Children’s Illustrated Thesaurus

numerous

normal note 4 The airport display board notified numb 1 a
» adjective usual and ordinary » verb to become aware of or the passengers of the delay. » adjective unable to feel
b
A normal journey to school mention a fact Paul noted notify anything My leg went numb c
takes 20 minutes. that the rain had stopped and after I sat on it too long.
average, conventional, went outside. verb to inform someone dead, frozen, insensitive, d
habitual, ordinary, regular, mention, notice, paralysed, benumbed, e
routine, standard, typical, observe (formal), perceive, » officially of something insensible
usual register, remark, see The airport display board f
antonym: unusual notified the passengers of numb 2 g
notice 1 the delay. » verb to make you unable to feel
nosy » verb to become aware of advise (formal), inform, h
tell, warn anything The cold numbed i
adjective trying to find out something I noticed that my fingers, and I wished I was j
Billy was the only person who notorious wearing gloves.
» about other people’s business wasn’t laughing. » adjective well-known for dull, freeze, paralyse, k
Our nosy neighbour is detect, discern, note, stun, benumb, deaden, l
always watching us through observe, perceive, something bad The district immobilize m
the curtains. see, spot was notorious for crime. n
curious, eavesdropping, disreputable, infamous, number 1 o
inquisitive, prying notice 2 scandalous » noun a word or symbol used p
» noun a written announcement q
note 1 now for counting Pick a number
» noun a short letter I wrote a The students looked at the » adverb at the present time between one and ten.
notice on the board. digit, figure, numeral,
note asking him to come round. advertisement, bill, or moment I need to see character, integer
communication (formal), poster, sign Gary now, before he leaves.
letter, memo, at once, currently, number 2
memorandum, message, immediately, nowadays, » noun a quantity of things
reminder, epistle, right now, straightaway,
missive (old-fashioned) without delay or people A large number
of people attended the carnival.
note 2 nuisance collection, crowd,
» noun someone or something horde, multitude
noun a written record that
The students looked at the notice that is annoying Dom was a
» helps you remember something on the board. nuisance, always teasing her.
The secretary made a note annoyance, bother,
of the rescheduled meeting. hassle (informal),
account, jotting, inconvenience, irritation,
record, register pain (informal), pest, plague,
vexation
notice 3 A large number of people attended r
» noun warning that something the carnival. s

is going to happen She was numerous t
transferred to another group » adjective existing or happening u
without notice.
advance warning, in large numbers We’ve met v
intimation, notification, before on numerous occasions. w
warning lots of, many, several x
y
The secretary made a note of the noticeable
rescheduled meeting. » adjective obvious and easy

note 3 to see There has been
» noun an atmosphere, feeling, a noticeable improvement
in Sam’s piano playing since
or quality I detected a note he started practising.
of envy in Reg’s voice when conspicuous, evident,
he talked about his cousin’s obvious, perceptible,
designer trainers. unmistakable, manifest,
hint, tone, touch, trace salient

Dom was a nuisance, always z
teasing her.

149

oaf object 2 obscure 3 observe 3
» noun an aim or purpose » adjective difficult to understand
A verb to make a comment
B The object of the exercise is The author used such
C to raise money for the charity. obscure language in his book, »ab o“uYtouso’vme ehtahdinygour
D aim, goal, idea, intention, Ciara needed to look up some
E objective, purpose of the words in a dictionary hair cut,” Dad observed.
F oaf to understand them. comment, mention,
G » noun a clumsy or aggressive object 3 arcane, cryptic, opaque, remark, say, state
» verb to express disapproval abstruse, esoteric
person My brother can be antonym: simple obsession
Al objected to seeing the » noun a compulsion to think
H such an oaf, always knocking film because it was too long. observant
things over. oppose, protest, demur, » adjective good at noticing about something Wayne
brute, lout expostulate had always had an obsession
antonym: approve things The artist was with trains.
I oath very observant and captured complex, fixation,
J » noun a formal promise every detail of the flowers mania, preoccupation,
in his painting. thing (informal)
When you join the Scouts, attentive, perceptive,
vigilant, watchful, obstacle
K you take an oath. eagle-eyed, sharp-eyed
pledge, promise, vow noun something that makes

L obedient » it difficult to go forward
M » adjective tending to do what The main obstacle to
cleaning my bedroom is
you are told The horse was the broken vacuum cleaner.
calm and obedient – perfect barrier, difficulty,
hindrance, hurdle,
N for young riders. impediment, obstruction,
law-abiding, submissive, bar, stumbling block
subservient, biddable,
objection obstinate
O compliant » noun disapproval of something » adjective unwilling to change
antonym: disobedient
Despite objections from your mind He is obstinate
P obey her father, Jacqui wore and will not give up.
Q » verb to do what you are told shorts and trainers. dogged, headstrong,
opposition, protest inflexible, intractable,
Everyone should obey antonym: support stubborn, wilful,
the law. intransigent, recalcitrant
obligatory The artist was very observant antonym: flexible
R abide by, adhere to, » adjective required by a rule or and captured every detail
comply with, follow, of the flowers in his painting. obstruct
law He said that attendance » verb to block a road or path
S observe was obligatory; no one was observe 1
antonym: disobey allowed to miss the class. » verb to watch something The fallen tree obstructed
compulsory, forced, the road.
T object 1 mandatory, required, carefully The zoologists bar, block,
U » noun anything solid and requisite spent years observing the choke, clog
behaviour of chimpanzees.
non-living My dog likes to obscure 1 monitor, scrutinize, The fallen tree obstructed
chew on all sorts of objects. study, survey, the road.
verb to make something view, watch
V article, thing difficult to see
W observe 2
X ▶▶ SEE RIGHT » verb to notice something
Y
Z My dog likes to chew on obscure 2 The teacher took
» adjective known by only a the class for a walk
all sorts of objects. in the woods and asked
few people We went to them to write down what
an obscure restaurant in a side wildlife they observed.
street, away from the crowds. discover, note, notice,
little-known, unknown see, spot, witness
antonym: famous

150

occasion 1 occur 2 offer a
» noun an important event » verb to come into your mind
Catherine offered us one of b
The launch of a ship It didn’t occur to me to the cakes she’d baked. c
is a grand occasion. check the calendar and I
affair, event turned up on the wrong day. offer 1 d
cross your mind, e
My elder sister obtained occasion 2 dawn on, strike verb to make something
a distinction in her ballet exam. f
noun an opportunity odd » available for someone to take g
obtain » adjective strange or unusual Catherine offered us one
» verb to get something » to do something of the cakes she’d baked. h
The family meal was He looked odd, wearing give, hold out, make i
My elder sister obtained the perfect occasion sunglasses at night. available, propose, put j
a distinction in her ballet exam. for telling everyone bizarre, curious, forward, suggest, tender,
acquire, get, get hold of, about his travel plans. funny, peculiar, extend, proffer, submit k
get your hands on (informal), chance, opportunity, queer (old-fashioned), l
procure (formal), time singular (formal), offer 2 m
secure (formal) strange, weird » noun something that someone n
occasional antonym: ordinary o
obvious » adjective happening offers you Sue had refused p
» adjective easy to see or offend several job offers because q
sometimes We look » verb to upset or embarrass they were too far away.
understand It was obvious forward to our occasional proposition, tender r
that Jessica was trying to trips to the beach, they someone I didn’t mean to s
impress the teacher as she was are always a lot of fun! offend you when I commented
always the first to put up her intermittent, odd, on your hat. t
hand when a volunteer was periodic, sporadic affront, insult, outrage u
asked for. antonym: frequent antonym: please v
apparent, blatant, w
clear, evident, overt, occur 1 offensive x
palpable, plain, » verb to happen or exist » adjective rude and upsetting y
self-evident, conspicuous,
manifest, patent Thunderstorms often Some people found the z
occur in late summer. words of the song offensive.
appear, arise, abusive, insulting,
be present, exist, objectionable
happen, take place

cloud cloak hide

The sun was clouded The lake was The lake was partly
with fog. cloaked in fog. hidden by trees.

conceal mask

They heard birds concealed There were many leaves
in the trees. masking the view of
the sun.

shroud screen

The boat was The trees screened the lake.
shrouded in mist.
obscure

» 1 verb to make something difficult to see
The trees obscured their view of the lake.

151

official official 1 omen
» adjective approved by someone » noun a sign of what will happen
A
in authority Official figures There is a proverb that says
B old show that more people use the a black cat crossing your path
pool in summer than winter. is an omen of disaster.
C » 2 adjective something in the past authorized, certified, sign, warning, augury,
In the old days, knights went formal, licensed portent
into battle to defend their king. antonym: unofficial
ominous
D ancient official 2
E In ancient times, the Romans » noun someone in authority adjective suggesting that

conquered much of Europe. We asked an official for » something bad will happen
directions to our seats. There was an ominous
F bygone executive, officer, silence in the shop after Tom
Archaeology can tell representative, broke the expensive vase.
us about bygone eras. bureaucrat, functionary sinister, threatening,
inauspicious, portentous,
G earlier often unpropitious
The painter’s earlier work is » adverb happening many times
omit
H more colourful. My parents often go to Italy » verb to not include something
I early on holiday.
frequently, repeatedly Omit the ham to make the
In the early days of television, pie suitable for vegetarians.
programmes were in black and white. okay or OK exclude, leave out,
» adjective (informal) acceptable miss out, skip
J ex
He felt awkward seeing or satisfactory Is it okay only 1
if I bring a friend to your party? » adverb involving one person
K his ex-wife. acceptable, all right
former or thing Only Keith knows
old 1 whether or not he’ll be well
L She always greeted her » adjective having lived for a enough to play.
former teacher with a hug. just, merely, purely,
long time Gareth helped simply, solely
M olden the old lady with her shopping.
It’s fun to dress up in aged, ancient, only 2
elderly, venerable » adjective having no other
N costumes from olden times. antonym: young
one time examples The only tree
old 2 in the field is an oak.
O The one-time one, sole
president of the adjective something in the past

P club argued against ◀◀ SEE LEFT
the latest rules.
old-fashioned The only tree in the field is an oak.
Q past » adjective no longer fashionable
She was hired
because of her Granny has an old-fashioned
record player.
R past experience. antiquated, archaic,
S previous dated, obsolete, outdated,
outmoded, out of date,
In previous episodes, passé, behind the times,
the bad guy always lost. obsolescent, old-time
antonym: fashionable
T prior
I can’t come to the Granny has an old-fashioned open 1
record player. » verb to cause something not
U party, I have prior
arrangements. 152 to be closed Mum opened
the door to let us in.
V remote uncover, undo, unlock,
The days of the unfasten, unseal
antonym: shut
W Wild West are
so remote.

X
Y
Z

orderly

opening 3 oral a
noun a hole or gap » A fox » adjective spoken rather than
b
came into our garden through written Marie did well in c
a narrow opening in the fence. her French oral test.
chink, cleft, crack, gap, spoken, verbal d
hole, slot, space, vent, e
aperture, fissure, orifice orange
f
I left an open box of chocolates on opinion Hot is the opposite of cold. noun or adjective g
the table and my sister ate them. » noun a belief or view Please Shades of orange:
opposite 2 amber, apricot, carrot, h
open 2 tell me what you think about » noun a completely different ochre, peach, tangerine i
» adjective not closed I left an my book, I value your opinion. j
assessment, belief, person or thing Hot is the ordeal
open box of chocolates on the estimation, judgment, point opposite of cold. » noun a difficult and unpleasant k
table and my sister ate them. of view, view, viewpoint antithesis (formal), l
ajar, uncovered, undone, contrary, converse, experience Putting up the m
unlocked, unfastened, oppose reverse, inverse, obverse tent in the rain was an ordeal. n
unsealed » verb to disagree with hardship, nightmare, o
antonym: shut opposition torture, trial, p
something The workers » noun disagreement about tribulation (formal) q
open 3 opposed the proposed
» adjective not trying to deceive pay cut. something Much of the order 1 r
fight against, resist, opposition to the school’s » noun a command by someone s
someone Ashwin had always speak out against, plan for a new canteen
been open with his mother and take a stand against, came from the pupils. in authority The crew must t
had no secrets from her. take issue with disapproval, hostility, follow the orders of the captain. u
candid, frank, honest antonym: support resistance command, decree, dictate, v
antonym: support directive, instruction w
opening 1 The workers opposed the x
» adjective coming first proposed pay cut. oppressed order 2 y
» adjective treated cruelly or » noun a well-organized situation
We’ve got tickets for the opposite 1
opening game of the season. » adjective completely different unfairly The oppressed The kitchen was a mess –
first, inaugural, initial, villagers led a revolt against it took hours to restore order.
introductory from something We had the king. harmony, regularity,
opposite views: she wanted abused, downtrodden, symmetry
opening 2 to go out and I wanted to enslaved, tyrannized antonym: disorder
» noun the first part of stay home.
conflicting, contrary, oppression order 3
something Lots of people contrasting, opposed, » noun cruel or unfair treatment » verb to tell someone to do
went to the opening of the reverse, antithetical,
store. diametrically opposed The townspeople’s fight something The policeman
beginning, commencement against oppression became ordered the driver to stop.
(formal), start a famous story of bravery. command, decree, direct,
antonym: conclusion persecution, tyranny, instruct, ordain
subjection, subjugation antonym: forbid

optimistic orderly
» adjective hopeful about the » adjective well-organized or

future David woke in well-arranged The vehicles
an optimistic mood: it was were parked in orderly rows.
going to be a good day. neat, regular, tidy
buoyant, confident, antonym: disorderly
hopeful, positive, sanguine
antonym: pessimistic

Lots of people went to the The vehicles were parked z
opening of the store. in orderly rows.

153

ordinary

A ordinary organization 2 origin 2 ornament
B » adjective not special or » noun someone’s family » noun an object that you display
noun the planning and
different Fred lived background Elsa was The shelves were crammed
in an ordinary house in » arranging of something of Swedish origin. with ornaments.
Emma was involved in ancestry, descent, adornment, bauble,
C the suburbs. the organization of the party. extraction, lineage, stock decoration, knick-knack,
conventional, normal, organizing, planning, trinket
regular, routine, structuring original 1
ostentatious
D standard, usual, organize adjective being the first
run-of-the-mill, » verb to plan and arrange adjective intended to impress
» example of something
E unexceptional, something Organizing The original owner of our » people with appearances
unremarkable a concert takes a lot of house lived in it all his life. You couldn’t miss his
antonym: special time and effort. first, initial ostentatious car – it’s large
arrange, establish, and shiny gold!
F organization 1 plan, set up original 2 extravagant, flamboyant,
G » noun a group or business » adjective imaginative and clever flashy, grandiose,
origin 1 pretentious, showy
My mother volunteers at » noun the beginning or cause Adam had a stunningly
original idea for the school play You couldn’t miss his ostentatious
H many charitable organizations, of something The origins – no one had ever seen car – it’s large and shiny gold!
and is well known in the of television date back to anything like it before.
community. the 1920s. fresh, new, novel,
derivation, root, source, innovative, innovatory
I association, body, genesis, provenance antonym: unoriginal
company, confederation,

J group, institution,
outfit (informal)

K

L

M

N OUTSTANDING
O

P

Q brilliant 1 adjective superb
URST excellent great
e»xt reNmatealyliegoisod

an outstanding
tennis player.

V exceptional friarstet-
W
first-
X class

Y

Z

154

owner

outbreak outlook 2 over a
» noun a sudden occurrence of » noun the future prospects of » adjective completely finished
b
something An outbreak something The weather I am glad my exams are c
of influenza led to the school outlook for our holiday next finally over.
being closed for a few days. week looks promising. at an end, complete, done,
eruption, explosion future, prospects finished, gone, past, up

outdo out of date overcome Fred’s fast ball easily overturned d
» verb to do something better » adjective no longer useful » verb to manage to deal with the skittles. e

than another person She The information on last something Molly had overturn 1 f
was very competitive and week’s chart is out of date. overcome her fear of flying and » verb to knock something over g
always tried to outdo her sister. antiquated, archaic, happily boarded the plane.
go one better than, obsolete, old-fashioned, conquer, get the better of, Fred’s fast ball easily h
outshine, surpass, top, outdated, outmoded master, surmount, triumph overturned the skittles. i
best, eclipse antonym: modern over, vanquish (literary) capsize, knock down, j
knock over, tip over, topple,
outline 1 outside 1 overlook upset, upend, upturn k
» verb to describe something in » noun the outer part of l
verb to ignore or fail overturn 2 m
a general way The mayor something She stuck leaves » verb to reject a decision n
outlined his plans to clean on the outside of the glass to » to notice something o
up the town. decorate it. Mum overlooked the road officially The school p
sketch, summarize, exterior, facade, face, sign and missed the turning. governors overturned the q
delineate surface disregard, forget, head teacher’s decision.
antonym: inside ignore, miss, neglect, overrule, reverse, r
outline 2 turn a blind eye to countermand, override s
» noun a general description
She stuck leaves on the outside overrule overweight t
of something Peter gave of the glass to decorate it. » verb to reject a decision » adjective too fat, and therefore u
an outline of his presentation v
to the teacher for review. outside 2 officially The referee’s unhealthy Being overweight w
rundown (informal), » adjective not inside decision was overruled. increases your risk of health x
summary, synopsis, overturn, reverse, problems. y
résumé, thumbnail sketch We had to use outside countermand, override fat, hefty, obese, stout,
showers at the campsite. corpulent, rotund z
outline 3 exterior, external, outdoor, oversee
» noun the shape of something outer, outward, surface » verb to make sure a job is own 1
antonym: inside
Helena traced around the done properly The teacher adjective belonging to a
outline of the rabbit. oversaw the pupils’ experiment.
contours, figure, form, be in charge of, » particular person or thing
shape, silhouette coordinate, direct, Use your own pencils
manage, preside, supervise and stop taking mine!
Helena traced around the outline personal, private
of the rabbit. outskirts The teacher oversaw the
» plural noun the edges of an pupils’ experiment. own 2
outlook 1 » verb to have something that
» noun your general attitude area We live in the outskirts
of the city, far from the centre. belongs to you My aunt
towards life I adopted edge, perimeter, periphery, owns the local shop.
a positive outlook on life. environs have, keep, possess
attitude, perspective, view
outstanding 1 overthrow own 3 : on your own
» adverb without other people
adjective extremely good verb to remove someone
I work best on my own
◀◀ SEE LEFT » from power by force with no one to disturb me.
The government was alone, by yourself,
outstanding 2 overthrown in a military coup. independently, unaided
» adjective still owed bring down, depose,
oust, topple owner
I have an outstanding » noun the person to whom
debt to my mum, but I’m
paying it off slowly. something belongs I tried to
due, overdue, owing, find the owner of the lost dog.
payable, unpaid possessor, proprietor

155

pacify

A pain 2 panic 1 parent
» noun a feeling of deep » noun your father or your mother
B noun a very strong feeling
C unhappiness He felt the I told my parents that I was
D pain of rejection when he » of fear or anxiety going out.
E wasn’t picked for the team. The power cut caused father, folks, mother
F pacify agony, anguish, distress, panic among shoppers, who
G » verb to calm down someone grief, misery were plunged into darkness. parody
alarm, dismay, fear, fright,
who is angry She shrieked painful 1 hysteria, terror noun an amusing imitation
» adjective causing emotional
H again, refusing to be pacified. panic 2 » of someone else’s style
appease, calm, mollify, pain Driving past our » verb to become afraid or Our new play is a parody
placate, soothe, assuage, old home brings back of a well-known film.
painful memories. anxious The walkers imitation, satire, spoof
I propitiate distressing, grievous, panicked when the cows (informal), takeoff (informal),
saddening, unpleasant began to charge. lampoon, skit
pain 1 become hysterical, go to
painful 2 pieces, lose your nerve part 1 : take part in
J » noun an unpleasant feeling of » adjective causing physical pain » verb to do something with other
physical hurt I felt a sharp
She fell off her bike, taking people Thousands took part
K pain in my neck. a painful knock to the knee. in this year’s marathon.
ache, discomfort, irritation, aching, excruciating, be instrumental in, be
sore, tender involved in, have a hand in,
L soreness, trouble, twinge join in, participate in,
M pale play a part in
N
O adjective rather white The walkers panicked when the
P cows began to charge.
Q » or without much colour
Migrating birds filled parade Thousands took part in
R the pale, misty sky. » noun a line of people moving this year’s marathon.
S I felt a sharp pain in my neck. ashen, colourless, faded,
sallow, wan, white as a display A military part 2
T parade marched through
U pass the streets. noun a person’s involvement
V cavalcade, march, pageant,
procession, tattoo » in something
W He tried to conceal his part
X paralyse in the accident.
Y capacity, duty, function,
Z verb to make someone lose involvement, role

» feeling and movement
She was paralysed with fear
at the sight of the spider.
cripple, disable

1 verb to exceed
or go past something

» Brandon gave a

triumphant wave
as he passed
the winning line.

go beyond outdo

Wright’s speed that day Erikson outdid Wright.
went beyond any of
his past records.

156

passage

part 3 partly party 2 pass 3 a
» noun a piece or section » adverb to some extent but
noun an organization for people noun a document that allows b
of something I like not completely This is c
that part of town. partly my fault. » with the same political beliefs » you to go somewhere
bit, fraction, fragment, in part (formal), in some Ray joined the party in order You’ll need your pass d
piece, portion, section measure (formal), partially, to meet like-minded people. to get into the building. e
to some degree, alliance, clique, coalition, identification, passport,
participate to some extent faction, grouping ticket f
» verb to take part in an activity g
partner 1 party 3 passage 1
Everyone participates in » noun a group who are doing » noun a narrow, empty space h
the school quiz. noun either member of i
be involved in, engage in, something together The that connects places He j
enter into, join in, take part » a couple in a relationship landing party crossed the water cleared a passage for himself
My uncle is very happy with to the research station. through the crammed streets. k
particular 1 his new partner. band, crew, gang, squad, channel, course, path, l
husband, mate, team, unit road, route, way m
adjective relating to only spouse, wife n
passage 2 o
» one thing or person partner 2 p
That particular place noun a narrow, built space that q
is dangerous. noun the person someone
distinct, exact, express, » connects one place with r
peculiar, precise, specific » is doing something with s
I have a new tennis partner. another The passage
particular 2 companion, team-mate leads to the courtyard t
» adjective especially great or of the old building. u
party 1 aisle, corridor, hall, lobby v
intense He took particular » noun an enjoyable social event w
care to wash the back of his The landing party crossed the The passage leads to the courtyard x
neck, which was very dirty. I like to have a party for water to the research station. of the old building. y
exceptional, marked, my birthday every year.
notable, singular, special, celebration, function, pass 1 passage 3 z
uncommon, especial, gathering, get-together » noun a section of a book
noteworthy (informal), hooley or hoolie verb to exceed or go past
(New Zealand, Scotland, and something. or piece of music My flute
particular 3 Ireland), reception teacher makes this difficult
» adjective not easily satisfied ▼ SEE BELOW passage look easy.
I like to have a party for my excerpt, extract, quotation,
Ted was particular about birthday every year. pass 2 section
the colours he used when » verb to be successful in a test
decorating the room.
choosy (informal), exacting, Wendy has just passed her
fastidious, fussy, cycling proficiency test.
meticulous get through, graduate,
qualify, succeed
antonym: fail

exceed overtake surpass outstrip

Blake came seventh, Khan overtook Blake Booth surpassed his Abraham tried hard
exceeding his at the last moment. personal best. to outstrip Booth.
past performance.

157

passing

A passing past 3 patience pause 1
B » adjective lasting only for a short » noun the ability to stay calm in » verb to stop doing something
preposition situated on the
time She hoped her son’s a difficult situation Dealing for a short time On leaving,
pink hair was a passing phase. » other side of somewhere with four tired, hungry children Mel paused at the door to say
My house is just past required all his patience. goodbye again.
C fleeting, momentary, the shop on the right. calmness, composure, cool break, delay, halt, rest,
short-lived, transitory beyond, by, over (slang), restraint, tolerance, take a break, wait
equanimity, forbearance,
D passion pastime imperturbability pause 2
E » noun any strong emotion » noun a short period when
noun a hobby or something patient 1
His voice trembled with activity stops There was
passion as he spoke of her. » done for pleasure adjective staying calm a pause in conversation while
My favourite pastime the waiter set down two plates.
F emotion, excitement, fire, is reading. » in a difficult situation break, gap, halt,
intensity, warmth, zeal activity, diversion, hobby, Please be patient – interruption, interval,
recreation we are very busy today. rest, stoppage, hiatus
G passionate calm, composed,
adjective expressing very strong long-suffering, pay 1
philosophical, serene » verb to give money to someone
H » feelings about something antonym: impatient
I’m passionate about art – to settle a debt You can pay
My favourite pastime is reading. patient 2 with cash or a card.
I I see every exhibition that’s on. compensate, honour, settle,
ardent, emotional, path 1 noun a person receiving recompense, reimburse,
heartfelt, impassioned, remunerate
noun a strip of ground » medical treatment
J intense, strong She enjoyed the company You can pay with cash or a card.
K passive » for people to walk on of other patients during her
We followed the path stay in hospital. pay 2
adjective submissive or not along the clifftops. case, invalid, sick person, » verb to give someone a benefit
footpath, pathway, towpath, sufferer
L » playing an active part track, trail, way It pays to be honest.
His passive attitude made it pattern 1 be advantageous,
easier for me to take charge. be worthwhile
noun a decorative design
M docile, receptive, resigned, pay 3
submissive, acquiescent, » of repeated shapes » noun money paid to someone
The cushions have a pattern
N compliant, inactive, of colourful stripes. for work done The factory
quiescent design, motif workers went on strike over
pay and conditions.
O past 1 : the past path 2 earnings, fee, income,
P » noun the period of time before payment, salary, wages,
noun the space ahead of emolument, recompense,
the present We would like reimbursement,
to put the past behind us. » someone as they move along remuneration, stipend
A group of reporters stood
Q antiquity, days gone by, in the actor’s path. payment
former times, long ago course, direction, passage, » noun an amount of money that
route, way
R past 2 is paid to someone Mum
S » adjective happening or existing pathetic 1 The cushions have a pattern of made the initial payment
» adjective causing someone colourful stripes. for my new computer
before the present We have over the telephone.
wonderful pictures of past to feel pity The shivering advance, deposit,
dog looked rather pathetic. instalment, premium,
T generations of our family. heartbreaking, sad, remittance
ancient, bygone, former, pitiable, plaintive

U olden, previous, erstwhile, pathetic 2 pattern 2
quondam » adjective very poor or
antonym: future noun a diagram or shape used
unsuccessful She gave me
V a pathetic excuse – homework – » as a guide for making
for not coming to the party.
W feeble, lamentable, pitiful, something I can knit,
X poor, sorry but only if I follow a pattern.
Y design, diagram, plan,
Z We have wonderful pictures of past stencil, template

generations of our family.

158

peace 1 peculiar 1 people 2 permission a
» noun a state of undisturbed » adjective strange and perhaps
plural noun all the men, perform 1 b
calm and quiet Hanna left unpleasant Lee has a women, and children » verb to carry out a task c
me in peace to finish my book. peculiar sense of humour.
calm, quiet, silence, bizarre, curious, funny, odd, » of a particular place or action The scouts who d
stillness, tranquillity, queer, strange, weird It’s a triumph for the had performed acts of bravery e
quietude, repose American people. were awarded medals.
peculiar 2 citizens, inhabitants, carry out, complete, do, f
peace 2 population, public execute, fulfil g
» noun freedom from war adjective associated with one
perceptive perform 2 h
The government is trying to » particular person or thing » adjective good at noticing » verb to act, dance, or play i
establish peace in the region. My uncle has his own j
armistice, cessation of peculiar way of doing things. or realizing things I was music in public This year,
hostilities, truce distinctive, distinguishing, impressed by her perceptive our students are performing k
antonym: war individual, personal, account of the poet’s life. a musical. l
special, unique, acute, astute, aware, act, do, play, present, m
peaceful idiosyncratic penetrating, sharp, put on, stage n
» adjective quiet and calm insightful, percipient, o
peek 1 perspicacious This year, our students are p
The house was peaceful » verb to have a quick look performing a musical. q
once the children had left perfect 1
for school. at something The squirrel perhaps r
calm, placid, quiet, serene, peeked at me through a hole adjective of the highest » adverb maybe s
still, tranquil in the tree trunk.
glance, peep, snatch a » standard and without fault Perhaps you’re right. t
peak 1 glimpse, sneak a look Paolo’s English was perfect. conceivably, it could be, u
expert, faultless, flawless, maybe, possibly v
noun the point at which masterly, polished, skilled w
antonym: imperfect period x
» something is at its greatest or » noun a particular length of y
perfect 2
best Madison was at the » adjective complete or absolute time Imogen will be away z
peak of her career as a golfer for a period of a few months,
when she won the gold medal. You have a perfect right to so she has a lot to organize.
climax, culmination, say so, even though I disagree. interval, spell, stretch,
high point, zenith, absolute, complete, term, time, while
acme, apogee consummate, sheer,
unmitigated, utter permanent
peak 2 » adjective lasting for ever or
» noun the pointed top of The squirrel peeked at me through perfect 3
a hole in the tree trunk. present all the time The
a mountain We flew over verb to make something farmer built a permanent fence
snow-covered peaks. peek 2 to stop the sheep escaping.
brow, crest, height, » noun a quick look at something » as good as it can be abiding, constant,
pinnacle, summit, top, She perfected her back flip enduring, eternal, lasting,
apex Jon took a peek at the before the competition. perpetual, immutable,
presents hidden in the drawer. hone, improve, polish, imperishable, steadfast
We flew over snow-covered peaks. glance, glimpse, look, peep refine antonym: temporary

peak 3 pent-up permission
» verb to reach the highest point » noun authorization to do
adjective held back for a long
or greatest level The band’s something I asked
fame peaked some years ago. » time without release permission to leave the table.
be at its height, climax, She had a lot of pent-up approval, assent,
come to a head, culminate, anger, which suddenly erupted. authorization, consent,
reach its highest point inhibited, repressed, go-ahead, licence
suppressed antonym: ban

people 1 She perfected her back flip before
» plural noun men, women, and the competition.

children Hundreds of people
visit the palace every day.
folk, human beings,
humanity, humans,
mankind

159

permit

A permit 1 persecute personality 1 persuasive
B » verb to allow something or » noun a person’s character » adjective convincing
verb to treat someone with
make it possible The and nature Shreya has such Leah gave a persuasive
guards permitted me to take » continual cruelty and a kind, friendly personality. argument against playing
C photographs in the museum character, identity, computer games.
when I explained they were unfairness As we trudged individuality, makeup, compelling, conclusive,
for a school project. through the swamp we were nature, psyche effective, plausible,
persecuted by mosquitoes. powerful, winning, cogent,
hound, ill-treat, oppress, personality 2 incontrovertible
antonym: unconvincing
D allow, authorize, enable, pick on, torment, torture noun a famous person in
give the green light to, pessimistic
E grant, sanction person » entertainment or sport » adjective believing that bad
antonym: ban » noun a man, woman, or child A well-known television
personality came to open things will happen He has
F permit 2 The amount of sleep our new sports hall. a pessimistic view of life.
noun an official document we need varies from person big name, celebrity, despondent, gloomy, glum,
to person. famous name, hopeless
G » allowing someone to do human, human being, household name, star antonym: optimistic
something Mum needed individual, living soul, soul
persuade pest 1
a parking permit to use that personal
car park. verb to make someone do noun an insect or animal that
adjective belonging to a
H authorization, licence, » something by reason or charm » damages crops or livestock
» particular person or thing Cy persuaded his mother The farmer was dismayed
pass, passport, permission, Jake put his personal to let him stay up late. to see that half of the crop
bring round (informal), coax, had been lost to pests.
I warrant entice, induce, sway, talk blight, scourge
into, win over, impel, inveigle
J belongings into a locker
for safekeeping.
K individual, own, particular,
peculiar, private, special

L

M

N

OQP drawing photograph portraitIaudsreadwipnegnocfilsmtyocmata.ke
I took a photograph of the boat. Wilf’s lpikoertrhaiimt r.eally
looks
pictureS
R

WUXVT painiltliunsgtration selfiesketch» WloeokwaetnIttbhtotehooiknpthakbei1nrtihatniernngWtgoitglhuhlbauanelystleatsaVrrtaayodltnorrityaovoGwentlosoiyngilgphnif,i.ectp.htuaaritnetoinfgo,uorrhpoMwhuhoysteefonr!giersnahdpehIptthamuekt(aseidndsooefnsgoeasplrfislilmaeleyysrii.aenexsgl)powrefistshskieothntceshbeasllo.f

Y

Z

160

pink

phone 2 picture 1 pierce a
» verb to contact a person
noun a drawing, painting, verb to make a hole in b
by phone Phone me when or photograph c
you get home. » something with a sharp
call, contact, ring, ◀◀ SEE LEFT d
telephone instrument She pierced e
picture 2 the potatoes with a fork so they
My friend's little brother is a pest. phoney » verb to imagine something wouldn’t explode in the oven. f
bore, drill, lance, penetrate, g
pest 2 adjective (informal) false clearly Sam pictured her puncture
» noun an annoying person with long black hair. h
» and intended to deceive conceive of, imagine, pig i
My friend’s little brother We found out later that his see, visualize, envision, » noun a farm animal kept for j
is a pest. account of events was phoney. see in the mind’s eye
bane, bore, nuisance, bogus, counterfeit, fake, meat The pigs wallowed k
pain (informal), false, forged, sham, piece 1 gleefully in the thick mud. l
pain in the neck (informal) feigned, spurious » noun a portion or part of hog, piggy (informal), m
antonym: genuine porker, swine n
pester something He helped related words: o
» verb to bother someone pick 1 himself to the biggest piece adjective porcine; male boar; p
» verb to choose something of cake. female sow; young piglet; q
continually Our father gets bit, chunk, fragment, part, collective noun litter;
annoyed when we pester him Mum picked the biggest, portion, slice habitation sty r
for sweets. juiciest oranges that she s
annoy, badger, bother, could find. pile 1
bug (informal), drive choose, decide upon, » noun a quantity of things lying
someone up the wall (slang), hand-pick, opt for, select,
get on someone’s nerves settle on one on top of another Piles
(informal), bedevil, chivvy of books covered the floor.
heap, hoard, mound,
petty 1 He helped himself to the biggest mountain, stack
piece of cake.
adjective small and pile 2
Mum picked the biggest, juiciest piece 2 » noun the raised fibres of a soft
» unimportant oranges that she could find.
The competition organizers noun something that has been surface My feet sank into
have to abide by endless rules pick 2 the carpet’s luxurious pile.
and petty regulations. » verb to remove a flower or fruit » written, created, or composed down, fur, nap
insignificant, Our music teacher
measly (informal), trifling, with your fingers Gareth composed this piece pile 3
trivial, unimportant helps his mother pick apples. for the school choir. » verb to put things one on top
gather, harvest, pluck article, composition,
petty 2 creation, study, work of another He piled his
» adjective selfish and pick 3 plate with sandwiches.
noun the best » Only the pick piece together heap, hoard, stack
small-minded I think that
attitude is a bit petty. of the school’s athletes are verb to assemble things He piled his plate t
cheap, mean, small-minded chosen to go to the national with sandwiches. u
championships. » or parts to make something
phone 1 best, elite, flower, pride pink v
complete Archaeologists » noun or adjective w
noun a device that allows you pick on painstakingly pieced together x
the fragments of bone. Shades of pink: y
» to speak to someone in another verb to criticize someone assemble, join, mend, coral, flesh, fuchsia,
patch together, repair, oyster pink, rose, salmon, z
place Will you please » unfairly or treat them unkindly restore shell pink, shocking pink
answer the phone? The teacher always picks on
blower (Britain; informal), me to answer the question.
cellphone, mobile, bait, tease, torment
mobile phone, smartphone,
telephone

161

pit

A plain 1 play 1 please
» adjective very simple in style » verb to take part in games or » verb to give pleasure to
B
with no decoration It was use toys Polly was playing I tidied my bedroom
C a plain, grey stone house. with her teddy bear. to please my mother.
austere, bare, amuse yourself, amuse, charm, delight,
D spartan, stark entertain yourself, entertain
antonym: fancy frolic, have fun
E Tim carefully crawled away from pleased
the edge of the pit. plain 2 play 2 » adjective happy or satisfied
» verb to take part in a sport
F pit adjective obvious and easy I’m pleased my best friend
G » noun a large hole in something or game Alan was playing is coming on holiday with us.
» to recognize or understand cards with his friends. contented, delighted, glad,
Tim carefully crawled away It was plain to me that compete, participate, happy, satisfied
from the edge of the pit. we were lost. take on, take part, vie with
clear, comprehensible, pleasure
H chasm, hole, pothole distinct, evident, obvious, play 3 » noun a feeling of happiness
unmistakable
pity 1 noun a piece of drama and satisfaction The dog
plain 3 takes pleasure in having its
I » verb to feel sorry for someone » noun a level, often treeless, » performed on stage, radio, chest scratched.
I pitied Austin for not being amusement, enjoyment,
extent of land The plain or television The school took happiness, joy, satisfaction
J allowed out to the fair. stretched as far as the horizon. us to see a play by Shakespeare.
feel for, feel sorry for, flat, flatland, grassland, comedy, drama, The dog takes pleasure in having
llano, lowland, mesa, pantomime, show, tragedy its chest scratched.
K sympathize with plateau, prairie, savannah,
steppe, tableland plead plentiful
pity 2 » verb to beg someone for » adjective existing in large

L » noun sympathy for other something She pleaded amounts We have a
people’s suffering She with her mother to let her plentiful supply of food
go on the ride. for our expedition.
M saw no pity in their stony faces. appeal, ask, beg, abundant, ample, bountiful,
charity, compassion, beseech (literary), implore copious, infinite, lavish,
profuse
N kindness, mercy, sympathy, The plain stretched as far pleasant 1 antonym: scarce
understanding, clemency, as the horizon. » adjective enjoyable or attractive
plenty
O forbearance plan 1 We have a pleasant garden » noun a lot of something
» noun a way thought out to do full of flowers.
pity 3 agreeable, delightful, Our pet hamster has plenty
something We made a plan enjoyable, lovely, nice, of energy and loves to run in
P » noun a regrettable fact of what to do on holiday. pleasurable its wheel.
It’s a pity we can’t all method, proposal, scheme, antonym: unpleasant enough, a great deal,
have the same opportunities. strategy, system heaps (informal),
lots (informal), plethora
Q crying shame, shame plan 2 We have a pleasant garden full
R place 1 » noun a detailed diagram of of flowers. plot 1
S » noun any point or area » noun a secret plan made by
something The receptionist
We meet in the same place gave us a plan of the hotel. a group of people The boys
blueprint, diagram, layout, made a plot to ambush their
T every week. scale drawing little sister.
area, location, point, conspiracy, intrigue,
position, site, spot plan 3 pleasant 2 plan, scheme, cabal,
» verb to decide in detail what is » adjective friendly or charming machination, stratagem
U vperlbatco ehap2pe:nta»k eThpelamceeeting
V took place on Thursday. to be done I always plan The hotel staff were pleasant
my birthday party months and helpful.
come about, go on, in advance. affable, amiable, charming,
arrange, design, devise, friendly, likable or likeable,
W happen, occur draft, formulate nice
X place 3 antonym: unpleasant
Y » verb to put something

somewhere Chairs were
placed in rows for the parents.

Z deposit, locate, plant,
position, put, situate

162

polite

polite civil a

» 1 adjective having good manners He is civil to his parents b
He is always polite except when he’s tired c
and always remembers and hungry.
to say thank you. d
courteous e

He is courteous and gives f
up his seat on the bus. g

respectful h
i
He is respectful of his j
grandparents’ views.
k
well behaved antonym: l
m
He is well behaved in rude n
front of the teachers. o
She is rude and p
well mannered always interrupts. q

He is well mannered and r
thinks of other people. s

plot 2 plug 2 poison t
» noun the story of a novel » verb to block a hole with u
noun a substance that can v
or play The film has a something The plumber w
ludicrously complicated plot. worked all night to plug » harm or kill people or animals x
narrative, scenario, story, the leak. Mercury is a known poison. y
story line block, fill, seal toxin, venom
related word: adjective toxic z

plot 3 plump poisonous Every morning, he polished
» verb to plan something secretly » adjective rather fat That cat his shoes until they shone.
adjective containing something
with others The students is starting to look plump. polish 2
plotted to leave school early beefy (informal), burly, » that causes death or illness » verb to make smooth and shiny
so they didn’t have to play chubby, fat, stout, tubby A few plants are poisonous.
hockey in the rain. noxious, toxic, venomous by rubbing Every morning,
conspire, hatch, plan, he polished his shoes until
scheme, cabal, collude, point 1 poke 1 they shone.
machinate » noun the purpose or meaning » verb to jab or prod someone buff, shine, wax

plug 1 something has The point or something She poked polish 3
of wearing a coat is to be warm. a knife into the cake to see » noun elegance or refinement
noun a small, round object aim, goal, intention, object, if it was cooked.
purpose dig, elbow, jab, nudge, The lyrics lack the polish
» for blocking a hole prod, stab of his later songs.
She pulled the plug out point 2 class (informal), elegance,
and the water flowed away. » noun a quality or feature poke 2 finesse, grace, refinement,
bung, cork, stopper noun a jab or prod » She gave style, politesse, suavity,
Tact was never her urbanity
She pulled the plug out and the strong point. Richard a playful poke.
water flowed away. attribute, characteristic, dig, jab, nudge, prod polite 1
feature, quality, side, trait
polish 1 adjective having good manners
point 3 » verb to improve a skill or
» noun the thin sharp end ▲ SEE ABOVE
technique I need to polish
of something He pricked his my writing skills.
finger on the point of a needle. brush up, improve,
nib, prong, tip perfect, refine

163

polite

A ponder
B

C contemplateHe sat and contemplated his plans.
thinkHe thought about what to do next.
D » verb to think about something deeply
He pondered which course of action to take.

E

F

considerG

H He considered what was the right thing to do.
I
J

K mull over
L

M He mulled over what options to choose.

N
O

broodP He brooded over

Q the meaning of life.

R

S

T

U

reflectV

WX Hhee’drehflaedcteladstonnigthhet.dream

Y

Z

164

possession

polite 2 poor 1 pose 2 positive 2 a
» adjective cultivated or refined » adjective having little money » verb to pretend to be someone
adjective providing definite b
Certain words are not He was poor until he took else Gadi posed as a singer c
acceptable in polite society. a well-paid job. to gain backstage access. » proof of the truth or identity
cultured, genteel, refined, broke (informal), destitute, impersonate, masquerade d
sophisticated, urbane hard up (informal), as, pass yourself off as, of something We found e
impoverished, penniless, pretend to be positive evidence that the
politeness poverty-stricken cupboard raider was a mouse. f
» noun the quality of being civil antonym: rich posh 1 clear, clear-cut, conclusive, g
concrete, firm,
to someone She listened to poor 2 adjective (informal) smart, incontrovertible, h
him, but only out of politeness. » adjective of a low quality indisputable, unequivocal i
civility, courtesy, decency, » fashionable, and expensive j
etiquette or standard The lead We stayed in a posh hotel. positive 3
character was a poor actor. classy (informal), elegant, » adjective tending to emphasize k
pollute feeble, inferior, mediocre, exclusive, fashionable, l
second-rate, shoddy, smart, stylish, up-market what is good I’m hoping for m
verb to contaminate with unsatisfactory a positive response. n
posh 2 constructive, helpful o
» something harmful popular 1 » adjective upper-class antonym: negative p
Heavy industry pollutes our » adjective liked or approved of q
rivers with nasty chemicals. He sounded very posh possess 1
contaminate, infect, poison, by a lot of people These on the phone. » verb to have something as r
taint, adulterate, befoul, delicious pastries are popular. aristocratic, genteel, s
smirch fashionable, favourite, upper-class, blue-blooded, a quality The athlete
in demand, in favour, patrician (formal) possesses both stamina t
Heavy industry pollutes our rivers sought-after, well-liked antonym: common and great technique. u
with nasty chemicals. antonym: unpopular be blessed with, be born v
position 1 with, enjoy, have w
pompous popular 2 » verb to put something x
» adjective involving or intended possess 2 y
adjective behaving in a way somewhere Plants were » verb to own something
for ordinary people The positioned on either side of z
» that is too serious and down-to-earth politician was our front door. He was said to possess
hoping to win the popular vote. arrange, lay out, locate, a huge fortune.
self-important Cecil is a common, conventional, place, put control, hold, occupy, own
pompous man with a high general, universal
opinion of himself. possession
arrogant, grandiose, portion » noun ownership of something
ostentatious, pretentious, » noun a part or amount of
puffed up, pontifical, Carl had possession
portentous, vainglorious something I have spent a of the ball.
large portion of my life here. control, custody,
ponder bit, chunk, helping, part, ownership, tenure
piece, segment, serving
verb to think about something Carl had possession of the ball.
deeply pose 1 Plants were positioned on either
verb to ask a question » When side of our front door.
◀◀ SEE LEFT
I finally posed the question position 2
“Why?” she merely shrugged. » noun the place where someone
ask, put, submit, propound
or something is The ship’s
name and position were
reported to the coastguard.
location, place, point,
whereabouts

When I finally posed the question positive 1
“Why?” she merely shrugged. » adjective completely sure about

something I was positive
I’d been there before.
certain, confident,
convinced, sure

165

possessions

A potential 2 powerful 1 practice 2
» noun ability to achieve future » adjective able to control people » noun regular training or
B
success The tennis coach and events The USA is one exercise I need more
C recognized the potential of the of the world’s most powerful practice to improve my skills.
young player. countries. drill, exercise, preparation,
D ability, aptitude, capability, commanding, dominant, rehearsal, training
capacity, power, influential
E We packed up our possessions wherewithal practise 1
ready for moving house. powerful 2
pour verb to do something
F possessions adjective physically strong
G » plural noun the things owned verb to flow quickly and in » repeatedly so as to gain skill
▶▶ SEE RIGHT Louis practises cycling for
by someone We packed » large quantities half an hour every day.
She put her umbrella up powerful 3 polish, rehearse, train
H up our possessions ready for as it was pouring with rain. » adjective having a strong effect
moving house. course, flow, gush, run, Louis practises cycling for half
assets, belongings, effects, spout, stream It was a powerful argument, an hour every day.
but I remained unconvinced.
I estate, property, things compelling, convincing, practise 2
J possibility effective, forceful,
persuasive, telling verb to take part in the
noun something that might
powerless » activities of a religion, craft,
K » be true or might happen
Daisy cheered up at the adjective unable to control or custom Acupuncture has
possibility of an ice cream. been practised in China for
» or influence events thousands of years.
L chance, hope, likelihood, I was powerless to stop her. do, follow, observe
odds, prospect, risk helpless, impotent,
incapable praise 1
M possible 1 » verb to express strong approval
N » adjective likely to happen She put her umbrella up as it was practical 1
pouring with rain. » adjective involving experience of someone The teacher
or able to be done praised Rob for his test results.
She was grateful to her poverty rather than theory The book admire, applaud, approve,
» noun the state of being very is full of practical suggestions congratulate, pay tribute to,
O music teacher for making for healthy eating. acclaim, eulogize,
the concert possible. poor I’m raising money applied, pragmatic, extol, laud
for a charity that aims to tackle sensible antonym: criticize
P attainable, feasible, poverty in developing countries.
practicable, viable, destitution, hardship, practical 2 praise 2
insolvency, want, beggary, » adjective likely to be effective » noun something said or written
Q workable indigence, penury, privation
antonym: impossible The clothes are lightweight to show approval She is full
power 1 and practical for holidays. of praise for her students.
R possible 2 » noun control over people and functional, sensible accolade, approval,
adjective likely or capable antonym: impractical commendation,
activities A president has congratulation, tribute,
S » of being true or correct great power and influence. practical 3 eulogy, panegyric
It’s possible there’s an ascendancy, control, antonym: criticism
dominion, sovereignty, adjective able to deal
T explanation for the delay. supremacy precaution
conceivable, imaginable, » effectively with problems
likely, potential power 2 She has the practical noun an action intended
» noun authority to do something common sense essential
U postpone in a team leader. » to prevent something from
V » verb to put off to a later time The police have the power accomplished,
of arrest. experienced, proficient, happening When on a boat,
The visit has been authority, authorization, seasoned, skilled, veteran wearing a life jacket is an
licence, privilege, right essential precaution.
W postponed until tomorrow. practice 1 insurance, preventative
adjourn, defer, delay, power 3 » noun something that people do measure, protection,
put back, put off, shelve » noun physical strength provision, safeguard
regularly We’ve been getting
X potential 1 Power and bulk are vital to know the local practices
Y » adjective possible but not yet to success in rugby. since moving to the village.
brawn, might, strength, custom, habit, method,
actual Suhel was looking for vigour routine, way

Z potential sponsors for his
marathon bid.
likely, possible, probable

166

precaution a

powerful b
2 adjective physically strong c
» The weightlifter had powerful muscles.
d
mighty strapping e

He was as mighty as a giant. He was a strapping lad. f
g
strong sturdy
h
He was as strong as an ox. He had a sturdy build. i
j
vigorous weakantonym:
k
He was young and vigorous. After his illness, he was too l
weak to lift anything. m
n
o
p
q

r
s

t
u
v
w
x
y

z

167

precious

A prejudice 1 press 1 prevent
» verb to apply force or weight » verb to stop something from
B noun an unreasonable or unfair
to something Press the happening Loella was
C » dislike or preference blue button. prevented from going on the
Edie complained that the compress, crush, mash, fairground ride because she
D My mother keeps her precious company had shown prejudice push, squeeze wasn’t tall enough.
E ring in a small case. against her because of her age. avert, foil, hinder, impede,
F precious bias, partiality, press 2 stop, thwart
preconception
» adjective of great value and verb to try hard to persuade Loella was prevented from going
prejudice 2 on the fairground ride because
importance My mother » someone to do something she wasn’t tall enough.
noun intolerance towards My parents are pressing
G keeps her precious ring me to invite more people previous
in a small case. » certain people or groups to my birthday party.
As outsiders, we experienced beg, implore, petition, adjective happening or existing
H expensive, invaluable, some prejudice when we first plead, pressurize, urge,
priceless, prized, valuable moved to the area, but that has entreat, exhort, importune » before something else
antonym: worthless gone now people know us. Zac had won the competition
bigotry, chauvinism, pretend the previous year.
I precise discrimination, racism, earlier, former, one-time,
J » adjective exact and accurate sexism verb to claim or give the past, preceding, prior

Millie gave such precise premonition » appearance of something price 1

K answers that she got full marks. noun a feeling that something untrue Vince pretended noun the amount of money
accurate, actual, correct, to be asleep, but I knew better.
exact, particular, specific, » unpleasant is going to happen counterfeit, fake, falsify, » paid for something
He had a premonition that feign, pass yourself off as The price of milk has
L very there would be an earthquake. gone up recently.
antonym: vague foreboding, pretentious amount, charge, cost,
funny feeling (informal), » adjective making unjustified fee, figure, value
M predicament omen, sign, portent,
N » noun a difficult situation presage, presentiment claims to importance Many price 2
critics thought her work and » verb to fix the price or value
The decision to go will leave preoccupied ideas pretentious and empty.
my aunt in a predicament. affected, conceited, of something I don’t know
adjective totally involved with ostentatious, pompous, why it has been priced so high.
O fix (informal), hot water snobbish, bombastic, cost, estimate,
(informal), jam (informal), » something or deep in thought vainglorious put a price on, value
I am preoccupied with the
P scrape (informal), tight spot book I’m writing. pretty 1 pride 1
Q predict absorbed, engrossed, » adjective attractive in a delicate » noun satisfaction about your
immersed, oblivious,
verb to say that something wrapped up way The bouqet of colourful achievements The chef took
flowers looked pretty. pride in the dish he’d made.
R » will happen in the future present 1 attractive, beautiful, cute, delight, pleasure,
The judges are predicting » adjective being at a place or lovely satisfaction
a close contest.
event Dad was present pride 2
S forecast, foresee, foretell, when Simon received his prize. » noun an excessively high
prophesy, forebode, at hand, here,
portend, presage, soothsay in attendance, opinion of yourself His
there, to hand pride made him unpopular.
T prediction antonym: absent arrogance, conceit,
U » noun something that is forecast egotism, smugness,
present 2 The bouquet of colourful flowers snobbery, vanity,
in advance His prediction » noun something given to looked pretty. haughtiness, hauteur,
hubris, superciliousness
V that it would rain turned out someone Vicky gave me pretty 2 antonym: humility
to be true. a birthday present. » adverb (informal) quite or
forecast, prophecy donation, gift, offering
rather He spoke English
W prefer present 3 pretty well.
X verb to like one thing more » verb to give something to fairly, kind of (informal),
Y » than another thing quite, rather
someone The mayor
Does he prefer a particular presented the prizes. 168
sort of music? award, bestow, donate,
give, grant, hand out
Z be partial to, favour, go for,
incline towards, like better

prize

prim prize a

adjective behaving very The book explains the principles 1 noun a reward accolade b
of chess. given to the winner c
» correctly and easily shocked She received
principle 2 o»f sHoemwetohninfigrst the ultimate d
by anything rude My great » noun a general rule or scientific accolade of e
grandmother’s generation were prize in the piano a scholarship.
all rather prim and proper. law The book explains the competition. She was showered with f
proper, prudish, principles of chess. honours, among them g
puritanical, strait-laced, axiom, canon, doctrine, He won the award the swimming shield.
uptight (informal) fundamental, law, dictum, for creative writing. h
precept, verity honour i
prime 1 award j
» adjective main or most prison She won the trophy
The cup was a reward for for athletics. k
important Our prime reason noun a building where winning the school quiz. l
for wanting to visit Italy is to trophy m
eat a lot of pasta. » criminals are kept in captivity reward n
chief, leading, main, The prison had high o
principal fences and security p
cameras everywhere. q
prime 2 dungeon, jail, nick (Britain,
» adjective of the best quality Australia, and New Zealand; r
slang), penal institution s
He bought a prime cut
of meat for the barbecue. prisoner t
best, choice, first-rate, » noun someone kept in prison u
select, superior v
or captivity Prisoners are w
primitive allowed out for an hour’s x
» adjective very simple or basic exercise each day. y
captive, convict, hostage
She made a primitive shelter z
in the garden. private 1
crude, rough, rude,
rudimentary, simple adjective for few people

She made a primitive shelter » rather than people in general
in the garden. We hired a private room
for the party.
principal exclusive, individual,
» adjective main or most personal, special

important Jay’s principal private 2
concern is winning the race.
chief, first, foremost, main, adjective taking place among
major, primary, prime
» a small number of people
principle 1 They were married in
a private ceremony.
noun a set of moral rules clandestine, confidential,
secret
» guiding personal conduct antonym: public
She resigned from her job
out of principle. prize 1
conscience, integrity,
morals, scruples, noun a reward given to
sense of duty the winner of something

▶▶ SEE RIGHT

169

prize

A promise
B

C » 1 verb to say that you will definitely do or not do something pledgeI pledge to ret
I promise I’ll come back. Ivvowothat Iwwill be b

DEF give your wordgive my word I’ll be here. urn.
turn. Ie
rG guaranteeuarantee you’ll see me soon. ack.
a ssuH I assure you I’ll re Ig

I
J

K

L

M probable Flora worked out the maths proceed 2
N prize 2 » adjective likely to be true or problem on the board. » verb (formal) to move in a

» adjective of the highest quality to happen The probable problem 2 particular direction She
cost of our holiday to the » noun a puzzle that needs to be proceeded along the hallway.
or standard The farmer led Bahamas will be high. advance, continue, go on,
apparent, feasible, likely, solved Flora worked out the make your way, progress,
O his prize bull into the ring. on the cards, plausible, maths problem on the board. travel
award-winning, first-rate, credible, ostensible conundrum, puzzle, riddle
antonym: improbable process 1
P outstanding, top procedure
Q probably » noun the correct or usual way noun a method of doing
» adverb in all likelihood
R of doing something He did » or producing something
The party is probably not follow the correct procedure The building process
S going to be in late August. in booking his ticket. would take three years.
doubtless, in all probability, method, policy, practice, course of action, means,
T The farmer led his prize bull likely, presumably process, strategy, system method, procedure, system
into the ring.
problem 1 proceed 1 process 2
U prize 3 » verb to start doing or continue » verb to deal with or treat
V verb to value highly » These noun an unsatisfactory
to do something I had no something Your application
vases are prized by collectors. » situation causing difficulties idea how to proceed. is being processed.
cherish, esteem, The teacher asked the begin, carry on, continue, deal with, dispose of,
unruly student what get under way, go on, start handle, take care of
W treasure, value the problem was.
X probability difficulty, predicament, produce 1
quandary, trouble » verb to make something
noun the likelihood of
Chocolate is produced
Y » something happening from cocoa beans.
There’s a probability that construct, create, invent,
make, manufacture
Z we’ll miss the train.
chances, likelihood,
odds, prospect

170

promote

produce 2 proficient programme 2 The castle stood in a prominent a
» adjective able to do something » noun a planned series of events position at the top of a steep hill.
verb to bring out something b
well Erin is proficient in The orchestra has a prominent 2 c
» so it can be seen or discussed several languages. programme of 12 concerts
To hire a car, you must able, accomplished, adept, over the next few months. adjective very noticeable, d
produce a driving licence. capable, competent, agenda, schedule, e
advance, bring forward, efficient, skilful, skilled timetable » or sticking out a long way
bring to light, put forward antonym: incompetent The castle stood in a f
programme 3 prominent position at the g
product profit 1 » noun a broadcast on radio top of a steep hill.
» noun something that is made conspicuous, eye-catching, h
noun money gained or television He enjoys jutting, noticeable, obvious, i
to be sold All of our watching programmes about pronounced, striking, j
products are made with » in business or trade space travel. blatant, salient
natural ingredients. The new business made broadcast, show k
commodity, goods, a huge profit in its first year. promise 1 l
merchandise, produce earnings, proceeds, m
revenue, surplus, takings verb to say that you will n
productive 1 antonym: loss definitely do or not do o
something p
adjective producing a large profit 2 q
» verb to gain or benefit from ◀◀ SEE LEFT
» number of things r
Our apple trees are very something We profited from promise 2 s
productive this year. the low turnout – there was verb to show signs of » This
fertile, fruitful, prolific, a lot of leftover food. t
fecund, generative capitalize on, exploit, promises to be a great book. u
antonym: unproductive make the most of, hint at, indicate, v
take advantage of show signs of, augur, w
Our apple trees are very productive bespeak, betoken x
this year. program He enjoys watching programmes y
about space travel. promise 3
productive 2 noun a set of instructions that z
» adjective bringing favourable progress 1 noun an undertaking to do
» a computer follows to perform » noun improvement or
results I hope that all this » or not do something
extra work will be productive. a task The architect used a development Lou is making If you make a promise,
constructive, useful, computer program to draw up progress in writing her novel. you should keep it.
valuable, worthwhile his plans for the house. advance, breakthrough, assurance, guarantee,
antonym: unproductive app, application, software headway, improvement pledge, undertaking, vow

profession progress 2 promising
» verb to become more advanced » adjective seeming likely to be
noun a job that requires
or skilful My litttle brother is good or successful He was
» advanced education or training progressing – he can count to a promising young athlete.
Harper was a doctor 10 now and he knows colours. gifted, rising, talented,
by profession. advance, blossom, develop, up-and-coming
business, career, improve
occupation promote 1
The architect used a computer prohibit
program to draw up his plans » verb to forbid something or verb to encourage the progress
for the house.
make it illegal Dropping » or success of something
programme 1 litter is prohibited. My parents have always
ban, forbid, outlaw, prevent promoted healthy eating.
verb to make a plan or antonym: allow back, support

» plot out instructions prominent 1
Diana programmed the TV » adjective important
to record the Saturday show.
compile, formulate, line up, A prominent scientist
list, map out, set up gave us an inspiring lecture.
eminent, famous,
important, notable, noted,
renowned, well-known

171

promote

A promote 2 prone 1 property 1
verb to encourage the sale » noun the things that belong
adjective having a tendency
B » of a product by advertising to someone Mark was
She’s in Europe promoting » to be affected by or to do protective of his personal
property, and rarely let anyone
C her new film. something Lucy is prone borrow anything.
advertise, plug (informal), to forgetfulness. assets, belongings, effects,
publicize disposed, given, inclined, estate, possessions
liable, susceptible
D promote 3 property 2
verb to raise someone to prone 2 » noun a characteristic or quality
» adjective lying flat and face
E » a higher rank or position Peppermint leaves have
Mum has been promoted downwards She lay prone powerful healing properties
on the grass. when drunk as an infusion
F twice in two years. face down, prostrate or eaten as a herb.
elevate, upgrade attribute, characteristic,
feature, hallmark, quality, He wears plenty of layers for
G prompt 1 trait protection against the cold.
verb to make someone
proportion protection
H » decide to do something » noun part of an amount or » noun something that protects
Rising bus fares have
group A small proportion He wears plenty of layers
I prompted people to walk more. of the class chose to study for protection against the cold.
cause, induce, inspire, a second language. barrier, buffer, cover,
percentage, quota, safeguard, shelter
J motivate, spur segment, share
protest 1
prompt 2 She lay prone on the grass. prospect
» noun expectation or something verb to disagree with someone
K » verb to encourage someone to proof
say something “What was anticipated Mia was excited » or object to something
noun evidence that confirms by the prospect of arriving Bethany protested that she
L that you were saying about a back home as she had been was innocent.
guided tour?” he prompted her. » that something is true or exists away for a long time. complain, disagree,
At last, we had proof that expectation, hope, outlook, disapprove, object, oppose,
M coax, remind rabbits were eating our promise demur, expostulate,
lettuces. remonstrate
prompt 3 confirmation, evidence, protect
testimony, verification, protest 2
N » adjective done without any authentication, verb to prevent someone or » noun a strong objection
delay The road needs certification, corroboration,
substantiation » something from being harmed The teacher ignored their
O prompt repairs following The traffic cones protests and sent them out
the storm. proper 1 protected the man while for a run in the rain.
» adjective correct or most he was mending the road. complaint, objection,
P immediate, instant, defend, guard, safeguard, outcry
instantaneous, quick, suitable Mick decided that shelter, shield
the proper course of action proud
Q rapid, swift would be to say nothing. » adjective feeling pleasure
appropriate, apt, correct,
prompt 4 fitting, right, suitable or satisfaction I was
antonym: improper proud of our players today.
R » adverb exactly at the time gratified by, honoured,
mentioned The invitation pleased
specifies eight o’clock prompt.
prove
S exactly, on the dot,
T precisely, promptly, sharp verb to provide evidence that

U » something is definitely true
This proves that you were
V Please come to proper 2 right all along.
W Anna’s party on » adjective accepted or ascertain, confirm,
Friday 8pm prompt demonstrate, establish,
conventional Jess wanted verify, authenticate,
X The invitation specifies a proper, white wedding. The traffic cones protected the corroborate, evince,
eight o’clock prompt. accepted, conventional, man while he was mending substantiate
orthodox the road. antonym: disprove
Y

Z

172

pure

provide public 2 punishment a
» adjective relating to people » noun a penalty for a crime or
verb to make something b
in general There was a offence The punishment c
» available to someone lot of public support for the must always fit the crime.
We’ll provide refreshments new sports centre. penalty, retribution, d
after the game. civic, general, popular, chastening, chastisement, e
contribute, equip, furnish, universal just deserts or just desserts
outfit, supply f
puny g
provoke 1 public 3 He had been running so hard » adjective very small and weak
» verb to try to make someone that he was puffing. h
adjective provided for everyone The newborn kittens were i
angry I didn’t want to do puff puny and helpless. j
anything to provoke the bulldog. » to use or open to anyone feeble, frail, sickly,
anger, annoy, enrage, goad, Public swimming pools verb to breathe loudly and skinny, weak k
insult, irritate, tease can be very busy. l
communal, community, » quickly with your mouth open pupil m
provoke 2 open to the public, He had been running so » noun a student taught at n
» verb to cause an unpleasant universal hard that he was puffing. o
antonym: private breathe heavily, gasp, a school Our school has p
reaction His sister’s pant, wheeze 500 pupils. q
teasing finally provoked the scholar (South Africa),
little boy to hit her. pull 1 schoolboy, schoolchild, r
cause, evoke, produce, » verb to draw an object towards schoolgirl, student s
prompt, rouse, set off,
spark off you We saw the sights of pure 1 t
the city from an open carriage u
pry Public swimming pools can be pulled by two white horses. adjective clean and free v
very busy. drag, draw, haul, tow, w
verb to try to find out about tug, yank » from harmful substances x
antonym: push The water from the spring y
» someone else’s private is pure enough to drink.
pull 2 clean, germ-free, z
business Our neighbour is » noun the attraction or influence pasteurized, spotless,
always prying into our business. sterilized, unadulterated,
interfere, intrude, of something The pull of unblemished,
poke your nose in (informal), the bakery was too strong,  uncontaminated,
poke your nose into and she went in and bought unpolluted, untainted
(informal), snoop (informal) fresh bread. antonym: impure
attraction, lure, magnetism
publicity The water from the spring is pure
punctual enough to drink.
noun information or » adjective arriving or leaving at
pure 2
» advertisements about an item the correct time Our first » adjective complete and total
flight was punctual, so we
or event The actor gave easily caught our connection. Anita won the prize through
several interviews as part of in good time, on time, pure luck.
the publicity campaign for his prompt absolute, complete,
new film. outright, sheer,
advertising, plug (informal), punish unmitigated, utter
promotion
verb to make someone suffer a
Our neighbour is always prying publicize
into our business. » penalty for some misbehaviour
verb to advertise something I was punished for
public 1 insolence, though I didn’t
» noun people in general » or make it widely known mean to sound rude.
The author appeared on TV discipline, penalize,
Members of the public were to publicize her book. rap knuckles, sentence,
picked at random to appear on advertise, plug (informal), throw the book at
the TV show. promote
masses, nation, people,
populace, society publish

verb to make a piece of writing

» available for reading
We publish a range of titles.
bring out, print, put out

173

purple

A push purple put down 1
B
noun or adjective verb to criticize someone and
C » 1 verb to apply force to something Shades of purple:
in order to move it He pushed amethyst, aubergine, » make them appear foolish
gentian, heather, My big sister is always
D his friend on the swing. heliotrope, indigo, lavender, putting me down.
lilac, magenta, mauve, belittle, criticize,
E press mulberry, plum, puce, find fault with, humiliate
royal purple, violet
F He pressed his hands put down 2
against his friend’s back purpose 1 » verb to kill an animal that is
» noun the reason for something
G to help her swing. ill or dangerous The dog
The purpose of Fleur’s was so ill that it had to be
H ram shopping trip was to buy put down.
a new winter coat. destroy, euthanize, kill,
I He rammed his aim, function, intention, put out of its misery,
shoulder against object, point, reason put to sleep

J the playground purpose 2 : put off
gate to open it. » verb to delay something
on purpose
K shove We have put off making
» adverb deliberately a decision about where to go
L He shoved the roundabout Did you do that on purpose? until next week.
to make it whizz round. by design, deliberately, defer, delay, postpone,
intentionally, knowingly, put back, put on ice,
M purposely reschedule

N push 1 put up with
» verb to tolerate something
O verb to apply force to
something in order to move it disagreeable He put up
P with his daughter’s loud music
Q ◀◀ SEE LEFT for an hour before asking her
to turn it down.
R push 2 abide, bear, stand, stand
» verb to persuade someone into for, stomach, tolerate,
S brook, countenance
doing something His mother
T thrust pushed him into auditioning for puzzle 1
a part in the play. » verb to perplex and confuse
U She was thrust forward encourage, persuade,
on the swing. press, urge There was something about
Renata that puzzled me.
V pushy baffle, bewilder, confuse,
mystify, stump, confound,
adjective (informal) flummox, nonplus, perplex
unpleasantly forceful and
puzzle 2
» determined
Our new swimming coach noun a game or question that
can be rather pushy.
aggressive, ambitious, » requires a lot of thought to
assertive, bossy, forceful,
obtrusive solve I enjoy doing
crossword puzzles.
put 1 brain-teaser (informal),
» verb to place something poser, problem, riddle

pullW antonym: somewhere Angela put
the photograph on her desk.
X She pulled her legs back deposit, lay, place,
to swing higher. position, rest

Y put 2
» verb to express something I
Z I enjoy doing crossword puzzles.
think you put that very well.
phrase, word

174

query

quality 2 quarrel 2 a
» noun a characteristic of
verb to have an angry b
something His best argument c
quality is his kindness.
aspect, characteristic, ▼ SEE BELOW d
feature, mark, property, e
trait, attribute, peculiarity queasy
» adjective feeling slightly sick f
qualification 1 quality 1 quantity 1 g
» noun a skill or achievement » noun the measure of how good Freya felt queasy so her
noun an amount you mum comforted her. h
Sam’s qualification means something is The head chef ill, nauseous, queer, i
he can fly an aeroplane. always makes sure that the » can measure or count sick, unwell j
ability, accomplishment, food is of the highest quality. Petra made a large
achievement, capability, calibre, distinction, grade, quantity of cupcakes for Freya felt queasy so her mum k
quality, skill, attribute merit, value, worth the hockey club. comforted her. l
amount, number, part, m
qualification 2 sum, portion, quota query 1 n
noun a question » If you have o
noun something added to quantity 2 p
» noun the amount of something any queries, please contact us. q
» modify, limit, or restrict inquiry, question
The governers accepted the that there is Our teacher antonym: response r
head’s changes to the school likes to emphasize the s
with a couple of qualifications. importance of quality over
condition, exception, quantity when it comes t
modification, reservation to creative writing. u
extent, measure, size, v
qualify volume, bulk, expanse, w
magnitude x
verb to pass the tests y
The head chef always makes quarrel 1
» necessary for an activity sure that the food is of the » noun an angry argument z
My mum qualified as highest quality.
a doctor 30 years ago. I had a terrible quarrel
become licensed, with my brother.
gain qualifications, argument, disagreement,
get certified, graduate dispute, feud, fight, row,
squabble, altercation,
fracas, fray

quarrel
»2 verb to have an angry argument
 My sister quarrelled with my brother.

argue fall outSmhoethaergr uaebdouwtitbhehdetirme.She
her bfeelsltofuritewnidth.

bicker fightTolehvteertyhwbehicdokosegereotudurten.nidtlwesasslyto
aboTuht ewyhooftweansforiugghht.t
clash row squabbleaTshtehyehyajdusctldaisdhne’tdgbeetfoonre.
She had a row with her They sreqmuaobtbelecdonotvroelr.
friend but they made up. the

175

query

A query 2 quiet 1 fast hastily
verb to question something » adjective making very little hurriedly rapidly
speedily swiftly
B » because it seems wrong noise The radio was so
Gary queried the referee’s quiet, we couldn’t hear it.
hushed, inaudible, low,
C decision to disallow the goal. silent, soft, noiseless,
challenge, dispute, soundless
object to, question antonym: noisy

D question 1 quiet 2
E » noun a problem that needs » adjective peaceful and calm

to be discussed Can we We had a quiet day at home.
calm, mild, peaceful, restful,
F get back to the question of serene, tranquil, motionless,
who’s organizing the party? placid, untroubled
issue, motion, point,

G subject, topic
question 2 quiet 3
» noun silence or lack of noise
H » verb to ask someone questions
A man is being questioned The teacher called for quiet.
calmness, peace, serenity,
I by the police. silence, stillness, tranquillity
examine, interrogate,
J probe, quiz, cross-examine, antonym: noise
interview, investigate

K antonym: answer
L question 3
quickly
» verb to express doubts about

something I’m fed up

M with my parents always
questioning my decisions.
N challenge, dispute, distrust,
doubt, query, suspect The teacher called for quiet.

O quick 1 quit » adverb with great speed
P » adjective moving with » verb to leave a place or stop The rocket took off
and quickly gained height.
great speed The students doing something Keira quit
made a quick exit from the her job and went travelling. antonym: slowly
discontinue, give up, leave,
Q classroom when the bell rang. resign, retire, stop, The tortoise moves slowly.
brisk, express, fast, abandon, cease
hasty, hurtle, rapid,
quite 1
R speedy, swift » adverb fairly but not very
antonym: slow
My uncle is quite old.
S quick 2 fairly, moderately, rather,
T » adjective lasting only a short reasonably, somewhat

time We only had time quite 2
» adverb completely and totally
U for a quick chat.
brief, cursory, hasty, The doctor asked John to
hurried, perfunctory lie quite still during the X-ray.
absolutely, completely,
V antonym: long entirely, fully, perfectly,
totally, precisely, wholly
quick 3
quote
W » adjective happening without » verb to repeat the exact words
any delay I received a quick
someone has said Naz
X response to my email. always quotes from TV shows.
hasty, prompt, sudden cite, extract, recite, repeat

Y quickly
Z adverb with great speed

▶▶ SEE RIGHT

176

range

It rained as Caroline was on her rampage 1 a
way to meet a friend. » verb to rush about wildly or out
b
race 1 rain 2 of control The children c
» verb to fall from the sky in rampaged around the garden
noun a group of human dressed as cowboys. d
beings with shared physical drops of water It rained go berserk, rage, e
as Caroline was on her way run amok, run riot
» or genetic characteristics to meet a friend. f
People of different races drizzle, pour, teem rampage 2 : g
live side by side in this city.
ethnic group, nation, Mariana was raging at the fact that raise 1 on the rampage h
people she was number 12 in the queue. » verb to make something higher adjective rushing about i
j
race 2 rage 2 Flags were raised to signal » in a wild and uncontrolled way
» verb to move very quickly » verb to be angry or speak the start of the national holiday. The bull escaped from the k
elevate, heave, hoist, lift field and went on the rampage l
Dan raced to catch the bus, angrily Mariana was raging antonym: lower through the village. m
but he was too late. at the fact that she was number amok, berserk, wild n
dash, fly, hurry, run, 12 in the queue. raise 2 o
speed, tear be furious, fume, lose your random 1 p
temper, rave, storm verb to look after children » adjective not based on a q
Dan raced to catch the bus,
but he was too late. rage 3 » until they are grown up definite plan Melissa came r
» verb to continue with great Natasha was raised in to the sleepover in a random s
racket a large house in the country. selection of clothes – a coat,
» noun a lot of noise force The storm raged bring up, nurture, rear skirt, and pyjamas! t
all night. aimless, arbitrary, u
The builders’ drills made be at its height, rampage, raise 3 haphazard, indiscriminate, v
such a racket. storm, surge » verb to mention or suggest spot, desultory, fortuitous, w
clamour, commotion, unpremeditated x
din, hubbub, noise, row, raid 1 something He had raised y
rumpus, cacophony, tumult » verb to attack suddenly no objections at the time. Melissa came to the sleepover in
advance, bring up, broach, a random selection of clothes – a z
rage 1 Oliver came home hungry introduce, moot, suggest coat, skirt, and pyjamas!
» noun a feeling of extremely and raided the fridge.
assault, attack, break into, ramble 1 random 2 : at random
strong anger She was invade, plunder, pillage, » noun a long walk in the » adverb without any definite
trembling with rage. rifle, sack
anger, frenzy, fury, wrath countryside Rory went for plan Children will be chosen
a ramble through the woods. at random to represent the
excursion, hike, stroll, walk school in the parade.
aimlessly, arbitrarily,
raid 2 ramble 2 haphazardly,
» noun an attack on something » verb to go for a long walk indiscriminately, randomly,
unsystematically, willy-nilly
The street was closed We rambled across the
following the bank raid. moors, taking care to avoid range 1
attack, break-in, foray, any bogs. » noun the maximum limits
incursion, sortie amble, stray, stroll, walk,
wander, perambulate, rove of something I tried to
rain 1 phone but was not in range
» noun water falling from the ramble 3 of a signal.
» verb to talk in a confused way bounds, extent, field,
clouds The rain came as limits, province, scope
a relief after the drought. Garth started rambling and
deluge, downpour, drizzle, repeating himself.
rainfall, showers babble, chatter

177

range

A range range 2 rash 1
B » adjective acting in a hasty and
C » 2 noun a number of different things of the same kind noun a number of different
The sunglasses are available in a range of colours. things of the same kind foolish way Sven made a
rash decision to go swimming
D ◀◀ SEE LEFT in the freezing sea.
EF aassssorotmrentTtmhoefresehinaspatens. foolhardy, hasty,
G range 3 impetuous, impulsive,
» verb to vary between two reckless, heedless,
injudicious, unthinking
extremes The shelves
were filled with goods ranging rash 2
from the everyday to the exotic. » noun an irritated area on
extend, go, run,
stretch, vary your skin The rash on my
leg is really itchy.
rank 1 eruption, outbreak
» noun someone’s level in
HJI classTihsemdoerseigenxeprecnlsaisvse.
a group Franklin rose to the
rank of captain.
class, echelon, grade, level,
standing, station, status

MKL gamutSsthowachpkoelcseoavgneadrmssutihtzeeosf. rank 2
N » noun a row of people or things

Ranks of Mounted Police
participated in the parade.
column, file, line, row

QOP sewliedecTshteeilreoecitnsioan. Ranks of Mounted Police The rash on my leg is really itchy.
participated in the parade.
R rash 3
rank 3
UST seriesinTahissesriteylseocfosmizeess. » adjective complete and noun a large number of

V absolute Going hiking » events happening together
WX Therveaisraoifveastrtyiyeletys. without a map and compass A rash of bookings followed
is rank stupidity. the television programme
Y absolute, complete, about the resort.
downright, sheer, epidemic, flood, plague,
Z unmitigated, utter, spate, wave
arrant, egregious
rate 1
rare » noun the speed or frequency
» adjective not common or
of something Our hen lays
frequent We saw a rare eggs at the rate of one a day.
species of bird that hardly ever frequency, pace, speed,
appears in London. tempo, velocity
exceptional, few, scarce,
sparse, sporadic, rate 2
uncommon, unusual » noun the cost or charge for
antonym: common
something We were offered
178 phone calls at cheap rates as
part of the package.
charge, cost, fee,
price, tariff

rate 3

verb to give an opinion of

» someone’s or something’s

qualities The app was rated
very highly by its users.
appraise, class, consider,
count, rank, regard,
adjudge, esteem, evaluate

realize

rather reach 3 real 2 a
» adverb to a certain extent » verb to arrive at a certain » adjective actually existing
b
We got along rather well. stage or level Exam results and not imagined The film c
fairly, pretty (informal), have reached record highs. is based on the real story
quite, relatively, slightly, arrive at, attain, climb to, of a famous scientist. d
somewhat fall to, rise to actual, authentic, concrete, e
factual, genuine, legitimate,
rational reaction 1 We were packed and ready tangible, true f
» adjective using reason rather » noun a person’s response to to go on holiday. antonym: imaginary g

than emotion There must something When she realistic 1 h
be a rational explanation spotted the spider, Louise’s » adjective accepting the true i
for the lights going out. reaction was one of horror. j
enlightened, logical, acknowledgment, answer, situation She was realistic
reasonable, sensible feedback, response that her chances of winning k
the lottery were virtually nil. l
rave 1 ready 1 down-to-earth, level- m
» verb to talk in an uncontrolled » adjective prepared for action headed, matter-of-fact, n
practical, sensible, sober o
way Ed started raving about or use We were packed and p
being treated badly. ready to go on holiday. realistic 2 q
babble, rage, rant organized, prepared, » adjective true to real life
primed, ripe, set r
rave 2 My sister’s paintings are s
When she spotted the spider, ready 2 very realistic.
verb (informal) to be Louise’s reaction was one of horror. » adjective willing to do authentic, faithful, t
lifelike, true, naturalistic, u
» enthusiastic about something reaction 2 something Kyle was always representational v
She raved about how good » noun a response to something ready to help with the dishes. w
the facilities were at the hotel. agreeable, eager, happy, My sister’s paintings are x
be wild about (informal), unpopular There has keen, willing, minded, very realistic. y
enthuse, gush been a fierce reaction to the predisposed
suggestion that the school day reality z
reach 1 be made longer. ready 3 » noun something that is true
» verb to arrive somewhere backlash, counterbalance » adjective easily produced or
and not imagined The
Len did not stop until he read 1 obtained Lily took a ready reality of the situation is
reached the end of the trail. » verb to look at and absorb meal out of the freezer. that we are lost.
arrive at, attain, accessible, available, authenticity, fact,
get as far as, get to, make something written Nancy convenient, handy realism, truth
read the article with interest.
reach 2 glance at, look at, real 1 realize
» verb to extend as far as pore over, scan, study » adjective genuine and not » verb to become aware of

something Annabel used imitation The jeweller something Nicole hadn’t
a ladder to reach the book inspected the gem to see realized how difficult the
she wanted. if it was real or a fake. recipe was.
extend to, go as far as, authentic, bona fide, appreciate, comprehend,
touch genuine, honest, legitimate, grasp, recognize,
rightful, sincere, true, understand
Annabel used a ladder to reach unaffected
the book she wanted. antonym: fake

Nancy read the article with interest.

read 2 The jeweller inspected the gem
» verb to understand the true to see if it was real or a fake.

nature or mood Rob wished
he could read her thoughts.
comprehend, decipher,
interpret

179

really

reallyA

B » 1 adverb very or certainly
C The friends had a really good time at the party.

D I’m certainly
enjoying myself.
E I’m absolutely

F delighted to see everyone.

G

H extTrheefomod isely
I

J tasty.

K remarkablyThey organized it in a
L You must be short time.

terriblyM tired

N after all that dancing.

O
veryP
I’m having a
trulyQ I’m
glad I came.
wonderful time.
R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

180

record

really 1 reasonable 2 receive 2 recognize 2 a
» adjective based on good » verb to experience something » verb to accept or acknowledge
adverb very or certainly b
reasoning Ali had a We received a very something William was c
◀◀ SEE LEFT reasonable argument warm welcome. recognized as an outstanding
based on the facts. encounter, suffer, pilot by the academy. d
really 2 justifiable, legitimate, sustain, undergo acknowledge, appreciate, e
» adverb in fact logical, sensible, sound, honour, salute
understandable receive 3 f
Simon really is asleep, he’s » verb to welcome visitors reconstruct 1 g
not pretending. reasonable 3 » verb to rebuild something that
actually, in fact, » adjective not too expensive Jim and Marie were there h
in reality, truly to receive the guests when has been damaged The old i
The cost of my haircut was they arrived for the party. city centre was falling down j
reason 1 reasonable, I’d go there again. entertain, greet, meet, and has been reconstructed.
» noun the cause of something cheap, competitive, fair, take in, welcome rebuild, recreate, k
inexpensive, low, modest regenerate, renovate, l
that happens I had no restore, reassemble, m
reason to go out, so stayed reassure remodel n
at home. » verb to put someone’s mind o
cause, grounds, incentive, reconstruct 2 p
motive, purpose at ease Sonia reassured » verb to build up from q
me that everything was fine.
reason 2 bolster, cheer up, comfort, small details Archaeologists r
» noun the ability to think encourage, buoy up, reconstruct the past from the s
hearten, inspirit evidence they find.
Ivy desperately wanted the build up, deduce, t
bag, but reason told her not to rebel Jim and Marie were there to piece together u
buy it because it was too small. receive the guests when they v
intellect, judgment, verb to fight against authority arrived for the party. record 1 w
rationality, reasoning, » noun a stored account of x
sense » and accepted values recent y
Amy rebelled against school » adjective happening a short something The shelves were
reason 3 policy and dyed her hair pink. bulging with medical records. z
defy, mutiny, resist, revolt time ago Our most recent account, archives, file,
verb to try to persuade holiday was to Chile. journal, minute, register
current, fresh, new,
» someone of something present-day, up-to-date, record 2
I tried to reason with my contemporary, latter-day » noun what someone has done
mother, but she wouldn’t listen.
bring round (informal), Amy rebelled against school policy reckon 1 in the past The interviewer
persuade, win over and dyed her hair pink. asked for a record of my
verb (informal) to think or previous work experience.
I tried to reason with my mother, rebellion background, career,
but she wouldn’t listen. » noun an organized opposition » believe something is the case curriculum vitae,
I reckon they’ll be here soon, track record (informal)
reasonable 1 to authority Fed up I told them to come at 3 pm.
» adjective fair and sensible with extra work every night, assume, believe (formal), record 3
the students staged a rebellion. consider, judge, suppose, » verb to note and store
It was only reasonable to insurrection, mutiny, revolt, think, deem (formal),
share the chores between us. revolution, uprising hold to be, surmise (formal) information Julia records
fair, moderate, rational, her daily life in her diary.
sane, sensible, sober, receive 1 reckon 2 blog, document, enter, log,
steady, wise, judicious, » verb to accept something from » verb to calculate an amount note, register, write down
plausible
someone Did you receive The figure is now reckoned Julia records her daily life
my letter? to be 15 per cent. in her diary.
accept, be given, get, calculate, count,
pick up, take estimate, figure out,
work out

recognize 1

verb to know who or what

» someone or something is
I recognized Darren from
his ginger hair.
identify, know, place, spot

181

recover

A recover 1 recruit 1 reduce 2
B » verb to get better again » verb to persuade people to » verb to bring to a weaker or

Pete has still not fully join a group Ali helped inferior state The village
recovered from a nasty cold. to recruit volunteers was reduced to rubble in
C convalesce, get better, for picking up litter. the earthquake.
get well, improve, draft, enlist, enrol, muster degrade, demote,
recuperate, revive downgrade, drive, force

D recover 2 recruit 2 I gave my daughter a red apple. refer 1
» verb to mention something
noun someone who has red
In his speech, Len referred
recently joined a group noun or adjective to a recent trip to Canada.
E »  » verb to get something back Shades of red: allude, bring up, cite,
again Lynn’s father managed The army recruits were burgundy, cardinal, mention
F to recover the lost book from given their new uniforms. carmine, cherry, claret,
behind the shelves. beginner, convert, novice, coral, crimson, flame, refer 2
get back, recapture, trainee, tyro maroon, poppy, rose, » verb to look at something to
ruby, scarlet, vermilion,
G recoup, regain, retrieve wine find something out We had
recovery 1 related words: to refer to the recipe to make
adjective rubicund, ruddy the sauce.
H » noun the act of getting consult, look up
better again He made reduce 1
We had to refer to the recipe
I a remarkable recovery after verb to make something to make the sauce.
his operation.
J healing, improvement, » smaller in size or amount
recuperation, revival, Mum reduced her hours
at work so she could spend
K convalescence, rally more time at home.
L recovery 2 The army recruits were given curtail, cut, cut down,
their new uniforms. decrease, diminish,
» noun the act of getting lessen, lower, shorten
antonym: increase
something back The art
M gallery offered a reward for the
recovery of the stolen painting.
N recapture, reclamation,
restoration, retrieval
regular
O
P

Q » 1 adjective even or equally spaced
A clock pendulum
R has regular movement.
consistent periodic
S rhythmic
T uniform

U constant
V

W even
X

Y

Z

182

relax

He was a refined gentleman with refuge region rejoice a
impeccable manners. » noun a place where you go » noun a large area of land » verb to be very happy about
b
refined 1 for safety We hid from the We live in a mountainous something Today we can c
» adjective well-mannered storm in a tiny mountain refuge. region. rejoice in our success.
asylum, harbour, haven, area, district, land, locality, be overjoyed, celebrate, d
and polite He was a sanctuary, shelter quarter, sector, territory, delight, glory, exult, revel e
refined gentleman with tract, zone
impeccable manners. refuse 1 relation 1 f
civilized, genteel, » verb to say you will not do regret 1 » noun a connection between g
gentlemanly, ladylike, polite » verb to be sorry something
antonym: common something He refused two things The film bears no h
to talk about the contents has happened Michael relation whatsoever to the book. i
refined 2 of the letter. regretted forgetting his bearing, bond, connection, j
» adjective processed to remove abstain, decline, withhold girlfriend’s birthday again. correlation, link,
be sorry, grieve, lament, relationship k
impurities White sugar is refuse 2 mourn, repent, bemoan, l
refined from raw sugar cane. bewail, rue relation 2 m
distilled, filtered, verb to say you will not allow » noun a member of your family n
processed, pure, purified o
» or accept something I stayed with my relations p
reform 1 I politely refused the offer while I was in Germany. q
» noun a major change or of a drink as I wasn’t thirsty. kin, kinsman, kinswoman,
decline, reject, spurn, relative r
improvement The new head turn down s
teacher is planning a reform antonym: accept relationship 1
of the school timetable. t
amendment, correction, refuse 3 Michael regretted forgetting his noun the way people u
improvement, » noun rubbish or waste girlfriend’s birthday again. v
rehabilitation, amelioration, » act towards each other w
betterment, rectification Our household refuse regret 2 Valerie has a friendly x
is collected weekly. relationship with her customers. y
reform 2 garbage, junk (informal), noun the feeling of being affinity, association, bond,
litter, rubbish, trash, waste connection, rapport z
verb to make major changes » sorry about something
regard 1 He expressed regret Valerie has a friendly relationship
» or improvements to something that he had caused offence. with her customers.
He reformed the athletics verb to think of someone grief, pang of conscience,
team to improve results. penitence, remorse, relationship 2
amend, better, correct, » or something in a particular repentance, sorrow, » noun the connection between
rectify, rehabilitate, compunction, contrition,
ameliorate, emend, way I regard Isabella ruefulness, self-reproach two things There is a clear
revolutionize as my best friend. relationship between happiness
consider, judge, look on, regular 1 and good health.
refresh see, think of, view connection, correlation,
» verb to make you feel more adjective even or equally spaced link, parallel
regard 2
energetic A glass of fruit ◀◀ SEE LEFT relax
juice will refresh you. verb (literary) to look at » verb to be calm and become
brace, enliven, rejuvenate, regular 2
revive, stimulate, freshen, » someone in a particular way » adjective usual or normal less worried You can relax
invigorate, revitalize, Janine regarded the in the holidays after working
revivify magicians’s trick with interest. Tom was filling in for the hard all term.
contemplate, eye, gaze, regular shop assistant. laze, rest, take it easy,
look, scrutinize, watch customary, everyday, unwind
habitual, normal, ordinary,
routine, typical, usual

Janine regarded the magician’s reject
trick with interest. » verb to refuse to accept

or agree to something Dad
rejected the job offer because
the office was too far away.
decline, deny, rebuff,
refuse, renounce, say no to,
spurn, turn down, disallow,
repudiate
antonym: accept

183

relaxed

A release 1 relevant reluctant
» adjective connected with what » adjective unwilling to do
B verb to set someone
C is being discussed Please something Dad was
D » or something free stick to the point and just talk reluctant to ask for help.
E I spent a relaxed evening listening Our teacher finally about what’s relevant. averse, disinclined,
released us from the lesson. applicable, apposite, hesitant, loath, slow,
to music. deliver, discharge, appropriate, apt, pertinent, unwilling
extricate, free, let go, germane, material antonym: eager
F relaxed 1 liberate, set free, antonym: irrelevant
G » adjective calm and peaceful emancipate, unfetter remain 1
reliable » verb to stay somewhere
I spent a relaxed evening release 2 » adjective able to be trusted
listening to music. » verb to make something My friends went out while
Mike was reliable and turned I remained at home.
H calm, casual, comfortable, available The new album up on time every day. be left, linger, stay behind,
informal, peaceful will be released next week. dependable, faithful, safe, wait
antonym: tense issue, launch, publish, sound, staunch, sure,
put out true, trustworthy My friends went out while
I relaxed 2 antonym: unreliable I remained at home.
J » adjective calm and not worried release 3
religious 1 remain 2
or tense My parents have a noun the setting free of » adjective connected with » verb to stay the same

K relaxed attitude and often let » someone or something religion We joined in No matter how much
my friends stay over. The charity’s aim was the the religious worship. she tried to curl her hair,
at ease, calm, comfortable, release of animals in captivity devotional, divine, it remained straight.
back into the wild. doctrinal, holy, sacred, continue, endure, go on,
L cool, easy, serene, discharge, emancipation, scriptural, spiritual, last, stay, survive
unflustered freedom, liberation, liberty, theological
deliverance, manumission
M antonym: tense religious 2
N relay relentless » adjective having a strong belief

» verb to give information to adjective never stopping in a god or gods Paul is
very religious and goes to
someone else Ariana » or becoming less intense church every week.
The rain was relentless and devout, God-fearing,
O relayed your message to me. did not let up the whole week. godly, pious, righteous
communicate, convey, incessant, nonstop,
persistent, sustained,
P impart unrelenting, unremitting

Q remember

R
S
T » verb to bring to mind something from the past
Remember to feed the cat.

U

retain recall recognizeW I must retain all thoseV

X geography facts.
Try to recall the Do you recognize this name?
words of that poem.

Y

Z

184

renovate

remainder remind remote 3 renew a
» noun the part that is left » adjective not wanting to be » verb to begin something
verb to make someone b
After six weeks of French, friendly I tried to talk to again Dawn renewed her c
we studied Spanish for » remember something her, but she was very remote. subscription to the magazine.
the remainder of the term. Please remind me to water aloof, cold, detached, begin again, recommence, d
balance, last, others, the plants before we go out. distant, reserved, re-establish, reopen, e
remains, remnants, rest bring back to, withdrawn resume
jog someone’s memory, f
remains make someone remember, remote 4 renounce g
» plural noun the parts left over put in mind, refresh » adjective not very great
someone’s memory verb (formal) to reject h
We put the remains of lunch The chances of us winning i
in the fridge. remote 1 the lottery are pretty remote. » something or give it up j
debris, dregs, leftovers, » adjective far off in distance poor, slender, slight, Tina renounced all fast food.
relics, remnants, residue, slim, small disown, give up, reject, k
scraps, vestiges, detritus, We stayed for a week on relinquish, eschew (formal) l
leavings a remote farm in the hills. m
distant, far-off, remove n
remark 1 inaccessible, isolated, » verb to take something off o
» verb to mention or comment lonely, outlying p
or away Sue had already q
on something She remarked bought milk, so she removed
that my hair was looking nice. it from the shopping list. r
comment, mention, delete, detach, eject, s
observe, say, state eliminate, erase, extract,
get rid of, take away, take t
remark 2 off, take out, withdraw, u
» noun something you say efface, excise, expunge v
w
Trudy’s remark about my Tina renounced all fast food. x
new coat pleased me. y
comment, observation, We stayed for a week on Sue had already bought milk, so she renovate
statement, utterance, word a remote farm in the hills. removed it from the shopping list. z
verb to repair an old
remember remote 2
» adjective far away in time » building or machine
verb to bring to mind My aunt bought a rundown
something from the past The days of knights in house and renovated it.
armour riding into battle do up, modernize,
▼ SEE BELOW are from the remote past. recondition, refurbish,
distant, far-off repair, restore, revamp

call to reminisce
mind
Reminisce with Grandpa
Can you call to mind about the past.
where the keys are?

recollect antonym: forget

Do you recollect what Don’t forget to do your homework!
we did last Tuesday?

185

repair

A replace represent 1 request 2
B » verb to take the place of » verb to stand for something
noun the action of asking for
something else He replaced else In algebra, letters are
his car with a bicycle. used to represent numbers. » something politely or formally
C succeed, supersede, mean, stand for, symbolize, The examiner refused the
supplant, take over from, betoken, equate with boy’s request for more time.
take the place of appeal, application, call,
represent 2 plea, entreaty, petition
D replacement
E noun a person or thing that verb to describe something require 1
F My dad carried out the repairs » verb to need something
G on the car himself. » takes the place of another » in a particular way
Glen has nominated Adam The newspapers represent A plant requires light, water,
to be his replacement. him as a hero. and nutrients in order to grow.
proxy, stand-in, substitute, depict, describe, picture, demand, depend on,
successor, surrogate portray, show be in need of, need,
want (informal)
repair 1 reply 1 representative 1
» verb to give someone an require 2
noun something you do noun a person who acts on » verb to say that someone must
answer She quickly
H » to mend something that is replied to my email. » behalf of another or others do something The rules
damaged My dad carried out answer, counter, respond, We elected a school require employers to provide
retort, return, reciprocate, representative. safety training.
I the repairs on the car himself. rejoin, riposte agent, delegate, deputy, compel, demand, direct,
darn, mend, patch, proxy, spokesman, instruct, oblige, order
spokeswoman
J restoration requirement
representative 2 » noun something that you must
K repair 2 reply 2 » adjective typical of the group
L » verb to mend something that is » noun an answer given to have or do There is a legal
to which it belongs This requirement for children to
damaged The money will be someone He gave a sharp building is representative of attend school.
used to repair the faulty TV. reply to her endless questions. Gaudí’s style of architecture. demand, essential,
answer, response, retort, characteristic, illustrative, necessity, need,
M fix, mend, patch, patch up, rejoinder, riposte typical, archetypal, specification, prerequisite
renovate, restore emblematic, indicative (formal), stipulation (formal)

N repay report 1 This building is representative research 1
of Gaudí’s style of architecture.
» verb to give back money that is verb to tell about or give an noun the act of studying and
reputation
owed It will take me years to » official account of something » finding out about something
Owen reported the theft to noun the opinion that people I’ve been doing some
O repay the loan. the police. research for my project.
pay back, refund, settle up, cover, describe, inform of, » have of a person or thing analysis, examination,
notify, state The college has a reputation exploration, investigation,
P make restitution, for getting good grades. study
recompense, reimburse, report 2 character, name, renown,
» noun an account of an event repute, standing, stature I’ve been doing some research
Q remunerate, square for my project.
or situation The news request 1
repeat report suggested it was research 2
a very exciting match. verb to ask for something » verb to study and find out
R » verb to say or write something account, description,
again Since you didn’t statement » politely or formally about something She
Alana requested that researched good places to visit
S listen, I’ll repeat that. the door be left open. while they were on holiday.
echo, reiterate, say again, ask, beg, seek, entreat, analyse, examine, explore,
solicit google, investigate, study
T iterate, recapitulate, restate

repel 1 The news report suggested it
was a very exciting match.
U » verb to horrify and disgust
The thought of eating snails

V repels me.
disgust, offend, revolt,

W sicken
antonym: attract

X repel 2
Y » verb to fight and drive back

enemy forces Troops

Z positioned along the border are
ready to repel an enemy attack.
drive off, repulse, resist

186

responsible

resemblance A table has been reserved for us at resolve 2 respectable 2 a
» noun a similarity between the restaurant. » verb to find a solution to a » adjective adequate or
b
two things I can see a reserve 1 problem We must find reasonable His grades c
resemblance between you two. » verb to keep for a particular a way to resolve this problem. were respectable, but
analogy, correspondence, clear up, find a solution to, not amazing. d
likeness, parallel, similarity, person or purpose A table overcome, solve, sort out, appreciable, considerable, e
comparability, parity, has been reserved for us at work out decent, fair, reasonable
semblance, similitude the restaurant. f
hoard, hold, keep, put by, resolve 3 responsibility 1 g
resemble save, set aside, stockpile, » noun absolute determination
» verb to be similar to something store noun the duty to deal with h
Nothing could weaken i
else Limes resemble green Laura’s resolve to get fit. » or take care of something j
lemons and they both taste determination, resolution, Mum took care of the house
sour, too. tenacity, doggedness, while the garden was my k
bear a resemblance to, single-mindedness, responsibility. l
be like, be similar to, willpower duty, obligation, onus m
look like, parallel, take after n
responsibility 2 o
Limes resemble green lemons reserve 2 Nothing could weaken Laura’s p
and they both taste sour, too. » noun a supply kept for future resolve to get fit. noun the blame for something q

resent use We have plenty of respect 1 » which has happened
» verb to feel bitter and angry food reserves if we get » verb to have a good opinion We must all accept
snowed in. responsibility for our mistakes.
about something I resent cache, fund, hoard, stock, of someone The new blame, fault, guilt, liability,
being treated like an idiot. stockpile, store, supply teacher wanted his pupils accountability, culpability
be angry about, to respect him.
be offended by, dislike, resign 1 admire, have a responsible 1
object to, take offence at verb to leave a job » Scott good opinion of,
have a high opinion of, adjective being the person in
resentful resigned from the firm to take honour, look up to,
another job elsewhere. think highly of, venerate, » charge of something
adjective bitter about abdicate, hand in your esteem, revere, reverence, I am responsible for making
notice, leave, quit, set store by the sandwiches for the picnic.
» something that has happened step down (informal) antonym: disrespect in charge, in control
The boys were resentful
that they weren’t allowed resign 2 : respect 2 responsible 2
to go to the park. » noun a good opinion of » adjective being to blame for
aggrieved, angry, bitter, resign oneself
embittered, huffy, someone The football something I wonder who
indignant, offended, in high » verb to accept an unpleasant team had a lot of respect is responsible for this mess!
dudgeon, peeved, piqued for their old manager. at fault, guilty, to blame
situation After playing badly, admiration, esteem,
resentment Samantha had resigned herself regard, reverence r
» noun a feeling of anger and to losing her place on the team. antonym: disrespect s
accept, reconcile yourself,
bitterness Resentment is bow respectable 1 I wonder who is responsible t
growing among students at for this mess! u
what they claim is unfair resist adjective considered to be
treatment by some teachers. responsible 3 v
anger, animosity, verb to refuse to accept » acceptable and correct » adjective sensible and w
bitterness, grudge, huff, Timothy comes from x
indignation, rancour, » something and try to prevent it a respectable family. dependable Patrick had y
pique, umbrage She resisted her mother’s decent, good, honourable, to show that he would be
attempts to get her to clean proper, reputable, upright, a responsible pet owner.
her bedroom. worthy dependable, level-headed,
defy, fight, oppose, refuse, reliable, sensible, sound,
struggle against trustworthy
antonym: accept antonym: irresponsible

resolve 1 z
» verb to decide firmly to do

something Miguel resolved
to do more exercise.
decide, determine, intend,
make up your mind

187

rest

A restrain result in Peter called for the dog and it
» verb to hold someone or » verb to cause something to returned carrying a stick.
B
something back Noah had happen Thorough revision return 1
C to be restrained by his friends. results in better grades. » verb to go back to a place
contain, control, curb, bring about, cause, lead to
D hamper, hinder, hold back, Peter called for the dog and
inhibit, constrain, rein, retaliate it returned carrying a stick.
E straiten come back, go back,
verb to do something to reappear, turn back
F Greg took one slice of cake restrict
and left the rest. » someone in return for what return 2
verb to limit the movement » verb to give something back
G rest 1 they did Tara retaliated
H » noun the remaining parts of » or actions of someone or by hiding her sister’s The company guaranteed
favourite book. to return our money if we
something Greg took one something I restricted get back at, get even with didn’t like the product.
slice of cake and left the rest. the dog to the ground floor (informal), get your own give back, pay back, refund,
of the house. back (informal), hit back, repay, recompense,
I balance, others, remainder, confine, contain, hamper, pay someone back, reimburse
surplus handicap, impede, inhibit, take revenge
limit, restrain, reveal 1
J rest 2 circumscribe, demarcate, retreat 1 » verb to tell people about
K » noun a period when you relax straiten
verb to move away from something The article
and do nothing I could do restriction revealed all the details about
with a rest from all this work. » someone or something the celebrity’s life.
noun a rule or situation that The sunbathers on the announce, disclose,
L break, holiday, leisure, beach retreated as the tide divulge, get off your
relaxation, respite » limits what you can do came in. chest (informal), let on
There is a parking restriction back away, back off, draw
M rest 3 outside the hospital entrance. back, pull back, withdraw reveal 2
N » verb to relax and do nothing constraint, control, curb, antonym: advance
limitation, regulation, verb to uncover something
for a while Gary rested restraint, stipulation retreat 2 that is hidden
on the sofa all evening.
noun the action of moving away ▶▶ SEE RIGHT
O have a break, idle, laze,
put your feet up, relax, » from someone or something revenge
We made a hasty retreat
P sit down, take it easy when the hotel fire alarm noun vengeance for
Q restless went off.
departure, evacuation, » wrongs or injury received
» adjective unable to sit still or flight, withdrawal Chris plotted his revenge
antonym: advance for the trick his friends had
relax She had been restless played on him earlier.
There is a parking restriction retreat 3 reprisal, retaliation,
R and irritable all day. outside the hospital entrance. » noun a quiet place you can go retribution, vengeance
edgy, fidgety, fretful, jumpy,
to Ben’s favourite retreat reverse 1
S on edge, unsettled was his tree house, where he
T restore 1 could relax. verb to change into something
haven, refuge, sanctuary
verb to cause something to » different or contrary
result 1 The store won’t reverse their
U » return to its previous state decision to increase prices.
The restaurant was anxious noun the situation that change, invalidate,
to restore its reputation after overrule, overturn, retract,
» is caused by something countermand, negate,
V the poor review. He was eager to hear rescind, revoke
re-establish, reinstate, the result of the match.
reintroduce, return consequence, effect,
outcome, product, upshot
W restore 2
X » verb to clean and repair result 2 Ben’s favourite retreat was his tree
» verb to be caused by house, where he could relax.
something He specializes in
something Sarah’s gold
Y restoring ancient parchments. medal resulted from a lot
fix up, mend, rebuild, of training and hard work.
arise, derive, develop,
Z reconstruct, refurbish, ensue, follow, happen, stem
renovate, repair,
recondition, retouch

188

reverse

reveal a
» 2 verb to uncover something that is hidden
Curtis pulled aside the curtain b
to reveal dazzling treasure. c

uncover unveil d
e
He uncovered a royal crown. He unveiled a
priceless sculpture. f
g
bring unearth
to light h
He unearthed a heap i
He brought to of ancient coins. j
light the lost
pearl necklace. lay bare k
l
He laid bare an m
emerald necklace. n
o
189 p
q

r
s

t
u
v
w
x
y

z

reverse

A

B

C

D sin
crime
E virtue abuse
equity injustice
F justice » She did him a wrong
legality
G honour when she assumed he was lying.
fairness
H wanrtoonynm:g

I morality
integrity
J right
K

L » 3 noun what is just and fair
Jacob’s parents taught him to know right from wrong.
M reverse 2
noun the opposite of what revise rich 1 rid: get rid of
» verb to alter or correct » verb to remove or destroy
N » has just been said or done adjective having a lot of
That’s not right – in fact, something Carlos revised something Arnold got rid of
his opinion when he heard » money and possessions the spider in the bath.
O the reverse is true. Stefan’s point of view. He was a rich young man dispose of, dump, eject,
contrary, converse, amend, correct, edit, with lots of money. jettison, remove, weed out
P opposite affluent, loaded (slang),
refresh, revamp, update opulent, prosperous, ridiculous
wealthy, well off » adjective very foolish Josh
Q review 1 revive antonym: poor
noun a critical assessment made the ridiculous claim of
verb to make or become He was a rich young man having met the queen.
R » of a book or performance with lots of money. absurd, laughable,
The film got good reviews in » lively or active again ludicrous, preposterous
The concert revived rich 2
S Andy’s blog. my love of rock music. » adjective abundant in right 1
commentary, criticism, rally, resuscitate, » adjective in accordance with
notice invigorate, reanimate, something Bananas
rekindle, revitalize are rich in vitamin A. the facts She had all the
T abundant, fertile, right answers and got full marks
reward plentiful, copious, in the test.
U fecund, plenteous accurate, correct, exact,
noun something given factual, genuine, precise,
V strict, true, valid, unerring
The film got good reviews » in return for a service antonym: wrong
My mother bought me
W in Andy’s blog. a new bike as a reward for right 2
good behaviour. » adjective most suitable The
review 2 bonus, bounty, payment,
prize right time to sleep is at night.
X » noun a general survey acceptable, appropriate,
or report Our class project rhythm desirable, done, fit, fitting,
» noun a regular movement or okay or OK (informal),
Y was to do a review of pupils’ proper, seemly, suitable
opinions on school dinners. beat The dancers swayed
to the rhythm of the music.
Z analysis, examination, beat, pulse, tempo, time
report, study, survey

190

rot

right 3 ring 3 risk 1 There was no traffic at all on the a
» noun a chance that something road through the mountains.
noun what is just and fair noun a group of people who b
unpleasant might happen If road c
◀◀ SEE LEFT » help each other, often secretly I go out now, there’s a risk I’ll » noun a route used by travellers
The twist in the film’s plot miss my parcel being delivered. d
right-wing was that Jimmy was part of danger, gamble, peril, pitfall and vehicles There was no e
» adjective believing in capitalist a spy ring. traffic at all on the road through
band, cell, clique, syndicate risk 2 the mountains. f
policies Steve agreed with motorway, route, street, g
some of the party’s right-wing riot 1 verb to do something knowing track
policies, especially lower taxes » noun a disturbance made by an h
for the rich. » that something unpleasant rob i
conservative, reactionary, unruly mob Large numbers » verb to take something from j
Tory (Britain) of fans were involved in a riot might happen If he misses
after the match. this game, he risks losing his a person illegally He was k
rigid 1 anarchy, disorder, place in the team. robbed of his money. l
» adjective not easy to bend disturbance, mob violence, chance, dare, gamble, burgle, con (informal), m
strife jeopardize, put in jeopardy defraud, loot, steal from, n
The rigid metal of the chair swindle o
was uncomfortable to sit on. riot 2 rival 1 p
firm, hard, solid, stiff » verb to take part in a riot » noun the person someone is romantic q
antonym: flexible » adjective connected with love
Some people rioted in competing with The race r
rigid 2 protests against the new laws. winner was well ahead of his Andy was very romantic and s
go on the rampage, nearest rival. often bought Grace flowers.
adjective unchangeable and rampage, run riot, adversary, antagonist, amorous, loving, tender t
take to the streets challenger, opponent u
» often considered severe room 1 v
The school has a rigid rise 1 rival 2 » noun a separate section in w
timetable that cannot be verb to move upward » Smoke » verb to be the equal or near x
altered. a building You can stay y
fixed, inflexible, set, strict, rose from the campfire. equal of As a holiday in my spare room.
stringent ascend, climb, go up, destination, South Africa chamber, office z
move up rivals Kenya for weather.
ring 1 be a match for, equal, room 2
» verb to make a loud clear match » noun unoccupied space

sound Skye heard the river There wasn’t enough room
school bell ring. for all his belongings.
chime, clang, peal, noun a natural stream of fresh capacity, elbow room,
resonate, toll water flowing along a definite space

ring 2 » course, usually into the sea rot 1
A fast-flowing river runs » verb to become rotten
noun an object or group of through the national park.
beck, brook, burn The food in the broken fridge
» things in the shape of a circle (Scotland), creek, estuary, started to rot.
My little brother floated on rivulet, stream, tributary, decay, decompose,
an inflatable rubber ring. watercourse, waterway fester, spoil
band, circle, hoop, related words: adjective putrid
loop, round Smoke rose from the campfire.

My little brother floated on rise 2
an inflatable rubber ring. » verb to increase Customers

were warned that the prices
would rise next year.
go up, grow, increase,
intensify, mount
antonym: fall

rise 3 A fast-flowing river runs through
» noun an increase in something the national park.

The glowing review led
to a rise in sales of the game.
improvement, increase,
upsurge
antonym: fall

191

rot

A rot 2 rough 1 Tom couldn’t remember the route, row 1
noun the condition that » adjective uneven and not so he got out his map. » noun several things arranged

B » affects things when they rot smooth My bicycle bumped route in a line There were rows of
Dad varnished the timber along on the rough ground. » noun a way from one place empty seats in the theatre.
bumpy, craggy, rocky, bank, column, line,
C frame to protect against rot. rugged, uneven to another Tom couldn’t queue, rank
decay, deterioration, antonym: smooth remember the route, so he got
mould, putrefaction, out his map. row 2
rough 2 channel, course, itinerary, » noun a serious disagreement
D putrescence » adjective difficult or unpleasant path, road, way
I had a row with my brother
rotten 1 She had a rough time on the routine 1 about who broke the laptop.
ship, feeling seasick all day. » adjective ordinary and done altercation, argument,
E » adjective decayed and no longer difficult, hard, tough, quarrel, squabble
of use The strawberries I unpleasant regularly Dylan underwent a
series of routine medical tests. rowdy
F bought last week are rotten. rough 3 everyday, normal, ordinary, » adjective rough and noisy
bad, decayed, » adjective only approximately regular, standard, typical,
usual Nasir complained about
G decomposed, mouldy, sour correct At a rough guess, I’d being disturbed by his
say there were 1,000 students routine 2 neighbours’ rowdy parties.
H in my school. boisterous, noisy, unruly,
approximate, estimated, noun the usual way or order wild, obstreperous,
I sketchy, vague, imprecise, uproarious
inexact » someone does things
J My morning routine is always royal
round 1 to shower before breakfast.
K » adjective shaped like a ball order, pattern, practice, adjective concerning a king
procedure, programme,
L or a circle Not all balls are schedule, system » or a queen or their family
The strawberries I bought last round – rugby balls are oval. We saw the royal yacht
circular, cylindrical, moored in the harbour.
M week are rotten. rounded, spherical imperial, regal, sovereign

rotten 2 round 2 rubbish 1
» noun one of a series of events » noun unwanted things or waste
N » adjective (informal) of very poor
quality Whose rotten idea After round three, the red material Rubbish was piled
team are in the lead by three up at the side of the road,
O was it to go for a picnic in points to two. waiting to be removed.
the rain? lap, period, session, stage garbage, litter, refuse,
trash, waste
P inferior, lousy (slang), poor,
unsatisfactory

Q

R

ST gallopTdhoewnchtihlderesnteegpallhoiplle. d poundTailroendgobuet,hiHnadrrhyisposiusntedre.d jog sprintTuhpethcheilsdtereenpjiongcgliendess.lowly
UV dartboltTahfteerchsteeeakliynhgotuhnedpbieo.lted Melissa was faster than Harry
W The dog darted left and at sprinting after the dog.

right to avoid capture.

YZX haresTihmepslypeheadreyddaolgong!

192

rush

rubbish 2 rule 3 rush 1 a
» noun foolish words or speech » verb to govern people » verb to move fast or do
b
Don’t talk rubbish! Queen Elizabeth II has ruled something quickly The c
drivel, garbage, hot air the UK longer than any other plumber unblocked the pipe
(informal), nonsense, rot monarch. and the water rushed out. d
administer, be in power, dash, fly, gush, hasten, e
rude 1 Sheep grazed near the ruins govern, lead, reign hurry, race, run, scurry,
» adjective not polite of the ancient temple. shoot f
ruler g
Ignoring your friends is rude. » noun a person who rules or rush 2
disrespectful, impertinent, h
impudent, insolent, commands Augustus was a verb to force into immediate i
churlish, discourteous, decisive ruler of ancient Rome. j
peremptory commander, governor, » action without sufficient
antonym: polite head of state, leader, k
monarch, sovereign preparation I don’t want l
rude 2 ruin 3 to rush you, but I need to know m
» adjective unexpected and rumour soon if you’re coming tonight. n
noun the remaining parts hurry, hustle, press, o
unpleasant The campers noun a story which pressurize, push p
had a rude awakening when » of a severely damaged thing q
a goat ran into their tent. Sheep grazed near the ruins » may or may not be true rush 3
abrupt, unpleasant, violent of the ancient temple. I heard a rumour that » noun a state of hurrying r
remains, shell, wreck our trip might be cancelled. s
gossip, hearsay, Fred was in a rush to
ruin 1 rule 1 whisper, word catch the last train. t
» verb to destroy or spoil » noun a statement of what is bustle, dash, hurry, race, u
run 1 scramble, stampede v
something The crops allowed Coming in late was w
have been ruined by pests. against the rules. verb to move on foot at a rapid x
break, damage, destroy, decree, guideline, law, pace, never having both or all y
devastate, impair, mar, order, regulation, dictum, the feet on the ground at the
mess up, spoil, undo, wreck ordinance, precept same time z

▼ SEE BELOW

ruin 2 rule 2 : as a rule run 2
» adverb usually or generally » verb to manage
noun the state of being Sean ran a small hotel.
As a rule, I eat my meals administer, be in charge of,
» destroyed or spoiled The at the kitchen table.
generally, mainly, normally, control, direct, look after, Fred was in a rush to catch
castle was falling into ruin. on the whole, usually
decay, destruction,
devastation, disrepair, runmanage the last train.
downfall, fall

1 verb to move on foot at a rapid pace, never having

» both or all the feet on the ground at the same time
The children ran down the hill after their dog.

scurry scamper

wThheendoitgwsacsurcrhieadseadw.ay tThheepdicongicgraanbdbesdcathmepeprieedfroofmf.

193

sack

A safe 1
B » adjective not causing harm
C
D or danger The coastguard’s
E green flag showed that the sea
F sack 1 was safe for swimming.
G » verb (informal) to dismiss from harmless, innocuous,
wholesome
a job Kevin was sacked antonym: dangerous

H from his paper round because safe 2 Mounds of salt were harvested
of his constant lateness. » adjective not in any danger from the salty water.
discharge, dismiss,
Everyone was safe from salty
I fire (informal) the storm in the shelter.
all right, in safe hands, adjective tasting of
sack 2 : the sack okay or OK (informal),
out of danger, » or containing salt
J » noun (informal) dismissal from out of harm’s way, Mounds of salt were
a job He got the sack after protected, harvested from the salty water.
safe and sound, secure briny, saline, salted
K three months.
discharge, dismissal, I’m sad because my best friend’s safeguard 1 same
moved away. » verb to protect something
L termination of employment adjective exactly like one
sad 1 A plan was in place to another
sacrifice 1 » adjective feeling unhappy about safeguard the park from
developers who wanted ▶▶ SEE RIGHT
M » verb to give something up something I’m sad because to build on it.
Betsy sacrificed her my best friend’s moved away. defend, guard, look after, sanction 1
dejected, depressed, preserve, protect, save, » verb to officially approve of or
N lunch hour to distribute dismal, down, downcast, shield
leaflets for charity. gloomy, glum, allow something The school
grief-stricken, low, safeguard 2 has sanctioned the selling of
O forego, forfeit, give up, melancholy, mournful, » noun something that protects cakes on the premises to raise
surrender unhappy, wistful, money for charity.
blue, disconsolate, people or things The charity allow, approve, authorize,
P doleful, heavy-hearted, puts safeguards in place to back, endorse, permit,
Q low-spirited, lugubrious, protect endangered species. support
woebegone barrier, cover, defence, antonym: veto
R antonym: happy protection
S sanction 2
T sad 2 safety » noun official approval of
U Betsy sacrificed her lunch hour » adjective making you feel
noun the state of being safe something The teacher
to distribute leaflets for charity. unhappy She sang a sad required the sanction of each
song of love and loss. » from harm or danger pupil’s parent for the school
V sacrifice 2 depressing, dismal, gloomy, For everyone’s safety, trip to go ahead.
W » noun the action of giving harrowing, heart-rending, the air hostess ran through approval, authorization,
melancholy, mournful, the emergency procedure. backing, blessing,
something up Louise made moving, pathetic, poignant, immunity, protection, permission, support,
many sacrifices in order tragic, upsetting security assent, mandate,
antonym: danger ratification (formal)
X to save money for her
round-the-world trip. sadness For everyone’s safety, the air sanctions
» noun the feeling of being hostess ran through the
Y renunciation, self-denial emergency procedure. plural noun penalties for
Z unhappy I said goodbye with
a mixture of sadness and joy. » countries that break the law
dejection, depression, Trade sanctions were
despondency, melancholy, imposed for four years.
unhappiness, ban, boycott, embargo,
cheerlessness, penalties
dolefulness, dolour
antonym: happiness

194

save

sane 1 satisfactory satisfy 2 The savage lion let out an a
» adjective having a normal » adjective acceptable or » verb to convince of something unexpected roar.
b
healthy mind As the dog adequate The restaurant’s Ethan had to satisfy the savage 3 c
ran around in circles, Audrey food was satisfactory, coach that he was fit to play. » adjective cruel and violent
wondered if it was sane. but nothing special. convince, persuade, d
lucid, normal, rational, acceptable, adequate, put someone’s mind at rest, The savage lion let out an e
compos mentis, all right, good enough, reassure unexpected roar.
in your right mind, passable, sufficient barbaric, barbarous, brutal, f
of sound mind antonym: unsatisfactory satisfy 3 cruel, ferocious, inhuman, g
antonym: mad » verb to fulfil a requirement vicious, violent
satisfied h
sane 2 Pupils must satisfy the grade save 1 i
» adjective showing good sense adjective happy because requirements to get in to college. » verb to rescue someone or j
fulfil, meet
We respected her sane » you have got what you want something Eli saved my life. k
decision to stay at home. The satisfied customers left savage 1 come to someone’s rescue, l
judicious, level-headed, the sale, loaded with bargains. » noun a violent and uncivilized deliver, redeem, rescue, m
rational, reasonable, content, contented, happy, salvage n
sensible, sound pleased person or thing My mum o
antonym: disappointed was cross and accused us of p
sarcastic eating like savages. q
satisfy 1 barbarian, beast, brute,
adjective saying the opposite » verb to give someone lout, monster

» of what you mean to make something they want By savage 2
giving each of the team a » verb to attack and bite
fun of someone A sarcastic particular task, Liam found
remark about missing the ball a solution to satisfy everyone. someone or something The
was on the tip of her tongue. gratify, indulge, please, pup savaged the toy rattle.
caustic, ironic, sardonic, assuage, pander to, sate, attack, bite, maul
satirical, derisive, satiate, slake
mordacious, mordant

alike equal

The girls are alike. They are equal in height.

indistinguishable

Their hairstyles are indistinguishable.

antonym: r
s
different
The boys look totally different t
identical from each other. u

Their bags are same v
identical. w
x
equivalent » adjective exactly like one another y
They look the same.
The girls attained equivalent grades in school. z

195

save

A ounce comm gabble roak gasp
B “I need to do
g ann ent “I like cats, dogs, c more exercise,”
sta fish, everything!” he wheezed.
C “I really enjoyed
the show,” she
D remarked. chatter
gossipramble
E te he babbled. rasp
F utter pantconverse
prattle nat
G murmur

H “I hate getting chat “It was just like
when we were
I the bus,” little,” she
mutt he mumbled. ter chattered.
J er artic per
rowl hi whis declare
K
sayNL ss ulate

“Keep quiet!”
M she snapped.
retort

O snarl

P interrupt 1 verb to speak words
Q “I thought
R the book was » “I love going to the cinema,”
she said.
put in s
peak
S mention good, too,” express
he added.
T
U note point out inquire

answer
V “How are you today?”
she asked.
W “I’m fine,
X thank you,” uestionq query
he replied.
Y
Z respond

196

scrounge

save 2 scare 1 scornful a
» verb to frighten someone » adjective showing contempt
verb to keep someone b
Mike jumped out and Peter is scornful of his rivals c
» or something safe scared Clare. and sure that he will win.
Fences around playgrounds alarm, frighten, contemptuous, disdainful, d
save children from running give someone a fright, scathing, sneering, e
onto busy roads. intimidate, startle, terrify, supercilious, withering
keep safe, preserve, terrorize, unnerve f
protect, safeguard scrape 1 g
scare 2 The police were first on the scene.
save 3 » noun a short period of feeling verb to rub a rough or sharp h
» verb to keep something scene 2 i
very frightened Caleb gave » object against something j
for later use Chen was me a scare when he shrieked. noun the place where We had to scrape the frost
saving his pocket money fright, shock, start from the windscreen. k
to buy a new bike. » something happens graze, scour, scratch, l
hoard, keep, put by, scare 3 The police were first scuff, skin m
reserve, set aside, on the scene. n
economize, husband, noun a situation where people location, place, setting, We had to scrape the frost o
retrench site, spot from the windscreen. p
antonym: waste » worry about something q
The bird flu scare is now over. scene 3 scrape 2
Chen was saving his pocket alert, hysteria, panic » noun an area of activity » verb to make a harsh noise r
money to buy a new bike. s
scary He is a well-known guitarist by rubbing Sarah scraped
say 1 » adjective (informal) frightening on the music scene. her chair across the floor. t
arena, business, grate, grind, rasp, scratch u
verb to speak words We watched a scary film environment, world v
about ghosts. scream 1 w
◀◀ SEE LEFT alarming, chilling, creepy scenery x
(informal), eerie, frightening, » noun the things you see verb to shout or cry y
say 2 hair-raising, spooky,
» noun a chance to express terrifying, unnerving in the countryside We drove » in a high-pitched voice z
through the national park, Cameron screamed as his
your opinion Our teacher scatter admiring the scenery. bike sped down the hill.
called a meeting so everyone » verb to throw or drop things landscape, panorama, cry, howl, screech, shout,
could have a say. surroundings, terrain, view, shriek, squeal, yell
voice, vote all over an area The wind outlook, vista
scattered the dandelion seeds. scream 2
saying shower, sow, sprinkle, scold » noun a loud, high-pitched cry
» noun a well-known sentence throw about, broadcast, » verb to tell someone off
disseminate, strew Hilda let out a scream of joy
or phrase “Look before you antonym: gather The teacher scolded when she opened her present.
leap” is a well-known saying. the class for being too rowdy. cry, howl, screech, shriek,
adage, axiom, maxim, chide, lecture, rebuke, squeal, yell
proverb, aphorism, reprimand, tell off (informal),
dictum, saw tick off (informal), berate, scrounge
castigate, reprove, upbraid
scarce verb (informal) to get
» adjective rare or uncommon The wind scattered the scorn 1
dandelion seeds. » noun great contempt felt » something by asking rather
Strawberries are summer
fruit, and scarce in the scene 1 for something Tom thought than working for it Harry
shops in winter. » noun a picture or view of his idea was a good one, tried to scrounge a lift.
few, rare, uncommon, and ignored the scorn shown beg, bum (informal),
unusual something The scene in the by his friends. cadge, freeload (informal),
antonym: common painting was a house on a hill. contempt, derision, disdain, sponge (informal)
landscape, panorama, view, mockery
outlook, vista
scorn 2
» verb to treat with great

contempt Eleanor scorned
my offer of help.
despise, disdain,
look down on, slight,
contemn, hold in contempt

197

scruffy

A secretive secure 5 seek 2
» adjective hiding your feelings » adjective firmly fixed in place » verb to try to do something
B
and intentions Skylar was She finally made the I seek to raise as much
C secretive about her longing for child’s safety seat secure money as possible for charity.
a pony in case people laughed. in the back of the car. aim, aspire to, attempt,
D cagey (informal), reserved, fastened, firm, fixed, endeavour, strive, try
reticent, tight-lipped, locked, solid, stable, tight
E uncommunicative, seem
Sadie and Ryan wore their scruffy unforthcoming secure 6 » verb to appear to be
» adjective feeling safe and
F clothes for painting. section Lucas seemed shy at first
happy The baby was because he was very quiet.
scruffy noun one of the parts into sound asleep, secure in appear, give the impression
its mother’s arms. of, look, look like
G » adjective dirty and untidy » which something is divided confident, protected,
Sadie and Ryan wore their The dog is allowed only reassured, relaxed, safe seize 1
in this section of the house. antonym: insecure » verb to grab something firmly
H scruffy clothes for painting. division, instalment, part,
ragged, seedy, shabby, piece, portion, segment Jim seized the phone
from my hand.
I tatty, unkempt, secure 1 grab, grasp, snatch
disreputable, slovenly, » verb (formal) to manage to get
seize 2
J ungroomed something Julian’s good » verb to take control of
antonym: smart exam marks helped him to
secure a place at university. something The knights
K scrutinize acquire, gain, get, obtain, seized the castle.
L » verb to examine something procure (formal) ambush, annex,
appropriate, capture,
very carefully Arianna secure 2 The baby was sound asleep, confiscate, hijack,
scrutinized the chess board » verb to make something safe secure in its mother’s arms. impound, take over,
commandeer,
M before she made her move. The mighty stone walls see 1 take possession of
examine, inspect, secured the town against attack. » verb to look at or notice
pore over, scan, fortify, make impregnable, select 1
make safe, strengthen something I can see a herd » verb to choose something
N search, study of elephants.
O search 1 secure 3 behold, discern, glimpse, The guests each selected a
» verb to fasten or attach look, notice, observe, differently decorated cupcake.
verb to look for something perceive, sight, spot, choose, decide on,
something firmly The train catch sight of, espy opt for, pick, settle on,
P ▶▶ SEE RIGHT carriages were secured to the single out, take
Q search 2 engine before it left the station. see 2
attach, bind, fasten, fix, » verb to realize or understand The guests each selected a
» noun the action of looking lock, moor, tie up differently decorated cupcake.
antonym: release something I see exactly
for something Kit began what you mean. select 2
secure 4 appreciate, comprehend, » adjective of good quality
R a search for a different type » adjective tightly locked or well follow, get, grasp, realize,
of skateboard. understand The team was a select
protected The bike was group of the best players.
S hunt, quest secure, padlocked to the rail. see 3 choice, exclusive,
fortified, impregnable, » verb to find something out first-class, first-rate,
secret protected, safe, shielded hand-picked, prime,
I’ll see what’s happening special, superior
T » adjective known about by only outside the gates.
a few people The movie ascertain, determine,
stars got married at a secret discover, find out

U location on a Pacific island. The bike was secure, padlocked seek 1
V closet (informal), to the rail. » verb to try to find something

confidential, covert, Becky was seeking a book
furtive, hidden, on bonsai trees from her library.
be after, hunt, look for,
W undercover, underground, search for
cloak-and-dagger,

X conspiratorial, undisclosed
related word: adjective cryptic

Y

Z

198