not supporting either side in a conflict or disagreement; having no strongly marked characteristics
adjective
Examples:
• Switzerland remained neutral during both World Wars.
• The mediator tried to stay neutral.
having or showing fine personal qualities or high moral principles; belonging to a hereditary class of people
adjective
Examples:
• It was a noble gesture to donate his winnings to charity.
• He came from a noble family.
to touch gently with a flat hand in a friendly way
verb
Examples:
• She patted the dog on the head.
• He patted his friend on the back in congratulation.
a light touch with a flat hand; also a male given name
noun
Examples:
• She gave the child a reassuring pat.
• Pat is a common name for both men and women.
the state or condition of being liked, admired, or supported by many people
noun
Examples:
• The band's popularity has grown considerably.
• His popularity fell after the scandal.
to make or show a connection between; to have a relationship to something; to empathize with
verb
Examples:
• I can really relate to what you're going through.
• Can you relate the events in chronological order?
a machine capable of carrying out complex actions automatically, especially one programmable by a computer
noun
Examples:
• The factory uses robots on the assembly line.
• Scientists are developing robots that can perform surgery.
regarded as holy or worthy of reverence; connected with religion
adjective
Examples:
• The temple is a sacred site to millions of believers.
• Sunday was once considered a sacred day of rest.
a covering for the foot, typically with a sturdy sole and not reaching above the ankle
noun
Examples:
• She bought a new pair of shoes for the party.
• Tie your shoelaces before you trip.
a person who secretly collects information about an enemy country or competitor
noun
Examples:
• The spy was uncovered and arrested.
• James Bond is a fictional spy.
to work as a spy; to observe secretly
verb
Examples:
• She suspected her neighbor was spying on her.
• He was caught spying for a foreign government.
ideas or plans put forward for consideration
noun
Examples:
• Do you have any suggestions for improving the process?
• The boss listened to all their suggestions carefully.
the temporary removal of someone from a job or team; a system of springs and shock absorbers in a vehicle
noun
Examples:
• The player received a three-game suspension.
• The car's suspension makes for a smooth ride.
the unlawful use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, for political aims
noun
Examples:
• The government has pledged to combat terrorism.
• Terrorism threatens the safety of innocent people.
poisonous; relating to a poison; very harmful or unpleasant in an insidious way
adjective
Examples:
• The chemicals in the factory were toxic.
• A toxic work environment leads to burnout.
the funds or revenue of a government or institution; the government department that manages public finances
noun
Examples:
• The US Treasury issued new bonds.
• The Treasury Department manages the national budget.
an artificial underground passage, especially one built through a hill or under a river
noun
Examples:
• The Channel Tunnel links England and France.
• The train goes through a long tunnel in the mountains.
an act of upgrading; a higher-grade version of a product or service
noun
Examples:
• She got a free upgrade to business class.
• The system needs a software upgrade.
to raise something to a higher standard or quality
verb
Examples:
• I upgraded my phone to the latest model.
• They upgraded the entire computer system.
a document issued by a legal or government official authorizing an action; justification for an action
noun
Examples:
• The police obtained a search warrant.
• There is no warrant for such extreme measures.
artificial intelligence; the simulation of human intelligence processes by computer systems
noun
Examples:
• AI is transforming industries from healthcare to finance.
• Many companies are investing heavily in AI research.
a useful or valuable thing or person
noun
Examples:
• Her language skills are a great asset to the team.
• The company listed its assets on the balance sheet.
property owned by a person or company, regarded as having value
noun
Examples:
• The bank seized all his assets after the default.
• Digital assets now form part of many investment portfolios.
made holy; consecrated
adjective
Examples:
• The priest blessed the congregation at the end of the service.
• She wore a blessed medallion around her neck.
very fortunate or happy
adjective
Examples:
• I feel truly blessed to have such a supportive family.
• We were blessed with perfect weather for the outdoor ceremony.
an implement with bristles, used for cleaning, painting, or styling hair
noun
Examples:
• She ran a brush through her tangled hair before leaving.
• Use a stiff brush to scrub the grime off the tiles.
to clean or tidy something with a brush
verb
Examples:
• He brushed the crumbs off the table after dinner.
• Don't forget to brush your teeth twice a day.
a heavy load that is difficult to carry or bear
noun
Examples:
• The financial burden of the mortgage weighed heavily on them.
• Caring for elderly parents can be a burden without community support.
relaxed and unconcerned; not regular or permanent
adjective
Examples:
• He adopted a casual tone when delivering the difficult news.
• She wore a casual outfit to the weekend barbecue.
officially recognized as possessing certain qualifications or meeting certain standards
adjective
Examples:
• She is a certified public accountant with twenty years of experience.
• Only certified electricians may install the new wiring.
a professional cook, especially one who is in charge of a kitchen
noun
Examples:
• The head chef prepared a five-course tasting menu for the guests.
• She trained as a pastry chef in Paris before opening her own bakery.
a person not in the armed services or police force
noun
Examples:
• The humanitarian convoy was escorted to protect civilian lives.
• After retiring from the army, he returned to civilian life.
a temporary alliance of distinct parties or factions for a common purpose
noun
Examples:
• The two parties formed a coalition government after the inconclusive election.
• A broad coalition of NGOs lobbied for stricter environmental regulations.
an adult male chicken
noun
Examples:
• The cock crowed at dawn, waking everyone on the farm.
• A weathervane shaped like a cock topped the old barn.
to tilt or turn at an angle
verb
Examples:
• The dog cocked its head to one side, listening intently.
• He cocked an eyebrow at the unexpected question.
to express dissatisfaction or annoyance about something
verb
Examples:
• Residents began to complain about the noise from the construction site.
• She complained that the soup was cold when it arrived.
giving rise to public disagreement or debate
adjective
Examples:
• The politician's controversial remarks caused an immediate backlash.
• Euthanasia remains a controversial topic in many countries.
the practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behaviour
noun
Examples:
• Success in sport requires extraordinary discipline and dedication.
• The school's approach to discipline emphasised restorative practices.
a branch of knowledge or a field of study
noun
Examples:
• Philosophy is one of the oldest academic disciplines.
• The research crossed several scientific disciplines.
causing a strong feeling of revulsion or profound disapproval
adjective
Examples:
• The state of the public restrooms was absolutely disgusting.
• He found the cruelty of the act completely disgusting.
having or exerting control or power over others; most important or prominent
adjective
Examples:
• English has become the dominant language of international business.
• The dominant species in this ecosystem is the grey wolf.
a short piece of writing on a particular subject
noun
Examples:
• Students were asked to write a 1,000-word essay on climate change.
• The collection of essays explores themes of identity and migration.
the cost required for something; money spent
noun
Examples:
• They renovated the kitchen at great expense.
• Business travel expenses must be submitted by the end of the month.
in addition to what has already been said; moreover
adverb
Examples:
• The project was late; furthermore, it was over budget.
• The medication is effective; furthermore, it has few side effects.
relating to visual art, especially involving drawing, engraving, or lettering
adjective
Examples:
• She studied graphic design at the Royal College of Art.
• The logo was created by a talented graphic artist.
giving vivid and explicit detail, especially of violence or sex
adjective
Examples:
• The documentary contained graphic footage of the aftermath of the battle.
• The film was rated 18 due to graphic content.
the process of becoming sound or healthy again
noun
Examples:
• The healing of the wound took several weeks.
• Her journey of emotional healing began after therapy.
tending to make healthy or restore to health
adjective
Examples:
• The spa offered a range of healing treatments.
• The healing power of nature should not be underestimated.
put into effect; carried out
adjective
Examples:
• The newly implemented policy reduced staff turnover significantly.
• The changes were fully implemented by the end of the quarter.
an instance of invading a country or region with an armed force
noun
Examples:
• The invasion of the island was repelled after fierce fighting.
• The full-scale invasion shocked the international community.
an unwelcome intrusion into another's domain
noun
Examples:
• The constant surveillance felt like an invasion of privacy.
• The spread of invasive plants is an ecological invasion.
a portable computer small enough to use on one's lap
noun
Examples:
• She worked on her laptop for six hours straight during the flight.
• The company issued every employee a new laptop when they started.
of, described in, or based on legends; remarkable enough to be famous
adjective
Examples:
• The legendary guitarist played his final concert to a sold-out crowd.
• The legendary hospitality of the Irish is known around the world.
persons who compete against or fight another in a contest or argument
noun
Examples:
• The chess champion defeated all his opponents in the tournament.
• Political opponents of the bill argued it would hurt small businesses.
done, situated, or used outside
adjective
Examples:
• They prefer outdoor dining on warm summer evenings.
• The outdoor swimming pool is open from May to September.
the inner surface of the hand between the wrist and fingers
noun
Examples:
• She held the tiny bird gently in her palm.
• His palms were sweating before the important interview.
a tropical tree with a single unbranched trunk and a crown of large leaves
noun
Examples:
• The beach was lined with tall palm trees swaying in the breeze.
• Coconuts grow on a type of palm native to tropical regions.
a picture made using a camera
noun
Examples:
• She framed a photograph of her grandparents on the mantelpiece.
• The landscape photograph won first prize in the competition.
to take a photograph of
verb
Examples:
• The journalist photographed the scene immediately after the accident.
• She was photographed arriving at the film premiere.
a long, slender, rounded piece of wood or metal
noun
Examples:
• He vaulted over the bar using a flexible fibreglass pole.
• The tent poles were bent by the force of the storm.
either of the two points at the ends of the Earth's axis
noun
Examples:
• Scientists drilling at the South Pole have found ancient ice cores.
• Polar bears live near the North Pole in the Arctic.
a place where alcoholic drinks are sold and consumed, typically also serving food
noun
Examples:
• After work, the colleagues headed to the local pub for a drink.
• The village pub has been serving customers for over two hundred years.
a keeper of a park, forest, or area of countryside
noun
Examples:
• Park rangers patrol the national forest to protect wildlife.
• The rangers spotted signs of poaching activity near the reserve.
the area in a hotel, office, or other establishment where guests or clients are greeted
noun
Examples:
• Please check in at the hotel reception when you arrive.
• The receptionist at the main reception desk directed us to the third floor.
a formal social occasion to welcome someone or celebrate an event
noun
Examples:
• The wedding reception was held in a grand ballroom.
• A drinks reception will precede the awards ceremony.
a set of instructions for preparing a dish, including a list of ingredients
noun
Examples:
• She found an old family recipe for apple pie in her grandmother's notebook.
• The chef shared his secret recipe for the award-winning sauce.
something likely to lead to a particular outcome
noun
Examples:
• Leaving teenagers unsupervised all summer is a recipe for trouble.
• Hard work and patience are the recipe for success.
relating to or used for regulation
adjective
Examples:
• The pharmaceutical company must meet strict regulatory requirements before approval.
• New regulatory frameworks were introduced to govern AI systems.
a tough elastic substance made from the latex of a tropical plant or synthetically
noun
Examples:
• The tyres are made of reinforced rubber for extra durability.
• Natural rubber is harvested from rubber trees in Southeast Asia.
a piece of rubber or plastic used for erasing pencil marks
noun
Examples:
• She needed a rubber to correct the mistakes in her drawing.
• Always use a rubber gently to avoid tearing the paper.
consisting of, forming part of, or taking place in a series
adjective
Examples:
• The detective was hunting a serial killer who operated across three states.
• Serial entrepreneurs often found multiple startups during their careers.
a story or play appearing in regular instalments
noun
Examples:
• The radio serial ran for fifteen years before it was cancelled.
• Victorian readers followed Dickens's novels as serials before they were published as books.
a long limbless reptile that has no eyelids, a short tail, and jaws capable of wide distension
noun
Examples:
• A king cobra is the world's longest venomous snake.
• She screamed when she discovered a snake coiled under the porch.
a treacherous or deceitful person
noun
Examples:
• He turned out to be a snake who sold our business secrets to the competitor.
• Don't trust her — everyone says she's a total snake.
supported financially by a sponsor
adjective
Examples:
• The tournament was sponsored by a major sportswear brand.
• His visa application required a sponsored employment offer.
demanding that rules concerning behaviour are obeyed and observed
adjective
Examples:
• The school has a strict policy against the use of mobile phones in class.
• Her parents were strict, but fair, and raised her with clear values.
a particular kind of matter with uniform properties
noun
Examples:
• The lab identified an unknown substance in the water sample.
• Asbestos is a hazardous substance that is now banned in construction.
the quality of being important, valid, or significant
noun
Examples:
• His speech was long but lacked substance.
• There is little substance to the accusations made against her.
an idea or plan put forward for consideration
noun
Examples:
• Do you have any suggestions for improving the workflow?
• Her suggestion to meet earlier was welcomed by the whole team.
a group of symptoms which consistently occur together, or a condition characterised by a set of associated symptoms
noun
Examples:
• Down syndrome is caused by the presence of an extra chromosome.
• Carpal tunnel syndrome is common among people who type for hours every day.
going beyond what is usual or ordinary; extreme
adjective
Examples:
• The camera features an ultra-wide lens for panoramic photography.
• Ultra-marathon runners complete distances of 100 kilometres or more.
not expected or regarded as likely to happen
adjective
Examples:
• Her resignation came as an unexpected shock to the entire department.
• An unexpected turn of events changed the outcome of the trial.
the action of using something or the fact of being used
noun
Examples:
• Mobile data usage has increased dramatically over the past decade.
• The drug is approved for clinical usage in over fifty countries.
the way in which words are used in a language
noun
Examples:
• The dictionary provides guidance on correct usage of common words.
• Her paper examined the usage of passive voice in academic writing.
by accident; without intending to
adverb
Examples:
• She accidentally sent the email to the wrong person.
• He accidentally knocked over the vase while reaching for the phone.
inexpensive enough to be within someone's means to buy or pay for
adjective
Examples:
• The government pledged to build more affordable housing in the city.
• They searched for an affordable holiday destination for the whole family.
a person who engages in a pursuit on an unpaid basis
noun
Examples:
• He is an enthusiastic amateur photographer who never pursued it professionally.
• The competition is open to both amateurs and professionals.
done by someone who lacks skill or expertise
adjective
Examples:
• The amateur performance was charming despite some rough edges.
• This kind of amateur mistake should not appear in a professional report.
a container used for rubbish or storing items
noun
Examples:
• Please put your empty bottles in the recycling bin.
• He rummaged through the bin looking for the receipt he'd thrown away.
the scientific study of living organisms and life processes
noun
Examples:
• She decided to major in biology with a focus on marine ecosystems.
• The biology teacher explained how cells divide during mitosis.
an informal term for a British police officer
noun
Examples:
• The local bobby was well known for walking the high street every morning.
• Tourists often asked the bobby for directions to Buckingham Palace.
an artificial waterway constructed to allow the passage of boats or to convey water
noun
Examples:
• The Venice canals are iconic narrow waterways used by gondolas.
• The Panama Canal connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
decided or announced that a planned event will not take place
adjective
Examples:
• The concert was cancelled due to the lead singer's illness.
• Their flight was cancelled because of the severe snowstorm.
to go or come up a slope, incline, or staircase
verb
Examples:
• The hikers set out to climb the highest peak in the range.
• She climbed the stairs to the top floor without stopping.
an instance of climbing; an ascent
noun
Examples:
• The climb to the summit took over eight hours.
• Her rapid climb up the corporate ladder impressed everyone.
the action or process of finishing something
noun
Examples:
• The completion of the bridge is scheduled for late next year.
• Upon completion of the course, students receive a certificate.
a voyage on a ship or boat taken as a holiday
noun
Examples:
• They booked a Mediterranean cruise for their 25th wedding anniversary.
• The cruise ship stopped at five different ports during the two-week voyage.
to sail or travel smoothly at a moderate speed
verb
Examples:
• The car cruised down the motorway at a steady 70 miles per hour.
• They spent the afternoon cruising along the coast.
protective care or guardianship of someone
noun
Examples:
• The parents agreed to share custody of their children after the divorce.
• The court awarded sole custody to the mother.
imprisonment or detention by police
noun
Examples:
• The suspect was held in police custody overnight for questioning.
• He was taken into custody at the airport.
to remove or erase text or data from a document or device
verb
Examples:
• She accidentally deleted the entire document without making a backup.
• Please delete any personal information before returning the company laptop.
clearly shown or proved; exhibited in practice
adjective
Examples:
• Her demonstrated ability to lead under pressure made her the ideal candidate.
• The newly demonstrated technology could transform renewable energy storage.
the act of leaving a place, especially to start a journey
noun
Examples:
• The departure of the train was delayed by thirty minutes.
• Please be at the departure gate at least thirty minutes before boarding.
a change from a previous or standard course of action
noun
Examples:
• The new strategy represents a significant departure from tradition.
• His latest film is a bold departure from his earlier work.
people or companies that develop software or applications
noun
Examples:
• The developers released a patch to fix the security vulnerability.
• App developers must comply with the platform's terms of service.
to break up and move earth, especially with a tool or machine
verb
Examples:
• The workers dug a trench along the side of the road.
• She was digging in the garden when she found an old coin.
to like or appreciate something (informal)
verb
Examples:
• I really dig jazz music from the 1950s.
• Do you dig what I'm saying?
large birds of prey with a hooked beak and broad wings
noun
Examples:
• Bald eagles are the national symbol of the United States.
• We spotted a pair of golden eagles soaring above the mountain.
a person or organisation that employs people
noun
Examples:
• The employer is required by law to provide a safe working environment.
• She moved to a new employer who offered a better salary package.
a sudden violent release of energy, especially from a bomb or similar device
noun
Examples:
• The explosion could be heard several kilometres away.
• Investigators searched the site of the explosion for clues.
a sudden, rapid increase or outbreak
noun
Examples:
• There has been an explosion in the use of social media platforms.
• The population explosion in the 20th century put pressure on resources.
an abnormally high body temperature, usually accompanying illness
noun
Examples:
• The child developed a high fever and had to stay home from school.
• Doctors use fever as an indicator that the body is fighting an infection.
a state of nervous excitement or agitation
noun
Examples:
• World Cup fever swept through the country as the tournament began.
• Gold fever drove thousands of prospectors to California in 1849.
a substance that has no fixed shape and yields easily to external pressure; a liquid or gas
noun
Examples:
• Drink plenty of fluids when you have a fever to stay hydrated.
• Brake fluid should be checked regularly to ensure safe operation of the vehicle.
capable of flowing freely; smoothly adaptable
adjective
Examples:
• Her movements on stage were fluid and graceful.
• The company needs a fluid approach to adapt to market changes.
people in general, or a particular group of people
noun
Examples:
• The local folk were very welcoming to the newcomers.
• Country folk often have a different perspective on city life.
traditional music originating from the culture of a people
noun
Examples:
• She grew up listening to Irish folk and eventually learned the fiddle.
• The folk festival attracts thousands of music lovers each summer.
to produce or create something
verb
Examples:
• The solar panels generate enough electricity to power the whole building.
• The campaign generated a huge amount of publicity for the charity.
an informal abbreviation for the Republican Party of the United States (Grand Old Party)
noun
Examples:
• The GOP candidate secured the nomination at the national convention.
• Internal divisions within the GOP made passing the bill difficult.
having a pleasing and attractive appearance, especially of a man
adjective
Examples:
• He was tall, dark, and undeniably handsome.
• The handsome building dates back to the Victorian era.
large and imposing (of an amount or reward)
adjective
Examples:
• She received a handsome salary increase after her promotion.
• They sold the house for a handsome profit.
the faculty of forming new ideas and mental images not present to the senses
noun
Examples:
• Children have a vivid imagination that should be encouraged.
• The novel captured readers' imaginations with its richly detailed world.
the action of combining one thing with another so that they become a whole
noun
Examples:
• The integration of artificial intelligence into healthcare is accelerating.
• Seamless integration between the two software systems reduced manual data entry.
the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles
noun
Examples:
• She was known throughout her career for her integrity and ethical conduct.
• A journalist's integrity depends on protecting their sources.
the state of being whole and undivided
noun
Examples:
• The structural integrity of the bridge was assessed after the earthquake.
• Maintaining data integrity is critical in financial systems.
the action of explaining the meaning of something
noun
Examples:
• The judge's interpretation of the law was challenged on appeal.
• Different scholars offer different interpretations of the same historical events.
a flat, typically green structure of a plant attached to a stem
noun
Examples:
• Autumn leaves turn brilliant shades of red and orange before falling.
• She pressed a maple leaf between the pages of her journal.
a single page of a book or manuscript
noun
Examples:
• He turned the leaf of the old manuscript very carefully.
• Each leaf of the ancient codex was examined under ultraviolet light.
conforming to the law or to rules; genuine
adjective
Examples:
• The contract was a legitimate agreement signed by both parties.
• Journalists have a legitimate interest in holding public figures accountable.
a bright flash of electricity produced during a thunderstorm
noun
Examples:
• Lightning struck the old oak tree, splitting it in two.
• The storm brought heavy rain and spectacular lightning.
very fast; rapid
adjective
Examples:
• The sprinter was known for his lightning speed on the track.
• She made a lightning decision that changed the course of the negotiations.
relating to or using magic; having a quality that makes it seem wonderful
adjective
Examples:
• The sunset over the mountains was truly magical.
• The children were captivated by the magical performance of the illusionist.
the reason for acting or behaving in a particular way; enthusiasm or drive
noun
Examples:
• Understanding students' motivation is essential for effective teaching.
• He lacked the motivation to complete the project on time.
highly unpleasant, especially to the senses
adjective
Examples:
• The drains gave off a nasty smell after the heavy rain.
• He had a nasty fall on the ice and bruised his hip.
behaving in an unkind or unpleasant way
adjective
Examples:
• Don't be so nasty to your little sister.
• She left a nasty comment that upset the entire team.
a set of clothes worn together, especially for a particular occasion
noun
Examples:
• She picked out a formal outfit for the job interview.
• His Halloween outfit was so convincing that even his friends didn't recognise him.
a group of people working together, especially a business or military unit
noun
Examples:
• The whole outfit moved out before dawn to reach the target.
• It's a small outfit, but they produce excellent work.