1essential_esl_dictionary_9_000_words_for_learners_of_english

McGraw-Hill
Education

EsEseSnLtial

Dictionary

for Learners of English

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3

Contents

Preface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
User's Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Illustrations index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Grammar and usage boxes index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Phonetic Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
English Dictionary A-Z . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Thematic illustrations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 421
Conversation guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 461
Grammar Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 493

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5

Preface

McGraw-Hill Education: Essential ESL Dictionary for Learners of English is an
English dictionary especially designed for students who are studying English at
elementary and intermediate levels. Its approach guarantees that all of the terms
appearing in the subjects that are taught in English are contained in this dictionary,
so that any lexical doubt which students may have regarding these subjects can be
easily solved by consulting their dictionary. In addition, it contains 40 pages of
thematic illustrations especially designed to help students to learn vocabulary
in a significant and contextualized way and to reinforce the key vocabulary and
concepts found in their textbooks.
It also has many usage notes and grammar boxes which explain and clarify the
main doubts and difficulties which arise for students in their English language
learning process, and is supplied with a large number of illustrations to facilitate
lexicon acquisition.
The dictionary also includes a Conversation guide which provides the user with
examples of common conversations that occur in specific contexts, showing the
vocabulary and language structures that students need to learn. This guide will
help students to tackle successfully a wide range of communication situations.

6

User’s Guide

This sign indicates the most breakfast /ˈbrek.fəst/ [㐗] The first meal of
common words – the first you
need to learn. the day: I always have breakfast in bed on Sun-
Key terms for the study days.
of school courses in English
calyx /ˈkeɪ.lɪks/ [㐗] The sepals which together
Phonetic transcription and
pronunciation notes. form the layer that protects a flower in bud: The
(All phonetic symbols calyx is the outer part of the flower. ■ The plural is
are listed on page 11.) "calyces" or "calyxes". ■ Compare with "corolla" (The
petals which form the inner envelope of a flower).
Grammatical category
is shown in brackets volcano US: /vɑːlˈkeɪ.noʊ/ UK: /vɒlˈkeɪ.nəʊ/ [㐗] A
and not abbreviated. Headwords
with different grammatical functions hole where very hot rock comes out: The volcanoes
are separated by numbers. of the United States are located along the West Coast.
■ Be careful with the pronunciation of this word! "ca"
Clear and simple definitions rhymes with "day". ■ The plural is "volcanoes".
separated by a number
and with examples answer1 US: /ˈænt.sɚ/ UK: /ˈɑːnt.sər/ [㐗] The re-

Irregular verbs sponse to a question: I've asked you a question
with their forms and I want an answer.

answer2 [㐘] 1 To say something to somebody

who has asked you a question: I asked her
about Jim but she didn't answer. 2 to answer
the door To open the door in answer to a knock
or ring: I had to ring twice before they answered
the door. 3 to answer the telephone To pick up
the telephone in answer to a call: Can you an-
swer the phone, Mark? I'm in the bathroom.

compass /ˈkʌm.pəs/ [㐗] 1 An instrument that

shows direction: A compass has a pointer that al-
ways points north. 2 A metal or plastic instru-
ment which is used for drawing circles: If you
change the angle of the compass, you can draw
circles of different size. ■ In this use, we also say
"compasses". ■ The plural is "compasses". 㐀  See
page 456.

stave [㐗] The five parallel lines on which mu-

sical notes are written in a score: The music teach-
er wrote the tune of the song on a stave on the
whiteboard. 㐀 See page 460.

forget, forgot, forgotten /fərˈget/, /fɔr-/ [㐘] Not

to remember something: Don't forget we're having
a test on Monday.

7

call2 US: /kɑːl/ UK: /kɔːl/ [㐘] 1 To attract somebody's Clear distinction between idioms
and phrasal verbs
attention by shouting: Somebody called my name
from the other end of the room. 2 To telephone: I Notes to avoid poor
called Jane to invite her to go to the movies with me translations or incorrect usage
but she wasn't in. 3 to be called To have a name:
What is this animal called in English? 4 to call col- Information about the plural and
lect On the phone, to ask the person you are calling comparative forms
to pay for the call: When I was in Europe this sum-
mer I called collect every week to talk to my parents. Notes about British English
■ In British English they say "reverse the charges". Notes with other important
◗ PHRASAL VERBS · to call back To return a tele-
phone call or to call again: He said he'd call me information
back when he got home. · to call on To visit: We'll
call on you tomorrow evening. · to call off To stop
something that had been planned: As it was rain-
ing, we had to call off the game.

people /ˈpiː.pl/̩ [㐑] More than one person: How

many people shall we invite to the party? ■ Be careful!
"People" is a countable noun. We say: "There are many
people here". (We don't say: "There is many people here").

library /ˈlaɪ.brər.i, -bri/ [㐗] A place where you

can borrow or read books: The library in our
school has all kinds of books. ■ The plural is "librar-
ies". ■ Compare with "bookstore" (a shop where you
can buy books). 㐀 See picture at street.

tooth /tuːθ/ [㐗] 1 One of the hard parts in

your mouth: I'm going to have one of my back
teeth taken out tomorrow. 2 tooth decay The pro-
cess of going bad of a tooth: Eating too many can-
dies can cause tooth decay. ■ The plural is "teeth".

big /bɪg/ [㐀] Large or important: An elephant is

big, a mouse is small. ■ The comparative form is
"bigger" and the superlative form is "biggest".
㐀 See pictures at opposite and a piece of...

chemist's /ˈkemɪst/ [㐗] See pharmacy. ■ This

word is British English.

viviparous /vɪˈvɪp.ər.əs/ US: /-ɚ-/ [㐀] Giving

birth to live young that have developed inside the
body of the mother: Mammals are all viviparous.
■ Compare with "oviparous" (born from an egg out-
side the mother). 㐀 See page 427.

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9

Illustrations index

the body 421 laboratory 440
bicycle and car 441
the skeletal system 422 electronics 442
inventions 443
the muscular system 423 coastal landscape 444
mountain landscape 445
the digestive and excretory systems 424 the Solar system 446-447
the movement of the Earth 448
the respiratory and reproductive systems 425 atmosphere 449
US and Canada relief map 450
animal groups 426-427 US and Canada political map 451
World political map 452-453
mammals 428 the English-speaking world 454-455
drawing tools 456
birds 429 shapes 457
musical instruments 458-459
fish and reptiles 430 musical symbols 460

amphibians and insects 431

plants 432

flowers 433

trees 434-435

fruits 436

vegetables 437

the water cycle 438

sources of energy 439

10

Grammar and usage boxes index

a and an 16
Abbreviations 17
across and through 20
already and yet 26
also, too and as well 26
among and between 28
animal noises 29
anybody / anyone, everybody / everyone, somebody / someone, nobody / no one 31
to be: auxiliary verb 47
to be 47
bored / boring 57
can and could 69
to do 118
to do: auxiliary verb 118
every, all 135
fairly, quite, rather, pretty, and very 141
few and a few 147
for and since 153
Frequency adverbs 157
to get 164
to have 181
to have: auxiliary verb 181
here 183
to make and to do 231
may and might 235
must and have to 248
Nationalities 251
over and above 265
Prepositions of position 292
remember and remind 311
to say and to tell 325
some, any, no... 345
still and yet 356
Time: prepositions 379
to watch, to look at, to see 407

11

Symbols

❚ Separates different grammatical categories

® Trademarks

■ Notes
/ / Phonetic transcription

㐀 See a picture or a illustration

Most common words

12

Phonetic Symbols

VOWEL SOUNDS CONSONANTAL SOUNDS

/æ/ at, accident /b/ bad, bye, verb
/e/ egg, every /d/ day, sad
/ɪ/ in, did, kit /dʒ/ just, age
/ɒ/ on, off, top /f/ fine, if
/ʊ/ put, book /g/ go, bag
/ʌ/ us, sun, bus /h/ happy, house, he
/i̇/ very, baby /j/ yes, you
/ə/ ago, balloon /k/ cat, back, key
/l/ leg, like
/ɑ:/ arm, car, father /m/ me, time, map
/n/ not, can
/i̇:/ eat, me, feel /ƞ/ ring, sang
/p/ pet, help
/ɜ:/ sir, her, learn /r/ read, dry
/s/ sit, press
/ɔ:/ or, horse, saw /ʃ/ she, fish
/t/ ten, bit
/u:/ you, blue, bedroom /t̬/ better (US)
/tʃ/ chip, cheap, rich
/eɪ/ day, age, eight /v/ view, drive
/aɪ/ I, by, bike /w/ we, window
/ɔɪ/ boy, toy, oil /z/ zoo, crazy
/əʊ/ open, go, coat /ʒ/ pleasure, division
/oʊ/ low (US) /ð/ this, they, mother
/aʊ/ about, house, now /θ/ thin, think, bath
/ɪə/ ear, year, here
/eə/ air, hair, where
/ʊə/ pure, hour
/aɪə/ fire, hire shower
/aʊə/ our, flour,

Dictionary

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A a1 /eɪ/ The first letter of the alphabet: The name
a
"Albert" begins with an "A".

a2 /eɪ, ə/ [㐇] 1 Not a particular one: A spider is an

insect. 2 One: I need a hundred dollars. 3 Each: I

normally go to the movies twice a month. ■ See box

on the following page.

A /eɪ/ [㐗] The sixth musical note of the scale of

C major: The music teacher asked me to play an A.

■ The plural is "As" or "A's". 㐀 See page 460.

abandon /əˈbæn.dən/ [㐘] 1 To leave somebody or

something: The sailors had to abandon the ship
when it hit the iceberg. 2 To stop doing something:

I had no money, so I had to abandon the idea of go-

ing to India.

abbey /ˈæb.i/ [㐗] A building where Christian

monks or nuns live: Westminster Abbey is the

most famous abbey in Britain.

abbreviation /əˌbriː.viˈeɪ.ʃən/ [㐗] A short

form of a word: UN is an abbreviation for United

Nations. ■ See box on the following page.

ABCs [㐑] All the letters of a language: Do you

know your ABCs, Jamie? ■ Be careful. "ABCs" is al-

ways written with the first three letters in capitals. ■

The same meaning: "alphabet".

abdomen /ˈæb.də.mən/ [㐗] The part of the

body where the stomach, bowels and reproduc-

tive organs are to be found: The abdomen is the

part of the body where food is digested.

abdominal /æbˈdɒmɪnəl/ [㐀] Referring to the

abdomen: Exercise strengthens the abdominal

muscles. 㐀 See page 423.

ability /əˈbɪl·ɪ·ti̬ / [㐌] 1 The capacity or knowledge

to do something: Jack's abilities are more academ-
ic than mine; I prefer sports myself. 2 Being able to

do something well: His ability with the guitar is

amazing. ■ The plural is "abilities". ■ The same

meaning: "skill".

ablaze [㐀] On fire: He dropped a cigarette in

the wastepaper basket and set it ablaze.

able /ˈeɪ.bl̩/ [㐀] Good at doing something: John

is a very able goalkeeper. ■ "Be able to" is used as

the infinitive of "can": "I'd like to be able to sing

well". ■ See box at can.

aboard /əˈbɔrd/, /-ˈboʊrd/ [㐔] 1 On a ship, air-

plane, train or bus: The ship will leave when every-
one is aboard. 2 Onto a ship, airplane, train or

bus: Let's go aboard!

abolish /əˈbɑl·ɪʃ/ [㐘] To end a practice by law:

Slavery was abolished in the 19th century.

abolition /ˌæb.əˈlɪʃ.ən/ [㐖] The ending of a

practice by law: Many people are in favor of the

abolition of capital punishment.

Aborigine /ˌæb.əˈrɪdʒ.ən.i/ [㐗] One of the origi-

nal inhabitants of Australia: The Aborigines had

about 16

a been living in Australia for centuries before the first absent-minded /ˌæb.səntˈmaɪn.dɪd/ [㐀] Often

b Europeans arrived. ■ Be careful! "Aborigine" has a forgetting things or forgetting what you are do-
capital "A". ing: Mary is so absent-minded that she once came

about1 /əˈbaʊt/ [㐓] On the subject of some- to school with her pajamas on!
c thing: This book is about the adventures of a girl in absolute /ˌæb.səˈluːt/ [㐀] Total, without any
the jungle. limit: The dictator had absolute power over his
d about2 /əˈbaʊt/ [㐄] 1 Approximately: He's about country.
six feet tall. 2 to be about To be on the subject of: absorb /əbˈzɔrb/, /-ˈsɔrb/ [㐘] To take in liquid:

e This book is really interesting. It's about the Lewis Sponges absorb water.
and Clark expedition. 3 to be about to To be going abstract /ˈæb.strækt/ [㐀] 1 Not concrete: All his

f to do something very soon: We were just about to ideas are very abstract and nobody understands
have dinner when you arrived. 4 how about An ex- them. 2 Not showing something as it is: Abstract

g pression used for making a suggestion: How art is difficult to understand.
about having something to eat? I'm hungry. absurd /əbˈsɜrd/, /æb-/, /-ˈzɜrd/ [㐀] Strange and

h above1 /əˈbʌv/ [㐓] 1 Higher than something: ridiculous: The idea that I would steal the money is
The temperature was above 90 ºF. 2 above all Es- absurd.

i pecially: Work hard, but above all, have a good abundant /əˈbʌn.dənt/ [㐀] Available in gener-
time. 㐀 See picture at over. ous quantities: In the tree you can see abundant

j above2 /əˈbʌv/ [㐄] At a higher point: High quantities of apples. ■ Compare with "sparse"
above, the vultures circled in the sky. (widely scattered).

abroad /əˈbrɔːd/ [㐄] In or to another country: abuse1 /əˈbjuːs/ ❚ [㐌] 1 The wrong or bad use of

k We're going abroad for our vacation this summer. ■ something: Drug abuse is a very serious problem. ❚
Be careful. We always say: "We're going abroad". (We [㐖] 2 Being cruel to somebody: Child abuse
l don't say: "We're going to abroad").
is a terrible crime. 3 Rude or insulting words:

abrupt /əˈbrʌpt/ [㐀] 1 Sudden and unexpected: When Arthur saw us, he started shouting abuse at
m Mark's trip came to an abrupt end when his car us.
crashed. 2 Not polite: Barbara is sometimes quite abuse2 /əˈbjuːz/ [㐘] 1 To use something in a

n abrupt, but I think she's nice really. wrong or bad way: Bad politicians often abuse

abruptly [㐄] In a sudden and unexpected their power. 2 To treat somebody with cruelty: It is

o manner: The door swung open abruptly and there, a terrible problem when parents abuse their chil-
to our surprise, was the principal. dren. 3 To insult: That man stands there all day

p absence /ˈæb.sənts/ [㐌] 1 Not being present: Ev- abusing people with bad language.
erybody at the party noticed Sheila's absence. 2 in academic1 /ˌækəˈdemɪk/ [㐀] Referring to study,

q the absence of The lack of something: They gave mainly at a university: At our school we only do
us water to drink in the absence of anything else. academic subjects like Geography; I'd like to learn

r absent /ˈæb.sənt/ [㐀] Not present: Rosemary cooking, too.
was absent from school on Monday because she academic2 /ˌækəˈdemɪk/ ❚ [㐗] 1 A university

s was ill. teacher: Yale academics wear black gowns when
they give lectures. ■ In British English they say "lec-

t a and an turer". ❚ [㐑] 2 School subjects: My brother is
better at academics than at sports.

We use a before words beginning with a consonant academy /əˈkæd.ə.mi/ [㐗] A school specialized

u sound, like b, d, or k, or before words beginning with in a particular field: The boys began their training
y or eu. We use an before words beginning with a in the military academy at the age of eighteen. ■
vowel sound. Note that in some words beginning
v with an h the h is silent. We use an before these
words. The plural is "academies".

accelerate /ɪkˈsel·əˌreɪt/, /æk-/ [㐘] To go faster:

wa an The car in front of us accelerated and left us far be-

x a balloon an airplane hind.
a dog an octopus
accent /ˈæk.sənt/ [㐗] 1 A particular way of pro-
y a kite an American singer
nouncing a language, characteristic of a particu-
a European country an hour
lar place or social class: Pierre still speaks English
with a slight French accent. 2 A small sign over a

z a yard letter: Normally there are no accents in English. 3
A special emphasis given to a musical note or

17

Abbreviations a
b
AD in the year of our Lord (d.de C.) mg milligram(s) c
AIDS Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (sida) Miss a single woman d
a.m. before noon mm millimeter e
Ave Avenue mph miles per hour f
b. born Mr. a man g
BA Bachelor of Arts (a university degree) Mrs. a married woman
BC before Christ (a.de C.) Ms. a woman h
BCE Before de Common Era N north i
BS Bachelor of Science NATO North Atlantic Treaty Organization j
ºC centigrade, Celsius NE northeast k
ca. approximately NW northwest l
CD compact disc OK all correct m
CE Common Era oz ounce n
cf. compare p. page or pence o
cm centimeter PE Physical Education p
Corp. corporation pl. plural q
d. died p.m. afternoon r
dept. department PO Post Office s
div. division Prof. Professor t
Dr. doctor PS an extra note at the end of a letter u
E east PTO please turn over (the page) v
e.g. for example Rd road w
et al. and other people RIP rest in peace (descanse en paz) x
etc. and all the rest rpm revolution(s) per minute y
EU European Union RSVP please reply z
ºF Fahrenheit $ dollar
FBI Federal Bureau of Investigation S south
FM Frequency Modulation sci-fi science fiction
ft foot, feet SE southeast
g gram sq. square
GB Great Britain Sr. senior
GMT Greenwich Mean Time St Saint or street
GNP Gross National Product SW southwest
Hz Hertz 3-D three-dimensional
i.e. that is TV television
Inc. incorporated UFO unidentified flying object (ovni)
in/ins inch UK United Kingdom
IQ Intelligence quotient UN United Nations
Jr junior US, USA United States of America
kg kilogram v consult
km kilometer vol. volume(s)
£ sterling pound vs. versus
lb pound (measure of weight) VCR video cassette recorder
Ltd. Limited W west
m mile or meter WHO World Health Organization (OMS)
M.D. Doctor of Medicine yd yard

You will see that not all abbreviations have a period [.] in English.

accept 18

a chord: Musical accents are often indicated by a accomplice /əˈkɑm·plɪs/ [㐗] A person who

b mark. 㐀 See page 460. helps somebody in a crime: He robbed the bank

accept /əkˈsept/ [㐘] 1 To say yes to an offer or an with two accomplices.

invitation: I invited Mary to my party and she ac- accomplish /əˈkʌmplɪʃ/ [㐘] To do something

c cepted. 2 To receive or to permit something: I very well: How did Mozart accomplish so much in
can't accept such an expensive present. such a short lifetime?
d acceptable /əkˈsep.tə.bl̩/ [㐀] That is consid- accordance /əˈkɔːdəns/ in accordance with In
ered good enough: Mr. Petty said that my history agreement: The rules were drawn up in accordance

e project was not acceptable. with the team requirements.

acceptance /əkˈsep.tənts/ [㐌] Saying yes to an of- according according to As somebody says or

f fer or an invitation: My sister applied to Harvard writes: According to my opinion you should al-
University and she's still waiting for her letter of ac- ready go to bed.

g ceptance. according to /əˈkɔːdɪŋtuː/ [㐓] As somebody

access /ˈæk.ses/ [㐖] 1 A way of getting into a says or writes; as stated by somebody: According

h place: Access to the gym is from the long hallway. 2 to Barbara, her brother is very intelligent.
The possibility of getting something or using it: The accordion /əˈkɔr·di·ən/ [㐗] A musical instru-

i older students have access to a computer at school. ment that you pull and push: You have to squeeze

accessible /əkˈses.ə.bl/̩ [㐀] That is easy to get the accordion to get a sound out of it.

j to or to obtain: The castle is not accessible by car, account /əˈkaʊnt/ [㐗] 1 A description of an
so you'll have to go up on foot. event: Mark's account of his vacation made every-

accident /ˈæk.sɪ.dənt/ [㐗] 1 Something bad body laugh. 2 An arrangement with a bank to

k that happens by chance or through carelessness: keep money in it: I have very little money in my
I had an accident on my bike and broke my leg. 2 bank account at the moment. 3 bank account See
l by accident Without wanting to: I read Bill's letter "bank account" in the word bank1. 4 on account
by accident because I thought it was for me. of Because of: The game was cancelled on account

mn ACCIDENT of the bad weather.

accountant /əˈkɑʊn·tə·nt/ [㐗] A person whose

job is to keep accounts: Tim's mother works as an

accountant for a big company.

o accounts /əˈkaʊnts/ [㐑] Written records of
money: We have an accountant to keep the ac-

p counts and see how much we earn and spend.
accumulate /əˈkjuː.mjʊ.leɪt/ [㐘] To collect a

q number or quantity of something over a period of
time: My uncle accumulated a small fortune over

r his lifetime.
accurate /ˈæk.jʊ.rət/ [㐀] Correct, exact: Can

s you give me an accurate description of the bag you
lost?
accidental /ˌæk·səˈdent·ə·l/ [㐀] Happening by accusation /ˌæk.jʊˈzeɪ.ʃən/ [㐗] Saying that
t chance: Our meeting was quite accidental.
somebody has done something wrong: You

accommodation /əˌkɑm·əˈdeɪ·ʃən/ [㐖] A shouldn't make accusations if you don't have any
u place to live or to stay in: I'm looking for accom- evidence.
modations for a group of twenty Japanese tourists. accuse /əˈkjuːz/ [㐘] To charge somebody with

v ■ This word is more common in the plural. having done something: Tom accused me of cheat-

accompaniment /əˈkʌm.pən.ɪ.mənt/ [㐌] Music to ing in the test.

w accompany a singer or another instrument: I usu- accustomed /əˈkʌs.təmd/ [㐀] That is used to
ally sing to the accompaniment of a piano. something: Six o'clock! I'm not accustomed to get-

x accompany /əˈkʌm.pə.ni/ [㐘] 1 To go somewhere ting up so early. ■ Be careful with the pronunciation
with somebody: Julia's mother accompanied us to the of the end of this word! The "e" is not pronounced. ■

y airport. 2 To back a singer or another musician with Be careful. We always say: "to be accustomed to
a musical instrument: Rick sings and his brother ac- (something)". The verb after "to" is in the "-ing" form.

z companies him on the guitar. ■ Be careful with the ace /eɪs/ [㐗] 1 The most important playing
spelling of these forms: "accompanies", "accompanied". card: Who's got the ace of diamonds? 2 In tennis, a

19 actor

service which your opponent cannot return: He "buy" or "get". 2 To develop something: When I was in a
b
served an ace that the other player had no chance England, I acquired the habit of drinking a lot of tea. c
of reaching. 3 A person who is very good at some- d
acquisition /ˌæk.wɪˈzɪʃ.ən/ [㐗] Something e
thing: Tom is a basketball ace and everybody f
which has been acquired: A cellphone is a useful g
wants to play in his team.
acquisition. ■ We usually say "buy". h
ache1 /eɪk/ [㐗] A pain that doesn't stop: I have i
acre /ˈeɪ·kər/ [㐗] A unit of land area equal to j
an ache in a tooth in the right side of my mouth k
2.59 square kilometers: He owns ten acres of land. l
that stops me sleeping. m
acrobat /ˈæk.rə.bæt/ [㐗] An entertainer who n
ache2 /eɪk/ [㐘] To feel a regular pain: My legs o
does difficult exercises: She works as an acrobat p
ached all afternoon after the run yesterday. q
in a traveling circus. r
achieve /əˈtʃiːv/ [㐘] To succeed in doing some- s
across1 /əˈkrɒs/ [㐓] 1 From one side to the t
thing: Poor Arthur! He couldn't achieve his ambi- u
other: I have to walk across the road to go to v
tion of being the best climber in the world. Ben's house. 2 On the other side of something: w
x
achievement /əˈtʃiːv.mənt/ [㐗] Something Ben lives across the road. ■ See picture on the y
z
difficult that has been done very well: Going following page. 㐀 See picture at preposition.

around the world in a small boat in such a short across2 /əˈkrɒs/ [㐄] 1 From one side to the oth-

time was a great achievement. er: The river near our house is about 30 feet across.
2 On or to the other side of something: Come on!
Achilles' heel /əˌkɪl.iːzˈhiːl/ [㐌] Weak point or
See if you can jump across.
small fault: Although he passed all his tests, Math-
act1 /ækt/ [㐗] Something which is done: What
ematics still were his Achilles' heel.
you did was an act of kindness.
Achilles' tendon /əˌkɪl.iːzˈten.dən/ [㐗] The
act2 /ækt/ [㐘] 1 To play a part in a play or in a
tendon attaching the calf muscles to the heel: He
movie: Sara is acting in the school musical of
had to give up the football league because of a rup- "Grease" which is on next week. 2 To do some-
thing: We have to act before it's too late. 3 to act
tured Achilles' tendon.
as To do a job on certain occasions: George acts as
acid /ˈæs.ɪd/ [㐌] 1 A chemical substance that may
the secretary at school meetings.
destroy things: That acid is very dangerous and ◗ PHRASAL VERBS · to act out 1 To express
you can get burned if any of it goes on your skin. 2 thoughts or feelings in actions rather than in

acid rain Rain that is polluted by acid: Acid rain words: Can you act out for us what you felt?. 2 To

destroys forests in some parts of Canada. behave badly especially as a way of expressing

acknowledge /ɪkˈnɑl·ɪdʒ/, /æk-/ [㐘] To recognize frustration or painful emotions: My brother start-

to somebody that something is true: Sheila ac- ed acting out when my dad didn't buy him a toy

knowledged her mistake. and we had to leave the store.

acorn /ˈeɪ·kɔrn/, /-kərn/ [㐗] The fruit of an oak acting /ˈæk.tɪŋ/ [㐖] The work done by an ac-

tree: Pigs love eating acorns. tor or an actress: My sister loves acting and be-

acoustic /əˈkuː.stɪk/ [㐀] Referring to sound: longs to a theater group.

The acoustic nerve is in the ear. action /ˈæk.ʃən/ [㐌] 1 Something that a person

acoustics /əˈkuː.stɪks/ [㐑] The sound quality does: Norman's quick action in calling the firefight-
ers saved us all. 2 in action In the process of do-
of a place: The acoustics in the concert hall is per-
ing something: Serena Williams was in action at
fect. ■ It is usually used with a singular verb.
Wimbledon yesterday.
acquaintance /əˈkweɪn.tənts/ [㐗] A person
active /ˈæk.tɪv/ [㐀] 1 Energetic, busy: He's al-
that you know slightly: They're not really my
ways doing something; he's so active. 2 Involved
friends; they're just acquaintances. ■ Compare with
in a job or an organization: She plays a very active
"friend" (somebody who you know well, get on well role in Greenpeace. 3 Referring to volcanoes, that

with and feel loyal to). can still erupt: The Pacific is an area of active vol-

acquainted /əˈkweɪn·tɪd/ [㐀] 1 Knowing some- canoes.

body: I don't know George at all, but I'm slightly ac- activity /ækˈtɪv·ɪ·ti̬ / ❚ [㐗] 1 A planned action
quainted with his brother. 2 to get acquainted with
that you can do: There are lots of cultural activities
(somebody) To get to know somebody: They had a in Denver. ❚ [㐖] 2 Being active: There was a lot
of activity in the classroom. ■ The plural is "activities".
party to get acquainted with the new neighbors. ■ Be
actor /ˈæk·tər/ [㐗] A person who acts in mov-
careful with the pronunciation of the end of this word.
ies or in plays: Keanu Reeves is my favorite actor.
The "e" is pronounced like the "i" in "did". ■ We al-

ways say: "acquainted with (somebody)".

acquire /əˈkwɑɪər/ [㐘] 1 To get something or to buy

it: I have just acquired a new car. ■ We usually say

actress 20

a actress /ˈæktrəs/ [㐗] A woman who acts in ad /æd/ [㐗] See advertisement.
b movies or in plays: Julia Roberts is a famous Amer- Adam's apple [㐗] The part that stands out
ican actress. ■ The plural is "actresses". ■ A man at the front of the neck: The Adam's apple moves
who acts is an "actor". When we don't want to speci- up and down when one talks or swallows.
c fy the person's sex, we say "actor".
adapt /əˈdæpt/ [㐘] 1 To make something suitable

actual /ˈæk.tʃu.əl, -tju-, -tʃʊl/ [㐀] Real, true: for a new use: This wheelchair has been adapted
d They said the trip would cost $425, but the actual to go over stony ground. 2 To become adjusted to a
cost was $550. new situation or condition: John was able to adapt

e actually /ˈæk.tʃu.ə.li, -tju-, -tʃʊ.li/ [㐄] 1 Really, in quickly to his new school.
fact: He says he's English, but actually he's Scot- add /æd/ [㐘] 1 To join numbers: Add two and

f tish. 2 A polite way of saying that something is three and you get five. 2 To join things: I think you
wrong: Actually, I'm from Boston and not from New need to add some water to the soup because it's

g York. too thick. 3 To say or to write something more:

h ACROSS AND THROUGH
i We use “across” to say that we go from one side to another of a surface:

I walked across the street to Ben's house.

j
k
l
m
n
o
p
q
r
s
t
u
v
w
x
y
z We use “through” to say that we go from one side to another in a three-dimensional

space or in a space that contains obstacles: We went through a tunnel.

21 adolescent

He finished the list of invitations, and then added 2 To get used to something: It takes time to adjust a
b
Joe's name. to a new situation. c
◗ PHRASAL VERBS · to add up To join several d
numbers: Add up all the numbers and you'll have administer /ədˈmɪnɪstər/ [㐘] 1 To control or e
f
the solution. manage a business or an organization: The Ja- g

addict /ˈæd.ɪkt/ [㐗] A person who needs to do maican colony was administered by the British h
government. 2 To apply or give a remedy or a i
something that is usually harmful to himself or j
drug: The doctor administered antibiotics to the k
herself: His life improved greatly after he stopped l
patient. m
being a drug addict. n
administration /ədˌmɪn.ɪˈstreɪ.ʃən/ ❚ [㐖] 1 o
addicted /əˈdɪktɪd/ [㐀] Being dependent on p
The management of the work of an organization: q
something: People can become addicted to legal r
Administration involves a lot of paperwork. ❚ s
as well as illegal drugs. ■ We say: "addicted to [㐗] 2 In some countries, the government: The t
Kennedy administration did much for human rights u
(something)". v
in the early 1960's. w
addictive /əˈdɪk.tɪv/ [㐀] When talking about x
administrative /ədˈmɪn·əˌstreɪ·t̬ɪv/, /æd-/ [㐀] y
some substances, that makes you dependent on z
Referring to the managing of a business or an or-
them: Drugs are addictive. They contain substanc-
ganization: She works as an administrative assis-
es which make you want to take them again and
tant of the company.
again.
administrator /ədˈmɪnɪstreɪtər/ [㐗] A person
addition /əˈdɪʃ.ən/ ❚ [㐖] 1 In mathematics,
who administers public interests, a business or
joining numbers: You have to do the additions on
page 4 for homework. ❚ [㐗] 2 A person or thing an organization: The administrator called a meet-
that is added: Baby Tom is the new addition to the
family. 3 in addition to Also, added to something: ing of the beneficiaries.

In addition to football, the children play baseball admirable /ˈæd.mɪ.rə.bl/̩ [㐀] Excellent, some-

and basketball. thing that should be admired: He has an admira-

additional /əˈdɪʃ.ən.əl/ [㐀] Added to the basic ble sense of humor.

package: There will be an additional bus service to admiral /ˈæd.mɪ.rəl/ [㐗] The top officer in the

the airport on Sundays. navy: George Dewey was a famous United States

address1 US: /ˈædres/ UK: /əˈdres/ [㐗] 1 The spe- admiral during the Spanish-American War.

cific location of an apartment or a house: My ad- admiration /ˌæd.mɪˈreɪ.ʃən/ [㐖] A feeling of
dress is 2060, Second Avenue. 2 A formal speech:
respect and pleasure: I am filled with admiration
The principal gave an address on the first day of
for what she has achieved.
school. ■ The plural is "addresses".
admire /ədˈmɑɪər/ [㐘] 1 To have a lot of respect
address2 /əˈdres/ [㐘] 1 To write an address on an
for somebody: I admire people who fight for
envelope: Don't forget to address the letter. 2 To their ideas. 2 To look at somebody or something

speak to a group of people: She climbed to a bal- with pleasure: We all admired his new electric

cony and addressed the demonstrators. guitar.

adequate /ˈæd.ə.kwət/ [㐀] Enough, sufficient: admission /ədˈmɪʃ.ən/ [㐌] Entrance, usually to a

Many old people do not have adequate heating in show or a party: On the door it said, "Admission by

their houses in winter. invitation only".

adhesive1 /ədˈhiː.sɪv/ [㐗] Substance used for admit /ədˈmɪt/ [㐘] 1 To recognize that some-

sticking things together: Quick-drying adhesives thing, usually negative, is true: He admitted he
had stolen the book. 2 To allow admission to a
can be used for models.
place: We don't admit anybody after 1 a.m. ■ Be
adhesive2 /ədˈhiː.sɪv/ [㐀] Able to stick firmly
careful with the spelling of these forms: "admitted",
to something: She bought adhesive plastic to cover
"admitting".
her books.
adolescence /ˌædəlˈesəns/ [㐗] The period of
adjectival /ˌædʒɪkˈtaɪvəl/ [㐀] Relating to adjec-
time during which a child develops into an adult:
tives or like an adjective: Nouns can sometimes
John spent his adolescence listening to music and
have an adjectival function.
reading poetry.
adjective /ˈædʒ.ek.tɪv/ [㐗] A word that de-
adolescent1 /ˌædəlˈesənt/ [㐗] A young person
scribes a noun: "Good" is an adjective in the sen-
between about twelve and fifteen years old: Ado-
tence: "That book is good".
lescents usually like all kinds of pop music.
adjust /əˈdʒʌst/ [㐘] 1 To change something
adolescent2 /ˌædəlˈesənt/ [㐀] Referring to a
slightly: Can you adjust the color of the television?
young person: Some adolescent boys are very shy.

adopt 22

a adopt /əˈdɑpt/ [㐘] To take a baby or a child into advertise /ˈæd·vərˌtɑɪz/ [㐘] 1 To give information

b your family: They adopted Terry after his parents about something for sale: We wanted to sell the
died. puppies, so we advertised in the local paper and

adore /əˈdɔr/, /əˈdoʊr/ [㐘] To love somebody very sold them the next day. 2 To give publicity to a
c much: He adores his wife.
public event: They are advertising the latest Spiel-

adorn /əˈdɔrn/ [㐘] To make somebody or some- berg movie on television.
d thing look beautiful: We adorned Bert's room with advertisement US: /ˈæd.vɝː.taɪz.mənt/ UK:
paper flags for his birthday. /ədˈvɜː.tɪs.mənt/ [㐗] Words or pictures that give

e adult1 US: /əˈdʌlt/ UK: /ˈædʌlt/ [㐗] A person or an information about something, usually for sale: I
animal that is no longer a child: I'd like to be an found my mountain bike through an advertisement

f adult to do what I want. in the newspaper. ■ "Ad" is short for "advertisement".

adult2 US: /əˈdʌlt/ UK: /ˈædʌlt/ [㐀] 1 No longer a advice /ədˈvaɪs/ [㐖] A suggestion about what

g child: There are some new adult elephants on the somebody should do: When I have a problem I ask
reserve. 2 Mature: His behavior could be described my brother for advice. ■ Be careful! We don't say "an

h as adult. advice". We say "some advice" or "a piece of advice".

adulthood /ˈæd.ʌlt.hʊd, əˈdʌlt-/ [㐖] The con- advisable /ədˈvaɪ.zə.bl̩/ [㐀] Something that is

i dition of being an adult: Adulthood brings many a good idea to do: It's advisable to wear sunglass-
responsibilities. es when you go skiing.

j advance1 /ədˈvɑːns/ [㐗] 1 Forward move- advise /ədˈvaɪz/ [㐘] To suggest, to recommend:
ment: The army made an advance into enemy ter- The doctor advised him to do more exercise.
ritory. 2 in advance Before a particular time or aerial /ˈer·i·əl/, /ˈær-/ [㐗] An apparatus that re-

k event: You should book tickets for the concert well ceives television or radio signals: They installed a
in advance. new aerial in the roof of my home. ■ The same
l advance2 /ədˈvɑːns/ [㐘] 1 To move forward: They meaning: "antenna".
advanced across the Sahara desert to Timbuktu. 2 aerobics /eəˈroʊ·bɪks/ [㐖] Fast gymnastic ex-
m To make progress: Science has advanced a lot in ercises accompanied by music: Jane does aerobics
the last century. every morning to be fit. ■ It is usually used with a

n advanced /ədˈvænst/, /æd-/ [㐀] 1 Something singular verb.
that is nearly finished or has progressed substan- aeroplane UK: /ˈeə.rə.pleɪn/ [㐗] See airplane.

o tially: The building of the new school is quite ad- ■ This is a British English spelling.
vanced. 2 Of a high level: Louise is in the advanced aerosol US: /ˈer.ə.sɑːl/ UK: /ˈeə.rəʊ.sɒl/ [㐗] A can

p French group. ■ Be careful with the pronunciation of with liquid that comes out in a spray: What an
the end of this word. The "e" is not pronounced. awful smell; pass me the aerosol.

q advantage /ədˈvæn·tɪdʒ/, /æd-/ [㐌] 1 Something aesthetic /esˈθetɪk/ [㐀] 1 Concerned with
that is helpful for you: Being able to speak lan- beauty and its appreciation: Her work fully agrees

r guages is a tremendous advantage. 2 to take ad- with aesthetic standards. 2 Showing great beauty:
vantage of (something) To benefit from an op- This ancient piece of furniture is both aesthetic and

s portunity: If you want to buy a computer, take practical.
advantage of the special offers in the January sales. aesthetics /esˈθetɪks/ [㐖] Branch of philoso-
■ Be careful with the pronunciation of this word. The phy concerned with the study of beauty and its ap-
t last "a" is pronounced like the "i" in "did".
preciation: She teaches aesthetics at the university.

adventure /ədˈven·tʃər/, /æd-/ [㐌] A dangerous or affair /əˈfeər/ [㐗] 1 A matter or a concern: It's
u exciting experience: She told us about her adven- no affair of yours. 2 An event or a series of events:
tures in the jungle. The party turned into a very noisy affair.

v adventurous /ədˈven·tʃər·əs/ [㐀] Who likes affect /əˈfekt/ [㐘] To influence, to produce a change
doing dangerous or exciting things: John's grand- to: Drugs are dangerous and can affect your mind.

w father was an adventurous man who traveled all affection /əˈfek.ʃən/ [㐌] The feeling of liking
over China. somebody: I feel great affection for my grandfather.

x adverb /ˈæd·vɜrb/ [㐗] A word that describes a affectionate /əˈfek.ʃən.ət/ [㐀] That feels or
verb, an adjective or another adverb: "Well" is an shows affection: Simon sent me a very affectionate

y adverb in the sentence: "He sings well". ■ See box letter on my birthday.
at frequency. affirm /əˈfɜrm/ [㐘] To state that something is

z adverbial /ædˈvɜr·bi·əl/ [㐀] Relating to adverbs true: A police spokesman affirmed that a suspect
or like an adverb: The suffix -ly is adverbial. had been arrested in connection with the murder.

23 agree

affirmative /əˈfɜr·mə·t̬ɪv/ [㐀] When talking on Saturday. 3 Opposed to something: I'm against a
b
about a statement, which is not in the negative: the death penalty. c
d
"The cat is a graceful animal" is an affirmative sen- age /eɪdʒ/ [㐌] 1 The amount of time that some- e
f
tence. body has lived: My grandmother doesn't look her g
age. 2 for ages For a long time: I've known Anne
afford /əˈfɔrd/, /əˈfoʊrd/ [㐘] To have enough mon- h
for ages. i
ey to buy something: I can't afford a new com- j
aged /eɪdʒd/, /ˈeɪ.dʒɪd/ [㐀] At the age of: They k
puter. l
have two children, aged five and three. ■ Be careful m
afraid /əˈfreɪd/ [㐀] 1 Frightened or feeling fear: n
with the pronunciation of this word! The "e" is not o
I am afraid of spiders. 㐀 See picture at emotions. p
2 I'm afraid A polite way of saying "I'm sorry": pronounced. q
r
I'm afraid I don't have any money with me. agency /ˈeɪ.dʒənt.si/ [㐗] A company that does s
t
African1 [㐗] A person from Africa: Africans things for people: We booked our vacation through u
v
speak many different languages. ■ Be careful! "Afri- a travel agency. ■ The plural is "agencies". w
x
can" has a capital "A". agenda /əˈdʒen.də/ [㐗] A list of things to dis- y
z
African2 /ˈæfrɪkən/ [㐀] Referring to Africa: Ni- cuss: One of the points on the agenda was a new

geria is an African country. ■ Be careful! "African" swimming pool for the school.

has a capital "A". agent /ˈeɪ.dʒənt/ [㐗] A person who does things

African-American or Afroamerican for other people: Lucy's mom is an estate agent

/ˌæfrəʊəˈmerɪkən/ [㐗] An American with African who sells houses and apartments for other people.
ancestors: The mayor of this town is an Afri-
aggressive /əˈgres.ɪv/ [㐀] 1 Violent, likely to at-
can-American. ■ Be careful! "African-American" and
tack: Many animals become aggressive when they're
"Afroamerican" are always written with capital letters. hungry. 2 Likely to disagree violently: He always

after1 /ˈɑːftər/ [㐓] 1 Later than: I always brush gets aggressive when that subject is mentioned.

my teeth after lunch. 2 Behind: Run after Jane and agile /ˈædʒ·əl/, /-ɑɪl/ [㐀] 1 That can move fast
tell her she's forgotten her bag. 3 after all In spite
and without effort: Monkeys are extremely agile. 2
of everything, in spite of expectations: I know
That can think quickly: Sheila has a very agile
Richard can be naughty sometimes but he's only
mind.
little after all. ■ Compare with "afterwards" ("After"
aging [㐖] The process of becoming older:
is always "after something").
Skin wrinkles usually appear as a result of the ag-
after2 /ˈɑːftər/ [㐈] Later than something: We'll
ing process.
do our homework after I talk to Denise.
agitate /ˈædʒɪteɪt/ [㐘] 1 To shake a liquid: You
afterbirth US: /ˈæf.tɚ.bɝːθ/ UK: /ˈɑːf.tə.bɜːθ/
must agitate the solution to dissolve the mixture. 2
[㐗] The material which is pushed out of the
mother's womb just after giving birth: The after- To make somebody feel anxious or troubled: You
will agitate him if you tell him the truth. 3 To pro-
birth consists of the placenta and other fetal mem-
test to move public concern about an issue: The
branes.
students are agitating against the cuts in public
afternoon /ˌæf·tərˈnun/ [㐌] 1 The part of the day
services.
between midday and about five o'clock: My father
agitated /ˈædʒ·əˌteɪ·t̬ɪd/ [㐀] Nervous and wor-
always takes a short nap in the afternoon, after
lunch. ■ Be careful! We say: "in the afternoon". 2 good ried: My mom gets agitated whenever I'm late. ■ Be

afternoon A greeting that is used in the afternoon: careful with the pronunciation of this word! The "e"

Good afternoon, Charles. How are you today?. is pronounced like the "i" in "did".

afterwards US: /ˈæf.tɚ.wɚdz/ UK: /ˈɑːf.tə.wədz/ agitation /ˌædʒɪˈteɪʃən/ [㐖] A state of worry

[㐄] At a later time: What are you going to do af- and anxiety: The working conditions have in-
terwards? ■ Compare with "after1" ("Afterwards" is
creased the agitation of the staff.
always "after the time mentioned").
ago /əˈgoʊ/ [㐄] Before now: I started learning
again /əˈgen/, /əˈgeɪn/ [㐄] 1 One more time: Can
English three years ago. ■ "Ago" goes after the period
you say that again, please? 2 again and again
of time it refers to: "two weeks ago" (hace dos sema-
Many times: I've told you again and again to stop
nas).
using my bike.
agony /ˈæg.ə.ni/ [㐌] Great pain or suffering: I was
against /əˈgenst/, /əˈgeɪnst/ [㐓] 1 Next to some-
in agony for nearly an hour when I broke my arm. ■
thing and touching it: Push those chairs against
the wall. 2 Opposing the other side in a game or The plural is "agonies".

in a fight: We're playing against Broughton High agree /əˈgriː/ [㐘] 1 To think the same as another

person: Sheila agreed with me that it's a good
movie. 2 To say that you will do something that

agreement 24

a somebody has asked you to do: I have agreed to aircraft US: /ˈer.kræft/ UK: /ˈeə.krɑːft/ [㐗] A ma-

b sing at her party. ■ Be careful! We say: "I agree". We chine that can fly: There were all kinds of aircrafts
don't say: "I am agree". at the fair like airplanes and helicopters. ■ The plu-

agreement /əˈgriː.mənt/ [㐗] 1 An arrange- ral is also "aircraft".

c ment made by two or more people: The politicians aircraft carrier [㐗] A large ship which car-
have tried to reach an agreement all week. 2 in ries aircraft: Aircraft carriers have a long flat area
d agreement Having the same opinion: We were all where planes can take off and land.
in agreement about having a dog. airfield /ˈeə.fiːld/ US: /ˈer-/ [㐗] A piece of land

e agricultural /ˌægrɪˈkʌltʃərəl/ [㐀] Referring to where airplanes can take off and land: The plane
agriculture: Rearing cattle and growing crops are made an emergency landing on a small airfield. ■

f agricultural activities. "Airfields" are smaller than "airports".

agriculture /ˈæg·rɪˌkʌl·tʃər/ [㐖] Growing air force [㐗] The part of the armed forces

g plants or keeping animals for food: In Africa, that fights in the air: The United States Air Force is
most people work in agriculture. an essential part of the US Army.

h ahead /əˈhed/ [㐄] 1 In front of somebody or airline /ˈer·lɑɪn/, /ˈær-/ [㐗] A company that
something: Nick and Mary were ahead of us in the runs flights: American Airlines is the United States

i line. 2 straight ahead Forwards without turning, national airline.
towards: Go straight ahead and you'll see the bank airliner US: /ˈerˌlaɪ.nɚ/ UK: /ˈeəˌlaɪ.nər/ [㐗] A large

j on your left. airplane that carries passengers: The Concorde

aid /eɪd/ [㐖] 1 Help: Next Sunday there's a was the fastest airliner in the world of its time.

concert in aid of African refugees. 2 first aid See airmail /ˈer·meɪl/, /ˈær-/ [㐖] Mail carried by

k "first aid" in the word first2. 3 first aid box See air: She sent the present by airmail.
"first aid box" in the word first2. airplane /ˈeərˌpleɪn/ [㐗] A machine with wings
l AIDS /eɪdz/ [㐖] A disease that destroys the that can fly: I like seeing the clouds when I'm in an
body's capacity to fight other diseases: With medical airplane. ■ We also say "plane". ■ The British English

m help, many people with AIDS are able to survive for spelling is "aeroplane". 㐀 See picture at transport
years. ■ Be careful! "AIDS" is always written in capital airport US: /ˈer.pɔːrt/ UK: /ˈeə.pɔːt/ [㐗] The place

n letters. ■ "AIDS" is an abbreviation for "Acquired Immune where airplanes land or take off: The plane took
Deficiency Syndrome". ■ See box at abbreviations. off from Gatwick airport at 11.45.

o aim1 /eɪm/ [㐗] A plan or a goal: My aim in life is alarm /əˈlɑrm/ ❚ [㐗] 1 A light or a sound telling
to help those who suffer. you that something is wrong: When the thief tried

p aim2 /eɪm/ [㐘] 1 To direct an object towards some- to get in, the alarm went off. ❚ [㐖] 2 A feeling
body or something: Don't aim that gun at me. 2 To of fear: A problem at the nuclear plant caused pub-

q have a plan: She aims to finish her studies by the lic alarm. 3 alarm clock See "alarm clock" in the
time she's 21. word clock. 4 fire alarm See fire alarm.

r aimless /ˈeɪmləs/ [㐀] Without any purpose or albatross /ˈæl.bə.trɒs/ US: /-trɑːs/ [㐗] A large,
direction: Unemployed people can find themselves white seabird: Albatrosses live in the Pacific and

s living an aimless life. the South Atlantic. ■ The plural is "albatrosses".

air US: /er/ UK: /eər/ [㐖] 1 The gases that we album /ˈæl.bəm/ [㐗] 1 A book for keeping photo-

breathe: In industrial areas, the air is polluted. 2 graphs, stamps and so on: George keeps an album

t The space above the ground: He threw the ball in with postcards of all the countries he's visited. 2 A
the air and then headed it. 3 by air By airplane: musical record: Have you heard the latest U2 album?
u Send the parcel by air; it's more expensive but fast- alcohol /ˈæl·kəˌhɔl/ [㐖] A drink that can
er. 4 hot air See hot air. 5 in the open air See "in make people drunk: It is bad for you to drink too

v the open air" in the word open1. much wine or any other kind of alcohol.

airbag /ˈeəbæg/ [㐗] A device in a car which in- alcoholic1 /ˌælkəˈhɒlɪk/ [㐀] That contains alco-

w flates itself quickly to protect the driver and pas- hol and can make you drunk: I don't drink alco-
sengers if the vehicle gets involved in an acci- holic drinks like wine or whisky.

x dent: The airbag saved the driver from hitting his alcoholic2 /ˌælkəˈhɒlɪk/ [㐗] A person who is
head on the steering wheel. addicted to alcoholic drinks: Alcoholics Anony-

y air-conditioning [㐖] A system of control- mous is an organization that helps people who
ling the temperature in a building: We need drink too much.

z air-conditioning in our house because it's very hot alert /əˈlɜrt/ [㐀] Lively and watchful: He's such
in the summer. an alert baby.

25 alternative

algebra /ˈæl.dʒə.brə/ [㐖] A type of mathemat- bitter taste: Candies made from almonds are abso- a
b
ics: In algebra, letters can represent numbers. lutely delicious. c
d
alibi /ˈælɪbaɪ/ [㐗] Proof that you were some- almond or almond tree /ˈɑːmənd/ [㐗] A e
f
where else when a crime was committed: His ali- tree which bears almonds: Almond trees have g

bi was that he was in Boston when the bank was white or pale pink flowers. 㐀 See page 434 h
i
robbed in Chicago. almost US: /ˈɑːl.moʊst/ UK: /ˈɔːl.məʊst/ [㐄] Nearly, j
k
alien1 /ˈeɪliən/ [㐀] Foreign, different: That type not quite: Tim is almost as tall as his father. l
m
of music is completely alien to me. alone /əˈloʊn/ [㐁] Without any other person: n
o
alien2 /ˈeɪliən/ [㐗] A creature from another Elizabeth sometimes likes to be alone. ■ Compare p
q
planet: Last night I saw a movie about aliens in- with "lonely" (alone and sad because of it). r
s
vading the earth. along1 /əˈlɒŋ/ [㐓] From one end towards the t
u
alike1 /əˈlaɪk/ [㐀] Similar: Sarah and Brenda are other: They were walking along the street when v
w
not twins but they look alike. they saw the accident. 㐀  See picture at preposi- x
y
alike2 /əˈlaɪk/ [㐄] The same: I treat all my friends tion. z

alike. along2 /əˈlɒŋ/ [㐄] 1 Forward: Drive along slowly

alimentary canal [㐗] The passage for the and you'll see the hospital on the right. 2 With

digestion of food in animals: The alimentary ca- somebody: Come along with me and I'll show you

nal includes all of the organs in the digestive tract. the way. ■ This use is informal.

alive /əˈlaɪv/ [㐀] Living, that is not dead: The alongside US: /əˈlɑːŋ.saɪd/ UK: /əˌlɒŋˈsaɪd/ [㐔]

sheriff offered 10,000 dollars for him, dead or By the side of something: The car was parked

alive. ■ The same meaning: "living2". alongside the wall.

all1 /ɔːl/ [㐕] Everything or everyone: All you aloud /əˈlaʊd/ [㐄] In a voice that people can

need is love. ■ See box at every. hear, not silently: I don't like reading aloud.

all2 [㐀] 1 Every one of a group: All my friends alphabet /ˈæl.fə.bet/ [㐗] All the letters of a

came to the party. 2 The whole amount: Give me language: The English alphabet has twenty six let-

all your money!. ters. ■ The same meaning: "ABCs".

all3 /ɔːl/ [㐄] 1 Completely: She was dressed all in alphabetical /ˌæl.fəˈbet.ɪ.kəl/ US: /-ˈbet-̬ / [㐀] In

red. 2 all over 1 In all parts: It rained so hard that the order of the letters of the alphabet: The words

there were floods all over the country. 2 Finished: in this dictionary are in alphabetical order because

It's all over, Jane and I don't want to see you again. they are easier to find that way.
3 all right 1 Good enough: That painting is all
already /ɔːlˈred.i/ [㐄] Before now, before expect-
right, but Frank could do better. 2 Safe, well: He fell
ed: "I've read that book already". "Have you fin-
off a tree but he was all right. 3 An expression used
ished already?" "That was really fast.". ■ See box
to say "yes": Can you lend me some money? Oh, all
on the following page.
right. ■ For "all right" you can also spell "alright".
alright /ɔlˈrɑɪt/, /ˈɔl·rɑɪt/ [㐄] See all3.
allergic /əˈlɜr·dʒɪk/ [㐀] That is affected by a also US: /ˈɑːl.soʊ/ UK: /ˈɔːl.səʊ/ [㐄] Too, as well:

certain food or thing: Some people are allergic to Ken speaks French and Spanish, and he's also

cats. studying German. ■ "Too", "as well" and "also" have

allergy /ˈæl·ər·dʒi/ [㐗] A disease in which a the same meaning. "Too" and "as well" go at the end

certain food or thing makes you ill: I've got an al- of a sentence. "Also" usually goes in the middle of a

lergy to some kinds of food. ■ The plural is "aller- sentence. ■ See box on the following page.

gies". alter US: /ˈɑːl.tɚ̬ / UK: /ˈɒl.tər/ [㐘] To change some-

alley /ˈæl.i/ [㐗] A very narrow street or path: thing: The museum was closed, so we had to alter

There's a little alley between Ohio Street and Michi- our plans.

gan Avenue. ■ The plural is "alleys". alteration /ˌɔl·təˈreɪ·ʃən/ [㐗] A small change:

alliance /əˈlaɪ.ənts/ [㐗] An agreement to work There's an alteration to the schedule and History is

together: The two countries made an alliance. now first period on Mondays.

alligator /ˈæl·ɪˌgeɪt·̬ ər/ [㐗] A large reptile, sim- alternate /ˈɔl·tərˌneɪt/ [㐘] To do something by

ilar to a crocodile: Alligators live in tropical rivers turns: The Bradley family alternate stays in Florida

in North and South America. 㐀 See page 430 with trips to Mexico.

allow /əˈlaʊ/ [㐘] To let somebody do something: alternative US: /ɑːlˈtɝː.nə.tɪ̬ v/ UK: /ɒlˈtɜː.nə.tɪv/

My parents don't allow me to get home after 10 p.m. [㐗] A choice between two things; another pos-
sibility: There are two alternatives: going to Aspen
almond /ˈɔ·mənd/, /ˈɔl-/, /ˈɑ·mənd/, /ˈɑl-/ [㐗] A
or going to Vail.
type of oval shaped nut that can have a sweet or

although 26

a although US: /ɑːlˈðoʊ/ UK: /ɔːlˈðəʊ/ [㐈] 1 But: a.m. /ˌeɪˈem/ [㐄] Between midnight and 12

b Betty studies very hard, although she doesn't get o'clock in the morning: School starts at 9.30 a.m.
good grades. 2 In spite of: Although he lived in ■ "a.m." is an abbreviation for "ante meridiem", a
France when he was a child, he doesn't speak Latin expression that means "before noon". When
c French.
you use "a.m.", you don't say "o'clock". ■ Compare

altitude /ˈæl·tɪˌtud/ [㐗] The distance in height with "p.m." (between 12 o'clock in the day and mid-
d from the sea level: The plane flew across the Atlan- night). ■ See box at abbreviations.
tic at an altitude of 25,000 feet. am /æm, əm/ [㐘] See be.

e altogether US: /ˌɑːl.təˈgeð.ɚ/ UK: /ˌɔːl.təˈgeð.ər/ amateur1 /ˈæmətər/ [㐗] Somebody who does
[㐄] 1 Completely, on the whole: What Sebastian something for pleasure, not for money: Richard is

f told you wasn't altogether true. 2 In total: How a very good amateur football player and is going to
much is it altogether? become a professional.

g aluminum [㐖] A light metal that is of a sil- amateur2 /ˈæmətər/ [㐀] That doesn't do some-
ver color: Aluminum is used for making window thing very well: I didn't think much of the play

h frames. which was very amateur.

alveolus /ˌæl.viˈəʊ.ləs/ US: /ælˈviː.ə-/ [㐗] Any amaze /əˈmeɪz/ [㐘] To surprise somebody: Sheila

i of the tiny air bags found in the lungs: Oxygen always amazes me with her brightly colored hats.
passes into the blood through the very thin walls amazement /əˈmeɪz.mənt/ [㐖] A feeling of

j of the alveoli. ■ The plural is "alveoli". 㐀 See pa- great surprise: When he saw me in costume, he
ge 425 looked at me in amazement.

always /ˈɔl·weɪz/, /-wiz/ [㐄] Every time, all the amazing /əˈmeɪ.zɪŋ/ [㐀] Pleasantly surpris-

k time: She always walks to school. ■ "Always" usual- ing: It was an amazing movie! What fantastic
ly goes before the main verb and after auxiliary verbs photography! ■ Be careful with the pronunciation

l like "be", "do" or "have": "James is always late". ■ of this word! The second part "maz" rhymes with
See box at frequency. "days".

m ambassador /æmˈbæs·ə·dər/ [㐗] A person who
represents a country abroad: Mr. Zuidema is the

n also, too and as well Dutch ambassador here.
o ðÜWe use also in the middle of a sentence, before a
ambition /æmˈbɪʃ.ən/ [㐌] 1 Something that you
main verb or after an auxiliary verb:
- Sarah plays the piano and she also sings. really want to do or to have: My ambition is to
travel to India. 2 A strong desire to be successful:
p ðÜWe use too and as well at the end of a sentence:
You could be an international tennis player if you

had more ambition.

q - Sarah plays the piano and she sings too. ambitious /æmˈbɪʃ.əs/ [㐀] With a strong desire
- She plays the piano and she sings as well.
to be successful: He's very ambitious and wants to
r become Managing Director.

s already and yet

t ðÜIn affirmative sentences we normally use already:
- I’ve already seen that movie.

u - They have already finished their work.
v ðÜIn negative sentences we use yet:

- I haven’t seen that movie yet.

- They haven’t finished their work yet.

w ðÜIn questions we normally use yet:
x - Have you seen that movie yet?

- Haven’t you finished yet?

y ðÜBut in affirmative questions it is possible to use either yet or already, although the meaning is different:
- Have you finished already? (Expresses surprise that you have finished before expected.)

z - Have you finished yet? (Suggests that it is time to finish or that you are being a little slow.)

27 analyze

ambulance /ˈæm.bjʊ.lənts/ [㐗] A vehicle for four winners. 㐀 See picture on the following page a
b
taking people to hospital: They put the injured and at preposition. c
d
people in an ambulance and took them to hospital. amount /əˈmaʊnt/ [㐗] A quantity: They spend e
f
ambush [㐌] A surprise attack from a hidden po- a huge amount of money on books. g

sition: The soldiers walked into an ambush laid for amphibian /æmˈfɪb.i.ən/ [㐗] An animal which h
i
them by the enemy. lives both in water and on land: Frogs, toads and j
k
American1 /əˈmer.ɪ.kən/ [㐗] 1 A person from salamanders are amphibians. 㐀  See pages 431 l
m
the United States: Many Americans have relatives and — n
o
in other countries such as Ireland, Italy, Poland amphitheater [㐗] A circular or oval building p
and Mexico. 2 A person from America: People from q
without a roof where public events take place: The
Mexico, Peru, Argentina or Colombia are all Ameri-
Romans built amphitheaters throughout the empire.
cans. ■ Be careful! "American" has a capital "A".
amplifier /ˈæm·pləˌfɑɪ·ər/ [㐗] A machine that
American2 /əˈmerɪkən/ [㐀] 1 Referring to the
makes sounds louder: She connected her guitar to
United States of America: American football is dif-
ferent from rugby. 2 Referring to North, Central or the amplifier so that everybody could hear.

South America: They traveled all the way down the amuse /əˈmjuːz/ [㐘] 1 To make people smile or

American continent from Alaska to Tierra Del laugh: Why are you laughing? Did I say something
that amused you? 2 To keep somebody busy and
Fuego. ■ Be careful! "American" has a capital "A".
happy: In the evenings I amuse myself arranging
American Indian [㐍] See Native American.
the stamps in my collection.
■ Be careful! "American Indian" has capital letters.
amusement /əˈmjuːz.mənt/ ❚ [㐖] 1 The feel-
ammunition /ˌæm.jʊˈnɪʃ.ən/ [㐖] Bullets and
ing of being amused: To everyone's amusement, he
other explosives: The soldiers had to surrender be- started imitating Charlie Chaplin. ❚ [㐗] 2 An
enjoyable activity: The bad thing about this town
cause they had no ammunition left.
is that there are no amusements for young people.
amnesty /ˈæm.nɪ.sti/ [㐌] A pardon for convicted
amusing /əˈmjuː.zɪŋ/ [㐀] That makes people
criminals: The government gave an amnesty to po-
smile or laugh: The clowns in the circus in the
litical prisoners. ■ The plural is "amnesties".
square are very amusing.
amniotic sac [㐗] The sac in which the fetus
an /ən, æn/ [㐇] See a2. ■ See box at a.
develops: The amniotic sac protects the fetus while analysis /əˈnæl.ə.sɪs/ [㐌] An examination of

it is growing. something: A careful analysis was made of the

amoeba [㐗] A unicellular organism: The amoe- school's finances. ■ The plural is "analyses".

ba moves by continually changing its body shape. analyze or analyse /ˈænəlaɪz/ [㐘] To study

among or amongst /əˈmʌŋ or əˈmʌŋst/ [㐓] 1 something closely and in detail: The company will

Surrounded by things: Jungle Jim lived among the have to analyze the problem in order to solve it. ■
trees of the Amazon jungle. 2 Divided by more
"Analyze" is the British English spelling.
than two people: They divided the prize among the

r

AMBULANCE s

t

u
v

w

x
y

z

anatomy 28

a anatomy [㐖] The science of the structure of angle1 /ˈæŋ.gl/̩ [㐗] 1 The space between two

b animals or plants: the anatomy of the human body. lines where they meet: When a vertical line meets
ancestor /ˈænˌses·tər/, /-səs-/ [㐗] A member of a horizontal line they form an angle of 90º. 2 right
your family who lived a long time ago: My ances- angle An angle of 90º: All the angles in a square
c tors came from Scotland.
are right angles.

anchor /ˈæŋ·kər/ [㐗] A metal hook dropped to angle2 /ˈæŋgl/ [㐘] To fish: I love to angle at the
d the bottom of the sea that stops a ship moving: weekends.
The ship dropped anchor at the entry to the harbor. angry /ˈæŋ.gri/ [㐀] That feels anger against

e ancient /ˈeɪn.tʃənt/ [㐀] Belonging to the distant somebody or something: My mom got very angry
past, very old: He's an expert on Ancient Egypt. when she saw the state of my room. ■ The same

f and /ænd, ənd, ən/ [㐈] 1 Also: Pat plays the gui- meaning: "cross3". 㐀 See picture at emotions.
tar and the violin. 2 Then, afterwards: She opened anguish /ˈæŋ.gwɪʃ/ [㐖] Great suffering: The

g the door and went out. mother's anguish at the death of her daughter was

anemone /əˈnem.ə.ni/ [㐗] 1 A plant similar to terrible to see.

h the buttercup which has brightly colored flowers: animal /ˈæn.ɪ.məl/ [㐗] A living thing that
The girl is planting anemones in the backyard. 2 breathes and moves: There are different kinds of

i sea anemone A predatory marine animal which animals: amphibians, fish, reptiles, birds and
looks like a plant: Sea anemones have an adhesive mammals. 㐀 See pages 426-431.
ankle /ˈæŋ.kl/̩ [㐗] The part of the body where
j foot called basal disc.
angel /ˈeɪn.dʒəl/ [㐗] 1 A celestial being, usually the foot joins the leg: She fell and sprained her an-

shown with wings: Angels are said to be messengers kle. 㐀 See page 422.

k from God. 2 A loving person: Laura's such an angel. anniversary /ˌæn·əˈvɜr·sə·ri/ [㐗] An annual
anger /ˈæŋ·gər/ [㐖] A very strong feeling of celebration of a past event: My parents are soon

l annoyance: I felt real anger when I saw Mark hit- going to celebrate their fifteenth wedding anniver-
ting his brother. sary. ■ The plural is "anniversaries".

m

n AMONG AND BETWEEN When we are talking about only two
people or things, we use “between”:
o We normally use “among” when
we are talking about three or more

p people or things:

q

r

s

t

u

v

w

x

y

z The dog is among people. The dog is between two people.

29 answer

announce /əˈnaʊnts/ [㐘] To make something anonymous /əˈnɑn·ə·məs/ [㐀] Who is not a
b
public: He announced the news of his daughter's known: I received a letter telling me that I had an c
d
wedding to Paul. anonymous admirer in my class. e
f
announcement /əˈnaʊnt.smənt/ [㐌] A written or anorak /ˈæn.ər.æk/ [㐗] A short and warm jack- g

spoken message to make something public: The et: Put on your anorak, Jane. It's cold and wet out- h
i
headmaster said he had an important announce- side. j
k
ment to make. another1 [㐀] 1 One more: Can you give me an- l
m
announcer /əˈnɑʊn·sər/ [㐗] A person who de- other sandwich? 2 Several more: We have to wait n
o
scribes and comments a sports event: The an- another three months. ■ Be careful! We say "anoth- p

nouncer on last Friday football game was the cap- er" not "an other". ■ This word is always used with-

tain's father. out the definite article. Don't say: "The another girls

annoy /əˈnɔɪ/ [㐘] To make somebody a little angry: came late". ■ Compare with "other" (as the thing or

My brother annoys me when he wears my clothes. person already mentioned).

annoyance /əˈnɔɪ.ənts/ [㐖] State of being an- another2 /əˈnʌðər/ [㐕] A different one: I don't

noyed: She showed her annoyance by slamming like this bike. I want another.

the door. answer1 US: /ˈænt.sɚ/ UK: /ˈɑːnt.sər/ [㐗] The re-

annoyed /əˈnɔɪd/ [㐀] Angry and very irritated: sponse to a question: I've asked you a question

She is annoyed with me for not going to her party. and I want an answer.

㐀 See picture at emotions. answer2 [㐘] 1 To say something to somebody

annoying /əˈnɔɪ.ɪŋ/ [㐀] That makes somebody who has asked you a question: I asked her
about Jim but she didn't answer. 2 to answer
angry: The noise the neighbors are making up- the door To open the door in answer to a

stairs is quite annoying. knock or ring: I had to ring twice before they
answered the door. 3 to answer the telephone
annual /ˈænjuəl/ [㐀] Happening once a year:
To pick up the telephone in answer to a call:
They hold an annual art competition at the local

Art Gallery.

ANIMAL NOISES QUACK,
These are some of the noises that animals make: QUACK!

MOO,
MOO...

Ducks quack. q
r
Cows moo in the fields. s
t
BAA... u

WOOF, COCK-A-D O O D L E -DOO
WOOF!

A dog barks.

MEOW! A cock crows at Sheep bleat when v
dawn. they’re hungry. w
x
GRRR!

Cats meow when they A lion roars. y
want something and purr z

when they are stroked.

answering machine 30

a Can you answer the phone, Mark? I'm in the ■ In this use, the same meaning: "aerial". ■ The plu-

b bathroom. ral is "antennae".

answering machine or answerphone [㐗] anthem /ˈænt.θəm/ [㐗] See national anthem.

A machine that records telephone calls: When I anthropoid [㐗] Resembling a human being:
c got home, there were three messages on the an- Monkeys, apes and gorillas are anthropoids.
swering machine. anti- US: /æntɑɪ/ UK: /ænti-/ [㐒] An addition to the
d ant /ænt/ [㐗] A small insect that lives in beginning of a word that usually means
groups: Some ants live in holes in the ground. "against": She's in the antinuclear energy move-

e 㐀 See page 431. ment.

antibiotic /ˌænt·i·bɑɪˈɑt·̬ ɪk/, /ˌæn·tɑɪ-/ [㐌] A drug

f ANT used to cure infections: The doctor gave him an
g antibiotic for his sore throat. ■ Be careful with the
pronunciation of this word! The third syllable "bi"
h
rhymes with "by".

antibody /ˈæntiˌbɒdi/ [㐗] A protein produced

in the blood to defend the body against bacteria

i and viruses: Our blood produces antibodies when
we catch an infection. ■ The plural is "antibodies".

j anticipate /ænˈtɪs.ɪ.peɪt/ [㐘] To act because you
see something is about to happen: With Mr. John-
son, it's always easy to anticipate the test questions.

k antique1 /ænˈtiːk/ [㐗] An object that is old and
valuable: Antiques can obtain very high prices at

l antacid /ˌænˈtæs.ɪd/ [㐖] A substance which auctions.
helps to prevent or decrease stomach acidity: antique2 [㐀] Old and usually valuable: They

m Whenever we have a heavy meal we take an antacid. sold an antique vase for $4,300.
antarctic /æntˈɑrk·tɪk/, /-ˈɑr·t̬ɪk/ [㐀] Referring to antiseptic /ˌæntiˈseptɪk/ [㐌] A substance that is

n the regions around the South Pole: The Antarctic used to prevent a wound from getting infected:
Circle is the line of latitude 66º 30' South. Put some antiseptic on that cut.

o antelope /ˈæn·tə·lˌoʊp/ [㐗] An animal with anus /ˈeɪnəs/ [㐗] The opening at the end of the
horns, similar to a deer: Antelopes can run very fast. alimentary canal through which excretions leave

p antenna /ænˈten.ə/ [㐗] 1 The long and thin the body: Suppositories are inserted up into the
part on the heads of some animals: Insects use anus. 㐀 See page 424.

q their antennae for feeling. 2 An apparatus that re- anvil /ˈæn.vɪl/ [㐗] An iron block on which
ceives television or radio signals: We couldn't see heated metals are beaten into shape: John ham-

r the image clearly because the antenna was broken. mers the horseshoes on the anvil.

s ANTENNA

t

u

v

w

x

y

z

31 apparently

anxiety /æŋˈzɑɪ·ɪ·t̬i/ [㐖] A feeling of worry: ape /eɪp/ [㐗] A large monkey without a tail: a
b
The test results caused great anxiety in our family. Apes are very similar to men in some ways. c
d
■ The plural is "anxieties". apex /ˈeɪpeks/ [㐗] The highest point of some- e
f
anxious /ˈæŋk.ʃəs/ [㐀] 1 Worried: My parents thing: The lever rests on the apex. ■ The plural is g
"apexes" or "apices".
get anxious when I go out at night. 2 With a strong h
apologize or apologise /əˈpɒlədʒaɪz/ [㐘] To i
wish to do something: I'm anxious to start music j
say that you are sorry for something you have k
lessons. done: I apologize for my behavior; I won't do it l
again. m
any1 [㐀] 1 "some" in questions: Have you n
apology /əˈpɑl·ə·dʒi/ [㐌] Something you say to o
brought any tapes? 2 "some" in negative sentenc- p
es: There isn't any butter in the fridge. 3 One of a show that you are sorry: Please, Miss Newsom, ac- q
cept my apologies for what happened yesterday. ■ r
group: You can get the book in any bookstore. ■ The plural is "apologies". s
t
See box at some. apostrophe /əˈpɑs·trə·fi/ [㐗] 1 A mark u
v
any2 /ˈeni , əni/ [㐕] 1 "some" in questions: I used in writing to show that something has w
been left out [']: The apostrophe in "isn't" x
don't have any money. Do you have any? 2 shows that it is short for "is not". 2 A mark in y
writing to indicate possession [']: You need to z
"some" in negative sentences: There are some use an apostrophe in the sentence "Mark's bike
was broken".
apples on this tree, but there aren't any on that
one. 3 No special one: "Which newspaper do appalling /əˈpɔː.lɪŋ/ US: /-ˈpɑː-/ [㐀] Very bad,

you want?" "Oh, any of them will do.". ■ See box horrible: The movie was appalling, the worst I've
seen in years.
at some.
apparatus /ˌæp·əˈræt·̬ əs/ [㐖] 1 Equipment:
anybody /ˈen·iˌbɑd·i/, /-bə·di/ [㐕] 1 Any person:
That store sells breathing apparatus for deep sea
Has anybody seen my glasses? 2 No special per- diving. 2 Machines: We've got test tubes and other
apparatus in the laboratory.
son: With time and a smile, anybody can learn a
apparel [㐖] A person's clothing: He came to
foreign language. ■ The same meaning: "anyone". ■
the party wearing sports apparel.
"Anybody" is used in questions and negative sen-
apparent /əˈpær·ənt/, /-ˈpeər-/ [㐀] 1 Obvious:
tences. In positive sentences we usually use "some-
It's quite apparent that you have no interest in
body". ■ See box below. Physics at all. 2 That seems true: Anne's apparent
lack of talent in painting is due to her never having
anyhow /ˈen.i.haʊ/ [㐄] See anyway. done it before.
anyone /ˈen.i.wʌn/ [㐕] See anybody. ■ "Anyone"
apparently /əˈpær·ənt·li/, /-ˈper-/ [㐄] According
is used in questions and negative sentences. ■ See
to what people say: I wasn't there, but apparently
box bellow. they had a terrible argument.

anything /ˈen.i.θɪŋ/ [㐕] 1 Any object: There isn't anybody / anyone, everybody / everyone,

anything in the box; it's empty. ■ In this use "any- somebody / someone, nobody / no one
thing" is used in questions and negative sentences. 2
ðÜWe use singular verbs with these words:
No special thing: What would you like to eat? Oh,
-ÜHas anyone seen my jacket?
anything.
- Why is everyone so quiet today?
anyway /ˈen.i.weɪ/ [㐄] 1 In any case: You can
- Someone here knows the answer. I am sure.
keep your bike; I don't need it anyway. 2 In any
ðÜHowever, after the verb we often use they, them or
way: If you buy the television you can pay for it their. The reason for this is that in this way we avoid
having to say she or he, her or him or her or his:
anyway you want. ■ The same meaning: "anyhow".
-ÜIs everyone sure that they know what they have
anywhere /ˈen·iˌhweər/, /-ˌweər/ [㐄] In any to do?

place or to any place: Have you seen my watch -ÜDoes anyone have their calculator with them?

anywhere? Are you going anywhere this week- -ÜSomeone left their jacket here yesterday.

end?

aorta /eɪˈɔr·tə̬ / [㐗] The main artery of the body

which carries blood to the rest of the circulatory

system: The aorta passes up from the heart and

down the front of the backbone.

apart /əˈpɑrt/ [㐄] Separated: Stand with your feet

apart and your arms by your sides.

apartment /əˈpɑrt·mənt/ [㐗] Rooms that are

part of a building and are used as a home: My sis-

ter has a very nice apartment with a view on the

park. ■ In British English they say "flat". 㐀 See pic-

ture at house.

appeal 32

a appeal1 /əˈpiːl/ [㐗] 1 A strong request for so on: I've got an appointment with the dentist
b something: The school has launched an appeal for on Tuesday at nine o'clock. ❚ [㐌] 2 The choos-
money to build a new gym. 2 sex appeal Being at- ing of somebody for a job: Mr. McFarlane's ap-
tractive to other people: That actor has a lot of sex pointment as head of the local police was a total
c appeal.
surprise.

appeal2 /əˈpiːl/ [㐘] 1 To like something: Going appreciate /əˈpriː.ʃi.eɪt/ [㐘] 1 To be grateful to
d swimming in winter doesn't really appeal to me. somebody: I appreciate what you've done for me,
2 To make a strong request for something: The Mr. Tutuola. 2 To feel the value of something: She

e police are appealing for help to catch the certainly appreciates good music.
thieves. appreciation /əˌpriːʃiˈeɪʃən/ [㐖] 1 Favorable

f appear /əˈpɪər/ [㐘] To come into view: The bus or grateful recognition of something: Mary gave
appeared round the corner. the gardener a tip in appreciation of his hard work.

g appearance /əˈpɪər·əns/ [㐗] 1 The way a 2 Awareness and enjoyment of the good qualities
person looks: Tony's appearance has improved of something: She shows a great appreciation of

h since he started going out with Laura. 2 The good music.
coming of somebody: The party came to an apprentice /əˈpren·tɪs/ [㐗] Somebody who is

i abrupt end on the appearance of Mary's parents learning a trade: I'm going to work in my father's
in the house. factory as an apprentice electrician.

j appetite /ˈæp.ɪ.taɪt/ [㐌] A desire for food: If you approach1 /əˈproʊtʃ/ ❚ [㐖] 1 The act of going
eat that chocolate now, you won't have any appetite near somebody or something: The animals ran
for lunch. away at our approach. ❚ [㐗] 2 A way of doing
k applaud /əˈplɔd/ [㐘] To clap your hands: The au- something: His approach to problems is always
dience applauded for five minutes at the end of the very direct.
l concert.
approach2 /əˈprəʊtʃ/ [㐘] To come near: It's No-

applause /əˈplɔz/ [㐖] Clapping of hands: vember 18th, winter is approaching.
m Let's give them a big round of applause.
appropriate /əˈproʊ·pri·ət/ [㐀] Right: I don't

apple /ˈæp.l̩/ [㐌] 1 A round green or red think this book is appropriate for children.

n fruit: I like all kinds of apples, but especially approval /əˈpruː.vəl/ [㐖] 1 A good opinion:
Granny Smith. 2 apple pie A pie made with We showed our approval of the play by clapping

o apples, flour and sugar: My mom makes the enthusiastically. 2 Acceptance of a plan or a sug-
most delicious apple pie you can imagine. gestion: My plans for becoming an attorney have

p 㐀 See page 436. my parents' approval.

apple tree [㐗] A tree which bears apples: My approve /əˈpruːv/ [㐘] 1 To agree with something: I

q father has planted three apple trees in the orchard. don't approve of people who eat with their fingers. ■
㐀 See page 435. Be careful! In this use we always say: "to approve of

r appliance /əˈplaɪ.ənts/ [㐗] An electrical ma- (something)". 2 To accept a plan or a suggestion: The
chine for doing a job in a house: They have all the plans for the new building have not been approved.
s latest domestic appliances: dishwasher, microwave approximate /əˈprɑk·sə·mət/ [㐀] Not exact:
oven and so on. The approximate number of students at my school

application /ˌæp.lɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/ [㐌] A written request: is 700.

t If you want to join the club, please fill in the appli- approximately /əˈprɒksɪmətli/ [㐄] More or less,
cation form. in a not completely exact way: Approximately fifty
u apply /əˈplaɪ/ [㐘] To make a formal request for people came to the party.
something, especially a job: Ben's going to apply apricot /ˈæp·rˌkɑt/, /ˈeɪ·pr-/ [㐗] A small fruit

v for a job for this summer. ■ We always say: "to apply like a peach: Apricots have a soft, orange or yel-
for (something)". low skin. ■ Be careful with the pronunciation of

w ◗ PHRASAL VERBS · to apply to To be relevant: this word! The "a" is pronounced like the "a" in
Forget the "Principal's instructions"; they don't ap- "volcano".

x ply to us. ■ Be careful with the spelling of these April /ˈeɪ.prəl/ [㐌] 1 The fourth month of the year:
forms: "applies", "applied". April is usually a very rainy month. 2 April Fools'

y appoint /əˈpɔɪnt/ [㐘] To choose somebody for a job: Day April 1st, when people play tricks: On April
Ms. Norton has been appointed director of studies. Fools' Day we hid the teacher's books and she

z appointment /əˈpɔɪnt.mənt/ ❚ [㐗] 1 An ar- couldn't find them anywhere. ■ Be careful! "April"
rangement to meet your dentist, attorney and has a capital "A". 㐀 See picture at calendar.

33 aren't

apron /ˈeɪ.prən/ [㐗] A piece of clothing that top: The Gateway Arch in Saint Louis was built as a
b
covers the front of the body: Tom always puts an a monument to westward expansion of the United c
apron on when he's cooking. d
States. e
APRON f
archaeological or archeological [㐀] g
aquarium /əˈkweər·i·əm/ [㐗] A glass container
Referring to the study of human history through h
to keep fish: Anthony has an aquarium with a lot i
of tropical fish. the analysis of physical remains: The students j
k
Aquarius /əˈkweər·i·əs/ [㐌] A sign of the zodiac: If visited the archeological museum of Athens. ■ The l
m
your birthday is between January 21st and Febru- British English spelling is "archaeological". n
ary 19th, you're an Aquarius. ■ Be careful. "Aquari- o
us" has a capital "A". archaeologist or archeologist /ˌɑːkiˈɒlədʒɪst/ p
q
aquatic /əˈkwæt·̬ ɪk/ [㐀] Referring to water: Scu- [㐗] A person who studies human history r
s
ba diving is an aquatic activity. through the analysis of physical remains: The ar- t
u
aqueduct /ˈæk.wɪ.dʌkt/ [㐗] A structure for cheologists found some graves with human bones v
w
carrying water overland that looks like a bridge and broken pottery inside. ■ The British English x
with many arches: The aqueduct brings water y
from the river to the town. spelling is "archaeologist". z

aquifer US: /ˈɑːkwə.fɚ/ UK: /ˈæk.wɪ.fər/ [㐗] An archaeology or archeology /ˌɑr·kiˈɑl·ə·dʒi/

underground water source: The men drilled down [㐖] The study of human history through the
into the rock until they found the aquifer.
study of physical remains: Archeology investi-
Arab /ˈær·əb/ [㐍] A member of a people living
gates the way people lived in the past. ■ The British
in the Middle East and North Africa, whose first
language is Arabic: The Arabs have a great tradi- English spelling is "archaeology".
tion of hospitality. ■ Be careful! "Arab" has a capital
"A". archbishop /ˌɑːtʃˈbɪʃ.əp/ [㐗] A very important

Arabic1 [㐀] Referring to Arab culture: Arabic priest: The Archbishop of Los Angeles receive the

numbers were introduced in Europe in the 12th cen- faithful on Sunday in the Cathedral of Our Lady of
tury. ■ Careful! "Arabic" has a capital "A".
the Angels.
Arabic2 /ˌær·ə·bɪk/ [㐖] The language spoken
archery US: /ˈɑːr.tʃɚ.i/ UK: /ˈɑː.tʃə.ri/ [㐖] The
by Arabs: Arabic is written from right to left. ■ Be
careful. "Arabic" has a capital "A". sport of shooting arrows with a bow: Archery is an

arachnid /əˈræk.nɪd/ [㐗] Any of a class of ar- Olympic sport. US: /ˌɑːr.kɪˈpel.ə.goʊ/ UK:

thropods similar to insects but with four pairs of archipelago
legs: Spiders and scorpions are arachnids.
/ˌɑː.kɪˈpel.ə.gəʊ/ [㐗] A group of small islands:
arch US: /ɑːrtʃ/ UK: /ɑːtʃ/ [㐗] 1 A part of a
The islands of the Caribbean make up an archipel-
building that is curved: The new church has ma-
ny arches. 2 A monument that is curved at the ago. 㐀 See page 444.

architect /ˈɑr·kɪˌtekt/ [㐗] A person who de-

signs buildings: Eero Saarinen was a famous ar-

chitect who designed The Gateway Arch in Saint

Louis, Missouri.

architectural /ˌɑːkɪˈtektʃərəl/ [㐀] Referring to

the design of buildings: The architectural style of

this cathedral is Gothic.

architecture US: /ˈɑːr.kɪ.tek.tʃɚ/ UK: /ˈɑː.kɪ.tek.tʃər/

[㐖] 1 The activity of designing buildings:

Modern architecture uses metal and glass. 2 The

style of a building: Greek architecture was very el-

egant.

arctic [㐀] Referring to the regions around the

North Pole: The Arctic Ocean is partly covered by

sea ice.

are /ɑːr/, /ɑːr/ [㐘] See be.
area /ˈeər·i·ə/ ❚ [㐗] 1 A part of a place: Jamie

lives in a poor area of Tucson. ❚ [㐌] 2 Space, mea-

sure of the unit of something: The area of this

room is 12 square feet. ■ Be careful with the pronun-

ciation of this word. The "e" is pronounced like the

"i" in "did".

aren't US: /ɑːrnt/ UK: /ɑːnt/ The contraction of "are

not".

Argentinian 34

a Argentinian1 [㐀] Referring to Argentina: The armed US: /ɑːrmd/ UK: /ɑːmd/ [㐀] 1 That has a

b tango is an Argentinian dance. ■ Be careful! "Argen- weapon: The thieves were armed with small guns.
tinian" has a capital "A". 2 armed robbery A robbery in which weapons

Argentinian2 [㐗] A person from Argentina: are used: They were convicted of armed robbery

c My uncle is married to an Argentinian and they live and sent to jail for five years. 3 the armed forces
in Buenos Aires. ■ Be careful! "Argentinian" has a See "the armed forces" in the word force1 4 the
d capital "A".
armed services See "the armed services or the

argue /ˈɑr·gju/ [㐘] 1 To quarrel, disagree: Craig services" in the word service ■ Be careful with the

e and his sister don't get on very well; they're always pronunciation of the end of this word. The "e" is not
arguing with each other. ■ We say: "argue with pronounced.

f (somebody)". 2 To give an opinion: Susan argues armor [㐖] A metal protection worn by medi-
that girls are more intelligent than boys. eval soldiers: Some knights wore armor from head

g argument /ˈɑr·gjə·mənt/ [㐗] 1 An angry dis- to toe.
agreement: When Paul said he wasn't going to armpit /ˈɑrmˌpɪt/ [㐗] The part of the body un-

h wash up, his sister started a big argument about it. der the arm where the arm joins the shoulder: I
2 A reason for something or against it: The best put deodorant on my armpits every day.

i argument against racism is that we are all different army /ˈɑr·mi/ [㐗] The part of the armed forces
from one another. that fights on land: When he was in the army, he

j Aries US: /ˈer.iːz/ UK: /ˈeə.riːz/ [㐌] A sign of the zo- drove a tank. ■ The plural is "armies".
diac: If your birthday is between March 21st and arose /əˈroʊz/ Past tense of arise.
k April 20th, you're an Aries. ■ Be careful. "Aries" has around1 /əˈraʊnd/ [㐅] 1 Moving in a circle:
a capital "A". The earth takes 365 days to go around the sun. 2

arise, arose, arisen /əˈraɪz/ [㐘] To appear or to On all sides of something: Mr. Leech lives in a

l happen: If more problems arise, we'll have to put house with high walls all around. 3 In different
the trip off until next month. places or to different places: Mike is never at

m arisen Past participle of arise. home. He's always traveling around. 4 Near, in

aristocracy /ˌærɪˈstɒkrəsi/ [㐗] The highest so- the area nearby: There is a pharmacy around

n cial class: The aristocracy is mainly made up of here somewhere. ■ In British English they say
members of royalty and nobility. ■ The plural is "ar- "round".

o istocracies". around2 /əˈraʊnd/ [㐓] 1 On all sides of some-

aristocrat /əˈrɪs·təˌkræt/, /ˈær·ə·stə-/ [㐗] A per- thing: There is a fence all around the house. 2 In

p son with a title of nobility: Counts and dukes are different places or to different places: We spent
aristocrats. the summer traveling around the United States. 3

q arithmetic /əˈrɪθ·məˌtɪk/ [㐖] Calculations Approximately: There were around 20 people at
with numbers: Children at elementary school do the party.
arrange /əˈreɪndʒ/ [㐘] 1 To make plans: Susan
r reading, writing and arithmetic.
arm US: /ɑːrm/ UK: /ɑːm/ [㐖] 1 The part of the and I have arranged to play tennis on Sunday. 2 To

s body between the shoulder and the hand: Alfred's put something in a particular way or order: The
mom broke her right arm and she can't drive. books are arranged in alphabetical order. 3 to ar-
㐀  See page 421. 2 arm in arm With your arm range to meet To agree on the details of where to

t around somebody else's arm: Julie and Peter get together with somebody: We've arranged to
walked arm in arm down the street. meet at 7.30, outside the gym.
u armband /ˈɑːmbænd/ [㐗] 1 Band worn around arrangement /əˈreɪndʒ.mənt/ ❚ [㐌] 1 An agree-
the upper arm as a sign of something or to hold ment to do something: I have a special arrange-

v up the shirt sleeve: He wears an armband which ment with my brother to take it in turns to wash up.
identifies him as a member of the first aid team. 2 ❚ [㐗] 2 A group of things organized in a par-

w Plastic ring filled with air that children wear on ticular way: We changed the arrangement of the
the upper arm to help them float: Thomas has to desks to do some group work.

x wear armbands at the swimming pool because he arrangements /əˈreɪndʒmənt/ [㐑] Plans:
is still learning to swim. We've made arrangements to go to swimming on

y armchair US: /ˈɑːrm.tʃer/ UK: /ˈɑːm.tʃeər/ [㐗] A Sunday.
big and comfortable chair: My dad always sits in arrest1 /əˈrest/ [㐌] 1 The act of making somebody

z the armchair in front of the TV. 㐀 See pictures at a prisoner: The police have made a number of
chair and living room. arrests in connection with the bank robbery. 2 to

35 ash

be under arrest To be kept by the police as a pris- arthropod US: /ˈɑːr.θrə.pɑːd/ UK: /ˈɑː.θrə.pɒd/ [㐗] a
oner: My neighbor is under arrest; he was caught b
robbing a bank. An invertebrate animal with an external skele- c
d
arrest2 /əˈrest/ [㐘] To make somebody a prisoner: ton, a segmented body and joint legs: Spiders and e
f
The thieves were arrested by the police as they crustaceans are arthropods. g
came out of the house.
artichoke US: /ˈɑːr.t̬ɪ.tʃoʊk/ UK: /ˈɑː.tɪ.tʃəʊk/ [㐌] A h
arrival /əˈraɪ.vəl/ [㐖] The act of getting to a i
vegetable with big and dark green leaves: Arti- j
place: His arrival was so unexpected that we were k
still in bed. chokes are often eaten with a sauce. l
m
arrive /əˈraɪv/ [㐘] To get to a place: The bus article /ˈɑrt·̬ ɪ·kəl/ [㐗] 1 A piece of writing in a n
o
broke down, so we didn't arrive in Boston before newspaper or magazine: I'm going to write an arti- p
10 p.m. ■ Be careful with the pronunciation of cle on China for the school magazine. 2 A type of q
this word! "rri" rhymes with "my". ■ Be careful. r
We say: "to arrive in a country, city, town and so word that goes with nouns: "A", "an" and "the" are s
on". We say: "to arrive at a building, station, air- articles in English. 3 definite article See definite t
port and so on". article. 4 indefinite article See indefinite article. u
v
arrogant /ˈær·ə·gənt/ [㐀] Proud, considering articulate /ɑrˈtɪk·jəˌleɪt/ [㐘] 1 To express one's w
x
yourself superior: Stuart is so arrogant that he feelings or opinions clearly: Tom wasn't able to ar- y
thinks nobody will get better grades than him. ticulate his feelings. ■ This use is formal. 2 To pro- z

arrow US: /ˈer.oʊ/ UK: /ˈær.əʊ/ [㐗] 1 A stick with nounce syllables or words clearly: She has hear-

a point at the end: She took the bow and shot the ing difficulties, so please articulate thoroughly.
arrow close to the target. 2 A sign that indicates di-
rection: Follow the arrows and you'll get to the exit. articulated /ɑːˈtɪkjəleɪtɪd/ [㐀] With sections

ARROW connected by joints: An articulated vehicle can

arrow turn more easily.

bow artificial /ˌɑr·tə̬ ˈfɪʃ·əl/ [㐀] That is not natural

art US: /ɑːrt/ UK: /ɑːt/ [㐖] 1 Painting, drawing, or real: We always have an artificial Christmas tree

music and so on: In Art class we are now doing a and once it's decorated, it looks great.
huge wall painting. 2 arts and crafts Artistic and
practical skills: an arts and crafts festival. 3 fine artisan US: /ˈɑːrtəzən/ UK: /ˌɑːtɪˈzæn/ [㐗] A
arts The creation of works of art: In France, the
government spends a lot of money on the fine arts: skilled, manual worker: The interior of the theater
music, the movies and so on.
was constructed by artisans in the 16th century.
artery /ˈɑr·t̬ə·ri/ [㐗] 1 A tube which circulates
artist US: /ˈɑːr.t̬ɪst/ UK: /ˈɑː.tɪst/ [㐗] A person
oxygenated blood from the heart: The arteries get
thicker with age. 2 A traffic route between two who creates works of art: Some people think Picas-
population centers: The road and rail arteries
connect the capital with the suburbs. ■ The plural so was the greatest artist of all times.
is "arteries".
artistic /ɑrˈtɪs·tɪk/ [㐀] That is good at creating

works of art: Alice is very artistic. She paints and

plays the piano.

artwork US: /ˈɑːrt.wɝːk/ UK: /ˈɑːt.wɜːk/ [㐖] Il-

lustrations that accompany a story: The story

wasn't very good, but the artwork was excellent.

as /əz, æz/ [㐅] 1 In the same way: Do as Mr.

Blundell told you and you'll pass. 2 When: I saw John
as he was going to school. 3 Doing the job or func-

tion of: He's got a job as a secretary. ■ Be careful! We

don't use "as" when we are giving examples or making

noun comparisons. We say: "singers like Whitney

Houston, Mariah Carey"; "a house like yours". Compare
with "like2" (in the same way or manner as). 4 While: I
normally listen to the radio as I work. 5 Because: As
he didn't get permission, he couldn't go on the trip. 6

as... as A way of showing that two people or things
are equal: My younger brother is as tall as I am. 7 as

long as On condition that: I'll let you come with me

as long as you promise to be good.

ash /æʃ/ ❚ [㐖] 1 The powder you get when you

burn something: The ashtray was full of cigarette
ash. ❚ [㐗] 2 A beautiful tree from northern
countries: An ash is gray and has long, thin leaves.

ashamed 36

a ashamed /əˈʃeɪmd/ [㐀] That feels bad or em- thing: The robbers assaulted the bank and stole

b barrassed, usually about something wrong that half a million dollars.
they have done: Don't be ashamed. Everybody assemble /əˈsem.bl/̩ [㐘] 1 To put the parts of
makes mistakes when they're learning a language. something together: It's easy to assemble the kite

c ■ Be careful with the pronunciation of this word. The if you follow the instructions. 2 To get together: In
"e" is not pronounced. 㐀 See picture at emotions. United States, all the teachers and students of a
d ashore /əˈʃɔr/, /əˈʃoʊr/ [㐄] Onto the land from school assemble every morning before classes.
water: Tomorrow the ship will stop at Pireus so assembly /əˈsem.bli/ [㐌] A meeting of all the

e that we can go ashore to visit the Acropolis. teachers and students of a school: The Principal

ashtray /ˈæʃ.treɪ/ [㐗] A small dish for ciga- told us at assembly that classes would stop at mid-

f rette ash: Please put your cigarettes out in the ash- day. ■ The plural is "assemblies".
tray, not on the floor. assess /əˈses/ [㐘] 1 To estimate or judge the qual-

g Asian1 [㐗] 1 A person from Asia: Genghis ity or quantity of a person or thing: We have an
Khan was a famous Asian emperor. 2 A person of oral test tomorrow to assess our spoken English. 2

h Asian origin: Many Asians in United States work in To calculate how much something is worth: The
small family businesses. ■ Be careful! "Asian" has a estate agent assesses the value of a property.

i capital "A". assist /əˈsɪst/ [㐘] To help: The surgeon performed
Asian2 /ˈeɪʒən/ [㐀] Referring to Asia: China is an the operation, assisted by two nurses.

j Asian country. ■ Careful! "Asian" has a capital "A". assistance /əˈsɪs.tənts/ [㐖] Help: I think I
aside /əˈsaɪd/ [㐄] On one side: Move aside to let need some assistance with my homework.
people come in. assistant /əˈsɪs.tənt/ [㐗] A person who helps
k as if [㐈] In a way that suggests that some- another to do a job: Dr. Burton's assistant sees pa-
thing is true: He talks as if he were the boss. tients on Mondays.
l ask US: /æsk/ UK: /ɑːsk/ [㐘] 1 To put a question to associate /əˈsoʊ·ʃiˌeɪt/, /-si-/ [㐘] To connect ideas
somebody: Can I ask you something? How old are in your mind: I always associate good weather

m you? 2 To request: Jane asked me to help her with with vacation.
her Math homework. 3 to ask for (something) To association /əˌsoʊ·ʃiˈeɪ·ʃən/, /-si-/ ❚ [㐗] 1 An

n make a request for something: Tom is always ask- organization: Lucy's a member of the Association
ing me for money. of Young Artists. ❚ [㐌] 2 A connection of ideas in

o ◗ PHRASAL VERBS · to ask to To invite: Mom, I've your mind: The seaside has pleasant associations
asked Carol to tea. Is that all right? for me.

p asleep /əˈsliːp/ [㐀] 1 Sleeping: Don't make a assume /əˈsum/ [㐘] To think that something is
noise! The baby's asleep. ■ Be careful! We don't use true: I assume I'll pass Science without any prob-

q "asleep" before a noun. We say: "The sleeping child". lems.
2 fast asleep Sleeping very deeply: He didn't hear assurance /əˈʃʊər·əns/ [㐗] A promise: She

r the thieves; he was fast asleep. 3 to fall asleep See gave us an assurance that she wouldn't be late
"fall asleep" in the word fall2. again.

s asparagus /əˈspær·ə·gəs/ [㐖] A long, thin assure /əˈʃʊər/ [㐘] 1 To say that something is cer-
and green vegetable: Asparagus is one of my fa- tainly true: I can assure you that this meat is first
vorite dishes. 㐀 See page 437. quality. 2 To promise: Johnny assured me that he
t aspect /ˈæs.pekt/ [㐗] Characteristic, side: One wouldn't wear my jeans again.
good aspect of learning languages is that you can asterisk /ˈæs·tərˌɪsk/ [㐗] A mark like a star [*]
u communicate with people from other countries.
used in writing: In my English textbook, new words

aspirin® /ˈæs.pɪ.rɪn/ [㐌] A medicine that is used have been marked with an asterisk.

v against pain: I always take an aspirin when I have asteroid /ˈæs·təˌrɔɪd/ [㐗] A very small planet,
a headache. particularly one of many between Mars and Jupi-

w ass /æs/ [㐗] An animal of the horse family: An ter: The spaceship passed through the group of as-
ass is smaller than a horse. ■ The plural is "asses". teroids.

x assassinate /əˈsæs.ɪ.neɪt/ [㐘] To kill an impor- astonish /əˈstɑn·ɪʃ/ [㐘] To surprise somebody
tant person: Gandhi was assassinated in 1948. very much: He astonished everyone when he said

y assassination /əˌsæs.ɪˈneɪ.ʃən/ [㐌] The murder he was going to live in China.
of an important person: I saw a movie about Presi- astonishment /əˈstɑn·ɪʃ·mənt/ [㐖] Surprise:

z dent Kennedy's assassination on television. To my astonishment, Rebecca played extraordinari-

assault /əˈsɔlt/ [㐘] To attack somebody or some- ly well.

37 attract

astrologer /əˈstrɒl.ə.dʒər/ US: /-ˈstrɑː.lə.dʒɚ/ [㐗] atmospheric /ˌætməsˈferɪk/ [㐀] Referring to a
b
A person who studies the influence of stars and the atmosphere: The rocket was launched into c
d
planets: An astrologer told me once that I'd be fa- space when the atmospheric conditions were right. e
f
mous. atom /ˈæt·̬ əm/ [㐗] The smallest part of a sub- g

astrology /əˈstrɑl·ə·dʒi/ [㐖] The study of the stance: Scientists learnt how to split the atom in h
i
influence of stars and planets: I'm interested in the 1920's. j
k
astrology; what's your sign of the zodiac? atrium /ˈeɪtriəm/ [㐗] The central court of a l
m
astronaut /ˈæs·trəˌnɔt/, /-ˌnɑt/ [㐗] A person building with rooms opening off it: The atri- n
o
who travels in space: The Soviet Union was the um was filled with light from the sun which p
q
first country to send astronauts into space. flooded in. r
s
astronomer /əˈstrɑn·ə·mər/ [㐗] A person who attach /əˈtætʃ/ [㐘] 1 To join one thing to another: t
u
studies stars and planets: Nowadays, astronomers You have to attach a photo to your application v
form. 2 to be attached to (somebody or some- w
can watch the sky with powerful telescopes. x
thing) To be very close to somebody or some- y
astronomy /əˈstrɑn·ə·mi/ [㐖] The study of z
thing: James is very attached to his dog.
stars and planets: Astronomy is the oldest science
attachment /əˈtætʃmənt/ [㐗] Something
of all.
which is attached to something else: The docu-
as well [㐄] Too, also: I'd like to be rich, and I'd
ment accompanies the e-mail as an attachment.
like to be famous as well. ■ "Too", "as well" and "al-
attack1 /əˈtæk/ [㐌] A violent attempt to hurt
so" have the same meaning. "Too" and "as well" go at
somebody or to destroy something: They made an
the end of a sentence. "Also" usually goes in the mid-
attack on the castle.
dle of a sentence. ■ See box at also.
attack2 /əˈtæk/ [㐘] To try to hurt somebody or to
asylum /əˈsaɪ.ləm/ [㐖] Protection to some-
destroy something: The army attacked the Presi-
body who has had to leave their country for polit-
dential Palace.
ical reasons: The Cuban refugees were given asy-
attempt1 /əˈtempt/ [㐗] An effort made to do
lum in United States.
something: It was his second attempt to escape
at /æt, ət/ [㐓] 1 Used to show a point in space:
from prison.
I'll be waiting for you at home. 2 Used to show an
exact point in time: We can meet at 10 o'clock. 3 attempt2 /əˈtempt/ [㐘] To make an effort to do

Used to show price, frequency or speed: The train something: He attempted to walk across Illinois in
was going at 100 miles an hour. 4 Used when you
a month.
say which number house somebody lives at in a
attend /əˈtend/ [㐘] 1 To go to an event: Many peo-
street: Mark lives at 3245 Grand Canyon Road, and
ple attended the meeting to organize the school
Peter at number 3249. ■ See box at time: preposi- club. 2 To look after somebody: He's being attend-

tions. 㐀 See picture at preposition. ed by a doctor.

ate /et, eɪt/ Past tense of eat. attendance /əˈten.dənts/ [㐌] Being present: His
athlete /ˈæθ.liːt/ [㐗] A person who does athlet-
record of school attendance is very good.
ics: Some athletes run; others jump or throw things.
attention /əˈten.tʃən/ [㐖] 1 Looking or listen-
athletics /æθˈlet̬·ɪks/ [㐖] 1 Sports and physi-
ing carefully: Can I have your attention, please? 2
cal games: Mary participates in high school athlet-
ics. 2 See track and field. ■ This use is British Eng- to pay attention See "pay attention" in the word

lish. pay2.

atlas /ˈæt.ləs/ [㐗] A book of maps: I like looking attentive /əˈten·tɪv/ [㐀] Watching and listen-

up places in an atlas. ■ The plural is "atlases". ing carefully: I am always attentive to what my

ATM [㐗] A machine from which you can get teacher says.

money: I withdrew some cash from the ATM. ■ attic /ˈæt·̬ ɪk/ [㐗] A room in the roof of a house:

"ATM" is an abbreviation for "Automatic Teller Ma- I keep all my old toys in the attic. 㐀 See picture at

chine". ■ The same meaning: "cash dispenser". house.

atmosphere /ˈæt·məˌsfɪər/ [㐌] 1 The gases that attitude US: /ˈæt.̬ ɪ.tuːd/ UK: /ˈæt.ɪ.tjuːd/ [㐌] Your

surround a planet: The Earth's atmosphere is feelings or opinions about somebody or some-
made up of different gases. 㐀 See page 449. 2 The
thing: She adopted an attitude of superiority.
air in a place: Has somebody been smoking? It's
impossible to breath in this atmosphere. 3 The attorney US: /əˈtɜːni/ [㐌] A person whose job is to

feeling created in a place: The atmosphere in the help with legal problems: My aunt is an attorney

English class is excellent. in a big law firm. ■ The same meaning: "lawyer".

attract /əˈtrækt/ [㐘] 1 To make somebody or

something come near: Honey attracts bears. 2 To

attraction 38

a provoke interest or admiration: I was attracted by au pair /ˌəʊˈpeər/ [㐗] A foreign person usually

b her intelligence. young, who lives with a family and helps in the

attraction /əˈtræk.ʃən/ ❚ [㐖] 1 The ability to house: We had a young German au pair who came

make people like something: I can't see the attrac- here to learn the language.

c tion in watching football. ❚ [㐗] 2 Something in- Australian1 [㐀] Referring to Australia: Kan-
teresting to do or to visit: The castle is one of the garoos and koalas are famous Australian animal. ■
d main tourist attractions in Edinburgh.
Be careful! "Australian" has a capital "A".

attractive /əˈtræk.tɪv/ [㐀] 1 Good-looking: Australian2 [㐗] A person from Australia:

e That actor is very attractive. 2 Interesting: They There are two Australians staying at our hotel. ■ Be
had very attractive plans for the vacation. careful! "Australian" has a capital "A".

f aubergine /ˈəʊ.bə.ʒiːn/ US: /ˈoʊ.bɚ-/ [㐌] See egg- authentic US: /ɑːˈθen.tɪ̬ k/ UK: /ɔːˈθen.tɪk/ [㐀] Re-
plant. ■ This word is British English. al, genuine: That's not an authentic Versace. It's a

g auction1 /ˈɔːkʃən/ [㐌] A public sale: Mr. Hamnett copy.
paid $4,000 for that painting at an auction in New author US: /ˈɑː.θɚ/ UK: /ˈɔː.θər/ [㐗] A person who

h York. writes books: Jules Verne is my favorite author. ■

auction2 [㐘] To sell by auction: The Duchess Be careful with the pronunciation of this word. The

i auctioned her collection of paintings. beginning is pronounced like the "aw" in "saw".

audience /ˈɔ·di·əns/, /ˈɑ·di-/ [㐌] The people who authoritarian1 [㐗] A person who demands

j listen or watch at a concert, play and so on: The complete obedience and gives no freedom: At mil-
audience watched the play with great enjoyment. itary training the officers are usually strict authori-

k AUDIENCE tarians.
l
authoritarian2 /əˌθɔr·əˈteər·i·ən/, /-əˌθɑr-/ [㐀]
m
Demanding strict obedience to authority: As the

situation grew worse, the President became more

and more authoritarian.

authority US: /əˈθɔːr.ɪ.t̬i/ UK: /ɔːˈθɒr.ɪ.ti/ ❚ [㐖] 1

The power to do something: The principal is the

n only person with the authority to expel students. ❚
[㐗] 2 A person who knows a lot about a sub-

o ject: Mrs. Hoggs is an authority on Art. ■ The plural
is "authorities".

p authorization or authorisation /ˌɔːθəraɪˈzeɪʃən/
audio-visual /ˌɔːdiəʊˈvɪʒuəl/ US: /ˌɑːdioʊ-/ [㐀] [㐗] Official permission: The family were given

q Describing something that combines sound and authorization to put fencing around their land.
vision: English is taught using audio-visual tech- authorship /ˈɔ·θərˌʃɪp/ [㐖] The origin of a

r niques. book or other work: The authorship of the docu-

audition /ɔˈdɪʃ·ən/ [㐗] A session to see if a ment was traced back to the previous century.

s singer or an actor is good: I've got an audition for autobiography /ˌɔt̬·ə·bɑɪˈɑg·rə·fi/ [㐗] The
a part in a movie on Tuesday. story of a person's life told by himself or by her-

auditory /ˈɔ·dɪˌtɔr·i/, /-ˌtoʊr·i/ [㐀] Referring to self: Have you read Gandhi's autobiography? ■ The
t hearing: The ears are our auditory organs.
plural is "autobiographies".

August /ˈɔ·gəst/ [㐌] The eighth month of the autograph US: /ˈɑː.t̬ə.græf/ UK: /ˈɔː.tə.grɑːf/ [㐗]
u year: The Browns always go on vacation in August. A signature, usually of a famous person: I have
■ Be careful with the pronunciation of this word. The Serena William's autograph in my collection.

v beginning is pronounced like the "aw" in "saw". ■ Be automatic /ˌɔ·t̬əˈmæt·̬ ɪk/ [㐀] That works by it-
careful! "August" has a capital "A". 㐀 See picture at self: After take-off, the captain put the plane in au-

w calendar. tomatic pilot.

aunt US: /ænt/ UK: /ɑːnt/ [㐗] Your father's or automobile /ˈɔ·t̬ə·moʊˌbil/, /ˌɔ·tə̬ ·moʊˈbil/ [㐗]

x mother's sister, or your uncle's wife: I like going A vehicle which is able to move independent-
to aunt Liza's because she lets me play her piano. ■ ly: The automobile climbed the hill without any

y "Auntie" is informal for "aunt". 㐀 See picture at fa- effort.
mily. autonomous /ɔːˈtɒnəməs/ [㐀] Able to function

z auntie US: /ænt/ UK: /ɑːnt/ [㐗] See aunt. ■ This independently: The regional government was com-
word is informal. pletely autonomous.

39 axon

autonomy /ɔˈtɑn·ə·mi/ [㐖] The ability to op- awake1 /əˈweɪk/ [㐀] Not asleep: It was 3 a.m. a
b
erate independently: Autonomy was the objective and the children were still awake. c
d
of the independence movement. awake2, awoke, awoken /əˈweɪk/ [㐘] To wake e
f
autumn US: /ˈɑː.t̬əm/ UK: /ˈɔː.təm/ [㐌] The season from sleep: He awoke suddenly. g

of the year between summer and winter: In the award1 /əˈwɔːd/ [㐗] A prize: I'd like to win an h
i
autumn, the leaves of the deciduous trees change award for best actor. j
color and fall. ■ The same meaning: "fall1". 㐀 See k
award2 /əˈwɔːd/ [㐘] To give a prize: Anne was l
page 448. m
awarded the prize for the best original drawing. n
auxiliary1 /ɔgˈzɪl·jə·ri/ [㐗] A person whose job o
aware /əˈweər/ [㐀] Knowing something or un- p
is to help other workers with their work: Mary q
derstanding it: Are you completely aware of the r
started as an auxiliary. s
problem? ■ Be careful. We always say: "to be aware t
auxiliary2 /ɔgˈzɪl·jə·ri/ [㐀] Assisting in the car- u
of (something)". v
rying out of a task: Auxiliary nurses help the nurs- w
awareness /əˈweənəs/ [㐖] A state of con- x
ing staff. y
sciousness or knowledge of one's surroundings:
auxiliary verb [㐗] A verb that is used with
Blind people have a special awareness of their en-
the main verb of the sentence to show tense, a
vironment.
question form and so on: "Be", "have" and "do"
away /əˈweɪ/ [㐄] 1 Not at home: When I phoned
are auxiliary verbs.
Margaret, she was away. 2 In another place or to
available /əˈveɪ.lə.bl̩/ [㐀] That is free to be
another place: This summer we're going away to
used or obtained: There are still seats available for Argentina. 3 Distant: I live twenty miles away from
Houston. 4 to put (something) away See "put
the trip to Segovia.
(something) away" in the word put.
avalanche /ˈæv·əˌlæntʃ/ [㐗] The sudden fall of
awesome [㐀] 1 Causing feelings of admira-
a lot of snow down a mountain: The party of
tion or fear: When he accepted the new job, he took
climbers was trapped by an avalanche. an awesome responsibility. 2 Extremely good or

Ave A written abbreviation for avenue. ■ Be care- extraordinary: Last night we had an awesome time

ful! "Ave" has a capital "A". It is only used when the at the party.

name of the avenue is mentioned. ■ See box at ab- awful1 /ˈɔːfəl/ [㐀] Terrible, horrible: What aw-

breviations. ful weather!

avenue /ˈæv·ənˌju/, /-əˌnu/ [㐗] A wide street: awful2 [㐄] Very: She's been gone an awful long

Fifth Avenue is one of the main streets in New York. time, do you think she's coming back? ■ This word

■ The abbreviation "Ave" is only used in written lan- is informal.

guage. ■ See box at abbreviations. awfully /ˈɔf·li/, /ˈɔ·fə·li/ [㐄] Very: I'm awfully sor-

average1 /ˈæv·rɪdʒ/, /-ər·ɪdʒ/ [㐗] The result of ry. ■ This word is informal.

dividing a total by the number of the different awkward US: /ˈɑː.kwɚd/ UK: /ˈɔː.kwəd/ [㐀] 1 Em-

quantities: The average of 10, 5 and 30 is 15. ■ Be barrassing: It's very awkward at a meeting when
nobody says anything. 2 Clumsy: He made an awk-
careful with the pronunciation of this word. The last
ward movement and dropped his glass on the floor.
"a" is pronounced like the "i" in "did".
ax /æks/ [㐗] An instrument with a sharp metal
average2 /ˈævərɪdʒ/ [㐀] Ordinary: He's not as
head for cutting up wood: I learnt how to use an axe
tall as you think; just average height. ■ Be careful
at summer camp. ■ The British English spelling is "axe".
with the pronunciation of this word. The last "a" is
axe /æks/ [㐗] See ax. ■ This is a British English
pronounced like the "i" in "did".
spelling.
avocado or avocado pear /ˌævəˈkɑːdəʊ/ [㐌] A
axis /ˈæk.sɪs/ [㐗] The imaginary line around
yellow fruit with a green skin: I love avocado in
which a body rotates: The Earth rotates on its axis.
salads.
■ The plural is "axes".
avoid /əˈvɔɪd/ [㐘] 1 To prevent something from
axle /ˈæksl/ [㐗] A bar that connects two wheels:
happening: My little brother always tries to avoid
wash the dishes. 2 To keep away from a person: Bicycles, cars and trucks have several axles.

Rachael has been trying to avoid me all week. axon [㐗] Long, thin part of a neuron which

await /əˈweɪt/ [㐘] To wait for: Dear Sirs, I wrote to conducts impulses to other cells: Neurons have

you last month but I am still awaiting your reply. ■ only one axon.

This word is formal. We usually say "wait".

z

B b /biː/ The second letter of the alphabet: The name
b
"Barbara" begins with a "B".

b. Referring to a date when somebody came into

the world: Mary Smith (b. 8 November 1979, Pitts-

burgh). ■ "b." is an abbreviation for "born". ■ See

box at abbreviations.

B /biː/ [㐗] The seventh musical note of the

scale of C major: Play a B on the guitar,

please. ■ The plural is "Bs" or "B's". 㐀 See pa-

ge 460.

BA Referring to a first college degree in the arts

or social sciences, or somebody who has this de-

gree: Michael has a BA in History from the Univer-

sity of Arizona. ■ "BA" is an abbreviation for "Bach-

elor of Arts". Compare with "BS" (an abbreviation

for "Bachelor of Science"). ■ See box at abbrevia-

tions.

baby /ˈbeɪ.bi/ [㐗] A very young child:

Mary's going to have a baby. ■ The plural is "ba-

bies".

baby-sit /ˈbeɪ.bi.sɪt/ [㐘] To look after children

while their parents are out: Jenny baby-sits on Fri-

day nights.

babysitter /ˈbeɪ·biˌsɪt·̬ ər/ [㐗] A young person

who looks after children when their parents are

out: Jenny is our children's babysitter.

bachelor /ˈbætʃ·ə·lər/ [㐗] 1 A man who is not

married: John wants to stay a bachelor for the rest

of his life. ■ See box at abbreviations.

back1 /bæk/ [㐗] 1 The part of the body that

goes from the neck to the bottom: You will hurt
your back if you carry that heavy case. 2 The op-

posite side from the front: The kids are playing
basketball at the back of the house. 3 back to
front The wrong way round: You're wearing your
jumper back to front. 4 behind (somebody's)
back To do or to say something without a person

knowing it: She's always talking about me behind

my back.

back2 /bæk/ [㐀] 1 Situated behind some-

thing: The dog's sitting in the backyard. ■ Com-
pare with "frontal" (being at the front). 2 back
door The door that is at the back of a house:

When you go into the yard, close the back door

behind you.

back3 /bæk/ [㐄] 1 In the direction that is behind

you: Move back, please; give him some space. 2 To

where somebody or something was before: I'll be
back at five. 3 Again: Call me back as soon as you

can.

back4 /bæk/ [㐘] 1 To make something go back-

wards: She backed the car into the driveway. 2 To

support: The organization is backed by the United

Nations.

41 badtempered

◗ PHRASAL VERBS · to back away To walk Can you say the alphabet backwards, from Z a
back from somebody or something: The child to A? b
was frightened and backed away from the bull- c
dog. · to back (somebody) up To support: BACKWARDS d
Don't worry, I'll back you up if Louise tells your e
father. backyard [㐌] A piece of land behind a house f
g
backache /ˈbæk.eɪk/ [㐌] A pain in the back: After and belonging to it: They grow vegetables in their
backyard. h
the game, John had a terrible backache. i
bacon /ˈbeɪ.kən/ [㐖] Smoked or salted meat j
backbone /ˈbækˌboʊn/ [㐗] The line of bones k
from a pig: A lot of people like bacon for breakfast. l
that goes down the back: The lion killed the zebra m
by breaking its backbone. ■ The same meaning: bacteria /bækˈtɪər·i·ə/ [㐌] Very small living n
"spine". o
things: Some bacteria can cause diseases. ■ This p
background /ˈbæk.graʊnd/ ❚ [㐗] 1 A person's word is always plural. q
r
education, family, and experience of life: I feel bacterial [㐀] Referring to bacteria: The infec- s
ashamed of my background. ❚ [㐖] 2 The back t
part in a picture: This photograph was taken tion is bacterial. u
against a red background. ■ Compare with "fore- v
ground" (that part of a view which is closest to the bad /bæd/ [㐀] 1 Not good: We're having bad weath- w
viewer). x
er these days. 2 Damaging to somebody or some- y
backing /ˈbæk.ɪŋ/ [㐖] Help or support: Our thing: Doctors say smoking is bad for your health. 3 z
Serious: His parents had a bad accident on the road
team has a lot of backing and they say it helps to Seattle. 4 to go bad To become unpleasant or un-
them to play better. healthy to eat: We can't eat the fish because it's gone
bad. 5 not bad or not so bad Quite good: The movie
backpack /ˈbæk.pæk/ [㐗] A bag that you carry on TV yesterday wasn't bad. ■ The comparative form is
"worse" and the superlative form is "worst".
on your back: We couldn't get very far carrying our
tents and backpacks in the heavy rain. ■ In British bade Past tense of bid2.
English they say "rucksack". badge /bædʒ/ [㐗] A piece of metal or plastic

BACKPACK that you wear on clothes: He wears the club badge
on his blazer.
backstroke /ˈbæk·stroʊk/ [㐖] A style of
badger /ˈbædʒ·ər/ [㐗] A black and white ani-
swimming in which you swim on your back: The
Russians won the backstroke last year. mal that lives in holes: Badgers hunt at night.

backward /ˈbæk·wərd/ [㐀] In the direction that badly /ˈbæd.li/ [㐄] 1 Not well: He plays tennis re-

is behind you, that moves towards the back: She ally badly. 2 Seriously: She was badly hurt in a car
took a backward look at her town before she left it crash last week. 3 Very much: Your friend badly
for the last time. needs a shave. ■ The comparative form is "worse"
and the superlative form is "worst".
backwards /ˈbæk·wərdz/ [㐄] 1 Towards the
badminton /ˈbæd.mɪn.tən/ [㐖] A game like
back, towards behind you: Be careful you
don't fall backwards. 2 With the end first: tennis with a very light ball that has feathers: My
sister's good at badminton.

badtempered /ˈbædˈtem·pərd/ [㐀] Annoyed or

angry: Why is that kid always so badtempered?

bag 42

a bag /bæg/ [㐗] 1 A container that people use for balcony /ˈbæl.kə.ni/ [㐗] An open or glass cov-

b carrying things: We need a large bag to carry the ered area on the outside wall of a building: We
fruit. 2 sleeping bag See sleeping bag. spent the evening talking on the balcony. ■ The plu-

baggage /ˈbæg.ɪdʒ/ [㐖] Bags that you use ral is "balconies".

c when traveling: Help me put the baggage in the bald US: /bɑːld/ UK: /bɔːld/ [㐀] With no hair on
car, please. ■ Be careful with the pronunciation of your head: My father's been bald since he was thir-
d this word. The last "a" is pronounced like the "i" in ty. 㐀 See picture at hair.
"did". ball US: /bɑːl/ UK: /bɔːl/ [㐗] 1 A round object

e baggy /ˈbæg.i/ [㐀] Fitting loosely: Those pants used in games: Helen hits the ball really hard
are much too baggy for me. ■ This word is informal. when she's playing tennis. 2 Anything that is

f ■ The comparative form is "baggier" and the superla- round: I'll need another ball of wool to finish the
tive form is "baggiest". sweater. 3 A big party where people can dance:

g bagpipes /ˈbæg.paɪps/ [㐑] A musical wind in- Lucy and Mark went to a New Year's ball last year.
strument made of an air sack attached to pipes: ballet /bæˈleɪ/ [㐖] 1 Dancing and music that

h Bagpipes are popular in Scotland. ■ We can also tells a story: My favorite ballet is "Swan Lake". 2
use "bagpipe" with a singular meaning: "to play the ballet dancer A person who dances ballet:

i bagpipe". Nureyev was a great ballet dancer.

balloon /bəˈluːn/ [㐗] 1 A rubber bag filled with

j BAGPIPES air or gas: Let's get some balloons for the party. 2 A
big bag filled with gas that can fly, carrying pas-

sengers: The hot-air balloon moved slowly across

k the valley. 㐀 See picture at transport.

l BALLOON

m

n

o

p

q
r bake /beɪk/ [㐘] To cook food in an oven: Bake the
bread for thirty minutes.
s baker /ˈbeɪ·kər/ [㐗] A person who makes and
sells bread and cakes: The baker in our street sells ballpoint [㐗] A pen with a small ball at the
very good bread.
t bakery [㐗] A store that sells bread and cakes: end: My ballpoint has no ink left. ■ We also say
Sheila's gone to the bakery to buy a loaf of bread. "ballpoint pen". ■ In British English they say "biro".
u 㐀 See picture at market.
ballpoint pen /ˌbɔːlpɔɪntˈpen/ [㐗] See ball-
balance1 /ˈbæl.ənts/ [㐖] 1 The ability to stay point.

v in one position without falling: Her balance bamboo /bæmˈbuː/ [㐌] A tall, strong, tropical
wasn't very good and she fell. 2 A situation in plant: Pandas eat bamboo.

w which two or more things have the same impor- ban1 /bæn/ [㐗] A law or a rule that says that
tance: People need to find a balance between work you must not do something: There's a ban on

x and play. 3 to lose your balance To become un- smoking in hospitals.
steady: If you try to carry those heavy things, you'll ban2 /bæn/ [㐘] To make a law or a rule that says

y lose your balance and fall. that something must not be done: Governments

balance2 /ˈbæləns/ [㐘] To keep or to stay in one should ban nuclear tests. ■ Compare with "forbid"

z position without falling: I bet you can't balance (to tell somebody that you do not allow them to do
this ball on your head. something).

43 barbecue

banana /bəˈnæn·ə/ [㐌] A long, yellow fruit: I like banister /ˈbæn·ə·stər/ [㐗] The rail at the side a
b
bananas for dessert. 㐀 See page 436. of a staircase: Hold onto the banister so you don't c
d
banana tree [㐗] A plant which produces ba- fall down. e
f
nanas and has very large leaves: The banana tree bank /bæŋk/ [㐗] 1 A place where people keep g
grows in tropical or subtropical regions. 㐀 See pa-
ge 435. money: My aunt has a lot of money in the bank. 2 h
i
band /bænd/ [㐗] 1 A thin, narrow piece of ma- The land along the side of a river or of a lake: j
We'll put up our tent on the river bank. 3 A place k
terial for holding things together: Try tying your l
pencils together with this rubber band. 2 A group where something is stored: Hospital blood banks m
of people who play music together: He plays the save a lot of lives. 4 bank account An arrange- n
drums in the town band. 3 A group of people who o
act together: A band of thieves have stolen three ment with a bank to keep money in it: I haven't p
cars in this street. q
got much money in my bank account. r
bandage1 /ˈbændɪdʒ/ [㐗] A piece of cloth that s
banker /ˈbæŋ·kər/ [㐗] A person who is in t
covers a wound: The bandage round my arm's a bit u
loose now. ■ Be careful with the pronunciation of charge of a bank: Talk to a banker if you need a v
this word. The last "a" is pronounced like the "i" in w
loan.
"did".
banking /ˈbæŋ.kɪŋ/ [㐖] The activity of direct-
bandage2 /ˈbændɪdʒ/ [㐘] To tie a piece of cloth
ing a bank: He's an expert in international bank-
round a wound: The nurse is going to bandage his
arm. ■ Be careful with the pronunciation of this ing.
word. The last "a" is pronounced like the "i" in "did".
bankrupt1 /ˈbæŋkrʌpt/ [㐀] Unable to pay your
B&B [㐗] See bed and breakfast. ■ Be careful.
debts: Mr. Fowler went bankrupt and had to sell his
"B&B" is always written in capital letters.
house.
bandit /ˈbæn.dɪt/ [㐗] An armed robber, usually
bankrupt2 /ˈbæŋkrʌpt/ [㐘] To make somebody or
in a wild place: The bandits attacked the travelers
in the mountains and took everything they had. something very poor so that they are unable to

bang1 /bæŋ/ [㐗] 1 A loud noise: Pete always pay their debts: Bad management bankrupted the

closes the door with a bang. 2 A sharp blow: Sha- company.
ron had a bang on her left leg.
banner /ˈbæn·ər/ [㐗] 1 A long flag: Our club
bang2 /bæŋ/ [㐘] 1 To make a loud noise when you
banner is black and yellow. 2 A long piece of cloth
close something: Don't bang the door when you go
out. 2 To hit something: Tom fell and banged his or paper with words on it: The banners said: "Stop
head against the table.
nuclear tests!".
banger /ˈbæŋ.ər/ US: /-ɚ/ [㐗] 1 See firecracker.
banquet /ˈbæŋ.kwɪt/ [㐗] A large, formal meal:
2 See sausage. ■ This word is British English.
The wedding banquet will take place at the Hilton.
bangs /bæŋz/ [㐑] The front part of some-
baptize or baptise /bæpˈtaɪz/ [㐘] To formally
body's hair, cut so that it hangs over the fore-
head: The hairdresser only cut her bangs a little. ■ admit somebody to the Christian church: They've
In British English they say "fringe". 㐀  See picture
at hair. baptized the child with the name of George.

banish /ˈbæn.ɪʃ/ [㐘] To send somebody away from bar US: /bɑːr/ UK: /bɑːr/ [㐗] 1 A place where peo-

their country: Napoleon was banished to the is- ple go to drink: Shall we go to the bar for a drink. 2
land of Elba.
A piece of soap, chocolate and so on: Don't eat
BANK
that bar of chocolate before dinner. 㐀 See picture
at a piece of... 3 A long piece of straight metal:

They put iron bars on that house after the robbery.
4 Any of the segments of time into which a piece

of music is divided: Each bar is marked with a ver-

tical line on the stave.

barbecue1 /ˈbɑr·bɪˌkju/ [㐗] 1 A grill in the

open air: My parents have bought a barbecue so

x
y

z

barbecue 44

a that we can eat in the backyard. 2 A party where to the barometer, the weather will be very cold to-

b food is eaten in the open air: My cousins came to morrow.
the barbecue last night. ■ Be careful with the pro- barrel /ˈbær.əl/ [㐗] A large, round container
nunciation of this word! The "ue" is pronounced as for liquids: Whisky is kept in oak barrels.
c "you".
barrier /ˈbær·i·ər/ [㐗] A fence that is an obsta-
barbecue2 [㐘] To cook food on a barbecue: We cle: The police have put up barriers to control the
d will barbecue meat and vegetables for the party. traffic.
㐀 See picture at cook. basalt /bəˈsɔlt/, /ˈbeɪ·sɔlt/ [㐖] A dark, volcanic

e barber US: /ˈbɑːr.bɚ/ UK: /ˈbɑː.bər/ [㐗] A man rock which can form columns: The columns in the
who cuts men's hair: The barber washed Tim's cave were of basalt.

f hair before cutting it. ■ Compare with "hairdresser" base1 /beɪs/ [㐗] 1 The lowest part of some-
(a person who cuts and arranges hair). thing: The base of this bottle is cracked. 2 The

g barber's US: /ˈbɑːr.bɚz/ UK: /ˈbɑː.bəz/ [㐗] The place from which something is controlled: The or-
place where a barber works: Jason is at the bar- ganization United Nations has its main base in

h ber's getting a haircut. New York. 3 A military camp: People think the air

bare US: /ber/ UK: /beər/ [㐀] 1 When we talk base is too close to the town. ■ Be careful with the

i about parts of the body, without clothing: When pronunciation of this word!
they saw his bare arms, they were amazed at his base2 /beɪs/ [㐘] To use something as a starting

j tattoos. 2 Empty: Our living room is still very bare; point: The movie is based on an old Chinese tale. ■
we've got just two chairs and a small table. Be careful with the pronunciation of this word! ■ We

barefoot /ˈbeərˌfʊt/ [㐄] Without any shoes on: say: "based on (something)".
k Sandra's playing barefoot on the lawn.
baseball /ˈbeɪsˌbɔl/ [㐖] An American sport

barely /ˈbeər·li/ [㐄] Very little: There's barely played with a bat and a ball: In baseball, when
l any sugar left.
you hit the ball you have to run around a field.

bargain1 /ˈbɑr·gən/ [㐗] Something that you 㐀 See picture at sport.
m buy cheap: This electric guitar was a bargain.
basement /ˈbeɪ.smənt/ [㐗] A room that is
bargain2 /ˈbɑːgɪn/ [㐘] To argue about the price of under the ground: I'm going to put the old pa-

n something: You can't bargain in this store; all the pers in the basement. ■ The same meaning:
prices are fixed. "cellar".

o barge1 US: /bɑːrdʒ/ UK: /bɑːdʒ/ [㐗] A long river basic /ˈbeɪ.sɪk/ [㐀] Simple and necessary: Hel-
or canal boat: The barges crossing the river are full en's learning the basic vocabulary of Spanish.

p of tourists in summer. basically /ˈbeɪ.sɪ.kli/ [㐄] A word used when you
barge2 /bɑːdʒ/ to barge in To rush in somewhere, say what you think is the most important thing

q interrupting something: The door opened sudden- about somebody or something: Basically, I think
ly and the children barged in. Fred's rather shy.

r bark1 US: /bɑːrk/ UK: /bɑːk/ ❚ [㐗] 1 The noise basil US: /ˈbeɪzəl/ UK: /ˈbæzəl/ [㐖] An aromatic
that a dog makes: Don't be afraid of Boxer, his herb used to add flavor to food: Italians use basil

s bark is worse than his bite. 㐀 See picture at ani- in the tomato sauce on their pasta.
mal. ❚ [㐖] 2 The outer part of a tree: They're basis /ˈbeɪ.sɪs/ [㐗] 1 The foundation or sup-
collecting pieces of bark to start the fire. port for an idea: Making profit is the basis for the
t bark2 /bɑːk/ [㐘] To make a noise like a dog: Kate's capitalist economy. 2 The starting point for some-
dog always barks at children. thing: Governments agreed on the basis for negoti-
u barley /ˈbɑr·li/ [㐖] A cereal that is used for ations. ■ The plural is "bases". 3 on a {daily/week-
food and for making some drinks: Whisky and ly/regular} basis The way in which something is

v beer are made from barley. arranged: During the illness she will visit the Doc-

barman /ˈbɑː.mən/ US: /ˈbɑːr-/ [㐗] A man who tor on a weekly basis.

w serves drinks in a bar or in a pub: The barman is basket US: /ˈbæs.kɪt/ UK: /ˈbɑː.skɪt/ [㐗] A con-
busy and can't bring the drinks now. ■ The plural is tainer made of thin sticks: We put all the dirty

x "barmen". ■ A woman who serves drinks is a "wait- clothes in a basket.
ress". basketball US: /ˈbæs.kɪt.bɑːl/ UK: /ˈbɑː.skɪt.bɔːl/

y barn US: /bɑːrn/ UK: /bɑːn/ [㐗] A large farm [㐖] A sport played by two teams of five play-
building: We keep the food for the pigs in the barn. ers who throw a ball into a high net: Pau Gasol is

z barometer /bəˈrɑm·ɪ·t̬ər/ [㐗] An instrument my favorite basketball player. 㐀  See picture at
that says what the weather will be like: According sport.

45 be

bass /beɪs/ ❚ [㐌] 1 The deepest tone in which a bathe /beɪð/ [㐘] 1 To wash part of your body: She a
b
male voice can sing: The bass sings a solo number. bathed her sore feet in hot water. ■ Compare with c
2 The instrument that produces a deep sound: "bath2" (to wash the whole body in a long container). 2 d
She plays the bass at the chamber orchestra. ■ The e
plural is "basses". ❚ [㐗] 3 A fish that can live in To swim: The kids shouldn't bathe in very deep water. f
the sea or in a river: Mom prepared bass with on- g
ion and lemon for dinner. ■ Be careful with the pro- bathing suit [㐗] A piece of clothing worn
nunciation of this word! "a" is pronounced "ei". h
"Bass" rhymes with "face". ■ The plural is also for swimming, usually by women and girls: Don't i
"bass". j
forget your bathing suit for the vacation. k
bass drum [㐗] A large drum with a low l
bathroom /ˈbæθˌrum/, /-ˌrʊm/ [㐗] A room with a m
pitch: The bass drum is often used to mark or n
keep time. ■ Be careful with the pronunciation of bathtub and a sink: Linda's in the bathroom taking o
this word! "Bass" rhymes with "face". 㐀 See page p
459. a shower. ■ In British English they say also "toilet". q
r
bass guitar [㐗] A guitar that makes a deep 㐀 See picture on the following page and at house. s
t
sound: Rick plays the bass guitar in our group. bathtub [㐗] A long container for washing u
v
bassoon [㐌] A musical instrument with a long your body: Jessica's been in the bathtub for half an w
x
wooden tube and metal keys which gives a very hour. ■ "Tub" is short for "bathtub". ■ In British Eng- y
low sound: He plays the bassoon in the local or- z
chestra. lish they say "bath". 㐀 See picture at bathroom.

bat /bæt/ [㐗] 1 A small animal that flies at battery US: /ˈbæt.̬ ɚ.i/ UK: /ˈbæt.ər.i/ [㐗] A closed

night: Bats live in caves and feed on fruit and in- container that produces electricity: Your radio
sects. 2 An instrument for hitting a ball in a
cricket, baseball and other sports, usually made needs new batteries. ■ The plural is "batteries".
of wood: Careful! If you hit the bat against the ta-
ble you will damage it. battle /ˈbæt·̬ ə·l/ [㐌] 1 A fight between armed forc-

BAT es: Admiral Nelson died in the Battle of Trafalgar. 2

bath1 US: /bæθ/ UK: /bɑːθ/ [㐗] 1 See bathtub. ■ Any fight: Scientists are winning the battle against

This use is British English. 2 Water for a bath: Your cancer.
bath will be ready in a few minutes. 3 The act of
washing your body in a large container: Isn't it bay /beɪ/ [㐗] An area of sea partly surrounded
about time you had a bath, Peter?
by land: The Bay of San Francisco is between Oak-
bath2 US: /bæθ/ UK: /bɑːθ/ [㐘] To wash all over in a
land City and San Francisco City. 㐀 See page 444.
large container: My dad always baths before going
to bed. ■ We usually say: "to take a bath". ■ Compare be, was, been /biː, bi/ [㐘] 1 Used to show a per-
with "bathe" (to wash part of your body).
manent or temporary quality: The room is cold. 2

Used to refer to situations or locations: I was at
the races last Saturday, but where were you? 3 To
happen: The concert was last night. 4 Used to re-
fer to measures: The lake is two seven feet deep. 5

Used to refer to distance: The mountains are very
far away. 6 Used to refer to age: My brother is
eighteen years old. 7 To feel (sensation): Have
some water if you are thirsty. 8 Used with other

verbs in order to form continuous tenses: "I am

reading a magazine" is an example of the Present
Continuous tense. 9 Used with other verbs in or-

der to form passive tenses: "The rocket was

launched at eight o'clock" is an example of the past
passive tense. 10 to be afraid To feel fear: I am
afraid of snakes. 11 to be lucky To have good for-

tune: Carol was lucky when she went to Paris be-
cause she had great weather. 12 to be on To be

shown on television or at a movie theater, a the-

ater and so on: What's on at the Roxy theater at the
moment? 13 to be right To be the one who is cor-

rect, or to have the correct answer: You are right.
14 to be wrong To be the one who is not correct,

or to have the incorrect answer: I am afraid you

are wrong. ■ See box on the following page.
◗ PHRASAL VERBS · to be into (something) To
like something a lot: I am really into chess. · to be

up to (something) To do something, often mis-

46

a BATHROOM

b

c

d

e

f shelf
g window
mirror

h

i toothpaste

j toothbrush faucet
towel soap
k toilet
l shower sink

m

n

o

p

q bath mat

r

s

t

u bathtub

v

w tile
x plug

y

z

47 become

chievous or in secret: I think the two children are beauty /ˈbju·t̬i/ [㐖] The state of being beauti- a
b
up to something, they are being so quiet. ful: The Lake District is an area of great natural c
beauty. ■ The plural is "beauties". d
beach /biːtʃ/ [㐗] An area of sand next to the e
beaver /ˈbi·vər/ [㐗] A small animal with fur f
sea: The beaches were full of tourists last summer. g
that lives near water: Beavers have strong teeth
㐀 See page 444. and heavy tails. h
i
beak /biːk/ [㐗] The hard part of a bird's became /bɪˈkeɪm/ Past tense of become. j
because /bɪˈkəz/, /bɪˈkəz/ [㐈] 1 For the reason k
mouth: Parrots have big, curved beaks. l
that: I'll take a taxi because I'm in a hurry. 2 be- m
beaker /ˈbi·kər/ [㐗] A plastic glass with a lip cause of By reason of: His plane couldn't land be- n
cause of the fog. o
that makes it easy to pour, used in chemistry: p
become, became, become /bɪˈkʌm/ [㐘] 1 To q
You can use the beaker to measure out the chemi- r
grow or to change into something: Janet became a s
cals. 㐀 See page 440. doctor after years of studying. 2 To happen to: t
What will become of you if you don't finish your u
beam /biːm/ [㐗] A line of light: We can see the v
to be: auxiliary verb w
beam of the lighthouse from the beach. x
We sometimes use the verb to be as an auxiliary y
bean /biːn/ [㐗] 1 The seed of some plants, that verb (this is a verb that is used with the main verb of z
the sentence). To be is used in the following ways:
are eaten as a vegetable: We never have beans for
dinner. 㐀 See page 437. 2 A seed of some plants ðÜContinuous tenses:
to be + -ing form of main verb:
from which food or drink is made: Those coffee
beans come in tins. 3 baked beans White beans - They’re playing football.
- I was walking through the park when I found a book.
cooked in a tomato sauce and tinned: We had
- How long have you been watching television?
fried eggs and baked beans for lunch.
ðÜThe passive form:
bear1 US: /ber/ UK: /beər/ [㐗] A very large, strong to be + past participle of main verb:

animal with thick fur: Bears are fond of honey. ■ - English is spoken in Australia.
- Cars are repaired in garages.
Be careful with the pronunciation of this word! It is
to be
pronounced like "air". 㐀 See page 428.
ðÜPresent tense
bear2, bore, born /beər/ [㐘] 1 To support weight:
affirmative contractions negative questions
That seat won't bear the weight of two people. 2 To
I am I’m I’m not am I?
be able to tolerate somebody or something: I can't
you are you’re you’re not are you?
bear noisy places. ■ Be careful with the pronuncia-
he /she / it he’s / she’s / he / she / it is he / she /
tion of "bear". It is pronounced like "air". is it’s isn’t it?
we are we’re we aren’t are we?
beard US: /bɪrd/ UK: /bɪəd/ [㐗] The hair on a you are you’re you’re not are you?
they are they’re they aren’t are they?
man's face: You'll look older with a beard.
ðÜPast tense
beast /biːst/ [㐗] 1 A large animal or creature:
affirmative negative questions
Have you seen "Beauty and the Beast"? ■ We usual-
ly say "animal". 2 A cruel, unpleasant person: I was I wasn’t was I?

Don't be such a beast! Let me go! you were you weren’t were you?

beat1 /biːt/ [㐗] 1 A regular sound: After he ran he / she / it was he / she / it wasn’t was he / she / it?

up the hill, his heart beat was very fast. 2 A regular we were we weren’t were we?

measure in music: He tapped his foot in time to you were you weren’t were you?

the beat of the music. they were they weren’t were they?

beat2, beat, beat /biːt/ [㐘] 1 To defeat some- ðÜPresent participle ðÜPast participle

body: She beats me at tennis most of the time. 2 To being been

hit somebody or something many times: The
wind's beating against the windows. 3 To move

many times: His heart beats faster every time he

sees Karen.

beaten /ˈbi·tə·n/ Past participle of beat.
beautician /bjuːˈtɪʃ.ən/ [㐗] A person who

gives beauty treatments to your face or your

body: My sister is studying to be a beautician.

beautiful /ˈbju·t̬ɪ·fəl/ [㐀] Very pleasing to look

at: That's a beautiful picture! ■ When we use "beau-

tiful" for people, this is usually to talk about girls and

women. For men we usually say "handsome" or

"good-looking".

bed 48

a studies? ■ Be careful. In this use we say: "to become sleepy. 2 A glass, a can or a bottle of beer: Will you

b of". buy us a beer?
bed /biːˈed/, /biːˈed/ [㐌] 1 A piece of furniture for beetle /ˈbit·̬ ə·l/ [㐗] An insect with a hard
sleeping on: We need a room with two beds. 2 to black cover: Beetles are harmful to plants. 㐀 See

c make a bed To tidy the sheets and blankets on a page 431.
bed: Andrew always makes his bed in the morn- beetroot /ˈbiː.truːt/ [㐌] A sweet dark red vegeta-
d ings. 㐀 See picture at bedroom.
ble: Yesterday I only had a beetroot salad for

bed and breakfast [㐗] A small family ho- lunch.
e tel: At a bed and breakfast they give you a bed before1 /bɪˈfɔːr/ [㐄] 1 Earlier: Why didn't she
for the night and breakfast the next morning. come before? 2 In front: Look at the page before.

f ■ "B&B" is a written abbreviation for "bed and before2 /bɪˈfɔːr/ [㐓] 1 In front of: Don't talk
breakfast". like that before the kids. 2 Earlier than: She came

g bedclothes /ˈbedˌkloʊz/, /-ˌkloʊðz/ [㐑] Sheets home before eleven last night. 3 Ahead of: The gas
and blankets for making the bed: I won't get into a station's one hundred yards before the bank.

h bed with such dirty bedclothes. before3 /bɪˈfɔːr/ [㐈] Earlier than the time

bedrock /ˈbedrɒk/ [㐖] A solid layer of rock when: Think before you talk.

i lying under loose earth and sand: The archeolo- beg /beg/ [㐘] 1 To ask for money or for food: A lot
gists got down to the granite bedrock. of people live through begging in the big cities. 2

j bedroom /ˈbed.rʊm/ [㐗] A room for sleeping To ask somebody strongly to do something: Mark
in: I've got posters of all my favorite groups on my begged me not to tell anybody. ■ Be careful with the
bedroom walls. 㐀 See picture at house. spelling of these forms: "begged", "begging".
k bedside /ˈbed.saɪd/ [㐌] The side of a bed: She's began /bɪˈgæn/ Past tense of begin.
got a small lamp by her bedside. beggar /ˈbeg·ər/ [㐗] A person who lives by
l bedside table [㐗] A small low table which asking for money: Many beggars sleep in the
is placed next to a bed: Tom always has a book on streets.

m his bedside table. ■ The same meaning: "night ta- begin, began, begun /bɪˈgɪn/ [㐘] 1 To start:
ble", "side table". 㐀 See picture at bedroom. Come quickly; the movie's beginning. 2 to begin

n bee /biː/ [㐗] A flying insect that makes honey: with At first: To begin with he was angry, but soon
If you disturb the bees they'll sting you. 㐀 See pa- he smiled.

o ge 431. beginner /bɪˈgɪn·ər/ [㐗] A person who is start-

beech or beech tree /biːtʃ/ [㐌] A large, north- ing to learn something: I think John is very good at

p ern tree: The leaves of beech trees fall in winter. baseball considering he's only a beginner.

beef /biːf/ [㐖] The meat from a cow: We had beginning /bɪˈgɪn.ɪŋ/ [㐗] The first part of

q roast beef for lunch on Sunday. ■ Compare with something: A good beginning makes for a good
"cow" (large female farm animal bred to produce ending.
begun /bɪˈgʌn/ Past participle of begin.
r meat and milk).
beehive /ˈbiː.haɪv/ [㐗] A small wooden box in behalf /bɪˈhɑːf/ on behalf of (somebody) For

s which bees live: The beehives must be full of honey somebody: I talked to the boss this morning on
by now. ■ We also say "hive". your behalf.

t BEEHIVE behave /bɪˈheɪv/ [㐘] 1 To act in a particular way:

Why did Mike behave so strangely at the party? 2 be-

have oneself To act in a correct way: Please behave
u yourself, Tom; you're old enough to know better.
behavior [㐖] A way of acting: Her behavior

v at school has improved in the last year.
behind1 /bɪˈhaɪnd/ [㐄] 1 At or towards the fur-

w ther back of somebody or something: If you walk
too fast you'll leave us behind. 2 Late: I think Jim's

x behind with his homework.
behind2 /bɪˈhaɪnd/ [㐓] 1 At the back of:

y been /biːn/ Past participle of be. There's somebody talking behind the door. 2 Less
z beer US: /bɪr/ UK: /bɪər/ [㐌] 1 An alcoholic drink advanced than somebody: We are behind the
Americans in technology. 㐀 See picture at prepo-
made from grain: Too much beer makes you sition.

BEDROOM 49 a
picture b
ceiling c
d
closet lamp wall e
crib bedside table f
bed g
blanket pillow
sheet h
i
rug j
dresser k
l
m
n
o
p
q
r
s
t
u
v
w
x
y
z