled or spelt /spelt/ chine spins the clothes to get the water
has spelled or has spelt) noun out of them. He spun the wheel to
words which are intended to have a make sure it turned freely. 3. (of a
magic effect when they are spoken spider ) to make a web The spider has
Basic.fm Page 301 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
on it The title and the authors name into parts He split the log into small
are printed on the front of the book and pieces with an axe. 2. to divide or come
also on the spine. apart My trousers were too tight they
spiral /sparl/ noun a shape which is split when I bent down. After they lost
spiral
twisted round and round like a spring the election, the party split into various
He drew a spiral on the sheet of paper. factions. (NOTE: splits splitting
adjective which twists round and split)
round A spiral staircase leads to the spoil /spl/ verb 1. to change something
spoil
which controls how someone behaves our camping holiday was spoilt. Half
generally She has a great spirit of fun. the contents of the warehouse were
He had an independent spirit. 2. feel- spoiled by floodwater. 2. to be too kind
ings which are typical of a particular oc- to someone, especially a child, so that
casion 3. the part of a person that is said he or she sometimes becomes badly be-
to still exist after death 4. alcohol (NOTE: haved Youll spoil that child if you al-
usually plural) ways give in to him. Grandparents are
spiritual /sprtul/ adjective relating
spiritual
allowed to spoil their grandchildren a
to the spirit or the soul The churchs little. (NOTE: spoils spoiling spoilt
main task is to give spiritual advice to /splt/ or spoiled)
spoke /spk/ past tense of speak
spoke
its members.
spite /spat/ noun 1. bad feeling They spoken /spkn/ past participle of
spite spoken
thing happened or was done In spite of full of small holes used to make things
all his meetings, he still found time to like cushions The sofa has sponge
ring his wife. We all enjoyed our- cushions. 2. a sea animal with a skeleton
selves, in spite of the awful weather. which is full of holes Diving down
verb to annoy someone on purpose into the Red Sea you could see sponges
He did it to spite his sister. on the sea floor. verb to wipe clean
spiteful /spatf()l/ adjective full of a with a sponge He sponged the kitchen
spiteful
something falls into a liquid or when a eating liquids and soft food, or for stir-
liquid hits something hard She fell ring food which is being cooked, with a
Basic.fm Page 302 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
the other, Use a spoon to eat your thing over a wide area Spread the pa-
pudding. We need a big spoon to serve per flat on the table. 2. to move over a
the soup. wide area The fire started in the top
sport /sp
t/ noun a game or games in- floor and soon spread to the roof. The
sport
volving physical activity and competi- flu epidemic spread rapidly. 3. to cover
tion Do you like watching sport on a surface with a layer of something
TV? The world of sport is mourning She spread a white cloth over the table.
the death of the racing driver. The He was spreading butter on a piece of
only sport I play is tennis. She doesnt bread. (NOTE: spreads spreading
play any sport at all. spread) noun 1. the action of moving
over a wide area Doctors are trying to
spot /spt/ noun 1. a coloured mark,
spot
surface by shaking
and legs spread out He sprawled in his
sprint /sprnt/ verb to run very fast over
sprint
denly He spurted past two runners sound like the sound that a mouse
and came in first. noun a strong flow makes You can tell when someone
of liquid They tried to block the spurts comes into the garden by the squeak of
of water coming out of the pipe. the gate. verb to make a squeak
spy /spa/ noun a person who is paid to That door squeaks the hinges need oil-
spy
ecuted as a Russian spy. (NOTE: The The children let out squeals of delight
plural is spies.) verb to work as a spy when they saw the presents under the
(NOTE: spies spying spied) to Christmas tree. The car turned the
spy on someone to watch someone in corner with a squeal of tyres. verb to
secret, to find out what they are plan- make a loud high-pitched noise She
ning to do We discovered that our squealed when she heard she had won
neighbours had been spying on us. first prize. As the car turned the cor-
squalid /skwld/ adjective a squalid
squalid
ner its tyres squealed.
squeeze /skwi
z/ noun the act of press-
squeeze
in an enclosed court, with a small, stab /stb/ verb to push a sharp knife
stab
squashy rubber ball and light, long-han- with force into someone or something
dled rackets He plays squash to un- He was stabbed in the chest. (NOTE:
wind after a day at the office. Lets stabs stabbing stabbed) noun
play a game of squash. a deep wound made by the point of a
squat /skwt/ verb to move your body
squat
not change The hospital said his con- movement of someone who is stagger-
dition was stable. noun a building for ing He walked with a noticeable stag-
keeping a horse My horse is not in his ger.
stable, whos riding him? stain /sten/ noun a mark which is diffi-
stain
stack /stk/ noun a pile or heap of cult to remove, e.g. ink or blood It is
stack
things one on top of the other a stack difficult to remove coffee stains from the
of books and papers verb to pile tablecloth. There was a round stain on
things on top of each other The skis the table where he had put his wine
are stacked outside the chalet. She glass. verb to make a mark of a differ-
stacked up the dirty plates. The ware- ent colour on something If you eat
house is stacked with boxes. those berries they will stain your teeth.
His shirt was stained with blood.
stadium /stedim/ noun a large build-
stadium
staff /st
f/ noun all the people who
staff
staff. Only staff can use this lift. A of wood or metal, pushed into the
quarter of our staff are ill. That firm ground to mark something, or to hold
pays its staff very badly. He joined the something up They hammered stakes
staff last Monday. Three members of into the ground to put up a wire fence.
staff are away sick. (NOTE: staff refers The apple trees are attached to stakes.
to a group of people and so is often fol-
stale /stel/ adjective food which is stale
stale
stalk /st
k/ noun the stem of a plant
stalk
rights of children.
paper with a price printed on it which stand up to phrasal verb 1. to oppose
you stick on a letter to show that you someone bravely No one was pre-
have paid for it to be sent by post a pared to stand up to the head of depart-
first-class stamp She forgot to put a ment. 2. to be able to resist difficult
stamp on the letter before she posted it. conditions A carpet in a shop has to
He wants to show me his stamp col- stand up to a lot of wear.
lection. 2. a mark made on something standard /stndd/ noun 1. the level
standard
The invoice has the stamp received with of quality something has The stand-
thanks on it. The customs officer ard of service in this restaurant is very
looked at the stamps in his passport. high. This piece of work is not up to
verb 1. to mark something with a stamp your usual standard. 2. an excellent
They stamped my passport when I en- quality which something or someone is
tered the country. 2. to walk, or to put expected to achieve This product does
your feet down, with loud or forceful not meet our standards. She has set a
steps They stamped on the ants to kill standard which it will be difficult to
them. He was so angry that he match. 3. a large official flag The roy-
stamped out of the room. al standard flies over Buckingham Pal-
stand /stnd/ verb 1. to be upright on
stand
something for a long time She stared happy, worried or upset condition
sadly out of the window at the rain. Shes in such a state that I dont want to
noun a long fixed look He gave her a leave her alone. He was in a terrible
stare and walked on. state after the phone call. 2. in a dirty or
bad condition Look at the state of
start /st
t/ noun the beginning of some-
start
when Im ready.
startle /st
t()l/ verb to make someone
startle
the desert.
person or animal made from a substance
state /stet/ noun 1. the way something
state
of the European Union. 4. one of the temperature stayed below zero all day.
parts into which some countries are di- In spite of the fire, he stayed calm. I
vided the State of Arizona New wont be able to stay awake until mid-
South Wales has the largest population night. 2. to stop in a place They came
of all the Australian states. verb to for lunch and stayed until after mid-
give information clearly Please state night. Im rather tired so Ill stay at
your name and address. It states in the home tomorrow. Hes ill and has to
instructions that you must not open the stay in bed. 3. to stop in a place as a vis-
can near a flame. The document states itor They stayed two nights in Edin-
that all revenue has to be declared to the burgh on their tour of Scotland.
Basic.fm Page 307 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
in New York? My parents are staying a particular direction She steered the
at the Hotel London. car into the garage.
stem /stem/ noun the tall thin part of a
stem
steep /sti
p/ adjective 1. which rises or
steep
steps up the church tower are steeper etables cooked together for a long time
than our stairs at home. 2. very sharply This lamb stew is a French recipe.
increasing or falling a steep increase verb to cook food for a long time in liq-
in interest charges a steep fall in share uid Stew the apples until they are
prices completely soft.
Basic.fm Page 308 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
the cup together again? She stuck the still while I take the photo. There was
stamp on the letter. They stuck a post- no wind, and the surface of the lake was
er on the door. 2. to be fixed or not to be completely still. adverb 1. continuing
able to move The car was stuck in the until now or until then I thought he
mud. The door sticks you need to had left, but I see hes still there. They
push it hard to open it. The cake will came for lunch and were still sitting at
stick if you dont grease the tin. He the table at eight oclock in the evening.
was stuck in Italy without any money. 3. Weeks afterwards, theyre still talking
to push something into something He about the accident. 2. in spite of every-
stuck his hand into the hole. She stuck thing It wasnt sunny for the picnic
her finger in the jam to taste it. She still, it didnt rain. He still insisted on
stuck the ticket into her bag. She stuck going on holiday even though he had
a needle into her finger. 4. to stay in a broken his leg.
place Stick close to your mother and stimulus /stmjls/ noun an encour-
stimulus
you wont get lost. 5. to accept some- agement or incentive that leads to great-
thing bad that continues I dont know er activity
how she can stick working in that office.
sting /st/ noun a wound made by an in-
sting
fingers are all sticky. This stuff is ter- or something which is cooking, to mix it
ribly sticky I cant get it off my fingers. up He was stirring the sugar into his
2. with glue on one side so that it sticks coffee. Keep stirring the porridge, or
easily (NOTE: stickier stickiest) it will stick to the bottom of the pan.
stiff /stf/ adjective 1. which does not (NOTE: stirs stirring stirred)
stiff
cant turn the key. Ive got a stiff neck. feel strong emotions, especially pride or
She was feeling stiff all over after run- enthusiasm
ning in the race. 2. with hard bristles stitch /stt/ noun 1. a little loop of
stitch
You need a stiff brush to get the mud off thread made with a needle in sewing or
your shoes. with knitting needles when knitting
stiffness /stfns/ noun 1. having mus-
stiffness
time to have the stitches removed. stones They walked carefully across
verb to attach something with a needle
the stony beach.
and thread She stitched the badge to
stood /std/ past tense and past partici-
stood
his jacket.
ple of stand
stock /stk/ noun 1. a supply of some-
stock
stool /stu
l/ noun a small seat with no
stool
liquid made from boiling bones in wa- stooped and picked something up off the
ter, used as a base for soups and sauces carpet. I found him standing at the ta-
Fry the onions and pour in some
ble, stooped over a spreadsheet.
chicken stock. verb to keep goods for
stop /stp/ verb 1. not to move any more
stop
put into the mouth of a bottle or jar to out of the bottle. The cat ran straight
close it across the road in front of the car. He
store /st
/ noun a shop, usually a big
store
looked me straight in the face. The
shop You can buy shoes in any of the plane flies straight to Washington.
straighten /stret()n/ verb to make
straighten
(away) all our vegetables in the garden jective easy to understand or carry out
shed. 2. to keep something in a compu- The instructions are quite straightfor-
ter file We store all our personnel ward.
records on computer. strain /stren/ noun 1. nervous feelings
strain
storey /st
ri/ noun a whole floor in a
storey
what really happened She told her sto- Something is the matter with the en-
ry to the journalist. (NOTE: The plural is gine its making a strange noise. She
stories.) told some very strange stories about the
stout /stat/ adjective 1. (of a person)
stout
sions you make about how you are go- something or someone is physically
ing to do something Their strategy is strong She hasnt got the strength to
to note which of their rivals models lift it. You should test the strength of
sells best and then copy it. The gov- the rope before you start climbing.
ernment has no long-term strategy for
strenuous /strenjus/ adjective re-
strenuous
leaves of crops, used for animals to strenuous exercise. Its a very strenu-
sleep on Youve been lying on the ous job.
stress /stres/ noun 1. nervous strain
stress
mon soft red summer fruit which grows must stress the importance of keeping
on low plants (NOTE: The plural is the plan secret.
strawberries.) stretch /stret/ verb 1. to spread out for
stretch
obeyed I gave strict instructions that something He tore the paper into
no one was to be allowed in. The rules strips. Houses are to be built along
are very strict and any bad behaviour the strip of land near the church. verb
will be severely punished. 2. expecting to take off your clothes Strip to the
people to obey rules Our parents are waist for your chest X-ray. He
very strict with us about staying up late. stripped down to his underpants. (NOTE:
strips stripping stripped)
strictly /strktli/ adverb in a strict way
strictly
In
strive /strav/ verb to try very hard to do
strive
ter a short struggle the burglar was ar- back of my car. verb 1. to push some-
rested. verb to try hard to do some- thing into something to fill it He
thing difficult Shes struggling with stuffed his pockets full of peppermints.
her maths homework. She struggled The 20 notes were stuffed into a small
to carry all the shopping to the car. plastic wallet. 2. to put small pieces of
stubborn /stbn/ adjective deter-
stubborn
food such as bread, meat or herbs inside
mined not to change your mind Hes meat or vegetables before cooking them
so stubborn he only does what he We had roast veal stuffed with mush-
wants to do. rooms.
stuffy /stfi/ adjective without any
stuffy
stuffiest)
who is studying at a college, university
stumble /stmbl/ verb 1. to almost
stumble
week in high season. (NOTE: The plural come unconscious with a blow to the
is studios.) head The blow on the head stunned
study /stdi/ noun the work of examin-
study
shows the person or thing that does the number away from another (NOTE: Sub-
action expressed by the verb In the tracting is usually shown by the minus
sentence the cat sat on the mat the sign : 10 4 = 6: say ten subtract
word cat is the subject of the verb four equals six.)
subtraction /sbtrkn/ noun the
subtraction
sat.
cross a busy road Theres a subway
for someone to examine You are re- from the bus station to the shopping cen-
quested to submit your proposal to the tre. 2. US an underground railway sys-
planning committee. He submitted a tem the New York subway It will be
claim to the insurers. Reps are asked quicker to take the subway to Grand
to submit their expenses claims once a Central Station. (NOTE: The London
month. (NOTE: submits submitting equivalent is the tube or Under-
submitted) to accept that someone ground.)
succeed /sksi
d/ verb to do well or to
succeed
thing you dont want to do make a lot of profit His business has
subsequent /sbskwnt/ adjective
subsequent
succeeded more than he had expected.
success /skses/ noun 1. the fact of
success
and the subsequent flooding disrupted achieving what you have been trying to
the match. All subsequent reports do Shes been looking for a job in a li-
Basic.fm Page 315 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
Japanese market. (NOTE: The plural is much as is needed Does she have suf-
successes.) ficient funds to pay for her trip? There
successful /sksesf()l/ adjective
successful
isnt sufficient room to put the big sofa
who or which does well Hes a suc- in here. Allow yourself sufficient time
cessful business man. Shes very suc- to get to the airport.
cessful at hiding her real age. Their
suffix /sfks/ noun letters added to the
suffix
Compare prefix (NOTE: The plural is
achieving what was intended suffixes.)
such /st/ adjective 1. of this type
such
The police are looking for such things as use to make food sweet How much
drugs or stolen goods. no such (per- sugar do you take in your tea? Can
son or thing) a person or thing like that you pass me the sugar, please?
is not in existence There is no such
suggest /sd"est/ verb to mention an
suggest
ing for a Mr Simpson but there is no idea to see what other people think of it
such person working here. 2. very; so The chairman suggested that the next
much There was such a crowd at the meeting should be held in October.
party that there werent enough chairs What does he suggest we do in this
to go round. Its such a shame that case?
shes ill and has to miss her sisters suggestion /sd"estn/ noun an idea
suggestion
wedding. such as used for giving an that you mention for people to think
example Some shops such as food about We have asked for suggestions
stores are open on Sundays. from passengers. The company acted
suck /sk/ verb 1. to hold something upon your suggestion. Whose sugges-
suck
with your mouth and pull at it with your tion was it that we should go out in a
tongue The baby didnt stop sucking boat? I bought those shares at the
his thumb until he was six. 2. to have stockbrokers suggestion.
something in your mouth which makes suit /su
t/ noun 1. a set of pieces of cloth-
suit
your mouth produce water He bought ing made of the same cloth and worn to-
a bag of sweets to suck in the car. gether, e.g. a jacket and trousers or skirt
sudden /sd()n/ adjective which hap-
sudden
and giving you a shock The car in hair. That hat doesnt suit her. 2. to be
front stopped suddenly and I ran into the convenient for someone Hell only do
back of it. Suddenly the room went it when it suits him to do it. Thursday
dark. She suddenly realised it was al- at 11 oclock will suit me fine.
ready five oclock. suitable /su
tb()l/ adjective which
suitable
handle which you carry your clothes in sunlight /snlat/ noun the light which
sunlight
when you are travelling comes from the sun (NOTE: no plural)
sulk /slk/ verb to show you are annoyed sunny /sni/ adjective 1. with the sun
sulk sunny
by not saying anything Theyre sulk- shining Another sunny day! They
ing because we didnt invite them. forecast that it will be sunny this after-
sum /sm/ noun 1. a quantity of money
sum
noon. 2. where the sun often shines
He only paid a small sum for the car. We live on the sunny side of the street.
A large sum of money was stolen from Their sitting room is bright and sunny,
his safe. We are owed the sum of 500. but the dining room is dark. (NOTE: sun-
2. a simple problem in mathematics nier sunniest)
sunrise /snraz/ noun the time when
sunrise
give you the perimeter of the field. sun goes down in the evening
summary /smri/ noun a short de- sunshine /snan/ noun a pleasant
summary
sunshine
scription of what has been said or writ- light from the sun (NOTE: no plural)
ten, or of what happened, without giving super /su
p/ adjective very good
super
have time to read it. (NOTE: The plural is tremely good Hes a superlative goal-
summaries.) keeper. noun the form of an adjective
or adverb showing the highest level
summer /sm/ noun the hottest season
summer
when I got up. Ill try taking a photo- thing which is needed We have two
graph now that the suns come out. 2. weeks supply of coal. (NOTE: The plural
is supplies.) verb to provide some-
the light from the sun Id prefer a ta-
ble out of the sun. She spent her whole thing which is needed Details of ad-
holiday just sitting in the sun. dresses and phone numbers can be sup-
plied by the store staff. He was asked
sunburnt /snb
nt/ adjective (of the
sunburnt
surgeon /s
d"n/ noun a doctor who
surgeon
Is he sure he can borrow his mothers someones family, shared by all people
car? Im sure I left my wallet in my in the family
coat pocket. Its sure to be cold in surprise /spraz/ noun 1. the feeling
surprise
Russia in December. Make sure or be you get when something happens which
sure that your computer is switched off you did not expect to happen He ex-
before you leave. adverb mainly US pressed surprise when I told him Id lost
meaning yes Can I borrow your car? my job. To his great surprise, a lot of
sure, go ahead! I need someone to people bought his book. What a sur-
help with this computer program sure, prise to find that we were at school to-
I can do it. gether! 2. an unexpected event They
surely /li/ adverb of course, certain-
surely
an accident, attack or serious illness
suspect1 /sspekt/ verb 1. to sus-
suspect
prised to see her former boyfriend at the pect someone of doing something to
party. We were surprised to hear that think that someone may have done
hes got a good job. something wrong I suspect him of be-
ing involved in the robbery. They were
surprising /spraz/ adjective which
surprising
wrongly suspected of taking bribes. 2. to
you do not expect There was a sur- think that something is likely I sus-
prising end to the story. Wasnt it sur- pect its going to be more difficult than
prising to see the two sisters together we thought at first. We suspected all
again? Its hardly surprising she along that something was wrong.
doesnt want to meet you again after
suspect2 /sspekt/ noun a person who
suspect
citement experienced while waiting for
round something or someone The something to happen or for someone to
house is surrounded by beautiful coun- do something
suspicious /ssps/ adjective which
suspicious
liquid pass down your throat from your
questions to get information about mouth to the stomach He swallowed
something Roughly half the people we his beer and ran back to the office.
surveyed were in favour of the scheme. She swallowed hard and knocked on the
Theyre surveying the site. 2. to meas- door to the interview room.
ure land in order to produce a plan or swam /swm/ past tense of swim
swam
continuing to exist The survival of the thing for something else Can I swap
crew depended on the supplies carried my tickets for next Fridays show?
in the boat. The survival rate of ba- Lets swap places, so that I can talk to
bies has started to fall. Susan. After every game the players
survive /svav/ verb to continue to be
survive
swapped jerseys with the other team.
alive after an experience such as acci- (NOTE: swaps swapping
dent, attack or serious illness It was swapped)
swarm /sw
m/ noun a large group of
swarm
smoothly from side to side The crowd afraid I havent made a sweet. I wont
swayed in time to the music. The palm have any sweet, thank you, just some
trees swayed in the breeze. 2. to have an coffee. to have a sweet tooth to like
influence on someone The committee sweet food Hes very fond of puddings
was swayed by a letter from the presi- hes got a real sweet tooth!
dent. sweetness /swi
tns/ noun a state of
sweetness
public promise He swore he wouldnt swell /swel/ verb to become larger, usu-
swell
you are hot or when you are afraid Af- ciple of sweep
ter working in the vineyard he was
swerve /sw
v/ verb to move suddenly
swerve
clothing with sleeves that covers your phone call brought a swift response
upper body from the police.
swim /swm/ verb to move in the water
swim
sweatshirt /swet
t/ noun a thick
sweatshirt
cotton shirt with long sleeves using your arms and legs to push you
along She cant swim, but shes taking
sweep /swi
p/ verb 1. to clear up dust
sweep
sweet /swi
t/ adjective 1. tasting like
sweet
sugar, and neither sour nor bitter or sport of moving through water using
These apples are sweeter than those your arms and legs
swing /sw/ verb to move, or move
swing
usually outdoors She sat on the swing picture or shape which means some-
and ate an apple. thing or shows something The crown
switch /swt/ noun a small object
switch
swell adjective much bigger than of the economic crisis facing the bor-
usual ough.
swoop /swu
p/ verb to come down synonym /snnm/ noun a word
swoop synonym
quickly The planes swooped (down) which means almost the same as anoth-
low over the enemy camp. er word
swop /swp/ noun, verb same as swap
swop
To
sword /s
d/ noun a weapon with a han-
sword
or part of a word which has one single ganised Ive got my own system for
sound dealing with invoices.
Basic.fm Page 321 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
T
t /ti
/, T noun the twentieth letter of the al- 3. to go with someone or something to
t
You must go to bed early because youll
which covers a table during a meal be taking your exams tomorrow morn-
tablet /tblt/ noun a small round pill
tablet
game similar to tennis, but played on a tain actions We took our holiday in
large table with a net across the centre, September this year. Shes taking a
with small round bats and a very light shower after going to the beach. She
white ball took a photograph or took a picture of
the Tower of London. She needs to
tackle /tk()l/ verb 1. to try to deal
tackle
with a problem or job You cant tackle take a rest. 10. to need a certain amount
of time or number of people It took
a job like changing the central heating
system on your own. You start clean- three strong men to move the piano.
ing the dining room and Ill tackle the They took two days or it took them two
washing up. 2. (in football, etc.) to try to days to get to London. When he wants
get the ball from an opposing player to watch a TV programme it never seems
He was tackled before he could score. to take him long to finish his homework.
(NOTE: takes taking took /tk/
noun equipment He brought his fish-
taken /tek()n/)
ing tackle with him.
tail /tel/ noun 1. a long thin part at the
tail
take away phrasal verb 1. to remove
end of the body of an animal or bird, something or someone Take those
which can move All you could see was scissors away from little Nicky he
a slight movement of the cats tail. could cut himself. The ambulance
The dog rushed up to him, wagging its came and took her away. The police
tail. 2. an end or back part of something took away piles of documents from the
The tail of the queue stretched round office. 2. to subtract one number from
the corner and into the next street. I another (NOTE: Take away is usually
prefer to sit near the tail of the aircraft. shown by the sign : 10 4 = 6: say
take /tek/ verb 1. to lift and move some-
take
ten take away four equals six.)
thing She took the pot of jam down take off phrasal verb 1. to remove
from the shelf. The waiter took the ta- something, especially your clothes He
blecloth off the table. 2. to carry some- took off all his clothes or he took all his
thing to another place Can you take clothes off. Take your dirty boots off
this cheque to the bank for me, please? before you come into the kitchen. hat
Basic.fm Page 322 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
take over phrasal verb 1. to start to do than normal the tallest building in
something in place of someone else London Can you see those tall trees
Miss Black took over from Mr Jones on over there? Hes the tallest boy in his
May 1st. When our history teacher class. How tall are you? Im 1 metre
was ill, the English teacher had to take 68 centimetres. His brother is over six
over his classes. The Socialists took feet tall. (NOTE: taller tallest. Tall is
over from the Conservatives. 2. to buy a used with people and thin things like
business by buying most of its shares trees or skyscrapers; for things which
The company was taken over by a big are a long way above the ground use
group last month. high: high clouds, a high mountain.)
tame /tem/ adjective a tame animal can
tame
of princesses and wicked fairies. in order to let liquid or gas come out of
talent /tlnt/ noun an ability or skill
talent
I didnt
tape /tep/ noun 1. a long narrow piece of
tape
you aim at, e.g. with a gun His last dried leaves of a tropical plant used to
shot missed the target altogether. She make a warm drink Weve run out of
hit the target three times in all. 2. some- tea, can you put it on your shopping
thing which you intend to achieve list? 4. a meal eaten in the late afternoon
task /t
sk/ noun something, especially a
task
or early evening The children have
piece of work, that has to be done He had their tea.
teach /ti
t/ verb to show someone how
teach
to notice the taste of something with ing a teacher or of giving lessons The
your tongue Can you taste the onions report praised the high standard of
in this soup? Shes got a cold so she teaching at the college. He was work-
cant taste anything. 2. to have a certain ing in a bank, but has decided to go into
flavour This cake tastes of soap. teaching instead.
What is this green stuff? It tastes like team /ti
m/ noun 1. a group of people
team
cabbage. The pudding tastes very who play a game together There are
good. 3. to try food or drink to see if you eleven people in a football team and fif-
like it Would you like to taste the teen in a rugby team. Hes a fan of the
wine? She asked if she could taste the local football team. Our college team
cheese before buying it. played badly last Saturday. 2. a group of
tasty /testi/ adjective with a pleasant
tasty
duce a tax on food. You must pay your which forms in your eye when you cry
tax on the correct date. The newspa- Tears were running down her cheeks.
per headline says TAXES TO GO UP. in tears crying All the family were
taxi /tksi/ noun a car which you can in tears. to burst into tears to sud-
taxi
hire with a driver Can you call a taxi denly start crying
to take me to the airport? Why arent tear2 /te/ verb 1. to make a hole in
tear
there any taxis at the station today? something by pulling He tore his trou-
There are no buses on Sunday after- sers climbing over the fence. My coat
noons, so we had to take a taxi to the is torn can it be mended? 2. to pull
party. (NOTE: also often called a cab something into small pieces He tore
and sometimes taxicab) the letter in half. She tore up old news-
tea /ti
/ noun 1. a drink made from hot
tea
Stop teasing that poor cat. and pictures which are sent through the
teaspoon /ti
spu
n/ noun a small air or along cables and appear on a spe-
teaspoon
spoon for stirring tea or other liquid cial machine television programmes
Can you bring me a teaspoon, please? We dont watch television every night.
technical /teknk()l/ adjective relat-
technical
Is there any football on television to-
ing to industrial processes or practical night? 2. a piece of electrical equipment
work Dont bother with the technical which shows television pictures I
details of how the machine works, just switched off the television before going
tell me what it does. The instructions to bed. (NOTE: Television is often writ-
are too technical for the ordinary per- ten or spoken as TV /ti
vi
/.)
tell /tel/ verb 1. to communicate some-
tell
son to understand.
technique /tekni
k/ noun a way of do-
technique
thing to someone, e.g. a story or a joke
ing something He developed a new She told me a long story about how
technique for processing steel. She she got lost in London. I dont think
has a specially effective technique for they are telling the truth. 2. to give in-
dealing with complaints from custom- formation to someone The policeman
ers. told them how to get to the post office.
He told the police that he had seen the
technology /teknld"i/ noun the use
technology
accident take place. Dont tell my
or study of industrial or scientific skills mother you saw me at the pub. No-
We already have the technology to
body told us about the picnic. 3. to tell
produce such a machine. The govern- someone what to do to give someone
ment has promised increased support instructions The teacher told the chil-
for science and technology. dren to stand in a line. Give a shout to
teenager /ti
ned"/ noun a young per-
teenager
shirt with a round neck and no buttons goes red. (NOTE: tells telling told
or collar, usually with short sleeves /tld/)
teeth /ti
/ plural of tooth temper /temp/ noun the state of be-
temper
teeth
for a short time only the result of the vote. noun the form of
temporary /temp()rri/ adjective ex-
temporary
a verb which shows the time when the
isting or lasting only for a limited time action takes place
tension /tenn/ noun 1. nervous or
tension
go to sleep at parties.
tender /tend/ adjective 1. (of food )
tender
an airport where planes arrive or leave
easy to cut or chew a plate of tender The flight leaves from Terminal 4. ad-
young beans The meat was so tender, jective referring to the last period of a
you hardly needed a knife to cut it. 2. serious illness that will lead to death
showing love The plants need a lot of The condition is terminal.
terrace /ters/ noun 1. a flat outdoor
terrace
an interview. The atmosphere in the good We had a terrific time at the par-
Basic.fm Page 326 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
rific bang and the whole building col- show a comparison Its hotter this
lapsed. week than it was last week. preposi-
terrify /terfa/ verb to make someone
terrify
tion used to link two parts of a compari-
very frightened The sound of thunder son His car is bigger than mine. She
terrifies me. (NOTE: terrifies terrify- was born in London, so she knows it bet-
ing terrified) ter than any other town. You cant get
more than four people into this lift.
territory /tert()ri/ noun 1. a large area
territory
er was out. I dont think they knew longs to them Which car is theirs the
that we were coming. Im glad that the Ford? Shes a friend of theirs. The
weather turned out fine. (NOTE: That is girls wanted to borrow my car theirs
often left out: He didnt know we were wouldnt start.
coming; Its so hot in here we all want
them /m, em/ pronoun 1. referring to
them
the cat from next door. The town cen- ferring to the same people or things that
tre has been made into a pedestrian are the subject of the verb Cats always
zone. 2. used with something of which spend a lot of time cleaning themselves.
only one exists, e.g. in the names of Its no use going to the surgery the
places an expedition to the Antarctic doctors are all ill themselves.
then /en/ adverb 1. at that time in the
then
never found the murder weapon. 2. a when measured from side to side He
careful scientific explanation of why cut a slice of bread which was so thick it
something happens Galileo put for- wouldnt go into the toaster. The walls
ward the theory that the earth turns of the castle are three metres thick.
round the sun. 3. a statement of general Some oranges have very thick skins.
principles which may not apply in prac- He took a piece of thick rope. 2. growing
tice In theory the treatment should close together They tried to make their
work, but no one has ever tried it. way through thick jungle. The field
(NOTE: The plural is theories.) was covered with thick grass. 3. (of a
there /e/ adverb 1. in that place liquid ) which cannot flow easily If the
there
Is
that black van still there parked outside paint is too thick add some water. A
the house? Where have you put the bowl of thick soup is just what we need
tea? There, on the kitchen counter. 2. on a cold day like this.
to that place We havent been to the thief /i
f/ noun a person who steals
thief
British Museum yet. Lets go there to- (NOTE: The plural is thieves /i
vz/.)
morrow. Have you ever been to Chi- thigh /a/ noun the part at the top of the
thigh
na? Yes, I went there last month. 3. leg between your knee and your hip
used when giving something to some-
thin /n/ adjective 1. not fat The table
thin
therefore /ef
/ adverb for this rea-
therefore
son I therefore have decided not to see that black thing in the pan of soup?
What do you use that big blue thing
grant his request. They have reduced
their prices, therefore we should reduce for? 2. something in general They all
ours if we want to stay competitive. just sat there and didnt say a thing.
The first thing to do is to call an ambu-
thermometer /mmt/ noun an in-
thermometer
lance. That was a stupid thing to do!
strument for measuring temperature
think /k/ verb 1. to consider some-
think
these /i
z/ plural of this
these
the whole business.
those /z/ plural of that
those
used for mentioning something that you are going to do something unpleas-
makes something else seem surprising ant, especially if someone does not do
Though tired, she still kept on run- what you want She threatened to go to
ning. We dont employ a computer the police. The teacher threatened her
programmer, though many companies with punishment.
do. 2. but It is unlikely though possi- threatening /ret()n/ adjective
threatening
thoughtful /
tf()l/ adjective 1.
thoughtful
the threat to the Prime Minister very se- verb in all or several parts of
riously. Do you think they will carry Throughout the country floods are caus-
out their threat to bomb the capital if we ing problems on the roads. Heavy
dont surrender? snow fell throughout the night.
Basic.fm Page 331 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
through the air How far can he throw and lightning He was woken by the
a cricket ball? They were throwing sound of thunder. verb to make a loud
stones through car windows. She noise in the air following lightning It
threw the letter into the wastepaper bas- thundered during the night.
ket. He was thrown into the air by the thunderstorm /ndst
m/ noun a
thunderstorm
blast from the bomb. (NOTE: throws storm with rain, thunder and lightning
throwing threw /ru
/ thrown Thursday /
zde/ noun the day be-
Thursday
wall behind him. (NOTE: thuds thud- card which allows you to travel They
ding thudded) wont let you get onto the train without
thumb /m/ noun a part on the side of
thumb
was a thump from upstairs as if someone tres but there were no tickets left any-
had fallen out of bed. verb to hit where.
someone hard with your fist He tickle /tk()l/ verb 1. to touch someone
tickle
rushed up to the policeman and started in a sensitive part of the body in order to
thumping him on the chest. She make him or her laugh She tickled his
thumped him on the back when he toes and made him laugh. 2. to cause a
choked. slight uncomfortable feeling on the skin
thunder /nd/ noun a loud noise in
thunder
rocks. The tide is out we can walk building These trees are being grown
across the sand. to provide timber for houses. (NOTE: no
tidily /tadli/ adverb in a tidy way plural: for one item say a piece of tim-
tidily
thing tight, or to become tight an awful time on holiday the hotel was
tightly /tatli/ adverb in a tight way
tightly
dreadful, and it rained solidly for ten
days. 7. one of several moments or peri-
till /tl/ preposition, conjunction up to the
till
tam/ to do something even though you ject used for opening tins of food
are busy In the middle of the meeting
tiny /tani/ adjective very small Can I
tiny
ephone.
tingle /t'l/ noun a feeling like a lot
tingle
want to sleep Im tired I think Ill go
of small sharp things sticking into your to bed. If you feel tired, lie down on
skin It didnt hurt, I just felt a tingle in my bed. 2. feeling that you need rest
my leg. We felt a tingle of excitement Were all tired after a long day at the of-
as we queued for the roller coaster. fice. tired out feeling very tired or
verb to have a sharp prickling feeling needing a rest
tiring /tar/ adjective which makes
tiring
a little ringing noise The little bell tin- thing, e.g. a book, play, painting or film
kled as she went into the shop. Hes almost finished the play but
tinned /tnd/ adjective preserved and
tinned
to 334 tongue
Lady put in front of a name to show an sticks together with string. Do you
honour or a qualification think you can stick the pieces of the cup
to /t, t, tu
/ preposition 1. showing di-
to
together again? If you add all the fig-
rection or place They went to the po- ures together, youll get the total sales.
lice station. Do you know the way to Weve had three sandwiches and three
the beach? The river is to the north of beers how much does that come to all
the town. Everyone take one step to together?
toilet /tlt/ noun 1. a bowl with a seat
toilet
morrow must be Tuesday. Tomorrow
leaves of a plant used to make cigarettes is our tenth wedding anniversary.
and cigars, and for smoking in pipes
ton /tn/ noun a measure of weight equal
ton
(NOTE: no plural)
to 2240 pounds a ship carrying 1000
today /tde/ noun this day Todays
today
tons of coal
her sixth birthday. Whats the date to-
tone /tn/ noun a way of saying some-
tone
fingers at the end of the foot She trod your mouth which can move and is used
on my toe and didnt say she was sorry. for tasting, swallowing and speaking
together /t'e/ adverb 1. doing
together
the upper part of the body She wore
or the evening of today I cant stop jeans and a yellow top. adjective 1. in
were getting ready for tonights party. the highest place The restaurant is on
Ill be at home from eight oclock to- the top floor of the building. Jams and
night. I dont suppose theres any- marmalades are on the top shelf. 2. best
thing interesting on TV tonight. Shes one of the worlds top tennis
players. on top of /n tp v/ 1. on
tonne /tn/ noun a measure of weight
tonne
in your hand to do specific work, e.g. a topple over phrasal verb to fall down
torch /t
t/ noun a small electric light
torch
white objects in the mouth which you carry a small torch in the car.
tore /t
/ past tense of tear
tore
toothpaste /tu
pest/ noun a soft
toothpaste
the fingers The sense of touch be- direction of The crowd ran towards
comes very strong in the dark. 2. the act the police station. The bus was travel-
of passing of news and information to ling south, towards London. The ship
get in touch with someone to contact sailed straight towards the rocks. 2. near
someone Ill try to get in touch with in time Do you have any free time to-
you next week. 3. a gentle physical con- wards the end of the month? The exhi-
tact I felt a light touch on my hand. 4. bition will be held towards the middle of
a very small amount He added a few October. 3. as part of the money to pay
touches of paint to the picture. Theres for something He gave me 100 to-
a touch of frost in the air this morning. wards the cost of the hotel. 4. in relation
verb 1. to feel something with your to She always behaved very kindly to-
fingers The policeman touched him on wards her father.
the shoulder. Dont touch that cake towel /tal/ noun a large piece of soft
towel
its for your mother. 2. to be so close to cloth for drying something, especially
something that you press against it your body Theres only one towel in
His feet dont touch the floor when he the bathroom. After washing her hair,
sits on a big chair. There is a mark on she wound the towel round her head.
the wall where the sofa touches it. Ill get some fresh towels.
touching /tt/ adjective making
touching
you feel emotion, especially affection or castle has thick walls and four square
sympathy I had a touching letter from towers.
my sister, thanking me for my help when
town /tan/ noun a place, larger than a
town
to succeed in business.
tour /t/ noun a holiday or journey in
tour
with We gave him a box of toy soldiers
which you visit various places There for Christmas. The childrens toys are
are so many tours to choose from I all over the sitting room floor.
trace /tres/ noun something which
trace
produce.
tradition /trd()n/ noun beliefs, sto-
tradition
hicle pulled behind a car We carried
ries and ways of doing things which are all our camping gear in the trailer. 2.
passed from one generation to the next US a van with beds, a table, and wash-
Its a family tradition for the eldest ing facilities, which can be towed by a
son to take over the business. Accord- car 3. parts of a full-length film shown
ing to local tradition, the queen died in as an advertisement for it We saw the
this bed. trailer last week, and it put me off the
film.
traditional /trd()n()l/ adjective
traditional
cles cannot move forward on a road be- trains an athlete His trainer says hes
cause there is too much traffic, because in peak condition for the fight. plural
there has been an accident or because of noun trainers light sports shoes
roadworks
training /tren/ noun 1. the activity of
training
transform /trnsf
m/ verb to change
transform
ing an animal We have a mouse in the
the appearance or character of someone kitchen so we will put down a trap.
or something completely The outside verb to catch or hold someone or some-
of the building has been transformed by thing Several people were trapped in
cleaning. The book has transformed the wreckage of the plane. He was
my views on medical care. trapped on video as he entered the bank.
(NOTE: traps trapping trapped)
translate /trnslet/ verb to put writ-
translate
He has travelled across the United
ing or speech which has been translated States several times on his motorbike.
I read Tolstoys War and Peace in The bullet must have travelled several
translation. She passed the transla- metres before it hit the wall. (NOTE:
tion of the letter to the accounts depart- travels travelling travelled. The
ment. US spelling is traveling traveled.)
transparent /trnsprnt/ adjective traveller /trv()l/ noun 1. a person
transparent traveller
which you can see through The meat who travels travellers on the 9 oclock
is wrapped in transparent plastic film. train to London Travellers to France
are experiencing delays because of the
transplant1 /trnspl
nt/ noun 1. the
transplant
ress who was carrying a tray of glasses.
move a plant from one place to another treacherous /tretrs/ adverb 1.
treacherous
ment of goods or people in vehicles trod on my toe and didnt say she was
Air transport is the quickest way to trav- sorry. Watch where youre treading
el from one country to another. Rail theres broken glass on the floor. (NOTE:
transport costs are getting lower. treads treading trod /trd/ trod-
What means of transport will you use to den /trd()n/) noun the top part of
get to the hotel? a stair or step which you stand on The
transport2 /trnsp
t/ verb to move
transport
carpet on the bottom tread is loose.
goods or people from one place to an- Metal treads are noisy.
other in a vehicle The company trans- treasure /tre"/ noun jewels, gold, or
treasure
ports millions of tons of goods by rail other valuable things the treasures in
Basic.fm Page 339 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
the Caribbean looking for pirates three straight sides and three angles
treasure. The end of the roof is shaped like a tri-
treat /tri
t/ noun a special thing which angle.
treat
gives pleasure Its always a treat to sit tribe /trab/ noun a group of people with
tribe
down quietly at home after a hard day in the same race, language and customs
the shop. verb 1. to deal with some- She went into the jungle to study the jun-
one or something She was badly treat- gle tribes.
ed by her uncle. It you treat the staff trick /trk/ noun a clever act to deceive or
trick
well they will work well. He didnt confuse someone The recorded sound
treat my suggestion seriously. 2. to give of barking is just a trick to make bur-
medical help to a sick or injured person glars think there is a dog in the house.
After the accident some of the passen-
verb to deceive someone Weve been
gers had to be treated in hospital for tricked, theres nothing in the box.
cuts and bruises. She is being treated
trickle /trk()l/ verb to flow slowly or
trickle
for rheumatism.
gently Water trickled out of the cave.
treatment /tri
tmnt/ noun 1. a way of
treatment
thick trunk, branches and leaves The that you pull to fire it He pointed the
cat climbed up an apple tree and gun at her and pulled the trigger.
couldnt get down. In autumn, the
trim /trm/ verb to cut something to make
trim
very big There was a tremendous ex- to Paris was cancelled. Were going
plosion and all the lights went out. on a trip to the seaside. verb to catch
Theres tremendous excitement as we your foot in something so that you al-
wait for the election result. most fall down She tripped as she was
trend /trend/ noun a general tendency
trend
love Shes a true friend. to come
happy or proud because you have won true to happen as was predicted Her
trod /trd/ past tense of tread
trod
forecast of bad storms came true. true
to life like things really are
trodden /trd()n/ past participle of
trodden
truly /tru
li/ adverb used for emphasis
truly
tread
He truly believes that was what hap-
trolley /trli/ noun a small vehicle on
trolley
troop /tru
p/ noun a large group of peo-
troop
which cover your body from the waist ways tells the truth Shes a very truth-
down, each leg separately He tore his ful child. 2. giving true facts To be
trousers climbing over the fence. She truthful, Im not quite sure where we
was wearing a red jumper and grey are. The young man gave a truthful
trousers. He bought two pairs of trou- account of what happened.
sers in the sale. try /tra/ verb to make an effort to do
try
truck /trk/ noun a goods vehicle used something You have to try hard if you
truck
for carrying heavy loads (informal ) want to succeed. (NOTE: tries trying
Trucks thundered past the house all tried) noun an attempt to do some-
night. They loaded the truck with thing Shes going to have a try at wa-
bricks. ter skiing. He had two tries before he
true /tru
/ adjective 1. correct according
true
passed his driving test. (NOTE: The plu-
to facts or reality What he says is sim- ral is tries.)
T-shirt /ti
t/ noun another spelling of
T-shirt
rying liquids or gas He was lying in a der the ground The Channel Tunnel
hospital bed with tubes coming out of links Britain to France. The road
his nose and mouth. Air flows down round Lake Lucerne goes through six
this tube to the face mask. 2. a soft con- tunnels. They are digging a new tun-
tainer for a soft substance like tooth- nel for the underground railway.
paste, which you squeeze to get the sub- turkey /t
ki/ noun a large farm bird,
turkey
stance out I forgot to pack a tube of similar to a chicken but much bigger, of-
toothpaste. I need a tube of glue to ten eaten at Christmas We had roast
mend the cup. She bought a tube of turkey and potatoes. Whos going to
mustard. 3. (in London) the under- carve the turkey?
ground railway system Its quicker to
Turkey /t
ki/ noun a country in the
Turkey
take the tube to Oxford Circus than to go eastern Mediterranean, south of the
by bus. Youll have to go by bus be- Black Sea (NOTE: capital: Ankara; peo-
cause theres a tube strike.
ple: the Turks; language: Turkish;
tuck /tk/ verb to put something careful-
tuck
day of the week, the day between Mon- in another direction Can everyone
day and Wednesday I saw him in the turn to look at the camera, please. 5. to
office last Tuesday. The club always change into something different
meets on Tuesdays. Shall we meet next Leaves turn red or brown in the autumn.
Tuesday evening? Today is Tuesday, When he was fifty, his hair turned
April 30th. The 15th is a Monday, so grey.
the 16th must be a Tuesday. We went turn into phrasal verb 1. to change to
to the cinema last Tuesday. become something different The
tug /t'/ verb to give something a sudden
tug
bled down the stairs head first. She turn round phrasal verb to move your
arrived home late after the party and head or body so that you face in another
just tumbled into bed. direction
tune /tju
n/ noun a series of musical turn back phrasal verb to turn round
tune
notes which have a pattern He wrote and go back in the opposite direction
Basic.fm Page 342 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
turned up in my trouser pocket. 3. to off Ive seen that programme twice al-
make something louder or stronger ready. Twice two is four, twice four is
Can you turn up the radio or turn the ra- eight. Im fifteen, shes thirty, so shes
dio up I cant hear it. Turn up the twice as old as I am.
gas or turn the gas up, the potatoes
twig /tw'/ noun a little branch of a tree
twig
TV /ti
vi
/ noun a television They
TV
round something She twisted the two lines and made six mistakes.
string round a piece of stick. 2. to turn in typewriter /taprat/ noun a machine
typewriter
mals or things that are similar to each which is put round a wheel Check the
other This type of bank account pays pressure in the car tyres before starting
10% interest. What type of accommo- a journey. They used an old tyre to
dation are you looking for? verb to make a seat for the garden swing.
Basic.fm Page 344 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
U
u /ju
/, U noun the twenty-first letter of uncomfortable /nkmftb()l/ ad-
u uncomfortable
ugliest)
UK
side out.
not aware of what is happening He
do something I regret that I am unable was found unconscious in the street.
to accept your suggestion. She was She was unconscious for two days after
unable to come to the meeting. (NOTE: the accident.
be unable to is a rather formal way of
uncontrolled /nkntrld/ adjec-
uncontrolled
saying cant.)
not attractive Her husband is a rather place where something else is on top or
unattractive man. The house is unat- above We all hid under the table.
tractive from the outside. My pen rolled under the sofa. 2. less
unbearable /nberb()l/ adjective
unbearable
half of the members turned up for the
tive which is difficult to believe meeting. The old table sold for under
10.
unbreakable /nbrekb()l/ adjec-
unbreakable
way line goes underground for a short
sure, or not decided She is uncertain distance. Worms live all their life un-
whether to accept the job. Hes uncer- derground. adjective built under the
tain about what to do next. Their ground Theres an underground pas-
plans are still uncertain. sage to the tower. The hotel has an un-
uncle /k()l/ noun a brother of your derground car park.
uncle
by his uncle in Scotland. We had a railway in a town, which runs under the
surprise visitor last night old Uncle ground Thousands of people use the
Charles. underground to go to work. Take the
Basic.fm Page 345 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
Its usually quicker to get across town which is tied or fastened The first
by underground. (NOTE: The London thing he did on getting home was to
Underground is often called the Tube. undo his tie. Undo your top button if
In the United States, an underground your collar is too tight. (NOTE: undoes
railway is called a subway.) /ndz/ undid /ndd/ undone
/ndn/)
underline
word or figure He wrote the title and undress /ndres/ verb to take your
undress
under She wore a long green jumper just taken off your clothes The chil-
underneath her coat. Can you see if dren are getting undressed ready for
my pen is underneath the sofa? ad- bed. Are you undressed yet?
verb under He put the box of books uneasy /ni
zi/ adjective nervous and
uneasy
down on the kitchen table and my sand- worried (NOTE: uneasier uneasiest)
wiches were underneath!
unemployed /nmpld/ adjective
unemployed
without a job The government is en-
know what something means Dont couraging unemployed teenagers to ap-
try to talk English to Mr Yoshida he ply for training grants.
doesnt understand it. 2. to have sympa-
/nmplmnt/
unemployment
from the police. His failure was quite
1. the ability to understand something unexpected.
unexpectedly /nkspektdli/ ad-
unexpectedly
The boss showed no understanding unfair to expect her to do all the house-
when she told him about her financial work while her sisters dont lift a finger
difficulties. The aim is to promote un- to help.
derstanding between the two countries.
unfairly /nfeli/ adverb in an unfair
unfairly
tude was much appreciated. which makes you sad It was very un-
underwater /ndw
t/ adjective fortunate that she couldnt come to see
underwater
dived and swam underwater for several verb which you wish was not true Un-
seconds. She goes on holiday to the fortunately the train arrived so late that
Red Sea to do underwater photography. she missed the meeting.
underwear /ndwe/ noun clothes unfriendly /nfrendli/ adjective not
underwear unfriendly
worn next to your skin under other acting like a friend (NOTE: unfriendlier
clothes (NOTE: no plural) unfriendliest)
Basic.fm Page 346 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
team. They were united in their desire
grateful to improve their working conditions.
universal /ju
nv
s()l/ adjective
universal
unimportant /nmp
t()nt/ adjec-
unimportant
various groups under one umbrella or- totally different from Hes quite un-
ganisation. like his brother. 2. not normal or typical
unique /ju
ni
k/ adjective different to unlikely /nlakli/ adjective 1. not like-
unique unlikely
anything else and therefore the only on ly Its unlikely that many people will
of its type The stamp is unique, and so come to the show. 2. which is probably
is worth a great deal. Hes studying not true He trotted out some unlikely
the unique vegetation of the island. excuse about how his train ticket had
unit /ju
nt/ noun 1. one part of some-
unit
been eaten by the dog.
unlimited /nlmtd/ adjective with
unlimited
unite /ju
nat/ verb to join together into
unite
gether as a whole Relief workers from which is not needed, or which does not
various countries worked as a united have to be done It is unnecessary for
Basic.fm Page 347 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
makes a lot of unnecessary phone calls. Put your hands up above your head.
unoccupied /nkjpad/ adjective
unoccupied
of cases in which they were sent or car- a higher position His temperature
ried went up suddenly. The price of petrol
unpleasant /nplez()nt/ adjective
unpleasant
seems to go up every week. 3. not in bed
The children were still up when they
not pleasant Theres a very unpleas-
ant smell in the kitchen. Try not to be should have been in bed. They stayed
unpleasant to the waitress. up all night watching films on TV. He
got up at six because he had an early
unreasonable /nri
z()nb()l/ ad-
unreasonable
train to catch. Its past eight oclock
jective not reasonable or fair you should be up by now. 4. completely,
unselfish /nself/ adjective thinking
unselfish
entirely The puddles dried up quickly
only of other people in the sun. 5. happening in an unpleas-
unsightly /nsatli/ adjective very un- ant or dangerous way Somethings up
unsightly
pleasant to look at She has an unsight- the engine has stopped! preposition
ly scar on her face. 1. in or to a high place They ran up the
unsuccessful /nsksesf()l/ adjec-
unsuccessful
stairs. She doesnt like going up lad-
tive which does not succeed ders. 2. along Go up the street to the
traffic lights and then turn right. The
unsuitable /nsu
tb()l/ adjective
unsuitable
ter?
was unsure whether to go to work or to
upon /pn/ preposition 1. on
upon
likely to happen soon The summer
holidays will soon be upon us again.
(NOTE: untidier untidiest)
upper /p/ adjective higher or further
upper
which is tied with a knot (NOTE: unties up The upper slopes of the mountain
untying untied) are covered in snow. He had a rash on
his right upper arm.
until /ntl/ conjunction up to the time
until
unhappy His parents get upset if he
unusual /nju
"l/ adjective not nor- comes home late. verb 1. to make
unusual
noun: the baby was unwell but a sick defeat There was a major upset in the
baby) tennis tournament when the number
unwilling /nwl/ adjective not want-
unwilling
with the top underneath Dont turn make your curtains? The cars worth
the box upside down all the papers quite a lot of money its hardly been
will fall out. The car shot off the road used. Do you know how to use a com-
and ended up upside down in a ditch. puter? Can I use this knife for cutting
Bats were hanging upside down from meat? 2. to take a substance and do
the branches. something with it Dont use the tap
water for drinking. Does this car use
upstairs /pstez/ adverb on or to the
upstairs
used /ju
zd/ adjective which is not new
used
I would urge you to vote for the propos- which can help you do something I
al. Our lawyer urged us to be careful find these scissors very useful for open-
and avoid breaking the law. ing letters. Shes a very useful person
urgent /
d"nt/ adjective which is im-
urgent
and other people Mother gave us each on most occasions She took her usual
50p to buy ice cream. Whos there? bus to the office. Is it usual for him to
Its us! The company did well last arrive so late?
usually /ju
"uli/ adverb in most cases
usually
ject used when cooking knives, bowls something (formal ) Hes keen to uti-
and other kitchen utensils lise his programming skills.
Basic.fm Page 350 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
V
v /vi
/, V noun the twenty-second letter of overnight. verb to consider something
v
denly The magician made the rabbit
cially US a holiday The family went vanish.
variation /verie()n/ noun a change
variation
when the universities and law courts are from one state or level to another The
closed Im spending my vacation variation in colour or the colour varia-
working on a vineyard in Italy. tion is because the cloth has been dyed
vague /ve'/ adjective with no details
vague
by hand. The diagram shows the var-
iations in price over a period of six
vain /ven/ adjective very proud of your
vain
months.
appearance or achievements Hes al-
variety /vrati/ noun 1. differences
variety
(NOTE: Do not confuse with vein.) Her new job, unlike the old one, doesnt
lack variety. 2. a different type of plant
valid /vld/ adjective 1. which can be
valid
vase /v
z/ noun a container used for cut
vase
in the value of the yen He imported which is grown to be eaten but which is
goods to the value of 500. Items of not usually sweet We grow potatoes,
value can be deposited in the hotel safe carrots and other sorts of vegetables in
Basic.fm Page 351 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
tickets. The scene takes place at the
person who eats only fruit, vegetables, very beginning of the book.
vessel /ves()l/ noun a ship Vessels
vessel
vehicle /vi
k()l/ noun a machine
vehicle
The veins in her legs are swollen. (NOTE: lent a vicious attack on an elderly
Do not confuse with vain.) lady
verb /v
b/ noun a word which shows an
verb
verdict /v
dkt/ noun a decision made
verdict
which form a part of a song or poem general election. The guerrillas won a
We sang all the verses of the National victory over the government troops.
Anthem. She read the first verse to the (NOTE: The plural is victories.)
class. 2. poetry He published a small video /vdi/ noun 1. a machine which
video
the cheapest version available. from a certain place You can get a
vertical /v
tk()l/ adjective standing
vertical
come to the museum each year? We
ment with strings that hold under your had a surprise visitor yesterday the
chin and play with a bow bank manager!
virtual /v
tul/ adjective almost
virtual
The company has a virtual monopoly of portant It is vital that we act quickly.
French wine imports. His grandfather Oxygen is vital to human life.
has become a virtual recluse. vitamin /vtmn/ noun an essential
vitamin
virtually /v
tuli/ adverb almost
virtually
Its virtually impossible to get tickets for vivid yellow sunflowers the vivid col-
the concert. ours of the Mediterranean beach 2. rep-
virtual reality /v
tl rilti/ noun
virtual reality
tists have isolated a new flu virus. the words used by a person or group of
Shingles is caused by the same virus as persons specialist legal vocabulary
chickenpox. 2. a part of a computer pro- She reads French newspapers to im-
gram which is designed to destroy files prove her French vocabulary. 2. a print-
on someone elses computer You must ed list of words There is a German-
Basic.fm Page 353 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
which lava, ash and gas may flow out of per, holding up your hand, etc., to show
from time to time (NOTE: The plural is your opinion or to show who you want
volcanoes.) to be elected How many votes did you
volume /vlju
m/ noun 1. the amount
volume
get? There were only ten votes against
of sound She turned down the volume the plan. verb to mark a paper, to hold
on the radio. He drives with the car up your hand, etc., to show your opinion
radio on at full volume. 2. the amount or to show who you want to be elected
which is contained inside something Fifty per cent of the people voted in the
What is the volume of this barrel? 3. one election. We all voted to go on strike.
voter /vt/ noun a person who votes
voter
W
w /db()lju
/, W noun the twenty-third was woken by the telephone. I banged
w
letter of the alphabet, between V and X on her door, but I cant wake her. He
wade /wed/ verb to walk through water
wade
asked to be woken at 7.00. 2. to stop
They waded into the sea. sleeping He woke suddenly, feeling
drops of water falling on his head.
wag /w'/ verb to move something from
wag
wall /w
l/ noun a structure made from
wall
brings food and drink to customers in a things such as bricks or stones, built up
restaurant (NOTE: The plural is wait- to make one of the sides of a building, of
resses.) a room or to surround a space The
wake /wek/ verb 1. to stop someones
wake
wallpaper /w
lpep/ noun paper
wallpaper
with different patterns on it, covering warm or feeling warm It was cold and
the walls of a room The wallpaper rainy outside, and he looked forward to
was light green to match the carpet. the warmth of his home.
warn /w
n/ verb 1. to inform someone
warn
without any particular aim They wan- of a possible danger Children are
dered round the town in the rain. warned not to play on the frozen lake.
want /wnt/ verb 1. to hope that you will
want
The group was warned to look out for
do something, that something will hap- pickpockets. The guide warned us that
pen, or that you will get something there might be snakes in the grass. 2. to
She wants a new car for her birthday. inform someone that something is likely
Where do you want to go for your holi- to happen The railway has warned
days? He wants to be a teacher. 2. to that there will be a strike tomorrow.
ask someone to do something The The weather forecast warned of storms
manager wants me to go and see him. in the English Channel. (NOTE: You
I want those windows painted. 3. to warn someone of something, or warn
need something With five children, someone that something may hap-
what they want is a bigger house. You pen.)
warning /w
n/ noun news about a
warning
tainer for holding water for washing the Watch out! theres a car coming!
water /w
t/ noun the liquid which
water
have been washed, or which are ready to drinking and in cooking; also in indus-
be washed Put the washing in the trial processes. Can we have three
washing machine. She hung out the glasses of water please? Cook the
washing to dry. vegetables in boiling water. Is the tap
water safe to drink? The water tem-
washing machine /w mi
n/
washing machine
ucts should not be dumped in the sea. ter on the surface of the sea, a lake or a
Recycle all your waste paper. river Waves were breaking on the
watch /wt/ verb 1. to look at and no-
watch
something can be found or in which ter his illness he is still very weak. I
someone or something is going Do dont like weak tea. 2. not effective a
you know the way to the post office? weak leader a weak argument 3. not
The bus is going the wrong way for the having knowledge or skill Shes
station. She showed us the way to the weaker at science than at maths.
railway station. They lost their way French is his weakest subject. (NOTE:
and had to ask for directions. Ill lead weaker weakest. Do not confuse
the way just follow me. 2. the means of with week.)
doing something My mother showed wealth /wel/ noun a large amount of
wealth
me the way to make marmalade. Isnt money and property which someone
there any other way of making it? He owns His wealth was acquired in
thought of a way of making money business. (NOTE: no plural)
quickly. The way she said it implied it
wealthy /weli/ adjective (of a person)
wealthy
is the way out of the car park. He through doing something She wore
couldnt find the way out in the dark. herself out looking after the old lady.
Basic.fm Page 358 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
side, e.g. if it is raining, hot, cold or sun- once a week. (NOTE: Do not confuse
ny Whats the weather going to be like with weak.)
today? If the weather gets any better, weekend /wi
kend/ noun Saturday and
weekend
then we can go out in the boat. Sunday, or the period from Friday
weave /wi
v/ verb 1. to make cloth by evening to Sunday evening Were go-
weave
twisting fibres over and under each oth- ing to the coast for the weekend. Why
er The cloth is woven from the wool of dont you come to spend next weekend
local sheep. The new weaving ma- with us in the country? At weekends,
chines were installed last week. 2. to we try to spend time in the garden.
make something by a similar method, weekly /wi
kli/ adjective, adverb which
weekly
but using things such as very thin pieces happens or is published once a week
of wood or the dried stems of plants We have a weekly paper which tells us
She learnt how to weave baskets. (NOTE: all the local news. The weekly rate for
weaves weaving wove /wv/ the job is 250. Are you paid weekly
woven /wvn/) or monthly?
web /web/ noun 1. a net spun by spiders weigh /we/ verb 1. to measure how
web
weigh
of text and graphics, forming part of a piece of meat weighs 100 grams. How
website much do you weigh? She only weighs
website /websat/ noun a collection of
website
40 kilos.
weight /wet/ noun 1. how heavy some-
weight
wait.)
something such as wood, metal or rub-
weird /wd/ adjective strange in a way
weird
tice of providing the things which peo- be. 2nd person plural past of be. 3rd
ple need and which help them to be person plural past of be
healthy The club looks after the wel- west /west/ noun the direction in which
west
fare of the old people in the town. The the sun sets The sun sets in the west
government has taken measures to re- and rises in the east. We live in a vil-
form the welfare system. lage to the west of the town. Their
well /wel/ adverb 1. in a way that is satis-
well
ter his flu. interjection used for start- other liquid She forgot her umbrella
ing a sentence Well, Ill show you and got wet walking back from the
round the house first. Well now, weve shops. The chairs all wet where he
done the washing up so we can sit and knocked over his beer. The baby is wet
watch TV. noun a very deep hole dug can you change her nappy? 2. raining
in the ground with water or oil at the The summer months are the wettest
bottom as well also When my aunt part of the year. Theres nothing I like
comes to stay she brings her two cats better than a wet Sunday in London. 3.
and the dog as well. You cant eat fish not yet dry Watch out! the paints
and chips and a meat pie as well! as still wet. (NOTE: wetter wettest)
well as in addition to Some newsa- whale /wel/ noun a very large creature
whale
gents sell groceries as well as newspa- that lives in the sea You can take a
pers. She ate a slice of cheesecake as boat into the mouth of the river to see
well as two scoops of ice cream. well the whales.
done used for praising someone for what /wt/ adjective asking a question
what
their success Well done, the England What kind of music do you like? What
team! Well done to all of you who type of food does he like best? pro-
passed the exam! noun 1. the thing which Did you see
well-known /wel nn/ adjective
well-known
so they can feed the cat. Do you re-
not matter what (form of what used for member the day when we all went for a
emphasis; in questions) You can picnic in the park? Let me know when
have whatever you like for Christmas. youre ready to go. 2. after When the
She always does whatever she feels like speaker had finished, he sat down.
doing. I want that car whatever the Wash up the plates when youve finished
price. 2. used instead of what for em- your breakfast. 3. even if The sales-
phasis in questions Ive sold the car. man said the car was worth 5,000
Whatever for? Whatever made him when he really knew it was worth only
do that? Whatever does that red light half that.
whenever /wenev/ adverb at any time
whenever
mean?
wheat /wi
t/ noun a plant of which the
wheat
that Come for tea whenever you like.
grain is used to make flour (NOTE: no We try to see my mother whenever we
plural) can or whenever possible.
where /we/ adverb 1. (asking a ques-
where
wheel /wi
l/ noun 1. a round object on
wheel
which a vehicle such as a bicycle, a car tion) in what place, to what place
or a train runs The front wheel and the Where did I put my glasses? Do you
back wheel of the motorbike were both know where the restaurant is? Where
damaged in the accident. We got a flat are the knives and forks? Where are
tyre so I had to get out to change the you going for your holiday? 2. in a place
wheel. 2. any similar round object in which Stay where you are and dont
which turns a steering wheel gear move. They still live in the same house
wheels verb to push something along where they were living twenty years ago.
which has wheels He wheeled his mo- Heres where the wire has been cut.
torbike into the garage. She was (NOTE: After where used to ask a direct
wheeling her bike along the pavement. question, the verb is put before the
The waiter wheeled in a sweet trolley. subject: Where is the bottle? but not
wheelbarrow /wi
lbr/ noun a
wheelbarrow
when it is used in a statement: He
large container with one wheel at the doesnt know where the bottle is.)
whereas /werz/ conjunction if you
whereas
such as builders and gardeners for push- compare this with the fact that He
ing heavy loads around likes tea whereas she prefers coffee.
wheelchair /wi
lte/ noun a chair on wherever /werev/ adverb 1. to or in
wheelchair wherever
wheels which people who cannot walk any place You can sit wherever you
use to move around a special entrance want. Wherever we go on holiday, we
for wheelchair users never make hotel reservations. The
when /wen/ adverb at what time (asking
when
police want to ask her questions, wher-
a question) When is the last train for ever she may be. 2. used instead of
Paris? When did you last go to the where for emphasis Wherever did
dentist? When are we going to get you get that hat?
whether /we/ conjunction 1. used to
whether
ing a question) what person or thing whisper /wsp/ verb to speak very qui-
whisper
Which dress are you wearing to the etly, so that only the person you are talk-
wedding? Which boy threw that ing to can hear He whispered instruc-
stone? 2. (only used with things, not tions to the other members of the gang.
people) that The French restaurant She whispered to the nurse that she
which is next door to the office. wanted something to drink. noun a
Theyve eaten all the bread which you quiet voice, or words spoken very quiet-
bought yesterday. ly She spoke in a whisper.
while /wal/ conjunction 1. at the time
while
that He tried to cut my hair while he made by blowing through your lips
was watching TV. While we were on when they are almost closed She gave
holiday someone broke into our house. a whistle of surprise. We heard a
Shall I clean the kitchen while youre whistle and saw a dog running across
having a bath? 2. showing difference the field. 2. a simple instrument which
He likes meat, while his sister is a vege- makes a high sound, played by blowing
tarian. Everyone is watching TV, He blew on his whistle to stop the
while Im in the kitchen making the din- match. verb 1. to blow through your
ner. 3. although (formal ) While there lips to make a high sound They
may still be delays, the service is much marched along, whistling an Irish song.
better than it used to be. noun a short He whistled for a taxi. 2. to make a
time Its a while since Ive seen him. high sound using a small metal instru-
in a while in a short time, soon Ill ment The referee whistled to stop the
be ready in a while. match.
whine /wan/ verb 1. to make a loud high
whine
noise You can hear the engines of the snow or milk A white shirt is part of
racing cars whining in the background. the uniform. A white car will always
The dogs whined when we locked look dirty. Her hair is now completely
them up in the kitchen. 2. to complain in white. Do you take your coffee black
a loud high voice that annoys other peo- or white? noun 1. a person whose
ple Shes always whining about how skin is pale Whites are in the minority
little money she has. (NOTE: Do not con- in African countries. 2. a white part of
fuse with wine. Note also: whines something the white of an egg The
whining whined.) whites of his eyes were slightly red. 3. a
whip /wp/ noun a long, thin piece of
whip
The rider used her whip to make the something unimportant, especially a lie
horse run faster. verb to hit someone told in order not to upset someone
or an animal with a whip He whipped (informal )
the horse to make it go faster. (NOTE:
who /hu
/ pronoun 1. (asking a ques-
who
man whom I met in the office; Whom range of people It is widely expected
do you want to see?) that he will resign. 2. over a wide area
whoever /hu
ev/ pronoun (emphatic
whoever
Contamination spread widely over the
form of who) no matter who, anyone area round the factory. She has trav-
who Whoever finds the umbrella can elled widely in Greece.
keep it. Go home with whoever you widow /wd/ noun a woman whose
widow
ried again
She must have been hungry she ate
width /wd/ noun 1. a measurement of
width
whose /hu
z/ pronoun 1. (asking a
whose
Why did he have to phone me in the mid- right answer. They had the wild idea
dle of the TV film? I asked the ticket of walking across the Sahara. adverb
collector why the train was late. 2. giv- without any control The crowds were
ing a reason She told me why she running wild through the centre of the
couldnt go to the party. 3. agreeing town.
with a suggestion Would you like wildlife /waldlaf/ noun birds, plants
wildlife
What a wicked thing to say! It was future tense The party will start soon.
wicked of them to steal the birds eggs. Will they be staying a long time? We
wide /wad/ adjective 1. which measures
wide
so far this year. Were disappointed, eye quickly, as a signal She winked at
we expected a win. him to try to tell him that everything was
wind1 /wnd/ noun air moving outdoors
wind
going well.
winner /wn/ noun 1. a person who
winner
round He wound the towel round his of the year, the season between autumn
Basic.fm Page 364 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
chip basket is made of woven wire. 2. with They came on a walking holiday
(electric) wire thin metal thread along without any boots. She managed to
which electricity flows, usually covered live for a few days without any food.
with coloured plastic The wires seem He was stuck in Germany without any
to be all right, so there must be a prob- money. They were fined for travelling
lem with the computer itself. without tickets. 2. not doing something
wisdom /wzdm/ noun general com- She sang for an hour without stop-
wisdom
mon sense and the ability to make good ping. They lived in the hut in the forest
decisions without seeing anybody for weeks.
wise /waz/ adjective having intelligence witness /wtns/ noun 1. a person who
witness
wise
and being sensible It was a wise deci- sees something happen or who is
sion to cancel the trip. I dont think present when something happens The
its wise to keep all that money in the witness happened to be outside the
house. house when it was burgled. 2. a person
wish /w/ noun 1. what you want to hap-
wish
who is present when someone signs a
pen 2. a greeting Best wishes for the document The contract has to be
New Year! Please give my good wish- signed in front of two witnesses. His
es to your family. (NOTE: The plural is sister signed as a witness. verb to be
wishes.) verb 1. to want something present when something happens, and
to happen She sometimes wished she see it happening Did anyone witness
could live in the country. I wish you the accident?
witty /wti/ adjective clever and funny
witty
wore /w
/ past tense of wear
wore
chine run She works the biggest print- small factory where things are made or
ing machine in the factory. Do you repaired
know how to work the microwave? 5. to
world /w
ld/ noun the earth on which
world
the end. to work something out to tired He was worn out after the game
find a successful way of solving a prob- of rugby. She comes home every
lem 3. to do exercises He works out evening, worn out after a busy day at the
every morning in the gym. office.
worker /w
k/ noun 1. a person who
worker
works Shes a good worker. Hes a cause you think something bad will hap-
fast worker. 2. a person who works in a pen or because something bad has hap-
particular job The factory closed pened He had a worried look on his
when the workers went on strike. Of- face. Shes looking worried. Im
fice workers usually work from 9.30 to worried that we may run out of petrol.
5.30.
worry /wri/ verb to make someone feel
worry
working /w
k/ adjective relating to a
working
lost in the little streets. His latest film putting something over it She
is well worth seeing. The old castle is wrapped the parcel in paper. (NOTE:
well worth visiting or is well worth a wraps -wrapping wrapped) noun
visit. noun a value Its worth will in- 1. a type of shawl that is put round the
crease each year. She lost jewellery of shoulders or the top part of the body
great worth in the fire. Can you give She pulled her wrap closer around her.
me twenty pounds worth of petrol? 2. a piece of material used to cover
would /wd/ modal verb 1. used as a po-
would
books or articles
to side The baby wriggled in her fa- writing /rat/ noun something which
writing
thers arms. The worm wriggled back is written Please dont phone, reply in
into the soil. writing. Put everything in writing,
wring /r/ verb to twist something, espe-
wring
wrung /r/)
write
wrinkle /rkl/ noun a fold in the skin
wrinkle
She had an operation to remove wrin-
He gave three wrong answers and failed
kles round her eyes. the test. Thats not the right time, is it?
wrinkled /rkld/ adjective full of
wrinkled
arm and the hand pressed the wrong button. 2. not suitable
write /rat/ verb 1. to put words or num-
write
You came just at the wrong time, when
bers on paper etc. using a pen, pencil, we were bathing the children. She was
computer etc. She wrote the address wearing the wrong sort of dress for a
on the back of an envelope. Write the wedding. 3. not working properly
reference number at the top of the letter. There is something wrong with the tele-
2. to write a letter and send it to some- vision. 4. morally bad Its wrong to
one She writes to me twice a week. talk like that about her. Cheating in
Dont forget to write as soon as you get exams is wrong. 5. making someone
to your hotel. 3. to be the author of a worried adverb badly Everything
book or music etc. He wrote a book on went wrong yesterday. She spelt my
keeping tropical fish. Didnt you know name wrong.
wrongly /rli/ adverb not correctly
wrongly
wrote /rt/ written /rt()n/) wrung /r/ past tense and past participle
wrung
XYZ
x /eks/, X noun the twenty-fourth letter of when you are tired or bored He went
x
the alphabet, between W and Y sym- on speaking for so long that half the
bol 1. a multiplication sign 3 x 3 = 9. people at the meeting started yawning
(NOTE: say three times three equals or started to yawn.
nine) 2. showing size The table top is yeah /je/ interjection yes
yeah
thirty-six centimetres)
X /eks/ noun the Roman numeral for ten
X
twelve months, from January 1st to De-
or tenth cember 31st Columbus discovered
America in the year 1492. Great cele-
X-ray /eks re/ noun 1. a type of radia-
X-ray
length, equal to 0.914 metres The po- are full of yellow flowers. noun the
lice station is only yards away from colour of the sun or gold Do you have
where the fight took place. Can you any hats of a lighter yellow than this
move your car a couple of yards as it is one?
blocking the entrance to our garage? 2. yes /jes/ adverb a word showing that you
yes
an area of concrete at the back or side of agree with someone, accept something,
a house We keep our bikes in the yard. or give permission for something
yarn /j
n/ noun a long piece of wool
yarn
wide and breathe in and out deeply you work in Scotland at one time? Yes,
Basic.fm Page 370 Friday, January 16, 2004 3:10 PM
I havent seen her yet this morning. you as a subject Why do you wash
Dont throw the newspaper away I ha- the car yourself, when you could easily
vent read it yet. conjunction however take it to the car wash? Watch out for
Hes very small and yet he can kick a the broken glass you might hurt your-
ball a long way. It was starting to self. I hope you are all going to enjoy
snow, and yet he went out without a yourselves. (NOTE: The plural is your-
coat. selves.)
yield /ji
ld/ noun the quantity of a crop or youth /ju
/ noun 1. a young man
yield youth
a product produced from a plant or from Gangs of youths were causing trouble in
an area of land What is the normal the village. A youth, aged 16, was ar-
yield per hectare? verb 1. to produce rested for possessing drugs. 2. a period
a result Their researches finally yield- when you are young, especially the time
ed the information they were looking for. between being a child and being an
2. to produce a crop or a product This adult In his youth he was a great trav-
variety of rice can yield up to 2 tonnes eller. I havent done that since the
per hectare. The North Sea oil depos- days of my youth!
its yield 100,000 barrels a month. 3. to z /zed/, Z noun US the last and twenty-
z
zapping zapped)
someone being spoken to Are you zero /zr/ noun 1. the number 0 To
zero
ready? You look tired, you should rest make an international call you dial zero
a bit. If I give you my address will you zero (00), followed by the number of the
give me yours? Hello, how are you? country. 2. the temperature at which wa-
Are you both keeping well? 2. referring ter freezes The temperature stayed be-
to anyone You never know when you low zero for days. 3. nothing at all
might need a penknife. You have to be They lost ten zero. (NOTE: The plural is
very tall to be a policeman. (NOTE: You zeros.)
is both singular and plural.)
zigzag /z'z'/ adjective used to de-
zigzag