Children’s Illustrated Thesaurus

glare

get 1 Ann bought the gift for her friend. give 2 glance 2 a
» verb to fetch or receive » verb to collapse or break under » verb to look at something
gift 1 b
something I’ll get us » noun something you give pressure The bookcase was quickly Wyatt glanced c
some drinks for the picnic. likely to give if any more books at his watch.
acquire, fetch, obtain, someone Ann bought were placed on it. glimpse, look, peek, d
procure (formal), receive, the gift for her friend. buckle, cave in, collapse, peep, scan e
secure (formal) bequest (formal), give way, yield
contribution, donation, glance 3 f
get 2 legacy, present give in » verb to hit something quickly g
» verb to change from one state » verb to admit that you are
gift 2 and bounce away The ball h
to another Once it gets » noun a natural skill or ability defeated The kids kept glanced off the goal post. i
dark, people draw the curtains whining until their dad gave bounce, brush, skim, j
and put on the lights. Huan had a gift for music. in and took them to the park. rebound, ricochet
become, grow, turn ability, aptitude, flair, talent capitulate, concede, k
submit, succumb, glare 1 l
get on give 1 surrender, yield » verb to look angrily at someone m
» verb to enjoy someone’s » verb to provide someone with n
glad Joe glared at his sister. o
company The two friends something I gave her » adjective happy about frown, glower, scowl p
always did get on very well. a glass of orange juice. q
be compatible, award, deliver, donate, something I’m so glad Joe glared at his sister.
hit it off (informal) grant, hand, present, you could make it, I haven’t r
provide, supply, accord, seen you in ages! glare 2 s
ghost administer, bestow, confer delighted, happy, joyful, » noun an angry look
» noun the spirit of a dead antonym: take overjoyed, pleased t
antonym: sorry When the teacher gave u
person Lots of children them a glare, the class v
dressed up as ghosts glance 1 settled down. w
on Halloween. » noun a brief look at something frown, scowl x
apparition, phantom, y
spectre, spirit They exchanged glances
related word: when the teacher’s back z
adjective spectral was turned, as they knew they
were about to get homework.
glimpse, look, peek, peep

gather muster congregateiTnhteheconwesxthpaadsctuorneg.regated

» 1 verb to come together in a group tHhoersraenscwhefroerminusspteercetidona.t
The cowboys gathered the herd
from the ranch. massTmhheaersdscieondwgstbonagceekethdteeordtbhteoefobrareench. convene

All the cowboys in the
area convened for a
meal after work.

marshal round up
muTphideadlalaiytmh. ewcaastttloe round
assembleThe ranch owner marshalled the before

cowboys for a quick meeting.
saTtthaetrhticenogrwawbnoocrhyks.baesfsoerembled antonym:
scatter

There were more
cows scattered in
distant fields.

99

glare

A good glare 3
B » noun very bright light
C
Vicky tilted her rear-view
mirror to avoid the glare of the
headlights from the car behind.
blaze, glow

D » 1 adjective pleasant, acceptable, or gloomy 1 Use polish to give your shoes
satisfactory The film was very good. » adjective feeling very sad a gloss.
GEF superbballSeht ewathsosuugphetrbth.e
HI excellentaSnheextcheolluegnhttmitewala.s Carla felt gloomy at gloss
KJ splendid delightfulWhat a splendid concert. the prospect of leaving » noun a bright shine on
her old house.
dejected, down, glum, a surface Use polish
miserable, sad, blue, to give your shoes a gloss.
despondent, downhearted brilliance, gleam, polish,
antonym: cheerful sheen, shine

gloomy 2 glossy
» adjective dark and depressing » adjective smooth and shiny

The room was gloomy with The leaves were dark
all the curtains closed. and glossy.
dark, dismal, dreary, dull bright, brilliant, polished,
antonym: sunny shiny, sleek

eWvehnaitnga!delightful glow 1
ML first-class first-rateTlahbisorisataorfyirsret-pcolarts.s » noun a steady light
fiHrset-sratateyehdotaetl.a
ON great enjoyableis a gIrethaitnikdethaa!t Madison felt soothed
vIatcwataisona.n enjoyable by the glow of the fire.
gleam, glimmer, light

glow 2
» verb to shine with a dull

steady light The sun
glowed through the trees.
gleam, glimmer, shine,
QRP finaegreeableaIgtrweeaasbalne morning. The room was gloomy with smoulder
He all the curtains closed.
glue
S fine glory 1 » verb to stick things together

noun fame and admiration Glue the two halves together.
fix, paste, seal, stick
» that someone gets
Winning the competition
was her moment of glory.
tdhaoyufgohrtaitwwaalks. a fame, honour, immortality, go 1
praise, prestige, acclaim, » verb to move or travel
UVT acceptableaTnheacecsespatyabwlaesswtarnitdteanrdt.o eminence, renown
antonym: disgrace somewhere I usually go
into town on the weekends.
glory 2 advance, drive, fly,
» noun something impressive journey (formal), leave,
proceed (formal),
or beautiful Spring arrived set off, travel

in all its glory. go 2
grandeur, magnificence, » verb to work properly

W majesty, splendour The car won’t go.
X glory 3 function, work
Y antonym: bad
It was a bad day for cycling. » verb to enjoy something very

Z much The schoolchildren
were glorying in the freedom
of the holidays.
gloat, relish, revel

100

grasp

go 3 grace grant 1 a
» noun an attempt to do » noun an elegant way of moving
noun a money award given b
something I always wanted The swans on the river c
to have a go at waterskiing. swim with such grace. » for a particular purpose
attempt, shot (informal), elegance, poise My application for a music d
stab (informal), try antonym: clumsiness grant has been accepted. e
allocation, allowance,
goal As service was unusually slow, grade award, handout, subsidy f
» noun something that a person the waiter gave her a free drink g
as a gesture of goodwill. verb to arrange things grant 2
hopes to achieve The goal » verb to allow someone to have h
is to finish the race as fast as goodwill » according to quality i
you can without dropping the Chillies are graded according something Chloe was j
egg from the spoon. noun kindness and helpfulness to how hot they taste. granted access to the
aim, end, intention, object, class, classify, group, rate, backstage area. k
objective, purpose, target » towards other people sort, evaluate, sequence allocate, allow, award, give, l
As service was unusually permit, accord, bestow m
gobble slow, the waiter gave her a free gradual antonym: deny n
» verb to eat food very quickly drink as a gesture of goodwill. » adjective happening or o
benevolence, favour, Chloe was granted access p
Pete gobbled the pasta as friendliness, friendship changing slowly There was to the backstage area. q
if he hadn’t eaten for a week. a gradual introduction of new
bolt, devour, wolf gossip school rules. grant 3 r
» noun informal conversation continuous, progressive, » verb to admit that something s
Pete gobbled the pasta as slow, steady
if he hadn’t eaten for a week. about other people The antonym: sudden is true I grant that the chair t
friends met once a week was wobbly before you broke it. u
good 1 for a coffee and a gossip. grand 1 accept, acknowledge, v
dirt, hearsay, chitchat, admit, allow, concede w
adjective pleasant, acceptable, prattle, scandal, adjective very impressive antonym: deny x
or satisfactory tittle-tattle y
» in size or appearance grasp 1
◀◀ SEE LEFT go through The grand building in the » verb to hold something firmly z
town centre is the palace.
good 2 verb to experience imposing, impressive, Rohan grasped the branch
» adjective skilful or successful magnificent, majestic, to steady himself.
» an unpleasant event monumental, splendid, clutch, grab, grip, hold,
Miguel was really good I was going through a glorious, grandiose, palatial seize, snatch
at art. very difficult time at school.
accomplished, adept, endure, experience, grasp 2
clever, competent, undergo » verb to understand an idea
proficient, skilled, talented
antonym: incompetent grab She failed to grasp the
» verb to take hold of something urgency of the situation.
good 3 absorb, appreciate,
» adjective kind, thoughtful, roughly He grabbed her assimilate, realize,
hand to stop her falling. take in, understand
and loving You are so good clutch, grasp, seize, snatch
to me, bringing me flowers. grasp 3
benevolent, considerate, He grabbed her hand to stop The grand building in the town » noun a firm hold
generous, kind-hearted, her falling. centre is the palace.
obliging, thoughtful Logan loosened his grasp
grand 2 on the camera.
» adjective (informal) pleasant clasp, embrace, grip, hold

or enjoyable It was a grand
day out at the beach.
brilliant (informal), great
(informal), marvellous
(informal), terrific (informal),
wonderful

101

grasp

A environmentally friendly
B There are environmentally friendly
solar panels on the roof. ozone-friendly

C green We burn ozone-friendly
D smokeless fuel.

E 1 adjective concerned non-polluting
F » with environmental issues
The wind turbine
We’ve done all we can is a non-polluting
energy source.
eco-to be green.

G friendly
H The eco-

friendly walls
are insulated.

I

J

K ecological conservationist
L Everyone is interested in
Conservationist groups are pleased with our efforts.
ecological issues, such
as global warming. gratitude graze 2 They erected a statue to honour
» noun the feeling of being » noun a slight injury to your skin the great leader.
M
N grasp 4 grateful After the walk, the Oskar just has a graze, great 2
dog wagged its tail in gratitude. not a major cut. » adjective important or famous
» noun a person’s understanding appreciation, recognition, abrasion (formal),
thanks scrape, scratch They erected a statue
of something My brother antonym: ingratitude to honour the great leader.
great 1 celebrated, chief,
O has a good grasp of foreign grave 1 » adjective very large in size distinguished, eminent,
languages. famed, famous, illustrious,
noun a place where someone There are great glaciers important, main, major,
P awareness, comprehension in the Arctic Ocean. momentous, notable,
(formal), grip, knowledge, » is buried when they die big, colossal, huge, principal, prominent,
They visited her grave large, enormous, renowned, serious,
Q understanding twice a year. extensive, gigantic, significant
mausoleum, pit, sepulchre, immense, stupendous,
grateful tomb, burial chamber, tremendous, vast
catacomb antonym: small
adjective pleased and
grave 2 There are great glaciers
R wanting to thank someone » adjective (formal) very serious in the Arctic Ocean.

» Grace was grateful for The students looked grave
as they filed into the hall
S the wonderful birthday party. for assembly.
appreciative, acute, critical, heavy
(informal), serious, sober,
T indebted, thankful solemn, sombre
antonym: ungrateful
graze 1
U » verb to slightly injure your skin

V Anton fell over and grazed
his left arm.
W scrape, scratch, skin
X

Y

Z Grace was grateful for the
wonderful birthday party.

102

grow

great 3 grieve 2 a
» adjective (informal) very good » verb to make someone feel
b
Fran thought the surprise extremely sad It grieved c
birthday party was a great Elaine to be away from her pets
idea and joined in with when she was on holiday. d
the planning. distress, pain, e
beauty (Australia and New sadden, upset
Zealand), excellent, antonym: cheer f
fantastic (informal), fine, g
first-rate, marvellous The president was greeted by local grim The school’s grounds were used
(informal), outstanding, political leaders. » adjective looking very serious for sporting activities. h
superb, terrific (informal), i
tremendous (informal), greet Her face was grim upon grounds 1 j
wonderful » verb to say hello to someone hearing the bad news.
antonym: terrible grave, severe, plural noun the land k
when they arrive The solemn, stern l
greedy president was greeted » surrounding a building m
» adjective wanting more than by local political leaders. grip 1 The school’s grounds were n
meet, receive (formal), » noun a firm hold on something used for sporting activities. o
you need The greedy cat welcome, hail, salute estate, gardens, land p
ate more than it needed. Aiden’s grip on the bag q
materialistic, acquisitive, grey 1 was strong and fast. grounds 2
avaricious, grasping, » adjective being dull and clasp, grasp, hold r
ravenous, voracious plural noun the reason for s
dismal The rush hour grip 2
The greedy cat ate more crowds looked fed-up » noun someone’s control over » doing or thinking something t
than it needed. and grey. Owen was against buying u
colourless, dull, something The head teacher a new car on the grounds v
green 1 nondescript, unremarkable kept a tight grip on the of expense. w
school budget. basis, cause, excuse, x
adjective concerned with grey 2 clutches, control, justification, reason, y
environmental issues influence, power foundation, pretext,
noun or adjective rationale z
◀◀ SEE LEFT Shades of grey: grip 3
ash, charcoal, gunmetal, » verb to hold something firmly group 1
green 2 hoary, leaden, pewter, » noun a number of people or
platinum, silver, silvery, The girl gripped the rope
noun or adjective slate, steel grey, stone, and began to climb. things The group of football
Shades of green: taupe, whitish clutch, grasp, hold supporters sang in unison.
apple green, avocado, band, bunch, collection,
bottle green, chartreuse, grief The girl gripped the rope and crowd, gang, pack, party,
emerald, grass green, jade, » noun a feeling of extreme began to climb. set, aggregation,
khaki, lime, Lincoln green, assemblage, coterie
olive, pea green, pistachio, sadness She felt a sense
sage, sea green, turquoise of grief when her best friend group 2
related word: moved abroad. » verb to link people or things
adjective verdant distress, heartache, misery,
sadness, sorrow, together The pupils were
unhappiness, anguish, grouped into four teams.
dejection, heartbreak, woe arrange, class, classify,
antonym: happiness organize, sort,
assort, marshal
grieve 1
» verb to feel extremely sad grow 1
» verb to increase in size
The nation grieved for
the loss of their much-loved or amount The girl’s
president at the state funeral. hair grew very long.
lament, mourn develop, expand,
increase, multiply
antonym: shrink

ground grow 2
» noun the surface of the Earth » verb to pass gradually into

We sat on the ground a particular state I grew
and had a picnic. more tired as the day went on.
dirt, earth, land, soil, terrain become, get, turn

103

grow

A grow 3 grumpy The security guard kept watch guide 2
verb to be alive or exist » adjective bad-tempered and on the shop’s car park. » verb to influence someone

B ▼ SEE BELOW annoyed Alex was grumpy guard 3 Guided by her father’s
because he had forgotten advice, Priya bought the
growth his homework. noun someone who guards red bicycle.
irritable, sulky, sullen, counsel (formal),
C » noun the act of getting bigger surly, bad-tempered, » people or places govern, influence
The doctor measured cantankerous, The security guard kept
ill-tempered watch on the shop’s car park. guilty 1
D the child’s growth. sentry, warden, sentinel,
development, enlargement, guarantee 1 warder, watchman adjective having done

E expansion, increase noun something that makes guess 1 » something wrong
F The dog was guilty
G » another thing certain verb to form an idea or of eating all the biscuits.
H The digital radio came with convicted, criminal,
I The doctor measured the a guarantee that it would be » opinion about something blameworthy, culpable,
J child’s growth. replaced or fixed if anything I guess I’ll have the cake felonious
K grumble 1 was wrong with it. for dessert. antonym: innocent
assurance, pledge, estimate, imagine, reckon,
» verb to complain in a bad- promise, undertaking, word speculate, suppose, guilty 2
suspect, think, conjecture,
tempered way “This is very guarantee 2 hazard, surmise adjective unhappy because

L inconvenient,” he grumbled. verb to make it certain guess 2 » you have done something
carp, complain, » noun an attempt to give the
» that something will happen bad Sadie felt guilty for
M groan, moan, mutter, The free cupcakes were right answer Stefan made spilling tea on the carpet.
whine, whinge guaranteed to attract customers a guess that the time was ashamed, regretful,
to the stall. three o’clock. remorseful (formal), sorry,
N grumble 2 ensure, pledge, promise feeling, reckoning, conscience-stricken,
O » noun a bad-tempered speculation, conjecture, contrite, shamefaced
guard 1 hypothesis
complaint I didn’t hear » verb to protect someone gullible
any grumbles when we were » adjective easily tricked
or something The dog
P first planning what food should guarded the house, barking Ivan was very gullible
be served at the party. at any intruders. and believed everything
defend, protect, safeguard, the other boy said.
Q complaint, moan, murmur, shelter, shield, watch over naive, trusting, credulous,
objection, protest, whinge unsuspecting
guard 2 guide 1 antonym: suspicious
R » verb to stop someone making » verb to lead someone
S gush
trouble or escaping Police somewhere Ella took Elliott » verb to flow in large quantities
guarded the angry crowds as by the arm and guided him out.
they marched through the town. accompany, direct, escort, Water gushed from the tap.
patrol, police, supervise lead, conduct, convoy, flow, pour, spurt, stream,
shepherd, usher cascade, issue, jet

T grow spring up flourish
U Plants are springing The plants flourish
up all over the place. with water nearby.
V » 3 verb to be alive or
exist Many plants
W grow in our garden.
shoot

X germinate sprout The seeds I planted
Seeds may sprout last week are
Some of the seeds within in a few days. beginning to shoot.

Y need hot weather
to germinate.
Z

104

hand down

habit 1 hackneyed halt 1 halt 3 a
» noun something that is done » adjective used too often » verb to bring something
noun an interruption b
regularly Jonathan has an to be meaningful Diego to an end The barbecue was c
annoying habit of leaving the could only find hackneyed finally halted by a rainstorm. » or end to something
top off the toothpaste. postcards of palm trees and cease, check, curb, cut When the bell rang d
convention, custom, sun loungers when he went short, end, terminate for lunch, she brought e
practice, routine, tradition to Ibiza. antonym: begin the class to a halt.
banal, clichéd, stale, close, end, pause, f
habit 2 tired, trite, run-of-the-mill, halt 2 standstill, stop, stoppage, g
» noun an addiction to something threadbare, timeworn » verb to come or bring impasse, termination
antonym: original h
Jess has a chocolate habit, to a stop She held her hand hamper i
and she eats one small bar hail out and halted the cars. j
every day. » verb to attract someone’s draw up, pull up, stop verb to make movement
addiction, dependence k
attention Hannah hailed » or progress difficult l
habitat me from across the street. m
» noun the natural home of a call, signal to, for someone I was n
wave down hampered by a lack o
plant or animal Crocodiles of information. p
live in tropical habitats. frustrate, hinder, q
environment, territory impede, obstruct,
restrict, encumber, r
▼ SEE BELOW fetter s

She held her hand out and halted hand down t
the cars. u
verb to pass from one v
w
» generation to another x
Recipes are handed y
down from parents to
their children. z
bequeath, give,
pass down, pass on,
bestow, will

forest desert

Forests are found in cooler, With little annual rainfall,
wetter areas where there deserts are the driest
is enough rain for places on Earth.
trees to grow.

polar regions habitat Mediterranean
types of habitat
The icy Arctic The Mediterranean
and Antarctic are can be very hot
and humid.
polar regions.

grasslands rainforest

Grasslands are usually More species of wildlife
very dry and home to are found in rainforests,
many grazing animals. or jungles, than anywhere
else in the world.

105

handicap

BA happy »1 adjective feeling or causing joy
The children were so happy
when dessert arrived.

C joyful jubilant elated
D delighted
glad pleased

E

F

G
H

I
J

K handle 2 hang 1
L handicap 1 » verb to hold or move with
verb to be attached at the
noun something that the hands Please remember
to wear gloves when handling » top with the lower part free
M » makes progress difficult cleaning products. Miguel’s jacket hung from
Not speaking the same feel, finger, grasp, a hook behind the door.
hold, touch dangle, droop
N language was a real handicap.
barrier, disadvantage, handle 3 Keep a pencil and paper handy hang 2
so you can take notes during
O drawback, hindrance, verb to deal with or the telephone call. verb to fasten something
impediment, obstacle
» control something handy 1 » to another thing at the top
P handicap 2 Thalia handled » adjective conveniently near Sara hung clothes on
Q » verb to make something the travel arrangements. the line.
administer, conduct, Keep a pencil and paper attach, drape, fasten,
difficult for someone Lack deal with, manage, handy so you can take notes fix, suspend
of proper tools handicapped supervise, take care of during the telephone call.
at hand, at your fingertips, Sara hung clothes on the line.
R my father’s attempt to build handsome 1 close, convenient, nearby,
a wardrobe. » adjective very attractive on hand happen
»verb to take place
S burden, hamper, hinder, in appearance The main handy 2
impede, restrict actor was talented and » adjective easy to handle Laura and Claire happened
very handsome. to be in the same shop, at the
T handle 1 attractive, good-looking or use Paul gave me same time.
U » noun the part of an object antonym: ugly some handy hints on how come about, follow, occur,
to look after indoor plants. result, take place, ensue,
by which it is held The handsome 2 convenient, easy to use, materialize
broom handle suddenly broke. » adjective large and generous helpful, neat, practical,
useful, user-friendly
V grip, hilt They made a handsome
W profit from the cake sale.
X ample, considerable,
Y generous, liberal, plentiful,
Z The broom handle sizable or sizeable
antonym: small
suddenly broke.

106

harmful

thrilled over the moon euphoric a

overjoyed ecstatic b
c
d
e
f
g

h

i
j

happiness hard 2 harden hardship k
» noun a feeling of great pleasure » adjective requiring a lot » verb to make or become stiff » noun difficult circumstances l
m
Shreya was overwhelmed of effort Clearing out or firm Kat put the frosting There are many countries n
with happiness. the garage was hard work, in the fridge to harden it. suffering financial hardship. o
delight, ecstasy, elation, so he always put it at the bake, cake, freeze, set, adversity, destitution, p
joy, pleasure, satisfaction, bottom of his to-do list. solidify, stiffen difficulty, misfortune, q
exuberance, felicity, arduous, exhausting, antonym: soften want, oppression,
merriment laborious, rigorous, privation, tribulation r
antonym: sadness strenuous, tough hardly s
antonym: easy » adverb almost not or not harm 1
happy 1 t
hard 3 quite There is hardly verb to injure someone u
adjective feeling or causing joy » adjective difficult to understand any drink left in the bottle.
barely, just, only just, » or damage something v
▲ SEE ABOVE Ava found her algebra scarcely The bear ate our supplies, w
homework very hard. but didn’t harm anyone. x
happy 2 baffling, complex, abuse, damage, hurt, y
» adjective fortunate or lucky complicated, difficult, ill-treat, ruin, wound
puzzling z
By happy coincidence, antonym: simple harm 2
Joe bumped into an old » noun injury or damage
friend on the train.
auspicious, convenient, She accidentally trod on his
favourable, fortunate, toe but didn’t mean to cause
lucky, opportune, timely him harm.
antonym: unlucky abuse, damage, hurt, injury

hard 1 There is hardly any drink left harmful
» adjective firm, solid, or rigid in the bottle. » adjective having a bad effect

The cheese was so hard on something Eating
he struggled to cut it. chocolate is harmful to dogs.
firm, rigid, solid, stiff, damaging, destructive,
strong, tough detrimental, hurtful,
antonym: soft pernicious, baleful, baneful,
deleterious, injurious
Ava found her algebra homework antonym: harmless
very hard.

107

harmless

A

B

C

D

E
MQGOHNKPFLJI ealvisheteseeodndvcroieanprthceharHe
He caught a snatch of conversation from people down
m
He couldn’t avoid overhearing someone the carriage
heeded the warning to look both ways when crossin
.
He listened in on the businessman’s p
else’s

usic.

g the road.

RS He eavesdropped on tw hone call.

UT listen to He tried to listen o

teenagers

V hear gossiping.
to the
W
X announcements.

Y » 1 verb to listen to something
He could hear so many noises in the train.

Z

108

hear

harmless hate 1 have 2 a
» adjective safe to use » verb to experience something
verb to have a strong dislike b
or be near This experiment Alex had a marvellous time. c
is harmless to plants. » for something or someone endure, enjoy, experience,
innocuous, nontoxic, I really hate mustard. feel, sustain, undergo I always eat a healthy breakfast. d
not dangerous, safe abhor, be sick of, despise, e
antonym: harmful detest, dislike, loathe head 1 healthy 2 f
antonym: love » noun a person’s mind and » adjective producing good health g
harsh
» adjective severe, difficult, hate 2 mental abilities I don’t I always eat a healthy h
» noun a strong dislike Bullies have a head for languages. breakfast. i
and unpleasant The aptitude, brain, common beneficial, bracing, j
weather conditions were are people who are full of hate. sense, intelligence, mind, good for you, nourishing,
harsh in the mountains. animosity, aversion, dislike, wits, intellect, rationality nutritious, wholesome,
austere, cruel, hard, hatred, hostility, loathing, invigorating, salubrious,
ruthless, severe, stern, animus, detestation, head 2 salutary
draconian, spartan enmity, odium » noun the top, front, or start antonym: unhealthy
antonym: mild antonym: love
of something We finally heap 1 k
The weather conditions were hateful reached the head of the queue. » noun a pile of things l
harsh in the mountains. » adjective extremely unpleasant beginning, front, source, m
start, top As the bulldozers worked, n
hassle 1 It was a hateful thing to say. antonym: tail the heap of rubble grew. o
abhorrent, despicable, hoard, mass, mound, p
noun (informal) something that horrible, loathsome, head 3 pile, stack q
obnoxious, offensive » noun the person in charge
» is difficult or causes trouble heap 2 r
I wouldn’t bring in the hatred of something The school » verb to pile things up s
heavy history textbook, » noun an extremely strong has a new head of the
it’s not worth the hassle. music programme. Cora heaped potatoes t
bother, effort, feeling of dislike The bully boss, chief, director, onto Tom’s plate. u
inconvenience, made her feel full of hatred. leader, manager, pile, stack
trouble, upheaval animosity, antipathy, president, principal v
aversion, dislike, heaps w
hassle 2 hate, revulsion head 4 » plural noun (informal) plenty x
antonym: love » verb to be in charge y
verb (informal) to annoy of something Ivan always
haughty of something Our teacher seems to have heaps z
» someone by nagging or making » adjective showing excessive heads the department. of cash.
be in charge of, control, loads (informal), lots
demands My sister started pride Ben was direct, lead, manage, run (informal), plenty, stacks,
hassling me to go to the self-important and spoke tons (informal)
cinema with her. to them in a haughty tone. health 1
badger, bother, go on at, arrogant, conceited, » noun the condition of your hear 1
harass, nag, pester disdainful, proud,
snobbish, stuck-up body Exercise is good verb to listen to something
hasty (informal) for your health.
antonym: humble condition, constitution, ◀◀ SEE LEFT
adjective done or happening shape
have 1 hear 2
» suddenly and quickly » verb to own something Riley health 2 » verb to learn about something
Saul made a hasty exit just » noun a state in which a person
before the train door closed. has two tickets for the concert. I heard that they didn’t
brisk, hurried, prompt, hold, keep, own, possess is feeling well In hospital enjoy their holiday, which
rapid, swift they nursed me back to health. is a shame.
fitness, good condition, ascertain, discover,
wellbeing find out, gather,
antonym: illness learn, understand

Riley has two tickets healthy 1
for the concert. » adjective having good health

Zoe was a very healthy child.
active, fit,
in good shape (informal),
robust, strong, well
antonym: ill

109

heat

A heat 1 hell 1 helper
B » noun the quality of being » noun a person who gives
noun the place where souls
warm or hot The heat assistance There is an adult
of the midday sun was intense. » of evil people are believed to helper for every two children on
the school trip.
C high temperature, warmth go after death Some people aide, assistant, deputy,
antonym: cold believe that hell is where the right-hand man, supporter,
related word: adjective thermal devil lives. henchman
abyss, inferno, fire and
D heat 2 brimstone, Hades (Greek), helpful 1
E » noun a state of strong emotion hellfire, underworld » adjective giving assistance
antonym: heaven
In the heat of the argument, or advice The staff in
The strawberry birthday cake hell 2 the office are very helpful.
F he said things he didn’t mean. was heavenly. accommodating,
excitement, fervour, noun (informal) an unpleasant cooperative, kind,
intensity, passion, supportive
» situation or place antonym: unhelpful
G vehemence Cancelled trains can make
your journey hell. helpful 2
heat 3 agony, anguish, misery, » adjective making a situation
nightmare, ordeal
H » verb to raise the temperature better Having the right
of something Heat the oil heavenly hello equipment is always helpful.
I in a frying pan. » adjective delightful or blissful » interjection a greeting advantageous, beneficial,
reheat, warm up constructive, profitable,
The strawberry birthday I stopped by to say hello. useful
J antonym: cool cake was heavenly. g’day or gidday (Australia
blissful, delightful, and New Zealand), helpless
K excellent, glorious, superb good afternoon (formal), » adjective weak or unable
good evening (formal),
L heavy 1 good morning (formal), to cope The newborn
» adjective great in weight hi (informal), kittens were helpless.
M how do you do? (formal) defenceless, powerless,
or force The bag was very antonym: goodbye unprotected, vulnerable,
N heavy, I had to carry it using weak
both hands. help 1
O bulky, massive hesitant
P Heat the oil in a frying pan. antonym: light verb to make something easier » adjective uncertain about
Q heaven 1
heavy 2 » or better for someone something At first Isaac
noun the place where good » adjective serious or important Dan began to help with was hesitant to accept the role.
the chores. diffident, doubtful,
R » people are believed to go when The mood was heavy aid, assist, lend a hand, reluctant, unsure, wavering,
they die She told them that following the sad news. support irresolute, vacillating
he was now in heaven. deep, grave, profound,
serious, solemn, weighty hesitate
S next world, paradise, antonym: trivial » verb to pause or show
Elysium (Greek),
happy hunting ground heed 1 uncertainty Sue hesitated
before replying to the question.
T (Native American legend), verb to pay attention dither, pause, waver
nirvana (Buddhism and
» to someone’s advice hide 1
U Hinduism), Valhalla (Norse) No one heeded my warning » verb to put something where
antonym: hell about the spicy food.
follow, listen to, pay it cannot be seen The kitten
V heaven 2 attention to, take notice of hid under the basket.
W » noun a place or situation cache, conceal, secrete,
heed 2 Dan began to help with stash (informal)
liked very much Martin » noun careful attention the chores.
was in musical heaven The kitten hid under the basket.
He pays too much help 2
X listening to the orchestra. heed to her. » noun assistance or support
bliss, ecstasy, attention, notice
The books she had
Y paradise, rapture borrowed were not much
help for the exams.
Z advice, aid, assistance,
guidance, helping hand,
support

110

hide 2 hint 1 hit hit
» noun the skin of a large animal » noun an indirect suggestion
1 verb to strike someone a
They wrapped themselves Victor gave a strong hint that
in animal hides to keep warm. we might go out to eat later. »or something forcefully b
pelt, skin clue, indication, He hit the machine c
intimation, suggestion with a big mallet.
high 1 d
» adjective tall or a long way hint 2 hammer e
» noun a helpful piece of advice batter
above the ground The Burj pound f
Khalifa is so high it towers I hope my cousin will give wallop g
over neighbouring buildings. me some fashion hints. belt
elevated, lofty, soaring, advice, pointer, beat h
steep, tall, towering suggestion, tip strike i
antonym: low whack j
hint 3 bash
» verb to suggest something punch k
thump l
indirectly My mother hinted smack m
at her disapproval of the TV slap n
programme. bang o
imply, indicate, insinuate, knock p
intimate, suggest swat q
rap
hire 1 tap r
» verb to employ the services pat s

of someone They are t
hiring staff to work in the u
shop on Saturdays. v
appoint, commission, w
employ, engage, sign up x
y
The Burj Khalifa is so high it towers hire 2
over neighbouring buildings. » verb to pay money to use z

high 2 something She hired
» adjective great in degree, the witch costume for the party.
charter, lease, rent
quantity, or intensity There
is a high risk of sunstroke on For Hire
beach holidays.
acute, excessive,
extraordinary, extreme,
great, severe
antonym: low

hill She hired the witch costume
» noun an area of high ground for the party.

There is a large hill behind hit 1
our house.
brae (Scotland), down, dune, verb to strike someone
elevation, fell, foothill, or something forcefully
height, hillock, hummock,
hump, knoll, mound, SEE RIGHT
prominence, tor

hinder

verb to get in the way of

» someone or something
A thigh injury hindered
her ability to run.
block, check, delay,
frustrate, hamper, impede,
encumber, stymie

111

hit hit 2
» verb to collide with something
A
B The car hit a traffic sign.
C scalding bang into, bump,
D Be careful, the water collide with, meet head-on,
run into, smash into
in the pan is scalding.
hit 3 Ellie held her bag up so her friend
E » noun the action of hitting could see what she had bought.
F boiling
something Give it a good hold 1
It’s boiling in here; hard hit with a hammer. » verb to carry or support
blow, knock, rap, slap,
G let’s open a window. smack, stroke something Ellie held her
H scorching bag up so her friend could
I I like to go swimming hoard 1 see what she had bought.
» verb to store for future use carry, clasp, clutch,
on a scorching day. embrace, grasp, grip
People began to hoard tins
J of food after the flood warning.
K save, stockpile, store

hotL hold 2

M » 1 adjective having a high noun power or control over
temperature The pan
» someone or something
N was too hot to touch. The teacher has
O a considerable hold
P warm over her pupils.
Q The water in the control, dominance, sway

bath is warm. People began to hoard tins of food hold 3
after the flood warning.
R heated noun the act or a way
S The heated swimming pool was
» of holding something
perfect after being outside. Ethan tightened his
hold on the rope so he
T didn’t fall.
U grasp, grip
V
W antonym: hoard 2 hole 1
X cold » noun a store of things » noun an opening or hollow

It’s so cold Mia found a hoard of Roman in something The builders
silver buried in the field. cut holes into the stone.
Y where I live. cache, fund, reserve, gap, hollow, opening,
Z stockpile, store, supply pit, split, tear

hoarse hole 2
» adjective rough and unclear » noun a weakness in a idea

Nick’s voice was hoarse or argument There are
with screaming. some holes in that idea.
croaky, gruff, husky, defect, error, fault,
rasping flaw, loophole
antonym: clear
hole 3
hobby » noun (informal) a difficult

noun an enjoyable activity situation Due to the crisis,
he admitted the government
» pursued in your spare time were in a hole.
My hobbies are music fix (informal), hot water
and photography. (informal), mess,
diversion, leisure activity, predicament, tight spot
leisure pursuit, pastime

112

hot

holiday honour 1 hopeless 1 horse a
» noun personal integrity » adjective certain to fail or be » noun an animal domesticated
noun time spent away from b
It was an honour to be part unsuccessful Marooned on for riding Maria rode her c
» school, work, or home for rest of a team that worked so hard. the desert island, our situation horse daily so that she was d
decency, goodness, seemed hopeless. ready for the competition. e
or enjoyment Roshni honesty, integrity forlorn, futile, impossible, bronco, equine, nag f
couldn’t wait to go on holiday. antonym: dishonour pointless, useless, vain (informal), pony, mount, g
break, leave, recess, steed
time off, vacation honour 2 hopeless 2 related words: h
» noun an award or mark » adjective bad or inadequate adjectives equestrian, equine, i
holy 1 horsey; noun equitation; j
of respect The star The buses on a morning are male stallion; female mare;
adjective relating to God was showered with honours, hopeless, so it is difficult to get young colt, filly, foal
including the top trophy. to school.
» or a particular religion accolade, commendation, inadequate, pathetic, poor, hostile
The Bible is a holy book homage, praise, useless (informal)
for Christians. recognition, tribute, adjective unfriendly, aggressive,
blessed, consecrated, acclaim, kudos horrible 1
hallowed, sacred, » adjective disagreeable or » and unpleasant
sacrosanct, venerated The star was showered with His suggestion received
honours, including the top trophy. unpleasant The burger a hostile response.
holy 2 from the canteen was horrible. antagonistic, belligerent,
honour 3 awful, disagreeable, horrid, malevolent, unkind
adjective religious and » verb to give someone special mean, nasty, unpleasant antonym: friendly

» leading a good life praise The soloist was horrible 2 His suggestion received k
Monks are holy men. honoured by the conductor. » adjective causing shock, fear, a hostile response. l
devout, pious, religious, commemorate, commend, m
saintly, virtuous, decorate, glorify, praise or disgust A horrible crime hostility n
god-fearing, godly was committed last night.
antonym: wicked hooligan appalling, dreadful, grim, noun aggressive or unfriendly o
» noun a destructive and violent gruesome, terrifying p
home 1 » behaviour towards someone or q
» noun the building in which young person The hooligans horrify
damaged two buses. » verb to cause to feel horror something The fans showed r
someone lives Her delinquent, hoon (Australia hostility to the opposing team. s
parents stayed at home and New Zealand; informal), or shock This latest robbery animosity, antagonism,
to watch a movie. lout, tough, vandal, yob will horrify homeowners. hatred, ill will, malice, t
abode, dwelling, (Britain and Australia; slang) appal, disgust, dismay, resentment, animus, u
house, residence outrage, shock, sicken detestation, enmity
hope antonym: friendship v
home 2 » noun a wish or feeling of desire horror 1 w
» adjective involving your own » noun a strong feeling of alarm hot 1 x
and expectation Sam had y
home or region The home high hopes that the weather or disgust Mila gazed in adjective having a high
team won the match easily. would improve before his horror at the mess the dog temperature
domestic, internal, local, camping trip. had made in the kitchen.
national, native ambition, dream, alarm, dread, fear, fright, ◀◀ SEE LEFT
antonym: foreign expectation panic, terror

homely horror 2
» adjective simple, ordinary, » noun a strong fear

and comfortable The of something Felix had
room was small and homely. a horror of deep water and
comfortable, cosy, modest, avoided it whenever he could.
simple, welcoming abhorrence, aversion,
antonym: grand disgust, hatred, loathing,
revulsion, abomination,
honest odium, repugnance
» adjective truthful and

trustworthy He is
a very honest, decent man.
law-abiding, reputable,
trustworthy, truthful,
virtuous
antonym: dishonest

z

113

hot

A hot 2 humble 1 hurt 2
B » adjective very spicy » adjective not vain or boastful » verb to upset someone

The curry was so hot, The musician gave a great or something That
it stung his mouth. performance, but he was lie you told really hurt me.
humble and wouldn’t accept distress, sadden,
C peppery, spicy the praise. upset, wound
antonym: bland meek, modest, unassuming
antonym: haughty hurt 3
D house » adjective upset or offended
E » noun a building in which humble 2 John agreed to wear the blue top,
» adjective ordinary or but with bad humour. He felt hurt by all the lies.
people live They live in aggrieved, offended, upset,
a large house with eight rooms. unimportant A few herbs humour 2 wounded, piqued, rueful
will transform a humble stew » noun the mood someone
F abode, building, dwelling, into a dish fit for a king. hygiene
home, residence lowly, modest, is in John agreed to
ordinary, simple wear the blue top, but noun the principles
G hug 1 with bad humour.
H » verb to hold someone close humble 3 frame of mind, mood, » and practice of health and
» verb to make someone feel spirits, temper
to you Lynn and I hugged cleanliness Kristina cared
each other. humiliated The young humour 3 about her personal hygiene,
chess player humbled his so showered every day.
I clasp, cuddle, experienced opponent. verb to please someone so that cleanliness, sanitation
embrace, squeeze chasten, deflate,
disgrace, humiliate » they will not become upset hypnotize
J As he ranted, she nodded,
humid partly to humour him. verb to put someone
K » adjective damp and hot flatter, indulge, mollify, into a state in which they
L pander to seem to be asleep but can
M It was hot and humid
N in the jungle, making hungry » respond to suggestions
O Lynn and I hugged each other. the journey hard. » adjective wanting to eat He will hypnotize you
P hug 2 clammy, muggy, and stop you from biting
steamy, sticky I didn’t have any lunch, your nails.
noun the act of holding so I’m really hungry. put in a trance, put to sleep,
famished, ravenous, entrance, mesmerize
Q someone close to you starving
hysterical 1
» Deeksha gave him a hug. It was hot and humid in the hurry 1
jungle, making the journey hard. adjective in a state of
R clinch (slang), embrace verb to move or do something
S huge humiliate » uncontrolled excitement
» verb to hurt someone’s pride » as quickly as possible
adjective extremely large Emma hurried through or panic Calm down.
I was upset that he the train station to get Don’t get hysterical.
T » in amount, size, or degree humiliated me in front to her platform on time. frantic, frenzied,
A huge crowd gathered of all my friends. dash, fly, get a move on overwrought, raving
disgrace, embarrass, (informal), rush, scurry
U to watch the match. humble, put down, shame hysterical 2
colossal, enormous, giant, hurry 2 » adjective (informal) extremely
immense, massive, vast, humour 1
verb to make something funny We loved listening
V gargantuan, prodigious noun something that to his stand-up routine,
antonym: tiny » happen more quickly it was always hysterical.
» is thought to be funny Nina tried to hurry Gemma, comical, hilarious
W humane The film’s humour so they wouldn’t miss the bus.
X » adjective showing kindness contains a serious message. accelerate, hasten, We loved listening to his stand-up
comedy, wit, drollery, quicken, speed up routine, it was always hysterical.
and sympathy towards others jocularity antonym: slow down
They hoped to create a
hurt 1
Y fairer, more humane society. » verb to cause someone
benevolent, caring,
to feel pain I didn’t mean to
Z charitable, compassionate, hurt her, but she fell over when
kind, merciful, thoughtful, I gave her a playful push.
altruistic, humanitarian harm, injure, wound

114

idle

icon idea 2 ideal 2 idiot a
» noun a picture that represents » noun the best example of » noun a stupid person
noun an opinion or b
a person or thing The tablet something She’s my ideal You’re an idiot for carrying c
screen is full of app icons. » belief about something of what a best friend should be. too much at once!
avatar, representation, My grandmother has epitome, example, model, fool, imbecile, nitwit, oaf, d
thumbnail old-fashioned ideas about paragon, prototype, twit (informal) e
clothes and refuses to leave standard, archetype,
the house without her hat. criterion, paradigm idiotic f
belief, conviction, » adjective extremely foolish g
impression, notion, ideal 3
opinion, view or silly Sending the letter h
adjective being the best to the wrong person was an i
The tablet screen is full of idea 3 idiotic thing to do. j
app icons. » example of something daft (informal),
noun a plan or suggestion for He was the ideal person dumb (informal), foolish, k
idea 1 something for the Saturday job as he senseless, silly, stupid, l
» noun what you know about already had lots of experience. foolhardy, insane m
▼ SEE BELOW classic, complete, n
something I think we’re consummate, model, idle o
lost – I have no idea where ideal 1 perfect, supreme » adjective doing nothing p
we are. q
clue, guess, hint, inkling, noun a principle or idea identify 1 I was idle that holiday, and
notion, suspicion simply read books and relaxed.
» you try to achieve verb to recognize or name jobless, redundant,
My father has high ideals unemployed, unproductive,
and always tries to live up » someone or something inactive, stationary
to them. Joe tried to identify the antonym: busy
principle, standard, value handwriting on the letter,
as the sender hadn’t signed I was idle that holiday, and simply
their name. read books and relaxed.
diagnose, label, name,
pinpoint, place, recognize

identify 2 :

identify with

» verb to understand someone’s

feelings I can’t identify with
the book’s main character.
associate with,
empathize with, feel for,
relate to, respond to

plantoHteakheaodvaerctuhnenminagrkpelat.n idea solution r
s
Htoetchaemperoubplemwi.th a solution
recommendation suggestionThe t
producer gave recommendations 3 noun a plan or suggestion fPoerowphleathtaodclaoltlsthofe sguagmgee.stions u
for improvements. v
» Hfeorhasdomaegthreinatg idea w
for a new game. x
scheme theoryShe asked if he hafodrathsechgeammee. y
fowrHatsheeahnagedawpaigtnahmethoeer.ymthaarktetthere
z

115

ignorant

A imaginary
B

C » adjective existing in your mind but not in real life
Kevin’s little sister, Karina,
had an imaginary friend.

D

E
Kevin’s little sister, Karina, had

F an imaginary friend, who lived
in a fictional place called

G Wonderland and had
the fictitious name

H of Elsanna. They rode
on mythical unicorns

I and acted out all sorts of
hypothetical scenarios. In

J an ideal world, they would
be best friends forever.

K Karina knew her friend
was illusory, but still liked

L to play her invented games.

M

N fictional
O
P fictitious mythical

Q hypothetical
R
illusory ideal
S invented
T
U

V

W

X realantonym:

Y In the real world, Karina’s brother could be grumpy.

Z

116

impede

ignorant 1 illness imagine 2 a
» adjective not knowing about » noun a particular disease » verb to believe that something
b
something He was ignorant His illness was a mystery – is the case I imagine you’re c
of the rules so didn’t have a tie no one knew what was wrong. talking about my brother.
on the first day. affliction, ailment, assume, believe, gather, An immense cloud turned d
inexperienced, innocent, bug (informal), complaint, guess (informal), suppose, the sky black. e
oblivious, unaware, disease, disorder, suspect, fancy, surmise
unconscious lurgy (Britain, Australia, f
and New Zealand; informal), imitate g
ignorant 2 malady, sickness » verb to copy someone or
» adjective not knowledgeable
illusion 1 something My son imitates
about things Elijah was » noun a false belief everything I do.
determined not to be ignorant, ape, copy, emulate,
so he read the news every day. Pedro is under the illusion impersonate, mimic,
green, naive, unaware, that he is very important. simulate, mirror,
uneducated, unlearned, delusion, fallacy, fancy, mock, parody
untutored misconception
immense h
ignore illusion 2 » adjective very large or huge i
» noun a thing that you think j
verb to take no notice An immense cloud turned
you can see Seeing its the sky black. k
» of someone or something reflection gave the fox the colossal, enormous, l
Julia ignored Huan when illusion of another fox. giant, gigantic, huge, m
he came into the room. hallucination, mirage, massive, vast n
blank (slang), discount, semblance, chimera, antonym: tiny o
disregard, neglect, phantasm p
overlook imminent q
Seeing its reflection gave the fox My son imitates everything I do. » adjective going to happen very
ill the illusion of another fox. r
» adjective unhealthy or sick immediate 1 soon I was excited about s
imaginary my sister’s imminent arrival.
Patricia was ill with the flu. adjective happening close, coming, forthcoming, t
ailing, crook (Australia adjective existing in your mind impending, looming, near u
and New Zealand; informal), but not in real life » or done without delay
poorly (Britain; informal), Mia’s immediate immune v
queasy, sick, unhealthy, ◀◀ SEE LEFT reaction was to laugh. » adjective not subject to or w
unwell, indisposed, infirm, instant, instantaneous x
under the weather imagination affected by something He y
antonym: healthy » noun the ability to form new immediate 2 seems immune to the cold.
» adjective most closely exempt, free, protected, z
Patricia was ill with the flu. ideas Harry is clever, but resistant, safe, unaffected,
lacks imagination, and just connected to you I live insusceptible, invulnerable
illegal copied the project. with my immediate family.
» adjective forbidden by the creativity, ingenuity, close, direct, near impatient 1
inventiveness, » adjective easily annoyed You
law Shoplifting is an originality, vision immediately 1
illegal activity. » adverb right away are too impatient with others.
banned, criminal, illicit, imagine 1 brusque, curt, irritable,
outlawed, prohibited, » verb to have an idea of Logan replied to my intolerant, snappy
unlawful, proscribed, message immediately. antonym: patient
unauthorized, wrongful something Clara could at once, directly, instantly,
antonym: legal not imagine a more now, promptly, right away, impatient 2
peaceful scene. straight away, forthwith, » adjective eager to do something
conceive, envisage, posthaste
fantasize, picture, Maya was impatient to leave.
visualize immediately 2 eager, restless
» adverb very near in time
impede
or position The playing
field was immediately verb to make someone’s or
behind the school.
closely, directly, » something’s progress difficult
right Fallen trees impeded our
walk to school this morning.
block, delay, disrupt,
get in the way, hamper,
hinder, obstruct

117

imperfect

A imperfect impossible He was imprisoned for fraud. inability
B » adjective having faults or » adjective unable to happen or » noun a lack of ability to do

problems We live in be believed Finishing the something Ava’s inability
an imperfect world. race seemed impossible. to run was due to her injured
absurd, hopeless, left knee.
C broken, damaged, inconceivable, ludicrous, impotence, inadequacy,
defective, faulty, flawed, out of the question, incompetence, ineptitude
deficient, impaired, unthinkable, outrageous, antonym: ability
unattainable, unworkable
D rudimentary antonym: possible inadequate 1
antonym: perfect » adjective not enough in
impression 1 imprison
E impersonal » verb to lock someone up quantity Our supplies
F » adjective not concerned with noun the way someone or of popcorn were inadequate
He was imprisoned for the long film.
people and their feelings » something seems to you for fraud. insufficient, lacking, poor,
She found him strangely Conor’s first impressions confine, detain, scarce, short
of the hotel were good. incarcerate, jail, lock up, antonym: adequate
G distant and impersonal. feeling, hunch, idea, send to prison, constrain,
aloof, cold, detached, notion, sense immure, intern inadequate 2
antonym: free » adjective not good enough
H formal, neutral, remote, impression 2 : make
bureaucratic, businesslike, improbable He had no idea what he was
dispassionate an impression » adjective unlikely or supposed to be doing and felt
inadequate to the task.
I implore » verb to have a strong effect on unbelievable Helen told deficient, incapable,
J » verb to beg someone to do an improbable story about incompetent, inept,
people He certainly made the dog eating her homework. pathetic, useless
something “Tell me what a good impression on his doubtful, dubious,
teachers, as he presented far-fetched, implausible, He had no idea what he was
K to do!” Stefan implored Sara. his work perfectly. unbelievable, unlikely supposed to be doing and felt
beg, beseech (literary), cause a stir, influence, antonym: probable inadequate to the task.
plead with make an impact
improve inappropriate
L important 1 impressionable » verb to get or make better
M » adjective necessary or » adjective easy to influence adjective not suitable for
My grades have definitely
significant Her friends Parents were worried about improved since the summer. » a purpose or occasion
the effect the film might have advance, better, enhance, Running around is
N are the most important on impressionable teenagers. look up (informal), progress, inappropriate behaviour
people in her life. gullible, open, receptive, upgrade, ameliorate, for the classroom.
momentous, serious, sensitive, susceptible, develop, reform improper, incongruous,
vulnerable, ingenuous, antonym: worsen unfit, unseemly, unsuitable,
O significant, weighty, suggestible untimely, wrong
salient, seminal improvement antonym: appropriate
impressive » noun the fact or process of
P antonym: unimportant » adjective tending to impress incentive
Q important 2 getting better There was
Winning so many medals a dramatic improvement in noun something that
» adjective having great influence was an impressive achievement. the food since he’d been
awesome, exciting, grand, on the cookery course. » encourages you to do
or power The head teacher powerful, stirring, striking, advance, development,
dramatic, moving enhancement, progress, something Luca had
R is the most important person upturn an incentive to study now
in the school. the holiday was booked.
impudence bait, encouragement,
S eminent, foremost, inducement, motivation,
influential, leading, notable, noun disrespectful talk or stimulus, lure,
powerful, pre-eminent, motive, spur
» behaviour towards someone
T prominent Winning so many medals was Have you ever heard such
an impressive achievement. impudence?
impose 1 audacity, boldness,
cheek (informal),
U » verb to force something on chutzpah (informal),
someone Fines were gall, impertinence,
insolence, nerve
V imposed on the culprits.
dictate, enforce, inflict, 118

W levy, ordain

X impose 2 : impose on
Y » verb to take advantage of

someone I should stop
imposing on your hospitality.

Z abuse, take advantage of,
use

incredible

incident incredible a
noun an event » This
» 1 adjective totally amazing b
morning’s incident of calling The juggler at the fair had incredible skill. c
the teacher “Dad” was amazing
rather embarrassing. astonishing d
circumstance, episode, e
event, happening, extraordinary
occasion, occurrence f
sensational g
incite John was an incompetent astounding
» verb to excite someone into carpenter. h
i
doing something The incompetent j
campaigners incited a protest.
agitate for, goad, instigate, adjective lacking the ability k
provoke, whip up l
» to do something properly m
include John was an incompetent n
» verb to have as a part carpenter. o
bungling, incapable, inept, p
A cake recipe usually unable, unfit, useless, q
includes eggs, flour, and sugar. ineffectual, inexpert,
contain, cover, embrace, unskilful r
encompass, incorporate, antonym: competent s
involve
antonym: exclude incomplete t
» adjective not finished or whole u
income v
An incomplete letter lay w
noun the money someone on the desk. x
deficient, half-pie y
» or something earns (New Zealand; informal),
Jake was thrilled – he had insufficient, partial, z
an income at last. imperfect, undeveloped,
earnings, pay, profits, unfinished
salary, takings, wages, antonym: complete
proceeds, receipts, revenue

increase 1 marvellous
» verb to make or become larger

in amount The population
continues to increase.
enlarge, expand, extend,
grow, multiply, swell,
augment, escalate
antonym: decrease

Jake was thrilled – he had an increase 2
income at last. » noun a rise in the amount

incomparable of something Valeria
asked for a pay increase.
adjective too good to be gain, growth, increment,
rise, upsurge
» compared with anything else antonym: decrease
The view from the peak was
one of incomparable beauty. incredible 1
inimitable, peerless
(literary), superlative, adjective totally amazing
supreme, unparalleled,
unrivalled, matchless, ▶▶ SEE RIGHT
unequalled

119

incredible

A incredible 2 indirect inefficient inferior 2
B » adjective impossible to believe » adjective badly organized » adjective of low quality
adjective not done or going
Sofia told an incredible story and slow We live in the Ruben gave an inferior
about a dragon trapped in » directly but by another way countryside and have an performance because
We took an indirect route inefficient bus service. he was feeling unwell.
C a mountain cave. to avoid the traffic jam. disorganized, incapable, mediocre, poor,
absurd, far-fetched, meandering, oblique, incompetent, inept, sloppy, second-class,
improbable, unbelievable, rambling, roundabout, ineffectual, inexpert, second-rate, shoddy
tortuous, wandering slipshod antonym: superior
D unimaginable, unthinkable, antonym: direct antonym: efficient
implausible, inconceivable, inferior 3
individual 1 inexperienced
E preposterous noun a person in a lower
F indecent adjective relating to separate adjective lacking experience
» position than another
» adjective shocking or rude » people or things » of a situation or activity You must be polite
Carter refused to play Maria made individual Inexperienced drivers to your inferiors.
chocolate cakes for the should avoid roads in big cities. junior, menial, subordinate,
G the song because its lyrics twins’ birthday celebration. green (informal), naive, underling
were indecent. discrete (formal), new, raw, unaccustomed antonym: superior
independent, antonym: experienced
H crude, improper, separate, single infinite
rude, vulgar infect » adjective without any limit or
individual 2 » verb to cause disease in
I independent 1 » adjective different and unusual end The start of the school
J » adjective separate from other something One mosquito holidays presented an infinite
I have developed my own can infect many people. number of possibilities.
people or things Each hiker individual writing style. affect, blight, boundless, eternal,
had their independent tent in characteristic, distinctive, contaminate, taint everlasting, inexhaustible,
idiosyncratic, original, perpetual, untold,
K the clearing. personal, special, unique infectious bottomless, interminable,
autonomous, free, » adjective spreading from one limitless
separate, unrelated individual 3
person to another My cold influence 1
L noun a person, different from was infectious – my whole » noun power over other people
family caught it.
M » any other person catching, contagious, Ethan has quite a lot of
N Tim took part in the spreading, communicable, influence over his classmates.
competition as an individual. virulent authority, control,
O character, party, person, importance, power, sway,
soul, personage ascendancy, domination
P
Q Each hiker had their independent industrious influence 2
» adjective tending to work hard » noun an effect that someone
tent in the clearing.
The industrious bees were or something has Lily stayed
independent 2 making honey in their hive. up late, under the influence
busy, conscientious, of her friend.
R » adjective not needing other diligent, hard-working, effect, hold, magnetism,
people’s help Zoe is a tireless spell, weight
antonym: lazy
S fiercely independent child. influence 3
individualistic, liberated, My cold was infectious – my whole
family caught it. verb to have an effect on
T self-sufficient, unaided
U indicate The industrious bees were making inferior 1 » someone or something
honey in their hive. Older siblings can influence
verb to show something » He adjective having a lower their younger siblings.
affect, control, direct,
V smiled to indicate his relief. » position than something or guide, manipulate, sway
denote, reveal, show,
signal, signify, imply, someone else The status inform
of a prince is inferior to » verb to tell someone about
W manifest, point to that of a king.
X indication lesser, lower, minor, something Please inform
Y » noun a sign of something secondary, second-class, me of any delays.
subordinate advise (formal), brief,
Rohan gave no indication antonym: superior enlighten, notify, tell,
that he had heard me. apprise, communicate

Z clue, hint, sign, signal,
suggestion, warning,
intimation

120

inspect

The party was informal so they inhabit innocence inside a
wore shorts. » verb to live in a place
noun inexperience of evil adjective surrounded by the b
informal The people who inhabit c
» adjective relaxed and casual these islands are used to » or unpleasant things » main part and often hidden d
the cold. The baby’s face was On the ship we had an e
The party was informal dwell, live, lodge, occupy, a picture of innocence. inside cabin with no window. f
so they wore shorts. populate, reside (formal) gullibility, inexperience, inner, innermost, interior, g
casual, colloquial, easy, naivety, simplicity, internal
familiar, natural, relaxed inhabitant artlessness, antonym: outside h
antonym: formal » noun someone who lives in ingenuousness, i
unworldliness insides j
information a place I am an inhabitant » plural noun (informal) the parts
of Norway. innocent 1
noun the details you know citizen, inmate, native, » adjective not guilty of a crime inside your body My insides
occupant, resident ached from eating too much.
» about something The man had an alibi and entrails, guts, innards,
Our teacher would not inheritance was clearly innocent. internal organs, viscera,
give us any information » noun something that is passed blameless, clear, not guilty vitals
about the exam questions. antonym: guilty
data, drum (Australia; on The house will be his My insides ached from eating k
informal), facts, info (slang), son’s inheritance. innocent 2 too much. l
knowledge, material, bequest, heritage, legacy m
news, notice, word adjective without experience insignificant n
injure » adjective small and o
inform on » of evil or unpleasant things p
verb to damage part They were so young unimportant I grew up in q
verb to tell the police about and innocent. a small, insignificant village.
» of someone’s body childlike, guileless, naive, irrelevant, little, minor, r
» someone who has committed The dog had injured its leg. pure, spotless, artless, petty, trifling, trivial, s
harm, hurt, maim, wound ingenuous, unworldly unimportant,
a crime Somebody must inconsequential t
have informed on the vandals. insane antonym: significant u
betray, denounce, grass on » adjective mad I would
(Britain; slang), snitch (slang), insincere v
tell on (informal) go insane if I stayed indoors » adjective saying things you do w
every day. x
ingredient crazy, deranged, mad, not mean Eric told Ida what y
» noun a thing that something mentally ill, out of your she wanted to hear, but his
mind, unhinged words were insincere. z
is made from Lisa bought deceitful, dishonest,
the necessary ingredients to The dog had injured its leg. insert false, two-faced
bake a cake. » verb to put something into antonym: sincere
component, constituent, injury
element » noun damage to part something else Emil insist
inserted the key into the lock. » verb to demand something
of the body Although the cat enter, implant, introduce,
fell from quite high up, it had place, put, set forcefully My mother always
suffered no injuries. insists that I eat everything on
damage, harm, wound my plate.
demand, press, urge
injustice
» noun unfairness and lack inspect
» verb to examine something
of justice The players
complained about the carefully Alice inspected
injustice of the referee. her salad for caterpillars.
bias, discrimination, check, examine, eye,
inequality, prejudice, investigate, scan, survey,
unfairness, wrong audit, scrutinize, vet
antonym: justice

Lisa bought the necessary Emil inserted the key into
ingredients to bake a cake. the lock.

121

instant

A instant 1 insult 1 Michaela watched the screen with interest 3
B » noun a short period of time » verb to offend someone by intense concentration.
verb to attract someone’s
The rain stopped in being rude to them I did intense 1
an instant. not mean to insult you. »adjective very great in strength » attention and curiosity
abuse, affront, offend, This picture interests
C flash, minute, moment, put down, slander, or amount Michaela me most, I love the colours.
second, split second, trice slight, snub watched the screen with appeal, captivate,
antonym: compliment intense concentration. fascinate, intrigue,
D instant 2 acute, deep, extreme, stimulate
E » adjective immediate and insult 2 fierce, great, powerful, antonym: bore
» noun a rude remark that profound, severe
without delay He took interesting
an instant liking to her. offends someone The
two men exchanged insults. adjective making you want
F immediate, instantaneous, abuse, affront, offence,
prompt put-down, slight, snub » to know, learn, or hear more
antonym: compliment We had an interesting
G instinct conversation about bats
H » noun a natural tendency to do The two men exchanged insults. intense 2 in the car this morning.
» adjective tending to have strong absorbing, compelling,
something My dog has a intelligence entertaining, gripping,
strong instinct to chase rabbits. » noun the ability to understand feelings The actor’s intense intriguing, stimulating
performance was gripping. antonym: boring
I feeling, impulse, intuition, and learn things The tricky ardent, earnest, fervent,
sixth sense, urge quiz really tested the teams’ fierce, impassioned, interfere 1
intelligence. passionate, vehement » verb to try to influence a
J instruct 1 cleverness,
K » verb to tell someone to do comprehension, intellect, intention situation Stop interfering
perception, sense, » noun a plan to do something and leave her alone.
something The teacher understanding, wit, butt in, intervene, intrude,
instructed the class to be quiet. acumen, capacity, nous Layla announced her meddle, tamper
intention of going to the party.
L command, direct, order, tell intelligent aim, goal, idea, object, interfere 2
antonym: forbid » adjective able to understand objective, purpose » verb to have a damaging effect

M instruct 2 and learn things Dolphins interest 1 on a situation The loud
verb to teach someone are an intelligent species. music interfered with her sleep.
acute, brainy (informal), noun a feeling of wanting conflict, disrupt
N » about a subject or skill bright, clever, quick,
Liam instructs budding sharp, smart » to know about something internet
antonym: stupid I have a great interest » noun a worldwide network of
O sailors on how to raise the sail. in that period of history.
coach, educate, school, intend 1 attention, concern, computers Hazel used the
teach, train, tutor » verb to decide or plan to do curiosity, fascination internet to book her holiday.
blogosphere, cloud,
P something Harper intended interest 2 cyberspace, net, web,
Q to stay for lunch. noun a hobby » Of her many world wide web
R aim, be determined, mean,
S plan, propose, resolve interests, Nora enjoyed knitting Hazel used the internet to book
T the most. her holiday.
U activity, hobby, pastime,
V Liam instructs budding sailors pursuit interrogate
» verb to question someone
on how to raise the sail. intend 2 Of her many interests, Nora
» verb to mean for a certain use enjoyed knitting the most. thoroughly I interrogated
W insufficient everyone involved.
X » adjective not enough for a This book is intended for examine, grill (informal),
younger children. question, quiz,
particular purpose There aim, design, earmark, mean cross-examine,
cross-question
Y were insufficient refreshments
for the hungry players.

Z deficient, inadequate,
lacking, scant, short
antonym: sufficient

122

investigate

interrupt 1 Piper had agreed to intervene introduction 2 invent 1 a
when things got heated.
verb to start talking when noun a piece of writing at verb to be the first person b
intervene to think of a device or idea c
» someone else is talking » verb to step in to prevent » the beginning of a book ▼ SEE BELOW
He tried to speak, but The book contains a new d
she interrupted him. conflict Piper had agreed to introduction by the author. invent 2 e
butt in, heckle intervene when things got heated. foreword, preface, prologue » verb to make up a story or
arbitrate, mediate f
interrupt 2 intrude excuse I tried to invent g
» verb to stop a process or introduction 1 » verb to disturb someone or a plausible excuse for why
I was late. h
activity for a time The noun the act of presenting something I don’t want to concoct, fabricate, i
match was interrupted by rain. intrude on your privacy. make up, manufacture j
break, discontinue, » someone or something new butt in, encroach, infringe,
suspend The introduction of a interrupt, trespass, violate investigate k
new uniform was discussed. » verb to find out all the facts l
interval establishment, invade m
inauguration, initiation, » verb to enter a country by force about something Police are n
noun a period of time between institution, launch still investigating the incident. o
The Vikings invaded much examine, explore, probe, p
» two moments or dates of Europe. research, sift, study q
Maria ate an ice cream in attack, enter, occupy,
the interval between the first violate r
and second acts of the play. s
break, gap, hiatus,
interlude, intermission, t
pause u
v
invent conceive w
x
1 verb to be the first person to think of a The professor conceived the idea y
when his dog whined for a walk.
»device or idea The busy professor invented z
 a Walkomatic robot to walk his dog for him. coin

He coined the name “Walkomatic”.

come up with

He was the first person to come up with
the idea of a dog-walking robot.

design

The professor designed
several models.

formulate

He formulated plans to make
the robot move.

improvise

He improvised by using empty tins
to make the robot’s body.

originate

He wanted to be famous as the person
who originated the Walkomatic.

123

invincible

A irregular jagged
B The broken arm
» 1 adjective not smooth or even The gingerbread has a jagged edge.

C men came out of the oven in irregular shapes.

D uneven bumpy asymmetrical
This one is uneven The head is The arms are
asymmetrical.
E in colour; it’s all bumpy.
burned in places.

F

G lumpy
H This looks

all lumpy.

I ragged lopsided antonym:
J The ragged edges This one is lopsided with regular
one short arm and leg.
were stuck to the tin. But this one looks
just like a regular
K gingerbread man!

L invincible irregular 1 irritate issue 3
» verb to annoy someone » verb to make a formal
» adjective unable to be defeated adjective not smooth or even
When the defending ▲ SEE ABOVE Nathan’s tuneless whistling statement They have issued
M champion is playing well, always irritates me. a statement explaining what
he is invincible. irregular 2 anger, annoy, bother, really happened.
» adjective not forming a regular exasperate, irk, needle deliver, give, make,
N impregnable, indomitable, (informal), ruffle, wind up pronounce, read out,
unbeatable, indestructible, pattern Stephen worked (informal), gall, provoke release
insurmountable, irregular hours. antonym: withdraw
erratic, haphazard, issue 1
O unassailable occasional, patchy, » noun a subject that people are issue 4
random, variable, » verb to give something officially
invisible fitful, sporadic talking about There were
antonym: regular several issues to be discussed Teachers will be issued
P » adjective unable to be seen at the teacher-parent meeting. with passes to get into the
Hugo’s face was invisible concern, matter, problem,
question, subject, topic
Q beneath his hat.
concealed, disguised, irresponsible issue 2 staff room.
equip, furnish (formal),
R hidden, inconspicuous, adjective not concerned with noun a particular edition give out, provide, supply
unseen, imperceptible,
» the consequences of your item 1
S indiscernible
antonym: visible actions His irresponsible
attitude often got him into
trouble with his parents. »  » of a newspaper or magazine
T involve careless, reckless, noun one of a collection or

thoughtless, wild Jade bought the latest issue list of things When Chloe
U » verb to have as a necessary antonym: responsible of her favourite magazine. opened her suitcase, several
part Preparing for an copy, edition, instalment items were missing.
exam involves a great deal article, matter, point, thing

of discipline. irritable item 2
» adjective easily annoyed » noun a newspaper or magazine
V incorporate, require, take or
take in, entail, necessitate My mother had slept badly article There was an item
and was tense and irritable. in the paper about his daring
W irrational bad-tempered, rescue of the cat.
X » adjective not based on logical cantankerous, petulant, article, feature, notice,
ratty (Britain and New
reasons Her fear of ghosts
Y is irrational – they don’t exist. Zealand; informal), touchy, piece, report
absurd, crazy, illogical, irascible, tetchy

Z nonsensical, unsound, Jade bought the latest issue
silly, unreasonable of her favourite magazine.

124

jagged jam 3 join a
» adjective sharp and spiky
verb to push something join b
The waves broke against c
the jagged rocks. » somewhere roughly »2 verb to fasten two things
barbed, craggy, rough, Martin jammed his d
serrated, sharp hat on to his head. together The paper dolls e
antonym: smooth cram, force, ram, stuff were joined at their hands
and feet. f
jail 1 jam 4 g
» noun a place where prisoners » verb to become stuck attach
h
are held Chris was sentenced She tried to leave the She attached a strap i
to 18 months in jail. room, but the door jammed. to her bag. j
clink (slang), nick (Britain, stall, stick
Australia, and New Zealand; connect k
slang), prison, lockup, penal jealous l
institution, penitentiary The two rooms were m
adjective wanting to have connected by a passage. n
jail 2 o
» verb to put in prison » something that someone couple p
q
He was jailed for 20 years. else has I was jealous An engine is coupled
detain, imprison, of my friend’s new shoes. to a gearbox. r
incarcerate envious, resentful, s
covetous fasten
jam 1 t
» noun a crowded mass of people job 1 The bench was u
» noun the work someone does fastened to the floor. v
or things Nora was late w
because she was stuck in to earn money I’m looking link x
a traffic jam. for a job on a farm. y
crowd, crush, mass, mob, employment, occupation, He linked a clip
multitude, throng position, post, profession, to the chain. z
trade
splice
job 2
» noun a duty or responsibility The ropes were
spliced together.
It’s your job to do the
washing up. tie
concern, duty, function,
responsibility, role, task He tied the dog to the
post with its leash.
Nora was late because she was join 1
stuck in a traffic jam. » verb to become a member sanetponayrma:te

jam 2 of something Adam joined Grace separated a doll
» noun a difficult situation a band as the lead singer. from the chain to give
enlist, enrol, sign up to her friend.
We’re in a real jam now. antonym: resign
bind, dilemma, fix (informal),
hole (slang), hot water join 2
(informal), pickle (informal),
plight, predicament, verb to fasten two
quandary, trouble things together

▶▶ SEE RIGHT

125

joke

A joy judgment What are you going to do with all
» noun great happiness » noun an opinion or decision that junk?
B
Her face shone with joy. based on evidence It’s hard junk
C bliss, delight, ecstasy, to form a judgment without all
elation, rapture, exaltation, the facts. noun old articles that
D exultation, felicity appraisal, assessment,
antonym: misery conclusion, opinion, ruling, » people usually throw away
E That joke was so funny. verdict, view What are you going to do
joyful with all that junk?
F joke 1 » adjective extremely happy jump 1 clutter, odds and ends,
G » noun something that makes » verb to leap up or over refuse, rubbish, scrap,
My father gave a joyful trash
people laugh That joke smile when he saw me. something I jumped
was so funny. delighted, elated, jubilant, over the fence. justice 1
over the Moon (informal), bound, clear, hurdle,
H gag (informal), jest, lark, cock-a-hoop, enraptured leap, spring, vault noun fairness in the way
prank, quip, wisecrack
judge 1 » that people are treated
I (informal), witticism, jape » noun the person in charge He had been treated
J joke 2 unfairly and wanted justice.
of a law court The judge equity, fairness,
» verb to say something funny called for order in court. impartiality
Alex was always joking adjudicator, beak (Britain; antonym: injustice
slang), justice, magistrate
K about her appearance. related word: adjective judicial
banter, chaff, jest,
The judge called for order I jumped over the fence. justice 2
L kid (informal), quip, tease in court. » noun the person in charge
M journey 1 jump 2
judge 2 » verb to increase suddenly of a law court Oliver
noun the act of travelling was sworn in as a Justice
noun someone who picks the Sales of coats jumped of the High Court.
N » from one place to another when the temperature judge, magistrate
We took a train journey » winner or keeps control of a dropped below zero.
through the mountains. escalate, increase, justify
competition The judges rise, surge
O excursion, expedition, inspected each dog carefully verb to show that something
passage, tour, trek, before selecting the finalists. jump 3
trip, voyage adjudicator, referee, umpire » noun a leap into the air » is reasonable or necessary
Tina justified eating a
P judge 3 Ryan misjudged his jump large lunch by going for
Q and landed in the stream. a long walk afterwards.
verb to form an opinion about bound, leap, vault defend, excuse, explain,
R vindicate, warrant
S » someone or something junior
Don’t judge me for having
T another slice of cake. adjective having a relatively low
U appraise, assess, consider,
estimate, evaluate, rate » position compared to others
V I started as a junior waitress,
judge 4 but now I run the restaurant.
W We took a train journey through inferior, lesser, lower,
the mountains. verb to pick the winner or keep subordinate
antonym: senior
X journey 2 » control in a competition
Y » verb to travel from one place Entrants will be judged in
two age categories.
to another We journeyed referee, umpire, adjudge,
adjudicate
Z through France to reach Spain.
go, proceed, tour, travel,
trek, voyage

126

knowledge

kind 1 a
» noun a particular type of
b
person or thing That’s my c
favourite kind of cheese.
brand, breed, category, d
class, classification, e
genre, grade, sort,
species, type, variety f
g
keep 2 kind 2 He wore a crown and robe to play
» verb to store something » adjective considerate towards the king in the school show. h
i
Zoe kept her toys in a box. other people Thank you for king j
deposit, hold, store being so kind to me. » noun a man who is the head
benevolent, benign, k
keep 3 charitable, compassionate, of a royal family He wore l
» verb to do what you said you considerate, good, humane, a crown and robe to play m
kind-hearted, kindly, the king in the school show. n
would do I always keep thoughtful, unselfish, monarch, sovereign o
my promises. lenient, philanthropic related words: adjectives royal, p
carry out, fulfil, honour antonym: cruel regal, monarchical q

Hugo was a keen amateur kidnap Thank you for being so kind know 1 r
wildlife photographer. » verb to take someone away to me. » verb to understand or be aware s

keen 1 by force Lisa’s brother kindness of something I don’t know t
kidnapped her teddy bear. anything about cars. u
adjective showing eagerness abduct, capture, seize noun the quality of being apprehend, be aware of, v
comprehend, perceive, w
» and enthusiasm for something kill » considerate towards other see, understand x
Hugo was a keen amateur » verb to make someone y
wildlife photographer. people Everyone has know 2
ardent, avid, eager, or something die The terrier treated me with great kindness. » verb to be familiar with a z
enthusiastic, fond of, killed a rat. benevolence, charity,
into (informal) assassinate, destroy, compassion, gentleness, person or thing I believe you
execute, exterminate, humanity, kindliness, two already know each other.
keen 2 massacre, murder, magnanimity, philanthropy, be acquainted with, be
» adjective quick to notice or slaughter, slay, tenderness familiar with, recognize
annihilate, dispatch antonym: cruelty
understand things She has knowledge
a keen eye for a bargain. kin
astute, brilliant, perceptive, » plural noun the people who are noun all you know about
quick, shrewd something
related to you She has gone
keep 1 to live with her husband’s kin. ▼ SEE BELOW
» verb to have and look after family, kindred, people,
relations, relatives
something His father keeps
sheep and pigs.
care for, maintain, preserve

knowledge learning

» noun all you know about somethinggrasp scholarship
She had no knowledge of French.
compcroemhemendausnciadotinon understanding
wisdom

127

label

A lake
B » noun a large area of water

surrounded by land Jay
went for a swim in the lake.

C lagoon, loch (Scotland),
mere, reservoir, tarn

D labour 1 She couldn’t buy new clothes lame 1
E » noun very hard work due to a lack of money.
F label 1 adjective unable to walk
Fred soon discovered that lack 1
noun a piece of paper or weeding and digging the garden » properly because of an injured
was hard labour. noun the shortage or absence
G » plastic attached to something effort, exertion, industry, leg The old soldier was lame
for information The label toil, work » of something that is needed in one leg.
She couldn’t buy new crippled, hobbling, limping
H said the shirt was made labour 2 clothes due to a lack of money.
of cotton. absence, deficiency, lame 2
noun the workforce of scarcity, shortage, want, » adjective weak or unconvincing
I sticker, tag, ticket dearth, insufficiency
J » a country or industry antonym: abundance No one believed Sam’s lame
Some businesses excuse for arriving late.
K take on extra labour lack 2 feeble, flimsy, pathetic,
L to help at busy times. » verb to be without something poor, unconvincing, weak
M The label said the shirt was employees, workers,
workforce that is needed Katie lament 1
made of cotton. was a good baker, but didn’t
labour 3 enter any competitions because verb to express sorrow
N label 2 » verb to work very hard she lacked confidence.
O » verb to put a label on be deficient in, » or regret over something
The farm workers laboured be short of, miss Freya lamented the loss
something The toy was all night to finish the harvest. of her favourite jumper.
slave, toil, work lag grieve, mourn, wail, weep,
P labelled “Made in China”. antonym: relax bemoan, bewail, whine
flag, sticker, tag verb to make slower progress
lament 2
» than other people or things
The runner-up is lagging 10 noun something you say
points behind the champion.
fall behind, trail » to express sorrow or regret
The old man sang a lament
for his lost youth.
moan, wail, gripe,
lamentation, plaint

Q »1 verb to make a noise that shows you are giggle snigger
amused or happy The comedian told such

R laugh a funny joke that we all laughed.

S chortle titter
T chuckle

U

V

W
X

Y

Z

128

lawyer

land 1 language 2 last 3 law 1 a
» noun an area of ground that » noun the style in which you » verb to continue to exist or » noun a country’s system
b
someone owns My parents speak or write The poem happen The film lasted of rules Vandalism is c
keep horses on their land. was written in flowery language. for two and a half hours. against the law.
estate, grounds, property phrasing, style, wording, carry on, continue, endure, charter, code, constitution d
phraseology, terminology persist, remain, survive related words: adjectives legal, e
land 2 judicial
» noun a region or country large late 1 f
» adjective after the expected law 2 g
America is known as adjective of a greater » noun one of the rules of a
the land of opportunity. time The train was nearly h
country, nation, province, » size or amount than usual an hour late. country The government i
region, territory We have a large kitchen behind, behind time, introduced a new law to help j
with lots of cupboards. belated, delayed, reduce crime rates.
land 3 big, colossal, enormous, last-minute, overdue, act, code, decree, k
giant, gigantic, great, huge, tardy, unpunctual regulation, rule, statute, l
verb to arrive on the ground immense, massive, vast, antonym: early edict, ordinance m
gargantuan, sizable n
» after flying or sailing or sizeable late 2 lawyer o
The plane landed in New antonym: small » adjective dead, especially p
York at noon. noun someone who advises q
alight, dock, touch down last 1 recently My late husband
» adjective the most recent would have loved this place. » people about the law r
The plane landed in New York dead, deceased, departed, The lawyer spoke in court. s
at noon. Our last holiday was defunct, perished advocate, attorney,
a year ago. barrister, counsel, solicitor t
language 1 latest, most recent, laugh 1 u
preceding, previous The lawyer spoke in court. v
noun the system of words antonym: first verb to make a noise that w
shows you are amused x
» people use to communicate last 2 or happy y
She speaks four languages.
dialect, idiom, jargon, adjective happening or ▼ SEE BELOW z
lingo (informal), tongue,
vernacular, vocabulary, » remaining after all the others laugh 2
argot, cant, lingua franca, » noun the noise you make when
patois of its kind She read the last
page and closed the book. amused or happy He let out
cackle closing, concluding, a loud laugh at the joke.
final, ultimate chortle, chuckle, giggle,
antonym: first guffaw, snigger, titter

guffaw howl roar

129

lay

A lay 1 lead 1 learn 2
B » verb to put something » verb to guide or take someone » verb to find out about

somewhere Lay a sheet somewhere She led him something On learning who
of newspaper on the floor. towards the door. she was, I asked to meet her.
conduct, escort, guide, ascertain, determine,
C place, put, set, set down, steer, usher discover, find out, gather,
settle, spread hear, understand
lead 2 The hotel lobby had leaflets
D lay 2 » verb to be in charge of of nearby tourist attractions. learned
E » verb to arrange or set
The captain led his leaflet adjective having gained a lot
something out A man side to a convincing victory.
came to lay the carpet. command, direct, govern, noun a piece of paper with » of knowledge by studying
head, manage, supervise My father is a very learned
F arrange, set out » information about a subject man in the field of history.
G layer The hotel lobby had leaflets academic, erudite,
of nearby tourist attractions. intellectual, literate,
noun something that covers a booklet, brochure, scholarly, lettered,
circular, pamphlet, well-read
H » surface or comes between two handbill, mailshot
other things A fresh layer least
of snow covered the street. The captain led his side leak 1 » adjective as small or few as
to a convincing victory. » verb to escape from a container
I blanket, coat, coating, possible Which cheese
covering, film, sheet, or other object The bottle of contains the least fat?
stratum lemonade had leaked all over fewest, lowest, minimum,
the sandwiches. slightest, smallest
J layout escape, ooze, seep, spill antonym: most
noun the way in which
lead 3 leak 2 leave 1
K » something is arranged » noun a clue that may help » noun a hole that lets gas
The hotel layout was verb to go away from a
solve a crime The police or liquid escape The person or place
L so confusing, it was hard are following up several leads. plumber plugged the leaks
to find our rooms. clue, indication, trace in the pipe. ▶▶ SEE RIGHT
chink, crack, fissure,
M arrangement, design, leader hole, puncture leave 2
format, plan » noun the person in charge of » noun a period of time off work
leap 1
N laze something Sophie was the » verb to jump a great distance Why don’t you take a few
O » verb to relax and do no work expedition leader. days’ leave?
boss (informal), captain, or height The deer leapt holiday, time off, vacation,
Tanya spent a few days chief, commander, director, into the air. furlough, sabbatical
lazing on the beach. head, principal, ringleader bounce, bound, jump,
antonym: follower spring, vault lecture 1
P idle, loaf, lounge
antonym: work leading leap 2 noun a formal talk about

Q adjective particularly important, noun a jump of great » a particular subject
The professor gave a lecture
R » respected, or advanced d»i sHtaencmeaodrehaeihguhgte on the basics of chemistry.
S He was a leading authority address, discourse,
on modern art. leap right over the river. presentation, sermon,
T chief, eminent, key, main, bound, jump, spring speech, talk, exposition,
U major, principal, prominent, oration
top, foremost, pre-eminent learn 1
V Tanya spent a few days lazing The professor gave a lecture
on the beach. lead to verb to gain knowledge on the basics of chemistry.
» verb to cause something
W lazy » by studying or training
X » adjective not willing to work or to happen Regular exercise I am trying
leads to a healthier life. to learn French.
move Our lazy dog refused cause, contribute to, grasp, master, pick up
produce, bring on,
Y to come out for a walk. conduce to, result in
idle, slack, good-for-

Z nothing, indolent, shiftless,
slothful, torpid, workshy
antonym: industrious

130

length

abandon abscond decamp depart a

The late passenger One sneaky passenger A person decamped The crowd cheered b
abandoned his tea absconded when the quickly after realising they as the train departed. c
to rush for the train. guard came through were on the wrong train!
to check the tickets. d
leave e

» 1 verb to go away from a f
g
person or place The train
left the platform on time. h
i
desert forsake go quit withdraw j

The crowd deserted He decided to forsake There was an Tom decided The crowd withdrew k
the platform after his window seat for announcement that the to quit his job from the platform l
the train had gone. a trip to the dining cart. train was about to go. as a train guard. edge as the train m
moved away. n
o
lecture 2 legacy leisure leisurely p
» noun a talk intended to tell » noun time when you can relax » adjective unhurried or calm q
noun objects or money
someone off The police A long holiday meant plenty We enjoyed a leisurely r
gave us a stern lecture on » someone leaves you when he of time for leisure. walk along the beach. s
personal safety. free time, recreation, comfortable, easy, gentle,
reprimand, scolding, or she dies Lord Brown left relaxation, time off relaxed, unhurried t
ticking-off (informal), his sons a generous legacy. antonym: work antonym: hasty u
warning bequest, estate, heirloom, v
inheritance length 1 w
lecture 3 x
legal 1 noun the distance from one y
verb to teach by giving » adjective relating to the law
» end of something to the other z
» formal talks to audiences Each country has its own The fish was about a metre
The eminent scientist legal system. in length.
lectures all over the world. forensic, judicial, judiciary distance, extent, span
give a talk, speak,
talk, teach legal 2 length 2
» adjective allowed by the law
left-wing noun the amount of time
» adjective believing in reforming, My parents are the legal
owners of our house. » something lasts for
socialist policies People authorized, lawful, The film is two hours
said Mary had left-wing views. legitimate, permissible, in length.
leftist, liberal, rightful, valid, duration, period, space,
radical, socialist constitutional, sanctioned span, term
antonym: illegal

A long holiday meant plenty
of time for leisure.

131

lengthen

A like lengthen lie 1
B » verb to make something longer » verb to rest somewhere

C »2 verb to find someone or something pleasant My trousers had to be horizontally He was lying
I really like this music. lengthened because I’d grown. on his back, reading a book.
extend, make longer, loll, lounge, recline, sprawl,
D adore prolong, stretch, be prostrate, be recumbent,
She adored her pug. elongate, protract be supine, repose
antonym: shorten
E appreciate lie 2
F I appreciate good food. lessen » verb to say something that
» verb to decrease in size
G be fond of is not true The actor lied
Are you fond of him? or amount Andy put on about his age and told the
an extra jumper to lessen reporter he was much younger.
H the risk of getting cold. be dishonest, fib, perjure
I be keen on abate, decrease, diminish, yourself, tell a lie,
dwindle, lower, minimize, forswear yourself
He was really keen on reduce, shrink, de-escalate,
the band’s latest song. downsize lie 3
antonym: increase » noun something you say that
J
K be partial to lesson is not true His whole story
» noun a period of time for being was a lie, none of it was true.
I am partial to deceit, fabrication,
action films. taught Johanna took piano falsehood, fib, fiction
lessons once a week.
L enjoy class, coaching, lecture, life
M She enjoyed swimming period, tutoring » noun the time during which you

in the sea. let 1 are alive My grandmother
» verb to allow someone to do has had a long and active life.
N go for existence, life span,
O What kind of music something Leah’s parents lifetime, time
wouldn’t let her go to the party. related words:
do you go for? allow, give permission, adjectives animate, vital
permit, sanction
P have a soft spot for antonym: forbid lift 1
Q I have a soft spot for » verb to move something to a
let 2
people with red hair. higher position Ria strained
verb to give someone use of to lift the heavy pile of books.
R have a weakness for elevate, hoist, pick up, raise
S He had a weakness » your property in return for antonym: lower

for chocolate. money My aunt lets her lift 2
house for the summer. » verb to remove something such
T love hire out, lease, rent
U She loved getting presents. as a ban or law They wore
level 1 earrings to school when the
V relish » adjective completely flat ban on jewellery was lifted.
W He relished the idea of cancel, end, relax, remove,
An ice rink should have rescind, revoke
celebrating his birthday. a perfectly level surface.
flat, horizontal light 1
X antonym: uneven
noun brightness that
Y antonym: dislike level 2
I dislike playing hockey. » verb to make something flat » enables you to see things
The sun’s light filtered
Z We levelled the ground. through the shutters.
flatten, plane, smooth brightness, brilliance,
glare, glow, illumination,
level 3 radiance, incandescence,
» noun a point on a scale that luminescence, luminosity,
phosphorescence
measures something Crime antonym: dark
levels have started to decline. related word: prefix photo-
grade, rank, stage,
standard, status

132

load

light 2 limit 2 The friends linked hands as they little 1 a
» adjective pale in colour » verb to prevent something from ran across the field. » adjective small in size or
b
Steve wore a light blue shirt. going any further Don’t limit link 2 amount The girl was too c
bleached, fair, pale, pastel, yourself to one activity. » verb to connect two things little to ride on the rollercoaster.
blonde or blond confine, curb, fix, ration, dainty, dwarf, mini, d
antonym: dark restrict, circumscribe, The friends linked hands miniature, minute, pygmy, e
delimit, demarcate as they ran across the field. small, tiny, wee
light 3 attach, connect, couple, antonym: large f
» adjective not weighing much limp fasten, join, tie g
» adjective not stiff or firm antonym: separate little 2
Now it was empty, the » noun a small amount or degree h
cardboard box was light. The week-old lettuce liquid 1 i
flimsy, lightweight, had limp leaves. We offered her plenty to eat j
portable, slight drooping, flabby, floppy, noun a substance that is not but she would only take a little.
antonym: heavy slack, soft, flaccid, pliable hardly any, meagre, measly, k
antonym: stiff » solid and can be poured not much, paltry, scant l
light 4 Make sure you drink enough m
» verb to make a place bright line 1 liquids, particularly water. live 1 n
» noun a long thin mark on fluid, liquor, solution » verb to have your home o
The dining room was lit p
by a single candle. something Use a ruler liquid 2 somewhere Carrie has q
brighten, illuminate, light up to draw a line down the » adjective in the form of a liquid lived in Boston for 20 years.
antonym: darken centre of the page. dwell, inhabit, reside, r
rule, score, streak, stripe Liquid detergent comes in a stay (Scotland and s
light 5 bottle, not a box. South Africa)
» verb to make a fire start line 2 fluid, molten, runny t
» noun a row of people or things live 2 u
burning It’s time list 1 » verb to be alive The tortoise v
to light the barbecue. A long line of fans waited w
ignite, kindle to get a glimpse of the singer. noun a set of things written has lived for over 100 years. x
antonym: extinguish column, file, queue, be alive, exist y
rank, row » down one below the other
like 1 There were six names live 3 z
» preposition similar to line 3 on the list. » adjective not dead or artificial
» noun the route along which catalogue, directory,
He looks just like index, inventory, listing, I was horrified to find a live
his father. something moves The golfer record, register mouse sitting in my shoe.
akin, analogous, studied the ball’s line of flight. alive, animate, living
parallel, similar course, path, route,
antonym: unlike track, trajectory lively
» adjective full of life and
like 2 list 2
» verb to set things down in a list enthusiasm My sister
verb to find someone has a lively personality.
or something pleasant The cookies’ ingredients are active, animated, energetic,
listed on the packet. perky, sparkling, sprightly,
◀◀ SEE LEFT catalogue, index, record, vivacious
register, enumerate, antonym: dull
likely itemize, tabulate
» adjective having a good chance load 1
The golfer studied the ball’s listen » noun something being carried
of happening It’s likely my line of flight. » verb to hear and pay attention
brother will have a mushroom The crane can lift huge,
pizza as usual. link 1 to something I’ll repeat heavy loads.
anticipated, expected, » noun a connection between that for those of you who cargo, consignment,
liable, possible, probable weren’t listening. freight, shipment
antonym: unlikely two things The wedding attend, hark, hear,
guest had links to both the pay attention The crane can lift huge,
limit 1 bride’s and groom’s families. heavy loads.
affiliation, association,
noun a point beyond which attachment, bond,
connection, relationship,
» something cannot go tie, affinity, liaison
My father never drives
above the speed limit.
bounds, deadline,
maximum, ultimate,
utmost

133

load

A load 2 The castle has a beautiful lonely 2 look 2
B » verb to put a lot of things on or hilltop location. » verb to appear or seem to be
adjective isolated and not
into We loaded the car with location He looked younger than
supplies for the camping trip. » noun a place or position » visited by many people his age.
A lonely tree blew in the appear, look like, seem,
C fill, pack, pile, stack The castle has a beautiful wind on the bleak hillside. seem to be
D loan 1 hilltop location. deserted, desolate,
place, point, position, isolated, remote, secluded, look 3
» noun a sum of money that you site, situation, spot, uninhabited, godforsaken,
whereabouts, locale, locus out-of-the-way, noun the action of turning
borrow He asked his father unfrequented
lock 1 » your eyes towards something
E for a loan so he could buy long 1 Lucy took a look at her
a new bicycle. verb to close and fasten » adjective continuing for a great reflection in the mirror.
gaze, glance, glimpse, peek
F advance, credit, mortgage » something with a key amount of time A long
G loan 2 Lock the door when and awkward silence followed look 4
you leave the house. her shocking announcement. » noun the way someone or
» verb to lend something to latch, padlock extended, interminable,
antonym: unlock lengthy, lingering, something appears He had
someone She loaned long-drawn-out, prolonged, the look of a happy man.
lock 2 protracted, slow, sustained air, appearance, bearing,
H me her best coat to wear » noun a device used to fasten antonym: short expression, face,
to the party. semblance
something No one could long 2
I advance, lend open the door because the » adjective great in length or look after
J local 1 lock was stiff. » verb to take care of someone
latch, padlock distance There was a long
» adjective belonging to the area queue to enter the building. or something Will you look
elongated, extensive, after my cats next week?
where you live The local lengthy care for, mind, nurse,
antonym: short take care of, tend, watch
K shop is on the corner of the
next road. logical 1 There was a long queue to enter lookalike
» adjective using logic to work the building. » noun a person who looks like
L community, district,
neighbourhood, parish, something out His argument long 3 someone else He makes
regional was logical and made sense. » verb to want something very a living as an Elvis lookalike.
consistent, rational, dead ringer (informal),
M local 2 reasoned, sound, valid, much He longed for double, spitting image
N » noun a person who lives in a cogent, coherent a relaxing holiday. (informal)
antonym: illogical ache, covet, crave, hunger,
particular area Every week, lust, pine, yearn look for
logical 2 » verb to try to find a person
O the locals met at the café » adjective sensible in the longing
at the end of the street. » noun a strong wish for or thing I’m looking for
inhabitant, native, resident circumstances There has to my bag, have you seen it?
be a logical explanation for the something She had a real forage, hunt, search, seek
P locate mysterious noise we heard. longing for a hot drink.
Q » verb to find out where someone judicious, obvious, craving, desire, hankering, loose 1
plausible, reasonable, hunger, thirst, yearning » adjective not firmly held
or something is We located sensible, wise
antonym: illogical look 1 or fixed The little girl
R our missing friend in the café. had a loose tooth.
find, pinpoint, track down lonely 1 verb to turn your eyes towards free, unsecured, wobbly
» adjective unhappy because something and see it antonym: secure
S
T of being alone The old ▶▶ SEE RIGHT The little girl had a loose tooth.
U lady was lonely and wished
V for visitors.
W We located our missing friend alone, forlorn, forsaken,
lonesome
in the café.

X locate: be located
Y » verb being in a particular place

The restaurant is located
near the cinema.

Z be placed, be sited,
be situated

134

lost 2 love a
» adjective unable to be
look b
found She missed c
her lost toy. 1 verb to turn your eyes
mislaid, misplaced, d
missing, vanished »towards something and e

lot 1 : a lot or lots peek see it She looked f
» noun a large amount of out of the window. g
She peeked at him
something Remember through the curtains. h
to drink lots of water. i
Chris wore his shirt loose abundance, a great deal, scan j
to cool off. masses (informal),
piles (informal), plenty, He scanned the article k
loose 2 quantities, scores in the newspaper. l
» adjective not fitting closely m
lot 2 regard n
Chris wore his shirt loose » noun an amount or number o
to cool off. He regarded me curiously. p
baggy, slack, sloppy My mum said my friends q
antonym: tight were a noisy lot.
batch, bunch (informal), r
loosen crowd, group, s
» verb to make something looser quantity, set
t
Harry loosened the knot loud 1 observe stare u
in his tie. » adjective having a high level v
slacken, undo, untie He observed the She stared out toward w
antonym: tighten of sound We heard scene before him. the horizon. x
a loud bang from downstairs. y
loot 1 blaring, deafening, noisy, scrutinize survey
resounding, strident, z
verb to steal from a place thunderous, clamorous, She scrutinized He stood up and
sonorous, stentorian the essay. surveyed the crowd.
» during a riot or battle antonym: quiet
Gangs began breaking squint glare
windows and looting shops. loud 2
pillage, plunder, » adjective too brightly coloured She squinted at He glared at her for
raid, ransack the writing on the eating the last slice.
He wore a loud tie blackboard.
loot 2 to the costume party. gape
» noun stolen or illegal money flamboyant, flashy,
garish, gaudy, lurid She gaped at the
or goods Sadly, the loot antonym: dull price of the dress.
was never recovered.
booty, haul, plunder, lovable
spoils, swag (slang) » adjective easy to love

lose 1 I find puppies cute and
» verb to be unable to find lovable but my friend doesn’t
like them biting her ankles.
I’ve lost my keys. adorable, charming,
drop, mislay, misplace enchanting, endearing,
antonym: find sweet, captivating,
engaging, winsome
lose 2 antonym: hateful
» verb to be beaten
love 1
We lost the match. » verb to feel strong affection
be beaten, be defeated
antonym: win for someone I love my
family so much.
lost 1 adore, cherish, worship,
» adjective not knowing where be in love with, dote on,
hold dear, idolize
you are I think we’re lost. antonym: hate
adrift, astray, off-course

135

love

A love 2 low 1 lucky 1 lure 2
B » verb to like something very » adjective short or not far above » adjective having a lot of good » noun something that you find

much We both love fishing the ground The sun was low luck Colin has always been very attractive It was a hot
and go every weekend. in the sky. lucky at games, winning day, and the lure of the
little, short, small, squat, every time. swimming pool was strong.
C appreciate, enjoy, like, stunted, sunken blessed, charmed, attraction, bait, magnet,
relish, delight in, antonym: high fortunate pull, temptation
have a weakness for, antonym: unlucky
low 2 lurk
D take pleasure in » adjective small in degree lucky 2
antonym: hate verb to wait hidden for
or quantity The prices were adjective happening by chance
E love 3 low so we bought more clothes. » someone or something
F » noun a strong feeling of minimal, modest, poor, » with good consequences He thought he saw
reduced, scant, small Suhel was lucky to be dealt someone lurking in
affection There is nothing antonym: high such a good hand of cards that the doorway.
like a mother’s love for he easily won the game. lie in wait, loiter, skulk
lower 1 fortuitous, fortunate,
G her children. » verb to move something opportune, timely, luxurious
adoration, affection, adventitious, propitious, » adjective expensive and full
downwards Sara lowered providential
H ardour, devotion, herself into the bath. antonym: unlucky of luxury We stayed in
infatuation, passion drop, let down, take down a luxurious hotel; it had the
antonym: hatred antonym: raise lump 1 biggest pool I’ve ever seen.
» noun a solid piece of de luxe or deluxe, lavish,
I lower 2 opulent, plush (informal),
» verb to make something less something Jane kneaded posh (informal), sumptuous,
J the big lump of dough. upscale (informal)
in amount The government ball, cake, chunk, hunk, antonym: plain
K promised to lower taxes. piece, wedge
cut, decrease, diminish, luxury 1
L lessen, minimize, » noun comfort in expensive
reduce, slash
M There is nothing like a mother’s antonym: increase surroundings We led a life
N love for her children. of luxury on holiday and didn’t
O love 4 loyal Jane kneaded the big lump care how much it cost.
» adjective firm in your friendship of dough. affluence, opulence,
» noun a strong liking for sumptuousness
or support Kim was a loyal lump 2
something Her love of friend, visiting Ted every day » noun a bump on the surface luxury 2
while he was unwell.
P animals has inspired her constant, dependable, of something I’ve got a big noun something enjoyable
to become a vet. faithful, staunch, true, lump on my head from when
trusty, steadfast, I walked into the shelf. » that you do not have often
Q devotion, fondness, true-hearted, unswerving, bulge, bump, hump, Hiring a sports car was
liking, weakness, unwavering swelling, protrusion, a real luxury for my dad.
partiality, penchant antonym: treacherous protuberance extra, extravagance,
indulgence, treat
R antonym: hatred Kim was a loyal friend, visiting lure 1
Ted every day while he was unwell. lying 1
lovely verb to attract someone » noun the action of telling lies
luck
S » adjective very attractive and » noun something that happens » somewhere or into doing I’ve had enough of his lying;
pleasant You look lovely why can’t he just tell the truth
by chance It was just luck something We lured for once?
T in that outfit. that we happened to meet. the ducks out of the water deceit, dishonesty,
U attractive, beautiful, accident, chance, destiny, with breadcrumbs. fabrication, fibbing, perjury,
fate, fortune, fortuity, attract, beckon, draw, dissimulation, duplicity,
delightful, enjoyable, predestination entice, tempt mendacity
pleasant, pretty
lying 2
V antonym: horrible » adjective telling lies

loving Don’t trust him,
he is a lying cheat.
W » adjective feeling or showing deceitful, dishonest, false,
love He is a loving husband untruthful, dissembling,
mendacious
X and father. antonym: honest
affectionate, devoted,

Y doting, fond, tender, warm,
demonstrative, solicitous,

Z warm-hearted
antonym: cold

136

make

main major a
» adjective most important » adjective very important or
b
Our main reason for going to serious There’s a major c
Paris is to see the Eiffel Tower. problem with your car’s
cardinal, chief, foremost, engine – it won’t start. d
leading, major, critical, crucial, leading, e
predominant, primary, outstanding, significant
prime, principal antonym: minor f
g
machine mad 2 mainly majority
» noun a piece of equipment » adjective (informal) angry about » adverb true in most » noun more than half h
i
The sailors used a machine something My friends got cases The kittens The majority of our j
to pump the water from the mad at me for interfering. were mainly tabbies. basketball team are girls.
bottom of the ship. angry, enraged, fuming, chiefly, generally, largely, best part, better part, bulk, k
apparatus, appliance, furious, incensed, mostly, predominantly, mass, most, lion’s share, l
contraption, device, infuriated, irate, primarily, principally, preponderance m
instrument, mechanism livid (informal) for the most part, n
in general, on the whole o
p
mad 1 magic The kittens were mainly tabbies. q
» adjective very foolish or » noun a special power
The majority of our basketball r
insane Craig would be mad Do you believe in magic? team are girls. s
to refuse such a generous offer. sorcery, witchcraft,
barmy (slang), batty (slang), occultism make 1 t
crazy (informal), u
daft (informal), deranged, magical verb to construct something v
foolhardy, foolish, insane, » adjective wonderful and w
loony (slang), stupid ▼ SEE BELOW x
antonym: sane exciting I’ve heard that y
Rome is a magical city.
bewitching, enchanting, z
entrancing, spellbinding

make » 1 verb to construct

assemble form build something Tom liked to
make models from kits.
He assembled Not many parts Building the
the body first. were needed to model took less construct
form the car. than an hour.
Cars were the easiest
models to construct.

fabricate create fashion manufacture

The parts were Tom enjoyed The largest He dreamed of manufacturing
fabricated from creating planes pieces were cars for real.
plastic. and ships as fashioned into
well as cars. the sides of
the car.

137

make

A male management 1 manoeuvre 1
» adjective relating to men » noun the act of running an » verb to move something
B
I knew my father was organization The zoo skilfully It took expertise to
C at the door as soon as I needed better management to manoeuvre the boat so close
heard the deep male voice. reduce the entrance queues. to the shore.
D manly, masculine control, direction, running guide, navigate,
antonym: female negotiate, steer
E Cassie’s mother made her finish management 2
F her homework. malicious » noun the people who run an manoeuvre 2
G make 2 » adjective having the intention noun a clever action » With a
organization The management
» verb to force someone to do of hurting someone Pete is investing more in research. series of cunning manoeuvres,
was accused of spreading administration, board, Sam won the game of chess.
something Cassie’s mother malicious rumours about Rita. bosses (informal), directors, dodge, ploy, ruse, tactic,
cruel, malevolent (formal), employers machination, stratagem,
H made her finish her homework. mean, spiteful, subterfuge
compel, drive, force, oblige, vicious, malignant, manager
rancorous (formal) » noun a person in charge of manufacture 1
I coerce, impel » verb to make goods in a factory
J make 3 man 1 running an organization We
» noun an adult male human welcomed our new manager in Several models of TV are
» noun a particular type the morning meeting. manufactured at the factory.
My uncle always wears a being Mario is a charming boss (informal), director, assemble, fabricate,
young man. executive make, mass-produce,
K certain make of wristwatch. bloke (informal), chap process, produce
brand, model (informal), fellow, gentleman,
guy (informal), male manufacture 2
L make up 1 antonym: woman » noun the making of goods
M » verb to form the parts of
man 2 in a factory His job is to
something Boys make » noun people in general supervise the manufacture
up more than half of our of cars.
All men are equal. assembly, fabrication,
N history class. humanity, human race, making, mass production,
compose, comprise, mankind, Homo sapiens, production
humankind
O constitute, form His job is to supervise the
manage 1 We welcomed our new manager manufacture of cars.
make up 2 » verb to succeed in doing in the morning meeting.
many 1
P » verb to invent a story something The crew manifest » adjective a large number
Tessa made up a story about managed to stop the fire » adjective (formal) obvious or
why she was late – she didn’t from spreading any further. Sue has many friends.
cope with, succeed in easily seen His manifest countless, innumerable,
Q admit she’d just overslept. failure to notice the puddle myriad, numerous,
R concoct, fabricate, invent, resulted in Len getting wet feet. umpteen (informal),
blatant, clear, multifarious, multitudinous
formulate, manufacture conspicuous, glaring, antonym: few
obvious, patent, plain
S making 1
T » noun the act of creating The crew managed to stop the fire manner 1
from spreading any further. » noun the way that you do
something More than
100 people were involved something She smiled
again in a friendly manner.
U in the making of this movie. fashion, mode, style, way
assembly, building,
manage 2 manner 2
V construction, creation, » verb to be in charge of » noun the way someone behaves
fabrication, manufacture,
production something Within two years Kim’s kind manner made
Joe was managing the store. him feel at ease.
W making 2 : be in charge of, command, bearing, behaviour,
in the making control, direct, run conduct, demeanour,
comportment, deportment
X » adjective about to become
something The new recruit
was a soldier in the making.

Y budding, emergent,
Z potential, up-and-coming

138

maybe

many 2 : many of master 2 matter 3 a
» pronoun a large number of » verb to learn how to do » verb to be important It does
b
people or things I’d read something Eloise found it not matter what you wear for c
many of my books already so easy to master the recorder. the party.
I went to the library to take become proficient in, be of consequence, count, d
out more. get the hang of (informal), make a difference e
a lot, a mass, a multitude, grasp, learn
large numbers, lots mature 1 f
(informal), plenty, scores Tall grasses grew in the marsh. match 1 » verb to become fully developed g
antonym: few » noun an organized game
marsh Children seem to mature h
mark 1 Ken was looking forward earlier these days. i
» noun a small stain noun an area of low-lying, to the football match. come of age, grow up, j
competition, contest, game reach adulthood
I can’t get this mark » poorly drained land that is k
off the curtain and it’s match 2 mature 2 l
spoiling the pattern. sometimes flooded Tall verb to be similar to » The » adjective fully developed m
blot, line, smudge, spot, grasses grew in the marsh. n
stain, streak bog, fen, mire, morass, shoes matched her dress. He’s very mature for his age. o
mudflats, quagmire, agree, correspond, fit, adult, full-grown, p
mark 2 quicksands, saltmarsh, go with, suit, tally, fully fledged, grown, q
» verb to stain something slough, swamp, wetland accord, harmonize grown-up
r
The pen in Marianna’s marvellous material 1 maximum 1 s
pocket leaked and marked » adjective wonderful or excellent » noun any type of cloth » adjective being the most that
her trousers. t
smudge, stain, streak The class had a marvellous Sara’s skirt was made is possible The maximum u
time at the zoo. of thick material. number of books that will fit v
market brilliant, excellent, cloth, fabric on a shelf is 20. w
» noun a place to buy or sell first-rate, magnificent, top, utmost x
remarkable, splendid, material 2 antonym: minimum y
things We bought fresh superb, wonderful » noun a solid substance
fish at the market today. antonym: terrible maximum 2 z
bazaar, fair He gathered the materials » noun the most that is possible
needed for repairing the wall.
marriage 1 matter, stuff, substance Matt turned the volume of
the radio up to the maximum.
noun the formal union of two mass 1 ceiling, height, most,
» noun a large number or amount upper limit, utmost
» people who live together antonym: minimum
We have a happy Marek had masses of
marriage – we’ve been homework to get through. Matt turned the volume of the radio
together for 20 years. crowd, heap, load, lump, up to the maximum.
matrimony (formal), mob, pile, throng
wedlock (formal) maybe
related words: mass 2 He gathered the materials needed » adverb it is possible that
adjectives conjugal, » adjective involving a large for repairing the wall.
connubial, marital, nuptial Maybe it would have been
number of people There matter 1 quicker to take the bus.
marriage 2 were mass protests about the » noun something that you have conceivably, it could be,
noun a union » The dessert school holidays being reduced. perhaps, possibly,
general, popular, to deal with Rachel found perchance
was a perfect marriage of universal, widespread business matters rather dull.
biscuit and chocolate. affair, business, issue,
alliance, association, mass 3 question, situation, subject
coupling, link, match, » verb to gather in a large group
merger, union matter 2
The sheep massed in the » noun any substance
middle of the road.
assemble, congregate, The atom is the smallest
gather, group particle of matter.
material, stuff, substance
master 1
» noun a male schoolteacher

He is a retired maths master.
instructor, teacher, tutor

139

meagre

A measure 1 meek meeting 2
» verb to check the size of » adjective quiet and timid » noun an occasion when you
B
C something We measured Janet was a meek girl, meet someone I had a
how tall our little brother was. always agreeing with whatever chance meeting with an old
D gauge, survey, calibrate, her friends said. friend while I was shopping.
quantify deferential, docile, assignation (literary),
E The restaurant served such meagre mild, submissive, timid, encounter, rendezvous,
portions we went home hungry. measure 2 unassuming, acquiescent, tryst
» noun an amount of something compliant, mild-mannered
F meagre antonym: bold melodramatic
G » adjective very small and There was a measure of » adjective behaving in an
silence after the actor’s meet 1
inadequate The restaurant shocking announcement. » verb to be in the same place exaggerated way Elodie was
amount, degree, portion, so melodramatic, flouncing out
H served such meagre portions proportion as someone I met my of the café because she didn’t
we went home hungry. cousin quite by chance. like the table they gave her.
inadequate, measly measure 3 bump into (informal), histrionic, sensational,
» noun an action to achieve come across, come upon, theatrical
I (informal), paltry, scant, encounter, run across,
sparse, exiguous, something Tough measures run into melt 1
are needed to maintain order. » verb to become liquid
J insubstantial, scanty, act, action, deed, meet 2
skimpy expedient, manoeuvre, » verb to gather in a group The ice cream started
means, procedure, step to melt on the floor.
K meal We meet for lunch at a café dissolve, thaw, liquefy
L » noun an occasion when people medicine once a week.
» noun something you take to assemble, congregate, The ice cream started to melt
eat My mother cooked a convene, gather, on the floor.
special meal for my birthday. make you better The doctor get together
prescribed some medicine for melt 2
M banquet, dinner, feast, my sore throat. » verb to disappear Isabella’s
repast, spread cure, drug, medication,
pill, tablet, remedy anger melted when she saw
N mean 1 what Leo had brought her.
O » verb to convey a message medium 1 disappear, disperse,
» adjective average in size dissolve, evaporate, vanish
A red traffic light means
that you have to stop. Ella was of medium height. memorable
average, medium-sized, » adjective likely to be
P denote, indicate, signify middling
Q mean 2 remembered The cup final
We meet for lunch at a café was a memorable victory over
» verb to intend to do something once a week. the league champions.
I meant to phone you, but catchy, historic, notable,
meet 3 striking, unforgettable
R didn’t have time. » verb to fulfil a need
aim, intend, plan memory
Meals must meet the » noun the ability to remember
S mean 3 needs of growing children.
T » adjective unwilling to spend answer, fulfil, satisfy I have an excellent memory
for phone numbers.
money Don’t be mean: Ella was of medium height. meeting 1 recall, remembrance
(formal), recollection,
U leave the waiter a good tip. medium 2 noun an event at which people retention
miserly, tight (informal), » noun a means of
parsimonious, » come together for a purpose
communication TV is a All the parents went
V penny-pinching, useful medium for relaying to a meeting about the
stingy, tight-fisted important news to the nation. new playground.
antonym: generous channel, vehicle, agency, audience, conference,
instrument congress, convention,
W meaning gathering, get-together
X » noun the idea expressed by (informal), reunion, conclave,
convocation
something Tom had to look

Y up the meaning of the word
in the dictionary.

Z drift, gist, message,
significance, connotation,
import

140

mess

mend patch renovate a

» verb to repair something broken He patched the roof where They renovated the old ship. b
He mended the bicycle. the rain came in. c
d
e

restore repair f
g
She liked to restore When will you get around
antique furniture. to repairing the broken chair? h
i

j

fix darn k

She fixed the leak She darned the hole l
in the car engine. in her sock. m

mend merciful 2 mercy 2 mess 1 n
» adjective showing forgiveness » noun the quality of forgiveness » noun a state of untidiness
verb to repair something o
broken The merciful teacher gave us The criminal threw himself The room was in a mess p
no homework over the holidays. upon the mercy of the court. after the party.
▲ SEE ABOVE forgiving, lenient forgiveness, leniency, chaos, disarray, disorder q
antonym: merciless clemency, forbearance
mention 1 r
» verb to talk about something merciless merit 1 s
» adjective showing no kindness » noun worth or value
briefly I mentioned the party The room was in a mess t
to Lisa, but I don’t know if or forgiveness The airport Our PE teacher said that a after the party. u
she’ll come. staff were merciless when keen attitude had as much
allude to, bring up, broach, I forgot my passport and merit as natural talent. mess 2 v
hint, intimate, refer to, wouldn’t let me on the plane. excellence, value, » noun a situation that is full of w
touch on, touch upon callous, cruel, heartless, virtue, worth x
implacable, ruthless, problems How are we going y
mention 2 hard-hearted, pitiless, merit 2 to get out of this mess?
» noun a brief comment about unforgiving » noun a good quality that fix (informal), jam (informal), z
antonym: merciful muddle, turmoil
something There was no something has They
mention in the programme of mercy 1 discussed the merits of mess 3 : mess up
my role in the show. » noun the quality of kindness the different cakes on offer. » verb to spoil something
allusion, reference advantage, asset, strength,
The wrestler showed no strong point, virtue He messed up his career.
merciful 1 mercy to his opponent. botch, bungle, make a hash
» adjective showing kindness compassion, kindness, merit 3 of (informal), muck up (slang),
pity, benevolence, charity » verb to deserve something ruin, screw up (slang), spoil
The merciful king treated
his subjects with kindness. Buying a new camera merits
compassionate, humane, careful consideration.
kind be entitled to, be worthy of,
antonym: merciless deserve, earn, warrant

141

message

A message 1 messenger middle 1 mild 1
noun a piece of information » noun someone who carries a » noun the part furthest from » adjective not strong or powerful

B for someone message We will send the edges There was a large Flo used a mild shampoo
▼ SEE BELOW a messenger to the airport table in the middle of the room. to wash her hair.
to collect the photographs. centre, halfway point, insipid, weak
C message 2 courier, envoy, runner, midst, midpoint, antonym: strong
D » verb to send information to emissary, go-between, midsection
herald mild 2
Fred messaged his friends middle 2 » adjective gentle and good-
to tell them about the match. method » adjective furthest from the
» noun a way of doing something tempered My uncle is
E email or e-mail, IM, edges Carl sat down on a mild man who is very
instant message, text Emily used a traditional the middle seat, between good with animals.
method to make jam. his parents. affable, gentle, meek,
F approach, mode, central, halfway placid, easy-going,
G procedure, technique, way equable, pacific, peaceable

mild 3

H » adjective warmer than usual
The area is famous for

I its mild winter climate.
balmy, temperate
J
mind 1
K message » noun your ability to think

Our teacher is really clever
L » 1 noun a piece of information for someone and has a sharp mind.
He left a message on her voicemail. brain, head, imagination,

intellect, psyche

M related word: adjective mental
communication missive
mind 2
N She brought a The editor’s missive » verb to be annoyed by
communication from was four pages long.
something I don’t mind
O the headmaster. what you get me for my
birthday.
P despatch or bulletin be bothered, care, object

The news bulletin
Q dispatchThe despatch came was at 6pm.
from the African newsHe sent a memo mind 3
memocorrespondent. around the office » verb to look after something
about turning off lights.
RST memorandum noteThe memorandum came I’ll just leave a I’m minding my younger
U from the ministry. note for Kate. brother while my mother is out.
keep an eye on, look after,
take care of, watch

minimum
» adjective being the least

possible My little sister
was just tall enough to be
the minimum height for the
V word communiquéThere is no further fairground ride.
word on the reported least possible, minimal
antonym: maximum
WYX zoo escapade.
The communiqué minor
from the conference » adjective less important
explained their decision.
Henry fell off his bike but
sustained only minor injuries.
lesser, petty, secondary,

Z slight, trifling, trivial
antonym: major

142

model

minute 1 misfortune mix mock 1 a
» noun a short period of time » noun an unfortunate event verb to combine things » Mix » verb to make fun of someone
b
I’ll be with you in a minute. I had the misfortune to the ingredients together slowly. My sister mocked my haircut. c
flash, instant, moment, fall off my bike. amalgamate, blend, deride (formal), laugh at,
second, trice adversity, bad luck combine, merge, mingle, make fun of, poke fun at,
intermingle, interweave ridicule, scoff at
minute 2 misrepresent
» adjective extremely small » verb to give a false account mixture mock 2 d
» noun a combination of things » adjective not genuine The e
The insect was so minute of something My brother f
that Kayla needed a magnifying deliberately misrepresented We used a mixture of flour adults acted mock surprise g
glass to see it clearly. what happened when we and water to make dough. when the children performed
microscopic, negligible, argued earlier. alloy, amalgamation, the same old magic tricks. h
slender, small, tiny, distort, falsify, twist blend, combination, artificial, bogus,
diminutive, minuscule compound, fusion, medley, counterfeit, dummy, fake,
antonym: vast miss 1 amalgam, composite, false, feigned, imitation,
verb to fail to notice » Go to conglomeration, mix phoney or phony (informal),
The insect was so minute that pretended, sham, ersatz,
Kayla needed a magnifying glass the first floor. You can’t miss it. pseudo
to see it clearly. fail to notice, mistake,
overlook mockery i
miracle » noun the act of mocking j
» noun a surprising and fortunate miss 2
» verb to feel the loss of someone Was there a glint k
event It was a miracle that of mockery in his eyes when he l
everyone escaped unharmed. I miss my family when said he liked her new trainers? m
marvel, wonder I’m away. derision, jeering, ridicule n
long for, pine for, yearn for o
miserable 1 model 1 p
» adjective very unhappy All mistake 1 We used a mixture of flour and » noun a copy of something q
» noun something that is wrong water to make dough.
this rain makes me miserable. We saw a model of what r
dejected, depressed, down, There were a lot of spelling mix up this building used to look like. s
downcast, low, melancholy, mistakes in his work. » verb to confuse two things dummy, replica,
mournful, sad, unhappy, blunder, error, gaffe, representation, facsimile, t
wretched, disconsolate, oversight, slip, inaccuracy, People often mix us up mock-up u
sorrowful miscalculation because we both wear glasses.
antonym: cheerful confuse, muddle model 2
» noun a perfect example of
miserable 2 mix-up
» adjective causing unhappiness » noun a mistake in something something My obedient dog
is a model of good behaviour.
Damp, dark, and poky – it planned There has been epitome, example, ideal,
was a miserable flat. a mix-up with the bookings. paragon, archetype,
gloomy, pathetic, sorry, mistake, misunderstanding, exemplar
wretched muddle
model 3
misery There were a lot of spelling moan 1 » verb to make something into
noun unhappiness » He felt mistakes in his work. » verb to make a low sound
a shape Jo modelled the
such misery when his pet died. mistake 2 Laura moaned in her sleep. clay into an animal.
depression, despair, grief, » verb to think one thing is groan, grunt carve, fashion, form,
melancholy, sadness, mould, sculpt, shape
sorrow, unhappiness, woe another thing I mistook moan 2
antonym: joy him for the owner of the house. » verb to complain about v
confuse with, misinterpret
as, mix up with, take for something Carol is always w
moaning about her job.
mistreat complain, groan, grumble, Jo modelled the clay into an animal. x
» verb to treat someone badly whine, whinge (informal), y
bleat, carp
The dog had been z
mistreated, so we gave moan 3
it a new home. » noun a low sound
abuse, ill-treat
She let out a moan of pain.
groan, grunt

143

moderate

A moderate 1 modest 1 Sue played at being grown-up moody 1
B » adjective neither too much nor » adjective small in size or and counting the money she » adjective depressed or unhappy
had earned.
too little Moderate exercise amount Olivia made Tony was moody because
is good for the health. a modest donation to charity money his father had woken him up.
each month. » noun coins or banknotes irritable, morose, sulky,
C average, fair, medium, limited, middling, sullen, huffy, ill-tempered,
middling, reasonable moderate, small Sue played at being testy, tetchy, touchy
grown-up and counting
D moderate 2 modest 2 the money she had earned. moody 2
E » verb to become or make less » adjective not boastful capital, cash, dosh (Britain, » adjective liable to change your
Australia, and New Zealand),
extreme The children The famous athlete dough (informal), funds mood We were nervous
persuaded their father to was modest about his of visiting the moody old man.
achievements. mood temperamental, volatile,
F moderate his views on pets humble, unassuming, noun a state of mind » Liz has capricious, mercurial
in bedrooms. self-effacing, unpretentious
abate, curb, ease, relax, antonym: conceited been in a really cheerful mood more
since getting a kitten. » adjective greater than
G soften, temper, tone down moment 1 frame of mind, humour,
» noun a short period of time spirits, state of mind, something else Belle has
modern 1 temper more books than Peter.
Ted paused for a moment added, additional,
H » adjective relating to the present to get his breath back. extra, further
time The modern world instant, minute, second, antonym: less
split second, flash, trice
I increasingly relies on the Belle has more books than Peter.
internet. moment 2
» noun a point in time
J contemporary, current,
present, present-day, The phone rang at the
exact moment I stepped into
K recent the bath.
L modern 2 instant, point, time

» adjective new and involving the

latest ideas The house was

M full of modern technology.
latest, new, up-to-date,

N up-to-the-minute
antonym: old-fashioned

OP » 1 verb to change position
The race started and the

Q move competitors began to move.

R

S

T

U

V wriggle creep scurry inch

W slither crawl scuttle scamper edge

X run bolt stampede fly shoot dash
Y
Z jog hasten gallop dart sprint rush

144

mystery

motivate move 1 moving mysterious 1 a
» verb to cause a particular » adjective causing deep emotion » adjective strange and not well
verb to change position b
behaviour The teacher The father of the bride gave understood My favourite c
used a star chart to motivate ▼ SEE BELOW a moving speech. socks went missing under
the children to work hard. affecting, emotional, mysterious circumstances. d
drive, inspire, lead, move, move 2 poignant, stirring, arcane (formal), baffling, e
prompt, provoke » verb to change residence touching cryptic, enigmatic,
mystifying, abstruse, f
mountain Lori moved from Cambridge muddle 1 obscure, recondite g
to London. » noun a state of disorder
noun an area of high ground migrate, move house, mysterious 2 h
relocate The drawer is in a muddle; » adjective secretive about i
» that is higher and steeper I can’t find what I want. j
move 3 chaos, confusion, disarray, something Stop being
than a hill After hours of » verb to cause a deep emotion disorder, disorganization, so mysterious and tell me k
climbing, we finally reached jumble, mess, tangle where you’ve hidden l
the top of the mountain. We were moved to tears. the keys. m
alp, ben (Scotland), affect, touch muddle 2 furtive, secretive n
elevation, height, verb to mix things up » Gran o
mount, peak, precipice, movement 1 mystery p
range, ridge » noun a change of position muddles me and my sister. » noun something that is not q
confuse, jumble, mix up
After hours of climbing, we finally The cameras monitor the understood There is a r
reached the top of the mountain. movement of fish in the river. multiply mystery surrounding our s
flow, motion » verb to increase in number tortoise’s disappearance.
conundrum, enigma, t
movement 2 The number of children in puzzle, riddle u
» noun a group of people with the park multiplied in summer. v
increase, proliferate, w
similar aims Vicky joined spread x
the peace movement. y
campaign, faction, mumble
group, organization » verb to speak quietly z

Speak up, don’t mumble!
murmur, mutter

tear

hurry race

145

nag

A We crossed a narrow stream. natural 2 near 2
» adjective not trying to pretend » adjective not far away in
B narrow
The new babysitter was so distance The restaurant
C adjective having a small natural with the children. we’re going to is very near.
candid, frank, genuine, adjacent, adjoining,
D » distance from side to side real, unaffected, artless, close, nearby
We crossed a narrow stream. ingenuous antonym: far
E fine, slender, slim, thin antonym: false
antonym: wide near 3
F nag natural 3 » adjective not far away in time
verb to keep complaining narrow-minded » adjective existing from birth
Our final exams are near.
G » about something to someone adjective unwilling to consider and not learned I’m a approaching, forthcoming,
My dad nagged me terrible dancer – I have no imminent, looming, near at
» new ideas or other people’s natural rhythm. hand, nigh, upcoming
H to keep the bathroom clean. inborn, inherent, innate,
badger, bother, go on at, opinions My friend is rather instinctive, intuitive, native, nearly
narrow-minded and doesn’t like immanent, indigenous » adverb not completely but
I pester exploring new ideas.
biased, bigoted, insular, nature almost The beach was
naked 1 opinionated, prejudiced, » noun someone’s character nearly empty after the storm.
parochial, reactionary almost, as good as, just
J » adjective not wearing any antonym: tolerant It’s not in my nature to about, practically, virtually
clothes Anna’s most famous sit still for long.
nasty character, make-up, neat
K painting was of a naked woman. » adjective very unpleasant personality » adjective having everything
bare, nude, stark-naked,
The rotten apple left a naughty arranged in a tidy way Anna
L unclothed, undressed nasty taste in my mouth. » adjective tending to behave liked to keep her desk neat.
antonym: clothed disagreeable, disgusting, orderly, smart, spruce,
foul, horrible, repellent, badly The teacher told tidy, trim
M naked 2 unpleasant, vile Tony off for being naughty. antonym: untidy
N » adjective openly displayed or antonym: pleasant bad, disobedient, impish,
mischievous, wayward Anna liked to keep her desk neat.
shown His naked ambition natural 1 antonym: well-behaved
was evident in his hard work. » adjective normal and to be necessary 1
navigate
O blatant, evident, manifest, expected Her natural adjective needed so that
open, unmistakable, overt, reaction was to laugh at jokes. verb to work out the direction
common, everyday, normal, » something can happen
P patent, stark ordinary, typical, usual » in which a ship, plane, or car Juan made the necessary
antonym: secret antonym: unnatural arrangements for his holiday.
should go Sam navigated essential, imperative,
Q name 1 the plane through the fog. indispensable, required,
noun a word that identifies guide, pilot, steer vital, de rigueur, requisite
antonym: unnecessary
R a» pMerysonnamoretihsinJgoe. near 1
S designation, epithet, » preposition not far from The necessary 2
» adjective (formal) certain to
nickname, term, title, cat curled up near the fire.
appellation, denomination, adjacent to, alongside, happen or exist Wrinkles are
close to, next to, a necessary result of getting old.
T sobriquet not far from certain, inevitable,
related words: inexorable, unavoidable
The cat curled up near the fire.
U adjective nominal need

name 2 verb to require something

V » noun the opinion people have » or be required to do something
about someone He lied to You need a ticket to enter.
protect Janet’s good name. demand, require, want

W character, reputation
X name 3
Y » verb to give a name to someone

She named her daughter Kit,

Z after her grandmother.
baptize, call, christen, dub,
style, term

146

news

neglect 1 antonym: calm He was anxious to play well. a
He felt apprehensive until he started to play.
verb to fail to look after The coach was calm and b
helped them to relax. c
» someone or something
My toast burnt because Nerves made his performance edgy. d
I had neglected it. e
ignore, overlook, jitteryHe was still feeling when he scored a basket.
turn your back on f
The new plHayeerwwasastoHoobevtfieeolutnsulyspHjeuethimtgaodthphmrtoyew.wanthdoeubrnaerllaisceyo.drrecftolyr.a moment. g
neglect 2
» verb (formal) to fail to do nervous h
i
something Alex neglected to » adjective worried about something j
give me his address, so I don’t He was always nervous before a game.
know where to send the card. 147 k
fail, forget, omit l
m
neglect 3 n
noun lack of care » Most of o
p
her plants died from neglect. q
disregard, indifference,
unconcern r
s
nervous
t
adjective worried about u
something v
w
▶▶ SEE RIGHT x
y
neutral
» adjective not supporting either z

side I stayed neutral during
my friends’ argument.
disinterested,
dispassionate, impartial,
nonaligned, nonpartisan,
unbiased, unprejudiced
antonym: biased

never
» adverb at no time at all

I never said I was leaving.
at no time, not ever

new
» adjective recently created or

discovered A new hotel
has opened in our town.
advanced, current,
fresh, ground-breaking,
latest, modern, recent,
ultra-modern, up-to-date,
up-to-the-minute
antonym: old

news
» noun information about things

that have happened Jackie
waited for news of his arrival.
bulletin, disclosure,
dispatch, information,
intelligence, latest (informal),
tidings (formal), word

next

A nice next 1 noble 2
B » noun someone from the highest
adjective coming immediately
C 1 adjective attractive or enjoyable social rank The old castle
» after something else belonged to a family of nobles.
D Their next child was a girl. aristocrat, lord,
ensuing, following, nobleman, peer
E Did you have a nice subsequent, succeeding antonym: peasant
time at the wedding?
next 2 noise
F Yes, it was really good, » noun a loud or unpleasant
G and the party afterwards adverb coming immediately
sound Bill wore headphones
was enjoyable too. » after something else while using the jackhammer to
After Sue and Dan, Steve muffle the noise.
H A delightful day in arrived next at the party. commotion, din, hubbub,
which a pleasurable afterwards, subsequently pandemonium, racket,
row, uproar, clamour,
I time was had by all. next 3 rumpus, tumult
» adjective in a position nearest antonym: silence

J I heard they got married to something I shut the
at a beautiful old church dog in the next room.
adjacent, adjoining,
K in a lovely little village. closest, nearest,
neighbouring

nice 1

adjective attractive or enjoyable

◀◀ SEE LEFT

L The bride looked so pretty nice 2 Bill wore headphones while
and her husband so » adjective kind or friendly using the jackhammer to
muffle the noise.
M handsome. They make Sending flowers was
N a gorgeous couple. a nice gesture.
amiable, charming,
considerate, engaging,

O friendly, good-natured,
kind, kindly, likeable,
P Her parents are pleasant thoughtful noisy
people too, they’re such » adjective making a lot
nice 3
Q an agreeable family. » adjective good or satisfactory of noise The bus was
full of noisy schoolchildren
The builder made a nice job shrieking with excitement.
of the new garden wall. deafening, loud, piercing,
R And the food they laid on fine, neat, tidy, trim strident, tumultuous,
was delicious, with a vociferous, clamorous,
no riotous, uproarious
ST mouthwatering dessert. » interjection not at all antonym: quiet

“Any problems?” nominate
“No, everything is fine, thanks.”
absolutely not, verb to suggest someone
for a position or role
U certainly not, definitely not,
My head teacher nominated
» not at all, of course not me for the award.
name, propose,
V antonym: yes

W noble 1 recommend, select,
adjective deserving admiration submit, suggest

X » because of honesty, bravery, nonsense
and unselfishness Giving his
Y » prize money away was noble. noun foolish words or behaviour
generous, honourable, Stop talking such nonsense!
magnanimous, upright,
drivel, garbage (informal),

Z virtuous, worthy inanity, rot, rubbish,
antonym: ignoble waffle (Britain; informal)

148