Children’s Illustrated Thesaurus

Children’s
Illustrated
Thesaurus

DK UK
Senior Editor Fleur Star
Senior Art Editor Sheila Collins
Editorial Team Tom Booth, Jessica Cawthra,
Anna Fischel, Niki Foreman, Victoria Pyke
Design Assistant Kit Lane
Creative Technical Support Tommy Callan
Illustrators Gus Scott, Edwood Burn
Senior Jacket Designer Mark Cavanagh
Jacket Design Development Manager Sophia MTT
Managing Editor Francesca Baines
Managing Art Editor Phil Letsu
Pre-production Jacqueline Street
Producer Gary Batchelor
Publisher Andrew Macintyre
Art Director Karen Self
Publishing Director Jonathan Metcalf

DK India
Senior Editor Anita Kakar
Project Art Editor Shreya Anand
Project Editor Antara Moitra
Art Editors Revati Anand, Heena Sharma
Assistant Art Editor Neetika Malik Jhingan
Jacket Art Editor Dhirendra Singh
Jackets Editorial Coordinator Priyanka Sharma
DTP Designers Vijay Kandwal, Dheeraj Singh
Picture Researcher Jayati Sood
Managing Jackets Editor Sreshtha Bhattacharya
Picture Research Manager Taiyaba Khatoon
Pre-production Manager Balwant Singh
Production Manager Pankaj Sharma
Senior Managing Editor Rohan Sinha
Managing Art Editor Govind Mittal
First published in Great Britain in 2017 by
Dorling Kindersley Limited
80 Strand, London WC2R 0RL
Based on an original text published by
HarperCollins Publishers.
Copyright © 2017 Dorling Kindersley Limited
Original text copyright © HarperCollins Publishers 2009
Revised text copyright © Dorling Kindersley Ltd 2017
A Penguin Random House Company
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
001–299573–April/2017
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced,
stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any
means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise,
without the prior written permission of the copyright owner.
A CIP catalogue record for this book is
available from the British Library
ISBN: 978–0–2412–8697–5

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Children’s
Illustrated
Thesaurus

A How to use this book Related words Entry

B The Children’s Illustrated Thesaurus is easy to use Words that relate This is the word
C when you want to find a synonym to improve your writing. to the entry to expand your you want to find
D Synonyms are words that can have the same meaning vocabulary even further a synonym for.
come at the end.
as other words – see page 6 for more information.

E Guideword abandon
F
G The word on the A about 1 abrupt 1
H top left shows » preposition relating to or » adjective sudden or unexpected
I B
J you the first entry concerning Laura was happy They were surprised at the
on the page. C about her excellent exam results. teacher’s abrupt departure.
K concerning, on, regarding, sudden, unexpected,
L Synonym D relating to unforeseen, precipitate,
M unanticipated
N Alternative words E about 2
O you can use » adverb not exactly abrupt 2
P F abandon 1 ability » adjective unfriendly and
Q instead of the G » verb to leave someone » noun the skill needed to do I think the film lasts about
entry word are one hour. impolite He was taken
R shown in bold. or something The something Sheila has the almost, approximately, aback by her abrupt manner.
S ability to get on with others. around, nearly, roughly curt, rude, short, terse,
T Definition H child abandoned its toy. capability, competence, brusque, unceremonious
U desert, jilt, leave, expertise, skill, talent, above 1 antonym: polite
V What the leave behind, forsake, aptitude, dexterity, » preposition over or higher than
word means. proficiency absent
W I leave in the lurch antonym: inability something The bird flew » adjective not present
X Example J above the clouds.
Y sentence able higher than, over Hugo was absent from
K » adjective good at doing antonym: below school yesterday so
Helping you find L The child abandoned its toy. related words: prefixes super-, missed the mock test.
the right word M abandon 2 something Luca proved supra-, sur- away, elsewhere,
by putting it N » noun lack of restraint himself to be an able gone, missing
in context. teacher when all his pupils antonym: present
Raj began to laugh passed the exam.
with abandon. accomplished, capable, The bird flew above the clouds. absent-minded
efficient, expert, first-rate, » adjective forgetful or not
O recklessness, wildness skilled, talented, above 2
antonym: control competent, proficient paying attention Nora’s
preposition greater than absent-minded father left
P abate abolish the camera under the seat.
Q » verb to become less » verb to do away with something » a certain level or amount distracted, forgetful,
The number of visitors random (New Zealand),
The four-day flood abated The children wanted will rise above the 100 mark. inattentive
and the road became visible. to abolish the school’s beyond, exceeding
homework policy. absolute 1
R decrease, diminish, ebb, annul, do away with, » adjective total and complete
lessen, subside, wane overturn, put an end to,
quash, rescind, revoke I can’t understand him,
he is talking absolute nonsense.
complete, downright, pure,
sheer, thorough, total, utter,
unmitigated, unqualified

ST accommodation» noun a house or room for living in digs penthouse

U What kind of accommodation are you staying in? (Britain; informal) I live in the
The actors stayed in digs penthouse on
as they toured the country. the top-floor.

V house mobile home
W bungalow
Each house has A static caravan or a
A bungalow has only its own garden. mobile home is more
affordable than a house.
X one floor.

Y

Z

Z8

4

Entry Part of speech More Shades of yellow a
number
For example, noun, synonyms Instead of a definition, noun or adjective b
If there is more verb, or adjective. colour entries have c
than one sense See page 7 for Shown in grey, a list of shades. Shades of yellow:
more about parts these are slightly amber, canary yellow, d
of the word, of speech. more complicated citrus yellow, daffodil, gold, e
each one has a or advanced lemon, mustard, primrose,
separate entry. synonyms. Guideword saffron, sand, straw, topaz f
g
The word on the top right shows
you the last entry on the page. h
i
accompany j

absolute 2 abusive acceptable a Alphabet k
» adjective having total power » adjective rude and unkind bars l
adjective good enough b m
Louis XIV of France was Don’t use abusive language c The highlighted n
an absolute monarch and when speaking to people, it will » to be accepted letter shows you o
had complete authority offend them. His messy handwriting d which section p
on all state matters. disparaging, insulting, was not acceptable. e you’re in. q
dictatorial, supreme, offensive, rude, scathing, adequate, all right, fair,
tyrannical censorious, vituperative good enough, passable, f Antonym r
satisfactory, tolerable g s
absorb A word that
» verb to soak up or take There was an abundant supply abyss accidental h means the t
of cakes at the party. » noun a very deep hole » adjective happening by chance i opposite to u
in something A sponge j the entry. v
can absorb a lot of water. abundant He peered over the edge The fire was accidental. w
digest, soak up, take in » adjective present in large of the abyss. casual, chance, k ▼, ▲, ◀◀, ▶▶ x
chasm, fissure, gorge, inadvertent, random l y
abstain quantities There was pit, void antonym: deliberate m See below/above/
» verb to choose not to do an abundant supply of n left/right: Look at z
cakes at the party. accommodate o the big illustration
something Vegetarians ample, copious, » verb to provide someone with p for this entry.
abstain from eating meat. full, plentiful q
avoid, deny yourself, forgo, antonym: scarce a place to stay A hotel was Usage
give up, refrain, desist, built to accommodate guests r
forbear, renounce abuse 1 for weddings. s Shows when
» noun cruel treatment house, put up, shelter and how some
absurd t synonyms are used.
» adjective ridiculous of someone Animal He peered over the edge accommodating u
abuse is rightly illegal. of the abyss. » adjective willing to help The v Example
or nonsensical The exploitation, harm, hurt, w sentence
film’s plot was absurd, ill-treatment, oppression accelerate waiter was very accommodating x
I couldn't make sense of it. verb to go faster » The car and found us a new table. y These show
crazy (informal), illogical, abuse 2 considerate, helpful, each synonym
ludicrous, nonsensical, » noun unkind remarks directed accelerated to reach the hospitable, kind, obliging z in a sentence.
ridiculous, incongruous, higher speed limit.
preposterous towards someone The hurry, quicken, speed up accommodation
cyclist shouted abuse at antonym: decelerate
abundance the man driving dangerously. noun a house or room
censure, derision, accept for living in
noun a great amount insults, invective » verb to receive or agree
▼ SEE BELOW
» of something abuse 3 to something Lucas
There is an abundance » verb to speak insultingly to accepted the party invitation. accompany 1
of wildlife in the rainforest. acknowledge, » verb to go somewhere with
affluence, bounty, plenty, someone The fans verbally agree to, concur with,
cornucopia, plethora abused the rival football team. consent to, take someone Children must
antonym: shortage curse, insult, scold, antonym: refuse be accompanied by an adult.
slate (Britain; informal) conduct (formal), escort,
flats go with, usher

How many flats are housing lodgings mansion
in the block?
This housing The student lodgings The mansion has
studio is perfect needed decorating. seven bedrooms.
for families.
He lives in a
one-room studio. apartment

My apartment has
a concierge service.

maisonette

A maisonette is a flat
with its own front door
to the street.

9

5

A Why use a thesaurus?
B The main reason for using a thesaurus is to
(part of speech) it is and provide helpful

C find synonyms, or alternative words, to help definitions and examples. It will also give
you with your writing. In addition, this antonyms, or words that mean the opposite
to the one you look up, wherever possible.
D thesaurus will identify what kind of word

E What is a synonym?
F A synonym is a word that means the same – or almost depending on how you use it. Usually, however,

G the same – as another word, for example “little” and synonyms have little differences in meaning that
“small”. Most of the time, there is no such thing as make one word more suitable to use than another.

H a true synonym. If two words mean exactly the same For example, “little girl” usually means a young girl,
thing, then why bother having both? Rather, a synonym but a “small girl” suggests she is not big in size.

I can or could mean the same thing as another word

J

K

L

M The little girl is the young girl The small girl is the short girl
N This puppy could be described as little or small. on the right. on the left.

O Improve your vocabulary What is an antonym?
P Synonyms can help you improve your writing by using
An antonym is a word that means the opposite of another
more interesting words. For example, instead of word, for example “big” is an antonym of “small”.

Q putting “she said” in a story, using “she shouted” can A small frog
tell the reader that she might be angry or in a noisy

R room. It is also much more interesting to use and read
a variety of words than writing “she said” all the time!

S

T A big elephant

U He said She shouted

V

W
X

Y

Z

6

Parts of speech Verb a

To help you find the right entry in the thesaurus, An action (or “doing word”). These include any sort b
it can help to know the type of word (or “part of of action – such as run, breathe, and sleep – and also c
speech”) you’re looking up. Some words can be used “helping” verbs, which may be used with other verbs d
in different ways, such as “bend” – this can be a verb to show how possible or necessary an action is. e
(to bend over) or a noun (a bend in the river). Here are These include: have, will, be, must, may, and do. f
the main parts of speech and how they fit together. For example, he must run to catch the bus; she will g
come to the party.

John ran to catch the bus. h
i
Grace bent over to pick a flower. The river has many bends. Adverb j

Noun A word that gives more information about a verb, k
adjective, or another adverb. These often end in “ly”, l
An object, person, or place. A noun doesn’t have to be such as quietly and helpfully, but don’t have to – m
a visible thing – “fact” and “history” are also nouns. today, very, and forwards are all adverbs. n
Things with a name (such as a country or a person) o
are known as proper nouns. p
q
Adjective Pat arrived at exactly 5 o'clock. The dog leapt high in the air.
r
A describing word, such s

as green, big, or old. Adjectives t
u
are used to describe nouns.
v
The fairground has bright Lei wrinkled her nose when Preposition Interjection w
lights and fun rides. she tasted the bitter lemon. x
A word that shows how A word that can be used y
one noun (person or on its own without a full
thing) relates to another, sentence, such as “ouch” z
such as “in”, “with”, and “hello”.
and “in spite of”.

Sentence formation

This is how the parts of speech fit together in a sentence.

interjection (proper)
verb noun verb adjective

“Oh!” whispered Chloe, spotting a small

owl sitting quietly on the hedge.

verb adverb preposition noun
noun
7

abandon

A about 1 abrupt 1
» preposition relating to or » adjective sudden or unexpected
B
concerning Laura was happy They were surprised at the
C about her excellent exam results. teacher’s abrupt departure.
concerning, on, regarding, sudden, unexpected,
D relating to unforeseen, precipitate,
unanticipated
E about 2
» adverb not exactly abrupt 2
F abandon 1 ability » adjective unfriendly and
G » verb to leave someone » noun the skill needed to do I think the film lasts about
one hour. impolite He was taken
or something The something Sheila has the almost, approximately, aback by her abrupt manner.
ability to get on with others. around, nearly, roughly curt, rude, short, terse,
H child abandoned its toy. capability, competence, brusque, unceremonious
desert, jilt, leave, expertise, skill, talent, above 1 antonym: polite
leave behind, forsake, aptitude, dexterity, » preposition over or higher than
proficiency absent
I leave in the lurch antonym: inability something The bird flew » adjective not present
J above the clouds.
able higher than, over Hugo was absent from
K » adjective good at doing antonym: below school yesterday so
L The child abandoned its toy. related words: prefixes super-, missed the mock test.
M abandon 2 something Luca proved supra-, sur- away, elsewhere,
N » noun lack of restraint himself to be an able gone, missing
teacher when all his pupils antonym: present
Raj began to laugh passed the exam.
with abandon. accomplished, capable, The bird flew above the clouds. absentminded
efficient, expert, first-rate, » adjective forgetful or not
O recklessness, wildness skilled, talented, above 2
antonym: control competent, proficient paying attention Nora’s
preposition greater than absentminded father left
P abate abolish the camera under the seat.
Q » verb to become less » verb to do away with something » a certain level or amount distracted, forgetful,
The number of visitors random (New Zealand),
The four-day flood abated The children wanted will rise above the 100 mark. inattentive
and the road became visible. to abolish the school’s beyond, exceeding
homework policy. absolute 1
R decrease, diminish, ebb, annul, do away with, » adjective total and complete
lessen, subside, wane overturn, put an end to,
quash, rescind, revoke I can’t understand him,
he is talking absolute nonsense.
complete, downright, pure,
sheer, thorough, total, utter,
unmitigated, unqualified

ST accommodation» noun a house or room for living in digs penthouse

U What kind of accommodation are you staying in? (Britain; informal) I live in the
The actors stayed in digs penthouse on
as they toured the country. the top floor.

V house mobile home
W bungalow
Each house has A static caravan or a
A bungalow has only its own garden. mobile home is more
affordable than a house.
X one floor.

Y

Z

8

accompany

absolute 2 abusive acceptable a
» adjective having total power » adjective rude and unkind
adjective good enough b
Louis XIV of France was Don’t use abusive language c
an absolute monarch and when speaking to people, it will » to be accepted
had complete authority offend them. His messy handwriting d
on all state matters. disparaging, insulting, was not acceptable. e
dictatorial, supreme, offensive, rude, scathing, adequate, all right, fair,
tyrannical censorious, vituperative good enough, passable, f
satisfactory, tolerable g
absorb
» verb to soak up or take There was an abundant supply abyss accidental h
of cakes at the party. » noun a very deep hole » adjective happening by chance i
in something A sponge j
can absorb a lot of water. abundant He peered over the edge The fire was accidental.
digest, soak up, take in » adjective present in large of the abyss. casual, chance, k
chasm, fissure, gorge, inadvertent, random l
abstain quantities There was pit, void antonym: deliberate m
» verb to choose not to do an abundant supply of n
cakes at the party. accommodate o
something Vegetarians ample, copious, » verb to provide someone with p
abstain from eating meat. full, plentiful q
avoid, deny yourself, forgo, antonym: scarce a place to stay A hotel was
give up, refrain, desist, built to accommodate guests r
forbear, renounce abuse 1 for weddings. s
» noun cruel treatment house, put up, shelter
absurd t
» adjective ridiculous of someone Animal He peered over the edge accommodating u
abuse is rightly illegal. of the abyss. » adjective willing to help The v
or nonsensical The exploitation, harm, hurt, w
film’s plot was absurd, ill-treatment, oppression accelerate waiter was very accommodating x
I couldn't make sense of it. verb to go faster » The car and found us a new table. y
crazy (informal), illogical, abuse 2 considerate, helpful,
ludicrous, nonsensical, » noun unkind remarks directed accelerated to reach the hospitable, kind, obliging z
ridiculous, incongruous, higher speed limit.
preposterous towards someone The hurry, quicken, speed up accommodation
cyclist shouted abuse at antonym: decelerate
abundance the man driving dangerously. noun a house or room
censure, derision, accept for living in
noun a great amount insults, invective » verb to receive or agree
▼ SEE BELOW
» of something abuse 3 to something Lucas
There is an abundance » verb to speak insultingly to accepted the party invitation. accompany 1
of wildlife in the rainforest. acknowledge, » verb to go somewhere with
affluence, bounty, plenty, someone The fans verbally agree to, concur with,
cornucopia, plethora abused the rival football team. consent to, take someone Children must
antonym: shortage curse, insult, scold, antonym: refuse be accompanied by an adult.
slate (Britain; informal) conduct (formal), escort,
flats go with, usher

How many flats are housing lodgings mansion
in the block?
This housing The student lodgings The mansion has
studio is perfect needed decorating. seven bedrooms.
for families.
He lives in a
one-room studio. apartment

My apartment has
a concierge service.

maisonette

A maisonette is a flat
with its own front door
to the street.

9

accompany

A act performBut I want to that role!
B

C 2 verb to perform in a play or film

D Get ready to start acting!
E

F I shall act out
G the part of the king!

H accompany 2 accustomed act 1 active 2
I » verb to occur with something » adjective used to something verb to do something » The » adjective busy and hardworking

A cold is often accompanied Pupils become accustomed referee acted correctly in giving Parents were very active
to early morning starts a penalty on the bad tackle. in the school community.
J by a cough. for school. function, operate, busy, engaged,
come with, adapted, familiar, used perform, work enthusiastic, hardworking,
go together with antonym: unaccustomed industrious, involved,
act 2 occupied
K accomplish achieve
L » verb to manage to do » verb to gain by hard work verb to perform in a play activity 1
or film
something The whole team or ability She achieved noun a situation in which
the highest marks in the ▲ SEE ABOVE
M worked together to accomplish competition. » lots of things are happening
their goal. accomplish, carry out, act 3 There is an extraordinary
achieve, bring about, complete, do, fulfil, perform » noun a single thing someone level of activity in the school.
action, bustle,
N complete, do, fulfil, does Adopting the stray energy, liveliness
manage, effect, dog was an act of kindness.
accomplishment, activity 2
O execute, realize achievement, deed, » noun something you do
feat, undertaking
accurate for pleasure The gym
She achieved the highest marks action 1 offers sporting activities such
P » adjective correct to a detailed in the competition. » noun the process of doing as running on the treadmill.
level Use a ruler to make hobby, interest,
the drawing more accurate. achievement something This letter pastime, pursuit
requires immediate action –
Q correct, exact, faithful, noun something which please do not ignore it. The gym offers sporting activities
R precise, right, strict, true activity, operation, such as running on the treadmill.
» someone has succeeded in process
antonym: inaccurate actual
doing Finishing a marathon action 2
S accuse is a huge achievement. » noun something that is done adjective real, rather than
verb to charge someone accomplishment, deed,
exploit, feat He did not like his actions » imaginary or guessed at
T » with doing something wrong questioned. That is the estimate: the
Jack was accused of losing acquire accomplishment, actual figure is much higher.
» verb to get something achievement, deed, authentic, genuine,
U the office keys again. exploit, feat realistic, true, verified
blame, censure, charge, I have recently acquired
a digital camera. active 1
V cite, denounce, impeach, attain, gain, get, obtain, » adjective full of energy
incriminate, indict pick up, procure, secure
Andrea was always so
W active and fun to be around.
X energetic, lively, restless,
sprightly, vivacious,
Y dynamic, indefatigable

Z Jack was accused of losing
the office keys again.

10

playI don't like the way you him. You're too young to advance a

characterize I'm perfect to b
c
her well. portray
d
the lady. e

I'd like to play the You're old enough to f
part of the queen. g
personify
h
her grandmother. i
j
acute 1 add 2 administer 1 admit 2
» adjective severe or intense » verb to combine numbers » verb to allow to enter k
verb to be responsible l
He suddenly had an acute or quantities Add all the Pablo was admitted m
pain in his back. items together to find out how » for managing something to the university. n
critical, extreme, much you have bought. It must be hard work to accept, let in, o
grave, great, intense, add up, count up, total administer a large company. receive, take in p
serious, severe antonym: subtract be in charge of, command, antonym: exclude q
control, direct, manage,
He suddenly had an acute pain run, supervise adult r
in his back. » noun a grown-up person s
2 administer 2
acute 2 6+ A family ticket covers two t
» adjective very intelligent 3+ verb to inflict or impose adults and three children. u
11 grown-up, man, woman v
She has an acute mind » something on someone antonym: child w
and was always the best Add all the items together to find He administered strict x
at problem-solving. out how much you have bought. curfews on the boys. A family ticket covers two adults y
alert, astute, bright, keen, carry out, deal, dispense, and three children.
perceptive, quick, sharp, addition execute, impose, inflict, z
shrewd, discriminating, perform, mete out advance 1
discerning, perspicacious noun something that has been » verb to move forward
admiration
adapt » added to something else » noun a feeling of great liking or develop The forces
» verb to alter for a new use The showroom revealed advanced on the battlefield.
recent additions to their and respect I have make inroads, press on,
The offices were adapted range of cars. always had the greatest proceed, progress
for use as a library. increase, supplement, admiration for her.
adjust, alter, change, addendum, adjunct, appreciation, approval, advance 2
convert, modify appendage esteem, regard, respect » noun progress in something

add 1 adequate admire Scientific advances help
» verb to put something with us explore the Solar System
adjective enough in amount verb to like and respect in ever greater detail.
something else She added breakthrough,
more pages to the book. » or quality for a purpose » someone or something development, gain,
attach, augment, Adequate protein is part of a They admired him progress, step
supplement, adjoin, balanced diet. for his work.
affix, append acceptable, ample, enough, appreciate, look up to,
satisfactory, sufficient respect, value,
antonym: insufficient esteem, venerate
antonym: scorn

admit 1
» verb to agree that something

is true The driver admitted
that he was lost.
accept, acknowledge,
grant
antonym: deny

11

advantage

A advantage adviser afraid aggressive
B » noun a more favourable » noun a person whose job » adjective full of hostility
adjective scared of something
position or state Sara is to give advice My mother unpleasant happening and violence Hungry
had the advantage of knowing spent the day in meetings with sharks can be very aggressive.
C his favourite hiding place. her advisers. ▶▶ SEE RIGHT hostile, quarrelsome,
ascendancy, benefit, aide, consultant, guru, belligerent, pugnacious
dominance, superiority mentor, tutor after antonym: peaceful
» adverb at a later time
D antonym: disadvantage advocate agile
E advertise After the main course, » adjective able to move quickly
verb to publicly support you can choose a dessert.
verb to present something afterwards, following, and easily He is as agile
» a plan or course of action later, subsequently as a cat.
F » to the public in order to sell Tom advocates Mr Johnson antonym: before lithe, nimble, sprightly,
it Printed bags are a good to be the new governor. related word: prefix post- supple, limber,
way to advertise a shop. back, champion, lissom, lissome
again antonym: clumsy
G plug (informal), promote, endorse, favour, » adverb happening one more
publicize, push, blazon, promote, recommend, agitate 1
time When he didn't get » verb to campaign energetically
H promulgate support, uphold a reply, Carlos texted his best
friend again. for something The workers
advertisement affair afresh, anew, once more had begun to agitate for better
» noun an event or series conditions in the office.
noun a public announcement against 1 campaign, demonstrate,
of events The wedding » preposition in opposition protest, push
I » to sell or publicize something was a large affair.
Mia placed an advertisement business, event, issue, to We are against agitate 2
the new building works. » verb to worry or distress
J in the local newspaper. matter, question, averse to, hostile to,
K ad (informal), advert (Britain; situation, subject in opposition to, versus someone Everything
informal), banner ad, related words: prefixes anti-, she said agitated me.
commercial, notice, affect contra-, counter- bother, distress, disturb,
» verb to influence something trouble, upset, worry,
L plug (informal) NO NO discompose, faze, perturb
or someone More than
M 7 million people have been We are against the new agree 1
building works. » verb to have the same opinion
N affected by the drought.
act on, alter, change, against 2 as someone They all agreed
impinge on to go bowling.
preposition in preparation assent, be of the same
O affection opinion, concur,
P Mia placed an advertisement » noun a feeling of fondness for » for or in case of something see eye to eye
Q in the local newspaper. When you go out, dress antonym: disagree
someone or something She well to protect yourselves
advice thought of him with affection. against the cold. agree 2
attachment, fondness, in anticipation of, » verb to match or be the same
R » noun a suggestion as to what liking, love, warmth in expectation of,
to do Take my advice and antonym: dislike in preparation for as something His statement
agrees with the facts given
S don't order the fish pie. affectionate by other witnesses.
counsel (formal), drum » adjective full of fondness accord, conform, match,
(Australia; informal), square, tally
for someone Elsa gave
T guidance, opinion, her dog an affectionate stroke. agreeable 1
suggestion caring, fond, loving, tender » adjective pleasant or enjoyable
antonym: cold
U advise 1 I’ve just had the most
V » verb to offer advice to someone agreeable holiday, I want
His friend advised him to go back!
W to leave as soon as possible. delightful, enjoyable, lovely,
caution, counsel, nice, pleasant, pleasurable
recommend, suggest, urge, antonym: disagreeable

X commend, prescribe
advise 2
Elsa gave her dog
Y verb to notify someone an affectionate stroke.

» I would like to advise you of

Z my decision to change courses.
inform, make known, notify

12

afraid agreeable a

» adjective scared of something unpleasant antonym: b
c
happening The children felt afraid of the unafraid
house on top of the hill. d
Walking towards the gloomy house, e
apprehensive she was surprised that she felt
completely unafraid. f
He felt apprehensive approaching the house g
– there was something very strange about it.
h
fearful i
j
Anyone would be fearful
near a haunted house, k
it gives you goosebumps. l
m
frightened n
o
She was so frightened, she stood p
rooted to the spot. q

nervous r
s
Being nervous made her tremble
like a leaf. t
u
scared v
w
He told her not to be scared, x
although he was also shaking y
in his boots.
z
spooked

They felt spooked – the haunted
house gave them the shivers.

13

agreeable

A alike agreeable 2
B » adjective willing to allow
C
D » 1 adjective similar in some way or do something Pooja said
The snakes look so alike. close she was agreeable to this plan.
game, happy, prepared,
EF ar have similar patterns. Aapkpineagrasnnackeetoisaccloosraelisnnake. ready, willing,
G amenable, compliant
Thessie snmaikles
H agreement

I noun a decision reached

J » by two or more people
The two countries have
K signed agreements on fishing
ML the samell snakes have the same body shape. and oil rights.
N arrangement, contract,
O deal (informal), pact,
A enticalcoloaudrsiffaerreenidteonrtdicear.l, settlement, treaty,
compact, covenant
id
aim 1
justTihneir » verb to plan to do something

P The school aims to recruit
Q three new teachers next year.
aspire, attempt, intend,
URST indistinguishableTihneditswtiongsuniaskheasblaerefroamlmeoastch other. plan, propose, strive

V antonym: aim 2
W different » noun what someone intends

The butterflies are different to achieve My main
aim is to be captain of
X in colour and shape. the hockey team.
ambition, goal, intention,
objective, plan, target

alarm 1
» noun a feeling of fear

The cat sprang back
in alarm.
anxiety, apprehension,
fright, nervousness,
panic, scare,
consternation, trepidation
antonym: calm

The cat sprang back in alarm.

Y

Z

14

amount

alarm 2 alive 1 all right Kirsten surfed the most a
» adjective having life » adjective acceptable It was amazing wave.
noun a device used b
Doctors worked around the all right but nothing special. amazing c
» to warn people of something clock to keep the patient alive. acceptable, adequate, » adjective very surprising or
The burglar alarm animate, breathing, living average, fair, d
woke up the whole street. antonym: dead okay or OK (informal) remarkable Kirsten surfed e
distress signal, siren, the most amazing wave.
warning alive 2 almost astonishing, astounding, f
» adjective lively and active » adverb very nearly staggering, startling, g
alarm 3 stunning, surprising
» verb to fill with fear After jogging up the hill, The number of children in h
Liam felt alive with energy. a class has almost doubled among 1 i
We could not see active, alert, animated, in less than a decade. » preposition surrounded by j
what had alarmed him. energetic, full of life, about, approximately,
distress, frighten, panic, lively, vivacious close to, nearly, not quite, The broken bike lay among k
scare, startle, unnerve antonym: dull practically piles of chains and pedals. l
antonym: calm amid, amidst, in the m
After jogging up the hill, Liam felt alone middle of, in the thick of, n
alert 1 alive with energy. » adjective not with other people surrounded by o
» adjective paying full attention p
all or things He was all alone The broken bike lay among piles q
The alert guard caught in the middle of the hall. of chains and pedals.
the shoplifter red-handed. pronoun the whole detached, isolated, r
attentive, observant, separate, single among 2 s
on guard, vigilant, wary » of something » preposition between more
antonym: unaware Did you eat all the biscuits? aloud t
each, every one, » adverb out loud than two The donations u
alert 2 everything, the whole will be divided among v
» verb to warn of danger amount, the (whole) lot Our father read aloud to us. seven charities. w
related words: audibly, out loud between, to each of x
The swimmers alerted prefixes pan-, panto- y
the passer-by that they also amount
needed help. allow 1 » adverb in addition z
forewarn, inform, notify, noun how much there
warn verb to permit someone Carlos is also an
excellent basketball player. » is of something
The swimmers alerted the » to do something as well, besides, I get a huge amount of
passer-by that they needed help. Jane’s mother allowed furthermore, into the homework every weekend.
her to go to the party. bargain, moreover, too expanse, quantity,
alike 1 approve, authorize, let, volume
permit, stand for, tolerate, always
adjective similar in some way brook, give leave, sanction » adverb all the time or forever
antonym: forbid
◀◀ SEE LEFT Zoe’s always singing,
allow 2 she never stops!
alike 2 continually, every time,
» adverb in a similar way verb to set aside for forever, invariably,
perpetually
All the children taking part » a particular purpose
in the parade were dressed Allow four hours amaze
alike – it was hard to tell for the paint to dry. » verb to surprise greatly
them apart. allocate, allot, assign,
equally, in the same way, grant, set aside Noah amazed us with his
similarly, uniformly knowledge of local history.
astonish, astound, shock,
stagger, stun, surprise,
dumbfound, flabbergast,
stupefy

amazement
» noun complete surprise

Much to my amazement,
Yasmin arrived on time.
astonishment, shock,
surprise, wonder,
perplexity, stupefaction

15

ample

A animosity answer 1 Lily appealed for people to sign
B » noun a feeling of strong dislike » verb to reply to someone her petition.
C
D towards someone There is I waited all day for him appeal 1
E no animosity between the two to answer my question. » verb to make an urgent request
F There was ample space in the tent players – they get on well. reply, respond, retort
G for both children and the dog. antagonism, antipathy, antonym: ask for something Lily appealed
H ample dislike, hatred, hostility, for people to sign her petition.
ill will, malice, resentment answer 2 beg, call upon, plead,
» adjective of an amount: more » noun a reply given to someone request, entreat,
announce implore, pray
than enough There was » verb to make something known He walked away without
waiting for an answer. appeal 2
I ample space in the tent for publicly He announced reply, response, retort, » verb to attract or interest
both children and the dog. the winner of the competition rejoinder, riposte
live on the radio. antonym: question The idea of getting a
J abundant, enough, advertise, make known, sports car appealed to him.
plenty of, sufficient proclaim, reveal, tell, tweet, anxiety attract, fascinate,
promulgate, propound » noun nervousness or worry interest, please
K ancestor
noun a person from whom He announced the winner of the It’s natural to have appeal 3
competition live on the radio. some anxiety before » noun a formal request for
L » someone is descended starting a new school.
Leon could trace his apprehension, concern, something The speaker
fear, misgiving, made an appeal for quiet.
M ancestors back 100 years. nervousness, unease, petition, plea, request,
forebear, forefather, worry, perturbation, entreaty, supplication
precursor, progenitor trepidation
appear 1
N anger 1 announcement anxious » verb to become visible or
O » noun extreme annoyance » adjective nervous or worried
noun a statement giving present A woman appeared
She vented her anger Nicole was very anxious at the far end of the street.
» information about something before starting the exam. come into view, crop up
P at the umpire. There has been no formal apprehensive, bothered, (informal), emerge, show up
fury, outrage, rage, wrath, announcement about the concerned, fearful, (informal), surface, turn up
school trip. nervous, troubled, antonym: disappear
Q choler, ire, pique, spleen, advertisement, broadcast, uneasy, worried
vexation bulletin, declaration, appear 2
report, statement » verb to begin to exist
anger 2
annoy Nicole was very anxious before Small white flowers
R » verb to make someone angry » verb to irritate or displease starting the exam. appear in the spring.
The politician’s remarks become available,
someone Try making a note be invented, come into
S angered his critics. of the things that annoy you. being, come into existence,
enrage, infuriate, outrage bother, displease, get on come out
someone’s nerves (informal),
T antonym: calm hack off (Britain and New appearance 1
U angry Zealand; slang), hassle
(informal), irritate, noun the time when
adjective very annoyed plague, vex
» something begins to exist
V ▶▶ SEE RIGHT annoyance 1 apathetic We were surprised but
» noun a feeling of irritation » adjective not interested pleased at the new girl’s
animal appearance in our class.
Isaac made no secret of his in anything He was advent, arrival, coming,
W » noun a living creature annoyance at bad grammar. apathetic about politics. debut, emergence,
Dogs and cats are the displeasure, irritation cool, indifferent, passive, introduction
uninterested
X nation’s favourite animals. annoyance 2 antonym: enthusiastic
beast, creature » noun something that causes
apologize
Y related word: prefix zoo- irritation Snoring can » verb to say sorry for something
Z be more than an annoyance.
bore, drag (informal), I apologize for being late.
nuisance, pain (informal), ask forgiveness, beg
pain in the neck (informal), someone’s pardon,
pest express regret, say sorry

16

appreciate

angry a
» adjective very annoyed The angry bull charged across the field.
Sofia really cares about b
her appearance. annoyed cross c

appearance 2 enraged fuming furious d
» noun the way that a person e
indignant irate
looks Sofia really cares livid mad raging f
about her appearance. g
bearing, image, look, looks,
demeanour, mien h
i
application j

noun a computer program k
l
» designed for a particular m
n
purpose This application o
runs on all tablets. p
app, software q

appointment 1 r
» noun an arrangement to meet s

someone Valeria has an t
appointment with the dentist. u
date, interview, meeting, v
rendezvous w
x
appointment 2 y
» noun the choosing of a person
z
to do a job Roy was
pleased with his appointment
as the new class president.
election, naming,
nomination, selection

appointment 3
noun a job » He applied

for an appointment in Russia.
assignment, job, place,
position, post

appreciate 1
» verb to value something highly

Joe appreciates good films.
admire, prize, rate highly,
respect, treasure, value
antonym: scorn

appreciate 2
» verb to understand a situation

or problem I didn’t
appreciate the seriousness
of it at the time.
be aware of, perceive,
realize, recognize,
understand

17

appropriate

A approximate argument 1 article 1
» adjective close but not exact » noun an angry disagreement
B noun a piece of writing in
The approximate time He got into an argument
C the concert ends is 10pm. with one of the protesters. » a newspaper or magazine
estimated, inexact, barney (Britain, Australia, and There’s an article about
D loose, rough New Zealand; informal), blue the new park in today’s paper.
antonym: exact (Australia; slang), clash, feature, item, piece, story
E Jeans are not appropriate clothes dispute, feud, fight, row,
for a smart occasion. ardent squabble article 2
» adjective full of enthusiasm » noun a particular item
F appropriate argument 2
G » adjective suitable or acceptable and passion Stefan was How many articles
an ardent performer. noun a set of reasons are on the table?
for a given situation avid, devoted, enthusiastic, item, object, thing
Jeans are not appropriate fervent, intense, keen, » presented for something
passionate, zealous There’s a strong argument ashamed
H clothes for a smart occasion. antonym: apathetic for going home now. » adjective feeling embarrassed
apt, correct, fitting, proper, case, grounds,
Stefan was an ardent performer. logic, reasoning or guilty He was not
I suitable, apposite, ashamed of what he had done.
congruous, germane area 1 arrange 1 embarrassed, guilty,
antonym: inappropriate » noun a particular part » verb to make plans to do humiliated, sheepish, sorry,
chagrined, mortified
J approval 1 of a place Elena lived in something Why don’t you antonym: proud
K » noun agreement given an exclusive area of the city. arrange to meet him later?
district, locality, fix up, organize, plan, ask 1
to something The idea neighbourhood, schedule » verb to put a question
region, zone
L will require approval from arrange 2 to someone Erin asked
teachers and parents. area 2 me if I’d enjoyed my dinner.
agreement, authorization, verb to set things out inquire, interrogate, query,
noun the size of a two- question, quiz
M blessing, endorsement, » in a particular order antonym: answer
permission, sanction, » dimensional surface Lucy's sister arranged
The islands cover the books on the shelves. ask 2
N assent, imprimatur, a total area of 625 sq km. classify, group, order, » verb to make a request
mandate, ratification expanse, extent, range, size organize, sort, array,
systematize to someone We had to
O approval 2 argue 1 ask him to leave.
noun liking and admiration » verb to disagree with someone Lucy's sister arranged the books appeal, beg, demand,
on the shelves. implore, plead, seek,
P » of a person or thing in an angry way They argued beseech, entreat
He wanted to gain over the cost of the taxi fare. arrest 1
bicker, disagree, fall out » verb to take someone into ask 3
Q his father’s approval. (informal), feud, fight, » verb to invite someone
admiration, esteem, favour, quarrel, row, squabble, custody Police arrested
praise, respect wrangle five men. Everybody in the class
apprehend, capture, nick had been asked to the party.
R antonym: disapproval argue 2 (Britain; slang), seize, take bid (literary), invite
S approve 1 » verb to try to prove prisoner
aspect
verb to think something Lena argued that the dog arrest 2 » noun a feature of something
could not have scratched » noun the act of arresting
T » or someone is good the table. Exam results are only one
Not everyone approved assert, claim, debate, someone The police aspect of a school’s success.
maintain, reason, made two arrests. consideration, element,
U of the choice of players. controvert, expostulate, apprehension, capture, factor, feature, part,
admire, favour, praise, remonstrate seizure point, side
respect, think highly of
assemble 1
V antonym: disapprove
verb to fit the parts
approve 2
» of something together
W » verb to agree formally The children were
to something They approved assembling model planes.
build, construct, erect,
X the plan for a new playground. make, put together
authorize, consent to,

Y endorse, permit, sanction
antonym: veto

Z

18

attack

The tourists assembled in a line associate 1 association 2 attach a
next to the bus. » verb to connect one thing » verb to join or fasten things
noun a connection or b
assemble 2 with another Dark clouds together The gadget can c
» verb to gather together are associated with rain. » involvement with a person be attached to any surface.
connect, couple, affix, connect, couple, d
in a group The tourists identify, link or group Did you know fasten, join, link, tie e
assembled in a line next about his association antonym: separate
to the bus. associate 2 with the band? f
collect, come together, » verb to spend time with a affiliation, attachment, attachment 1 g
congregate, convene, bond, connection, » noun a feeling of love and
gather, mass person I began associating relationship, tie, h
with different groups of people. affinity, liaison affection A mother and i
assistant hang out (informal), mingle, child form a close attachment. j
» noun a person who helps mix, run around (informal), assume 1 affection, bond, fondness,
socialize, consort, » verb to accept that something liking, love k
someone The assistant fraternize l
took notes as his boss listed is true Lewis assumed that attachment 2 m
what meetings he needed. associate 3 Jon knew what he was doing. n
aide, ally, colleague, » noun a person known through believe, guess (informal), noun a part that connects o
helper, right-hand man imagine, suppose, think p
work After arriving late, » to something else q
she joined her business assume 2 The drill comes with
associates at the meeting. » verb to take responsibility a wide range of attachments. r
colleague, co-worker, accessory, component, s
workmate for something I will assume fitting, fixture, part, unit
the role of team leader. t
association 1 accept, shoulder, take on, attack 1 u
» noun an organization undertake v
verb to use violence against w
Many schools have astute someone or something x
a parents’ association. » adjective very intelligent y
body, club, company, ▼ SEE BELOW
confederation, group, or perceptive Amy’s an z
institution, league, society, astute judge of character.
syndicate, fraternity alert, clever, keen,
perceptive, quick, sharp,
shrewd, smart, discerning

I really didn’t attack Forward, men, and Charge!

raidwant to be involved »1 verb to use violence against set upon
in this .
someone or something William’s the cavalry.
army attacked King Harold’s knights.
Your
What if they decide
assault
to invade
will go down
Normandy? in history.

I’ve always
wanted to

storm

England.

19

attack

A attack 2 automatic 1 avoid 1
B » verb to criticize someone
adjective operating verb to keep away from
strongly She attacked the
minister’s views on education. » mechanically by itself » someone or something
Modern trains have She thought he was
C blast, censure, criticize, automatic doors. trying to avoid her.
have a go at (Britain; automated, mechanical, dodge, elude, eschew
informal), put down robot, self-propelled (formal), evade, shun,
sidestep, steer clear of
D (informal), vilify (formal), automatic 2
berate, dress down, » adjective without conscious avoid 2

E lambaste, revile thought Breathing is an verb to make an effort
F attack 3 automatic physical function.
instinctive, involuntary, » not to do something
noun violent physical action natural, reflex Liam avoided going out
by pretending to be ill.
G » against someone or something The leading star is very attractive. automobile dodge, duck out of
It was an unprovoked attack (informal), fight shy of,
on the surprised man. attractive noun (US) a vehicle for refrain from, shirk,
» adjective pleasant, especially circumvent,
H assault, charge, invasion, » carrying a few people give a wide berth to
offensive, onslaught, raid to look at The leading star After thinking about
is very attractive. it, Ali decided to buy aware 1 : aware of
I attempt 1 appealing, charming, an expensive automobile. » adjective conscious of
J » verb to try to do something fetching, handsome, car, motor, vehicle
lovely, pretty, comely, something Ava was acutely
They attempted to escape. prepossessing, winsome aware of the noise of the city.
endeavour, seek, strive, antonym: unattractive acquainted with,
conscious of,
K try, try your hand at attribute After thinking about it, Ali decided familiar with, mindful of
L attempt 2 » noun a quality or feature to buy an expensive automobile. antonym: unaware

noun an act of trying Anna’s main attribute available aware 2
is her unfailing generosity. » adjective ready for use » adjective knowing about
M » to do something characteristic, feature,
It was Ryan’s third property, quality, trait, There are three small something Keep me
attempt at the pole vault. idiosyncrasy, peculiarity boats available for hire. aware of any developments.
accessible, at hand, informed, in the picture,
N bid, crack (informal), augment at someone’s disposal, knowledgeable, in the loop
go (informal), shot (informal), free, handy, to hand
stab (informal), try verb to add something antonym: unavailable awful
» adjective very unpleasant
O » to something else average 1
Sally augmented her pocket » adjective standard or normal or very bad The weather
P money by dogsitting for the this morning is awful.
Q neighbours when they went I get up at 7am on an appalling, dreadful,
out for the day. average weekday, but frightful, ghastly,
R add to, boost, complement, tomorrow is a holiday horrendous, terrible,
increase, reinforce, so I'll sleep longer. abysmal, deplorable
S It was Ryan’s third attempt supplement, top up normal, regular, standard,
at the pole vault. typical, usual The weather this morning is awful.
authentic
T attitude » adjective real and genuine average 2 :
noun someone’s way
The cake was made on average
U » of thinking and behaving to an authentic French recipe.
Having a positive attitude bona fide, dinkum (Australia » adverb for the most part
and New Zealand; informal), Men are, on average,
V helps you achieve your dreams. genuine, real, true taller than women.
outlook, perspective, point antonym: fake as a rule, generally,
normally, typically,
W of view, position, stance usually
X attract
Y » verb to appeal to or interest

The trial races have
attracted many leading riders.

Z appeal to, draw, entice,
lure, pull (informal), tempt
antonym: repel

20

band

badly 1 a
» adverb in an inferior way
b
This essay is badly written, c
with poor grammar.
inadequately, ineptly, d
poorly, shoddily,
unsatisfactorily
antonym: well

babble back 2 badly 2 The dog loved playing with the ball. e
» verb to talk in an excited way » adverb seriously
verb to support a person ball f
Tim babbled on and on Ben was badly hurt in a fall. » noun a round object g
about how much fun he’d » or organization deeply, desperately,
had at the party. Mina’s friends backed her gravely, seriously The dog loved playing h
burble, chatter, gabble, campaign for student president. antonym: slightly with the ball. i
prattle advocate, encourage, drop, globe, pellet, sphere, j
endorse, favour, promote, badly 3 globule, orb, spheroid
baby support, champion, second » adverb in a cruel manner k
» noun a very young child antonym: oppose ban 1 l
Jim would never treat his » verb to disallow something m
Jia enjoyed playing background dog badly – he adores it. n
with her baby brother. brutally, callously, cruelly, Adults are banned from o
ankle-biter (Australia and noun where you come from; savagely, viciously taking part in the kids’ race. p
New Zealand; slang), bairn antonym: well bar, disqualify, exclude, q
(Scotland), child, infant » your class, education, training, forbid, outlaw, prohibit,
bait banish, proscribe, r
Jia enjoyed playing with or experience Marianne » noun something used to tempt suppress s
her baby brother. came from a rich background. antonym: permit
culture, environment, someone Charles used
back 1 history, upbringing worms as bait to catch fish. ban 2
» noun the part that is behind bribe, decoy, inducement, » noun a rule disallowing
bad 1 lure, temptation
the front Write a message » adjective harmful, unpleasant, something There is a ban
on the back of a postcard. balance 1 on chewing gum in school.
end, rear, reverse, stern or upsetting I have bad » verb to make or remain steady disqualification, embargo,
antonym: front news – the holiday is cancelled. prohibition, suppression
damaging, destructive, The gymnast balanced antonym: permit
Write a message on the back detrimental, distressing, gracefully on one leg.
of a postcard. disturbing, grim, harmful, level, stabilize, steady band 1
painful, traumatic,
unhealthy, unpleasant, noun a group of musicians
unsettling, upsetting
antonym: good » who play together
Luiz was a singer in
bad 2 a rock-and-roll band.
» adjective of poor quality group, orchestra, combo,
ensemble
The roads were bad, full
of potholes. The gymnast balanced gracefully band 2 t
defective, deficient, faulty, on one leg. u
imperfect, inadequate, noun a group of people who
inferior, pathetic, poor, balance 2 v
sorry, unsatisfactory » noun a stable relationship » share a common purpose w
antonym: good The protest was led by
between things There a band of angry students.
bad 3 must be a balance between bunch, company, crowd,
» adjective evil in character study and play time. gang, party, troupe
equilibrium, equity,
Superheroes always win equivalence, parity x
over the bad guys. y
corrupt, criminal, depraved,
evil, immoral, sinful, The protest was led by a band z
villainous, wicked, wrong of angry students.
antonym: good

21

bang

A

B

C

D hammeMidkeoohratmombeereledt Ibuktntohcekyeddiodnn’tthheeawrinmdeo.w,knock

E

F poundWe pounded on the walls.
thumpThethcuhmilpderednocnhteheerierddeanskds.
G on
slam
rin.
I slamthmeepdhdoonwe.n
the

H

I hit
J
K The ball hit the post.

L

M bang

ONP beatTbheeagtirnogupsmsaatllindraumcisr.cle,

Q

R

S

T

U 1 verb to hit or put something down

V » hard, with a loud noise
Charlie banged the drums
so loudly, my ears hurt.

W
X

Y

Z

22

bay

bang 1 bank 2 base 1 a
» noun a store of something » noun the lowest part of
verb to hit or put something b
down hard, with a loud noise Supplies are running low something They played c
at the blood bank. at the base of the cliffs.
◀◀ SEE LEFT fund, hoard, reserve, stock, bed, bottom, foot, d
store, reservoir, stockpile foundation, pedestal, stand e
bang 2 antonym: top
» noun a sudden, short, loud bar 1 f
» noun a piece of metal base 2 g
noise The microwave » noun the place you work from
exploded with a bang. The prison cell had h
blast, boom, crack, bars across the window. He lived at the military base. i
detonation, explosion, pole, rail, rod, shaft camp, centre, headquarters, j
thump post, station
bar 2 The Sahara is a barren desert. k
bang 3 » verb to stop someone base 3 l
» noun a hard or painful bump barren » verb to use as a foundation m
Bryan’s bodyguards barred » adjective with nothing growing n
against something I got the way as his fans rushed The film is based on o
a nasty bang on the elbow. towards him. on it The Sahara is a true story. p
blow, clout (informal), obstruct, prevent a barren desert. build, derive, found, q
knock, thump, whack arid, desert, desolate, dry, ground, hinge
empty, waste, unfruitful, r
banish 1 unproductive basic s
» verb to exile someone antonym: fertile » adjective most necessary
t
Aliyah banished Doug Bryan’s bodyguards barred the way barrier 1 A basic first aid kit u
from the house until he as his fans rushed towards him. » noun something preventing includes bandages. v
took off his muddy shoes. elementary, essential, w
deport, eject, evict, exile, bare 1 entry There were barriers fundamental, key, x
expel, transport » adjective not covered to prevent the audience from necessary, vital, central, y
getting onto the stage. indispensable, primary
banish 2 Stella wore shorts to the barricade, fence, z
» verb to get rid of something beach, and she burnt her obstruction, wall, basis
bare legs in the sun. fortification, obstacle, » noun the main principle
or someone The kids finally exposed, uncovered rampart
banished their boredom with antonym: covered of something An old
a game of hide and seek. barrier 2 fairy tale forms the basis
discard, dismiss, dispel, bare 2 of the new fantasy film.
eliminate, eradicate, noun something that core, fundamental, heart,
remove adjective with nothing premise, principle
» prevents progress
bank 1 » on top or inside A lack of funds is the bay 1
» noun the edge of a river Len forgot to buy groceries, biggest barrier preventing » noun a curve in a coastline
so the cupboard was bare. me from travelling to South
or lake Ed stood for ages empty, open, spartan, Africa in the summer. The Bay of Naples is on
fishing on the river bank. vacant handicap, hindrance, the west coast of Italy.
brink, edge, shore, side hurdle, impediment, cove, gulf, inlet, sound
barely obstacle
Ed stood for ages fishing on » adverb only just bay 2
the river bank. barter » verb to make a howling noise
It’s too early in the morning
for Lisa to join us for a walk; verb to exchange goods The wolf bayed in the
she’ll be barely awake. moonlight.
almost, hardly, just, » or services without money bark, cry, howl, yelp
scarcely I bartered my comic book
for Wayne’s baseball. The wolf bayed in the moonlight.
exchange, give in exchange,
swap, trade, trade off,
bargain

23

beach

A beach bear 3 because
noun an area by the sea » verb to accept something » conjunction for the reason that

B ▼ SEE BELOW Jim can’t bear the sound I didn’t go to the restaurant
of cutlery scraping on a plate. because I was tired.
bear 1 abide, endure, stomach, as, since, in that,
suffer, tolerate on account of, owing to
C » verb to carry something
The ice wasn’t thick beat 1 The coast is an area of before
outstanding natural beauty. » adverb at a previous time
D enough to bear their weight, verb to hit someone
and it began to crack. beauty 1 Have you ever been
» or something hard » noun the quality of being to Greece before?
E carry, convey, shoulder, Sheila beat the drum. earlier, formerly, in
support, take batter, buffet, hit, pound, beautiful The coast is advance, previously, sooner
strike, thrash an area of outstanding antonym: after
F bear 2 natural beauty. related words: prefixes ante-,
G » verb to have or show something beat 2 attractiveness, charm, fore-, pre-
» verb to defeat elegance, loveliness
The room bore the signs antonym: ugliness beg
of a lively party. Ethan is a slow runner and
was easily beaten in the race. verb to ask anxiously
H exhibit, harbour, have defeat, outdo, outstrip,
I overcome, overwhelm, » for something
J vanquish, conquer, master, The girl begged her dad
surpass for another ice cream.
K beseech, implore, petition,
L beat 3 plead, entreat, importune
M noun a rhythm » Rock music
N beauty 2
O has a thumping beat. » noun a good-looking person
P The room bore the signs cadence, metre, rhythm,
stress, time She was a dark-eyed beauty.
of a lively party. hunk (male; informal),
beautiful looker, stunner (informal)
Q » adjective attractive or pleasing
beauty 3 The girl begged her dad
A beautiful picture can » noun an attractive feature for another ice cream.
brighten up a room.
attractive, delightful, fine, The beauty of the plan
gorgeous, lovely, pleasing, is its simplicity.
exquisite, fair advantage, asset,
antonym: ugly attraction, benefit

R seashore shore
S
T seaside He enjoys walks He swam out from
along the seashore. the shore.
I love to holiday at

U the seaside.

V

W coast beach
Let’s go for a day
»noun an area by the sea
YX sandstrip to the coast. I dug a sandcastle on
The sands of the beach.
tropical islands
Z are golden.

24

betray

begin believe bend 2 best 1 a
» verb to start or cause to start » verb to accept something » verb to move the body » adjective of the highest
b
When did the show begin? is true Don’t believe downwards I bent standard That was the c
commence (formal), initiate, everything you read in and kissed her cheek. best film I have seen in a
originate, set about, start, the papers. arch, bow, crouch, long time. d
inaugurate, instigate, accept, assume, presume, incline, lean, stoop finest, first-rate, foremost, e
institute swallow (informal), trust greatest, leading,
antonym: end antonym: disbelieve bend 3 outstanding, pre-eminent, f
» noun a curve in something principal, superlative, g
beginner belittle supreme, top
Watch out for the sharp antonym: worst h
noun someone learning verb to make someone or bend in the road. i
arc, corner, curve, loop, best 2 j
» to do something » something seem less important turn, angle, arch, twist » adjective most desirable
Ali joined the “French Ted always belittles me in k
for beginners” class. front of my friends – it really beneficial Offering to pay for the l
apprentice, learner, novice, shakes my confidence. » adjective giving some benefit broken window was the best m
starter, trainee deride, detract from, thing to do. n
antonym: expert downgrade, scorn, Eating fruit is beneficial correct, most fitting, right o
undervalue, denigrate, to your health. antonym: worst p
beginning disparage, minimize advantageous, good for q
» noun where something starts antonym: praise you, healthy, helpful, best 3
useful, wholesome » noun the preferred thing r
The signpost marked the beloved s
beginning of the city. » adjective dearly loved benefit 1 Of all my presents, this
birth, commencement noun an advantage » Meeting looks the best – may I open t
(formal), opening, origin, Anthony proposed to it first? u
outset, start, inauguration, his beloved girlfriend. interesting people is one of the cream, elite, finest, pick v
initiation, onset adored, cherished, darling, benefits of joining a club. antonym: worst w
antonym: end dearest, precious, advantage, asset, boon, x
treasured gain, good, help, profit, use Of all my presents, this looks the y
behave antonym: despised antonym: disadvantage best – may I open it first?
» verb to act in a certain way z
benefit 2 betray 1
If you don’t behave nicely, » verb to help in something » verb to break someone’s trust
we’ll have to leave the party.
act, function, operate, work The experience will benefit I was betrayed by
you when you take the test. someone I thought
belief 1 aid, assist, enhance, was a friend.
» noun the certainty something further, help, profit break your promise,
antonym: harm double-cross (informal),
is true Miriam’s belief that inform on
it was going to be a fine Anthony proposed to his benevolent
summer turned out to be right. beloved girlfriend. » adjective kind and helpful betray 2
confidence, conviction, » verb to show feelings
judgment, opinion, below Arthur was a benevolent king
trust, view » preposition or adverb lower who cared about his people. Jeremy’s voice betrayed
benign, charitable, little emotion over
belief 2 down The basement compassionate, humane, the phone.
» noun a principle of a religion is below the ground floor. kind, altruistic, beneficent, expose, manifest,
beneath, down, lower, philanthropic reveal, show
or system His religion gave under, underneath
him a strong set of beliefs. antonym: above beside
creed, doctrine, dogma, » preposition next to We sat
faith, ideology, principle,
tenet beside each other watching TV.
adjacent to, alongside,
believable close to, near, next to
» adjective possible or likely
bend 1 We sat beside each other
to be the case The book » verb to make or become watching TV.
is full of believable characters
I can relate to. curved Bend the bar 25
credible, imaginable, likely, into a horseshoe.
plausible, possible, buckle, curve, turn,
probable twist, warp
antonym: unbelievable

better

A

B

C large great significant enormous huge immense
DbigH
E
F

G

I

J » 1 adjective of a large size
The diplodocus was a big dinosaur...

K bias big 3 Matt and Joe had a bitter
» adjective an important issue or argument over the accident.
better 1 noun prejudice for or against
problem Moving to a new bitter 1
L » adjective of more worth than » a person or group town was a big decision. » adjective angry and resentful
another The weather today The café had a bias for critical, grave, momentous,
hiring staff who speak French. serious, urgent, weighty Matt and Joe had a bitter
M was better than yesterday. bigotry, favouritism, antonym: minor argument over the accident.
finer, grander, greater, prejudice acrimonious, begrudging,
bill embittered, rancorous,
N higher-quality, nicer, biased » noun a statement of how much resentful, sour
preferable, superior, » adjective showing prejudice
is owed The party of 20 ran bitter 2
O surpassing, worthier The basketball team were up a huge bill in the restaurant. » adjective tasting or smelling
antonym: inferior biased against short players. account, charges, invoice,
one-eyed (Australia and New statement sharp Something in the
P better 2 Zealand), one-sided, partial, pie had a bitter taste.
Q » adjective well after being ill prejudiced, slanted, bit acid, acrid, astringent,
weighted » noun a small amount sharp, sour, tart
I hope you feel better soon. antonym: neutral antonym: sweet
cured, fitter, fully A bit of biscuit fell on
big 1 the floor while Stan was
R recovered, healthier, eating it.
improving, on the mend adjective of a large size crumb, fragment, grain,
(informal), recovering, part, piece, scrap, iota,
▲ SEE ABOVE jot, speck
S stonger, well
antonym: worse big 2 bite
» adjective someone of great
T beware verb to cut into something
U » verb to be cautious The sign importance My cousin met
some big Hollywood stars at » with your teeth
warned us to beware of the dog. the film festival. Rachel’s cat bit me.
eminent, important, chew, gnaw, nibble, nip
V be careful, be cautious, influential, leading, major,
be wary, guard against, powerful, principal,
look out, watch out prominent, significant
antonym: unimportant
W
X

Y

Z The sign warned us to
beware of the dog.

26

block

vastgigantic massive colossal a

b
c
d
e
f
g

antonym: h
little
... But compsognathus i
was a little beast! j

bizarre blank 1 blend 2 blessing 2 k
» adjective very strange or » adjective with nothing on it » verb to combine in a pleasing l
noun approval or permission m
eccentric Chang has some Use a blank sheet of paper. way The colours blend in n
bizarre ideas about what bare, clean, clear, empty, with the rest of the decor. » to do something
to do on holiday. plain, unmarked complement, coordinate, Fiona got married with o
curious, eccentric, go well, harmonize, her parents’ blessing. p
extraordinary, odd, blank 2 match, suit approval, backing, consent, q
outlandish, peculiar, » adjective showing no feeling leave, permission, support,
queer, strange, weird blend 3 approbation, sanction r
antonym: ordinary John just looked blank » noun a mixture or combination antonym: disapproval s
upon hearing the news.
black deadpan, dull, empty, of things The menu blob
impassive, vacant was a blend of French
noun or adjective and Chinese flavours. noun a small amount of
Shades of black: blend 1 alloy, amalgamation,
coal-black, ebony, inky, jet, combination, compound, » a thick or sticky substance
jet-black, pitch-black, verb to mix things so as to fusion, mix, mixture The artist squeezed out
raven, sable, sooty a blob of pink paint.
» form a single item or substance bless bead, dab, drop, droplet
blame 1 Jill used a mixer to blend » verb to ask God’s protection
the ingredients. t
verb to believe someone combine, merge, The bishop blessed u
mingle, mix the congregation.
» caused something antonym: separate anoint, consecrate, v
Don’t blame me for losing dedicate, hallow w
the present. antonym: curse x
accuse, charge, y
hold responsible blessing 1 The artist squeezed out
» noun something good a blob of pink paint. z
blame 2
Good health is a blessing. block 1
noun the responsibility benefit, boon, gift, noun a large piece » A block
godsend, help
» for something bad antonym: disadvantage of wood fell near his foot.
I’m not going to take the bar, brick, chunk, ingot,
blame for forgetting the tickets! Jill used a mixer to blend lump, piece
accountability, fault, guilt, the ingredients.
liability, rap (slang),
responsibility, culpability,
incrimination

27

block

A block 2 blue bold 2
verb to close by putting » adjective unafraid of risk or
noun or adjective
danger The crew made
B » something across Shades of blue: a bold attempt at rescuing
Rubble blocked the river. aqua, aquamarine, azure, the boat.
adventurous, brave,
C choke, clog, obstruct, plug baby blue, cerulean, cobalt, courageous, daring,
antonym: unblock cyan, duck-egg, electric fearless, intrepid,
blue, gentian, indigo, lapis audacious, heroic, valiant
antonym: cowardly
D block 3 lazuli, midnight blue, navy, Exercise is good for your body
E » verb to prevent something Nile blue, peacock blue, and mind. bold 3
periwinkle, petrol blue, » adjective clear and noticeable
happening The neighbours powder blue, royal blue,
blocked his plan to build sapphire, sky blue, teal, Emily and Cath’s outfits
turquoise, ultramarine were a riot of bold colours.
F a high fence. bright, flashy, loud,
bar, check, halt, obstruct, blunt 1 body 1 striking, strong, vivid,
stop, thwart » adjective having rounded edges » noun all your physical parts conspicuous, prominent,
pronounced
G blockage Blunt scissors can’t cut Exercise is good for your antonym: dull
H » noun a thing that clogs through cardboard. body and mind.
dull, rounded, unsharpened build, figure, form, Emily and Cath’s outfits
something There was antonym: sharp frame, physique, shape were a riot of bold colours.
related words: adjectives
I a blockage in the pipe. blunt 2 corporal, physical bolt
block, obstruction, » adjective saying what you think » verb to escape or run
stoppage body 2
Steve’s speech was blunt » noun a dead body away The horse bolted
J blog and to the point. from the stable after Claude
K » noun a journal written on the bluff, brusque, forthright, The body of the former left the door open.
frank, outspoken, president lay in state. dash, escape, flee, fly,
internet Have you seen straightforward, explicit, carcass, corpse, dead run away, run off, rush

L Mindy's new fashion blog? tactless, trenchant body, remains bomb 1
microblog, vlog, weblog antonym: tactful » noun an explosive device

M blow 1 Luckily, the bomb failed to
N » verb to move or cause to move body 3 detonate, so no one was hurt.
in the wind The wind blew blush 1 » noun an organized group of device, explosive, missile,
Gary’s papers away. » verb to go red in the face rocket, shell, torpedo,
people Local bodies worked grenade, mine, projectile
O buffet, drive, flutter, sweep, Fatima blushed when her together to put on a successful
waft, whirl name was called out to summer fair. bomb 2
» verb to attack with bombs
P blow 2 receive an award. association, band,
colour, go crimson, company, confederation, The old factory was bombed
during the war.
Q » noun a hit from something flush, go red, turn red, organization, society, bloc, attack, blow up, bombard,
Danny gave the punchbag turn scarlet collection, corporation destroy, shell, torpedo
a mighty blow.
bang, clout (informal), knock, bond 1
blush 2 boil 1 » noun a close relationship
RS smack, thump, whack » noun a red colour verb to bubble » She peered
There is a special bond
Ann took the gift over the cliff at the stormy sea between parent and child.
with a blush. boiling below. attachment, connection,
colour, flush, glow bubble, fizz, foam, froth, link, relation, tie, union,
T effervesce, seethe affiliation, affinity
U boast
V Danny gave the punchbag a » verb to talk proudly boil 2
» noun a swelling on the skin
Carol boasted about her
expensive costume. Ted had a boil on his neck.
brag, crow, skite (Australia blister, swelling, tumour,

mighty blow. and New Zealand; informal) blain, carbuncle, pustule

W blow 3 boastful bold 1
X » noun something disappointing » adjective tending to brag » adjective confident and not shy

or upsetting Losing the about things The boastful It was a bold move to invite
Y match was a terrible blow. liar told us he was a millionaire. the entire school to her party.
bombshell, disappointment, bragging, cocky, conceited, brash, brazen, cheeky,

Z misfortune, setback, shock, crowing, egotistical, confident, forward,
upset, calamity, swaggering impudent, barefaced
catastrophe, jolt antonym: modest antonym: shy

28

bounce

bond 2 border 2 boring bother 2 a
» noun a pledge or promise made » noun an edge of something » adjective dull and uninteresting » noun trouble and difficulty
b
between people Marriage is Draw a border around Garth couldn’t wait for the Getting dried after swimming c
a solemn bond between two your picture. boring film to end. is such a bother. d
people who love one another. bounds, edge, limits, dull, flat, humdrum, annoyance, difficulty, e
agreement, contract, margin, rim monotonous, tedious, inconvenience, irritation, f
obligation, pledge, promise, tiresome, insipid, trouble, worry, nuisance, g
word, compact, covenant, border 3 repetitious, stale strain
guarantee » verb to form an edge antonym: interesting h
bottom 1 i
bond 3 Tall trees bordered the fields. boss » noun the lowest part of j
» verb to attach separate things edge, fringe, hem, rim, trim » noun a person in charge of
something The dog sat
The strips of wood are bored something Kaito got on at the bottom of the stairs.
bonded together to form well with his boss. base, bed, depths,
a stronger, solid block. adjective impatient and not chief, director, employer, floor, foot
bind, fasten, fuse, head, leader, manager antonym: top
glue, paste » interested in something
I am bored with this subject. bossy
book 1 fed up, tired, uninterested, » adjective telling people what
» noun a number of pages wearied
antonym: interested to do Sophia is a rather
in a cover I’m reading bossy little girl.
a great book just now. arrogant, authoritarian, k
eBook, publication, dictatorial, domineering, l
textbook, volume, work imperious, overbearing m
n
▼ SEE BELOW botch
» verb to do something badly o
book 2 I am bored with this subject. The dog sat at the bottom p
» verb to arrange to have or use Dad botched the of the stairs. q
boredom decorating so we had to
The theatre tickets are » noun a lack of interest call in the professionals. bottom 2 r
booked for Tuesday evening. bungle, mar, mess up » adjective in the lowest place s
charter, engage, organize, Boredom can set in
reserve, schedule on long car journeys. bother 1 or position I keep my socks
apathy, dullness, flatness, » verb to cause worry or concern in the bottom drawer.
border 1 monotony, tedium, base, basement, ground,
» noun a dividing line between weariness Stop bothering your mother lowest
antonym: interest when she’s busy working! antonym: highest
things or places There were annoy, concern, disturb,
long queues of traffic waiting get on someone’s nerves bounce 1
to cross the border between (informal), trouble, worry, verb to spring back » The
the two countries. harass, inconvenience
borderline, boundary, ball bounced against the wall.
frontier, line bump, ricochet,
rebound, recoil

book t
1 types of books u

anthology v
w
atlas x
y
autobiography
biography z

dictionary

directory
encyclopedia

gazeteer
glossary

guidebook

manual

novel

phrasebook

thesaurus

29

bounce

A brave 1 break 2 brief 2
» adjective willing to do » verb to fail to keep a rule or » verb to give necessary
B
C dangerous things Rescuing promise Sal broke his information The teacher
the girl from the water was promise to attend the party. briefed the class on the project.
D a brave act. breach, contravene, advise, fill in (informal),
bold, courageous, fearless, infringe, violate inform, instruct,
E heroic, plucky, valiant, prepare, prime
daring, intrepid, valorous break 3
F antonym: cowardly » noun a short period of rest or bright 1
G Sue bounced across the field. » adjective strong and startling
brave 2 change I took a five-minute
H bounce 2 » verb to face something without break from writing. Lighthouses emit a
I » verb to move up and down interlude, interval, pause, bright light that is visible
fear Fans braved the rain recess, respite, rest from a distance.
Sue bounced across the field. to hear the star sing. brilliant, dazzling, glowing,
bob, bound, jump face, stand up to breed 1 luminous, radiant, vivid,
» noun a type of animal blazing, illuminated,
J box bravery resplendent
K » noun a container with a firm » noun the quality of being The farm specialized antonym: dull
in rare breeds of cattle.
base and sides courageous The knight kind, species, stock, strain, Lighthouses emit a bright light
Sara’s things were packed was rewarded for his bravery. type, variety that is visible from a distance.
boldness, courage,
L in boxes, ready to move. fortitude, heroism, pluck, breed 2 bright 2
carton, case, chest, valour, fearlessness, » verb to produce and look after » adjective clever and alert
gallantry, mettle
M container, trunk antonym: cowardice Daniel breeds dogs for You are a bright student,
N boy the police. you always get good grades.
breach 1 cultivate, develop, keep, brainy (informal), brilliant,
noun a male child » I knew » noun a breaking of a law or nurture, raise, rear clever, ingenious,
intelligent, smart,
Adam when he was a boy. agreement Coming into work breed 3 acute, astute, sharp
late is a breach of contract. » verb to produce offspring antonym: dim
O fellow, lad, schoolboy, infringement, offence,
youngster, youth trespass, violation, Chickens can breed bright 3
contravention, throughout the year. » adjective cheerful and lively
P boycott transgression multiply, produce,
Q » verb to refuse to have anything propagate, reproduce, Lily always has a bright
breach 2 engender, procreate smile on her face.
to do with Some parties » noun a gap in something cheerful, happy, jolly,
are boycotting the elections. light-hearted, lively, merry
The dog stuck his head
R blacklist, embargo, through a breach in the fence. brilliant 1
exclude, reject, spurn, crack, gap, hole, opening, » adjective very bright
rift, split, chasm, fissure,
S proscribe, refrain from rupture The diamond reflected
a brilliant light.
brag Chickens can breed throughout bright, dazzling, gleaming,
the year. glowing, luminous, radiant,
T » verb to boast about something sparkling, vivid
People who brag about The dog stuck his head through brief 1 antonym: dull
their achievements are a breach in the fence. » adjective lasting for a short

U really annoying. break 1 time Ethan made a brief
V boast, crow, skite (Australia appearance on television.
verb to separate into pieces fleeting, momentary, quick,
and New Zealand; informal) short, swift, ephemeral,
▶▶ SEE RIGHT temporary, transitory
W braggart antonym: long
X » noun a person who boasts
30
David was a braggart,
telling everyone about his

Y new sports car.
bigmouth (slang), boaster,

Z bragger, show-off, skite or
skiter (Australia and New
Zealand; informal)

brilliant

break crackfrTohme wtoaplltcorbacoktteodm. disintegrate a

»1 verb to separate into pieces Tissue paper disintegrates b
 He broke the ice with a hammer. in water. c
crumbleCcruubmebilnetothtehestowcakter.
demolishnTeheeddeedredleicmtohliosuhsineg. d
e
fragmentThe picintutoretifnraygpmieecnetesd. fractureShe fractured her arm.
shatterTphleatdersohpaptetedred. f
g
splinterThe woaosdhseplciuntteirte.d smashThe tbhaellwsimndaoswhe. d
h
snapThe pencil snaipnpheadlf. splitSplit the apple to share it. wreckshTihpe’sihceubll.erg wrecked the i
j
31
k
l
m
n
o
p
q

r
s

t
u
v
w
x
y

z

brilliant

A brilliant 2 broad 2 broken 2 building
B » adjective very clever » adjective not kept » noun a structure with walls
adjective including or affecting
Ed is a brilliant pupil, and Frank had heard so many The office building had
grasps complex ideas easily. » many different things or people broken promises, he no longer 14 floors.
We discussed a broad range believed what Sally said. edifice, structure
C acute, brainy (informal), of issues. infringed, violated,
bright, clever, intelligent, comprehensive, extensive, disobeyed, transgressed bulge 1
perceptive, sharp, smart general, sweeping, verb to swell out » The
universal, wide, brown
D antonym: stupid wide-ranging frog’s vocal sac bulges as
noun or adjective it sings to attract a mate.
brilliant 3 broad 3 Shades of brown: expand, protrude,
» adjective general rather than auburn, bay, beige, stick out, swell
E » adjective wonderful or superb bronze, brunette, buff,
It’s a brilliant film. detailed The documents burnt sienna, burnt umber, The frog’s vocal sac bulges
provided a broad outline café au lait, camel, as it sings to attract a mate.
F first-class, great, of the plan. chestnut, chocolate,
magnificent, marvellous, approximate, general, cinnamon, coffee, dun, bulge 2
non-specific, rough, fawn, ginger, hazel, khaki, » noun a lump in something
G outstanding, superb, sweeping, vague mahogany, mocha,
tremendous, wonderful oatmeal, ochre, putty, My wallet made a bulge
broadcast 1 russet, rust, sandy, sepia, in my pocket.
H antonym: terrible » noun a programme on radio tan, taupe, tawny, bump, hump, lump,
I bring 1 terracotta, umber protrusion, swelling
or television The news
» verb to take somewhere broadcast starts at 6pm. build 1 bully 1
Can you please bring podcast, programme, » verb to make something
show, transmission, noun someone who deliberately
J the laundry downstairs? webcast Simon used brick and
bear, carry, convey, mortar to build the new » frightens or hurts others
broadcast 2 garden wall. No one likes the class bully.
K lead, take, transport » verb to send out so that it can assemble, construct, erect, oppressor, persecutor
fabricate, form, make
L be seen or heard You can antonym: dismantle bully 2
hear the concert broadcast
M live on the radio. verb to frighten or hurt
air, show, stream, transmit
N » someone deliberately and
broadcast 3
O Can you please bring the » verb to make known publicly repeatedly I wasn’t going
laundry downstairs? to let him bully me.
You don’t need to intimidate, oppress,
P bring 2 broadcast your feelings persecute, pick on,
Q » verb to cause to happen to the entire world. tease, torment
advertise, announce, make
The new factory will bring public, proclaim, tweet bully 3
more jobs to the city.
broken 1 Simon used brick and mortar verb to make someone do
R cause, create, inflict, » adjective in pieces to build the new garden wall.
produce, result in, wreak, » something by using force
Jo rang the police when build 2 Chloe used to bully me
S effect, occasion she saw the broken window. » verb to develop gradually into doing her homework.
burst, demolished, force, intimidate,
bring about fractured, fragmented, I want to build a relationship pressurize, coerce,
shattered, smashed with the new neighbours. dragoon
T » verb to cause something develop, extend, increase,
to happen It was Donald's intensify, strengthen,
arrogance that brought augment, enlarge, escalate

U about his downfall. Jo rang the police when she saw build 3
V cause, create, generate, the broken window. » noun the size of a body

make happen, produce, Pedro is of medium build.
provoke body, figure, form, frame,
physique, shape
W broad 1
X » adjective large, especially from 32

side to side The bodybuilder

Y had broad shoulders.
expansive, extensive, large,

Z thick, vast, wide, ample,
spacious
antonym: narrow

buy

bump 1 burden 2 burst 3 busy 1 a
verb to hit something » Ted » noun something that worries » noun a short period of » adjective doing something
b
bumped his elbow on the wall. you Betty had the added something After a burst I can’t go out tonight, c
bang, collide, hit, jolt, burden of looking after of energy, the dog fell asleep. I’m busy.
knock, strike a sick pet. fit, outbreak, rush, spate, active, employed, engaged, d
anxiety, care, strain, stress, surge, torrent engrossed, occupied, e
bump 2 trouble, worry, affliction, working
» noun a dull noise millstone, trial business 1 antonym: idle f
related word: adjective » noun the buying and selling g
Layla heard a bump outside. onerous busy 2
bang, knock, thud, thump of goods Leah made » adjective full of activity h
bureaucracy a career in business. i
bump 3 » noun complex rules and commerce, dealings, The station was busy j
» noun a raised part of industry, trade, trading, with commuters.
procedures Is there transaction active, full, hectic, k
something Mind the too much bureaucracy lively, restless l
bump in the road. in government? business 2 m
bulge, hump, knob, lump, administration, officialdom, n
swelling, contusion, node, red tape, regulations noun an organization o
protuberance p
burn 1 » selling goods or services q
bunch 1 verb to be on fire » A fire Monica wanted to work for
» noun a group of people the family business. r
burned in the fireplace. company, corporation, s
The players were a be ablaze, be on fire, blaze, enterprise, establishment,
great bunch. flame, flare, flicker firm, organization, concern, t
band, crowd, gaggle, gang, conglomerate, venture u
group, lot, multitude v
A fire burned in the fireplace. business 3 The station was busy w
bunch 2 » noun any event or situation with commuters. x
» noun several cut flowers held burn 2 y
» verb to destroy with fire The This business has upset me. busy 3
together Wyatt had left affair, issue, matter, » verb to occupy or keep busy z
a bunch of flowers in her rioters burned the house down. problem, question, subject
hotel room. char, incinerate, scorch, Kathryn busied herself
bouquet, posy, spray singe bustle 1 in the kitchen.
» verb to move hurriedly absorb, employ, engage,
Wyatt had left a bunch of flowers burst 1 immerse, occupy
in her hotel room. verb to split apart » Bella My mother bustled about the
room putting things in place. but 1
bunch 3 blew too much air into the dash, fuss, hurry, rush, » conjunction although
» noun a group of things balloon and it burst. scurry, scuttle
break, crack, explode, Heat the water until
George took out a bunch puncture, rupture, split bustle 2 it is very hot but not boiling.
of keys and found the right » noun busy and noisy activity although, though,
one for the lock. burst 2 while, yet
batch, bundle, cluster, » verb to happen or appear The city is full of the bustle
heap, load, pile, set of modern life. but 2
suddenly Marco burst into activity, commotion, » preposition with the
burden 1 the room with important news. excitement, flurry,
» noun a load that is carried barge, break, erupt, rush fuss, hurry exception of I packed
antonym: peace everything but my hairdryer
My bags of shopping turned for the trip.
out to be a real burden. The city is full of the bustle of except, except for,
load, weight modern life. other than, save

buy
» verb to obtain with money

I’d like to buy that bag.
acquire, invest in, obtain,
pay for, procure, purchase
antonym: sell

33

calculate

A calm 3 candidate
» noun the state of being
B noun a person being
C peaceful In the calm
of the night, the bats » considered for a position
D emerged from the cave. Hugh was the best
E calmness, peace, candidate for the job.
peacefulness, quiet, applicant, competitor,
F calculate serenity, stillness contender, nominee,
G » verb to work out a number possibility, runner
call 4 calm 4
or amount Cathy wanted » noun an instance of someone » verb to make less upset capable
» adjective able to do something
H to calculate the cost of the trip. shouting out There was or excited He tried to calm
count, determine, reckon, a call for volunteers. the baby when it cried. well Miguel was a capable
work out cry, shout, yell quieten, relax, soothe, leader and brought out
mollify, placate the best in his team.
I callous able, accomplished, adept,
J » adjective not concerned campaign competent, efficient,
» noun actions planned to get proficient, skilful
K about other people He antonym: incompetent
L was mean and had a callous a certain result She went
disregard for other people. on a campaign, seeking votes capacity 1
M cold, heartless, indifferent, to be elected president.
N Cathy wanted to calculate the cost insensitive, hard-bitten, crusade, movement, noun the maximum amount
hardhearted, unsympathetic operation, push
of the trip. antonym: caring » that something holds

O calculated calm 1 She went on a campaign, seeking or produces What is
P » adjective deliberately planned » adjective not worried or excited votes to be elected president. the capacity of the glass?
dimensions, room, size,
Although it was winter, Mia found that practising cancel 1 space, volume
yoga helped her to keep calm. » verb to stop something from
Q Anthony took a calculated risk collected, composed, cool, capacity 2
and took the road through impassive, relaxed, happening We’re going
the mountains. imperturbable, to have to cancel our picnic noun a person’s power or
unemotional, unruffled as it’s raining.
R aimed, designed, intended, antonym: worried abandon, call off » ability to do something
planned Her capacity to help was
Mia found that practising yoga cancel 2 limited by being so far away.
S antonym: unplanned helped her to keep calm. » verb to stop something from ability, capability, facility,
gift, potential, power
call 1 calm 2 being valid Peter needed
» adjective still because there is to cancel his lost bus pass. capture 1
T » verb to give a name annul, quash, repeal, » verb to take prisoner
He was called Jeff. no wind Tuesday was a fine, revoke, abrogate,
clear, and calm day. countermand, rescind Sharon’s knight captured
U christen, designate, balmy, mild, still, tranquil Ian’s king on the chessboard.
dub, name antonym: rough candid apprehend, arrest, catch,
» adjective honest and frank seize, take
V call 2 antonym: release
W » verb to telephone She gave a candid interview
and revealed many secrets. capture 2
Ruby called my phone. blunt, frank, honest, open, » noun the act of capturing
contact, phone, straightforward, truthful
The fish couldn’t evade its
X ring, telephone capture by the bear.
Y call 3 arrest, seizure,
taking, trapping
verb to say loudly » I heard
The fish couldn’t evade its
Z someone calling my name. capture by the bear.
announce, cry, cry out,
shout, yell

34

case

car careful 1 case 1 a
» noun a vehicle for carrying » adjective acting with care » noun a particular situation
b
a few people Dad drove the Be careful with that vase. or example There have c
car to the station to pick us up. cautious, prudent, chary, been six cases of chickenpox
automobile (US; formal), circumspect, punctilious in my class this year. d
motor, vehicle antonym: careless example, illustration, e
instance, occasion,
care 1 careful 2 He carried the heavy box. occurrence f
» verb to be concerned about » adjective complete and g
carry case 2
something I care about well done The experiment » noun a container for holding h
the environment. needs careful planning. verb to hold and take i
be bothered, be concerned, meticulous, painstaking, something Kay kept her j
be interested, mind precise, thorough » something somewhere glasses in a red case.
antonym: careless He carried the heavy box. box, container, holder, k
care 2 bear, convey (formal), lug, receptacle l
» noun something that causes careless 1 take, transport m
» adjective not taking enough Kay kept her glasses in a red case. n
you to worry Luke didn’t carry out o
have a care in the world. care Heather had careless » verb to do and complete case 3 p
anxiety, concern, stress, and messy handwriting. » noun a trial or inquiry q
trouble, woe, worry, irresponsible, neglectful, something The surgeon
tribulation, vexation sloppy (informal), cavalier, carried out the operation. The court case was heard r
lackadaisical, slapdash, accomplish, achieve, behind closed doors. s
care 3 slipshod fulfil, perform, execute, action, lawsuit,
» noun close attention when antonym: careful implement proceedings, trial t
u
doing something We took careless 2 carve v
great care to make him feel » adjective relaxed and w
at home. verb to make something x
attention, caution, pains, unconcerned Sal shrugged by cutting y
circumspection, and gave a careless laugh.
forethought casual, nonchalant, offhand ▼ SEE BELOW z

hewHtheathathdehleiownnwthaes ocarirgviendalfbrolomc.kscIutlpwtiansghiaslfairrgstescultistmateue.pt
engrave

He intended to engrave
the title into the block.

inscribe chiselinHtoe tchheisleiollne’ds tfhaceed.etails whittlewHoeodprtehfaenrretod ctoarwvehistttloene.
cutstoHneecfurotmthetheexctaeisl.s
He finished by inscribing
his name on the sculpture.

carve

» verb to make something by cutting
He carved the lion out of a block of stone.

35

casual

A

B ebrati

C
D

E cel on

F noun an event in honour party
G
H »  of a special occasion Would you like to come
I The family dinner was a birthday to my party?
celebration.
festivalJ They went to church for
the religious festival.

K

ML festivity revelryThe wedding festivities went
N gala on for a week.
O The sporting contest She joined in the revelry
finished with a gala. with lots of enthusiasm.

P
Q

casual 1 cat catch 1 catch 4
» noun a small animal kept as » verb to capture an animal » noun a hidden difficulty
R » adjective happening by chance
The casual meeting led to a pet Fiona had three cats. or fish Mum went fishing to The catch is that it will
feline, kitty, moggy (Britain catch some trout for dinner. take a month to arrive.
S a great friendship. and New Zealand; slang), capture, snare, trap disadvantage, drawback,
accidental, chance, puss or pussy or pussycat snag, fly in the ointment,
(informal) catch 2 stumbling block
T incidental, fortuitous, related words: » verb to capture a person
serendipitous, adjective feline; male tom; category
female queen; young kitten The police planned a way
U unintentional, to catch the suspects. noun a set of things with
unpremeditated Fiona had three cats. apprehend, arrest
» something in common
V antonym: deliberate catch 3 The items were organized
» noun a device that fastens into six different categories.
casual 2 class, classification, group,
something The windows set, sort, type
W » adjective showing no concern were fitted with safety catches.
or interest Mick gave a bolt, clasp, clip, latch cause 1
» noun what makes something
X casual glance over his shoulder.
careless, cursory, happen The cause of
the fire was unknown.
Y nonchalant, offhand, origin, root, source
relaxed, blasé, insouciant,
lackadaisical, perfunctory

Z antonym: concerned

36

champion

cause 2 cease 1 censure 2 certain 2 a
» noun an aim supported by » verb to stop happening » verb to criticize severely » adjective having no doubt
b
a group Sarah took up the The noise ceased and The school censured in your mind Lily’s certain c
cause to save the old cinema. peace was restored. Mike for his graffiti. that she will succeed.
aim, ideal, movement be over, come to an end, condemn, criticize, clear, confident, convinced, d
die away, end, finish, stop denounce, reproach, definite, positive, satisfied, e
cause 3 antonym: begin berate, castigate sure
» noun the reason for something antonym: uncertain f
cease 2 centre 1 g
The boys gave us cause to » verb to stop doing something » noun the mid-point of a circle certainly
believe the story was true. » adverb without any doubt h
basis, grounds, He ceased talking when or activity We headed for i
justification, motivation, the teacher called for quiet. the city centre. I’ll certainly do all j
motive, reason desist from, discontinue, core, focus, heart, hub, I can to help.
finish, give up, stop, middle definitely, undeniably, k
cause 4 suspend antonym: edge undoubtedly, l
» verb to make something antonym: start unquestionably, m
centre 2 without doubt n
happen The broken-down celebrate » verb to have as the main o
train caused delays. » verb to do something special challenge 1 p
bring about, create, subject The argument » noun a suggestion to try q
generate, produce, to mark an event It’s my centred on the school’s
provoke, effect, engender, birthday – let’s celebrate! uniform policy. something The coach set r
give rise to, lead to, commemorate, party, concentrate, focus, revolve the team a series of challenges. s
result in rejoice dare, face-off (informal)
antonym: mourn ceremony 1 t
caution 1 » noun formal actions done for challenge 2 u
» noun great care taken in order celebration » verb to give someone
a special occasion They had
to avoid danger Use caution noun an event in honour a traditional wedding ceremony. a challenge Sue challenged
when skating. of a special occasion observance, pomp, rite, me to a game of tennis.
care, prudence, ritual, service, tradition dare, defy
forethought, ◀◀ SEE LEFT
circumspection challenge 3
celebrity
Use caution when skating. » noun a famous person verb to question the truth

caution 2 The presenter interviewed » or value of something
the celebrity on the red carpet. I challenged Jeff’s story
verb to scold or warn someone big name, name, about where he had been.
personality, star, dispute, question
» against doing something superstar, VIP
The policeman cautioned champion 1
that riding a bike without a They had a traditional » noun a person who wins
helmet is dangerous. wedding ceremony.
reprimand, tick off a competition She won
(informal), warn ceremony 2 the contest to become the
» noun formal and polite regional judo champion.
cautious hero, title holder, victor,
behaviour We stood on winner
adjective acting very ceremony to greet the mayor.
The presenter interviewed the decorum, etiquette, v
» carefully to avoid danger celebrity on the red carpet. formality, niceties, protocol
The zookeeper was cautious w
in the crocodile enclosure. censure 1 certain 1 x
careful, guarded, tentative, » noun strong disapproval » adjective definite or reliable y
wary, prudent
antonym: daring His bad behaviour led to It is certain to rain. She won the contest to become z
censure from his parents. definite, established, the regional judo champion.
blame, condemnation, guaranteed, inevitable,
criticism, disapproval, known, sure, undeniable
reproach antonym: uncertain

37

champion

A champion 2 change 1 changeable charge 1
noun someone who supports » noun an alteration in something » adjective likely to change » verb to ask someone for money

B » a group, cause, or principle There was a change in her all the time The weather as a payment The shop
Judith became a champion attitude from sulky to helpful. was changeable – hot one charged me a fair price.
alteration, difference, minute and cold the next. ask (for), bill, levy
C for animal rights. modification, erratic, fickle, irregular,
advocate, defender, transformation, unpredictable, unstable, charge 2
guardian, protector metamorphosis, mutation, variable, volatile, mercurial, » noun the price you have to pay
transition, transmutation mutable, protean
D champion 3 antonym: constant for something There was
E » verb to support a group, cause, change 2 an additional charge for a bag.
» verb to make or become character 1 cost, fee, payment, price
or principle We championed » noun the qualities of a person
different We changed charge 3
F his request for new sports the garage into a TV room. She has a sunny character. » verb to rush forward, often
equipment. alter, convert, moderate, nature, personality,
defend, fight for, promote, modify, reform, transform, temperament, disposition, to attack someone The
metamorphose, mutate, make-up, quality, temper rhino charged towards us.
G stick up for (informal), transmute dash, rush, stampede,
support, uphold, character 2 storm
change 3 » noun an honourable nature
H advocate, espouse » verb to exchange one thing The rhino charged towards us.
I chance 1 Mark showed great character
for another Can I change in handling a tricky situation. charm 1
» noun a possibility of something the red T-shirt for a black one? honour, integrity, strength » noun an attractive quality
barter, exchange,
happening Lucy had a good interchange, replace, characteristic 1 The house has real charm.
substitute, swap, trade » noun a typical quality allure, appeal, attraction,
J chance of success. magnetism, fascination
likelihood, odds, possibility, Can I change the red T-shirt for Mark’s chief characteristic
a black one? is honesty. charm 2
K probability, prospect attribute, feature, property, » verb to use charm to please
L chance 2 quality, trait, idiosyncrasy,
peculiarity, quirk someone He charmed
» noun an opportunity to do the audience with his smile.
characteristic 2 bewitch, captivate, delight,
something Please give me a » adjective typical of a person entrance, beguile, enchant,
enrapture
M chance to explain why I’m late. or thing Jack responded
occasion, opening, with characteristic generosity. kid juvenile
distinctive, distinguishing,
N opportunity, time typical, idiosyncratic,
O chance 3 peculiar, singular,
symptomatic
noun the way things happen antonym: uncharacteristic

P » without being planned
We met up by chance.
accident, coincidence,

Q fortune, luck
related word:
adjective fortuitous

R

S child
T
U
V » noun a young person She was their fourth child.
W toddler
tot
X
Y baby bairn infant

Z

38

child

chase 1 cheek cheery a
» verb to try to catch someone » adjective happy and cheerful
noun speech or behaviour that b
or something My sister Jill sounded very cheery c
chased me until I gave up. » is rude or disrespectful on the phone.
hunt, pursue I’m amazed they had the cheerful, chirpy, d
cheek to ask in the first place. good-humoured, happy, e
chase 2 He cheated in the exam. audacity, gall, impudence, jolly, sunny, upbeat,
» verb to force to go somewhere insolence, nerve, rudeness, genial, jovial f
cheat effrontery, temerity antonym: gloomy g
The dog chased the postman
out of the gate. verb to get something cheeky chew h
drive, hound, expel, » adjective rude and disrespectful » verb to break food up with the i
put to flight » from someone dishonestly j
He cheated in the exam. The children were cheeky teeth My mum always told
chat 1 con (informal), deceive, to their mum. me to eat slowly and chew my k
» noun a friendly talk defraud, dupe, fleece, impertinent, impudent, food well. l
rip off (slang), swindle, insolent, rude crunch, gnaw, munch, m
Eloise came over and joined hoodwink antonym: polite champ, chomp, masticate n
us for a chat. o
conversation, gossip, check 1 cheerful chief 1 p
natter (informal), talk » verb to examine something » adjective in a happy mood » noun the leader of a group q

chat 2 Please check all the details Eliza was feeling cheerful or organization He was r
» verb to talk in a friendly way before signing. despite the rain. the new chief of police. s
check out (informal), bright, buoyant, cheery, boss, chieftain, director,
Dan chatted to his father. examine, inspect, test, happy, jaunty, jolly, governor, head, leader, t
gossip, natter (informal), talk inquire into, look over, lighthearted, merry manager u
scrutinize antonym: miserable v
cheap 1 w
» adjective costing very little check 2 chief 2 x
» verb to reduce or stop » adjective most important y
Cheap flights are available.
bargain, economical, something Hand washing The job went to one z
inexpensive, reasonable, will check the spread of germs. of his chief rivals.
cut-price, low-cost, control, curb, halt, inhibit, foremost, key, main,
low-priced restrain, stop prevailing, primary, prime,
antonym: expensive principal, pre-eminent,
premier

cheap 2 check 3 Eliza was feeling cheerful child
» adjective inexpensive but » noun an examination despite the rain.
noun a young person
of poor quality His cheap The technician performed
trousers ripped when he a thorough check of the ▼ SEE BELOW
sat down. equipment.
inferior, second-rate, examination,
tawdry inspection, test

youngster teenager youth

minor

antonym:

adult

39

childish

A childish clash 3 clean 1
B » adjective immature and foolish » noun a fight or argument » adjective free from dirt

Sulking and stamping The latest clash between or marks Patrick’s clothes
your feet when you don’t the two teams ended in players are always very clean.
being sent off. immaculate, impeccable,
C get your own way is battle, conflict, laundered, spotless,
childish behaviour. confrontation, fight, washed
immature, infantile, skirmish (informal), antonym: dirty
squabble, struggle
D juvenile, puerile clean 2
antonym: mature The city was built on the banks clasp 1 » adjective free from germs
of a river. » verb to hold something tightly
E choice 1 or infection There was a
F » noun a range of things city Helena clasped her locket source of clean drinking water.
» noun a large town in her hands. antiseptic, hygienic,
to choose from The hat is clutch, embrace, grip, hold, purified, sterilized,
available in a choice of colours The city was built hug, press, squeeze uncontaminated,
on the banks of a river. unpolluted
G and sizes. metropolis, town, clasp 2 antonym: contaminated
range, selection, variety conurbation, municipality » noun a fastening such as a
related word: adjective civic clean 3
H choice 2 hook or catch Miriam undid
I » noun the power to choose civilized the clasp on her coat. verb to remove dirt from
» adjective having an advanced buckle, catch, clip,
Paul was given a choice fastener, fastening ▶▶ SEE RIGHT
about what to eat. society We live in
a civilized country. class 1 clear 1
J alternative, option, say cultured, enlightened » noun a group of a particular » adjective easy to see

choose claim 1 type Animals are grouped or understand It was clear
» verb to say something is the into classes including from her tearful voice that
K » verb to decide to have or do mammals, birds, fish, she was upset.
something There were so case Mr Brown claims to reptiles, and amphibians. apparent, blatant,
have lived here all his life. category, genre, grade, conspicuous, definite,
L many flavours of ice cream allege, assert, hold, insist, group, kind, set, sort, type evident, explicit, obvious,
to choose from. maintain, profess plain, incontrovertible,
class 2 manifest, palpable, patent,
M opt for, pick, select, take, claim 2 unequivocal
elect, fix on, settle on verb to regard as being
noun a statement that clear 2
N chop » in a particular group » adjective easy to see through
O » verb to cut down or into pieces » something is the case The children were classed
Emma admitted that the into different team colours. The liquid inside the
I saw him chopping wood claims about her were true. categorize, classify, glass beaker was clear.
with an axe. allegation, assertion, designate, grade, rank, rate crystalline, glassy,
pretension, protestation translucent, transparent,
P cut, fell, hack, lop, limpid, pellucid,
cleave, hew clash 1 The children were classed into see-through
» verb to fight or argue with different team colours. antonym: cloudy
Q
another person My brother The liquid inside the glass beaker
R and sister constantly clash, was clear.
S but they always make up.
battle, fight, quarrel,
T wrangle
U
V I saw him chopping wood clash 2 classify
» verb to arrange similar things
with an axe. verb of two things: to be so
in groups We can classify
W circulate » different that they do not go the books into fiction and
X » verb to pass around non-fiction.
together David’s plan to stay arrange, categorize, grade,
Grandpa’s birthday card in the playground clashed rank, sort, pigeonhole,
was circulated around the with the teacher’s demand that systematize, tabulate
he come into the classroom.
Y family for everyone to sign. conflict, contradict, differ,
distribute, propagate, disagree, go against, jar

Z spread, disseminate,
promulgate

40

clear 3 spongeSponge down the surfaces. close a
» verb to prove someone is not swabtThheedseaciklo.r swabbed
cleanse b
guilty Bea was cleared of washHineawraesshtaeudrdanisth. es c
having any part in the incident. Ttohecrleeaanreselotthieonsskin.
absolve, acquit clean d
antonym: convict » 3 verb to remove dirt from dustIpvoalicsuhuemd ethde, dliuvsintegdr,oaonmd. e
She cleaned the house scour
clever from top to bottom. f
» adjective very intelligent He scoured the sink. g
41
Luis was clever and always scrub h
scored high marks in exams. i
brainy (informal), bright, Iofsftathrteedditrot. scrub j
intelligent, shrewd, smart,
astute, quick-witted, wipeSwhitehwaipderdy cthloethw.indows k
sagacious l
antonym: stupid antonym: soil m
n
climb Using a dirty mop o
» verb to move upwards over can soil the floor. p
q
something We climbed
the mountain in a day. r
ascend, clamber, s
mount, scale
t
close 1 u
» verb to shut something v
w
Clare closed the gate x
behind her when she left. y
secure, shut
antonym: open z

Clare closed the gate behind her
when she left.

close 2
» verb to block so that nothing

can pass All the roads out
of town are closed.
bar, block, obstruct, seal

close 3
» adjective near to something

We went to a restaurant
close to our home.
adjacent, adjoining,
at hand, handy, near,
nearby, neighbouring
antonym: distant

close

A

B clothing attire wear
C apparel
D She often chose We are collecting She didn’t have
food and clothing much winter wear.
bright apparel in for the homeless.
the summer. The T-shirt was dress
not suitable attire
E for work. She liked
to wear her
F party dress.

G

H

I

J outfit gear

K The red She had some wardrobe garments
sports gear
L shirt was an including a She planned to buy There were too
essential part tennis dress. herself a whole new many garments
of her outfit. wardrobe in the spring. in her cupboard.
M

N

O garb

P costume She preferred
colourful garb.
Her favourite
Q costume came
from her sister.
R clothes

S » plural noun the things people wear
T Alicia spends all her money on clothes.

close 4 clothes cloud 2 cloudy 2
» verb to make something » adjective difficult to see
U » adjective friendly and loving plural noun the things
We became close friends. people wear confusing Anger through The liquid
has clouded his judgment. in the glass was cloudy.
V attached, dear, devoted, ▲ SEE ABOVE confuse, distort, muddle muddy, murky, opaque
familiar, friendly, antonym: clear
cloud 1 cloudy 1
W intimate, loving » noun a mass of vapour » adjective full of clouds club 1
antonym: distant
or smoke The sky It’s a very cloudy sky today. noun an organization for people
X cloth was dark with clouds. dull, gloomy, leaden,
Y » noun woven or knitted fabric billow, fog, haze, overcast » with a special interest
mist, vapour antonym: clear We joined the swimming
The sofa was covered in club today.
association, circle, group,
Z bright red cloth. guild, society, union
fabric, material, textile

42

colour

club 2 coat 2 collapse 1 a
» noun a heavy stick » noun a warm piece of verb to fall down » Stand
b
Andy dressed up as a outerwear clothing You’ll well clear – the old building c
caveman and carried a club need a coat; it’s cold outside. looks like it could collapse
to the fancy-dress party. jacket, overcoat, raincoat, at any minute.
bat, stick, truncheon cagoule, mac fall down, give way

clue coating collapse 2 We visited the collection of d
» noun a layer of something verb to fail » The business paintings in the gallery. e
noun something that helps
The lake had a thin collapsed due to a lack collection f
» to solve a problem or mystery coating of ice. of money. g
The police looked for clues coat, covering, layer fail, fold, founder noun a group of things
to solve the crime. h
hint, indication, lead collapse 3 » collected together i
» noun the failure of something We visited the collection j
clumsiness of paintings in the gallery.
» noun awkwardness The collapse of the project assortment, group, store k
was caused by a disagreement l
of movement Meg’s usual in the team. colloquial m
clumsiness was made worse downfall, failure » adjective used in everyday n
by her high-heeled shoes. o
awkwardness, colleague conversation Clare used p
ungainliness » noun a person someone works colloquial expressions like: q
“He’s gone nuts”.
The lake had a thin coating of ice. with My colleagues all conversational, everyday, r
worked extremely hard on informal, demotic, s
coax the latest project. idiomatic, vernacular
» verb to persuade gently associate, fellow worker, t
partner, workmate colony 1 u
We coaxed her into coming v
to the shops with us. collect noun a country controlled w
cajole, persuade, talk into, » verb to gather together x
inveigle, prevail upon, » by another country y
wheedle My brother Sebastian Many European countries
collects stamps that come used to have colonies around z
Meg’s usual clumsiness was made coil from all over the world. the world.
worse by her high-heeled shoes. » verb to wind in loops accumulate, assemble, dependency, dominion,
gather, raise, aggregate, territory
clumsy The snake coiled its body amass
» adjective moving awkwardly around the tree. antonym: scatter colony 2
curl, loop, spiral, twine, » noun a group of settlers
Rob is big and clumsy twist, wind My brother Sebastian collects
in his movements. stamps that come from all over in a place A colony of
awkward, gauche, cold 1 the world. Scots settled in Australia.
lumbering, uncoordinated, » adjective having a low community, outpost,
ungainly, accident-prone, settlement
bumbling, gawky, maladroit temperature The spring
antonym: graceful weather felt so cold that it colossal
felt more like midwinter. » adjective very large indeed
coast arctic, biting, bitter,
» noun the land next to the sea bleak, chilly, freezing, The statue was colossal.
icy, raw, wintry enormous, gigantic, huge,
We holidayed on the coast antonym: hot immense, mammoth,
this year. massive, vast
beach, border, coastline, cold 2 antonym: tiny
seaside, shore, strand » adjective not showing affection
colour 1
coat 1 Aunt Maud was a cold, » verb to give something a colour
» noun an animal’s fur or hair unfeeling person who loved
her cats more than people. Jules used hair dye to colour
Anna gave the dog’s coat aloof, distant, frigid, his hair.
a brush. lukewarm, reserved, dye, paint, stain, tint
fleece, fur, hair, hide, pelt, stony, standoffish,
skin, wool undemonstrative
antonym: warm

43

colour

A colour 2 combine command 4
B » verb to affect the way you think » verb to join or mix together » noun knowledge and ability

The rainy weather coloured The performer combined Ned had a good command
her opinion of the trip. magic and dance in his act. of several languages.
amalgamate, blend, fuse, grasp, knowledge,
C bias, distort, prejudice, integrate, merge, mix, mastery
slant unite, meld, synthesize
antonym: separate commemorate
D colour 3 » verb to do something
E » noun a shade or hue come 1 Trish made herself comfortable
» verb to move or arrive and read a book. in memory of A concert
Annette’s favourite colour was held to commemorate
is blue. somewhere The teacher comfortable 1 the anniversary of the victory.
came into the room. » adjective physically relaxing celebrate, honour,
F hue, pigmentation, appear, arrive, enter, memorialize, pay tribute to
shade, tint materialize, show up Trish made herself
▶▶ SEE RIGHT (informal), turn up (informal) comfortable and read a book. comment 1
cosy, easy, homely, » verb to make a remark
G colour 4 come 2 relaxing, restful
H » noun a substance used to give » verb to happen or take place antonym: uncomfortable She was asked to comment
on the situation.
colour She added a few The opportunity to audition comfortable 2 mention, note, observe,
comes only twice a year. » adjective feeling at ease point out, remark, say,
I drops of red food colour happen, occur, take place interpose, opine
to the icing. The couple sat together
dye, paint, pigment comfort 1 in comfortable silence. She was asked to comment
» noun a state of ease at ease, at home, on the situation.
J colourful 1 contented, happy, relaxed
K » adjective full of colour The seating in the airy sitting antonym: uneasy comment 2
room was designed for comfort. » noun something you say
The lorikeets have such ease, luxury, wellbeing
Mary made a nice comment
L colourful feathers. command 1 about my new hairstyle.
bright, brilliant, intense, » verb to order someone to do observation, remark,
jazzy (informal), rich, vibrant, statement
something The sports coach
M vivid, kaleidoscopic, commanded the team to run commit
multicoloured, psychedelic around the field. » verb to do something
bid, demand, direct, order,
N antonym: dull charge It appears that a crime
O colourful 2 has been committed.
The seating in the airy sitting room command 2 carry out, do, perform,
» adjective interesting or exciting was designed for comfort. » verb to be in charge of perpetrate
The girl gave a colourful
comfort 2 The politician asked common 1
P account of her journey » noun relief from worry to meet the general » adjective of many people
to the farm. who had commanded
or unhappiness Jan’s words the rescue mission. The statue was a common
Q graphic, interesting, gave him some comfort. control, head, lead, stop for tourists.
lively, rich, vivid consolation, help, relief, manage, supervise general, popular, prevailing,
antonym: dull satisfaction, support prevalent, universal,
command 3 widespread
R combination comfort 3 » noun an order to do something antonym: rare
S » noun a mixture of things » verb to give someone comfort
Everyone in the class
Green is a combination of The woman tried to comfort jumped up and down at
her screaming baby. the teacher’s command.
T yellow and blue. cheer, console, bidding, decree, directive,
amalgamation, blend, reassure, soothe injunction, instruction,
order, behest, edict
U mix, mixture, amalgam,
composite, meld

V

W
X
Y
Z Green is a combination of yellow

and blue.

44

common a

colour b
3 shades of different colours c

charco al rald khak d
r uby platinum slate e
grey eme green
vermilio iolive f
lia g
redscarle n silver in lime
nze gold digo navy h
t crimson i
fus russet bro azureblue j
lemon
brown yellow saffron hiresapp k
tan l
sepia m
chia r mustard tangeri ebony n
ch o
o ne y p
ose q
black
co r
on s
pea
t
er u
ink v
pink orange w
x
ral salm chre amb ven y
soot y ra
lavender repaemwarl hitmeagno z
purple vio
lilac c
let

mauve ivor y

45

common

BA competitor » noun a person who competes for something
He was one of seven competitors in the quiz.
opponent rival
C adversary competition
D
E challenger contestant opposition

F

G

H

I
J

K communicate 2 company 3 The passengers in the compartment
L » verb to pass on information » noun the act of spending time waited for the train to move.

common 2 The results will be with someone I really enjoy compartment 2
communicated by post. your company. » noun a section of a railway
M »adjective not special convey, impart, inform, companionship, presence
Sparrows are common birds. pass on, retweet, spread, carriage The passengers
transmit, tweet, compare in the compartment waited
N average, commonplace, disseminate, make known for the train to move.
everyday, ordinary, plain, verb to look at things for carriage
companion
O standard, usual, » noun someone you travel with » similarities or differences compassionate
run-of-the-mill, workaday Compare the two pictures
or spend time with Matt has and spot the differences. adjective feeling or showing
P antonym: special been her constant companion contrast, juxtapose, weigh
Q common 3 for the last six years. » sympathy and pity for others
comrade, crony compartment 1 The compassionate man
» adjective having bad taste (old-fashioned), friend, mate, adopted the stray dog.
pal (informal), partner noun one of the separate caring, humane, kind,
or manners Harry was kind-hearted, merciful,
company 1 » parts of an object sympathetic, tender,
R common and rude. noun a business » The shop The fridge has a freezer benevolent, humanitarian
coarse, rude, vulgar compartment at the top.
was run by a large company. bay, chamber, division,
S antonym: refined business, corporation, section
establishment, firm, house
common sense The fridge has a freezer
company 2 compartment at the top.
T » noun good judgment in » noun a group of people
practical matters Use your
common sense to find the clue. A company of actors
performed a play.
U good sense, judgment, assembly, band, circle,
V level-headedness, community, crowd,
ensemble, group, party,
prudence, wit troupe, concourse, coterie

W communicate 1
X » verb to be in touch with

someone We communicate
mainly by text message.

Y be in contact, be in touch,
correspond

Z

46

conceit

compensate 1 competition 2 Lesley owned a complete comprehend a
» verb to repay someone for loss set of tools with all the
noun a contest to find attachments. verb to understand or b
or damage The company c
offered to compensate the » the winner in something complete 2 » appreciate something
customer for the broken laptop Jemima won the surfing » adjective with nothing missing It took me a moment d
plus the inconvenience. competition. to comprehend what e
atone, refund, repay, championship, contest, Lesley owned a complete Lewis was saying.
reward, make amends, event, tournament set of tools with all appreciate, fathom, grasp, f
make restitution, the attachments. see, take in, understand, g
recompense, reimburse, competitor entire, full, intact, work out
remunerate undivided, whole h
noun a person who competes antonym: incomplete compulsory i
compensate 2 for something » adjective required by law j
» verb to cancel out complete 3
◀◀ SEE LEFT verb to finish » Tim has just School attendance k
Theo’s enthusiasm is compulsory. l
compensated for his lack complain completed his first fun run. mandatory, obligatory, m
of skill at knitting. » verb to express dissatisfaction conclude, end, finish required, requisite n
balance, cancel out, antonym: voluntary o
counteract, make up for, Poppy complained to the complex 1 p
offset, counterbalance, teacher that John had taken » adjective having many different computer q
redress her pencil.
carp, find fault, grouse, parts The complex puzzle noun an electronic machine r
compensation grumble, kick up a fuss took a long time to solve. s
» noun something that makes up (informal), moan, whine, complicated, difficult, » that stores and processes data
whinge (informal), bemoan, intricate, involved, tangled, Ana used a computer to t
for loss or damage She bewail convoluted, tortuous work out the company’s profits. u
received compensation for antonym: simple laptop, PC, tablet v
the damage to her property. Poppy complained to the teacher w
amends, atonement, that John had taken her pencil. complex 2 Ana used a computer to work out x
damages, payment, » noun an emotional problem the company’s profits. y
recompense, complaint
reimbursement, Vincent has a complex about con 1 z
remuneration, noun an instance of being accident prone.
reparation, restitution fixation, obsession, verb to trick someone into
» complaining about something phobia, preoccupation,
compete There have been a number problem, thing » doing or believing something
verb to try to win » The teams of complaints about the noise Joshua conned me into
from the roadworks. complicated buying his broken bike.
competed for the title in criticism, grievance, » adjective complex and difficult cheat, deceive,
the final game of the season. grumble, objection, protest mislead, swindle,
contend, contest, fight, vie The questions in the test trick, defraud, dupe
complete 1 were so complicated that he
The teams competed for the title » adjective to the greatest degree couldn’t understand them. con 2
in the final game of the season. complex, convoluted,
possible The garden had elaborate, intricate, noun a trick intended to
competition 1 undergone a complete involved, labyrinthine,
» noun an attempt to win transformation. perplexing » mislead or disadvantage
absolute, consummate, antonym: simple
There’s a lot of competition outright, perfect, thorough, someone The packaging is
for places. total, utter compose a con – it makes the contents
contention, contest, » verb to create or write look twice as big as they are.
opposition, rivalry, struggle bluff, deception, fraud,
Stephen has composed swindle, trick
a song.
create, devise, invent, conceit
produce, write noun excessive pride » The

singer made so many demands;
his conceit was insufferable.
egotism, pride,
self-importance, vanity,
narcissism, vainglory

47

conceited

A conceited concern 4 condemn 1 conduct yourself
» verb to affect or involve » verb to behave in a particular
» adjective too proud She was verb to say that something
This concerns both of you. way The way you conduct
B conceited – so full of herself. affect, apply to, » is bad or unacceptable yourself reflects on the school.
bigheaded (informal), cocky, be relevant to, involve, The scheme was condemned act, behave, acquit yourself
bear on, pertain to, touch for being a waste of money.
C egotistical, self-important, blame, censure, criticize, conference
vain, narcissistic, concise damn, denounce » noun a meeting for discussion
swollen-headed, » adjective using no unnecessary
condemn 2 The team held a conference
D vainglorious words The report was short » verb to give a punishment to discuss the new project.
antonym: modest and concise. congress, convention,
brief, short, succinct, terse, The thief was condemned discussion, forum, meeting,
E concentrate 1 laconic, pithy to five years in prison. colloquium, convocation,
F » verb to give something all your antonym: long damn, doom, sentence symposium

attention Hannah was trying conclude 1 condition 1 The team held a conference
hard to concentrate on » verb to decide something » noun the state of something to discuss the new project.

G her studies. Dad concluded that I had The house is in good confess
be engrossed in, been right after all. condition and needs no repairs. » verb to admit to something
decide, deduce, infer, form, shape, state
H focus your attention on, judge, reckon (informal), The boy confessed to eating
give your attention to, suppose, surmise condition 2 the entire packet of biscuits.
put your mind to acknowledge, admit,
conclude 2 noun something required for own up
I » verb to finish something antonym: deny
» something else to be possible
J She concluded the letter Emily was allowed to go confession
by signing her name. to the party on the condition » noun the act of confessing
K close, end, finish, that she first cleaned her room.
round off, wind up prerequisite, provision, I have to make a
L antonym: begin proviso, qualification, confession – I borrowed your
M Hannah was trying hard to requirement, requisite, dress without asking first.
stipulation, terms acknowledgment,
concentrate on her studies. admission
conduct 1
N concentrate 2 » verb to carry out an activity confidence 1
O » verb to be found in one place » noun a feeling of trust
or task We conducted
The guitar shops are an experiment in science class. I have complete confidence
concentrated in one street. carry out, direct, do, that you will do well.
manage, organize, perform, belief, faith, reliance, trust
P accumulate, collect, gather run, execute, implement, antonym: distrust
Q concern 1 orchestrate
confidence 2
» noun a feeling of worry She concluded the letter » noun sureness of yourself
Martin’s timing was a by signing her name.
I’ve never had much
R concern – he was always late. conclusion 1 We conducted an experiment confidence about speaking
anxiety, apprehension, in science class. in class.
noun a decision made after aplomb, assurance,
S disquiet, worry self-assurance,
» thinking carefully about self-possession
concern 2 antonym: shyness
something I’ve come to the
T » noun someone’s duty or conclusion that she was lying.
responsibility The child’s deduction, inference,
health is the parent’s concern. judgment, verdict

U affair, business, conclusion 2 conduct 2
V responsibility » noun the finish or ending of » noun the way someone behaves

concern 3 something A full stop marks Mary’s conduct was a good
the conclusion of a sentence. example to others.
W » verb to make someone worried close, end, ending, finish, attitude, behaviour,
It concerns me that Leo termination manners, ways,
antonym: beginning comportment, demeanour
X doesn’t want to talk to the
teacher about the problem.

Y bother, distress, disturb,
trouble, worry, disquiet,

Z perturb

48